E.H.

I'm so glad you guys enjoyed the last chapter! Here comes the conclusion to the wedding! And…the beginning of something more! Mwahahaha!

Thanks for the wonderful, sweet reviews! List of lovelies: Hakudoushi9, NoWarningSignsNoAlibi, SakiHanajima1, and Mizz Ri! You rock!

Lines in the Sand

Kouta glanced at the female beside him. She blew toxic smoke from her lips. It smelled horrid, but at the same time…he couldn't understand why exactly, it was sexy to him. She was toying with fate and it made him feel rather attracted to her. He looked back at the party with his mismatched eyes. She shifted; with the movement came a waft of her scent. He inhaled deeply and bit back the need to growl in desire. Good gods, she smelled good. He licked his parched lips, tearing his eyes from her. He scanned the party and found the batch of demons he'd in passing once. One of the demons had a blue Mohawk and was loudly singing a version of 'He's a Jolly Good Fellow' drunkenly. Shizuru chuckled beside him. He looked back at her finding her eyes watching the same thing. He smirked and turned back to the sight. Yusuke turned sang along before turning back to his new wife. Keiko looked a bit nervous from here. No doubt wanting to keep the demons under control. At least the wind-master had worn a beret to cover his singular horn atop his mass of red hair. Several humans looked un-nerved but still tried to mingle. He could have laughed aloud at that.

"Oh shit." Shizuru stilled and went pale. Kouta turned and looked at her quickly. She was grinding the cigarette under her heeled shoe before rushing across the courtyard. He followed, hoping she was all right. He saw the problem. A huge, giant phoenix like bird was starting around the corner. Shizuru rushed it and waved her arms at it. "Shoo, Puu! You can't come out yet!" She growled while trying to herd the bird that was a good five times her size. He would have laughed at the sight if it weren't for the fact that there were too many ignorant humans here. He tossed a quick glance back. He snagged a metal platter on his way past quickly without being seen or making too much mess. He rounded the corner and threw it. As it was about to make contact with the ground, he used his energy to summon lightning electricity to make it hover. He jumped on it and hovered over at the bird. Shizuru threw him a surprised look.

"Back! Back!" He called as he moved closer to the bird's eye level by levitating the metal tray carefully while still staying out of sight. The bird made a small noise before beginning to herd itself backward. "Where are we taking it?"

"To the back temple building." She called up at him. She led the way while Kouta herded Puu into the huge, spacious building. He hopped off the tray as it lowered. He snagged it mid-air.

"Damn, this place is huge."

"Genkai was a master of martial arts." Shizuru answered distractedly as she moved the doors. "Sorry Puu, hun. But you have to stay hidden for a few more hours."

Puu trilled sadly as he backed into the building. Kouta watched, feeling for the giant bird. "So who's he?"

"Yusuke spirit beast." Shizuru managed to close the doors and looked back at him. "What are you? Some kind of weird surfer or skateboarder?"

"Not really. It's just an easier mode of transportation." He smirked as he shrugged.

"I see that."

Kouta looked at Shizuru, bathed in the low moonlight. He stepped up to her and reached around her. Placing his hand on the small of her back, he pulled her to him and planted his lips on hers. She stiffened and placed her hands on his chest to shove him away. Instead of shoving, she dug her fingers into his shirt-material and pulled him closer while deepening the kiss herself. Kouta maneuvered them over to the wall of the building and pressed her against the wood. Shizuru made a pleased sound. He smirked against her lips while he devoured her mouth. His lips trailed over her jawline and down her neck. She grunted and shoved her fingers into his hair. He took it as incentive and dipped his kisses down her collarbone to the top part of her cleavage that the dress exposed. His left hand pulled her closer while his right hand dragged up her left thigh, lifting the skirt material in the process.

"Shizuru! Yo! You out here sis?!" Kouta groaned and pulled away from her. She looked severely pissed off. She growled.

"I'm going to kill him." She stated and walked down the steps. Kuwabara emerged from the darkness and saw her. He smiled goofily and waved.

