Lizzie:Heyases!!Nice to see you!

Kurama:You see them?

Lizzie:No....not really...........I really am gonna get in trouble if my mom finds out I haven't started my report.......*rushes off to do research*

Hiei:Did she have Sweet Snow?

Kurama:*nodnod*

Hiei:-_-;

Disclaimer:What d'ya think?

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In the rose garden..........((Hiei's POV))

"Hello,Lizzie.I was wondering as to when I'd see you again."A ghost stepped out of a yellow rose-tree.She was a lavender ghost,not like most ghost.She was all lavender."Who is this new friend of yours?"I looked over at Lizzie and she was grinning.

"Matriya!I know ya don't talk like that!This is my Saoa,Hiei.He's a bit more than a friend...."Lizzie moved closer to me in an affectionate way.She smiled at me and squeezed my hand.I smiled back at her then looked at the ghost.

"Nice ta meet ya,Hiei!Are you more than a friend?"

"It is nice to meet you,as well,Matriya."I touched my index finger to Lizzie's cheek.She shivered."How do you know Lizzie?"

"I'm always here!She told ya this place is technically off-limits,right?"I nodded."She told you why,right?"I nodded again."I'm the ghost of the wife!"She smiled and sat down.I looked at Lizzie.She was staring up at me with her big,violet eyes.I smiled down at her."You are more than just a friend,aren't you?!" felt myself blushing.

"Matriya,please be normal for once.Don't pick at Hiei.He's uncomfortable when he and I are around someone other than his friend Kurama."Lizzie leaned on my shoulder.I felt myself blushing even more.Matriya giggled."What is funny?"

"Hiei reminds me a little of how you described your brother.But there's nothing wrong with liking a girl,Hiei."Matriya's eyes wandered to my Jagan's eye thought was still covered by my bandana."A white bandana........."They then traveled to my hair."Spiked,black hair......"Her eyes then traveled to my own."Deep,red eyes......."She grinned."You've all the makings of a Jaganshi.You know that?"I looked at Lizzie.

She was looking at Matriya."He is,Matriya.He's got a 3rd eye."She took her free hand and removed my bandana.I didn't object this time.My bandana fell to the ground and Lizzie kissed my cheek.I blushed again."See?But I still love him."Lizzie sneezed.

"Bless you,Lizzie."I moved a little of her hair out of her face.She smiled.

"Sneezie sneezie achoo someone special's thinking about you!"I looked back to Matriya.She was giggling.

I felt Lizzie lean on my shoulder again then walked over to a blue rose bush.We were still holding hands,so I went with her.She picked one of the roses and smelled it.She held out to me for me to smell it.I did so.t smelled beautiful.It smelt like a combination of roses and ginger,but the ginger was Lizzie smell.We both smiled.She put the rose in my hair and kissed my cheek.I blushed and looked away.It seemed so sweet,yet so cruel.I felt a warm hand on my cheek.I looked back at Lizzie.She was smiling.I couldn't help but kiss her.A warm feeling spread over me as one always did when we kissed.

"I leave you 2 alone......"I sensed Matriya disappear into a bush.

Lizzie's arms went around my neck and my hands went to her waist.Her hand touched my cheek and my hand touched her chin.I felt her shiver.There had been a gust of wind.She drew apart from me and touched my chin,but she didn't move her finger.I grabbed her hand and pulled her close to me.I wanted to ask her,I wanted to very badly,but I couldn't.There was a sound outside the gate.

"I know you're in there!!Get out,kids!They say that there's a reckless ghost in there!!"Lizzie pressed her body agianst me,held her breath,and grabbed the chain of my necklace.I gently stroked her head and held my breath,too."Get out or I'll come in!!The ghost should be left in peace!!"The gate flung open and Kurama rushed in.He stopped when he saw Lizzie and I.".....Oh......Hiei,Lizzie......I didn't mean to interupt......"

"It-......It is alright,Kitsune.You weren't interupting."I laid my head on Lizzie's and she tickled me.I felt her move closer to me and stand on my feet.I put my left hand on her waist,but kept her left hand in my right."We were just talking.Nothng important....."I felt Kurama's hand on my shoulder.

"Hiei,don't get too ahead of yourself.How's the weather?"It was our fake question for him to asl me if I had proposed to her.

"Cloudy,yet beautiful."It meant that I hadn't asked,but would soon,hopefully.I kissed her forehead gently and she kissed my cheek.She stood on her toes while on my feet.I took my hand from hers and put one of my arms at her middle and one of my arms around her upper leg and picked her up.Her arms went arpund my neck and her head rested on my shoulder.Kurama snickered behind me."What is funnt,Kitsune?"

"Oh,nothing.Nothing.I hope that the weather clears up soon."He touched Lizzie's hand and left.I waited for the sound of the gate closing then kissed Lizzie's cheek and went towards the yellow rose bushes that formed a star.

"Hiei......?"Lizzie moved her head a little on my neck.I held her a bit tighter to let her know I had heard."Why did Kurama ask how the weather was?And why did you say that it was cloudy?The sun's shining in it's fullest."She moved her head to look at me.I stopped by a black rose bush and thought.

((Lizzie's POV))

"Well,......"Hiei sat down and put me in his lap.He was still holding me around my middle.He reached in his pocket and took out a ring with a small ruby on it.I looked at it uncertainly.He touched my chin and lifted my head to look at him.He held out the ring to me."Will you marry me?"He looked anxious.

"Wha-........."I shook my head and got out of his lap.I was shaking."What........"I wasn't asking what he meant,I was confirming it.I couldn't believe it.I ran to my secret hideaway to relax.I found the entrance behind a new rose bush.This rose bush was full of red roses.

