Disclaimer: If I owned Yu Yu Hakusho, don't you think I would have admitted it by now?

Chapter Seven: Just Call Me Laine

"Is this a fucking joke?" Etsuko looked at herself in the mirror. Touya laughed and she gave him an angry stare.

"It's a mere coincidence! I swear!" he defended himself, "I didn't know what he sent along!"

She stared angrily at herself. The black wig, the blood red contacts, yeah, like she was going to believe that it was just a coincidence. She didn't mind the black dress or even the black cloak to go with it, but the wig and contacts were just too much.

"I don't want the others to see me like this." she frowned, "They'll notice how similar I look to Hiei and I don't want that."

"Very well. We can sneak out before them." Touya smiled warmly.

"Is that what you are wearing?" she motioned to the light blue button-up shirt and white pants. He looked really handsome and she blushed very slightly.

"Yeah, is it okay? I've never gone to a club setting before."

"You look fine." she turned away and slipped the cloak over her head, hiding her features from anyone's view, "We should go."

Yusuke watched as Kuwabara fussed over his hair. With a sigh and a roll of his eyes, he threw the nearest object he could find at his friend. The said object being a book and it made contact with the side of Kuwabara's head.

"Owww! Urameshi, what was that for?" he rubbed the spot the book had made contact with.

"Your acting like a girl, Kuwawbara." Yusuke answered, "Are you ready yet?"

"She's sneaking out." Kurama smiled as Touya and a cloaked Etsuko slipped by the room.

"Hey!" Yusuke ran out the door. Touya stopped.

"Just know this, you will call her Laine." Touya said and hurried Etsuko out the door. Yusuke shrugged with confusion and turned back to the others.

"We should get going then." Kurama stated, "I will find Hiei and Botan. You two wait by the front door."

Kurama walked away. His travel towards Hiei's room was interrupted by Botan running by being chased by Yukina. The girls were giggling loudly and Kurama watched them. Botan stopped, her blue dress swaying to a stop just shortly after.

"Come on, Botan! You have to let me go!" Yukina caught up to her.

"No way! It's too dangerous!" Botan smiled gently, "It's best for you to stay here."

"She's right, Yukina." Kurama spoke and both girls jumped. They hadn't seen him there, "This is a mission. It will be too dangerous for you to be there."

"I know." Yukina said sadly, "But I bet it would be fun to dress up and go to a club."

"Maybe some other day." Botan touched the top of Yukina's head, "When it's not so dangerous."

Yukina nodded and smiled. She waved before walking away. Botan smiled at Kurama and pointed down the hallway.

"I take it Hiei is in his room still?" he asked and she nodded.

Kurama walked on, stoppined briefly outside of Hiei's room and knocked quietly. No sound came from the room. Kurama opened the door. Hiei sat on the windowsill, looking out into the gray clouds. He was already dressed in his normal black pants, black cloak and white scarf. He focused his eyes on Kurama, but did not turn his head.

"What is it, fox?" he snapped moodily.

"Are you ready to go?" Kurama leaned against the wall and watched as Hiei jumped down from his sitting place.

"Hn." Hiei started for the door, "I don't know why we are doing this. I think it's stupid."

"We were asked to help, Hiei. You don't have to go if you don't want to. I'm sure me and the other guys will be able to protect Etsuko should she need it. Touya will as well."

Hiei walked past him, arms crossed over his chest and head held high in a defiant pose. Kurama kept his chuckle to himself and followed along. They met their teammates at the front door. Genkai and Yukina wished them well before shooing them off.

Touya and Etsuko entered through the thick metal double doors that led them into the nightclub known as Fever. Etsuko glanced around the surroundings, taking in just how many demons were there. There was a lot. Touya touched her shoulder and motioned for her to take her cloak off. She lowered the hood first and pouted at her friend. A few grumbles of approval came from a few demons standing near the door. Their beady little eyes fixed on Etsuko's features. She smirked and slowly removed the cloak from her shoulders. Their jaws dropped. Touya took her hand and led her away from the gawking demons only to have her pulled away by a pair of squealing human girls.

"You are absolutely perfect!" the taller of the two giggled.

"Can you dance?" the second asked.

"Do you have a name?" the tall one cut in.

"Calm down." Etsuko put her hand up, "My name is Laine and yes, I can dance. Why?"

