Opium Dream
Chapter four: The Shape of Things to Come
By Funara
Disclaimer: Roses are red, violets are blue, these disclaimers are getting randomer, yet I own nothing but my drool. Aren't you all glad I don't write poetry for a living?
Notes: It's really been a while since I updated this…sorry! Over a month actually…but at least this chapter came out. People have been pressuring me…so you better appreciate this, pressurers! To everyone else, read, enjoy and review!
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The hallways of the Unabara no Shinju teahouse were dark, the only light inside the rooms, glowing dimly against the opaque rice paper that covered the wood-latticed doors. Kurama navigated the vaguely familiar hallways as quickly and as silently as he could, attempting to go back the way he had come.
He didn't remember what excuse he had given when he'd left the room—something silly about needing some fresh air. He had been too caught up in the swell of dizzying emotions and erratic thoughts, and even now, he was too distracted to properly figure out what direction he should be going in.
It really was Karasu's fault.
Kurama paused in the unfamiliar hallway, listening for sounds. The silence was both a welcome relief and an unwanted medium for wandering thoughts, and the young man gave up his quest to clear his mind of the tangle of sentiments that had come with earlier events.
He couldn't remember feeling anything the moment Karasu had kissed him—he remembered very well his discomfort before and recognized his current inner turmoil, but as most people do during a significant event, Kurama did not recollect feeling any sort of shock when Karasu had grasped his chin and pressed their mouths together.
Not that it mattered—what was affecting him was more the aftermath of what had happened and his reaction. Kurama pressed the palm of his hand against his forehead, attempting to massage away the headache brought on by the torrent of unending thoughts.
He hadn't disliked it.
Therein lay his problem—he'd reacted to Karasu with the same passivity he'd shown Hiei. He had not pushed him away in disgust or horror or anything of the sort but instead had merely stayed where he was. He couldn't think if he'd enjoyed it—but he had not not liked it.
And with that came the crashing guilt that pounded at him. He had already admitted to himself that he had begun to care for Hiei as he was beginning to know him, and yet, he had already dealt him a betrayal. Kurama rubbed at his throbbing temples again. Karasu had seemed so very sure of himself, while Hiei had held himself back. Kurama had no idea which he preferred.
A small lantern approached from one end of the hallway, and Kurama looked up in alarm. Standing up, he prepared himself to explain why he was wandering the halls—but it turned out he didn't have to.
"Kurama-san, what are you doing here?" The lantern-holder turned out to be Shizuru, looking slightly concerned and surprised. "I thought you'd gone outside."
The green-eyed noble stepped into the circle of lantern-light. "I was…but I lost myself among the passages here." He attempted a rueful smile, still emotionally drained.
Shizuru peered at him closely. "Do you want me to show you the way out?"
Kurama hesitated. He had nowhere to stay tonight and no means of getting anywhere.
"No, I take that back." Kurama looked up at Shizuru, who was regarding him seriously. "What you need is a room to yourself and maybe some hot tea to drink. Am I right? You're free to stay here for the night."
Kurama held her gaze before his expression folded into gratitude. "Thank you," he said simply. Shizuru nodded.
The room she lent him was bare except for a bedroll tucked into the corner and a lamp standing on the floor. Kurama was reminded of the room he'd spent the night before in, with Hiei, and he felt his throat tighten a little.
"No one will disturb you," said Shizuru. "There's no need to let any of the others know that you're staying here. Do you want some tea?"
"Yes, if it's not too much trouble. And…Shizuru-san," Shizuru looked back at him from the entrance, "thank you very much." Shizuru merely gave a little bow.
"Your tea will be here soon," she said briskly and slid the door shut.
But by the time she arrived with the hot liquid, she discovered that Kurama had already unrolled his futon and fallen asleep.
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Kurama woke early the next morning, having remembered just before he'd fallen asleep that he'd agreed to meet Hiei in front of the Republican Army headquarters. He folded the futon and smoothed the wrinkles in his clothing as best he could. When the room was as neat as he'd found it, he opened the sliding door.
To his surprise, there were two things sitting outside his door: a bundle of clothing and a bouquet of flowers. He lifted up the clothing first, noticing that they were of good quality and warm. He smiled to himself; Shizuru had done a great deal more for him than he'd asked. Perhaps staying here would not be a bad idea.