"Hey,Lizzie.I thought I might get to talk to you here."I looked up after I crawled through the small entrance.It was Cazador.She had somehow been here.I guess it was like a ghost."Well,why did you run here so fast?You're really out of breath."She reached her hand out and helped me up.

"Thanks,Cazador.I came here to relax my mind.Hiei just......well......."I looked up at her and blushed.Her eyes got wide and she started to snicker."I think you got it........."

"So,Hiei pr-pr-propsed to you!!"I nodded and Cazador fell over laughing.

"Shhhhhhushhh!!I don't want Hiei to find me!"She sat back up and looked at me.Her eyes were watering with laughter,but she stopped laughing aloud."Thank you."

"Excuse me,but.........Did you accept?"

"Well,no......That's why I came here.I needed to think.I love Hiei to death!!But I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of commitment.......I don't know what to say.....I don't know how to tell him I'm not ready without hurting him."My eyes began to water and Cazador put her arms around me.

"Don't worry,Lizzie.Hiei's got a heart of ice!Nothing can hurt him."She rubbed my back like and older sister might and I cried into her shoulder like a younger sister would.

"No!No!Hiei's doesn't have an ice heart!At least,not anymore........His heart is as soft as yours and mine.......But it's not as soft as Kuwabara's....."I looked up at the wolf-eared Hanyou.She smiled.

"Yeah.Kuwabara's full name should be 'Corazon Kuwabara'."We both laughed.Corazon means heart.I pulled away from her and went over to the center of the small area and looked around.

"You know,when I first came here,nothing was alive in this place.I just took the seeds,planted them,and watered them.This place is so much different!"None of the plants had buds yet since I hadn't been here for almost 3 years."Wow!Look!One of them is budding!"I ran over to the only tree with open flowers.It had one opened bud.It was a silvery colored rose.

"Woah.......Silver.....Like mercury......How cool is that?"Cazador was staring at it too.I nodded."I've never seen one that was silver.......Maybe it means something......"Suddenly,it was like we were watching one of those speeded up films of a flower budding and opening.It happened so suddenly,we were shocked.Well,we were shocked either way,actually.

"Black......."

"Red-black......"She was more right than me.It was reddish black.It was so amazing.It was right next to the silver one and the stems were growing around each other.The red-black one ended up pressed up against the silver one."Awww!!!!How romantic!!"

"Yes,it is love between flowers."We both jumped at the new voice and turned around.It was Hiei.I looked back at the flowers and blushed.I felt a warm hand on my shoulder.I winced at it even though it felt so good,it felt so cold.......

"I'll.......I'll leave ya guys alone........"I sensed Cazador disappear.

"Lizzie......Are you alright?"Hiei stood closer to me and touched the roses.I began to cry silently.He pulled me to him so that I was leaning on his chest with my arms between us and his arms were around my back.

"Yeah......I just need to get away from things so that I could think.That's why I came here.No one else knows about it.And the roses just began to bloom.I've been waiting to see them open up since I found this place."I nuzzled his neck to show I loved him,even if I didn't accept his proposal.

"That's wonderful."He rubbed my back gently.I tried to wipe my tears away,but Hiei wouldn't let me.He grabbed hold of my hand and kissed the back of it gently.I bit my lip and leanen my head on his shoulder."But are you alright now?"He kept hold of my hand so my tears were still obscuring my vision.

"Yeah......You just......shocked me is all......."I felt him lower his hand to my lower back and he tightened his grip on my hand.I felt what I thought was a rain drop on my head and looked up.It was Hiei's tears.He was crying.I knew that I was gonna hurt him!I knew it!"Hiei.......I'm so sorry!I didn't mean to hurt you!I really didn't!Hiei,I-"

"No,Lizzie.........It's my fault........I shouldn't have asked you........I was almost sure that you were going to say no......."He kissed my head gently,then put his head down on mine.It felt so sweet yet so sad......Just like in movies!

"Hiei,no!I love you!I really do!I just don't think I'm ready for this kind of commitment........"I nuzzled his neck again."I don't know what to say to you........I really don't.........."I stood on his toes and put my arms around his neck."Hiei,please forgive me?Please?"He slipped his feet from under mine and backed away from me.His arms were still around my back,but he wasn't standing as close to me.

"Lizzie,who is the other one?Who do you love know?"He looked at me simpathetically,yet sadly.I didn't know how to explain it to him.

"Saoa........No,you're the only one for me......I just am not ready for that kind of commitment.....Please undersatnd that I love you to death......."He moved a little closer to me.His hands were still on my back."Saoa.....Please come closer to me....."He leaned me against his chest again."Saoa.......Thank you...."I leaned up and drew him into a lip-lock.

He fidgetted at first,then relaxed.I had my eyes closed,I think he did too,and made my nose touch his cheek.He drew away from me and looked into my eyes.I smiled and looked back.He pulled the ring out of his pocket again.I was ready this time,at least,I think I was........He held the ring out to me and smiled.

"Here.I want you to have it."He gave a happy sigh.I took the ring and looked at the beautiful ruby.I looked around on the golden base because I felt that there was something else about it he wanted me to see.I found it.An inscription.I skimmed and bit my lip.

"Hiei........"I looked up at him,blushing.He smiled at me and nodded.I read the inscription aloud."~Lizzie,my love for you is unmeasurable.I wish to be with you forever.Is that your wish?Lovingly yours,Hiei~"I looked up at him and bit my lip again.He smiled at me and took a bit of my hair in his hand.He twirled it on his finger and his eyes glazed over.

