Epilogue
When I woke up, someone was stroking my head, kind of like being petted. Confused, I glanced up to see Hiei awake and staring out the window, one of his hands on the top of my head. He felt me move and looked down at me.
"Welcome back, Tera." He said softly. "You look awful."
I had been on the verge of smiling at him and confessing my love, but now…I pouted, glaring playfully at him. "I've been dead for a while. What's your excuse?"
He laughed. "I've been rescuing you from the dead. No thank you?"
I smiled and reached up to put my hand on his cheek, one of the only places that wasn't badly cut. "Thank you," I whispered.
He gave me a sweet smile, and caressed my hand with his. "It was worth it. Hey," He stared at me closely. I felt myself blushing. "Your eyes. They're different colors again. Brown and gold. Looks like you've got your powers back."
"Oh!" I said so suddenly Hiei jumped back in surprise. "I was going to tell you something, but I died before I could!"
Hiei frowned, but not in a bad way. "I'm listening."
I grinned. "I love you."
He looked like he didn't believe it. But then one corner of his lips tilted up in a half-smile. He leaned close to me, closing his eyes. "It's good to know."
**************
The sun was so fantastically warm as it fell on my face. I closed my eyes, lifting my head up to the sky. I felt a slight touch on my hand and opened my eyes.
Deep red eyes stared into mine. I smiled, twisting around my hand to hold his.
"Is something wrong?" He asked. My smile only widened.
"Of course not. Everything is too wonderful for words." I pretended that I didn't seem him roll his eyes at the cheesiness of it.
I knelt to the ground and placed a single sunflower on the grave. I wished I could have brought some incense and offerings, but I don't think Susano needed those things. I got to my feet just as Hiei dropped to his knees. I frowned at him curiously. He waved me off.
"You can leave," he said a little harshly. But he wasn't saying it to be mean. He was nervous...But about what?
I obeyed and walked a little further down the rows of tombstones, pretending to read the names. I perked up when I heard Hiei clear his throat to speak.
"Er...Susano?" He said awkwardly. If Hiei wasn't making such a serious effort, I would have probably laughed. I waited for him to continue.
"I'm...uh, Hiei. I'm a friend of Tera's...No, that's not right." His voice suddenly grew louder, more confident. I felt kind of jittery with excitement for what he was going to say. "Truth is, I'm in love with her. And she feels the same. I want to be with her and take care of her for however long she lives. Will you give your sister to me?"
My heart was thumping so loudly that I didn't know if I'd be able to hear anything else he said. But luckily he stopped, seemingly waiting for an answer. But nothing came. At least not to him. I closed my eyes and rocked back slightly as a premonition leapt into my mind. When it was done, I smiled and walked up behind Hiei. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and leaned over to whisper in his ear.
"He says yes. And I do, too."
Ever since Susano had died, I'd felt lost in darkness. But when I'd met Hiei, hope had started to grow, until it had become as bright as a burst of stars.
And now the man responsible for this was going to stay in my arms forever.
Sorry, guys. I couldn't think of a really satisfactory ending...If I think of something better, I'll change it.
Anywho, I hope you enjoyed the story! Sorry for not updating for so long. Thank you for your support!
Lark