AN: jaw drops to floor 20 reviews? Holy snickerdoodles! I never in my whole life would have expected those many! I love you guys so much! Here is the next chapter folks! Now you get to see more of the continuing saga of the two lonely, broken souls and find out if they come together! Some thanks are to handed out to my reviewers:

xinsanexdreamerx: fluffy rabbits? hmmm... i dunno. nah. Thanks a lot for having patience while I continue to write.

tAaentuLa: You asked for me to continue so here u go! blushes at compliments I really appreciate it!

sazzy1: Thanks a ton! I'm so glad you like it! The world needs more HxM fluff! Lots more!

jagan-I: Thanks for the heads up! I thought all reviews were accepted automatically. Anyway, I'm all set for everything! I happy you like it!

KawaiiYuki: I love you so much girl! Thanks so much for reviewing everything of mine and I am very honored to be on your fave authors list. bows while blushing furiously

FortySeventhLight and ShizuKuwabara: What would I do without you guys? You guys have kept me going! I am glad you are enjoying it and I will continue to update when time allows me. After all as you guys know that is getting harder by the day. Anyway, I couldn't resist the deli. snickers huggles I love you guys and I'll talk to you soon (I think...)!

BlueWater26: You haven't seen it? Don't feel bad because frankly, I haven't either (although I think that is about to change...). I rock? blushes Thank you so much! With writing, I pretty much need all the encouragement I can get!

Training

"Hiei?"

Hiei, startled, jerked around to see Mukuro standing a few feet away from him.

"Yes, Mukuro-sama?"

"I've been thinking. I haven't sparred with anyone lately and I don't want my fighting skills to become dull so I was wondering if you would like to spar with me."

Hiei's trademark smirk appeared on his face. "What time?"

XXX

"Which katana do you want me to use?" Hiei called out across the room.

"None."

"Nani? Why not?"

"Because," explained Mukuro, "this time we use no weapons. Just our hands and feet."

"Then let's get started," Hiei challenged.

XXX

Back in Ningenkai, Kurama sat on his back porch staring off into space when Botan came out.

"What's wrong Kurama, dear?" a concerned Botan asked seeing the look on his face.

Kurama looked at her. "I know it sounds weird and everything but I am starting to miss Hiei."

Botan smiled. "Well, that's all right considering he's your best friend. Let's go see him."

"Now?" Kurama asked shock registering on his face.

"Now," Botan grinned.

"Now I know why I married you," Kurama said kissing her.

XXX

Hiei and Mukuro changed into their fighting clothes and met on the sparring mat in the training room.

Wow, Mukuro thought, has he always worn that outfit? What's wrong with you another voice countered. You can't let his looks get to you!

Meanwhile, Hiei was warring with his own thoughts. He walked out and let his eyes travel up and down Mukuro while thinking has that clothing of hers always shown her girlish figure? Shut up you stupid baka he yelled at himself. You're acting like Kurama did before he married Botan. Come on now, you have to be mean.

Hiei and Mukuro faced each other and assumed the fighting stance.

"Ready?" Mukuro asked.

"Ready," Hiei replied confidently.

They walked around the mat continually facing the other both reluctant to throw the first punch.

XXX

Kurama and Botan walked into the compound and asked the guards where Hiei was and started off in the direction indicated of the training rooms.

XXX

Wham! Hiei's fist landed in Mukuro's stomach then he jumped over her to miss her sidekick aimed for his own stomach. Mukuro turned around, grabbed Hiei and threw him into the air. As he came down, he flipped and landed on his feet.

"Is that all the better you can do?" he sneered.

"Watch me," Mukuro replied her foot connecting with Hiei's stomach.

Hiei retaliated with a punch which Mukuro ducked causing Hiei to miss. As soon as Mukuro stood up, Hiei knocked her legs out from under her and pinned her to the floor.

XXX

Kurama and Botan found the training room door and peered through the window to see Hiei and Mukuro fighting each other.

"I guess this is it," Kurama said stepping aside to allow Botan to see through. "Let's head on in."

"Wait," Botan said grabbing his arm to stop him. "Look."

XXX

Hiei pinned Mukuro to the floor surprised that she wasn't resisting. He looked down to ask her why but when he started to his head their gazes locked forcing them both to halt all further activity. As Hiei gazed at Mukuro, he saw something in her eyes, a look as if she cared for him. You're seeing things you baka he tormented himself as he started to move away to break the spell he did not wish to end.

As soon as Hiei pinned her down, Mukuro was shocked to feel how much his strength had increased since the last time they fought. She made no move to stop because somehow his arm felt good around her as if she needed him. That feeling was heightened when she looked into his eyes amazed at how neither of them wanted to look away. Stop it Mukuro. You're just going to get yourself in trouble.

Almost at the same time they got up off the floor their hands by their sides and their gazes now locked on their feet.

AN: So what do you think now? Should I continue? Any ideas? At this point, I don't really know where I am going so I would appreciate any and all help. Thanks!