I felt a gaze on my back,but I didn't dare turn around to see who it was.I didn't want to break Hiei's gaze.There was a hand on my shoulder and I felt something warm running down my back.I shuddered as it continued to come.Hiei still was in a daze,twirling my hair.I finally looked around and saw a man with a bloody hand behind me.His bloody hand was on my shoulder.The man had red eyes,black hair,a smirk on his face,and an evil look in his eyes.

"Leave this place.........Now......."He sounded like he had long snce lost the habit of losing his voice.I backed into Hiei,who was still moving his finger in the air like he was twirling my hair."Please,......leave now........Or suffer the consequences......."His eyes flashed.

"Who're you?!How do I know you?!"I fell over in front of Hiei's feet.He snapped out of it and stood in front of me."Thank you,Hiei!!Thank you!"I looked back at the man."Who are you?!"Hiei tensened and his feet dug into the ground.

"My name is Hac."He went around Hiei and knelt next to me."H-A-C.Hac."I blinked and leaned away from him.

"Nickname or something?"I fell onto my back and he pulled me up.

"Get away from her!"Hiei lunged at Hac and knocked him to the ground.He had the man in a head-lock and drew his sword to the man's neck."Touch her again and you will die!I swear it!"I slipped the ring Hiei gave me onto my finger quickly.I felt something warm spread over me."You will die!"

"Three eyed midget."Hac gave him a sly look and nodded."I will never touch her again!I swear!I was just trying to be a gentlemen."Hiei let go of Hac and stood up.

"My name is Hiei!"He kicked Hac and grasped my hand.He looked at me and barely opened his mouth when telling me,"Leave.......I am going to fight him now.......Leave and don't come back here........Wait for me to come for you......."I nodded and kissed his cheek for good luck.I walked a few steps behind him but kept my hand in his.He nodded for me to go ahead and leave.

"I love you,Hiei.I always will."I took my hand out of his and ran out of there as fast as I could.I dove through the opening and knocked someone over."Sorry!!"I stood up and helped up the girl I knocked over."Sor-.......Rachel?"She smiled as she got up.

"Hey,Liz.Knew you'd be here.You still on for Catilin's party?It is tomorrow after all."I nodded and saw a flash of red on the wall behind me."Wha?!A ruby ring?!Did Hiei-?"She looked from the ring to me.

"Well,yeah,he did,but.........I didn't accept because I wasn't ready.He told me to keep the ring,though."I ran to the entrance under the ivy and Rachel followed.Silently,we left the Rose Garden and went back to where everyone else was.Kumane smiled when he saw us.

"Hey,gals.Why so quiet?"He looked from me to Rachel.

I ran to Kumane and cried into his shoulder.He put his arms around me and patted my back.I put my arms around his neck and took a deep breath.He began to sing my lullaby."Kumane......It's Hiei.He's in a fight.......With someone named Hac."Kumane pulled me closer.

"Hac......?Lizzie,you don't remember him,but Hac is Dad.......I remember......"I felt a tear drop on my head.I nuzzled his neck.

Uncle Herman came over and put a hand on my shoulder."Hac's back?!Hampton Alfred Capontee?!"Uncle Herman looked me in the eyes."He didn't die?I was right!"I heard the door open and turned to see who it was.It was Hac.

"Herman?!Is that you?!"He grabbed Uncle Herman's hand.It was Dad........And if he was alive,then Hiei was............

"Dad?"I turned around completely and looked at Hac.He smiled at me and reached his hand out to touch my cheek,but changed his mind.

"It's me,Isabell.Sorry I gave you such a fright back in the garden.I didn't realize it was you until your friend told me.Hiei seemed like a nice boy........"He had to say 'seemED' didn't he?That is past tensed!!That means Hiei is de-.....dead.......

"Is Hiei-?"Something grabbed my shoulders and screamed 'Boo!' into my ear."AAAHHH!!"I turned around,and guess who I found?"Hiei?!You little devil!"I threw my arms around him.He chuckled and rubbed my back happily.

"I suppose I am a little devil,hn?I wanted to have some fun.Is that so wrong?"He picked me up and kissed my head.I hit him playfully.He rubbed his nose against mine.He was really acting diffrent.

"Hiei!"I covered my mouth."Your third eye!You never put your bandana back on!"He looked up at his third eye,or tried to,and smiled.

"Oh well.No one saw that didn't know."Kumane came up behind him and fixed a red bandana around it."Well,problem solved,ay?"He rubbed his nose on mine again."I really love you,Lizzie."We both smiled and I kissed his cheek.He slipped me onto the floor.

"You on a sugar-high?"He shrugged and nodded.I tickled him playfully."Who's the devil now,Hiei?!"He pulled me close to him and his arms locked around my back.

"Not you.That's for sure."He looked at my dad."I am sorry I did not trust you to begin with.It was wrong of me,Mr.Capontee."He bowed slightly to Dad and Dad waved his hand.

"No 'Mr.'!Just Hac.Even my kids called me Hac when they were little.And if you don't believe me,ask Kumane.Little Isabell wouldn't remember."Dad smiled at me and pretended to touch my chin.Hiei grinned and shook his head.

"Mr.-........I mean,Hac,you don't have to keep the promise.......I was afraid that you were out to injure her......."Now that is the Hiei I know!

"Thank you,Hiei.But I'm not the kind of person to break a promise if I can help it."Dad smiled at Hiei."I always keep my promises.Why don't you make one?"He raised his eyebrows at Hiei.I looked from one to the other,unsurely.

