A/N: Hello once again for the first time in an exceptionally long time, Audience.
No, we didn't die or anything. Frankly, it had become a huge pain in the butt for me to copy-paste a certain amount of text from GoogleDocs and then have to go back through and make sure everything was in the correct formatting as well as do a 'last time on' section and-
And I was not about that life so updating went to the wayside because it became too much.
Yes, we have continued writing on this fic though, albeit intermittently since we're older and busier, and have several hundred more pages (honestly, it's over a thousand pages _) that I can post at this point and it makes my paranoid heart feel better to have it in more places than just the one anyway, so I'm giving up on being all proper and having a certain way I do this and am just going to post the frikkin' thing. I think I've figured out I can download the document on Drive and then upload it here and have it keep all of the formatting (we're going to see once I post this chapter, I guess). While this particular chapter will only have like 13000 words or whatever, I'm just going to start mass-posting the documents we have as we have them, which means all 100 pages at once if FF will allow it, cuz I'm lazy and don't want to try and break things up in a way that makes sense anymore if it means that it's going to stop me from posting at ALL (which, if the past is any indication, it apparently will).
Also, screw rereading and correcting grammar and all that nonsense, you're gonna get the raw deal as it is when we type it up.
I'll probably still post the symbol guide at least for a while cuz all of that is basically continuing to be applicable and you can always just scroll past it real quick, so, here yah go!
Symbols Guide:
* : Written by CM; She writes primarily for Akari and Hiei
3 : Written by Star (supposed to be the 'heart' symbol, but FF doesn't like the 'less-than' sign, so it's a 3 instead); She writes primarily for Shikiyoku and Kurama
~!**!~ : A universal transition between scenes or characters, sometimes used to indicate a passage of time, but most often used to transition between major scenes that are happening. As the story progresses, this will evolve into mainly separating the (usually two) scenes happening between authors/characters.
As a general rule, anything in italics is thoughts.
Unless it's used in a sentence like this, which merely indicates emphasis.
(Words in italics and within parenthesis is dialogue between Hiei and Shikiyoku via the bond between them after Hiei became Shikiyoku's Consort. As soon as the 'thought' occurs, it can pass between them, and does not actually have to be formed into exact words-feelings and sensations can pass through as well-in order to be picked up and the meaning translated immediately by the other. For the sake of the coherence by the reader, words and sentences are used as normal. It cannot be picked up by telepathy.)
"Quotations are usually reserved specifically for telepathic dialogue being transmitted from one being to another, but sometimes this can also mean a character isn't being careful about what they're thinking and anyone with telepathy in the nearby vicinity can listen in without taking any effort."
The only exception to that last rule is for the Shiba Inu dog, Nabu. All of his "spoken" dialogue will be in italics and quotations, but is communicated through body language or dog-like noises, so unless a character is able to translate those they are unlikely to pick up on what he is saying any more than the average person might understand his general moods like aggression (bared teeth, ears back) or excitement (wagging tail).
The Nabu Exception also applies to anyone when they are in an animal form, if the dialogue is in italics and quotations, unless stated otherwise.
Akari found herself smiling at the demon who still sat across from her, a cup in her hands and poised in front of her face as if that would hide the gesture. She leaned back against her chair some more, staring over the top of the rim of her coffee at the man who stared back.
"Do you really think I'm kidding?" Her smile widened and his brows only rose more, disappearing underneath the bangs that hung in front of his eyes. Finally, he too smiled, his teeth glittering in the sunlight that filtered through the West windows. "That's too bad. You'd be a wonderful date."
Her eyes glittered at Yuuichi, "I get bored sitting in one place for too long."
"It's a good thing you're not a detective. Stake outs are the worst part of it all. Boring and quiet."
At some point, the conversation had turned to Yuuichi's 'stake out' moments, the best and the worst of them, and he'd told her everything about that particular part of his job. When she'd joked about how quiet it had to be to go alone, he'd said that it was better with dates, and that she would be welcome to join him at any time if she wished to.
She took a sip from her coffee. "How about this: you come up with a better idea, and I'll be here when you've come up with something else."
"Is that a yes to a date?"
"We'll see, Yuuichi. I'm not easily wooed, you see." She gave a wry smile.
His irises lit up with that thought that ran across the front of his mind, and she almost had a comment ready to fire his way about toning it down. "I've got plenty of tricks up my sleeve."
"All of which you've used on other women before, I assume."
His smile turned into a smirk. He didn't deny it.
Nice try, bub.
She opened her mouth to speak, but paused when she registered movement outside the shop, her energy telling her that a presence was mere seconds from stepping inside the shop. She toned her smile down a little, shifting to business mode, and lowered her cup to the tabletop. "You do realize you've been here all day?"
"The workers are rather captivating. I think I'll make this place a regular stop." He shrugged a single shoulder at her just as the chime on the door clanged noisily, drawing both pairs of eyes to the door.
Akari didn't even blink at the demon who stopped just inside the door, his eyes scanning the room until they found her. She didn't so much as hesitate to slide from her chair to stand, meeting his gaze as he strode right up to her with shoulders back and arms at his sides. The suit he wore made no sound, like the wings that protrude from his back in a relaxed position. She knew within an instant that he was not here for coffee, but on some kind of business or another, and likewise met his business-like demeanor with her own.
She hadn't noticed Yuuichi moving until he was brushing by behind her, a hand finding her shoulder as he paused. "Should you need me, I'm a call away." After she nodded once, he sent a glance at the other male before turning and finding his own way out the door.
Her attention was on the newcomer within a nanosecond, "What can I do for you…"
"Ryota," he supplied his name with a courteous bow of his head, the shock of black hair atop his head giving the slightest of ruffles. When he straightened, she noticed the sunlight bouncing across his hair in the same manner as it did the jet black wings that stretched just a little behind him, as if aware of her eyes. He met her gaze with his own steady one. "I'm to assume you're Akari, the owner?"
The canine demon gave a nod, "What can I do for you, Ryota?"
"I'm here for an interview."
Akari blinked, looking the demon up and down. She took in every stitch in the suit he wore, every button on the jacket of said suit, and the utter lack of dirt on the black shoes he wore. When she finally looked back to his face again, he was waiting patiently for her answer still. And to be honest, she wasn't sure what to say to this demon who had obviously overdressed for the job.
"Dress for the job you want," rang the memory of Botan's voice just the night before.
"And what draws you to this particular job, Ryota?"
He didn't even hesitate in his answer, "The people."
She waited for an elaboration on the subject, and found that he seemed a man of few words. "Well then, let's go to my office." She turned and lead the way back through the kitchen and into said room, leaving the door open so that if a customer were to walk into the store, she'd hear the door. She gestured to the chair in front of her desk, asking him to sit as she circled the L-shaped object and took a seat in her own office chair. Underneath, she kicked her heels off a little, just enough that she could rest her toes on the center of them when she leaned forward onto the top of the desk.
"Now, tell me," she began, watching him with curious gaze, "what experience do you have?"
He leaned back in the chair and crossed one leg over the other, his fingers linking together in his lap. "I've done it all, from roasting coffee beans to the book keeping you yourself are undoubtedly doing." He paused for a tick as if expecting her to interrupt, and when she didn't, he continued. "Though I must admit that I prefer the business side of it over the culinary."
