Disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho

Author's Note: Read the note at the end...it's important! XD

Chapter Fifteen: If Only For Tonight

"She's still out?" Yusuke eyed Kurama as he entered the silent sitting room. Kurama only nodded and took a seat next to him, "What is this now? Day three?"

"Well, Yusuke, Etsuko lost a good amount of blood from that battle. I'm not surprised that she hasn't moved much." Kurama replied quietly, "Genkai kicked Hiei and myself out of her room. I think the girls are going to fix her up a bit."

"Fix her up?" Kuwabara looked between his friends.

"Yes, they were bringing her to the bathroom. I can only assume that they're going to clean her up."

"Sooo, where did Hiei run off to? He's been very scarce since we returned here." Yusuke asked quietly. Inside he was actually getting a kick out of Hiei's new anguish.

"He's on the roof. I'm sure once Etsuko's back in her room he'll come down to stay with her."

"It really hit him hard, eh? This whole love thing?" Yusuke rubbed the back of his neck, "Maybe one of us should talk to him?"

"I've already tried, Yusuke. He just tells me to shut up. He's never felt like this before and he's confused. The feeling will pass, maybe after he talks to her."

"Yeah, if she ever wakes up." Kuwabara muttered, which earned him a well deserved lump on his skull from Yusuke.

"She will wake up." Yusuke glared daggers at his friend who held his hands up in defeat.

Kurama chuckled at the display. Deep down he was happy that everything had turned out for the best. They had a new friend and ally in Etusko. That bond would be hard to sever and it wasn't likely that any of them would even try to. The way he saw it, Etsuko was just the newest member of their team. Even if she chose to go back home to be with her mother, she was still part of the group.

"Penny for your thoughts, Kurama?" Botan giggled. She had been leaning down for almost a minute trying to get his attention. He snapped out of his daze and blushed. Botan straightened herself out and laughed openly at him. Yusuke and Kuwabara laughed as well. It wasn't everyday that Kurama wasn't aware of his surroundings.

"Earth to Kurama! Come in Kurama!" Yusuke laughed harder and wiped a few tears from his eyes, "You were definitely out there, Kurama!"

"Something bothering you?" Botan sat next to him and took his hand, "You know you can tell me anything."

"I was thinking about Etsuko." he answered, still giving death glares to the snickering boys next to him.

"Etsuko?"

"Yes. I was reflecting upon how close she has gotten to each of us. She even managed to bring Touya closer to us too." Kurama explained.

"Yeah, who knew we'd ever be on the same team as that guy?" Kuwabara nodded his head rapidly, "He's not a bad guy when you get to know him."

"Yes, I agree."

"So," Yusuke leaned in closer and lowered his voice, "We know he loves her and all, but what about her? Do you think she likes him?"

"I think it's safe to assume so." Botan answered and leaned against Kurama's shoulder.

"How can you tell?"

"It's in a girl's nature to notice when their friends have a crush on someone. She glanced at him often when no one was looking."

"You're saying you noticed and you never told any of us?" Yusuke feigned hurt and raised his eyebrow.

"It was never any of your business and it's not my fault that you aren't observant enough to pick up these things."

"Hey!" Yusuke protested while Kuwabara snorted.

Kurama just laughed. He had seen it. His first clue had been the night at the club. She had been dancing with Touya and her eyes had met Hiei's. It was all Kurama had needed to know that there was an attraction between the two. He was certain that things would get out into the open between the two, just as soon as they were able to talk.

It was later that evening during dinner that everyone realized that, yet again, Hiei was not leaving Etsuko's room to join them. They figured he was probably perched on her window sill still deep within his own thoughts.

Hiei, however, was sitting comfortably at the end of her bed and very much lost within his own thoughts. He hadn't left her side much and when he had to, he did his best to avoid his teammates. Only Kurama had tried to approach him and he had shrugged him off. He wasn't ready to talk to anybody about his current situation.

She shifted slightly and Hiei watched her movements. She pushed herself up onto her knees and climbed out of bed. She didn't notice that he was even in the room with her as she left. Hiei used his jagan to follow her movements and stopped when he realized that her destination was the bathroom.

She returned a few minutes later and without even glancing at Hiei. She climbed back into bed and snuggled into her pillow with a faint smile on her lips. Once she was comfortable again her breathing evened out.

He stared at her. She was so peaceful and beautiful while she slept and he couldn't pull his eyes away.

He carefully edged closer and sat by her side. It was the closest he had dared to get to her since they had returned to the temple, but he couldn't wait any longer. He needed at least a small sign of how she felt.

