Where is my happy ending?
I just want to take the time to honour my Beta reader, Marikalay, you are so great. Also my very extra special reviewer, Adalleria, and to my new reviewers and reading, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and sorry for the long wait.
Chapter 12
"Goodnight Hiei." He whispered before he fell asleep, and was sure he heard Hiei answered him, but he saw that Hiei was nowhere in sight. Smiling he drifted away.
Makai
"Always have to have it your way, ne Hiei."
"What other way is there?"
"Of course." She responded as he made his way beck the chair. He cleared his throat and looked at her expectantly. "Oh, yes, well let me see how to put this."
"Just spit it out." He commented as he stared at the ceiling in his now reclined position.
"Do you love him?" She asked as her piercing stare bore into the wall.
"What the hell kind of question is that." He continued to stare at the ceiling.
"As my commander in chief, you are required to answer me." She turned to look at him. She kept looking, wondering if he fell asleep in that position, until he answered.
"I don't have to do anything, so now I'm going to my room, and tomorrow I'm heading back to Ningenkai." His voice was calmed with a hint of boredom. His left hand slowly falling loose as it dangles of the chair, while his right was being held up by the table.
"I've realised that we don't have a strong relationship and my empire can be affected by that. Yomi's heir is his clone of a son for God's sake, and that friend of yours; he is great pals with Hokushin and all of Raizen's men. You and I, we were fine in the beginning, what happened, I feel adrift."
The immobile and utterly bored Hiei just asked, "So you're jealous, is that it?"
"Are you even listening?" She stared at the infuriating figure lounging on her chair.
"Barely. You bore me." He stated in a matter- of- fact tone. Looking at her, he decided to give her a break. The faster he answered her stupid questions, the faster he could leave.
"We are as we were in the beginning. I respect you for your past and present. Yes we can sympathise with each other because of the not so pleasant past we both possess, but why feed of sympathy. We've both had our closure, it is time for each of us to move on and bury the past.
"I don't know what you're expecting from me, but remember I am just your second in command because I defeated Shigure and those weaklings you sic upon me." He had to make sure she got it in that head of hers. As he was done, he resumed staring at the ceiling as if it was the most important thing in the world.
"I understand Hiei", she paused, then look down and seemed to be fascinated with her waist sash. "Do you love him?"
Taking a deep breath, and then pulling himself to an upright position, he looked at her in her eye and replied firmly, his face carefully expressionless.
"Yes, and I don't want you to spy on him any more, or me for that matter. You should get your own social life, so your HEIR can live in peace for once in his life. You deserve it too, so go find it." He spoke stressing on the word heir so she would not read into his caring side. He punctuated his last word by putting his two feet on the ground, and pulling himself upright in a standing position, arms crossed over his chest as he watched her.
"I'm happy for you Hiei." She was shocked that he knew she was spying on Kurama, but kept a stone face. With that, she turned away and walked towards her bed with an unexplained look on her face.
"Huh." Hiei was a bit shocked at her reaction, and it showed on his face as his mouth became slightly ajar. Collecting himself he jabbed his hands in his pocket, shrugged towards her direction and walked out of the room. 'Good, I'm finally out of that interrogation room.' He thought as he headed to his room, always hating the interior of the castle with its pinkish flesh walls and body parts hanging in various parts.
He entered his personal chamber, the only place in this fortress that made him forget that he was in Makai. The western style bed he claimed for his own was in the center of the far wall and boasted a large window to one side with a bench like sill, since he likes to perch on windowsills.
The room was decorated opulently, from the burgundy drapery designed to block out light and add privacy, to the bed sheets and covers, which were black and layered crimson. It gave the room more of a warm cosy feeling rather than dark and depressing, but then again, it depends on one's mood.