"Yo! Sis! There ya are! We're gonna cut the cake soon!"

"Really? That's why you came out here hollering like a buffoon?"

"Well…yeah…"

Shizuru sighed and rolled her eyes. Kuwabara looked past her to Kouta. His eyes squinted. "What were ya doin' out here anyway?"

"Puu got free." Shizuru answered.

"Oh. That's not good."

"Thus why I'm here." She replied. "Kouta helped me put him away."

"Oh, okay. Well, I'm gonna head back now."

"All right."

The hulking man turned and walked away grumbling incoherently under his breath. He cast a look over his shoulder at Kouta. Kouta wasn't a fool; he knew what Kuwabara was muttering over. He wasn't convinced in the slightest that Kouta wasn't messing around with his sister. For being a so-called idiot, Kuwabara was surprisingly perceptive. Kouta could appreciate that. He met Shizuru's gaze.

"Guess we better head back."

"Looks that way."

…..

Kurama kissed Nabi's neck slowly while she straddled him on the futon he used while at the temple. He held himself up with one arm whilst the other was distracted with the zipper on her dress. Nabi sighed in content as she ran her hands over his shoulders and chest. The button down white dress shirt laid open, exposing his defined chest to her. She gently raked her nails over his tanned flesh. He groaned low in his throat and gently nipped the scarred tissue where he'd laid claim to her. She shivered in delight at the sensation. She leaned down and found the mark she'd left upon him and returned the gesture. Kurama hissed through his teeth and pulled her roughly to him. He rolled them so that he was pinning her to the futon while lavishing her mouth with his own. Nabi's arms and legs locked around him as she met his fiery passion with her own desire. She couldn't stand the barriers between them any longer and stripped him quickly. He was just as eager for flesh upon flesh as he detangled her from the blasted dress that was as beautiful on her as it was pooled around her ankles. Once her nude flesh greeted him, he smiled; pleased. He rained kisses down upon her from her neck over her supple chest and her flat stomach. He touched her and made her mewl and beg for more. He gave her what she wanted. He moved over her and pressed into her. She rose her hips in invitation with a long moan falling from her lips like satin. His eyes fluttered mostly closed as he lost himself within her. As he made love to her, he knew he'd made the right choice. Nabi was the only woman he'd ever felt the world fall away from him as he lay with her. The only one to ever make him forget about his ill-begotten past. When he reached his summit, she pulled him close to her and whispered in his ear.

"I love you, Kurama…"

It was all that had to be said to undo him. He released within her and saw stars behind his eyelids. Nabi cried softly into his shoulder as she fell with him off the peak and into the white-sea of bliss.

They laid panting in each other's arms; sticky with one another's sweat. Nabi laid her head back with a soft breath. "We should return to the reception…"

"Indeed." He managed before pushing up onto his arms and watching his mate through warm eyes. "The toasts should be fairly soon…"

"And was there not supposed to be cake?"

His eyes flashed devilishly. "I wonder if they'd allow us to take some cake for later…"

She stared into his devious look and laughed. "You just wish to eat it off of me."

"Naturally."

"Enough. We have responsibilities." She smiled and rolled away from him. She found a towel from the small stack and began to clean herself carefully.

"Unfortunately, you are correct. If not, I'd ravish you until the sun rose."

"I am certain you would make good upon that promise."

He moved and kissed her pale shoulder lightly before turning and redressing quickly. He helped Nabi back into her dress; not without repeated warnings of being late if he continued to kiss her back and shoulders. Once properly adorned again, the two knit hands as one and made their way back to the party.

…..

Shiyu was furious. If the damned belts on his regular pants were a pain, then this singular one was Satan incarnate. She couldn't believe it had taken this long to get it off…for both of them! Hiei was ready to incinerate it all. However, Shiyu hastily told him that was bad idea and she'd kick him in someone rather tender if so much as dared try. They shed their clothing rapidly. Hiei pulled her to him and crushed her lips with his own. They were nearly frantic in their attempt to join. However, several awkward tries with her belly had them both so frustrated that Hiei finally turned her around and settled her onto his lap backwards. Both made cries of victory and pleasure as he slid inside. Shiyu laid her hands over Hiei's as he gripped her hips. They moved together in a quick pace. Hiei slid a hand up to cup her breast while they rocked their hips in time with one another.