He next picked up the flowers, noting with astonishment that they were silk-soft red poppies, bundled together in crimson velvet cloth. Kurama touched the petals gently, wondering why they were in bloom in the dead of winter, when they usually flowered in spring or fall. Who had sent them? Karasu? How had he known where Kurama had stayed the night?
Deciding to leave these mysteries for later, Kurama placed the poppies on the floor, the clothes draped over his arm, and shut the door again. He quickly changed into the clean shirt and white pants, noting with amusement that the deep green of the tunic shirt matched him very well. He bundled his old clothes neatly and tucked them into his sash.
In a much clearer mindset than the night before, Kurama found his way easily to the main entrance. Nobody was up yet, so he found a piece of paper, a brush and a black-ink pot and quickly dashed down his thanks. When he'd finished, he slipped out the door, heading towards the army headquarters.
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When Kurama arrived at the white marble building, the sun had already risen, and Hiei was leaning against the railing of the marble staircase, the reins of a restless horse in one hand. He looked up at Kurama. "You're late."
"What a nice greeting," remarked Kurama, grinning anyway. Inside, he felt both a fluttering of delight and a waver of guilt and apprehension. It was a curious mix.
"Come on." Hiei used the wide marble handhold as a step and mounted the horse easily. When the horse had shook itself a little, Hiei offered his hand to Kurama, who took it and mounted behind him.
As Hiei adjusted the bridle and reins, Kurama glanced involuntarily at the formerly white steps, reminded of his kidnapping the day before. His eyes automatically sought out the spot where it had happened before he glanced upwards at the tall doors.
He froze.
The wooden doors had just opened, admitting a very familiar figure and three or four less familiar ones. Even from the distance away he was, Kurama could still recognize Karasu. And it seemed Karasu had recognized him too.
Kurama squeezed Hiei's arm gently. "Let's go," he whispered urgently. Hiei looked up from his work and followed Kurama's line of vision. When his eyes lit on Karasu, Kurama could feel the angry aura flare up around him.
Yet Hiei hesitated, even when Karasu began to stride down the stairs towards them, and Kurama suddenly hoped Hiei wasn't planning a confrontation. "Hiei, let's just leave." He touched his arm again for added emphasis, and to his relief, Hiei pulled on the reins, and they galloped away from the building.
Once they reached a quieter side street, Hiei slowed the horse down. "Where do you want to go?"
Kurama shook his head. "Anywhere." The horse cantered the street slowly before Hiei, apparently having made up his mind, pulled on the reins again. Suddenly, they were flying down another road, and Kurama was forced to wrap his arms around Hiei's waist in order to hold on.
The scenery flashed by, white and black and brown, and Kurama thought of nothing but held onto Hiei tighter.
A while later, Kurama felt the horse begin to slow his pace, and he looked up. There was forest all around them, black-green evergreens with dark, snow-wet trunks, and untouched white snow. Kurama dismounted first, followed by Hiei.
The redhead stepped a few paces away from the horse, enjoying the stillness of the forest. Doubtless they had scared the wildlife into hiding with their arrival, but the silent trees were a welcome break from the war-ravaged city.
"What happened last night?"
Kurama's eyes widened, and he whirled around at Hiei's question, his heart thumping in his throat. Hiei was leaning nonchalantly against a nearby tree, but his expression was intent and serious.
"Why do you ask?"
Hiei folded his arms over his chest. "You know why. Yesterday you were so damn polite to him, and now you're running away. What happened?"
Kurama took a few steps towards the red-eyed soldier. "Maybe I changed my mind about him."
Hiei raised an eyebrow. "Don't even bother, Kurama. I want to know what happened last night at that party he invited you to."
Kurama let out a long sigh and closed his eyes. "Forget it, Hiei. It's not important."
"Liar." Hiei grabbed Kurama's arm when he tried to move away. "If it's affected you this much, then it goddamn well is my business."
Kurama shook his head, wishing Hiei's words had come at a better time. Hiei narrowed his eyes, not letting go of Kurama. "We're not leaving until you tell me," Hiei growled.