"Well,why don't Lizzie and I have a woman to woman talk?"Rachel grabbed my arm and dragged me outside.She was grinning the whole way.We reached the fountain in the center of the main garden.

"What do you want to talk about,Rachel?"She lifted up my hand and pointed to the ring on my finger."Hiei gave it to me.I wasn't ready to be committed to marrying him,but he wanted me to keep it anyway........"

"Ri~ight......Why do you look so unsure of yourself,then?Did you change your mind or something?"

"No!I-I mean yes.......I want to marry him,but I don't know how to say I do........."She slipped the rng off my finger and looked at the inscription.

"Then tell him exactly what you just told me.That you're ready for that knd of commitment now."She read the inscription and 'awwed'."I would never say no to someone who gave me this."I blushed and looked away.

"I know.......I want to tell him so badly.......Next time I see him,I'll tell him that....."I smiled and looked at the ring."He is really sweet.He doesn't have an ice heart like everyone says."I felt something hard on the back of my head.I looked around to see what it was.I looked down and saw a huge tear gem.It was really pretty.

"What's that,Liz?"Rachel pointed to it.

"I don't know......."I felt my eyes go out of focus and I heard a wooshing in my ears.I looked around me and everything was silvery,like mercury........."Where am I?"My voice echoed back to me in many different languages."Hello?Anyone there?!"

"Yes......"I turned as I heard the Echo of 1000 languages as I call it.It was a Wolf Youkai."I am here......You are in the Realm of the Many......."More echoes.Annoying echoes.

"Who're you?I'm Li-"

"I am Riyo.......And you are Cazador,my decendant......Correct......?"I nodded and it seemed even my nod was repeated in a thousand languages."You have found my Gem........The only way it will work for you,........"She smiled at the echoes.Every movement was repeated in 1000 languages!"Is if you fall in mad yet true love........."

"Hey,Cazador!!!!Hey,Riyo!!"I turned around and saw Kazuo running,or more flying,towards us."Hey!Great job,Cazador!You found the Gem of Riyo!!"He stopped in front of me and hugged me."It's great to see you again."

"Hello,Kazuo.You have met Cazador prior to this?"Kazuo nodded and let go of me."I was explaining the rules to young Cazador.Just as my brother explained them to you."I was really starting to freak from all the echoes.

"Uhhh.......Right.......Will you tell me what the thing is that you need to tell me?"My voice echoed around me,as usual."Damned echo things!!They're so annoying!!"

"Your mouth,Cazador......Do not say such a word......"I rolled my eyes at Riyo and waited for her reaction."You know,Cazador,......You remind me alot of someone.......But who is it that you remind me of.......?"

I shrugged."I don't know.........Who do I remind you of?So.......?The rules.......?"She grinned at me.

"Me.....You remind me of me when I was a child......You know what?"I shrugged again."You're exactly like me when I was your age!You even look like me!"Riyo grinned and gave me a hug."I really think that you already know how to work it as well as you need to......."I heard Kazuo snickering behind me.

"What's so funny,Kazuo?!I love Hiei and I am not afriad to admit it if that's what I have to do to use Riyo's Gem."I drew away from Riyo and came back to earth.I looked at Rachel.She was in the exact position she had been in when I first entered the echoing place.

"Lizzie,do you think that that is the tear-gem Dad always talked about?I mean,it is a blueish-grey.......Maybe it's Riyo's Gem.Ya think?"She smiled at me.I picked up the Tear-Gem and twirled it around.

"It is........I just saw Riyo in a silvery-world........"I sat down on the ground and held the Gem close to me.I felt my mother's presence while I was holding it.

"Wow.......That's her Tear-Gem?"Rachel sat down next to me.I nodded and handed it to her so she could get a better look at it."Oh!Your ring!Here!"She handed me back the ring Hiei had given me.I felt a presence behind me so I turned to see who or what it was.

"Hiei!Hey......."I blushed and bit my lip from embarassment.He put his hand on my shoulder and looked at me sweetly.He sat down next to me and put his arm around my shoulders.I heard Rachel giggling."What's so funny,Cheetah?"

"I just realized how light your hair was when you were little.It's almost as light as my hair!And now your hair is tat ligt again!"I knew that wasn't the truth,but I wasn't gonna say anything."I'll leave you 2 alone......See ya!"Rachel stood up and left.I felt Hiei's grip tighten on my shoulder.

"Lizzie,are you alright?You seem worried........"

((Hiei's POV))

I looked at Lizzie in worry and sat down next to her."You know you can tell me anything......."I took her hand in mine.She looked at me and leaned her head on my shoulder.

"I......Hiei,I really love you.......I may be ready for the commitment of marriage,but I'm not sure......."I saw a gleam on the ground and Lizzie reached out and grabbed the object."The Gem of Riyo.........Riyo said that I would only be able to work it if I fall in mad and true love......."I felt her tears on my shoulder.

"Lizzie,you need to calm down.......Shhhh......."I smiled at her and laid my head on hers.She moved closer to me and threw her arms around my neck."Shhhh........You don't have to do anything if you don't think you are ready......."

"No......!I am ready.......If you are that is......."She looked up at me with her wide,violet eyes.I couldn't say anything."If you aren't,I'll undertstand entirely......."She moved closer to me again.

"Hiei?!Lizzie?!"We both looked over my shoulder and saw Ash and Kate.Ash was the one speaking."What are you doing.......?"They both grinned at us and sat down next to us.

"Yeah,Lizzie,what are you 2 doing?"Kate grinned and flicked one of Lizzie's 3 'dog ears'.Lizzie was blushing and she buried her face in my shoulder.I patted her back.

