Chapter Preview: Shiori's imagination is in overdrive, brewing up the very worst interpretation for every action, word, and nuance, until a few more pieces of the puzzle are mercifully given to her by an outside source.
Rating: This story is rated T for Shiori's continuing (and worsening) misconceptions
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or its characters
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Chapter 2: Enlightenment
That he had managed to enter the room without my notice does not surprise me, what does is the dark red rose he has held, blossom down, at his side. Without acknowledging my presence in any way, the figure turns his back to me and removes his scarf and what I now know was merely a cloak of some sort. He must have been outside in the rain;both are sopping wet.
Appearing to be at compete ease with his surroundings – as though he actually belongs here! – he takes his time arranging the soaked articles over the back of Shuichi's desk chair. There is something odd about that, something in his mannerisms that I feel I should be able to puzzle out, but the harder I try the further away the answer seems. Stop trying; it doesn't matter. All that matters is keeping Shuichi safe!
Underneath his cloak, the mystery man has on a small sleeveless shirt, worn-out with fraying edges and black like the remainder of his attire – though his belts are white, as are the bandages that cover almost the entirety of his right arm. Perhaps Shuichi – or Hiei – tired to fight back?
He holds out the rose to me with his injured hand. What kind of sick joke is this? After it becomes obvious that I have no intention of accepting, he speaks – impatient to be rid of the flower as though it were a chore instead of something he had chosen. "I didn't retrieve it just so it can wilt in his bedroom." The top of the stem bents to the side so that the blossom is facing the ground and the petals are limp, but the vase on the nightstand is empty, and I won't leave Shuichi just for a dying flower – especially one bought for my son by some creep. Seeming to sense my thoughts, he attempts an explanation. "I did promise." Is that what you were whispering to him so I couldn't hear? Promises of flowers? Disgusting. He pauses for a long moment before continuing. "When his life hangs in the balance…"
Those words, 'his life,' echo in my mind with such force they drown out the end of his sentence. He's insane! How could he possible threaten Shuichi's life over an unaccepted gift? A single flower no less! And the way he said it… so nonchalant! Like he was speaking of the weather instead of a human life. If you're going to take your anger out on someone please let it be me. Don't blame Shuichi for my actions. Don't hurt my son. Please!
I take the rose, afraid of further angering him. I have to do something now, before things get any more out of hand – I cannot allow him to become violent – even if it means leaving my son alone with the madman while I call the police. My mind races as I try to think of a more acceptable plan, but nothing comes. So under the pretense of getting water for the flower, I pick up the vase and slowly back out of the room. My heart is pounding loud enough to give me away, but all of the intruder's attention is on my Shuichi.
Once in the hall, I sprint to the kitchen, set on putting my original plan into action, but as I begin to dial the number, the phone rings. I physically jump and a short startled cry leaves my lips before I can stop myself. I answer, hoping the stranger didn't hear. On the other end, a soft feminine voice greets me. "Hello, is this the Minamino residence?"
"It is." The curt reply serves to intimidate the girl.
I consider hanging up on her but she soon continues. "I'm so sorry to bother you this late. I am Yukina, a friend of your son. Could I speak with him or Hiei, please?"
Why would anyone call here and ask for Hiei? "Hiei is not here."
"I…don't understand. Kazuma said the two of them were nearly there by the time he and Yusuke caught up. You don't think something might have…delayed them, do you?"
What is this girl babbling about? Though she appears to know more about tonight's events than I do, nothing she says makes any sense. Hiei came home with my son?...So I was right; Shuichi was worried for him. The predator upstairs must have been watching them, perhaps for some time. It would make sense. How else could he have known about my son's affinity for plant live? The more information I receive, the more disturbing the situation becomes. I've always recognized that my son is far more pretty than he is handsome, but... How long has Shuichi had this stalker? And tonight he must have seen them coming back from wherever they were and…attacked? What if Hiei needs help? What if he needs medical attention!? NO! I don't have time to worry about him, I have to take care of my own son first. I continue out of the need to return to my unconscious son.
"Well, my son is sleeping in his room."
"Oh, if that's the case, I am sure Hiei will return soon. Please hold on just one moment." Background voices from the other end of the line become louder as the girl questions the occupants of the room she is in. When she returns to the phone, the relief in her voice is evident. "He probably just went back for Shuichi's rose. For some reason, Hiei had promised he would. He wouldn't break his word. But don't worry." The girl giggled lightly. "Hiei has very quick legs and he won't leave Shuichi for long. He'll be back before you even realize it. Please let him know when he returns that I am ready if I am needed."
The phone is slipping from my grip, so I murmur my thanks and goodbyes just before the receiver falls to the floor. In a daze, I set it back on the base where it belongs, my plans for calling the police shattered as realization of the situation sinks in. Hieibrought my son home. Hiei promised to retrieve my son's rose. Hiei will return before I know it. But that is completely impossible!
Focusing on the rose, I fill the small vase with warm water like my son taught me, and set the dehydrated flower in the container. I begin my assent upstairs. Perhaps the man upstairs saw Hiei with the flower and... No if that were the case, how could he have known the story about the promise? The exact same story the girl on the phone told. The only way for everything to fit together is if the man in my son's room is Hiei.
I enter the room quietly to find the young man gazing out the window, studying the moon. Wait...moon? There are a few clouds in the sky but its clearly not raining. Yet, on the chair…his clothes are still in the process of drying out. How is that possible?
I set the vase down just hard enough to alert the man at the window to my presence. He may mean no harm to Shuichi, but I'm still convinced he has a lethal capacity. The katana is proof enough of that. That's if he truly is Hiei, and there is only one way to confirm my suspicion.
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Author's Note: I was afraid I might have over done it a bit with Shiori's misinterpretation of Hiei's motives, but I just couldn't help it! She's so worried that she lets herself believe whatever her brain tells her is the worst scenario…hmmm, reminds me of someone I know (my mother). Thank you for reading. Chapter 3 should be up within a week if not before.