The beautiful redhead regarded Hiei, a sort of resigned desperation flickering in his eyes, before he moved forward suddenly and kissed Hiei, his eyes squeezed shut. Hiei, caught off guard, did not react, and Kurama wrapped his arms around his waist, drawing him closer.
And then Hiei shoved him away, furious. "What do you think you're doing!" he snarled.
"I…" Kurama seemed to abruptly regain his old composure. "Trying to get you to back off," he replied coolly, folding his arms over his chest.
Hiei sneered. "So you do it by trying to seduce me, hoping that maybe I'll be distracted—"
"I wasn't trying to seduce you," Kurama snapped angrily.
"—you're acting just like the harlot you claimed not to be." Hiei's eyes were full of contempt.
Kurama opened his mouth to retort, furious, but thought better of it. Instead, he turned on his heel and stalked out of the clearing, leaving Hiei behind as fast as he could. He ignored the soldier's startled oaths and plunged deeper into the forest. Hiei did not follow him.
Fury driving his steps, Kurama walked a long time before he finally cooled off and found himself in an unknown section of the woods. He sat down at the base of a tree and put his head in his hands, the bitter taste of déjà vu in his mouth as he recalled himself being in a similar situation last night.
When he had rested, Kurama rose and dusted the snow off his cloak, wondering how he was going to get back to the capital. He cast about for a way to discern which direction he'd traveled in, but before he got far, he heard voices and the neighing of horses.
Hoping that the riders might be able to take him back, Kurama followed the sounds and abruptly came upon the group of horsemen.
His heart sank immediately when he saw who they were. Soldiers of the Republican Army—one was a young man with short black hair and large brown eyes, and another was a muscular man with shoulder-length black hair and identical scars on the left and right sides of his forehead and cheeks. Kurama recognized him as Kibano—one of the generals who'd presided at his trial.
But what he felt upon seeing Kibano was nothing compared to what he felt when he caught sight of another man behind him with long black hair and blind eyes. Yomi. And if Yomi was here…
Sure enough, a horse stepped from behind Yomi's and clopped towards Kurama. The rider threw off his hood, revealing a silver mask and deep purple eyes. It was indeed Karasu.
Kurama stepped backwards involuntarily, suppressing the urge to just bolt. He did not want to see Karasu right now, especially not when Hiei was around.
"General, are you…acquainted with this young man?" asked Kibano.
"I am," answered Karasu, never taking his eyes off Kurama's face.
The lesser general frowned. "You are aware he was a noble who supported the emperor?"
"He is a friend of mine, regardless of his political bent." Karasu cocked his head, directing his next words towards Kurama. "We were just surveying the grounds. Are you lost, Kurama?"
"No," Kurama bit out.
"But you need a ride back." Karasu extended a hand towards Kurama. "Come with us."
Kurama tensed. If he refused, he didn't know what the other general might do to him, but he definitely did not want to accept Karasu's offer.
Just then, there was the sound of hoofbeats, and the soldiers peered to the right of Kurama. Kurama did not look back, hoping against all odds that it was who he thought it was.
It was. Hiei reined his horse in quickly when he entered the clearing and glanced at the assembled people. He then urged his horse towards Kurama, and he paused behind him, his even gaze fixed on the rider opposite him. Kurama took a step backwards toward Hiei.
Karasu rode a little closer. "You have come at a very inconvenient time, soldier," he murmured softly.
Hiei's lip curled. "Much the better for me."
Karasu narrowed his eyes fractionally. "You would save yourself a great deal of trouble by leaving."
Hiei was not daunted. "As would you."
"Perhaps…" Karasu's eyes drifted towards Kurama before meeting Hiei's gaze again. "But it is you who ought to listen to me in this case."
"I take orders from no one."
Karasu smirked. "Not even from your commanding officer?"
"What are you talking about?" Hiei growled.
Karasu shrugged elegantly. "You'll find out in due time. You are not my primary concern anyway." He glanced at Kurama.
Kibano chose that moment to interrupt. "Is there something wrong, General?" His horse took a half-step forward.
The masked general raised a hand to stop him. "Nothing is the matter; I was merely waiting for an answer to my question."
Kurama cleared his throat, his expression determined, but his tone polite. "I'm sorry, but I think it would be rude for me to abandon my companion when he brought me out here." He turned to Hiei and easily mounted the horse.
