Title: Needs of the Jagan Eye
Rating: PG-13 for cursing and suggested themes
Chapter Summary: Fluff. Trying to make up for the scarcity in the first few chapters. And, the most awaited scene thus far: the first *cough* k_i_s_s. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Yu-Hakusho or anything related to this anime. I really really really don't like saying that. ;_;
Author's note: Ahh! Its too short and this chapter was so hard trying to make it seem in character. Trying to make a kiss from Hiei look in character was an extreme obstacle. Sorry for the late updat. Please review.
Kinda weird in a way but I bet none of the other 6000+ stories have one quite like this...
.....
---------------------------------------------------------
"You really didn't have to come with me," Celeste said indignantly, tightening the grip around her handbag, "Its not like I'll get mugged or anything." She'd taken it as a rude insult that I had insisted on going with her. Well sorry _deary_, I didn't know you'll be so slow walking to the eatery only a few blocks away. Sorry _honey_, that I had attacked your feeble ego with the simple sentence 'I'll come with you.'
I sustained a low growl. A native question entered my mind as the taste of iron in the wound came as I bit my tongue. Is this _really_ worth it? Sure if I don't, I have a great chance of cutting my jagan's power in half; but, is this _really_ worth it? I'll probably lose more strength from the loss of blood while in the presence of her constant gibbering. Almost instinctively, I hold an image of a haggard Yusuke quoting 'Why can't girls have an off switch?' Hn, indeed.
The eatery she had talked about was clustered near the beginning of a chain of street vendors and corners. Few anxious buyers were yet awake but the shopkeepers can be seen unlocking the doors then flipping the 'Sorry, we're closed' to 'Welcome, we're open.'
Still, the few devoted female shoppers whom had nothing better to do at the early mornings had gazed at me with an interested eye. I would like to think this is the main cause of Celeste's frustrations.
We neared a jewelry store with bars surrounding every display in the window. Really, I couldn't see any reason for humans to spend so much of their money on things such as these. So the gemstones are exquisitely carved and set into precious metal. Why would anyone want to decorate herself like a tree was beyond me?
However, Celeste stopped at the store and looked expectantly through the thick glass. I peered curiously over her shoulder. Noticing this, she pointed at one of the necklaces on display. It wasn't one of the gawky ones as I had suspected but somewhat simple of design. A pendant of a ruby shaped like a heart and set with sparkling crystals around it strung on a white gold chain.
"Its pretty huh?" she murmured more to herself than to me. I could see how much she wanted it from the glazed shielding her eyes. Note to myself: Get the necklace. If she wanted it that badly, whets a few hundred if it's going to help me with my goal?
We continued on our small venture. I've never before noticed how humans interacted with each other so optimistically. Of course, the promise of a few sales wouldn't hurt. I was amused at how some were so easily manipulated into hoarding a bunch of useless objects. A couple of bright cheery smiles, flashing advertisement, and the rest just fall into place.
Why couldn't the jagan eye choose one of the shoppers? Would be a lot easier. I sighed and, with much reluctance, continued to follow the girl. I felt like leashed animal; embarrassed to say the least.
Finally, we entered an eatery judged by its appearance. It would seem that we had beat the morning rush, as we were the only customers. I sulked near the back, lifted up my arm, and rested my chin on the hand. With my other, I took up the peppershaker and twirled it around my fingers. Celeste went to the counter and ordered.
"Do you want anything Hiei?" she called from across the room.
I shook my head. "Anything," I grunted. What I was in the mood for was finely roasted chicken with a dash of seasoning the chefs at Muroku's made. But I highly doubt the third-rate cook here would have access to anything required for the Makai seasonings. My stomach led an odd low- pitched growl.
Celeste came back, settled on the plastic seat, and held up a piece of fruit. It resembled an orange only a lot smaller and more elliptical. The dark orange peel seemed to be thinner as she began to remove it with her quick hands. "I love this place," she commented as she took it out piece by piece. "Its really quiet. Good cheap food. And the only place with free tangerines." I rewarded her with a small smile at her small attempt of a joke.
What was revealed underneath was what I had technically expected of the citrus. The whole thing was made of sections with white remnants clinging to the side; underneath was a bright, almost neon, color.
She divided it up with gentle hands and placed one in her mouth. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to bathe in that single piece of fruit. Must have been enjoyable as her face lit up afterwards.