"We were talking,Ash,Kate."I looked up at them."Why do you care?And why are you here?"Lizzie squirmed in my lap and moved her head to my shoulder.I stroked her head gently to calm her down."It's okay,Lizzie......."

"Well,we knew you guys were here so we thought we'd come see you......."It was Kate."We'll leave if you want......."Lizzie squirmed in my lap and turned to face them.

"No.......You don't have to......."She looked at me.I nodded to her unasked question."We've got a secret.A juicy secret."She grinned at her friends.Both of them grinned back.Ash was bouncing up and down.

"Tell us!C'mon!You can't say you've got a juicy secret and not tell us what it is!!"Her olive eyes flashed and she leaned closer to us to hear.

"Hiei,do you want to tell them?"Lizzie moved closer to me and looked up at me,smiling.She leaned her head on my shoulder.I nodded again."Go ahead.But first,Kate,Ash,you 2 have to promise not to tell anyone.Kay?"Ash and Kate nodded then looked at me.

"Well,Lizzie and I are......"I kissed her forehead and took her right hand in my left.I moved it so that her ring flashed."We are getting married."They both began to giggle.Ash smiled.

"Seriously?!You guys got engaged?!"I nodded.Ash grinned."Oh my God!!Hmhmhmhmhmhm!!!!"She covered her mouth and screamed.Kate continued to giggle and fell over laughing.

Lizzie leaned up and kissed my neck."We're not sure when........We just got engaged today......Now,remember your promises!Don't tell anyone!We aren't going to tell anyone until Hiei wants to.And I'm sure that he doesn't want anyone to know yet."She looked up at me and smiled.

"Correct.I would prefer not to tell anyone until we know a bit more about when we are going to."I smiled back at her.She stood up and held my hand in a way that made me stand up as well.Kate and Ash stood up as well and began giggling again."Let us go back inside before everyone begins to stare at us,Lizzie."

"Yeah.They are giggling pretty loud."She laced her fingers with mine and we went back inside.The others were waiting for us in the lobby.Kurama and Kumane grinned as we approached."Sup,guys?Why ya grinnin'?"Lizzie leaned on my shoulder.Kurama answered her question.

"Oh,nothing.We were just talking about something."Kurama put his arm around Yinaro's shoulders."Why do you 2 look so happy?"Lizzie and I exchanged looks.She replied.

"None ya!You have your secrets and we have ours!"She hid her hand in her pocket.She tickled the palm of my hand and laid her head on my shoulder.I felt myself laughing."What's so funny?!"She squeezed my hand.

"You're tickling me,Lizzie."I smiled at her then opened a mind-link with Kurama.

~"Yes,Hiei?What is it?"~

~"Can you keep a secret?An important secret?"~

~"Of course,Hiei.......But whatever would you be so worked up about?"~

~"It's about me and Lizzie.......You see,we........"~I blushed and looked toward the floor.

~"You.....What.....?"~

~"We are getting married......Do not tell anyone.I just know that I can trust you.I had to tell one of my friends......"~I looked back at Kurama,who was smiling like he had just received the best gift in the world.

~"You-you are telling the truth,right?"~

~"Yes.......We got engaged this afternoon.Just a short while ago......."~

~"My goodness........Do you know when?"~

~"No,but I asure you that you will be one of the first to know."~

~"Thank you......I am sure that you will make a wonderful couple......"~He smiled at me.

~"Please,tell no one."~I closed the mind-link and kissed Lizzie's head.

"Hiei?"She moved her head on my neck affectionately."You ready to go?"I nodded and followed her and the others outside.Lizzie still had a bandage wrapped around her arm from when Cazador had temporarily taken over her body.She grabbed hold of her arm where the gash had been on Cazador's arm and held it painfully tight.She moaned a bit and leaned onto me,more for support than to show affection.

"Lizzie?Are you alright?"She nodded but moaned again."Let me carry you......"She shook her head,but I picked her up anyway,being careful to hold her the proper way."You seem really pale,Lizzie......."Gently,I touched her arm where the gash had been on Cazador's.She winced and moaned a bit."Apparently the wound remained on you even though you are 2 seperate beings......"She yawned and fell asleep.

"Hiei,is Lizzie alright?"Kurama was walking right next to me.I shook my head and sighed."What's wrong with her?Is the wound getting worse?"I looked at him and nodded.

"Yes.She won't be able to lift much for a while.......She is really injured......"I looked back down at Lizzie.She looked like she was in pain.She never before had shown so much pain.......

"She really looks like she's hurting doesn't she?"Kurama was looking at her too.I nodded."When we get back to Rachel's house,we ought let her sleep for a while.Don't you think so?"I nodded again.

"Yes,we best let her do that.......It has been a long,hard day for her."We reached Rachel's house and went immediately up to Rachel's room and put Lizzie to bed.Kurama and I went into the wreck room and sat in front of the widow.It was raining outside,so we couldn't go out on the balcony.

"Hiei,you do know that Lizzie was lying about the party being a skate dance?She didn't want you to feel bad about missing it.The party is a dance party.Do you want to go?"He looked over at me and grinned.

"Of course......I will go,but it will be a surprise......"I smiled at him and elbowed his knee.He smiled and elbowed me back.

"Well,you surely are getting better at being social!"He pushed me playfully.We got into a play fight and rolled out of the door.Lizzie had apparently woken up and happened to be standing there when we rolled out.She stared at us uncertainly."Hello,Lizzie!"We both began to laugh.Lizzie knelt down next to us and kissed my forehead.