Admittedly, Akari found herself intrigued. If she hired this demon- which she never intended to hire any demons in the first place- he would be an asset for the times when paperwork might get overloading. In fact, she had a feeling that once she was completely knowledgeable in her own job, she would need help with current partners, with the fundraisers and banquets they would ask her to attend, with the business side of it all. She'd never liked politics, never really understood them, and it would put her at a bit of a loss once those partners did start reaching out to her. It was her greatest disadvantage.
And it wasn't like she'd been trained on how to woo the necessary people to get word around about the management change. Hell, over the last two days, she'd heard back from only one of the handful of people she'd contacted, and it had been for an order.
"Tell me again why you want to work here?" She rested her chin on top of her clasped hands.
He took a moment to consider the question, carefully thinking over his response before he finally gave the slightest of smirks. "I enjoy business endeavors. This one has grabbed my interest, what with the recent management change. Tell me: have you ever hosted a banquet?"
Akari's brow rose, and he seemed to take that as her answer.
"Every year, one of your partners holds a banquet to bring awareness for nearby charities, and to reign in donations for his upcoming projects. The previous owners catered- whether it be cupcakes, cake, coffee, sandwiches- every seminar. In return, the shop gains business."
Akari nodded. "You've organized one."
His lips twitched again. "Naturally."
"And now you're here, instead of working for said partner. Why?"
Ryota's lips twitched slightly. "We had differing expectations for the budget. He overspent despite my warnings, and now is facing failure in the form of bankrupcy. He's already visited the Minamino corp in hopes for revitalizing, and has likely been brushed away by the CEO himself."
Akari's brow rose higher. "You're asking to be an accountant?"
"Mmm, you could say that. An assistant is more the term I'm geared towards."
Akari leaned away from her hands as she considered the demon in front of her. She looked him up and down once more, this time appreciating the effort he'd put into this visit and how it seemed to suit him for the position he'd wanted, for the position he offered. The position he was selling to her.
She couldn't see a downside to this one, if she were honest. He would be able to relieve Mimi from her post, and Akari would be able to have him teach her the things she would need to know before stepping into the world of business blindly. He'd be able to manage her budget, which she knew nothing about. He'd be able to do just about anything she tossed his way, and with a finesse that would be a great asset.
Ryota's eyes glimmered at her with a sort of patience that spoke more than any words he could have said in this moment. He was not daunted by her stare, nor did he react when she turned her head at him in scrutiny. So far, she rather liked the idea of taking this one as an assistant, except…
"You mentioned that you're geared towards the business itself. However, I'm really looking for associates to work behind the bar, to open and close, to bake and make coffee." She picked up a pen and began scratching against a notepad. "Would you be willing to do those things?"
There was rustling as he sat forward in his chair, "Of course. I'm knowledgeable in every aspect of this line of work, and more than willing to help in any way I can."
If she hadn't been sold before, she definitely was now. With a nod, she straightened herself in her chair, scratched a few more things on her notepad, then slid her feet back into her heels before she twisted the chair and pushed herself to stand. Her hands straightened out her shirt as she circled the edge of her desk and moved to stand in front of the demon, who had stood when she did. She looked up at him as if there wasn't a half-foot difference in their height, and held a hand out to shake. "It would be a pleasure to work with you, Ryota. I look forward to learning from you, and having you on my team."
He took her hand, his grasp gentle despite the seriousness that radiated from the raven. "I'm available immediately," he added as they released the shake and he gave a little head bow again. "When would you prefer I start?"
"Tomorrow morning will do," she answered with a calm smile. "Sunrise would be best. We'll go over everything then."
"Of course." He reached a hand into the small pocket on the front of his jacket, his head bowing a little so he could see the card he pulled free and extended her way. "My information, should you need me before then." When Akari took it from him with a thanks, he turned to the door. "I'll see myself out. Have a good evening, Akari."
"You too," she called as he turned to go. She eyed the card in her hand for a moment before turning and moving back to her chair, sitting and kicking her heels off entirely, and swiveling to the computer, where she began typing furiously at the keyboard. *
~!**!~
After the band performed for the first time at Shikiyoku's bar, they all of them agreed to allow her to manage them and found themselves climbing higher and higher in fame. Though they still returned to her place once a week in order to play a show, as had been arranged.
Shikiyoku never did dance after that first time, but neither did she ever have to.
Any opportunity she could get on such nights, Misaki would approach and attempt to engage in conversation with Hiei, regardless of his current state, save when he was most obviously engaged with his guild in business.
There were more times that occurred where Shikiyoku had to leave the bar even after Hiei returned, for she and Kurama were beginning work on a couple of large mergers and her presence was required for the early groundwork.
"Well, what do you think? Livable? At least for the time being?"
Shikiyoku followed smartly after Kurama as he lead the way into their hotel suite-which really seemed more like a large apartment-that had been booked for the duration of their stay. It was the first step in a series of what would be a long journey in what they had devised, and it required at least two weeks here.
"For the time being." She allowed, adjusting her glasses and looking down at the clipboard in her hand.
Kurama smiled and moved back towards her, "You know you're not going to be able to keep your head in the clouds quite so often with this case. You will have to be as engaging as I, if not more, in order for this to work." He reached out and tipped her chin upwards so that she would look up at him.
She raised an eyebrow, a slight shimmer moving almost imperceptibly across her eyes, but a smile did briefly move across her lips, "And until such time as is needed, I shall continue to serve in the capacity as I always have. Sir."
Kurama released a breath of good-humored impatience.
"How I wish you would take your hair down once in awhile, dear one. Or at the very least more often."
"Never while we're in public, sir."
He leaned closer to her, "And are we in public now?"
Shikiyoku only gave him the same look and took a step back to hold out her free hand, into which a runner who seemed to have appeared from nowhere, placed a note.
Opening, scanning it, and closing it again, she gave him a nod and he left.
Kurama gave her a curious look, but she only sashayed passed him, "If you'll excuse me, sir, I have a letter to write." 3
After his initial reason for being pulled from the bar days prior, Hiei allowed himself time to find a reputable contractor on the First Level and the Second, in hopes to clear up the ever-growing pile of jewelry sets that were still scattered along his workbench and even in new display cases. And even with Shikiyoku promoting them and selling his jewels to any who asked of them, it seemed his desire to make the sets was greater than the desire of any onlookers to buy from the pair. The fire demon seemed to enjoy them all the more each day, and especially on the days where Shikiyoku left on business with Kurama- something that had been happening more frequently of late.
It hadn't been long after Hiei had signed a couple of contracts before he'd been pulled back into mercenary work with the guild again, running the layers for this silly task or that one, dealing with whatever it was that his group didn't seem capable of handling without him.
Between the contracts with jewelry sellers, the actual trips with his guild, and the time he set aside to work on yet another side project with a friend, it had easily been a week since Hiei had left the bar the first time. It had been a week before he grew too restless and was unable to stay so far from Shikiyoku any longer.
He ran the levels alone this time, his guildmates already having parted ways with him two days prior. His mind was blank, his feet taking the same route as always, his movements all auto-piloted.
When he crossed to the First Level, he turned the same direction as always, ran to the bar and even walked through and all the way up the stairs before he realized there was no Shikiyoku inside the walls. Not really phased, he simply waltzed through to his jewelry room, set down a little pouch that contained a jewel and his next project, then turned and retraced his steps.
He didn't get far from the door to the apartment before his name was called, his second in command pointing to a demon at the door who, without much more than a hello, extended an envelope and took off in the direction he came.
Hiei's eyes scanned the letter, the envelope forgotten on the bar, and then again turned and went up the stairs, retrieved several items, and made a run out the door.