On the wall to the left of the entrance was a door to his private bathroom, which was stone tiled and accented with natural elements. There were two night stands on each side of the dark wooden framed bed, with only one having a picture frame hosting the snapshot they took after the Ankoku Bujutsukai. Each side table had a draw which was locked at all times. Swiftly pulling off his cloak, he draped it on the foot of the bed; he rested his katana leaning on the table, toed out his boots and fell back on to his soft and firm bed.
Getting under the covers, he lay there thinking about anything and everything. Then he heard something, thinking he was hearing things, he got up to a sitting position and look around in the dark to see if anyone was there. Then he heard the voice again but this time he made out who it was and what was being said, he smiled and answered back, "Goodnight, fox."
Lying back down, with the smile still painted on his face, relaxing more because of the happiness he felt in that little display which truly shows that love crosses all boundaries, literally, as he allowed sleep to overtake him in dreams of his fox.
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Waking up, he found himself on his stomach, lying diagonal on the bed, with all appendages spread out. He turned to the window and saw a few strong rays of light seeping though.
"Oh crap, it's late." He jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom. When he was finished with a hot steamy shower, he emerged soaked and butt naked. Going to his closet in the far right end of his room he changed into his blue tunic with yellow trimmings. Under he wore a baby blue shirt with his usual black pants with a yellow sash. As he tied the sash off, a knock sounded at his door. Going over to unlock the door he started.
"It's too damn early to see you." He said before seeing who it was.
"Good morning, master Hiei." Greeted his personal helper, Akiko.
"Hn, Akiko." He moved aside for her to enter. While she fixed his room, he sat on the window sill, looking out to the garden below, thinking how his Kurama would love to frolic in it, just imaging it made him smile. The fond daydream painted a tranquil and angelic expression across his normally forbidding features.
"Master Hiei, I'm finished." She said a few feet away from him, and bowed knowing she will be dismissed.
"Thank you, Akiko." He said with a slight nod, accepting her gesture. She smiled at that. She loved working for Hiei, because he was the only one who ever thank her and actually used her name. He never once left her alone in his room. At first she thought the reason was because he did not trust her, but it was to keep her company. He didn't pity her, just felt the need to make her job a bit more pleasant. Maybe all that time in Ningenkai did have an affect on him. He watched her leave, then got up, strapped on his beloved katana and headed out locking his room.
Almost out of the fortress, he was stopped, very inconveniently.
"So you wouldn't tell me goodbye Hiei?" Came the cold voice of Mukuro.
Not turning back to face her, he voiced his opinion to her question. "Why, in a few weeks, you'll just call me back. Just think before you do that again." His tone left no room for argument.
"We'll see, just have you communicator on." She snarled.
Not even consideration a reply, he just lifted his hands and made one wave and then rejoining his hands to his side as he continued on to Ningenkai. 'This was a waste of time.' He thought as he made his way to the portal.
Ningenkai
Upon entering Ningenkai, it took him a while to figure out where he landed. Good thing it was near the temple, bad thing, it was deep in the forest. 'Better here than Hokkaido, again.' He thought positively, because he had a strong hatred about going through that forest. Finally reaching Genkai's temple, he walked up to the temple with stealth, as he went into the gathering area.
"Hello Hiei-san, I was not expecting you back so soon." Yukina said with a surprises and happy expression on her beautiful face, red eyes sparkling.
"Hello Yukina, yes I know." He responded not sure what else to tell her, luckily, she didn't give him time to stall.
"Well that's great you're back, but you just missed the rest of the gang. Yusuke and Keiko went home, can you believe they're finally planning the wedding. And guess who will be their florist, Kurama, he does great work naturally, it's only fitting, oh and Kurama was here too, but he just left to go home to get ready for work." She carried on excitingly.
"Oh, well good for them." He tried to show that he did not care, but he didn't know Yukina new, and she did see his face soften when she talked about Kurama.
"Well, I have to go do some work for Genkai, so you can stay here if you like." She offered with a smile.
"Thank you", he bowed slightly, and watched her turn away to take care of her temple duties.
Soon after he fitted away towards Kurama's dwelling sanctuary, and waited for him to return for that dreadful job he insist to hang on to.