"What were you 2 doing?"She smiled and I pushed some hair out of her face.Kurama and I couldn't stop laughing long enough to explain."Well,obviosly you've had some sugar."She kissed my forehead again then stood up and went to the doors to the balcony and looked out.

I stood up and went over to her in case she needed something to support herself on.I had stopped laughing,but was still smiling.Lizzie leaned on my shoulder and I touched her cheek."Lizzie,are you alright?I mean,you should be lying down."She moved closer to me and held my hands in hers.

"Hiei,I don't feel so good......."She put her head under my own.She didn't look good either......Her skin was pale and her eyes were red and heavy-looking.I picked her up and brought her into the wreck room,where Kurama was.I put her down on the couch and covered her with a blanket.I looked over at Kurama.

"Is she alright?Is she ill?"Kurama watched me intently.I sat down next to him and shook my head.

"She is getting worse by the minute.Do you think there is anything that you can do to help her?"I looked at him."Will you take a look at her arm?"Kurama nodded and went over to Lizzie.I followed him in worry.

Kurama slowly unwrapped the bandages from around Lizzie's arm and examined the wound.It was deep,that was certain.He sighed and touched the wound,tenderly.Lizzie moaned and turned toward me.She looked like she was going to die from the pain.I reached out and touched her cheek so that she would roll back over,off of her arm.She did and her hand found mine though her eyes were closed.

Kurama nodded for me to hold her hand so that she would be able to feel me with her.I did and she seemed to relax a bit.I watched Kurama take some herbs out of a small bag he had and put them on the wound.He silently re-wrapped the bandages around her arm and sighed contentedly.

"That ought keep the pain down to a minimum."He smiled and placed his hand on her head,lovingly."She will still pain,but it will be less so.She will be much better."He looked at me and put a hand on my shoulder."You and her will be great for each other."Lizzie moaned again and I gripped her hand a bit tighter so she would know I was still there.

"Lizzie,go to sleep.You need rest."I kissed her head tenderly."You need much rest."She sighed and rolled her head over so that er ead was facing me.Her eyes were shut,but she was wide awake.Her breathing was restless.She opened her eyes and smiled at me painfully."Lizzie,rest.Please?"

"Hiei.......I don't want to rest.......I want to be with you........"She tugged gently on my hand and I moved closer to her.I shook my head and sighed.

"Well,you can be with me if you are asleep........"I smiled and massaged her hand affectionately.She tried to laugh,but couldn't.

"Hiei.......I'm resting.......Just not sleeping.........Please?"She looked up at me longingly,but I shook my head.

"Sleep.......You need it badly......."I kissed her head again and she fell asleep."Thank you,Kurama.I owe you my life......."I looked at Kurama.He shook his head and removed his hand from my shoulder.

"Hiei,I've told you before,I help you because you are my friend.You need to learn that.Let's let her sleep and we can talk......."He smiled."Have you thought about the wedding date?"I shook my head silently and turned my gaze back to Lizzie."You're worried about her,aren't you?"I nodded.

I slipped my hand from Lizzie's and leaned my ead on Kurama's shoulder.I was tired and couldn't stay awake.Kurama moved me so that my head was in his lap.He must have known I was tired.I felt my mind drifting off into sleep.

((Kurama's POV))

Hiei had fallen asleep in my lap.I smiled and rolled my eyes.He was being very odd for Hiei today.He was muttering something in his sleep.I paid no attention;I had just heard a noise from the door.It must have opened.Soft footsteps came in.I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to look at the owner of the hand.It was Yin.

"Hey,Kurama.Mind if I sit with you in here?"She smiled and I nodded.She went and closed the door before coming and sitting to my left."Why is Hiei asleep in your lap?"She was speaking softly and carefully avoiding the subject of Lizzie.I could tell it.......

"He is tired and most likely could not stay awake.He and Lizzie have had long days........"I waited for her to say something.She remained silent."What did you want to talk about?"

"Well,Lizzie and Hiei actually.......I didn't think you would want to so I avoided the subject........"She grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently."Is that okay to talk about?"I nodded and slipped my hand from hers."Well,how is she?"

"She should be fine.......She is just going to hurt for a while.Her arm will also be a bit bruised and scathed.It will be nothing serious."I looked back at Lizzie and saw that the bandages were holding well.Yin slipped her hand back into mine and smiled at me.

"That's great!Hiei will be glad......"She leaned her head on my shoulder and sighed."......Do you think they will get married?I mean,they're a perfect couple for each other.They should.They should have children."I shook my head and laughed.

"I think they will.Get married I mean.I don't think they should have children for a while.At least not have any of their own.Maybe adopt one,but not one of their own."I smiled and put my arm around her.She smiled too and kissed my cheek.

"Are you hiding something?"She snuggled closer to me and I shook my head."Something I should know about?"I shook my head again."C'mon!!Tell me!"She tickled my neck,my weak point.I almost fell over but steadied myself.

"Okay,but you have to keep it a secret.Deal?"I had my face about an inch from hers.She shrugged.

"Maybe......Depends on what's in it for me........?"She tightened her grip on my hand.I smiled and kissed her lips for a split second.She blushed and nodded."Okay......I'll keep it on the down low......."

I pointed to the ring on Lizzie's finger."Hiei and Lizzie are getting married.They got engaged today."Yin gasped and grabbed hold of my arm."That's great for them isn't it?"She nodded and began to bounce up and down in excitement."What are you so hyper about?"

"They got engaged?!Oooooooh!!!That's wonderful!!"I kissed her lips gently to silence her.It didn't work well.

