TheHeartsPath: Time for the third chapter! Sorry if Hiei is a bit out of character. Hope y'all like it! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of its' characters. They are owned by Yoshihiro Togashi. I own only Ayla, her family, and any other characters that do not show up in the series.

"Talking" Thoughts ~Telepathy or mind-reading~

Chapter 3: Conversations

Hiei's POV

I had sensed someone with unusual energy near Kurama's human home a few days ago. The energy was different from most humans so I had decided to keep an eye out. To see if there was a threat or not. I had discovered last night that it was the girl that the unusual energy was coming from. I had left earlier today to check on Yukina at the temle and to make sure that fool Kuwabara didn't try anything. So by the time I got back to Kurama's it was evening and the human family that had moved into the house next to his was visiting.

I discovered that the fox had taken the girl with the strange energy to his room. So I waited in the tree outside his window, listening to their conversation with the Jagan. I didn't know how long they had been talking since I had only arrived while she was threatening Kurama if he hurt someone named Gwen.

She sensed me while I was outside waiting for Kurama to be alone. That was surprising considering not many humans can sense me unless I let them. She moved away from the window and Kurama came into view. He opened the window saying, "Come on in Hiei." I jumped from the tree in which I had been sitting into Kurama's room and stayed standing near the window.

I hadn't gotten a good look at this human female when I first arrived outside Kurama's house. So now that I was in the same room I was able to get a better look at her appearance. Her hair was an auburn color that made me think of sunrises and sunsets. It was cut short which I found surprising seeing as how most females are obsessed with their hair. Maybe she practices martial arts and that's why it's cut short.

Freckles covered her face, but not so many that she looked diseased. She had glasses that were small so that they didn't take up her face. Brown eyes were behind the glasses. I could tell that wasn't her natural eye color and that she was wearing those 'colored contacts' that humans seem to be fond of. Why is she hiding her real eye color? Humans, never happy with what they are given. From what I could tell she was taller than me, but only by a few inches.

What she was wearing surprised me, since it wasn't something that anyone would consider flattering. She was wearing blue jeans and a blue t-shirt, both of which were rather loose so her figure couldn't be easily discerned. I found this confusing since females, whether demon or human, are always trying to attract males by wearing clothing that is revealing. She doesn't care about her looks so she wears loose clothing? Yet she cares about her eye color enough to hide the real color. Makes no sense.

I noticed that she was blushing enough to rival Kurama's hair. What the hell is making her blush like that? I wondered. It was then I realized that she was looking me over just as I had been her. So I'm the reason she's blushing. Interesting. She shook her head and started mumbling as she stared at me and I couldn't help but smirk. "Damn, being that good looking should be against the law. As well as having eyes that beautiful. Hell, he's the perfect example of a woman's fantasy of a guy that just screams dangerous...I wonder what he looks like without a shirt on." She blinked and shook her head and did something that surprised me. She slapped herself saying, "Stop that Ayla."

Kurama was chuckling at this point and I was still smirking at what this girl had said out loud without realizing it.

She looked at the fox. "Something funny?" she asked.

I could tell Kurama was having a hard time containing his amusement. "Just a little amused at your reaction and what you thought of Hiei." Kurama replied.

With her eyes widening she asked in a startled tone, "What do you mean what I thought? You're not a telepath too are you?" What does she mean by too? Does she know someone else who is a telepath?

"No, no, I'm not. Hiei is though."

She turned to me and started to say something but I cut her off, "I didn't listen to your thoughts onna." Her right eye twitched, my guess was she didn't like being referred to as 'woman.' "You said what you were thinking quite clearly even though you were mumbling." I said with a smirk.

She realized what I said and groaned, "Ah shit. How much did I actually say out loud?"

"Only from what you said about 'being good looking being against the law,' all the way to when you slapped yourself and saying 'stop that' to yourself." I replied taking great pleasure in her embarrassment.

She blushed and looked away from me and Kurama rather quickly. I couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction and neither could the fox. It's so easy to embarrass her and her reactions are amusing.