"What does it taste like?" I asked curiously.
Her eyes widened in surprised. "Are you joking?"
I shook my head.
"You mean you never tasted a tangerine before?"
"An orange. But a tangerine, no. What is the difference in their taste?" I was referring to the trees in Muroku's kingdom. Though the demon world and the human world have great difference, they both share a few characteristics. Orange trees were common in Muroku's kingdom, even though the variety was sparse. Periodically, I would snap off a branch but an incident that included being squirted in the eye caused me to detest the whole citrus family.
Her face was scrunched up in a thoughtful gesture once she found that I wasn't joking. "Well," she started, "It's really softer than the other kinds of fruits so you can't just cut it with a knife. The best way to open it is with your bare hands. You'll have to be careful though or it'll bruise."
"Then why even bother," I insisted, "Doesn't it taste all the same?"
"No," she answered back, "Its really sweet on the inside, tangy, and really juicy. Sure it all tastes almost the same but tangerines are-I don't know. I just like it." She handed me a piece. "Once you try it, you'll see why a lot of people like it."
I examined the slice with a criticizing eye. Noticing her frown, I quickly placed it on my mouth and bite on the morsel. A wash of sweet water submerged my tongue. The taste was unusual than the orange. I couldn't describe it but I was pleased with the balance of sweet and tangy. I could see why it was worth the wait of peeling it by hand.
A waitress interrupted up by laying down some food, including a bowl of miso soup with drifting tofu and vegetables. I dipped my spoon into the deep bowl, placed it into my mouth, and allowed the warm liquid to flow through my tongue and down my throat.
We continued to eat in silence. The still silence, with the occasional slurp, made my muddled thoughts clearer than before. I took a glance at her before quickly laying eyes back on the peppershaker.
/ If I'm not careful, Hiei....I can really fall in love with you.../
Somehow, the statement had disturbed him. Did she really say that? Was it just a dream? No, this wasn't the part that disturbed him. It was the way she said it. His shoulders stiffened. She had stated it almost as a warning to herself. Did she knew?
Instantly, he thought of the of Botan. Her big mouth was infamous for letting things slip ocasionally. Why did Kurama trust her so?!! No, that didn't make sense. Surely even Botan knew how delicate the situation is. Even she wouldn't dare interrupt with a blab like that during this critical stage.
At least I hope so.
I turned to Celeset again just as she slurped down the last few droplets. "I'm going to the bathroom," she decided, grabbing her handbag. She left the table, heading for the door at the back of the room.
Finding myself bored, I went to the counter and picked a tangerine from a large pile in a bowl.
/The others you can just cut with a knife../
I heard her advice echo through my hand as I felt the soft thin peel of the fruit.
/The best way to open it is with your bare hands/
I found the top and dug in with my fingers like I had seen her do. It lifted open. Eagerly, I pulled on the rind.
/You'll have to be careful though or it'll bruise../
While my left hand pulled, my right found it instinictively grasp the whole citrus. It squirted on my face. I grabbed a napkin in the metal dispenser and wiped the sticky fluid out. Once more, I tried again. This time, I manage to gentle my hold. By the time Celeste came back from the bathroom, I was almost done.
She rewarded my efforts with a smile mixed with a hint of critism. "Not bad for a first-timer," she whispered before taking a seat. Once I was completed, I threw one into my mouth. The same sensation washed over my tongue. Sweet, yet tangy. Juicy, on the verge of a complete liquid.
I offered a piece to Celeste as the waitress gathered up our dishes. She accepted, though a strange look appeared on her face from my offer. I suddenly thought of Mukuro. I needed to report back soon or I'll lose my position. It has been nearly a month. I could not ignore my responsibilites any longer. My stomach lurched at the prospect of telling her what I've been doing.
As long as Touya or Jin hadn't told her yet. I heaved a sigh. It was also going to postpone, even weaken, the relationship I had with Celeste.
"What's the matter?" Celeste questioned, noting my expression.
"I have to go somewhere," I told her," I'll be gone for a few days. Buisness trip." It was all that had come into my mind. "I have to present a demonstration of my martial arts."
Her eyes were downcast. "Oh, I see. Well, when are you leaving?"
"As soon as I can. Maybe this afternoon," I added, "It'll only take a few days. Three tops."
We began to stand up as more people began to pile inside the eatery. "Guess we better go.." she said.
