Love for Hiei Part 6: Christmas Party Part 1

Myself, Botan, Keiko, and Yukina were in the Human World finishing up our Christmas shopping. I had gotten gifts for everyone except for Hiei. My mind was drawing a blank since I couldn't figure out what to get for him. Botan saw the look on my face and smiled.
"No worries, Mai. I'm sure Hiei will like whatever you give him."
"I know, I know. I just can't seem to put my finger on what to get him. I've known him for several months now. You'd think I'd know right away what to get."
Yukina smiled and held the door open for us as we entered the mall.
"I'm sure my brother will be pleased you thought of getting anything at all."
As we looked around, I still couldn't find what to get him. Nothing at this gift shop seemed to call to me. Keiko showed me a racecar game Yusuke had wanted to get.
"He's been asking about this game for weeks. That puts an end to my shopping this year."
"Nice find, Keiko. I'm gonna look around the other stores. I'll meet you guys back at Koenma's."
"You sure, Mai? One of us can stick around, if you want."
"I'll stay."
I smiled as Yukina stepped forward. Botan smiled and summoned a portal.
"Keiko and I will help finish setting up for the Christmas party. We'll see you later."
"Thanks, Botan."
Yukina and I wandered around the mall in search of what to get for her brother. I came across a weapon store and smiled at Yukina.
"Hey, Yukina. You think Hiei might like a new weapon?"
"Possibly. I never really asked what he wanted, so I'm not all too sure. He says he can never have too many."
"That settles it, then. Let's go in."
The shopkeeper inside immediately took notice of us entering, mostly because he saw Yukina's uncommon appearance. I smiled as I recognized him from an earlier case with Team Urameshi. A demon was accused of coming here and trying to steal several weapons from this store, and Ryota was very grateful and said to me he owed me a favor.
"Mai, good to see you again. Who's this?"
"This is Yukina. She's the sister of a friend of mine. We're here trying to look for a weapon for him."
"Well, go ahead and take a look around. Let me know when you find something."
"Will do, Ryota."
Yukina took a look through the many daggers and smiled.
"Hiei would love these. What do you think, Mai?"
"I'm trying to find something that would not wear over time, something he can use in every battle.
"You mean something that can withstand anything?"
"Exactly."
"Anything you like yet?"
I smiled at Ryota and shook my head.
"Still having some trouble. I'm looking for a weapon that can withstand any powerful attack. He's pretty ruthless in battle, especially during our cases."
Ryota's eyes widened as he smirked, as if he knew who I was getting the weapon for.
"You must be looking for something for Hiei, am I right?"
"You got it."
"I think I have something in the back. Wait right here."
He quickly emerged from the back of the store with a medium-sized sword.
"This here is the Dragon Blade. This sword was forged from a dragon's rough hide, which helps it be impervious to many attacks. Feel it."
I gently passed my finger across the smooth part of the blade, smiling.
"It may not look like much, but it can withstand just about anything."
"Thanks, Ryota. How much do I owe you?"
"I owe you a favor, remember? How about I give you that sword no questions asked? I just need to have you sign a piece of paper here."
After signing for the sword, Yukina and I managed to make it back to Koenma's without Hiei seeing the sword.
"Yukina, I'm gonna go up to my room and wrap this. Just make sure Hiei doesn't come up, okay?"
"No problem."

Hiei's POV:
As Mai hurried upstairs, I grew curious as to what she got for me. I told her I didn't need anything, but she insisted anyway.
"Hn. Just as stubborn as ever."
Kurama and Botan had decorated the living room up with all kinds of decorations. Yusuke and Kuwabara managed to find the perfect tree to decorate. All of this trouble for a holiday I found to be pointless, but who was I to criticize? Moments later, Mai came down the stairs, her gift for me not with her.
"Where's the gift, Mai?"
"I'm giving it to you after the party, Hiei. I know how you are about these things."
"Always thinking, huh?"
"Of course. Someone's gotta be the smart one around here. Might as well be me."