Karasu inclined his head slightly. "Perhaps another time." He turned his mount around and returned to his party, answering their murmured questions.
As soon as Karasu had turned his back, Hiei pressed the heel of his boot to the horse's side, and it trotted briskly away. When they reached the clearing they had been in before, Hiei was startled to feel Kurama's arms slip around him. A moment later, Kurama buried his face in the crook of Hiei's neck and rubbed his cheek gently against him.
Hiei did not protest, nor did he reciprocate. The ride back was as silent as the ride to the forest.
When they reached the city limits, Kurama lifted his head and put his lips close to Hiei's ear. "Can you take me to the Unabara no Shinju teahouse?"
"Where is it?"
"Keep going down this road. I'll tell you when and where to turn."
Following Kurama's directions, the two young men arrived at the teahouse quickly. Hiei steadied the horse while Kurama got off. The redhead put a hand on Hiei's knee and looked up at him.
"I don't know when I'll be able to see you again, Hiei, but I'll try to get in touch when I can." Hiei nodded. Kurama smiled ruefully. "And Hiei…I'm really sorry."
Hiei raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
Kurama smiled again, a true smile this time. Since he was currently much shorter than Hiei, he grasped his hand and kissed the palm before letting go. When he turned to wave goodbye, Hiei had already started down the street.
Moments later, the heavy wooden door opened in answer to Kurama's knocking, and a maid ushered him in. "What can I do for you, sir?" she asked.
"Is Shizuru-san in?"
The young girl nodded and hurried down a corridor. Kurama waited patiently.
Shortly afterwards, Shizuru appeared, wearing a fresh kimono. "Kurama-san," she greeted him. "How are you?"
"Very well, thank you."
"Something I can help you with?" Shizuru scrutinized him carefully.
"Yes," said Kurama. "The offer you made yesterday—is it still open?"
The head of the geisha house blinked. "Oh—you mean my offer to make you into a geisha. Yes, it's still open."
Kurama took a step towards her. "I would like to accept it."
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In the heart of the city, Hiei had ridden back to the Republican Army headquarters to return the horse. He had undone the gear and hung it up carefully, rubbed the horse down and fed it, and he was on his way out of the stables. As he made to leave though, he was stopped by a small parade of five horses, all led by a familiar brown-eyed soldier.
Yuusuke bobbed his head, unable to use his hands to wave. "Yo, Hiei."
Hiei barely acknowledged him, attempting to get by the multiple horses, but Yuusuke persisted. "Hey, what happened back there in the woods? Who was the guy who was with you?" He pulled on the bridle of one of the horses, causing it to stamp impatiently and block Hiei's path. Hiei gritted his teeth and continued to remain silent.
"Yare, yare, always so mean. I just wanted to know what was going on." Yuusuke moved his horses to the side. "But you know, you should watch yourself around Karasu, even if you do hate showing respect."
Hiei paused as Karasu's words came back to him. "You'll find out in due time." He turned to Yuusuke, who was struggling to tie the reins of four horses to a stake with one hand. "Why?"
The other soldier looked up from his efforts. "Didn't you hear? Karasu's one of the big shot original leaders of the revolution. He started it and everything. I wouldn't piss him off if I were you."
Both boys looked to the entrance of the stables as the horses neighed, signaling the arrival of another person. The soldier's drab garb was a dull background for the wild mane of bright red hair and the bright blue eyes. The young man pointed to Hiei. "Oi, you're Hiei, right? General Kibano wants to talk to you. Says you're supposed to come up to his office right now." He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. "I'm s'pposed to take ya, so let's get going, okay?"
—to be continued—
Yare, yare- something like "Geez…"
Notes: One of the paragraphs in the beginning of this chapter was so hard to write that I must have spent two hours, off and on writing and deleting. At least it's all done now though. Oh, a little teaser: some of the objects and events in this chapter will come back into play in later chapters…if I can do a decent job tying stuff together.
One of the things that occurred between the writing of chapter three and four that made me happy was when I read Beyond the Face of Fear, my giftfic from kitsunelover. I was so worried that I wasn't portraying Karasu in an acceptable light, but after I read that, I felt relieved. Though I know that no matter how I write Karasu, Natatsu will still be pissed that he's alive and kicking at all. -.-