She cleared her throat, distracting me from my thoughts. "Well I doubt Hiei would just be sitting in that tree outside your window without wanting to talk to you about something important Shuichi." So she only knows Kurama's human name, not his demon one. "So, um, I'm just gonna go back downstairs to the living room and wait for dinner to be done. Have fun chatting." she said all of this quickly before walking to the door at a fast pace.

Just as she reached for the doorknob, I couldn't help but ask in a smug tone, "Afraid to stay in the same room with a 'dangerous' man?"

She stopped and looked at me, speaking in a serious tone that I had not expected from her. "No, I'm just embarrassed. Besides, I doubt you'd want someone in the same room while you talked to Shuichi about whatever it is you want to talk to him about. So I'm giving you guys some privacy to chat."

I could only blink at her. She had surprised me again. This time with what she had said. She looked right at me and said that without blushing. How the hell can she be utterly embarrassed one moment and completely serious the next? This human female is strange...in more ways than one.

Again she started to leave the room, but Kurama called after her, "Ayla."

"Yeah?" she replied, looking at the fox.

"Don't forget a book to read." he said with a smile.

I suddenly felt angry with Kurama in a way I never had before when he smiled at her. What the hell is wrong with me? I thought pushing it away to figure out at another time.

Blinking for a moment or two she then spoke, "Oh...oops. Forgot about that." Great she's absent minded too, just like the oaf and the detective.

She walked over to the bookshelf, looking over what was there quickly. Her eyes lit up when one caught her attention. I raised an eyebrow at her choice. Japanese Mythology? So she's not a total idiot like most humans.

"If you don't own that book you can borrow it." Kurama told her.

"Really?" she asked excitedly.

I smirked, I couldn't help but be slightly amused at her reaction to Kurama's offer. She must like books almost as much as the fox to get that excited over one.

Chuckling Kurama replied, "Yes really."

"Awesome! Thanks, I'll take good care of it." she said going to the door and opening it. "I'll come let you know when dinner is done kay?"

"Alright, thank you Ayla."

"No need to thank me. It's the least I can do since you're letting me borrow this cool book. Enjoy your talk guys." she said closing the door and heading downstairs.

After watching the strange, human girl close the door I couldn't help the urge to find out more about her. Something must be wrong with me if I'm wanting to know more about a simple human female. That wasn't true. I'd only spoken to her for a few moments and could easily tell that there was nothing simple about her. I turned back to Kurama. "Why the hell are there so many people in your house and why was that girl in your room?" I demanded.

"All those people are my new neighbors, who my mother wanted us to meet. And Ayla was in my room to get a book and talk to me about a couple of things." the fox calmly replied still looking towards the door.

I noticed he had put emphasis on her name. Ayla...that's different and beautiful. I mentally slapped myself for thinking such a thing about a human's name and scowled. "What things?"

"Mostly about my attraction to her older sister." he answered.

I growled, "That's only one thing fox. You said she wanted to talk to you about a couple things NOT just one."

Kurama turned to me with a serious look in his eyes. "She also wanted to talk to me about the fact that she knew that I was different from normal humans."

I narrowed my eyes and looked at the door which she had left through not that long ago. They must have talked about that before I got here. "Do you consider her a threat?"

"No."

Turning back to Kurama I ask, "And why the hell not?"

He turned away from me and looked at the door. "Honestly I don't know. I just know that she can be trusted."

"Hn. You know better than to trust someone so quickly when you have no reason to."

"Actually I do have a reason to trust her."

"Really and what would that reason be Kurama?"

He turned back to me, "She told me her abilities, at least two of them anyways. I happen to find the particular combination of her abilities quite interesting."

When Kurama uses the word 'interesting' it could mean anything. "How interesting?"

"Interesting enough to want to speak to Koenma about it."

I raised an eyebrow at that. After all, if Kurama wanted to talk to the infant prince of the Reikai it had to be extremely important. "Hn. What kind of abilities could a simple, human female have that would make you want to talk to the infant?"