I smirked as she helped Yukina finish putting ornaments on the tree. The doorbell rang, and Yusuke went to answer it.
"Hey, pal, Long time, no see! Come on in!"
I craned my neck to see Jin walk in. Ever since Yusuke fought him in the Dark Tournament, they've gotten together once in a while. Apparently, he and the wind demon became good friends. Jin walked in and sat down at the kitchen counter.
"Great to be here, Yusuke. Hope you don't mind me stopping by."
"No problem at all. Hey, Mai! Come here real quick!"
"Sure thing, Yusuke!"
I kept a close eye on Mai as she approached Yusuke and Jin. Upon seeing her, Jin bowed.
"This must be the famous Mai. Yusuke has told me a lot about you."
"Nice to meet you, Jin. Welcome to our party. Would you like something to drink?"
"If you got any egg nog left, that'd be great."
"We got plenty. Follow me to the kitchen and I'll get you some."
As Jin followed her with a big smile on his face, I began feeling a little strange. Just seeing Jin smile at her like that made my blood boil for some reason. Kurama noticed me glaring in Jin's direction and smiled.
"Problem, Hiei?"
"What do you mean? Did I say something was wrong, fox?"
"You didn't, but your face did."
I quickly looked away from him and narrowed my eyes, feeling my anger grow.
"Hiei, you don't have to hide it."
"Hide what?"
"You're feeling jealous. Everyone does at some point in time."
"Hn. I don't get jealous."
"Have it your way, then."
After Kurama walked away, I caught a glimpse of what Jin and Mai were up to in the kitchen. The two of them appeared to be talking, which put me slightly at ease.
"Hn. Jealousy is a stupid human emotion. I don't get jealous."
I was about to get up and leave when I saw Jin whisper something in Mai's ear. A slight blush appeared on her face, and my anger returned. What could he possibly have said to get that kind of reaction from her? She whispered back, and he started laughing.
"Ah, Mai. You crack me up."
I abruptly entered the kitchen, causing Mai to jump.
"Hiei, you startled me. Everything okay?"
"Just need to talk with Jin for a minute."
"Okay. I'll go upstairs and finish wrapping your gift. We'll finish our talk later, Jin."
"No problem."
As soon as she was out of sight, I narrowed my eyes at Jin, who smiled in Mai's direction.
"She's a great gal, eh?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Pretty, funny, smart."
"What did you whisper to her?"
Noticing the slight anger in my tone of voice, Jin backed away slightly.
"I asked if the rumor of what she did in Koenma's office was true."
"Elaborate."
"Kicking the guy where the sun don't shine. She kinda got embarrassed by it being brought up again, which explains why she blushed a bit. She then told me it was all true, and that's when I started laughing."
I heard Mai's footsteps approach the top of the staircase and I narrowed my eyes again at Jin.
"If you know what's good for you, wind demon, I suggest you watch what you say or do around Mai."
"What do you care if I talk to her or not?"
"Hn. Just don't get too close or you'll regret it."
Jin's eyes widened as I sat back down on the couch, apparently not expecting the threat. Soon, everyone was gathered around the tree, ready to open gifts. Mai had gotten Yusuke a new game console, she got Kuwabara a book on kitten care, and Kurama received a new cookbook. Botan, Keiko, and Yukina each got a locket with a picture of her inside it. Apparently she had an extra Christmas card, which she gave to Jin. Quickly forgetting what I told him, Jin gave her a big hug for her thoughtful gesture.
"You didn't have to, Mai."
"I always get cards for my friends."
"Aw, thanks."
Sensing my anger, Kurama pulled me aside and we headed for the kitchen.
"Hiei, this is getting ridiculous. There's no need to feel angry about Jin."
"How would you know? He was practically flirting with Mai when he got here. He's just playing innocent."
"Why do you care if he may be interested in her or not?"
His question stumped me. Why did I care? Mai's just a close friend of mine. I can't be interested in her; it's just unheard of.
"Hiei..."
"Fine, I admit it. I'm jealous. Happy now?"