"We were looking for a fourth person to entertain the crowd!" the second spoke and pointed to another girl at the bar, "That's Hiromi, I'm Suzume and this is Natsumi."

"What do you mean, entertain the crowd?" Etsuko questioned them.

"We dance for them. Behind a barrier, of course. The guys here can be a bit agressive." the girl named Natsumi replied, "We don't strip or anything like that. We just dance and give a little enjoyment to them."

"It sounds like it would be fun, Laine." Touya took her cloak, "You should go for it."

"But..." she faced him.

"It's a good idea, Laine." he gave her an assured smile. She caught his eyes briefly and nodded. The girls giggled and pulled her away.

"You owe me!" Etsuko yelled back and he waved. He took a seat at a table while she disappeared into a room.

It was twenty minutes later when Yusuke and the others arrived at the nightclub. They looked around and found Touya sitting alone. Botan signaled to the boys that she would check out the situation with the ice master while the others took a seat. She moved slowly, side stepping the demons trying like crazy to grope her.They certainly were a lively bunch. She slipped Touya a sweet smile and sat next to him. He nodded, took her hand into his and leaned in close enough to whisper into her ear.

"She is out back with a couple of human girls. She's been there for almost half an hour." he pulled back and kissed her cheek. She faked a shy smile.

"Is that wise?" she sounded almost seductive. He gave her a nod.

"You will see what I mean momentarily." he smiled again. She rose from her seat, made a motion that she was heading back towards the door and left to find Yusuke.

Yusuke, Kuwabara and Kurama had taken a table not too close to the stage. Hiei had stayed back in the shadows watching everything around them. Botan passed him and he grasped her arm, making her stop.

"Where is she?"

"Laine is in the bathroom." she replied and gave a quick wink. He studied her for a few moments before releasing her. She was lying, he could tell.

"I don't want to ask again."

The lights dimmed, a glowing blue barrier shielded the stage. A quick beat picked up before the crowded club went nuts. The boys followed the rest closer to the barrier and waited to see what the commotion was all about. Four girls, varying in height and dressed in very little clothing, walked provocatively onto the stage. Each girl's face concealed by a black mask that wrapped around their eyes, giving them just enough room to see everyone around them. The beat stopped and the girls each stepped onto a different part of the stage. Etsuko chose a part closest to Touya. If something were to happen and the barrier were to fall, he would be there in an instant. She looked down at him with a nervous smile. He caught her eyes and then shifted his attention to Yusuke. She allowed her eyes to follow his movement and she saw Yusuke and Kuwabara not far off to the right. A little further away was Kurama and in the back was Botan and Hiei. She remembered their locations.

"Their costumes don't leave much to the imagination." Yusuke said to Kuwabara and quieted as the music began. The crowd grew louder and more aggressive. They pushed their way closer to the barrier only to get zapped.

The girls each moved their own way to the fast techno sounding music and it was very obvious that one of them was slightly a better dancer than the others. She was giving the males in front of her quite a show and it only caused more chaos when others fought to get closer to watch. They were hypnotized by the way her black hair flowed as she moved. Her hands grazed against areas the guys were undoubtedly dreaming about uncovering.

Inside she was laughing at their stupidity. She had made eye contact with a few of them, and teased them as she playfully bit her bottom lip. Her actions were causing a riot. As she moved, she giggled as she made eye contact with Yusuke. His cheeks reddened, but he didn't look away. She kept the stare for a few moments and then broke it away to find someone else to torture.

The music stopped and the girls turned to face each other. Etsuko looked at them cautiously.

"It's time to pick." Natsumi laughed, "There are quite a few cuties out there tonight."

"I'm taking the cutie that came with Laine. Is that alright, Laine?" Suzume smiled.

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind." Etsuko smirked. It would be great revenge.

"What about you, Laine? Anybody caught your interest?" Hiromi asked, eyeing over the crowd.

"Hmm...there's a cute red-head over there." Etsuko made a little pointing motion towards Kurama, "He looks shy though."

"Then break him of that habit."

"Fine I will."