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Walking up to his house, Kurama heard the television was on. 'I know it was off before I left.' He thought; ready to take action if he needed to. Opening the door, he was surprise to see Hiei on the couch. Dropping everything, he jumped on him, not giving Hiei enough time to prepare, causing both of them to plummet awkwardly to the hard wooden floor.
"Hiei you're back." He said happily as he hugged him.
"Hn." But he was smiling and hugging back.
Puling away from him, Kurama realised something. "What are you doing here so early? I mean I am very happy, but Mukuro, why did she call you if it was just for a day?"
"That damn woman wanted to talk." Kurama raised a brow in curiosity.
"Why, couldn't she have spoken to you over the communicator?"
"That's what I asked her. She wanted to be difficult about it." He grunted.
"Then what did she want to talk about that was so important?"
"You."
"ME?" He was taken aback.
"She wanted to know the truth of our relationship. She voiced that she was fine, but I wouldn't put it passed her. I don't trust her." He said in a serious tone.
"Do you think we have to be on a 'Mukuro alert'?" Kurama asked cautiously.
"It's best if we are." He finished.
"Oh, Yukina knows about us." Kurama said, quickly changing the subject. It is never good taking about Mukuro. It always gave him a bad feeling.
"WHAT, WHEN THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN?" he looked as if he was going to lose his mind.
"Hiei calm down." Poor Kurama trying to help Hiei relax against the couch.
"She figured it out by herself. Genius runs in your family Hiei, what did you expect." Kurama chuckled.
"I wasn't expecting her or anyone else to notice anything."
"Well you two do have a connection whether she knows you're her brother. Apparently she picked up on it, and she is very observant. I believe it is alright she knows. She wants to celebrate because its a good thing."
"NO."
"But why. You know they will accept us." He whined.
"No."
"They're our friends, and unofficial family."
"NO." Hiei stated again, and Kurama was getting tired of the mono-syllable response.
"Kuwabara saw us going to the movies."
"N.... What!" Hiei turned to Kurama, but then was ready to jolt to go find Kuwabara.
"Ah no Hiei, you're staying here. Besides he didn't know the nature of the outing."
Hiei watched him, not believing but calmed down. Kurama then laughed at him.
"What the hell are you laughing at fox." He snapped.
"You, you're so cute when you get all rattled up." He continued to laugh.
"I'm glad I amuse you." He responded dryly.
"Awe cheer up, you're back, and I've missed you." He said with the latter part coming out a bit seductively.
That changed his mood. "I missed you to fox, even if it was just for a day." Leaning in to kiss his fox, he remembered something. "Wait, did you tell me goodnight last night. I thought I was hearing things, but I believed I did hear you."
"It was really you!?" Kurama asked, then nodded his head to answer Hiei's question.
"Yes."
"Its kind sexy, we have an inter-world connection. " Kurama said seductively, rushing against Hiei.
"What's up with you, fox? You're behaving as if you're in heat or something." He watched the fox.
"Hmmm, maybe I am. You never know." He teased.
"Don't tease me fox, you wouldn't like it." Hiei decided to play along.
"Are you sure on that? I'll like anything you do to me."
"I hope so, didn't you wanted to wait?" He asked curiously.
"Yes, but it doesn't mean we can't try other things. You know how much I love experimenting." He winked, then pulled Hiei of the couch and led him to the bedroom.
"Oh, freaky fox." But he was anticipating the action.
Three months later.
On the balcony, lay Hiei and Kurama, under a blanket, staring up into the night sky. It was becoming chilly, but this one of those nights that were seasonably warm.
"I'm surprised I haven't heard anything from that woman until today." Hiei said to his fox who was snuggled warmly against his chest.
"I'm glad. I want to believe she was really happy for you and took your advice."
"Well, I'll see tomorrow. She said it was a surprise." He noted dryly.
"If she keeps you longer than two days, tell her you have to be back for Yusuke's wedding." He reminded him.