His fingers reached out and ever so gently he ran his knuckle along her cheek. Her skin was soft and warm and he loved it.

Etsuko opened her eyes slowly and gazed sleepily at the demon leaning over her. She searched his eyes, expecting to see his usual cold piercing glare, but finding a much softer, warmer stare instead.

Confused by the new emotions crossing Hiei's face, she sat up and pulled away from him.

"Hiei?" he voice remained calm, "Why are you in my room?"

"Hn." He couldn't do it. He still wasn't ready to confront it. He stood quickly and started for the door. He needed to get out of there and fast. Her hands grasped his wrist and forced him to stop. He growled softly.

"Please, Hiei, I don't want to be alone." her voice was timid and he swallowed hard. He silently cursed himself again for being weak.

"There is nothing to worry about now. No one is going to come and harm you." he replied, pulling his hand away from her grasp. He turned to walk away. He needed to escape.

"Hiei!" she cried his name and he froze. He could feel her take a few steps towards him. He turned slowly to face her again.

His lips were met by hers and she used what strength she had left to pull him towards her. His eyes widened at the sudden contact. It felt right to him and he wanted to return the feelings she was conveying to him through such a simple gesture. A gesture that proved she felt the same as he did. He closed his eyes and gave in. He allowed himself to be engulfed by the raw emotion and passion she was sharing with him.

She slid her hands up his back and up to gently press against his cheeks that had grown very warm. She was surprised, and pleased, that he had responded in such a positive manner. She half expected him to shove her away and call her a stupid girl.

His tongue flicked lightly over her bottom lip, silently pleading for her to open more so he could deepen the intimate kiss. She parted her lips willingly and his tongue darted in, seeking her own.

She heard his soft growl a second before he lifted her and carried her back to the bed. He laid her down, not removing his lips from hers and sliding to the side of her, his arms wrapped tightly around her, keeping her close, refusing to let go.

She reached hesitantly for his shirt and tugged at it. She wanted him, even if it was only for one night. She needed to be with him. Hiei broke the kiss by pulling back and staring down at her. Her eyes were half opened, but he could clearly see the lust contained in their depths. He couldn't break his gaze away.

"Etsuko..." he whispered her name huskily and she blushed.

"Please, Hiei? I might never see you again." she pleaded softly and brushed her finger tips across his forehead.

"Why is that?" he pulled back a bit more.

"I'm returning home tomorrow to be with my mother and family. I need to see her and protect them."

He could only manage a short nod. He couldn't stop her from returning to her family, no matter how badly he wished he could. He watched as her gaze shifted out the window, a troubled expression crossing her face as she stared up at the bright moon and starry sky.

"Etsuko, what is it?" he followed her gaze out the window as well.

"I'm asking for too much, aren't I?" she said sadly, her eyes still not meeting his, "I understand if you do not want me, Hiei. You don't have to. Just having you here right now, like this, is enough."

His fingers brushed over the small amount of uncovered flesh at her stomach. Her focus finally settled back on him.

"Who said I didn't want you?"

"But..." he eyes went wide.

He silenced her with a quick kiss and then nuzzled his head under her chin. He had things to say, he just couldn't while looking at her. Not yet anyway.

"I can give you tonight." he replied calmly, "But taking you as my mate isn't the right thing to do. Our lives are much too complicated for that."

"I think that's the most I've ever heard you say, Hiei." she teased and smiled playfully. Hiei sat up and glared at her, but his eyes were far from cold.

"Hn." he looked away. Here he was trying to be more open and honest with her and all she could do was tease him.

"Aww! Don't be like that, Hiei!" she pushed herself up and knelt next to him. She couldn't help but to giggle at his playful stubbornness. It was cute, but she'd never tell him that.

Without warning, he lifted her into his strong arms, carrying her bridal style and looked out the window. With a quick leap he descended to the ground below and broke into a run. She rested her head against his shoulder and watched as the scenery blurred past her.

"I wanted to get out of the temple." he gave a quick explaination. As he slowed down, Etsuko realized where he had brought her. The lone tree stood out dominantly under the moonlight.

"Oh no, you didn't bring me here to fight again, did you?" Etsuko questioned through a fit of giggles. Hiei dropped her from his arms and watched her land solidly on the ground below, "Oww!"

"Serves you right." Hiei pushed her back against the ground and captured her lips in a heated kiss.

There was no denying it any longer. Etsuko knew better now. She loved Hiei, and she would continue to do so even if he didn't want her to. Though his current actions spurred her to believe that he, in at least some way, returned her feelings.