"Shhhh.......If Hiei wakes,he will be furious.I was supposed to keep it secret."She continued to scream through closed lips and bounce up and down.I locked my lips on hers and she put her arms around my neck.Her fingers stroked my hair.I put one hand on her waist and one on her neck.She drew her head away from mine and leaned on my shoulder.

"Well well well......Obviously,you have given into your heart,Kurama.Good for you."Hiei sat up from my lap and grinned.

"Hiei!!Oh damn it!Hiei,why did you have to do that?!"Yin snuggled closer to me again and put her arms around my neck.

"Yes,Hiei.I gave into my emotions.I love Yin and I cannot help it."I kissed Yin's cheek and touched her chin tenderly."You probably think that I am acting very strange."I looked back at Hiei and grinned.

Hiei grinned and rolled his eyes.He looked over at Lizzie and frowned."Will she be alright?"I nodded and put a hand on his shoulder.He needed support right now,even if he wouldn't admit it."How long until she is entirely well?"

"I am not sure.It will not be soon with a gash like that.She will be able to support herself without using too much energy by tomorrow,but she will not be able to do what she normally does for a while."I looked at him unsurely."Are you alright with that?"He nodded unsteadily.

"Hiei,Lizzie is in good hands.She's in Kurama's hands!You know you can trust him."Yin stood up and went over to the CD player.She turned it on and 'Say the Word' by Christy Carlson Romano was playing.She put it on repeat then sat down in front of Hiei."I know you love her,but you don't need to worry so much.She will be just fine."

"I know.I just worry for her.She is the love of my life."He kissed her head tenderly and took her hand in his."I wish that I could be the one who is injured like she is........"He smiled and began to sing an ancient magic.

Lizzie began to translate it in time with Hiei's singing.She sung it as well."If I could take it back and change it all,you know I would take back what I said.I can only imagine that we will be together forever and keep it that way."She rolled over off of the couch."Doh!!"She sat up and rubbed her arm where the gash was."Huh?What happened?"Hiei put his hand on Lizzie's head and smiled gently.He finished to sing the ancient magic to her.

"Tamaa yaton caytee mou fau isho to miya heool piya........"Hiei pushed some of Lizzie's hair out of her face then stopped singing."You fell off the couch,Lizzie.Don't touch your arm."She quickly moved her hand from her arm."Kurama put some herbs on it so that it would stop hurting."He picked her up and put her down on the couch.He sat on the edge of the couch and picked up her hand.

Yin stirred beside me and touched my neck.I looked at her and she was smiling."Hiei,you're strange."I couldn't help but smile at Yin's comment."You really are.But not as strange as Lizzie is."

"Well,Yin,I admit that I am strange.I always have been and always will be."Lizzie grinned and sat up next to Hiei.He tried to get her to lie down again,but she wouldn't.She snuggled up to him and kissed his lips tenderly for a second.He blushed and stroked her head.She embraced him and kissed his neck tenderly a few times.

"Lizzie......."Hiei kissed her cheek."I love you too.......But please rest more......Sleep more......"I tried my hardest not to laugh but wasn't doing so well.Hiei looked at me and half grinned."What is so funny?"

Yin and I both fell into fits of laughter.I stopped long enough to reply."Nothing!Nothing at all!"I began to laugh again and Hiei threw a pillow at me.Lizzie laughed with us.

"Will some one please tell me what is so funny?"Lizzie snuggled closer to Hiei and laid her head on his shoulder.Hiei stroked her head lovingly.

"I'm laughing at us!We're acting so silly!"Lizzie moved a bit closer to Hiei and scooted into his lap.He blushed and laced his fingers with hers.Yin and I snickered and she laid her head on mine.I blushed myself.

"Well,Kurama,it seems the girls are imitating each other."He smiled and nodded toward Yin.I realized that she was sitting in my lap.I laced my fingers with hers and kissed her cheek."I would say that you can tell Yinaro if you want,but I believe that you have already done so."I nodded and blushed more.

"Hiei,when?"Lizzie looked up at Hiei with longing eyes.He looked at her quizically.She smiled and nuzzled his neck."When are we getting married?"Hiei smiled and kissed Lizzie's lips tenderly.She blushed and drew away.

"Whenever........I do not care when........It is up to you........"He smiled and laid her down with her head in his lap.She immediatly fell alseep but Hiei still had her hand in his.He looked back at me and Yin."Well,seems you 2 have been getting along well."

Yin smiled at him and went to change the song on the CD player."Well,yeah.I guess we are.I really love Kurama."She looked back at me and grinned.

"And I love Yin.Just like you love Lizzie.It's one of those things you can't help."I smiled and looked back at Yin.She had turned the radio on."We just don't have a love as deep and strong as yours and Lizzie's."Yin laughed and sat back in my lap.

"I think Lizzie would like this song."It was Hiei speaking.He was looking down at Lizzie with nothing but love in his eyes.It was Lee Ann Womack's 'I Hope You Dance'.The song seemed to almost speak of the normally hyper girl that was asleep in Hiei's lap."It is beautiful,like her....."

Yin fell asleep so Hiei and I were alone.We sat in silence.He constantly would hum Lizzie's lullaby to her when she began to stir.She would immediatly silence and roll over in Hiei's lap.I would just watch silently and try not to wake Yin or Lizzie by laughing.Hiei smiled and nodded happily.The 2 of us smiled and listened to the radio.Lizzie fell over off of the couch and woke up again.