"I don't think I'll miss the day Yusuke will no longer be single."
"Well they were happy when they found out we were together. I believed Yukina slowly prepared them. I told you there was nothing to worry about." He looked up into the face of his lover, only seeing sparking handsome eyes looking back at him with a softness that he was the only one to witness.
"You're so beautiful under this light, fox." He whispered, his deep voice that can sooth any broken soul.
"I was just thing the same thing about you." He responded in a smooth voice.
He leaned in for a kiss, taking the fox face in his hands, as he controlled it to become passionate and deep with all the feelings he possessed for this divine specimen.
After savouring each other's taste, they decided it was time to go to bed.
"Hiei, why don't we sleep out here?" Kurama asked feeling lazy to move.
"Fine." He said pulling the fox closer, as they snuggled together as sleep washed over them.
"So Hiei, you're sure, if anything you'll come back for the wedding." Kurama asked while preparing the flower arrangements for the wedding which is two days away.
"Yes, and why are you doing that now, wouldn't it become stale by the time they need it?" he questioned as he finished get ready to leave.
"Well I have other things to do, and I am just arranging them. I'll feed them with my ki to preserve them. Now go before we have to hear her complain."
"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow or so." With that he kissed his fox, lightly at first but allowed it to linger a while longer while rubbing not so innocently against Kurama, then pulling away.
"Oh you are evil." Kurama stated feelingly, both pleased and frustrated by the action.
"I know." He grinned, and then flitted off to the nearest portal, when the phone rang.
"Moshi-moshi." Kurama answered good-heartedly.
"Hey Kurama, how's the centre pieces coming along, Keiko asked me to call you about that. She has been running around so much these past weeks." Came Yusuke's voice over the phone.
"He, Yusuke, it is going well. I should be finished with it by tonight." He said putting the receiver between his ear and shoulders as he continued to arrange the current bouquet, while thinking about the best flower to add.
"Oh great, she'll love to hear that, well I have to go, she has me working for her." He whispered into the receiver.
Kurama laughed, "Don't worry Yusuke, it will be over soon." He encouraged.
"Oh where's Hiei, he left already, right?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, you just missed him. He'll try to make it in time for your wedding." He assured.
"Oh great. Well I'll talk to ya later."
"Bye." With that he got back to choosing amongst the multiple coloured tulips and the healthy looking orchid and hydrangeas to put in the current centre piece he was working on. Then the phone rang again, releasing a sigh, he answered it.
"Moshi-moshi." He greeted a bit dryly.
"Oh dear, is something wrong?" His mother asked gently.
"Oh Hi mother, no I'm just in the middle of arranging the flowers for Yusuke and Keiko's wedding."
"Oh, that's great. I was just calling to see how you were doing and to bid my Hiei bye before he leave."
"Sorry mother, your Hiei left already." He teased.
"Awe, oh well, I'll see him when he gets back." She giggled.
"Kaasan, I have a feeling you like him more than me?" he commented as he cut the stem of the orchid.
"Oh that's silly dear. I love you both the same." She tried to reassure her son.
"Alright, I'll take your word for it, for now."
Makai
Barging into the bedroom chambers of Mukuro's, he stormed in, just for show really.
"Alright woman, I'm here, what is so important AGAIN that you could not have told me with me coming here." He watched her with an irritated expression as he made his way to the chair, which he noticed was new, with a table that was actually neat with draws. 'Wow, someone was busy.' He noted.
"Well Hiei." She stared as he sat down, giving him all her attention. She seemed happy.
"Why the hell are you smiling?" He asked with a questionable look on his face, masking his curiosity.
"Well, I've been thinking, after our last encounter about what you said, and I decided to give you word a chance." She continued staring at him, proud, and not wanting to miss any reaction from him.
"Since when you listen or take heed to whatever I've said." He grunted, feeling a bit uncomfortable under her stare. It was weird seeing her so... so... happy and it was creeping him out. He watched her as she called someone on the communicator, and then got up to meet the person by the door, pulling the being into Hiei's sight, she continued.