He pulled back slowly to stare at her. Her eyes drifted open slowly.

"Hm?" was all she could manage to get out. She was still in a daze over how wonderful that last kiss was.

"Are you sure about this?" he wanted to make sure she was very certain about her choice before they continued. There was no going back.

"I want this with you, Hiei. Nothing will make me change my mind." she placed her hand against the back of his neck and drew him in for another kiss.


Yusuke wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at his teammates. They had all just witnessed Hiei heading into the forest with Etsuko in his arms. Botan and Yukina had erupted into giggles while the others had looked amongst each other.

"Should we follow?" Yusuke smirked, glancing back in the direction Hiei had vanished in.

"That would be very unwise, Yusuke. Hiei would kill you quickly." Kurama shook his head. He was still amused by the giggles coming from the girls.

"I could take him."

"Yusuke, he wants to be alone with her. Just let them be." Botan sighed happily.

"Besides," Kurama blushed slightly, "You wouldn't want to interrupt them in this particular situation."

"Huh?" Yusuke pondered Kurama's words and then blushed hard, "Oh!"

This only made Botan and Yukina giggle more. Genkai hi her smile behind her hand and Kurama and Kuwabara chuckled at Yusuke's expression. Yusuke shook it off and sat back down.

"Who's up for a game of cards?" he laughed and the others were glad to join in.


The Morning After

She tried to roll left first, then right, but no matter how hard she tried, her body wasn't moving. There was a soft chuckle above her and she scowled.

"It's not funny!" she protested, "You're too warm!"

He released her and watched as she rose from the bed. She grabbed a clean towel and her hair brush.

"Going somewhere?"

"Yes, I'm going to take a shower before the others wake up." Etsuko stretched, "You should get some more sleep. You must be tired from staying up the past couple of nights."

"I'm fine." he replied, though he was quite comfortable where he was lying, "Don't be too long."

"I'm going swimming when I'm done." she frowned a bit, but pushed the thoughts away and continued on out the door.

The frown that had crossed her face didn't go unnoticed by Hiei and he grumbled to himself as he sat up. He would join her that morning while she swam. He'd get the others to go as well.

Kurama was the easiest to wake up. It took only a few pokes through the mind link to stir the fox from his peaceful slumber. The girls were just as easy and Genkai had already been awake for a good hour.

Yusuke and Kuwabara go it the worst. After either refused to budge, Botan and Yukina were more than happy to dump ice cold water on them.

"What's this about?" Yusuke whined, "I was having such a nice dream!"

"Shut up and get dressed." Hiei snapped before leaving the room.

"What? Did I miss something?" Yusuke looked to the others, "I thought he'd be in a better mood today."

"Etsuko is going home today, Yusuke." Kurama said quietly, "Get some shorts on and come join us out at the pond. I think Hiei wants us to spend time with her this morning before she leaves."

Hiei watched her from a nearby tree. The only person that had joined her so far was his own sister. Yukina sat quietly on the rock while etsuko swam around. They made small talk about various things, including Kuwabara's obvious crush on Yukina.

"He's a great guy." Etsuko nodded firmly, "If you need an ear he'll gladly give it!"

Yukina giggled with the sudden image of Kuwabara handing her one of his ears, and Etsuko gave the koorime a look of confusion.

"I'm sorry." Yukina said softly, her cheeks tinted pink, "It was just that, Kazuma handing me one of his ears just seemed really funny at the moment."

Etsuko giggled as well and climbed onto the rock next to Yukina. She hadn't gotten to spend much time alone with Hiei's sister and she was starting to regret it.

"So, do you like him?" Etsuko tilted her head to the side and watched Yukina's cheeks go from pink to red, "Is that a yes?"

"He's very sweet."

"That's true."

"He's understanding and caring."

"Those are true too." Etsuko smiled at the sparkle in Yukina's eyes, "Ah, I know that look. You're already in love with him, aren't you?"

Hiei nearly fell out of the tree as Yukina nodded and confirmed her feelings. Etsuko snorted and looked up at him.

"Huh?" Yukina looked up too.

"Why don't you just come down and join us shorty?" she called up. He turned his head and ignored her, "Suit yourself!"

"Good morning, ladies." Kurama's smooth voice called from behind them.

Etsuko turned to see everyone standing there. She smiled at them and fought back the tears swelling in her eyes. She turned away quickly and jumped into the water.

"Come on in! The water is perfect!" she called out and laughed as Kuwabara shoved Yusuke in head first. He was about to protest when Etsuko jumped onto his back, "You're stronger than the fox, right?"