They turned and faced the crowd. They were still hooting and hollering at them which made Etsuko laugh. Suzume made the first move. She walked to the barrier and motioned for Touya to step forward. When he approached, Suzume touched the barrier ever so slightly, weakening it long enough for Touya to step in. The guys on the outside booed, angry that he was chosen and not them. Hiromi and Natsumi followed and each chose two different guys. They smiled at Etsuko and motioned for her to do the same. She nodded and walked to the area Kurama was standing. She met his eyes as she motioned for him to come closer. He studied her briefly before stepping forward. She did the same as the other girls and Kurama was able to step through. He blushed as she took his hand into hers and dragged him back to the others.

The music was slower this time, but not too much slower. Each girl pulled the guy they chose close and danced for them or with them. Etsuko ran her hand through Kurama's hair and down his face. He caught her hand and she looked at him. She was glad the shoes she was wearing made her much taller.

"I must warn you, I am not a good dancer." he smiled polietly.

"Somehow I don't believe you, fox." she purred and pulled him closer. He gasped in recognition of the name she had called him. She moved her body against his and he responded slowly by putting his hands on her hips.

"What are you doing?" he asked her, bringing his lips close to her ear. He followed the movemnt of her body and did his best to keep up.

"It wasn't my idea." she answered innocently, "Take it up with my date."

"This was Touya's idea?" he asked quietly. She was keeping her cheek touching his. Her left hand cupped the back of his head, keeping him in place.

"Yes." she whispered, "I noticed that you're all here. I see Hiei has chosen the shadows."

"He's not happy being here." Kurama chuckled.

"I supose this is not his type of setting." she continued to move with Kurama, "Oddly, I feel right at home."

Yusuke watched the situation with a smile. Kurama dancing and being friendly with the girl before him was an unusual sight for the spirit detective.

"Hey, Arishima's not coming tonight." a voice behind Yusuke spoke. He listened.

"Shut your trap." another hissed, "It's obvious there's new people around."

"What should we do?"

"We'll give him a call later. We'll let him know that there's a few minor details to update."

"We should disappear for now."

Yusuke glanced back and there was no one there. Shrugging he made his way towards Hiei's dark corner. The short fire demon was scowling as usual. His eyes were watching Kurama and the girl he was dancing with.

"Hey, Hiei." Yusuke leaned against the wall next to him, "Rumor has it that the guy we're looking for isn't coming here tonight."

"Hn." Hiei's eyes were still focused on Kurama, "What does he think he's doing dancing with that human?"

The music stopped and the girls released their partners. Etsuko whispered something into Kurama's ear before she let him slip back through the barrier.

"I guess you can ask him." Yusuke motioned for Kurama to come over. He acknowledged with a nod.

"They say I can have a dance with you. Is that alright?" Touya took Etsuko's hand and pulled her closer.

"Yeah, that's fine." she smiled as another song began.

"What was that about?" Botan had joined Yusuke and the others. Her question was directed to Kurama.

"Yeah, Kurama. I never knew you could dance." Yusuke teased.

"That girl I was dancing with is Laine." Kurama replied. This came as a shock to the group.

"Are you serious?" Yusuke eyed the girl again.

"Yes. It was Touya's idea for her to participate."

"And why did he think this was a good idea for her?"

"I guess when Arishima's here, he often enjoys the company of the girls."

"Too bad he's not coming here tonight."

"He's not?"

"Nope."

"Then we should collect the others and go." Botan said quietly.

"Look at how she throws herself at him. He's not even worthy to touch her, yet he has his lips all over her neck!" Hiei growled.

"Okay, easy there, Hiei. She's old enough to make her own choices. Maybe she likes Touya." Yusuke was amused by Hiei's sudden and unexpected jealousy.

"Um...actually they used to be in love." Kuwabara spoke quietly, "It looks like they still are."

"She's in love with that ice demon?" Hiei watched her body move with Touya's, "And why the hell does she look like that for?"

"Hiei, quiet down. We cannot attract attention to her." Kurama said softly, "Besides, she looks like you right now."

"Oh yeah! Black hair, red eyes, she's perfect for you Hiei." Yusuke teased his teammate and got a death glare from Hiei. He looked back up to watch her and Touya. Her eyes met with his. For a few moments their stare remained unbroken. Touya turned her in his arms and Hiei grunted.

"We'll give them a few more moments and then we should let them know what's going on." Yusuke turned away.

The sound of a girl's scream interrupted the noise already filling the building. The barrier before the girls had been broken. Touya shoved Etsuko behind him as eight demons stepped onto the stage.