Looking me in the eye Kurama said, "She is both a telepath and an empath Hiei."

My eyes widened considerably. That's impossible! There's no way that she could be one of them. She's completely human, at least she seems to be. Also the fact that that race was wiped out 5,000 years ago. "She can't have both Kurama. You know as well as I do that it's not possible anymore. Especially for a human." I stated.

"I know that Hiei. But she said her grandmother confirmed what her abilities were."

"So what? Her grandmother is probably some human with no actual knowledge about anything." I sneered.

"You wouldn't think that if you knew who she said her grandmother is." the fox retorted.

"Try me." I smirked.

"Her grandmother is Genkai." he said calmly.

I blinked, I had not been expecting that.

"Now you see why I plan on speaking with Koenma as soon as possible. Not to mention Genkai as well."

I nod, acknowledging what he had said. How is this even possible? The few humans that have only one of those abilities go insane. Especially those with the empathic powers. And yet this girl has both and managed to keep her sanity from what I can tell. Hn, guess she's not just a 'simple' human after all. I thought while looking at the door again.

Kurama's POV

There are times where even I have trouble sensing Hiei, so I was quite surprised when Ayla said that she sensed him outside. After Hiei had come inside I noticed something that I had not expected in the least. Both of them stared at each other as if they were memorizing what the other looked like. Which they probably were. I was also highly amused by Ayla's reaction and mumblings on what she thought of Hiei. From my perspective I could tell Hiei was amused as well, though in a different way from myself. Since she was unknowingly stroking Hiei's ego with her words.

She was quite obviously embarrassed by what had occurred and tried to leave in a way that was fast yet not rude. And when Hiei had asked her that question about being in the same room as a 'dangerous' man, I was taken aback. Seeing as how it is not in Hiei's nature to tease people. At least not in the playful way that he was teasing her. Usually if Hiei 'teases' you he's insulting you, like he does with Kuwabara. When she spoke back to him in that serious tone, without blushing, to Hiei I was surprised and amused by Hiei's reaction. Not many people speak to him like that without getting injured. And from the look on his face he probably wasn't sure what he should do.

As she started to leave the room again I realized she had completely forgotten to get a book to read. Probably because she's so intent on leaving the room without trying to embarrass herself more. I mentioned her getting a book while smiling at her. I sensed Hiei tense for a moment before relaxing again. Well that was interesting. After a few moments she went to the shelf, her eyes lighting up when she spotted a book that caught her attention. She was quite happy about my letting her borrow the book. Meanwhile Hiei was watching her, amused by her reaction to my offer to let her borrow it.

After she had left the room I noticed Hiei staring at the door longer than necessary. He is definitely interested in her, though I doubt he'd acknowledge it. I was ready for the 'interrogation' that I knew Hiei would start. I knew he was annoyed that I put emphasis on Ayla's name, but I didn't like the fact that he referred to her as 'girl.' He also wasn't pleased with me for not considering Ayla to be a threat when I told him about her knowing that I wasn't a normal human.

I had his attention when I mentioned that I wanted to speak with Koenma about her and her abilities. He was completely thrown when I told him what her abilities were. I had been stunned myself to say the least. I was equally stunned when she had said that her grandmother was Genkai. Hiei wasn't much better. After that he seemed to go into deep thought while looking at the door.

I couldn't help but wonder what it was Hiei was thinking about. He obviously found Ayla's embarrassment amusing, otherwise he wouldn't have tried to tease her about calling him a 'dangerous' man. She also confuses him with how she went from being embarrassed to being serious in just a few moments. Hiei kept alternating between scowling at the door and looking completely, for lack of a better word, stumped. He's going to be keeping an eye on her, I know it. Both her abilities and her personality have caught his attention.

I smiled to myself when Hiei let out a rather frustrated growl, still looking towards the door. Oh yes, she's an enigma to Hiei alright and he won't rest until he's figured her out. If only so he won't have to think about a human female anymore than he deems necessary. I thought that last part chuckling.