"Stronger than Kurama? Hell yes!" he boasted proudly and arrogantly, much like she knew he would.

"Do you think we can beat him and his girlfriend in a game of chicken?"

"Oh yes, definitely!" Yusuke pointed his finger at Kurama, "Let's go plant boy! Me and Etsuko versus you and Botan! Let's go!"

"Unless the two of you are...dare I say...chicken?" Etsuko taunted and stuck her tongue out at Botan. Using her own strength, she settled herself onto Yusuke's shoulders.

"You're on!" Botan yelled and started shoving Kurama into the water. Everyone laughed at the couple and Kurama blushed.

"I'm afraid, Miss Etsuko, that you're going to regret this." Kurama cast his emerald eyes on Etsuko and she stuck her tongue out at him as well.

"Prove it, fox." she retorted and waited as Botan settled onto Kurama's shoulders. They had a huge height advantage over them, but Etsuko wasn't worried, "You have to know by now, Botan, I'm not one to hold back."

"Then I won't hold back either!" Botan answered, "We're going to win!"

Etsuko smirked and whispered something to Yusuke before she righted herself and the match began.

Botan reached for Etsuko's arms and was stopped as Etsuko grabbed her wrists. From below, Yusuke avoided Kurama's hands, grabbed Botan's feet and gave a strong shove upwards as Etsuko pushed out. Botan fell backwards into the pond as Yusuke and Etsuko raised their arms in victory, a victory that was short lived when Kurama shoved them both over.

They played around for most of the morning, but the time for her to leave was drawing closer and closer, and the more she thought about it, the sadder she felt. The emotions were easily picked up on by her friends, but they continued to smile for her and give her strength. After all, they could still keep in touch with each other in one way or another.

Lunch was wonderful and Etsuko sat next to her mother. She had forgiven Genkai for all the secrets that had been kept from her. She had no problems having two mothers to love and she was sure both of her mothers didn't mind sharing a daughter either.

Somewhere during lunch, Yusuke initiated a food fight by chucking a spoon full of peas across the table, pelting both Kuwabara and Botan. Both retaliated immediately and more then just peas flew through the air. Etsuko ducked behind Genkai to avoid a clump of something she didn't recognize.

She laughed as best as she could, but deep down she hurt. If things had gone better against Naizen, and her father had lived, she would gladly spend more time with them. But Fate handed her something different and she was prepared to return home and protect those in her family that needed it.

Once lunch was over and the others departed to clean themselves up, Etsuko silently retreated to her room on her own to pack.

She laid her items across her bed. She hadn't brought much to begin with. Clothing, note pads, a few videos Genkai had given her to study. Everything would fit easily into the two bags she had brought with her.

The last items she hesitated to pack and instead she settled on her bed and thumbed through the many intricate drawings she had done. She had secretly caught several moments from her stay at the temple in her sketch pad. Some during practice battles when she was supposed to be concentrating on one thing and instead drawing something completely different. She had caught everyone in the temple at least once, a few times for a certain fire demon. Etsuko blushed as she eyed the half-naked drawing of Hiei she had done, memories of the night before flooding her mind. She'd never regret the intimacy they had gotten to share in just that one night. She would always have a special place in her heart for him and she liked to believe that his heart had a place for her as well.

"Etsuko?" Genkai knocked softly and peered into her daughter's room, "The cab is waiting. It's time for you to go."

Etsuko shut her sketch pad with a soft sigh then tucked it away in her bag. This was it. The moment to say goodbye to her new friends.

"Alright. I'm coming." she said quietly, placing her backpack over her shoulders and lifting the second bag, "Best not to keep the driver waiting too long."

The group was waiting for her in the front hallway, all except for Hiei. Etsuko began to wonder where he was until Botan clutched her shoulders, sobbed and drew her in for a tight hug.

"Etsuko, I hope things go well for you." Botan said between her tears and sobs.

"Thank you, Botan." her eyes were beginning to swell with tears of her own, "I hope that everything goes well with you too, especially between you and Kurama."

Botan pulled back and Etsuko embraced Yukina next. The poor girl was trying hard to fight back her tears, but failed, and several tiny gems hit the floor. Etsuko silently wondered if Hiei's tears would do the same, not that Hiei would ever cry.

"I wish we could have talked more." Yukina replied sadly.

"Me too, Yukina." Etsuko pulled back and Yukina handed her a gem, "For me?"

"Yes, please take it."

"It's so beautiful! Thank you!" Etsuko smiled and then reached into a pocket of her backpack. From there she pulled out the purple ribbon that she used often to tie back her hair. She held it out to Yukina, "I know it's not much, but I want you to have it."