Shiyu's breath came in heavy pants as well as moans that echoes off the walls around them. Hiei stilled and growled deeply as he came. He thrust a few more times until Shiyu moaned low and long, breathing Hiei's name. They came down from their blissful highs. Hiei leaned back and pulled Shiyu with him. She grunted and moved her legs out from the painful backward position. She rolled to her side. Hiei rolled to drape his arm over her waist. She smiled and sighed contently.

"Mm…I love this feeling."

"Hn."

"Is that a good 'hn' or a bad 'hn'?" She asked drily.

Hiei snickered. "If you have to ask, then I have nothing to say."

She rolled her eyes. Moving to look into his red eyes, she glared playfully. "Gee, I wonder why I didn't think of that?"

He humored her with a smirk.

"We need to get dressed and go back."

An eye roll answered her. "No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"Do not test me, Shiyu."

"Don't test me, Hiei. We need to go back. My brother's wedding celebration is happening right now. Oh, and should I mention that it's also your friend's wedding celebration?"

"At what point do I care?"

Shiyu made a disgusted noise and rose. She began redressing herself as she walked back toward the entrance of the cave. She had a problem with her zipper. "Aw, damnit…"

Warm fingers brushed her hands aside. She blinked as her zipper slid all the way back up. She turned and looked into Hiei's eyes. Stunned didn't begin to describe the wash of emotions over her.

"Hn." He was already dressed and lifted her into his arms.

Shiyu smiled and stayed quiet as he ran them back to the celebration.

…..

Shizuru stood beside Kouta as she heard feet approach them from the hallway behind her. She turned and smirked at the couple approaching. Kurama and Nabi had their hands held together.

"Well, well…looks like Keiko and Yusuke won't be the only love birds enjoying this romantic evening." She teased. Nabi's cheeks stained prettily while Kurama turned his head aside and coughed into his fist.

Kou snorted. "At least you two showed up put-together. The other two didn't bother."

Kurama followed Kou's gaze to where Hiei and Shiyu stood at the other edge of the crowd. Shiyu's once carefully done hair was now around her shoulders while Hiei's vest was buttoned off-center. Apparently, neither gave a damn. Kurama chuckled and shook his head.

"Naturally." He stated simply.

"I wonder if they realize…" Nabi wondered aloud.

"Oh, sweetie, they know. They just don't care." Shizuru replied with a small smile.

"If I could have everyone's attention!" Kuwabara hollered over the crowd while lightly clinking the wine glass in his hand with a fork. When the crowd fell silent he grinned and cleared his throat as Yusuke and Keiko took their seats at the head table. "So, I've known these two love birds for a long time. I mean, Urameshi and I've been throwin' fists since junior high school and Keiko's been keepin' him in line since…probably diapers!" A laugh rushed over the crowd before they fell silent again. "But, if any of ya know these two like I do…you know jus' how perfect they've always been for each other. I mean…you ain't ever gonna see a couple that just…meshes like these two have since before any of us can remember. I've watched them grow closer and closer through the years. Today's a real dream that finally came true. Keiko…today, you finally got that wonderful dream you've been wanting for so long and I can't think of anybody who deserves it more'n'you. You've dealt with not just Urameshi's sour attitude through school-" this earned him a 'hey!' from said male, "but you've also kept him alive in more ways than you'll ever know. I can't tell ya how many times just seein' your face kept him on track. For that, many of us thank you. Urameshi, you've always been faithful to Keiko though at times we wondered! Heheheh! But, all kiddin' aside…I'm so proud to be your best friend, man. I couldn't wish for a better man to take care of such a great gal. I know you've gone through hell and back again, almost literally, and always managed to get back to her. Don't ever give that up, man. You've got heaven right there next to you. And she ain't ever gonna let you fall where she can't save you."