"Find something amusing fox?" Hiei asked while glaring at me.

Shaking my head I reply, "No, nothing at all Hiei."

"Hn."

From downstairs we heard several male voices ask some questions.

"When is dinner gonna be done?"

"Yeah we're starving!"

"Dinner will be done in about thirty minutes boys! So please be patient." my mother said.

The noise died down then suddenly there was yelling.

"Hey, it's my turn to play against Kokoda, Sinclair!"

"No it's not Haku! It's still my turn!"

I shook my head, "Looks like Ayla's brothers are starting to get rowdy downstairs."

"Hn. They're too noisy. Just like Yusuke and that idiot Kuwabara." Hiei said.

I was about to say something else but the boys got even louder.

"Give me the controller Haku! It's still my turn!" Sinclair yelled again.

"No it's my turn and you know it!" retorted Haku loudly.

Kokoda started getting loud now too, "Guys, stop fighting over the controller! You're gonna break it!"

"No we're not!" the other two said at the same time. After that all we could hear was bickering but couldn't make out any of the words.

"BE QUIET, YOU ANNOYING, OBNOXIOUS, IRRITATING, DIMWITTED, IDIOTIC, MORONIC, DAT-BLASTED, CURSED, TWO YEAR OLDS IN PRE-TEEN AND TEENAGE BODIES! OR ELSE I'M GONNA KNOCK ALL THREE OF YOU THROUGH THE WALLS AND INTO ANOTHER COUNTRY! BECAUSE IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO ENJOY A GOOD BOOK AND DON'T WANT TO LISTEN TO Y'ALL ACT LIKE COMPLETE AND UTTER IDIOTS!"

I knew that I probably looked ridiculous just then after hearing Ayla yell all of that. My mouth had fallen open and my eyes had widened as far as they could go. Note to self: Never annoy Ayla when she's trying to read. I couldn't help but think that. It was then I noticed that all noise had ceased from the boys. Part of me was stunned by her way of getting them to behave and part of me was impressed. If she ever meets Yusuke or Kuwabara she'll be able to handle them just fine. Though I'm not sure they'll be fine. I thought with a chuckle that seemed to have an echo. Wait a minute. An echo?

Looking around the room I noticed that Hiei was sitting at the window bent over and shaking. "Hiei?" I asked worriedly. "Hiei, are you alright?"

"I, I'm f-fine K-K-Kurama." he answered.

"Really? Then why are you stuttering?"

"I'm n-not st-stuttering f-fox."

I didn't believe him and was about to say so when I heard a snort. Now I knew what was going on with Hiei. He was laughing. Needless to say I was completely shocked. He's laughing. Hiei is actually laughing. I smiled when Hiei finally wasn't able to hold his laughter in and started laughing out loud.

She surprised him again. And this time she wasn't even in the same room as him. This is certainly interesting. Hiei was so caught up in his laughter that he didn't hear the knock on the door or notice me answer it.

"Hey Shuichi, you and Hiei done talking?" Ayla asked.

"Yes we're done. I assume that you wish to get away from the three downstairss?" I ask with amusement.

She grimaced, "Yeah, so can I chill with you guys?"

"Sure, come in."

She took a few steps into the room and stopped when she noticed Hiei bent over laughing. She was surprised at first then asked, with embarrassment evident n her voice, "So I take it that means you found my, uh, outburst, rather amusing?"

Hiei's head snapped up, he sat up and stopped laughing. "Hn. So what if I did? You have a problem?"

She shrugged, "No, no problem with it at all. I'm just a little surprised that you found what I did, stupid as it was, amusing."

I had sat back down at my desk while they talked. She sat down on my bed like she had earlier.

"By the way Hiei." she said.

"What onna?"

She looked at him, "You should laugh more."

"And why is that?"

"Cause you have a nice laugh." she smiled.

Hiei blinked at her and I saw a small amount of pink on his cheeks before he looked out the window. "Hn."