With the bond as his guide, the fire demon ran until he was standing at the doors of a foreign hotel, his eyes looking up at the higher-most windows as if he considered climbing the side. The city was not a familiar one, and going through the front doors would lead to dealing with foreign people.
And really, it seemed more entertaining that way, running up the building.
So that's precisely what he did.
He got a running start, and within mere seconds, was climbing his way into one of the open windows of the hotel, which also smelled strongly of Shikiyoku and Kurama. He landed on the carpeted floor, his hands checking his pockets carefully before he even decided to survey the room. *
Mind buzzing still with the meetings and interactions of the day, as she stared down at the clipboard in her hand, Inyoku absently let herself into the suite, scanning her notes and going through her mental checklist.
So far, everything was going exactly as she and Kurama had planned, but she wasn't one to rest on her laurels simply because a task seemed easy. She had so far gotten a good assessment of those involved, but they still had one other to contend with that had yet to actually arrive, and unfortunately that was the wildcard which would make the entire deal most interesting.
Feeling movement in the air more so than hearing the pair of feet that alighted on the carpet, as Inyoku moved a few steps into the room just passing the kitchen counter to her right she looked up and pressed her glasses further up her nose, seeing almost across from her Hiei scanning the room around him.
Stopping dead in her tracks, she stared, the frown that had already been in place as she read her papers staying firmly across her forehead even as a single eyebrow lifted itself over the frame of her glasses.
"Excuse me?" 3
Once satisfied with feeling his pockets, crimson irises began scanning the room, initially overlooking Shikiyoku and satisfying himself with memorizing the setup of the apartment, the placement of every object within his line of sight and, after a moment, realized just how expensive such living places would be simply for the decor around this room alone. Once he was fully satisfied with memorizing this and that, and a voice broke the silent atmosphere, Hiei turned his gaze to the woman who'd let herself into the room, and who was frowning at him in a manner that made him wonder if she'd forgotten that in her letter, she'd mentioned that he was welcome to show up but that she'd be busy.
He took in the glasses that framed her eyes and the way she had her hair tied up- not a strand out of place- and the way she stood. Her fingers were curled around the clipboard, which somehow seemed to tie in with her business attire much like an accessory would, and not something to actually be utilized.
And even from the distance between them, he could see that the heels she wore put her at least at his own height, if not taller than he himself was.
Despite the things he took in, and his thoughts on the entirety of her appearance- none of them less than admiration at the change- his expression never changed from the passive neutrality that was natural to him. Not even when he replied, "there's no excuse for you." *
Being still so immersed in the nature of her position, and the amount of respect, or at the very least tolerance of her role, inherent to her daily interactions when as such, Inyoku's other eyebrow rose to join the first as her head tilted just far enough so that she nearly glared at him over the top of her glasses in a sort of look that Kurama had teasingly told her made him feel as if he had for some reason acted out in school and been caught by the worst teacher possible.
"Is that so, boy?" 3
Hiei stood upright with hands in his pockets, eyes staring unwaveringly at Shikiyoku, taking in the glare that she sent with a small spark of amusement. It would have been more convincing if he hadn't known her, probably. In his eyes, all the fire demon could see was an odd front. A mask, really.
Or maybe….
Hmm.
A part of him thought briefly on Toriko, but he recognized that it was not the same as that. Similar, but yet so different.
"Your stare lacks conviction," he replied after a moment, turning and closing the little space between him and the nearby couch so that he could sit, crossing one leg over the other and resting his elbow on the arm and chin on his knuckles. "You're the one who sent the letter in the first place. If you'd not wanted me to be here, you'd have explicitly said as such." he turned to look at her for a moment. "Where's the ring?" *
Inyoku's eye twitched slightly in agitation and she closed them both, briefly clenching her teeth together.
"Your presence here could easily blow our cover. It was not my intention for you to show up in broad daylight and scale the building where anyone could see."
Letting out a silent sigh as if that might in some way relieve her of the irritation, Inyoku opened her eyes and began moving off towards the room across the way to her right, starting to shuck her jacket and shifting her purse and clipboard around in her arms.
What ring? Her thoughts were still swirling with the same ire at his obvious flippancy, but almost before the thought even formed, the bond within her swirled with his presence for what felt like the first time in ages-though any length of time apart often felt like an eternity-and the thumb of the hand that currently wore Kurama's gift fiddled with it affectionately as she disappeared through the open portal into the bedroom beyond.
"In the bar." She replied, her voice raising just enough to extend into the other room as she moved about, tossing her blazer onto the smooth bed and reaching up to begin removing her earrings. 3
At the answer he was given, Hiei's lips twitched- though into a frown or a smirk, he wasn't sure. The gesture never completed, and again his lips rested in neutral as he raised a hand in a sort of shrug. "My speed is enough to keep from being seen."
He got comfortable again, and it wasn't until Shiki was in the next room that his brows finally furrowed and his lips pulled down a little, her answer to the whereabouts of the ring he'd given her a bit of a disappointing one.
Because he could have worked on the ring back at the bar, and brought it to her as a surprise.
Damn.
"You're enjoying the business," he commented mildly, the bond momentarily warming with a spark of content at her. "It suits you in a way that the bar couldn't."
It's not to say that he didn't enjoy the bar, or that he thought she was better suited for what she was currently doing. It was just.. Different. A different side of her altogether, it seemed.
And he didn't get to see it.
What a shame. *
"Technology is advancing, Hiei. Your speed matters little anymore in such matters as these. There are things nowadays you cannot sense that can see you as easily as they see me. You're lucky this room at least has already been swept clean." Thanks to Kurama. "The majority of the world is still unaccepting of our kind and we have to be careful."
Glasses set atop her head, as Inyoku reemerged from her room, little else had changed, though she reached for the long sleeves of her blouse as she crossed into the kitchen and unbuttoned the wrists in turn, heels clicking smartly against the tile as she transitioned from the carpet and then moved towards the refrigerator, opening it and leaning over to look inside.
Did she enjoy the business?
She'd never considered it before. It was simply a thing she did. She was good at it. There was little difference between the politics of court and the maneuvers of a business. And since she and Youko Kurama were the first demons on the level to, so far, delve as deeply as they had into the business world, they were better at it than anybody else. But underneath all of it, she only did so because it had all started out as a charade in which she could nurture Kurama from whatever twisted place he had been festering. Her role had changed over time, but- Did it suit her?
Hiei had it right in any case that it was a completely different station for her than the one she assumed at the bar.
She'd suddenly forgotten what she was looking for, a thoughtful expression on her face as she gazed without seeing into cool shelves and bins within the fridge. 3
Hiei's eyes followed the woman who waltzed through from one room to the other, not responding to her words simply because he knew that she meant she and Kurama had to be careful, and not necessarily he himself. Or maybe she meant all of them; he simply saw it less dangerous for himself since it was hard to miss someone such as he, what with his hair and eyes and the tattoos and-
Oh well.
He'd just have to remember that for next time.
"You're just staring," he said after a moment, the bond lifting with his amusement. *
Blinking and drawn back into the present by both his words and the brush of him within the bond, she stood and let the door close itself, turning away to go stand almost leaning into the counter, crossing her arms and this time turning her stare at something more productive.
"I'm sorry I've been so busy lately." 3
The sound almost became a verbal one. It rumbled at the back of his throat for a millisecond before he halted the gesture altogether, where he instead simply breathed out through his nose.