"Touya?" Etsuko's voice was shaky.

"It's alright, Laine." Touya said reassuringly.

"Step aside, boy." a bluish, four-eyed demon reached forward and pushed Touya away. Etsuko backed up. Touya was back in front of her in seconds, his arm now frozen over in the shape of a sword, "A feisty on, eh?"

"Step away from the girls. I assure you, you don't want to fight with me." Touya spat angrily.

"Or me." Yusuke was on the stage pointing his index finger at the demon in front of Touya, "Touch any of these girls and you won't have heads left on your shoulders."

The demons hesitated. They watched Yusuke with caution. They knew the spirit detectives were a very serious group. Two taller demons broke the interruption and pulled Hiromi and Suzume closer to them. Both girls squealed with fear. The other took this as a sign to continue. Natsumi took off screaming as she was chased by two of the other ugly demons.

"Hand her over, boy." the bluish demon stepped closer, "Don't make me allow the others to be killed."

"Touya?"

"Yes, Laine?"

"Move."

"Are you sure, Laine?"

"Move."

"That's it listen to the lovely human." the demon was grinning madly now.

"Very well." Touya moved to the side, "It's your own fault."

She kept still as the demon roughly grabbed her chin and forced her head up. She gave a small smirk.

"Yes, you'll do nicely." the demon checked her over. As he looked back at the other demons, Etsuko's hands began to glow light pink. In both hands formed a set of whips. The sudden change in energy levels brought the demon's attention back to her. He was met by one whip around his throat and one around his waist.

"I guess I should've warned you." she smiled in a devilish manner, "I am not an average girl."

She pulled her arms back quickly, severing the head and upper body right off. His black blood splattered across the floor. Etsuko eyed the other demons around her. They were advancing. The whips changed into her normal weapons of daggers. She waited for them to get closer, eyeing each one with angry, challenging eyes. They refused to back down and she loved it. She dove at the closest demon and sliced his head off in one quick stroke. The other demons swarmed in on her.

"Damn her." Hiei was at the stage in and instant. His katana unsheathed and decapitaing it's nearest victim. He could hear Etsuko's gasp from the mass of demon bodies above her. Hiei fought harder and pulled her out hard by her arm. Gathering her into his arms, he leapt back ten feet from the stage. By then Yusuke and the others finished the rest off without any harm coming to the other girls.

"We need to go now." Kurama said quickly and motioned for Touya to follow.

"Damn it, what the hell happened? Who are these guys?" Yusuke kicked one of the dead demons.

"Later, Yusuke." Touya motioned to Hiei and an unconscious Etsuko, "Kurama's right. We have to go."

"Right."

Hiei didn't waste any time and rushed out of the building with her in his arms. As he ran he glanced at her several times. He hated the black wig she was wearing. Her features were softer to him with her pink hair. He shook his head. That was not a normal thought. He jumped from roof top to roof top until he reached the edge of the city and the beginning of the forest.

"You can put me down, Hiei." Etsukos' voice was soft.

"Hn." he wasn't listening.

"Please, I can walk." she pleaded. He set her down gently, "Thank you."

"Hn."

"I mean it." she unpinned the wig and pulled it off, her pink curls cascading over her shoulders. She removed the red contacts next, "Damn these things suck."

"Why did you wear them then?" Hiei watched her poke her finger into her own eye.

"It wasn't my idea." she finished and shoved the things into her pocket. She looked up at Hiei, her blue eyes sparkling again.

"Etsuko." he said her name quietly.

"What?"

"Nevermind." he turned and walked away.

"What the fuck was that for?" she caught up with him.

"You were careless."

"What?"

"You shouldn't have done that alone."

"Why would you care?" she snapped.

"Because I..." he stopped himself. She watched him closely.

"Because you what?"

"Hn." his reply was short and he hurried his pace, "Foolish girl."

"Damn you, Hiei!" She smacked the back of his head before running up the temple steps that were now visible.

"I think you made her mad, Hiei." Yusuke was teasing again. They had finally caught up with him.

He walked silently with his team mates up the long steps. His head thinking of how foolish he had almost been. If he had admitted that he cared, he would be weak. Weak was not something Hiei would ever accept.

(A/N: I hope this good for all of you. It took me a bit to finish it, but it's done and awaiting your reviews!!)