Shizuru listened intently and turned her face to the side to discretely wipe stray tears from her eyes. All those in the crowd who knew of the hidden truth in the oaf's words, smiled and nodded in understanding. Even Hiei looked rather proud of his friend. Keiko's eyes were small waterfalls as she stood up to hug her tall friend. Kuwabara hugged her tightly.

"Don't let him go, Keiko…ever…he needs you more'n'you ever know."

"I don't ever plan to, Kuwabara." Keiko promised.

Yusuke rose and also hugged Kuwabara, ignoring the fact that it was probably 'weird'. "Thanks…"

The two parted with a slight awkward cough. Kurama moved up to take the microphone from Kuwabara with a quiet thank you. He turned to Yusuke with a smile.

"Yusuke. It's hard to believe that this day finally came. However, we all knew it would come. After all, as Kuwabara stated, you two were always meant to be. It was clear from the first day I met Keiko that you held her in such high regard. Though, you were loath to admit it at the time…it was obvious how much you loved her from the start. You always protected her from close and afar; making doubly certain that all would be well if you couldn't be with her. I admit to jealousy often when I saw you two together. The ease in which you two could live synonymously, was stunning. Is stunning. I cannot stress enough how proud and honored I am to not only be counted among your friends…but also as a groomsmen for such a wondrous event. Keiko, I know you've dealt with much through the years. But you also did what many find difficult and often balk at. You stood aside and waited for him. You weathered many storms always knowing he would come around. No matter the situation, Yusuke could always count on coming home to you. You are a pillar of strength in his life that without…I fear he would crumble to dust. You are not only a precious friend, but someone I have come to view as a sister. I wish you all the best in your marriage, though I know you won't need wishes. You've come this far mostly unscathed; you will tackle marriage with the same vivacity and vigor as the rest of your lives. This toast is to honor you both."

Keiko hugged Kurama and Yusuke shook his hand with a pat on the back. Botan moved up to take the microphone next.

"Oh my! Where to start?" She giggled and then cleared her throat. "Keiko, dear, you are everything and more. I can't imagine not getting to know you and Yusuke! You two are just such a splendid match! I've never seen two more compatible people put together by fate. I can't wait to babysit your little darlings! Yusuke, take good care of her, you hear me? She's a gift. Wish you both the best!"

Shizuru rolled her eyes at the girl's bubbly statements but couldn't stop the smile as she moved to the stage. She took the mic and took a deep breath. "First things first, you know I hate talking in front of crowds. So you know this is special just for you." She smiled and chuckled. "Sweetheart, kid, I'm not going to bore you with some long story I remember from meeting you. I don't have to. You two know each other and your background better than anyone. I want you two to know that even though life throws big curve-balls at you, you're going to hit them straight out of the ball park. You two have always worked together and risen above. Marriage is just another step in the long race you're running. Someday, when you're both old and wrinkly, you're gonna look back and smile. And when you do, you're going to remember all the crap you had to work through and instead of dread…you're gonna see it through fond eyes. You both made Genkai damn proud." She raised her glass and took a sip before fleeing the stage.

Yukina moved up next and picked up the microphone demurely. "Yusuke-san and Keiko-san. I cannot begin to describe what a blessing it is to know you both. All I know, is that without your love and kind hearts, I would not be here today. For that, I continually will hope and wish you the very best in the long years ahead. May your marriage by filled with joy, happiness, and love."

Keiko and Yusuke smiled at the ice maiden as she bowed and exited the stage. The next to move up were Keiko's parents. Mr. Yukimura cleared his throat.

"Keiko, Yusuke…we are so proud of you. You two have grown up to be such amazing adults. Yusuke, my boy, I know you'll take good care of my baby girl. You've been taking care of her since you were little. I expect no less from you in the future. Keiko, you've become such…such a fine woman. I can't believe my baby is here, in a wedding dress, all grown up and ready to start a new life with her dream man. I can't begin to tell you just how happy this makes me!" He paused to breathe and wipe tears away before he continued. "Your mom and I have a gift for you kids. In fact, all your wedding party of groomsmen and bridesmaids chipped in to help with this." He pulled an envelope from his tux. He handed it to Yusuke who frowned at it and opened it with Keiko. He pulled out some papers and stared at them confused. Keiko read them and gasped, covering her mouth with her hands and staring at her parents then at her closest friends. Each one grinning back; with the exception of Hiei who averted his gaze awkwardly.

