A/N at bottom.

Chapter Six: The Rain That Melts The Ice

Sakari's POV

Two weeks later I had almost beaten Hiei in one of our training sessions. "You're learning fast." He told me when our two hours of training ended. "Thanks." I had said as I headed off to take my shower. Then I ate breakfast and mostly read. I hadn't read in a while and Keiko and I had exchanged books, so I decided to relax in bed and enjoy a good book.

I woke up around midnight. 'I guess I didn't realize how tired I was.' I thought to myself as I set the book aside and got out of bed. It was raining out, and there was a full moon. I walked out of the front door of the temple and into the rain. I love it when it rains, and I like to look at the moon. So tonight was the perfect night to be outside. The moon was visible through a break in the trees, and the rain wasn't too cold even though it was a clear night.

"You're going to catch a cold." The voice came from behind me, and I jumped. Of course, the grass was wet and I slipped. I waited to hit the ground but strong arms encircled my waist and set me back on my feet. "Hiei, what are you doing out in the rain?" I asked him as he stood beside me.

Hiei's POV

"You're going to catch a cold." I told Sakari as I stepped up behind her. She jumped, and slipped. Before I knew what I was doing, my arms were around her waist, catching her. I set her on her feet and stepped beside her. "Hiei, what are you doing outside in the rain?" She asked me. "I just like the rain." I answered. "Oh, and you tell me about catching a cold." She said, turning her head and smiling at me. I smiled back. A genuine smile. No matter how cold I try to be, Sakari always gets through my barrier. Just by being herself. I've never been this comfortable with anyone before. Of course I'll never tell her that. I can never tell her, it might endanger her life, and one day, I might not be there to save her. We already got rid of the threat in her life, well the biggest one anyway, and I don't want to introduce any more. I don't know for sure if anyone would go after her to get to me, but I don't want to risk that. Although, maybe one day if she surpasses me in training…I may tell her.

Sakari's POV

After Hiei smiled at me he didn't say anything. I knew he was thinking, so I didn't break the silence. I was still surprised I got a genuine smile out of him, maybe the ice around his heart is melting. Before I could think any further on it however, a hand from behind grabbed me. I jumped and shrieked, which startled Hiei. "Yusuke that is not funny." I said, turning around and thinking Yusuke was playing a prank on me. But it wasn't Yusuke…it was Paul. "We- we killed you!" I said. "About a month ago we killed you." Hiei unsheathed his ever-present katana. "I wouldn't do that…" Paul said, bringing his sword to my neck. "I let you think you killed me." Paul said, turning himself and me around to face Hiei. "But I have learned to become immortal." Paul continued. That's why it took so long to kill him.' Hiei thought to me. So, if we decapitate him he'll die, just like the other demons.' I stated. Yes.' Hiei thought back.

"I'll be taking my Sakari back now if you don't mind." Paul said to Hiei as he backed away, carrying me with him. "I do mind." Hiei said. "Well too bad. If you try to rescue her, I'll kill you. And if you try to take her from me now, I'll kill her." Paul stated. "Never been too friendly have you Paul?" I asked sarcastically. "Shut up." Paul told me, pressing the sword tip into my throat. He drew a few drops of blood, and Hiei took a step forward.