The bond, however, didn't let his pffft remain to himself.
"Says the one who has waited weeks during my own guild-centered trips." He didn't mind if she was busy, especially since he himself seemed to be disappearing more and more for longer and longer of late. However, the pair never seemed to miss a moment together, and that was what kept him content: the fact that when they were both around, they spent that time with the other before being pulled away again.
"If you want to take part in a business, you do that."
Just keep coming back and everything will be fine. *
Shikiyoku's shoulders slouched even as her nose raised up into the air so she could let out a huff of air, her eyes closing as started to move towards him and simultaneously let out the closest thing to a whine she had voiced in weeks.
"But I miss you." She plopped down next to him on the couch with a rather royal pout, slumped slightly forward over her knees and reaching up to absently check her hair without realizing she did so. 3
Hiei's head tilted to one side, his eyes watching every move she made until she was seated next to him. He shifted, sliding his left leg from his right until both feet were on the carpet and he was better able to turn to face her, a hand grabbing at her wrist and giving a small tug.
"You're too far away," he complained, the smile on his face contradicting the stern tone he used. (If you miss me so much, then come here, woman.) *
Lips twitching as if she were not already starting to grin, Shiki in turn circled the fingers of the wrist he held around his and stood up, circling to stand in front of him and giving him her own tug.
"Then we'd better remedy that, hm?" The bond swirled with her wish to retire instead to her own bed, a vastly more comfortable option than the couch. 3
Shikiyoku's fluid motions to stand was all the hint he needed to know what she wanted, before even the bond told him her intentions. He waited, though, until she did actually tug at his hand before the fire demon finally moved to stand, his pockets making a small noise of metal against metal before settling.
But that sound wasn't what had him going still in front of the woman who he'd been teasing a moment ago. It wasn't the reminder of the jewelcrafting items in his pockets that had his expression going to a sudden neutral and his mind giving a moment of silence in first confusion, and then a small oh.
It was the fact that for the first time, he was looking slightly up at her. That without her 'pain form', Shikiyoku was standing a few inches taller than usual, taller than he, and somewhere he remembered that he'd considered the thought upon first seeing her enter the room.
Externally, he only stared at the other in the room as if he held no thoughts, no emotions, nothing of worth to contribute to the previous conversation or their destination or anything in general.
Internally, he was a mess that had no idea where to even begin.
Except for the thought of why does she do this to me? *
Shikiyoku had reached up with her free hand and started removing the enchanted pins from her hair when Hiei stood and made a strange sort of clink sound as he did so.
Distracted momentarily by the noise, which did lower Shikiyoku's gaze and change the timbre of her expression into questioning, when she looked back into Hiei's face her curiosity changed into a different sort as her head tilted slightly to the side at the strangeness in his focus.
And all at once a third aspect interrupted her flow of thoughts as she suddenly felt a cold wetness land on her ear, and then cheek, and then when she glanced around she saw the flurries winking into existence, tiny snowflakes almost too small to see becoming blips in the air that, when they fell against her skin, almost immediately disappeared, leaving behind only the tiniest droplet of water to betray their ever being present.
Her eyes flitting around and catching sight of these anomalies while she contemplated the meaning behind them, Shiki suddenly looked down into Hiei's face once more and a sudden thought dawned on her that had a somewhat wicked half-smile pull itself across her lips.
Peering purposefully down at Hiei to further emphasize her current advantage-she made a mental note for consideration of any future prospects for him in regards to height-Shikiyoku leaned a little closer to him, feeling those strands of hair which she had freed before becoming distracted brushing against her cheek as she stood over him.
"Something wrong, little fire?" 3
If he'd had an answer, Hiei didn't supply it for her. If there'd been a single thought that might have been turned to actual words, he never let them have even the slightest chance to be made into verbal words. If he spoke, he was almost certain it wouldn't be coherent in any way.
He did, however, suddenly remember his dragon, and what it had said of Shikiyoku upon meeting her.
"Pretty lady!"
That, coupled with his own thoughts of how attractive she suddenly seemed to him- and perhaps always had been, without his direct notice of it- and the look that came to Shikiyoku's eyes…
He blinked once before he found himself slowly leaning further away, as if perhaps the distance would help his sudden lack of thoughts and control over whatever was going on. And even still, he supplied no answer. *
The little snowflakes momentarily swirled faster around their shoulders before falling silently once more, belying Hiei's lack of response.
Shikiyoku did not miss his body language as he did go ahead and lean away from her, and it made her eyes flash as she shifted her chin slightly to the side before she murmured:
"Too close?" It had not happened before. She very lightly clicked her tongue as if in admonishment, but searched his eyes for a moment before continuing: "You haven't the faintest idea of what close truly is, flame boy."
Releasing her hold on his wrist, Shikiyoku shifted to begin moving away. 3
For a moment, a brief second, the fire demon considered speaking, considered giving a short rebuttal to her words. His brain, however, seemed incapable of creating any such words to give her, to respond with other than the stare he was already giving her. Instead, as she let go and turned away, he simply kept his hold on the other, unable to actually tell her that he didn't want her to let go either.
And he followed after her in an almost robotic fashion, his brain slowly rebooting and his thought processes coming back to life now that she wasn't staring at him.
He, however, did continue to stare at her. *
Fully having expected to leave Hiei behind, as Shiki reached up to continue removing pins from her hair, she found as she meant to take strides away from Hiei that when she tried to move the hand that had just released him up to assist, he had not let go, and instead took a step in her direction.
She paused, looking back at him with an unreadable expression to see him staring, taking another step and seeing him follow suit.
Lips more successfully resisting a grin this time, she inquired, "Can I...help you?" of him in a slightly sardonic manner. 3
He hadn't really taken direct notice that Shikiyoku was not actually still walking, really. He simply let his feet mimic hers to follow her steps. So when she did turn to look at him, the fire demon realized all at once that she didn't seem to expect him to follow her.
You're the one who wanted to go to bed, woman.
Hiei gave a small scowl, his brain suddenly jump starting and all thought processes resuming as if never having paused. Instead of verbally responding, however, he took the steps around her and took to leading her towards her room anyway, the bond alive with this is what you wanted, right? *
Having an almost painful time not teasing him about what was apparently an attraction to individuals of a taller kind, Shikiyoku let slide the matter and allowed Hiei to pull her in her original direction even as she reached up and finished removing hair pins and palmed them away for the moment, fluffing her hair as it fell back down around her shoulders and seemingly ignoring him even while he led her away.
(Well...) She allowed. (...it isn't not what I want.)
Any opportunity to have her Consort in her bed was not a wasted opportunity, certainly. Even if he hadn't the faintest idea what she actually meant by the phrase.
She sighed in the confines of her own mind.
A pity, really.
She made no attempt to disguise the fact that as they stepped into the other room she was letting her eyes roam over the figure he cut, able to picture most agreeably the physique she knew to be hidden beneath the dark cloak that was still clinking quietly with his steps. 3
The sensation of eyes watching was not lost on Hiei as he gave a small pause to look over the new room they'd entered. He simply filed it away, a part of his brain wanting to analyze it while the other part simply wanted to lay down somewhere.
With Shikiyoku.
Because damn it, you've been too far away for too long.
He left Shiki at one side of the bed so he could all but plop down onto the mattress himself, turning on his side to watch her expectantly. *
When Hiei let go of Shikiyoku, she paused in place, watching him with the same calculating gaze as he took in the room around them before she spoke quietly as he lay down and turned towards her.