Hiei lifted Lizzie into is lap and stroked her head seemingly involuntarily.She snuggled closer to his body and sighed with contentment.He smiled and held his arm securely around her waist.They made a perfect couple for each other.Hiei looked at me and nodded,saying that he would open a mind-link so that we could talk if I wanted.

~"Hiei,you really care about her,don't you?"~

~"Yes.......I really cannot wait for the wedding......But I will leave all the desicisions up to her.I do not like to make desicisions."~

~"Plan it together.You'll both be happy that way."~

~"Valid point.......I just......I don't know.......I'm so happy that we are getting married......I cannot believe it.......I really want to married as soon as possible......I-"~

~"You what?Want to get married tomorrow?"~Hiei and I jumped when we heard the third voice.It was female and seemed familiar.We realized who it was.

~"Lizzie!!No!Not at all!I-I-.....I don't know......"~Hiei kissed her gently on the head and she grinned.

"Didn't know I could break into mind-links,did ya?"She grinned and kissed him gently on his lips.Hiei blushed furiously and kissed back.I wanted to take a picture of them but didn't have a camera.Yin was apparently awake.She handed me a camera and grinned.

"Take a picture of them,Kurama,"she mouthed.I nodded and snapped a quick picture after turning off the flash.Neither of them seemed to notice.Hiei blushed more and stroked her head tenderly.I looked back at Yin.She mouthed,"That's so sweet!They are perfect for each other!"

Lizzie drew away from Hiei and laid her head on his shoulder.He smiled and touched her arm where the gash was.She winced a bit and squirmed to remove his hand.He did remove it.Yin and I looked at each other and grinned.I leaned down and kissed her tenderly on her lips.She kissed back and put her arms around my neck.

"Awww......Isn't that sweet,Hiei?"Lizzie's voice was a bit anxious.I sensed Hiei nodding.I drew away from Yin and she laid her head on my shoulder.I looked up at Hiei and Lizzie."Ooops!I guess I spoke too loud!"She blushed and nuzzled Hiei's neck.

"Lizzie,it's okay."I smiled at her and stroked Yin's head.Hiei smiled at us and tickled Lizzie's neck."You're just being yourself.Besides,we've all done that to you and Hiei."All 4 of us began to laugh.

Lizzie fell asleep again and Hiei held her silently.Yin and I didn't say anything either.We all sat in silence and listened to the music.The song that was playing was Avril Lavigne's 'I'm With You'.Hiei looked uncomfortable,but I was afraid of invading on his personal life.He was looking down at Lizzie.She was still asleep.

~"Kurama,may I ask you something?"~

~"Of course!You can ask me anything that you want.......But what would you need to ask me?"~

~"I.....It's Lizzie.I don't know what to do......"~

~"What do you need to do?"~

~"I don't know.I'm just so worried about her.I can't stop.I can feel her pain......She's hurting.....She won't show it,but she is....."~

~"Hiei,you needn't be so worried.She will be just fine.It will just be a bit like when you used the Dragon of Darkness Flame.Her arm will be paining her for a while."~

~"I know,Kurama.I know.I just worry.It is just what my heart does."~

~"It's OK.I understand.You really love her and worry about her."~I smiled at him.~"Just do what you can and let her know you love her."~Yin yawned and stood up.

"I'll let you guys talk in private.You don't have to talk in a mind-link."She grinned and left the room,closing the door quietly behind her.Hiei rested is head in his hands.He removed the red bandana from around is forehead and stared out the window with all 3 eyes.He was crying.

"Hiei,just calm down.Take a deep breath and relax.It will only seem worse if you worry all the time."I put a hand on his shoulder and he took a deep breath and let it out slowly."Good.Now try to stay calm."

"I will try to stay calm."He looked at Lizzie and pulled her closer to him.I smiled and removed my hand from his shoulder.We both sighed then snickered.An Eminem song had come on the radio and Lizzie was singing it in her sleep."Lizzie is one unusual girl."

"Yes,she sure is.She and you will be perfect."I smiled and looked at Lizzie.She sighed and moved so that she was out of Hiei's lap.She had apparently woken up.

"Oh!I love this song!"The radio was now playing 'Greatest Love of All' by Whitney Houston.She leaned on Hiei's shoulder and hummed the tune.

"Would you like to dance,Lizzie?"Hiei stood up and held his hand out to her.She took it and put her arms around his neck.He rested his hands on her hips and she laid her head on his shoulder.They danced beautifully.I just sat there and watched them.

"I hate to interupt,but I believe it is time for bed?"We turned and faced the door.Standing in the doorway was Rachel and Kumane.Rachel had spoken."Well,you gonna go to bed?"The 3 of us looked at them uncertainly.

"Ah,Caitilin won't go to bed unless the rest of us do.She doesn't want to miss anything.Will you guys please?"Kumane gave us that look that always gets you to do what they want.We all nodded and Lizzie left with Rachel and Kumane.Hiei and I set up the sleeping bags and I fell asleep,I do not think that Hiei did though.

((Author's POV))

Lizzie yawned and leaned on her brother.She was ready to go to sleep.When she got to Rachel's room,she crashed onto the mattress and fell asleep.Kumane and Rachel tucked her in then went to bed themselves.They had played spy.That morning they had bugged Lizzie.They had slipped a mini-microphone onto her dragon necklace,so they already knew that Hiei and Lizzie were engaged.

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Lizzie:Sorry it took so long to post.My internet connection on my laptop wasn't working.

Hiei:And how much research have you done now?

Lizzie:Uhhhh......See ya!*runs to the other computer and runs into a wall on the way*

Hiei:-_-;

Ash&Kate:Have a nice day!!And please R&R!