"Hiei, I would like you to meet Kazuhiko." She finished as she pulled in hand in hand, a strappingly handsome, tall, muscular male demon, with dark black hair, grey slanted eyes, gorgeous bone structure, and great sense of style, as he wore a grey pants, a matching tunic with black lining, and black sash.
"Who is he?" Hiei asked shocked and then began wondering if this guy was going to take his place as commander in chief.
"Well, you told me to leave you alone and find my happiness, so I did. I went out to clear my head soon after you left. I wondered for days trying to figure out why I wanted you away from Ningenkai so much in the first pace. I realise that I wanted you to have the same feeling I did, because I thought I would never fall in love and I knew you were in love with Kurama. But then in a village I stumbled upon, I met Kazuhiko. He was a friendly to me at first and I thought it was because he knew who I was. He stated that he always admired me but he never thought he'd ever meet me nor had a chance to get to know me."
Hiei zoned out as Mukuro spoke, 'I can't believe she is behaving so giddy and love struck.' He came back to the conversation as she continued. "He also said he saw us fight in the tournament and was turned on by my strength and beauty. We are now courting each other." She stopped and Hiei was truly shocked when she blushed. Then Kazuhiko, touched her cheek, then kissed it saying something like, 'I meant every word of it, buttercup.'
Finally getting over his shock, Hiei finally smiled and spoke. "I'm happy for you Mukuro, and you Kazuhiko. She deserves it and I need not worry about her because if anything she can take care of herself." He smiled at Mukuro, finally giving her a genuine smile. Leaving her lover's side, she slowly walked up to Hiei.
"I'm sorry Hiei for all the things I've put you through, trying to keep you away from Kurama. Now I know how it feels, and I have to say, you're really strong for staying away from him as long as you have. Since I've met Kazuhiko, I can't stay away from him, or I began to miss him so much it overwhelms me. I'm really sorry Hiei, and if I can do anything to help you and Kurama in the future, you have it, and you officially have my blessings, along with the full rights to come and go as you please, well as long as you do what I really need you to." She grinned and moved forward to hug Hiei.
He was taken aback by her affectionate actions, with his hands stiff at his side as he enveloped him wide eyed, but relaxed and accepted the hug. It was weird because they never really hugged. In the tournament, that wasn't a real hug, he just stayed there, almost falling asleep because he released the dragon, but this was nice. Pulling away from him she returned to her lover's side and smiled.
"We are going to take a walk in the garden. Everything seems so beautiful now, as if my eyes, well you know, has been opened for the first time."
"It has Mukuro. Being in love seems to do that to a person. It makes you do crazy things like staying in a world you rather not be in." He confessed, and was rewarded with laughs.
"I Knew you hated it there, but Kurama made it all worth it, isn't that right." She asked, and he nodded with an embarrass expression. "Well we are off to our love garden. Please when you get back, tell Kurama I am very sorry for what I've done, and I hope we can get together sometime to mend and start over. Oh and I just need you to do a few things before you leave. Just check the folder in the draw." With that, she was gone.
Watching their retreating figures, Hiei shook his head. "Who would have thought...' He laughed as he went to see what he had to do. "Oh this shouldn't take long." He said as he fitted off.
Three hours later, and a little battered and bruised, Hiei walked to the nearest portal, and landed in Ningenkai, but where exactly.
"Awe crap, Hokkaido." He let out a long exasperated sigh. This time, tired and drained, and he landed here of all places. 'At least it will be the last time in a long time. Can't wait to tell Kurama.' he though happily, still shocked about the news he received from Mukuro herself today. If he heard that from anyone else, he would not have believed it, but he heard from her and saw evidence. It was unbelievable. 'I wonder what the fox would think.' He smiled as he picked up speed and headed south to meet his fox.
The end. Thank you for reading, ^_^