"...I'm glad you came." She stood meeting his gaze, a soft smile gently resting over her features. 3
A small moment passed where Hiei only stared, the expression on Shikiyoku's face enough to have him savoring the moment as if it would never happen again. He looked her up and down, again noting the lack of necklace and ring, and the replacement of such jewelry with other kinds.
And while he would have normally been upset, for now, he allowed himself the time to just appreciate the woman still standing at the side of the bed, the smile she offered him, and the emotions in the words she spoke.
Finally, his own lips gave a small twitch.
"I've missed you too." He extended a hand, asking her to come closer, to lay with him and just be for a while. *
(Gladly.)
As Shikiyoku reached up to fluff out her hair, she closed the distance and placed her hand in his own, her expression warming as she let him pull her down next to him, completely absorbed in his expression and enjoying the sensation of her skin as it started to buzz pleasantly under his gaze, scalp prickling as her energy hummed through her veins with the happiness of finally being with Hiei once more. 3
He definitely liked this Shiki more than the one that had greeted him when he'd been perched on the windowsill. This one was warmer, more loving. More inviting. As he pulled her close with the hand he held, he took in the sight of her hair ruffling about her shoulders with a quiet sense of awe, entranced by her in her entirety.
Saying he missed her was almost an understatement.
As was the thought of merely wishing she would be his mate.
(Nice suit.) *
(Ehh..)
Following Hiei's gaze down the length of herself, Shikiyoku shrugged a shoulder.
"It's functional, I guess." The dark blazer had been discarded for the moment, but the white blouse, black pencil skirt, and similarly colored stiletto heels were fairly typical of her outfit in this particular job.
She stretched her arms above her head and rolled her head a little to combat a kink in her neck, careful not to knock the glasses that were still perched atop her head from where they sat. 3
As his eyes travelled up and down her frame, the fire demon was reminded again of the heighth her heels granted her. Amused at the thought and a little taken by it, he remained silent, suddenly unable to come up with something to talk about. He likely wouldn't have been able to say anything anyway that didn't directly relate to how he, for some reason, enjoyed the outfit she currently wore. He could only comment on it so many times before she'd get bored and walk away.
He tugged on her hand again.
(Come closer.) *
Shiki gave a pleased sort of chuckle, smiling and feeling her energy freely skittering through her limbs as she slipped her glasses off her head and turned back for a second to place them safely on the bedside table before wiggling her way further down the bed until she lay on her side facing Hiei and eye-level with him, not caring if her hair was wild from being up in a bun all day or how her blouse had come untucked somewhere in the middle of her movements.
(Close enough for you?) Her eyes gleamed at him. 3
(Not in the slightest.) The tone in his reply was teasing, pleasant, and satisfied. If it had manifested in a physical form, the words would have been accompanied with a smirk of some kind, and a brighter gleam in his irises. (You're never close enough.)
Hiei kept the hand he held resting between the two of them, on the top cover, with fingers twined happily. The other arm reached over to rest on her, his hand finding her shoulder blade and beginning to work muscles there. *
Shikiyoku's eyes flashed briefly at his comment of her never being close enough, knowing he meant it but managing for once not to come back at him with a comment that someone like Kurama might have gotten from her.
At the moment, she did understand what he meant. They had not seen each other in a long time and now that he was back she found herself craving his closeness.
Her eyes relaxed until they were semi-shut as he moved his fingers over her muscles and she let out a breath of air that seemed to release more of the tension built up over their separation.
She made a noise of appreciation before murmuring, "I could always come closer." 3
Or we could stay like this.
The thought flew by faster than he realized, nearly slipping from his lips without much thought on the matter. It made his lips twitch a hair and a small breath escape his nostrils. It was quite the appealing thought.
"I'd never turn you away," he replied teasingly, his fingers finding a particular spot on her shoulder that bulged a little abnormally. "It's an appealing thought." *
"You wouldn't?" Eyes completely closed now, it was instead her smile that gave away the inaccuracy of the surprise in her tone. She made a noise of appreciation as he continued working at her muscle. "I hadn't the faintest idea you felt that way."
Her free hand moved from where it had been resting down her side and found what was somewhere approximately near his waist, difficult to determine given he still wore his cloak, gently laying her arm over him. 3
While he continued to work at her shoulder, Hiei observed the expression on Shikiyoku's face, glad that he was finally able to see her again, and to see the way her expressions changed from one thing to another. After all, the closer she was to him, the happier he felt.
She in general made him feel content.
"So, why the sudden business trip?" he inquired, genuinely curious. As far as he'd been aware, there hadn't been a business trip before this one.
Plus, he didn't exactly know what business his friend ran. *
Shikiyoku immediately scoffed and her eyes opened to roll upwards, "The entire situation is completely ridiculous."
She settled further onto the bed after that moment, admitting with a grumble, "Extremely important, but ridiculous nonetheless."
Wanting to actually move closer to him, Shiki remained where she was, afraid he might stop rubbing her shoulder if she did.
"It's...sort of the culmination of months of preparation and talk that will hopefully result in a successful merger of-" Shikiyoku stopped and opened her eyes, making a semi-quizzical, mostly apologetic face, "Are you sure you really want to know about this? It isn't very interesting. Just a giant political courtship ritual where we've been invited to a dance by a shy but confident partner who has also invited every other eligible company in the running and so far we've spent all of our time giving him chocolates and telling him how wonderful he is only to have him give everyone equal attention even though we both know who the best match is."
A whoosh of a sigh left Shikiyoku's lips.
"It's annoying as hell and would make for an amusing storyline. But I wouldn't want to bore you with the intricate details." 3
For a brief moment, Hiei thought that the situation was one he'd seen before, that he'd experienced it before with the very person talking on it - minus the business endeavor side of it. The thought left just as quickly as it had come, forgotten in seconds and replaced with pleasant ones.
His lips twitched at her, the bond quivering for a second with something akin to amusement and admiration.
"Sounds…" Not so fun. "Busy." *
Shiki gave him another apologetic smile, "This last bit sort of happened all at once. Completely unexpected. I didn't realize you'd be back so quickly. I thought maybe we'd be done by now, but it's just dragging on and on." She gave him a whimsical sort of grin, one of her eyebrows lifting for a moment. "And I had such plans for us too." 3
Hiei felt the bond transfer his internal scoff at the concept of not getting to whatever plans Shikiyoku had had for them. Along with the scoff was the impression that he didn't quite mind the change of venue for them, that he didn't quite mind the bed they lay in together or the time they would spend together between her work and his own plans.
"The only place I'm going from here is the bar. Or home. Whichever happens first." *
"Without me." Shikiyoku teased, lips fighting a smile. "What travesty."
"Yoku-" Kurama appeared suddenly in his business suit and took a few steps into the room towards the bedside, his eyes looking down at bottle of wine he held in his hand until he stopped moving, looking up and seeing that she had turned her head abruptly to look at him, Hiei next to her in bed. "Hiei. What a pleasant surprise." He gave the fire demon a charming smile, and then realized what the Consort's presence meant and his eyes widened a little.
"I apologize, Consort." He raised his free hand at Shikiyoku as she made a move as if she might rise, seeing in her face that he had taken her completely off-guard by barging into the room apparently unnoticed up to the moment he entered, "No, I do not need you, Yoku. Only to try this and it is not as important." He spoke to Hiei again, continuing where he left off, "We had not projected this to take as long as it has or I would have had her back to you sooner." 3
Hiei opened his mouth to respond taunt for taunt, but his lips sealed a half second before another voice entered the room, almost surprising the fire demon that had not been paying attention to their surroundings. At all. Need to work on that.
