He could only stand there, slack jawed and wide eyed. The fox and the hunter.
He decided that it didn't mater and was about to turn to leave when Kurama's eyes met his. Kurama pulled away from Kairai and gently laid her head, turned away from Hiei, on his chest. kairai's arms slipped around Kurama's waist and he smiled and held her close, kissing thetop of her head quickly.
Hiei's eyes narrowed and he opened a mind link. 'What's your game, fox?'
'I like your little girlfriend.'
'What do you mean, "girlfriend?" I didn't know she was my girlfriend.'
'You're being so transparent, Hiei. It's not like you.'
'Fox. She is just a stupid girl. Not even worth my consideration. She's annoying and a pathetic weakling.'
'Fine. Go on, then. I can take care of her.'
Hiei growled mentally and turned. He ran as fast as he could away from the cave. In other words, he was a black blur flitting across the ground.
Fine. Whatever. Let the fox seduce the foolish, simple-minded little child of a girl. He didn't care. It doesn't matter...
End Chapter Seventeen
A/N: This one's for you, Itoko-dono... First bad guy encounter.
Kairai pulled out of Kurama's embrace after a long moment. She blushed, looking at her feet. "Kurama... Why'd you kiss me?"
Kurama sighed. "I know you love Hiei..."
Her mouth flew open, preparing a heart-felt denial, but his hand was already there, covering her would-be source of words.
"Just hear me out. When I kissed you a moment ago, Hiei was standing over there at the cave entrance. I did it to make him jealous. I doubt it worked, but at least it will cause him to think about you for a while." He uncovered her mouth and braced himself for an ear-drum bursting reply.
She stared at him for a moment, then jumped up and hugged him, laughing happily. "Thank you so much!"
He stood there, blinking for a moment in dull surprise, then returned her embrace.
"How touching." A deep, loud voice echoed through the cave.
Kurama pulled away from Kairai, pushing her gently yet firmly behind himself. He lifted a red rose from his hair and it formed into a long thorned whip. "Who are you? And where are you?"
The voice came from nearly three feet away from Kurama's ear. "I am right here."
Kurama whirled around, but too late. The ground shook and the Rose Whip fell from his hand. He dived for it, but the ground rose above him, forming walls. A scream for Kairai echoed through the cave. She cried Kurama's name twice, feeling arms pull her away. She turned to the man as he dragged her from the cave, and her birght, lively blue eyes met cold, dead gray ones. She screamed again, frightened.
Kurama slammed a fist to the wall. "Kairai!" He growled and sank to the ground in defeat. He closed his eyes and concentrated. 'Hiei... Hiei!'
'What do you want, fox?'
'Kairai has been kidnapped!'
'You said you were taking care of her...!'
'I was, until someone sneaked up on me!'
'Where is she now?'
'I don't know. I am in a stone prison.'
'Are you in the cave?'
'Yes.'
'I'll get you first. We can save her together.'
'Just as long as you HURRY!'
'When have I ever done otherwise?'
End Chapter Eighteen