Outside, the stroll was completely quiet between us. I was disappointed that she appeared not to even care where I was going; never once bringing into question my vague alibi. About halfway back, as we neared the apartment building, she turned to me. With her small arms, she pulled me close to her, entangled her arms at the back of my shoulders. "I guess you better go."
That was it. She had begun to walk back to the steps heading up to the double doors. All I had recieved was one stupid hug. A hug! Did she even care to say goodbye? I was not only disappointed, I was outraged. I had spent weeks. This is my reward? Sure, the pains are now to a minimal becaues of the time I had spent by her side, but I'm still no closer than where I had started.
I was practically stomping on the cement sidewalk; turning over these thoughts again and again in my head.
Why do I bother?
It'll never work.
Fuck the mating rituals.
Screw the jagan eye.
Celeste can die for all I c-
As if on cue, I was turned abruptly around by a pair of determined hands. I saw a subtle flash of green before two lips gently place on mine. It took a moment, but I gratefully accepted them; reacting properly by returning with equal force.
I had kissed before. My lips were not virgin lips but there was something diffrent than the most kisses I've encountered. These were no ordinary ones I usually recieve from fans of my strength. This human hasn't known of my past; hasn't known of my fame. This human does not know of my plans. All she knew is what was laid before her. I pulled her closer. This time, she did not object to my advances.
I care not if my Jagan eye was partly responsible for how I felt of the kiss. Her lips were sweet. Her breath of the tangerine we had eaten together at the diner. People stared at us for our public display but neither of us bothered to halt until we were satisfied. Was it partly the emotional link that attracted us like we are?
At last, we parted. "I wanted to give you this," she mumured, placing something into my hand. "Good luck on your buisness trip, Hiei."
I opened my hand. A bright orange tangerine shone from my fingers.
.......
/Once you try it, you'll see why a lot of people like it../
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Sorry for the late update. This was just such a hard chapter to think of. First kiss and I thought about tangerines. _
Meanwhile, please review. I thought the ending was corny but I saw no other way to end it without being cliche.
Thankies. Thank you. Thankies. Thank you. Thankies. Thank you. Thankies. Thank you.
Rating: PG-13 for cursing and suggested themes
Chapter Summary: Fluff. Trying to make up for the scarcity in the first few chapters. And, the most awaited scene thus far: the first *cough* k_i_s_s. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Yu-Hakusho or anything related to this anime. I really really really don't like saying that. ;_;
Author's note: Ahh! Its too short and this chapter was so hard trying to make it seem in character. Trying to make a kiss from Hiei look in character was an extreme obstacle. Sorry for the late updat. Please review.
Kinda weird in a way but I bet none of the other 6000+ stories have one quite like this...
.....
---------------------------------------------------------
"You really didn't have to come with me," Celeste said indignantly, tightening the grip around her handbag, "Its not like I'll get mugged or anything." She'd taken it as a rude insult that I had insisted on going with her. Well sorry _deary_, I didn't know you'll be so slow walking to the eatery only a few blocks away. Sorry _honey_, that I had attacked your feeble ego with the simple sentence 'I'll come with you.'
I sustained a low growl. A native question entered my mind as the taste of iron in the wound came as I bit my tongue. Is this _really_ worth it? Sure if I don't, I have a great chance of cutting my jagan's power in half; but, is this _really_ worth it? I'll probably lose more strength from the loss of blood while in the presence of her constant gibbering. Almost instinctively, I hold an image of a haggard Yusuke quoting 'Why can't girls have an off switch?' Hn, indeed.
The eatery she had talked about was clustered near the beginning of a chain of street vendors and corners. Few anxious buyers were yet awake but the shopkeepers can be seen unlocking the doors then flipping the 'Sorry, we're closed' to 'Welcome, we're open.'
Still, the few devoted female shoppers whom had nothing better to do at the early mornings had gazed at me with an interested eye. I would like to think this is the main cause of Celeste's frustrations.
We neared a jewelry store with bars surrounding every display in the window. Really, I couldn't see any reason for humans to spend so much of their money on things such as these. So the gemstones are exquisitely carved and set into precious metal. Why would anyone want to decorate herself like a tree was beyond me?