His eyes lifted to the redhead that had entered the room, a neutral expression painting his features and leaving no thoughts to be read from the planes of his face. "Kurama," he greeted with a nod, his grip on Shikiyoku tightening ever so slightly when she acted as if to stand.
He hadn't expected the fox demon to turn from the familiar greeting to the more formal sort of apology that had come from the other. He blinked once, as if acknowledging the apology. He wasn't sure he enjoyed the formality.
"Business is business," he replied calmly, saying he understood. "It takes time." *
Shikiyoku lay half-turned towards Kurama, not fighting Hiei's grasp, but remaining taut as if she might need to rise at any moment, her eyes watching the other with her usual assessing look.
"Unfortunately." Kurama replied dryly. "For all our planning, we cannot take into exact account the stubbornness of our prey." He smiled again, "I am glad you accepted her invitation to visit. She may hide it well, but she suffers when you are not near."
"Kurama." Shikiyoku said as if the fox had revealed a secret she had meant to keep hidden.
"It's true, Yoku." He gave a sort of shrug and lifted his hands a little. "I'm sure he knows it as well as you." His eyes gleamed briefly at her, "I will have you try this for me later." He nodded to Hiei, "Thank you again for coming, Hiei. Your presence is most welcome." 3
A small smirk momentarily danced across Hiei's face, first at the apparent distaste for the stubborn nature of the 'prey', and again at the banter between Shikiyoku and Kurama - as if she'd thought that somehow her Consort would not know how she felt a majority of the time, and that she would not feel his own in similar circumstances.
(You can't lie to someone in your head, My Jewel.)
He turned his eyes back up to Kurama, not really sure when he'd turned away. He gave a short nod of appreciation and thanks, his expression flattening out again.
"May your prey come to its senses soon." *
"For your sake, as well. We will continue our efforts in convincing it that we truly know what is best." The gleam turned slightly more wicked and he nodded at them again.
Shikiyoku suddenly stiffened and then all at once was standing before Hiei could stop her, closing the distance between herself and Kurama and plucking the bottle of wine from his grasp.
"I'll take that now, thank you." She said flippantly, peering challengingly up into the redhead's face, who even with her heels stood several inches taller than she. "And let you know what I think."
Kurama chuckled, but did not protest, losing the strangeness from the earlier moment and only giving her a slight bow, "Make sure your beloved Consort tries it as well, assuming it's good. I'm quite certain the both of you deserve a drink."
He left the room, Shikiyoku standing staring after him. 3
There was disappointment in the bond when Shikiyoku managed her way out of Hiei's arms and away from him entirely. There was a moment of irritation that Kurama had pulled her away somehow.
But then there was a sort of calm, as if he'd brushed it away. There was utter silence, as if he'd told himself to not let anything pass in regards to how he felt of the situation, conflicted or otherwise.
There was a pause in his very breathing as Kurama left the room.
Because only now did the fire demon fully appreciate the outfit she'd chosen for her line of work. Only now did her hair, still shining in the light of the room, capture his attention entirely and lead his gaze from her head to her toes. *
She could feel him moving into the room beyond, over to the counter in the kitchen, the rustling of packaging and what she guessed were at least two other bottles being slid into their refrigerator for cooling.
She stood conflicted for a moment, the look that had been in his eyes a dangerous one for sure, but-
Surely he is smart enough not to meddle. He would do nothing to ruin what has been so long a stalking. They are nearly within our grasp.
All this talk of prey was even making her thoughts sound strange, but she had not seen him slip like that in a very long time, so she could count it as progress?
She stepped towards the door, bottle lowering to her side as she kept moving, reaching out to tuck part of her hair behind an ear before that same hand went to grasp the doorknob, though she gave another pause before beginning to close it. 3
Hiei's eyes trailed the frame of Shikiyoku again, his gaze lingering a little longer in certain places than the first time he'd looked her over - the movement of her walking away taking hold of his interest and keeping it there for no small amount of time.
The bond seemed to nudge at him a little, for some reason forcing his gaze to move back up to the back of her head, to the hair that flowed down her back and the hand at the door that she'd begun to close.
A single thought crossed his mind, but he shoved it away for later.
(He'll be fine. It's Kurama.)
There was a beat where his eyes flickered downwards for a second again before returning to her hair.
(What's in the bottle?) *
The door clicked shut in front of her, but she hadn't moved, staring down at her hand still curled about the knob.
She didn't realize her pause until she felt Hiei's assessment drift over their bond and it made her blink a couple of times.
That's precisely what I'm afraid of.
She turned back, hand on knob moving to hip as she held the bottle out so she could read the label before blinking and looking up at him, head tilting to the side and a smile or something fighting its way across her lips.
(Are you...watching me?) 3
Hiei met the gaze that found his own, a brow raised as he waited for a response, and instead was met with a question for him as well. One he almost wasn't sure if he wanted to answer.
His brow raised higher.
(Obviously. What's in the bottle?) *
(Really.) She couldn't remember that having ever happened before and it drew one of her eyebrows further up her face.
She completely ignored his attempt to change the conversation, lowering the bottle back to her side and knowing perfectly well exactly what her stance and clothing did for her.
Well, I guess he was going to figure some things out some time. The fact that he's even looking is nigh-on miraculous.
A very small part of her protested with a huff of 'took you long enough.'
(Well, I suppose you wouldn't be looking if you didn't like what you saw.) She moved with ease towards the vanity across from the end of the bed, flipping her free hand through her hair to move it behind her shoulder as she practically strutted over and placed the bottle on the dresser.
There was a large, oval mirror set over the middle of the dresser that reached half again the way up to the ceiling and she stopped in front of it, back to Hiei, starting to unbutton her blouse from the top.
(You're welcome to sit around in that cloak of yours if you want, but I'm going to make myself slightly more comfortable.) 3
Several thoughts brushed by the front of his mind, all of which unsure of what to do in the sudden moment. Of course she wouldn't let him change the subject. Why would she, when this one was more fun? More interesting? More-
Hiei let out a breath from his nostrils, something akin to a sigh and yet also similar to a huff.
(I rather like my cloak, thank you. Very comfortable.)
….When I'm not laying down.
Damn woman.
He sat up all at once, pulling his arms from the sleeves and removing the cloak from his person, as if wearing it made his skin burn all over.
(...but it is rather uncomfortable to lay in.) *
(Of course it is.) Shikiyoku replied rather factually. (Especially when you're carrying all that stuff around in your pockets.)
Without hesitation she slipped her blouse off her shoulders once she got it unbuttoned and tossed it atop the vanity, turning back to Hiei still in her skirt and heels but with the white, tank top-like undershirt tucked into her skirt as opposed to the blouse.
(Better?) 3
He'd almost forgotten the things in his pockets. The tools, the jewels, the metals, he'd forgotten all of it. Even as he gathered the material into one hand, the items clinked together noisily as he reached across the bed and tossed the cloak to the nearest surface, quite satisfied when nothing fell from those pockets.
He returned to sitting upright with eyes roaming Shikiyoku's back as the blouse slid along her skin before she carelessly let it fall to the surface of the furniture she stood at.
He met her gaze when she turned to face him, and he gave a short nod at her.
(Much.) He held his hand out to her again, asking for her to come close again.