"Oh my god…are you serious?" She exclaimed, re-reading it. "Yusuke…this is the deed to a house!"

Yusuke's face fell blank as he read it over with Keiko. He looked up at his friends and parents-in-law in shock. "W-what…? Y-you bought us a house?"

"Gotta get a start somewhere, kiddo." Mr. Yukimura replied with a large grin. "This way you can open your ramen shop up in the bottom floor; just like we did."

Keiko rushed to her father and threw her arms around him, sobbing happily. "Thank you daddy, mommy! I can't believe this!"

"Don't thank just us, Keiko." Mrs. Yukimura chided softly but still smiling largely.

After a large line-up for hugs and thanks, the newlyweds went to meet their limo at the bottom of the staircase for their honeymoon. The entire wedding guest entourage and wedding party lined the stairs with barely room for Keiko and Yusuke to pass down the middle. They slid into the limo and waved as they pulled away. The rest of the wedding dissipated as all the human guests left the temple grounds to head home.

The cleanup took hours but when it was finally done, everyone retired to sleep at the temple. Shizuru was left sitting on the porch, watching as the sun began to peek over the horizon. She took a long drag on her cigarette before looking at it. She stiffened suddenly as she felt a familiar presence that she'd not felt in years. She smirked and closed her eyes.

"Wanted to say your congratulations too, I see?" She murmured to the spiritual presence. A soft, barely there chuckle sounded from her right.

"Took some liberty talking for me up there, didn't you?" Came the familiar gruff reply in a whisper that would have bypassed anyone else but herself and maybe Kuwabara.

"Hell, someone had to say it."

"Just had to be you, huh?"

"Why not?"

A snort. "He sure as hell grew up, didn't he?"

"Quite a bit." Shizuru agreed.

"…I'm proud of all of you…"

Shizuru started at that and almost opened her eyes. She didn't though; not willing to lose contact with her just yet. "Is this a message you want passed on in literal form or in philosophical B.S.?"

"You know me. Philosophical bullshit just ain't me."

"Got it." Shizuru chuckled.

"Don't let him go, Shizuru."

"What?"

"Shut up and don't make me repeat myself, damnit! Hard enough to do this shit as is."

She grimaced apologetically.

A long, tired sigh. "You never could let yourself be happy, could you? You'll get it in time, kiddo. Just don't wait too long. You'll regret it."

She didn't know what to say. She felt the presence pull away. "Genkai?"

It stopped, listening.

"We miss you."

"'Course you do. I was the damned life of the party." The humor filled statement shifted over the air until the presence receded completely. Shizuru shivered as she realized the coldness that had settled around her. She opened her eyes and stared at the now dead cigarette.

"What the hell?" She flicked it away and stood with a stretch. She turned and headed back inside. Her feet carried her down the hallway where all the rooms were located. She reached the correct one and opened it, stepping inside. She watched as the figure moved on the futon to face her.

"Shizuru?"

"Just shut up." She stated and crossed the dark room, kneeling on the mattress. She pressed her lips to his and closed her eyes. He reached up and pulled her closer, rolling to his back and taking her with him. She sighed as they laid back. He parted from her long enough to breathe and stare into her topaz eyes.

"Not that I'm complaining…but everything okay?"

"Kouta, do you question everything?"

"…good question." He rolled over and pressed her to the futon and kissed her soundly.

Had to have some Genkai involved! I figured it would fit best if she came to the most 'spiritually sensitive' psychic to 'spirits'…aka…Shizuru. Also, Kuwabara's speech? Totally made me tear up while I was writing it!

And yes, I know…cliffhanger of doom! Heehee!

Let me know how I'm doing!

Erika Hearken