Chapter 7:

But He Does Have a Big Appetite

"Does he do this often?" "Do what often?" "Not show up for dinner." "Actually, no. He may be quiet and cruel, but he does have a big appetite!" "...I hope nothing's happened to him. "I doubt it. He can take care of himself."

"Hm. I hope Botan was right." Sukari mumbled to herself as she started to change into her night clothes. "I mean, you'd think he'd at least--" Suddenly, her window flew open. "Suki-chan. I--" "Aaaaahh!!" "Huh? Ah!" Not interested in seeing Sukari's bra, (at least we hope not) Hiei turned his head quickly. However... "I um-- whoa!" *BANG* 'Great, I just had to pick a room on the third floor.' Sukari cursed quietly as she threw on a shirt. She ran to her widow and stuck her head out.

She looked down and saw Hiei nursing a lump on his head. "Hiei!" She called. He looked up. "Hn." He mumbled, an embarrassed blush creeping into his cheeks. "Are you okay?" "Hn. Fine." "...Okay." She looked around. "Come on up, then."

"So, where were you at dinner?" "Hn. Wasn't hungry." Hiei's stomach growled suddenly, sending Sukari's eyebrows slowly moving skyward. "Fine. I was busy." "Doing what?" She stood up and walked into the bathroom, deciding to brush her teeth while he spoke.

"Go on, I'm listening." She reassured him as she squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush. "Hn. I... I was thinking. I was thinking... that..." Sukari watched Hiei look down and sigh in her mirror. "Oh, never mind." "Sure?" "Yes, I'm sure." He snapped. Sukari blinked, but shrugged. "Kay. That's cool." She finished brushing her teeth and walked over to where Hiei sat on her bed. She sat down next to him and looked at him, as though trying to figure out a puzzle that she was missing a piece to.

After a few moments of attempting to ignore her gaze, Hiei blushed and looked away. 'What the hell is wrong with me? Me face gets hot so easily lately...' Sukari tilted her head and gave Hiei a questioning look. "...Hn?" "Whatcha thinkin' about?" She asked, and giggled. Hiei frowned. "Hn." Sukari also frowned. "...What's wrong? You alright?" Hiei blinked. He was sure she would have said something more like 'What's your problem'. Why did she have to be so... so... so damned kind!

Desperate for something to say to get his mind off of the girl next to him, He blurted out, "I-I'm hungry." "...Oh. Well, that makes sense. You did miss dinner." "Yeah." "So, lets go eat something!" Sukari reached over and grabbed his wrist. She pulled him up, but then promptly let go of him, not wanting to provoke any embarrassed feelings on his part. "Hn. Sure."

"So, what's good to eat around here?" Sukari mumbled, half to herself, as she searched through the refrigerator. She'd searched through the cupboards and half the pantry before she'd realized she'd already brushed her teeth. "Hm. That solves one problem. What do you want?" She turned to see Hiei at the table. ...Already eating. "Wow, you really are hungry." Sukari laughed, and sat down next to Hiei, who paused long enough to utter a quick "Hn." before continuing to gorge himself. Botan was right; he did have a big appetite, to say the least.

A few minutes later Hiei finished eating. As Sukari finished putting the last dish in the dish washer, she turned to Hiei. "So. I'm gonna go to bed now." "Hn. 'Kay." She walked over to him. "So... goodnight." She mumbled quietly. To Hiei's surprise, she hesitantly leaned over and kissed his cheek. Hiei looked up in surprise, but then they both blushed and looked away. "Hn... goodnight." Sukari smiled and left the room. As soon as she was gone, Hiei cursed himself for not having the will power to discourage her feelings towards him.

He got up and climbed the stairs to his room. Which was, coincidently; right next to Sukari's. For a moment he paused by her door, fighting an inward battle with himself. He slowly opened her door a crack and peeked in. He took a deep breath and was about to step inside, but he saw her straightening a wall scroll; featuring none other than himself. He sighed dejectedly and cautiously closed the door, deciding to wait for an opportune moment to burst her bubble. The problem? All of a sudden, no moments he could think of seemed opportune.