Disclaimer: I have no right to anyone or anything in the YYH World.

No Matter What

Chapter 4

The only sounds to be heard were the soft rushes of water from the nearby stream, a few birds singing and the heavy breathing of two friends who had just finished trying to kill each other. They lay on their backs, staring up at the slowly moving clouds, recovering from their injuries and wondering what, if anything, they should say next.

Hiei had come to Genkai's temple under the guise of needing Genkai's knowledge for a mission Mukuro wanted him to accept. However, his real reason was to check up on Yukina and just be around her for a little bit. It was a welcome surprise to find Yusuke at the temple as well. The toushin had taken up the habit of spending the summer months at the temple in order to train.

Needless to say, Genkai and Yukina were not surprised when Yusuke and Hiei disappeared into the forest to spar. And that's where they found themselves now. Hours after leaving the temple, they were bruised, exhausted, and happy.

Hiei lay there hoping that Yusuke would say something soon, suddenly not liking the silence between them and was relieved when he heard the toushin clear his throat, but he was not happy to hear what was said.

"Hiei….why won't you tell Yukina you're her brother?"

Hiei couldn't hide the shock he felt at his friend's abrupt and very personal question. What had prompted such a question? He turned his head to see Yusuke gazing at him with a sadness in his eyes that caused a tightness in his chest. I never want to be the cause of that look.

"What are you possibly gaining by keeping something like that from her? I mean, Shigure is dead so you're not obligated to keep your promise. So what's the hold up?"

Yusuke knew he was risking his friend's infamous wrath by asking such a personal question but he had to do it. For Hiei's sake. He wanted Hiei to be happy and even though his time with Mukuro seemed to have opened the reclusive fire demon up a bit, Yusuke didn't see it spreading to the important things in his life, like his sister.

Yes, Hiei was more tolerant of Kuwabara than before. But only if you considered that the number of death threats had gone down significantly. According to Kuwabara anyway.

He was also more tolerant of ningen things. He had dinner with Kurama and his mom several times, indulging in ningen food and discovering a love of TV. Kurama had told Yusuke how Hiei had stayed up all night and watched TV in their living room and had scared his mother the next day when she came downstairs to find him still there.

But for all his newfound patience and acceptance, Hiei still refused to tell Yukina he was her brother.

"She's better off thinking he's dead."

Yusuke sat up and glared down at the mask of calm that was Hiei. "That's bullshit!"

"Look, Yusuke…." Hiei sighed as he stood up, hating to get in an argument with Yusuke now, but knowing how stubborn the former Spirit Detective could be. He walked towards the stream, his voice low, warning of the potential danger Yusuke was in, hoping it would be enough. "Just because I value your friendship doesn't mean I won't kill you where you sit. This is none of your business."

Yusuke heard the warning in Hiei's voice but it only served to fuel the anger he felt. He stomped over to Hiei and swung the fire demon around roughly by his shoulders.

"Of course it's my business! You're my friend and I care about you! Why won't you talk to me about this? I'm sure you've talked to Mukuro about it! Why not me, Hiei?"

Hiei stared wide-eyed at the angry and hurt toushin before him. He's….jealous? Of Mukuro? He thought he understood Yusuke after so many years but he now found himself in unfamiliar territory. He had no idea what Yusuke was thinking. Hiei looked away from the demanding amber eyes, allowing him to pull himself back together.

"This doesn't sound like you're concerned about mine and Yukina's relationship, Yusuke. This sounds personal for you." He turned to face his friend again, confident he could hold the stare aimed at him. "What does Mukuro have to do with anything?"

Yusuke swallowed hard, unsure of how to proceed. Damn it! He's right! I sound jealous. His frustration with himself only served to make him angrier and he tightened his grip on the fire demon who seemed unaffected.

"I just….I just don't understand. I thought we were friends, Hiei. What's so special about her that you can share everything about yourself but you shut me out? Am I only good as a sparring partner to you?"

Both demons were now staring in silent shock at the other, bodies tense and minds racing. Neither could believe the words being spoken by Yusuke. They remained frozen for several minutes until Yusuke finally shoved them apart and walked away a few paces, turning his back on his friend.

What did I just say! Oh gods, this is bad! Why did I say such things! Even if that is how I feel, I should have never---

"You idiot."

Yusuke stopped his internal berating session at the sound of Hiei's voice. He whirled around and saw Hiei standing where he'd left him. But he didn't look surprised or confused anymore. He looked angry.

"Do you honestly think that the only reason I spend time with you is to fight? You're a great fighter, Yusuke, but I can find better in the Makai."

"So…?"

"So before you go spouting stupid remarks from that half-empty head of yours, think. I believe our history speaks for itself. And as far as Mukruo is concerned…." Hiei saw the blush on the toushin's cheeks and lost his train of thought for a split second. He really is jealous of her. "You cannot compare yourself to her. You both have very different, very important roles in my life. Do you understand?"

Yusuke just nodded.

"Good. Now that we've settled the matter, I believe it's time I leave."

"No, wait!" Hiei turned to see Yusuke reaching out, taking a few hesitant steps. "Why don't you stay for dinner? You could….you could spend some more time with….Yukina."

Hiei shifted and studied the nervous toushin. He saw nothing but sincerity in the offer and thought it might be better to end his day on a happy note and not the end of an argument.

"Fine. I will stay. For Yukina."

Yusuke just nodded and the pair headed back to the temple, choosing to walk and take their time. Both were caught up in thoughts of the afternoon's events and what it meant for their relationship. Just as they were walking up the temple steps, Hiei spoke in the barest whisper, freezing Yusuke in place and leaving him to watch Hiei continue into the temple.

"Thank you for caring, Yusuke."

To be continued……