AN: Ok, ok, I know it has been a little while since I last posted so please be easy on me. This is probably how it is going to be from now on for reasons that I cannot reveal so enjoy!

Disclaimer: How many times? I don't own it!

Memories

Later that evening when Hiei got off-duty, he went to his favorite tree to sort through his feelings that were putting him on an emotional roller coaster. If there is one thing I learned today, it's to keep my mouth shut. Mukuro is a smart woman. But she is willing to give you a chance at friendship another voice countered. Maybe she is willing to give me to give me a chance because, like her, she has a past. I wonder what it is...

And then the memories that Hiei tried to forget and ignore resurfaced.

He found it. At long last he found the island. The island of the Koorime. It hung there suspended in the air by an invisible force. Cold, frozen, haunting. The people's hearts were as cold as the constant weather. The home of his people who tossed him off the island with the name Forbidden Child thinking him no better than a piece of garbage. Cursed and thrown out for what he was not for whom he was. I will avenge them Hiei thought. I'll kill every single one of them he added mentally the rage flowing through him like a rapid rushing river.

He arrived and walked through the town a smirk creeping onto his face as he watched people run and hide in fear of him save for one. She stood there looking in fear as if she knew him and of his coming.

Hiei walked up to her his eyes filled with intense hatred and his voice colder than the ice upon whence he stood. "Who are you?" he sneered. "And why do you stand here when everyone else runs and hides in fear of me?"

The woman looked at him and through eyes lined with fright said in a shaky voice, "My name is Rui. You... You... You're Hina's baby boy whom the elders forced me to throw off."

"You? You're the one who let me go?"

"Yes, I am. If I may ask, what is your name?"

"Of all people why do you wish to know? You who wanted me to die!" He walked up to her and unsheathed his katana and held it in her face.

"Because. Because there is some information you must know."

Hiei eyed her carefully. "My name is Hiei."

A small light glowed in Rui's eyes. "Come with me."

Hiei continued to sift through his mind all that she had told him. About his mother's death, how Rui herself was forced to drop him and then of his twin sister who left Koorime to search for her brother whom she knew nothing about.

Yes, Hiei concluded, I am not worthy to love anyone or even to be loved by anyone else. No matter what happens, I must make sure that Mukuro never finds out how I feel.

XXX

While Hiei was sitting in his tree, Mukuro was back sitting on the sea cliffs watching the mighty ocean pouring its fury onto the rocks below. Why, she asked herself, do I long for someone so much? I am strong, capable, independent and an ambitious leader. Who would want me? Who would I want?

Hiei a voice inside her whispered.

"What?" Mukuro said out loud.

The little voice inside her spoke again. Hiei. Think about it. He treats you as an equal and vice-versa. He's strong, honorable, and he respects you. He freed you from your shackles. He's everything you've ever wanted.

"Shut up!" Mukuro said a bit too loudly for her own liking.

Then Mukuro started reasoning with herself. What if Hiei really is the one? I could give him a chance if I don't reveal any feelings at all.

Mukuro stood up creating a plan in her mind and started back towards the compound ready to put her plans into action.

AN: Ok, kind of short and boring. I guess this is what I call a filler chapter. Anyway, please don't leave me in the dust! I'll be back soon with another decent chapter I promise!