(You're too far away.) *
(I suppose I could come closer.) One of her eyebrows lifted cheekily as she started to move towards him, thought better of it, and turned back to where the bottle sat innocuously on the vanity nearby, sweeping it off the counter and heading his direction to take his hand as she stood over the bedside. (If you insist.) 3
She made him impatient. Very impatient.
He wanted nothing more than to lay down, to get over the weeks they'd been apart and how taxing it was for such a distance to be maintained. He wanted to spend time with her before it would be time for her to leave him again for work, or vice versa.
Not that he planned to go anywhere. He had a ring to remake, and-
Oh, right.
(Where's the ring and necklace?) He looked her up and down, noting again the new piece of jewelry that she wore on her middle finger of her left hand, its intricacy and rather sleek design.
It was something he suspected of the person in the next room.
Mine will look better.
He blinked the thought away, the bond warming with his curiosity. *
Shikiyoku stepped up to him with a moment of pause in looking at the bottle in her hand, realizing that she did not technically have a means with which to open it.
She looked up and blinked at Hiei, her thumb immediately fiddling with the ring she currently wore as she reached up and absently attempted to do the same with the tear gem that should have been at her neck.
(At the bar. Do you want some?) She tilted her head in question and lifted the bottle just a little. 3
Hiei felt a bit of confusion at the prospect of the gem and ring being stored away in the bar, his brain conjuring an image of her taking them off to replace them with the ring she wore now and the outfit she donned.
A frown nearly touched his lips.
He looked her up and down again, as if that might tell him why she would do such a thing.
He wasn't sure if he wanted to ask on it or not.
(Only if you're partaking in it as well.) *
Shikiyoku's face twitched for a moment, feeling something almost unhappy from him but unable to quite catch it.
(Of course.) Her eyes gleamed. (What better way to celebrate so long awaited a reunion?) She could think of a few things, none of which she would actually suggest.
She turned and sat down on the edge of the bed, reaching over to the bedside table's drawer and opening it, retrieving with an affirming noise a wine bottle opener and subsequently beginning to employ it. 3
A new warmth spread from his side of the bond, this one of amusement and happiness at being where he was, in this room, with this person. He watched as she began working at opening the bottle, his eyes taking a bit of a gleam as his mind continued to stay on the thought of the jewelry not being worn, of Kurama never being mentioned to him, of a lot of things, really.
But he wanted to enjoy the moment. Not ruin it.
But, he couldn't work on a ring that was not present, after all.
(I want to make changes to the ring.) He admitted to her within the bond, obviously not having heard what she'd replied with. (While we're here and you're working.) *
(Oh?) She had heard him, but gave her attention momentarily to opening the bottle for them, sounding distracted in the bond and discarding the trash of it to the bedside table. (You don't have to do that.)
The cork came out with a satisfying sort of pop, which Shikiyoku removed from the opener itself, gathering the trash from the little table and replacing the bottle with it, putting the opener in the drawer and then standing to take the few steps and throw all the trash away. 3
Hiei's brows rose a little at her, his eyelids closing for a minute to envision the idea he'd concocted only a few days prior to his return. The idea sparked a sort of warmth in his core at the idea of beginning to atone for what he'd done. For how he'd treated her and how she'd cleaned up after him.
It would be a vow and an apology wrapped into one.
His lips gave the tiniest twitches of a smile, his eyelids coming open again.
(Yes I do.) *
(If you say so, fire prince.) Shikiyoku turned back to look at him seated on her bed. (But you do not need to stay here. I would feel terrible leaving you all by yourself. And I am sure my time in this room will be limited after tonight.) Her lips gave off the barest hint of a pout at the last thought. 3
The bond resonated with a sort of huff. (As if I'd be anywhere else.) He mentally shrugged at her, as if the thought had never crossed his mind. (I'll just go to the bar in the morning and get the ring, work on it here. It will be done by the time you are back.) *
She came and sat on the end of the bed facing him and resting her hand on it, shaking her head. (You'll need me to get to it. It's under a sealed cover that only I can access.) 3
This time, the frown actually reached his lips, pulling the corners down as if she'd just spoiled his whole day, all of his plans. Mentally, he protested. However, he was also rather glad that she'd gone through such measures- not that he had thought she'd leave them where just anyone could get their hands on them.
(Then let's go get it.) He met her gaze for gaze, determination flashing there. (it won't take long. We'll be back before you're even missed.) *
(Hiei!) She protested with a gleam of amusement in her eyes. (I can't just play hooky. We're halfway around the world right now. And if you get me back, you'll convince me just to lay around together and heaven knows how long we can do that.) She nearly rolled her eyes, her lips twitching with unaired laughter. (I am currently at the corporation's beck and call and cannot just leave on a whim.) 3
For a moment, the fire demon felt a bit despondent at the response he'd been given, as if he'd fully expected her to answer differently, and it reflected in the way his lips briefly turned downwards at the corners. His eyes ran around her profile, partially wanting her to be kidding but knowing that she was in no way doing so.
And before he could stop it, the little thought he had slipped through the bond and was tinged with an emotion he didn't quite understand.
(If you'd been wearing it, it wouldn't be an issue.)
He blinked once, realizing immediately that it had passed by, and he sat back against the headboard of the bed.
(Why aren't you wearing them anyway?) This time, there was nothing accompanying the inquiry except for the genuine curiosity. *
It suddenly dawned on her that this wasn't just some whim.
And since when does Hiei have whims anyway?
She remembered that he had talked about wanting to make an adjustment to the ring before, but given that she considered the thing perfect as it was, it was difficult to imagine what 'improvement' could be made.
Her expression softened, wanting nothing more than to sidle up next to him and kiss those pouting lips, and she crawled up the bed towards him to snuggle up next to him as he sat, resting her head over his left collarbone and letting her forehead lean against his neck as she let her reasonings pass between them in the bond.
(I am sorry, my Consort. I know you meant for me to wear your gifts all the time and I would never intentionally do something to offend you. But I thought it safer for you and me both if I did not wear them when serving in this capacity. I am supposed to be seen as human and either of your precious gifts would most decidedly announce that I am not. And I was equally afraid what with all the publicity that someone unsavory might see either the ring or the necklace and be resolved to take them from me.)
At some point while she had been talking, her hand had come up to trace around the marking over his core still hidden by his tank top and at the last she rested her palm against it and stretched her face up to kiss what she could reach of his neck.
(Can you find it within yourself to forgive me for not doing as you asked?) Her expression was a right, proper one of remorse, her eyes big and glassy and her features peppered with the sort of contrite manner only someone like her would be able to perfect. 3
The change in her expression was enough to dispel most thoughts on the matter for Hiei, his eyes watching every pore of her skin move until they rested into the expression she painted before moving out of his direct line of view. When that happened, his brain defaulted to soaking in the warmth of her skin against his as she settled, and then it was her frame against his.
His eyelids slid closed as the bond translated her emotions and thoughts into one understandable stream. His chest rose a little higher at one point, and then that breath was released in a slow exhale that was meant to rid himself of whatever had taken hold of him for that brief moment before.
Technically, he'd never asked her to wear it day in and day out. Really, all Hiei had ever asked of Shikiyoku was to keep them safe, and she definitely was doing that.
And her reasons were understandable ones too.
He made a small sound at the back of his throat.
(There is nothing to forgive, my Jewel. They are safe, and that is all I ever asked of you.) *
(I suppose by the letter of law...) Shikiyoku blushed a little as she always seemed to do when he called her his jewel. (But I'm fairly certain the original understanding was that it was upon my person that they were to be kept safe.)
