Crimson: I am so sorry for taking so long, but schoolwork has to be done before I can write chapters. As a warning, it will probably take me longer to update now that school has decided that it is fun to give out projects.

On a brighter note, somebody has finally realized that I have a profile and has answered my question in the sweepstakes thing. Congratulations to AnimeFreaks13 and Jessica! They have chosen to become characters of this story, so watch out for them soon.

Now that I have bored you with talking....let us begin!

Yumiko's POV

"I think I'll go with Hiei." I replied softly, so that only Kurama was able to hear my reply. He gave me a knowing smile, and I looked down at my bare feet, embarrassed. I briefly felt a hand on my shoulder, and looked up confused.

"We can talk tomorrow before Koenma arrives, but right now it's late and sleep is a necessity we mustn't forget," he explained before smiling again.

"Go find Hiei. I believe he will want to know your decision." He added, speaking louder so that Yusuke and Kuwabara could hear.

"I thought you'd pick him," Yusuke admitted calmly. I turned around to look at him incredibly.

"How did you know?" I asked. He shrugged.

"I would go tell him, he doesn't like surprises much," he replied ignoring my question. "I should know." He added, rubbing his head with a grimace.

I glared at him slightly, before complying, feeling to tired to point out that he didn't answer my question. I left the living room, walking down the hallway leading to Hiei's room, and stopped at his door.

I grabbed the doorknob, and hesitated before turning it slowly. How would he react to my news? I pushed the door open and stepped in. I looked around, finding Hiei not there. I automatically turned to look at the open window, and let out an annoyed sigh before walking up to it.

I grasped window ledge and popped my head out the widow, looking up the tree. I couldn't see him.

"Hiei... Hiei where are you?" I asked aloud. No answer.

"Hiei!" I shouted again, scared. I slowly backed out of the window, suddenly becoming aware of every shadow that danced, and let my imagination take over. My heartbeat started to quicken and the message on the phone started to buzz around inside my head.

You can't hide from me forever. You may have avoided my hunters, but sooner or later your friends won't be there to protect you, and the second you are alone I will come.

I will come.

I heard a scratching sound outside the door, and the wind flared up flooding the room with angry screeches.

"Hiei!!!" I cried, hugging myself and closing my eyes tightly.

"Hn. What do you want onna?"

I opened my eyes and turned around, seeing Hiei standing inside the door with his arms crossed across his chest. Uncaring of the consequences, I ran and threw my arms around him, crushing him in a giant hug.

I could feel him stiffen in my hug, and instead of letting him go, I tightened my grip. Gradually, he loosened up, but he still didn't return my hug. I sighed, releasing my grip, and put my arms down by my side.

"Sorry." I muttered. He lifted an eyebrow, but didn't say anything about it. Instead he turned his head at me questionably.

"I was scared." I explained, taking a shuddering breath. He seemed uncertain at first, but after a second he extended his arms and wrapped them gently around me.

I smiled, relishing the warmth, but as soon as it was there it was gone. I toke a step back, still smiling. It was a start...right?

"What do you want onna?" Hiei repeated again. I sighed irritably, but answered him anyways.

"You were chosen to be my bodyguard until ............well you know what I mean."

He raised an eyebrow.

"What if I refuse?"

This was my chance to see where how important I was in his eyes, and I decided not to let the opportunity slip by. I shrugged, letting my expression appear uncaring.

"Then Kurama will be my bodyguard," I replied. "The others had realized that you probably wouldn't like it. It doesn't really bother me much...Kurama is kinda cute." I slyly added after I saw him wince ever so slightly.

I wasn't completely lying to him...Kurama was definitely gifted in the looks department, it's just I can't really imagine myself with him as anything more than a good friend. Like many men say, "Once a chick has proclaimed you quote, 'like a brother', thenyou are forever doomed to stay just a friend and nothing more."

About the only sign of wisdom and intelligence that women can agree with, while still allowing the men to remain perverted in their hopeful search for said women, for whatever reasons.

The amazing thing is...half the time it is said women who go out of their way for the attention of the men...a prime example being myself at this very instant.

I shook my head to rid my self of the thoughts. I was thinking to far into this.

Hiei closed his eyes suddenly, either because he was thinking or out of annoyance, likely the latter, I wasn't sure. I kept up my uncaring posture and expression stoically however. Hopefully, it would give me another sign...I was pretty sure that Hiei didn't hug people often or at all, no matter how brief the contact.

He remained silent for another minute or so before he suddenly turned around and quickly went out of the room, leaving me in shock. What the hell was that? I waited patiently for about thirty seconds before Hiei returned carrying a foldable futon in his left arm and a blanket and pillow contained in his right. He looked up at me then, and arched his shoulders up in a resigned shrug.

"Whatever onna." He explained nonchalantly.

I smiled, recognizing his charade, but deciding go along with it. I insisted on sleeping on the futon, finding no argument in that respect, and laid down on the futon, completely ready to fall asleep.

"Goodnight Hiei," I mumbled sleepily before drifting off.

Never before have I ever had such a peaceful and enjoyable dream. I even imagined hearing him saying goodnight to me as well.

Or maybe not...

Guess I will never know.

Crimson: Again I am sooo so sorry for the huge delay in this chapter but there were many aspects that kept me from it. Firstly, it was just plain hard and boring to write because it was a transitional chapter. Second, I have had so much work to do know that school has begun that I am quite frankly, swamped.

Thank you to all my reviewers who have remained faithful to me and my story. I would replay to all of you individually, but most of you just reminded me to update, followed by some remark along the lines that you would have me mugged, eaten, ect. That, and I have to time. You guys did want this chapter, so you will have to suffer. Mwahahahaha. Ja Ne.