"I overheard your little talk with Jin. I don't think the situation called for a threat against him."
"Don't push it, fox. I'm already annoyed enough as it is."
Kurama sighed and looked back to the party, observing Jin and Mai making paper snowflakes.
"Hiei, just look at them. If Mai was interested in Jin, she would've said or done something by now. If she was interested in anyone at all, I'm sure she would've told you first."
"How can I be sure if Jin is interested?"
"If you really want to know, just observe his behavior. He'll show he's interested by either putting an arm around her, always whispering to her, or possibly kissing her. Just don't act irrational if it proves to be true."
"Hn."

Mai's POV:
I smiled as Jin showed me his finished paper snowflake.
"Wow, Jin. Not bad for your first try. That looks great."
"Thanks, Mai. I guess you could say I had a great teacher."
I felt him put an arm around my shoulders, and he smiled at me.
"You and me, Mai, I think we get along great."
"I think so, too. You remind me a lot of Yusuke."
"Oh, yeah. How so?"
"You always seem to be in a good mood, and you like to have fun. Yusuke has a similar personality."
He put his lips to my ear.
"What's Hiei's deal? He doesn't seem to like me."
I smiled as he pulled away from me.
"He's just a little protective of me, that's all. Not only did I help rescue Yukina, but I also saved his life at Koenma's office. He's just making sure nothing happens to me."
"He's telling me not to get too close."
"Why would he say something like that?"
A door slammed upstairs, and I saw Hiei was nowhere to be found. Jin sighed and looked at me.
"I think he thinks I'm interested in you...romantically."
"Are you interested?"
"Of course not. I just met you."
"Maybe I should go talk to him."
I shook my head as Kurama headed for the stairs.
"I'll talk to him, Kurama. I have a feeling his anger involves me."
"Hurry back. Food's almost ready."
"Okay."
I headed upstairs to Hiei's room, feeling slightly nervous. Before I could knock on the door, Hiei abruptly opened it.
"What do you want, Mai?"
"I just came up here to talk to you about Jin."
"I don't want to hear it, Mai."
"He just told me he's not interested in me like that. He just met me, for goodness sake."
"Love at first sight does exist, you know."
I sighed heavily as I shook my head.
"Just let me in, Hiei. Don't shut me out just because you're angry about something trivial."
"I'll come down when I'm good and ready. Get lost."
With that, he slammed the door in my face. I felt Kuwabara behind me as he was headed to his room to retrieve his Santa hat.
"I heard the door slam. Did he hit you?"
"No, Kuwabara. He and I just had an argument."
"What about?"
"I can't tell you. It's something between me and him."
"Kay. Well, Kurama says the food is ready."
I rejoined the party to see everyone was digging into the food. I sat on the windowsill as I ate, silent tears falling down my face. Jin joined me, looking worried.
"Everything okay?"
"I tried talking to Hiei, but he shut me out."
"If I know anything about the little fire demon, it's not to get him any more angry than he already is. Give him time, Mai. He'll come down eventually."
I put my plate down and wiped away the tear that fell, but more came. Jin put his own plate down and pulled me into a tight embrace. I held him back and let the tears fall.
"What am I going to do? Hiei's my best friend. I can't stand seeing him this mad, especially at me."
"Just let him cool off, Mai. He'll return to us when he's ready."

Hiei's POV:
After a while in my room, I decided to apologize to Mai. I walked down the stairs and saw Jin hugging Mai. I tried to keep my anger under control, but something inside me snapped and little did everyone know that they were going to see all hell break lose.
That's a wrap for part 6. After getting Hiei the perfect gift, Mai rejoins the Christmas party and meets Jin, a wind demon Yusuke fought with in a previous Dark Tournament. Hiei immediately assumes Jin is interested in her and becomes jealous. Part 7 will feature Hiei openly expressing his anger toward Jin. Also in part 7, Mai is finally fed up with Hiei's behavior and pulls him aside, demanding answers. Stay tuned to see what happens