However, Celeste stopped at the store and looked expectantly through the thick glass. I peered curiously over her shoulder. Noticing this, she pointed at one of the necklaces on display. It wasn't one of the gawky ones as I had suspected but somewhat simple of design. A pendant of a ruby shaped like a heart and set with sparkling crystals around it strung on a white gold chain.
"Its pretty huh?" she murmured more to herself than to me. I could see how much she wanted it from the glazed shielding her eyes. Note to myself: Get the necklace. If she wanted it that badly, whets a few hundred if it's going to help me with my goal?
We continued on our small venture. I've never before noticed how humans interacted with each other so optimistically. Of course, the promise of a few sales wouldn't hurt. I was amused at how some were so easily manipulated into hoarding a bunch of useless objects. A couple of bright cheery smiles, flashing advertisement, and the rest just fall into place.
Why couldn't the jagan eye choose one of the shoppers? Would be a lot easier. I sighed and, with much reluctance, continued to follow the girl. I felt like leashed animal; embarrassed to say the least.
Finally, we entered an eatery judged by its appearance. It would seem that we had beat the morning rush, as we were the only customers. I sulked near the back, lifted up my arm, and rested my chin on the hand. With my other, I took up the peppershaker and twirled it around my fingers. Celeste went to the counter and ordered.
"Do you want anything Hiei?" she called from across the room.
I shook my head. "Anything," I grunted. What I was in the mood for was finely roasted chicken with a dash of seasoning the chefs at Muroku's made. But I highly doubt the third-rate cook here would have access to anything required for the Makai seasonings. My stomach led an odd low- pitched growl.
Celeste came back, settled on the plastic seat, and held up a piece of fruit. It resembled an orange only a lot smaller and more elliptical. The dark orange peel seemed to be thinner as she began to remove it with her quick hands. "I love this place," she commented as she took it out piece by piece. "Its really quiet. Good cheap food. And the only place with free tangerines." I rewarded her with a small smile at her small attempt of a joke.
What was revealed underneath was what I had technically expected of the citrus. The whole thing was made of sections with white remnants clinging to the side; underneath was a bright, almost neon, color.
She divided it up with gentle hands and placed one in her mouth. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to bathe in that single piece of fruit. Must have been enjoyable as her face lit up afterwards.
"What does it taste like?" I asked curiously.
Her eyes widened in surprised. "Are you joking?"
I shook my head.
"You mean you never tasted a tangerine before?"
"An orange. But a tangerine, no. What is the difference in their taste?" I was referring to the trees in Muroku's kingdom. Though the demon world and the human world have great difference, they both share a few characteristics. Orange trees were common in Muroku's kingdom, even though the variety was sparse. Periodically, I would snap off a branch but an incident that included being squirted in the eye caused me to detest the whole citrus family.
Her face was scrunched up in a thoughtful gesture once she found that I wasn't joking. "Well," she started, "It's really softer than the other kinds of fruits so you can't just cut it with a knife. The best way to open it is with your bare hands. You'll have to be careful though or it'll bruise."
"Then why even bother," I insisted, "Doesn't it taste all the same?"
"No," she answered back, "Its really sweet on the inside, tangy, and really juicy. Sure it all tastes almost the same but tangerines are-I don't know. I just like it." She handed me a piece. "Once you try it, you'll see why a lot of people like it."
I examined the slice with a criticizing eye. Noticing her frown, I quickly placed it on my mouth and bite on the morsel. A wash of sweet water submerged my tongue. The taste was unusual than the orange. I couldn't describe it but I was pleased with the balance of sweet and tangy. I could see why it was worth the wait of peeling it by hand.
A waitress interrupted up by laying down some food, including a bowl of miso soup with drifting tofu and vegetables. I dipped my spoon into the deep bowl, placed it into my mouth, and allowed the warm liquid to flow through my tongue and down my throat.
We continued to eat in silence. The still silence, with the occasional slurp, made my muddled thoughts clearer than before. I took a glance at her before quickly laying eyes back on the peppershaker.
/ If I'm not careful, Hiei....I can really fall in love with you.../
Somehow, the statement had disturbed him. Did she really say that? Was it just a dream? No, this wasn't the part that disturbed him. It was the way she said it. His shoulders stiffened. She had stated it almost as a warning to herself. Did she knew?
Instantly, he thought of the of Botan. Her big mouth was infamous for letting things slip ocasionally. Why did Kurama trust her so?!! No, that didn't make sense. Surely even Botan knew how delicate the situation is. Even she wouldn't dare interrupt with a blab like that during this critical stage.