"Thank you very much, Etsuko." Yukina accepted the ribbon.

Etsuko stepped before Yusuke next and she laughed before pulling him into a hug.

"The thing I'll miss most about you, Yusuke, is your big mouth." Etsuko frowned as she pulled back, "You're a wonderful person, Yusuke. Thank you for coming to help rescue me. It really meant a lot to me that you came."

"I'd do it again if I had to." Yusuke gave a sweet smile, "I'd do it in a heartbeat."

"Thank you."

"You take good care of yourself and your family."

"I will," she nodded and faced Kuwabara. Tears fell from her eyes as she tried to find the right words to say, "I can't even express to you, Kuwabara, how much you mean to me. Through my whole time here you provided me an outlet when I needed to talk and have someone there to listen. You helped me so much through all of this and you as well put your life on the line to save me. You are one of my truest friends, Kazuma. I want you to know that."

He pulled her in and hugged her tightly, his own eyes filled with tears.

"You can call me whenever you need to, Etsuko. Just because we won't see each other, that doesn't mean we can't keep in touch."

"I will call you. I promise."

She pulled away and turned to face Kurama. She hugged him quickly.

"Etsuko..."

"Take care of her." Etsuko interrupted him, "She needs that."

"I will." he nodded and smiled.

"And Him too. Although he'll deny that he needs it, I know he does."

"I promise to do my best." Kurama replied, "You take care of yourself."

"You too, fox." She smirked before stepping next to her mother and facing the whole group, "Thank you. All of you. It is because of you that I am still here. I am very grateful to have made friends with all of you."

"He's waiting for you outside." Genkai nudged her gently, "I expect a phone call from you when you get home. I will see you in a few days."

"Yes, of course, mom." Etsuko nodded and then bowed to her friends, "Well, this is it. Goodbye everyone."

He was waiting on the front steps when she came out. Their eyes didn't meet and he took the bag from her hands. She didn't protest.

He had a million things he wanted to tell her, none of which would come out. He cursed at himself for not being able to open up to her. He just couldn't find the emotional strength.

"It's going to be hard to return home knowing he's not going to be there." Etsuko said sadly, breaking the silence between them.

"You have your mother and siblings there. That's the reason you're returning, isn't it?"

"Yes, because they need me." Etsuko replied, keeping her eyes forward, "Because they need someone strong to protect them and I'm all they have left."

"I guess you have a point."

They walked the rest of the stairs in silence. Neither of them wanted to leave the other, but each of them understood. They couldn't be together. They had their own difficult lives to contend with and it would be wrong to ask that one of them give up their life to be with the other.

They stopped at the bottom of the temple's steps. A taxi driver waited patiently for Etsuko to climb in.

"I guess this is it." she said softly and faced him, "Thank you for everything, Hiei."

"Hn." he looked away blushing. She giggled, her hand coming up to brush against his cheek. He closed his eyes and pressed his hand to hers, wanting to hold onto the moment for as long as he could. She leaned up and kissed his lips softly before withdrawing and started for the taxi. He opened his eyes to watch her, to memorize everything about her that he could.

She turned to look back one last time, her beautiful blue eyes full of tears. Her sadness spilled from her eyes even through the sweetest smile she could muster. Hiei could feel his heart ache while watching her.

She climbed into the waiting taxi and waved to him. This was it. He knew as the car drove off that it was likely he'd never see her again. He waved back to her and just watched as the car disappeared on the horizon.

"I love you, Etsuko. Kami, help me, but I do." he whispered to the wind and turned back to the stairs.

He rejoined his teammates, his sister and Genkai back at the top. He scowled at the sympathetic looks they were giving him. He didn't need their pity.

"Good news, Hiei!" Yusuke chuckled, "I have an outlet for your aggression! Koenma has a new mission for us! Are you up to hunting some low level demons?"

Yusuke got his answer the second the evil glint surfaced in Hiei's crimson eyes followed by his usual sadistic smirk. Yeah, he was up for it!

End

A/N: And that's it! Um...I guess it's not...heh. XD That is the end to The Daughter...however, there is going to be a sequel to this. I'm hoping to have the first couple chapters written soon and I'll post it as soon as I can! Hopefully all of you will stick around to read the sequel! Sheesh...I hope this chapter was long enough for you...it was well over 20 pages written in a notebook. I had fun writing it though and it was difficult. I think Hiei is a bit ooc, but I guess he had to be. Just leave a review and tell me if you liked it!