She smiled, enjoying his natural fire-demon warmth as she lay against him. (If you are truly set on working upon the ring and not finding another job to undertake while I am indisposed, I will make arrangements so that we can go retrieve together within the next day or two.) 3
Hiei took mental note of the extra warmth that found him after his nickname for her and he wondered to himself if that had ever happened before. He let his shoulders relax some more, his rear sinking further into the mattress he sat upon and an arm sliding up and around her shoulders. His lips twitched upwards for a split second before settling neutral again. (Understanding is different than agreeing upon something.)
As she went on, he tilted his head ever so slightly towards hers, his cheek finding the top of her head eventually.
(If it would not hinder your progress here, I would like for that to happen.) *
Grinning now and thoroughly enjoying his presence-and realizing just how much she had missed him-Shikiyoku gave the slightest incline of her head in response.
(Your desire is my command, Consort. A command which I am quite delighted to fulfill.) After all, how often was it that he actually expressed a want for anything? (Though truthfully, I will make for certain my progress is not hindered. I wouldn't be any good at my job if I didn't.)
She gave a little sigh. (I wish I could show you around the city. There are some fantastic sights to be seen. And more than a few establishments whose food you would enjoy.) 3
Hiei's side of the bond warmed with a sense of pride and cheer, something his face did not convey in any way. (I would never doubt your abilities, my Jewel. It would be unsightly for the Consort to not believe in the one he is bound to.)
At the thought of food, he realized that there was something he wished to partake in once more with Shikiyoku, but at another time and another place.
(And when we are back to the proper side of the world, let's have Sweet Snow.) *
Shikiyoku chuckled a little.
(Perhaps not during this upcoming venture, but I agree it is a delicacy which we have not partaken of in far too long. And neither is this.)
All at once she sat up, took his face in her hands and planted a giant kiss on his cheek before turning away to the bottle of wine sitting on the bedside table that she had all but forgotten about, completely forgoing on glasses for once as that would have required her to leave the room, and passing it to Hiei without taking a drink herself, busying herself removing her heels. 3
At the thought of being on the correct side of the world, he also thought briefly on how long it had been since the two of them had spent a night in her actual house instead of the bar, where it was just the two of them and a television.
Then again, it also reminded him that it would be odd not seeing a particular cat there- something he also hadn't thought of in quite some time.
Out of instinct, the fire demon stretched a hand out and took the bottle from Shikiyoku's outstretched hand, took a small sniff at the bottle and deeming it drinkable before actually partaking in it.
He only let himself have one mouthful before he lowered it to his lap, his eyes watching hands that pulled shoes from feet.
(The wine is good.) He turned down to look at the label. *
(Is it?) Shikiyoku replied absently, unstrapping one heel and working on the other. (It ought to be.) She quickly followed-up. (If it wasn't, it would frankly be rather insulting.)
Other shoe now off, Shikiyoku wiggled her toes as she took the pair of heels and dropped them unceremoniously off the side of the bed, reaching to take the bottle from him, her eyes twinkling. (Though I'll make sure not to mention exactly how disrespectful we were in our methods of taste-testing it.) 3
Hiei made a sound somewhere between a scoff and a laugh. (No one actually takes gifts like this and drinks from the glass unless the giver is there with them.) His fingers released the bottle as she took hold, his hand falling to his lap.
(Though I would not be against tasting a strawberry one of that brand. It would likely do well.) *
(You'd be very surprised, Hiei. Humans are...peculiar at best.) She took her own taste, at first a smaller one that she actually swished around her tongue for a moment, doing as Hiei did and taking a second look at the label before turning an amused eye towards him but trying not to grin.
(I sincerely doubt you would be adverse to anything, should it taste of strawberries.) 3
(Only the best drinks will ever be savored in such a way.) He replied to her in regards to 'respectfully' drinking a gift. (And even then, a drink is meant to taste good, not look pretty.) He glanced the bottle over once more, rereading the label before looking to her again. (So far, nothing strawberry has given me a reason to regret trying it. Therefore, I will continue to have my fill.) He gave a short nod, as if he'd just said something no one else in the world knew. *
(According to the humans, a drink such as this one should satisfy all five of their senses, only one of which deals with taste. It should not only look pretty, but have an appealing scent and a pleasant texture on the tongue. And before they partake, they have this tradition of clinking their glasses together so that they may also 'hear' it too.)
She looked thoughtfully at the bottle, a murmur of 'such strange creatures' permeating the bond between them.
At his last comment, and with the most minor of skin-prickling energy starting to buzz through her, a comment slipped from her near-smiling lips, her eyes teasing and coquettish though she did not look at him as she lifted the bottle to take another drink before she could stop it, "Oh that I tasted of strawberries..." 3
Hiei completely spaced out for a few moments as he considered the thought of all five senses being stimulated at once. His eyes inspected the bottle still in her hand while he recalled the taste of the liquid. He imagined what it would look like if he poured it into a clear glass, and he thought of its scent.
He was so focused on those things that he almost missed Shikiyoku's comment, and even when it registered, it took yet another moment for understanding to dawn upon him.
At which point he raised a brow at her.
(You already smell of them. And with scent being linked to taste…)
Both mentally and outwardly, he shrugged at her. *
(I suppose I'll just never know.) She admitted, taking another drink and somewhere within herself amused at Hiei's response, which seemed so factual in comparison to her rather intentional flirting. But his reply certainly fit with past performance on the matter. (And even in some twisted scenario where there were two of me and I kissed myself, I feel as though I would actually taste nothing anyway.) 3
Hiei reached out and took the bottle from Shikiyoku's hand, taking a drink from it and lowering it to his lap as if keeping it to himself. His head tilted to the side at her, his brows both disappearing underneath his bangs at her commentary.
Her rather… bizarre commentary.
And the image was even more so.
(You….) Are odd. Strange. Perplexing. Confounding.
(...what will I ever do with you?) *
Hiei's confusion at her was rather enjoyable, she had to admit. He made the most adorable faces when she had truly baffled him. And in truth it just made her want to kiss him, but so did most things these days.
She only raised a single eyebrow at him, her expression otherwise giving away none of her actual thoughts.
(I could think of a few things.)
And before she tempted herself further within his proximity, she began to rise and leave him by himself on the bed, bending to pick up her heels where they had fallen. 3
Hiei continued to stare after the woman as she began to move away, his brows still raised and his brain conflicted between stopping her and letting her go. He took another drink from the bottle before he turned and planted it firmly on the nightstand on his side of the bed, then turned towards Shikiyoku again and grabbed her wrist. He tugged her backwards, deciding not to let her get too far this time, until she was up against him as they had been before.
(As could I, now that I'm thinking on it.) *
She heard the quiet rustling behind her as she stooped to sweep the straps of the heels into one hand, but she hadn't really thought Hiei would try and stop her.
Dammit, I was trying to get further from you, not closer. She thought as she found herself suddenly pressed to him once more, fiddling with the straps in her one hand.
(Is that so? You seemed so unsure before.) 3
Although he could feel the tension in her shoulders and arms, Hiei didn't even loosen his grip on Shikiyoku for a moment. Instead, he grabbed the heels from her hand and let them fall on his side of the bed, taking away her fidgeting outlet so he could actually scooch the both of them down until they were laying, facing one another.
His nose found her hair and his eyelids slid closed.
He'd missed this so much.
(Well, this will do for now.) *