At least I hope so.
I turned to Celeset again just as she slurped down the last few droplets. "I'm going to the bathroom," she decided, grabbing her handbag. She left the table, heading for the door at the back of the room.
Finding myself bored, I went to the counter and picked a tangerine from a large pile in a bowl.
/The others you can just cut with a knife../
I heard her advice echo through my hand as I felt the soft thin peel of the fruit.
/The best way to open it is with your bare hands/
I found the top and dug in with my fingers like I had seen her do. It lifted open. Eagerly, I pulled on the rind.
/You'll have to be careful though or it'll bruise../
While my left hand pulled, my right found it instinictively grasp the whole citrus. It squirted on my face. I grabbed a napkin in the metal dispenser and wiped the sticky fluid out. Once more, I tried again. This time, I manage to gentle my hold. By the time Celeste came back from the bathroom, I was almost done.
She rewarded my efforts with a smile mixed with a hint of critism. "Not bad for a first-timer," she whispered before taking a seat. Once I was completed, I threw one into my mouth. The same sensation washed over my tongue. Sweet, yet tangy. Juicy, on the verge of a complete liquid.
I offered a piece to Celeste as the waitress gathered up our dishes. She accepted, though a strange look appeared on her face from my offer. I suddenly thought of Mukuro. I needed to report back soon or I'll lose my position. It has been nearly a month. I could not ignore my responsibilites any longer. My stomach lurched at the prospect of telling her what I've been doing.
As long as Touya or Jin hadn't told her yet. I heaved a sigh. It was also going to postpone, even weaken, the relationship I had with Celeste.
"What's the matter?" Celeste questioned, noting my expression.
"I have to go somewhere," I told her," I'll be gone for a few days. Buisness trip." It was all that had come into my mind. "I have to present a demonstration of my martial arts."
Her eyes were downcast. "Oh, I see. Well, when are you leaving?"
"As soon as I can. Maybe this afternoon," I added, "It'll only take a few days. Three tops."
We began to stand up as more people began to pile inside the eatery. "Guess we better go.." she said.
Outside, the stroll was completely quiet between us. I was disappointed that she appeared not to even care where I was going; never once bringing into question my vague alibi. About halfway back, as we neared the apartment building, she turned to me. With her small arms, she pulled me close to her, entangled her arms at the back of my shoulders. "I guess you better go."
That was it. She had begun to walk back to the steps heading up to the double doors. All I had recieved was one stupid hug. A hug! Did she even care to say goodbye? I was not only disappointed, I was outraged. I had spent weeks. This is my reward? Sure, the pains are now to a minimal becaues of the time I had spent by her side, but I'm still no closer than where I had started.
I was practically stomping on the cement sidewalk; turning over these thoughts again and again in my head.
Why do I bother?
It'll never work.
Fuck the mating rituals.
Screw the jagan eye.
Celeste can die for all I c-
As if on cue, I was turned abruptly around by a pair of determined hands. I saw a subtle flash of green before two lips gently place on mine. It took a moment, but I gratefully accepted them; reacting properly by returning with equal force.
I had kissed before. My lips were not virgin lips but there was something diffrent than the most kisses I've encountered. These were no ordinary ones I usually recieve from fans of my strength. This human hasn't known of my past; hasn't known of my fame. This human does not know of my plans. All she knew is what was laid before her. I pulled her closer. This time, she did not object to my advances.
I care not if my Jagan eye was partly responsible for how I felt of the kiss. Her lips were sweet. Her breath of the tangerine we had eaten together at the diner. People stared at us for our public display but neither of us bothered to halt until we were satisfied. Was it partly the emotional link that attracted us like we are?
At last, we parted. "I wanted to give you this," she mumured, placing something into my hand. "Good luck on your buisness trip, Hiei."
I opened my hand. A bright orange tangerine shone from my fingers.
.......
/Once you try it, you'll see why a lot of people like it../
____________________________________________________________________________ _
Sorry for the late update. This was just such a hard chapter to think of. First kiss and I thought about tangerines. _
Meanwhile, please review. I thought the ending was corny but I saw no other way to end it without being cliche.
Thankies. Thank you. Thankies. Thank you. Thankies. Thank you. Thankies. Thank you.