I watched the two of them with amusement. Hiei rarely talks this much, even with me. And yet he doesn't even realize how much he's talking to Ayla, whom he just met.

"Ayla." she suddenly said.

Hiei and I looked at her confused.

"Ayla. My name is Ayla, not onna. I know that you know my name so quit acting like you don't." she stated looking him straight in the eyes.

For a second Hiei looked stunned before regaining his stoic facade. "Hn."

Her right eye twitched at his response. Oh dear, this could be bad. I think she's starting to get annoyed with Hiei.

She stood up, walked over to Hiei, and then bent over just enough to be able to get right in his face. "Question for you Hiei." she says, "Do you have a problem pronouncing my name or are you just being an ass for the hell of it?"

Hiei glared at her. Oh great, now Hiei's getting annoyed. This just keeps getting better and better.

"It's nothing personal Ayla. Hiei is like that with everyone he meets." I said trying to defuse the situation before anything really bad happened.

"Thank you for answering Hiei." Ayla sarcastically said while glaring at me out of the corner of her eye.

"Hn. What he said is true. I only call those that have earned my respect by their name. Which is only a few." Hiei told her.

She surprised both of us when she smirked. "I like the way you think. I don't know how long it'll take, but I'm sure as hell gonna make sure I earn your respect. One way or another."

"You are the most confusing female I've ever met." Hiei stated. I didn't know if he meant to say that out loud or not. But I was betting he hadn't.

"Thanks." Ayla replied while sitting back down.

"That wasn't meant as a complement onna."

"Yeah I know, but I'm taking it as one anyways."

Hiei just stared at her.

I shook my head, "Dinner should be ready soon I think."

"Yeah, probably. Oh, I found out what dessert will be." Ayla announced.

"Oh?" I reply.

"Yeah, it's gonna be ice cream."

Hiei perked up at this and Ayla noticed. "You like ice cream Hiei?"

"Sweet snow is one of the few things I like." he replied.

"Sweet snow? That's what you call ice cream?" She got a thoughtful look on her face then smiled. "I like that. Sounds a hell of alot better than ice cream."

Hiei smirked and I smiled. "I'll try to save some Hiei for you to have later." I said.

"Try is gonna be the operative word there." Ayla said with a cringe.

"Why do you say that Ayla?" I asked.

"I don't know about your brother but, I know that my two are pigs when it comes to ice cr- I mean sweet snow. So saving any is gonna be tough."

I frown sadly and sigh, "Kokoda's the same way unfortunately."

She looked over towards Hiei, who's looking rather annoyed about the possibility of not getting any sweet snow. "Hey, don't worry Hiei." she says.

He looks at her questioningly.

"Well you see, I happen to have a small fridge and freezer in my bedroom to keep my siblings away from my food. And I just so happen to have some sweet snow that I'd be willing to share."

Hiei smirked, "Got any chocolate fudge brownie?"

She grinned, "I'd have to be crazy not to have that flavor. My room is where the attic would be and there's a tree right outside my window. So come over later tonight and I'll give you some sweet snow kay-da-kay?"

"Hn."

"I'll take that as an affirmative." she said with a smirk of her own.

"Shuichi, Ayla. Dinner's ready!" Shiori called.

"We'll be right there Mother." I called back.

"Well guess we'd better get down there to eat. It was nice meeting you and talking to you Hiei. See ya later tonight for sweet snow." Ayla said starting to leave the room.

"Ayla one moment please." I said.

"Let me guess. Don't say anything to anyone about Hiei having been here?" she said before I could say another word.

"Uh, yes. How did you? Ah, telepathy?"

She shook her head, "Nope. Just figured you wouldn't want me to say anything seeing as how Hiei came in through the window and not the front door. Anything else?"

I blinked, "No, nothing else."

"Kay. I'm getting some chow now." She left the room leaving Hiei and I blinking after her.

"She's a strange onna." Hiei said and then promptly left through the window.

I went downstairs to eat dinner with everyone, thinking that I had to agree with Hiei about Ayla. She's definitely different.