Amethyst Eyes

Chapter 10: Relax & Rethink
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“Well, I can’t say I’m not surprised.” Genkai said after hearing Kurama briefly explain what happened.

“I had been hoping it would be easier than our encounter with Keiko, but we weren’t that fortunate.” Kurama said from the bottom of the steps.

Genkai nodded in understanding. “So you’ll be going home?”

“Yes. Kuwabara will most likely stay the night and go home in the morning.”

“Then get going. You could do with a change of clothes.” Genkai said with a touch of humor as she looked at Kurama’s less than immaculate attire.

Kurama chuckled. “I agree. Goodnight.” He turned to Hiei and Siren. “Are you staying?”

“No. I’d rather not be here when Kuwabara gets back.” Siren said on Hiei’s behalf. Besides, she wanted to keep them from killing each other if they did have a confrontation.

All parties took their leave.

Hiei and Siren headed back to the den, but not before Siren moved to a part of the stream that formed a shallow pool. A whispered incantation and a touch on the rock formed a dam to enclose the pool. Her clothes were not in the same state as the others, but she reeked and there had been much blood splatter.

Hiei followed her lead and washed his clothes in the stream. They laid them on a rock to dry and walked into the pool. Since the pool was cut off from the stream, he decided to warm up the water. He got an appreciative moan for that.

“I needed that.”

They relaxed for a few minutes before Hiei asked his question, somewhat annoyed. “Why did you bother saying anything to that idiot?”

“It’s hard to be in the presence of love and have someone condemn it. I’m a child of love as is my brother. We encourage love in all forms.”

“I don’t want him with my sister, but she cares for him…”

“To an extent yes.” She moved closer, resting her head on his shoulder. “What my family also does is discourage one-sided love by directing it to the person most likely to return their love.” She smiled secretively; good thing Hiei couldn’t see it.

Hiei was having thoughts of his own; an evil smirk appeared on his face. “Can you ‘discourage’ my sister and that human from being together?”

“Who says it hasn’t already started?” She looked up and matched his evil smirk.

However, his smirk died not understanding, “But you’ve been with me the whole time, when did you start?”

She smiled conspiratorially, “Who said I was doing anything?”

After their bath and some post-battle sex, they finally relaxed.

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Kuwabara returned to the temple not too long after the others left. He was greeted by Yukina and her warm smile. Unfortunately, his smile fell short of genuine as he replayed Koenma’s words.

“Are you alright, Kazuma?” Yukina asked.

“Yeah, I’m cool. I need a bath though.” He said as he walked up the steps.

“I already started one. Genkai said everyone was a mess and that you’ll be staying here tonight.”

“Thanks. I don’t have a change of clothes though.”

“I left a robe in the bathroom. Once you get into the bath, I’ll take your clothes and wash them.”

He nodded and did as told. He sighed as the hot water from the shower washed off the gore from the earlier battle. Once finished, he stepped into the hot tub and soaked for awhile. His earlier thoughts at what he’d learned still sent a wave of disgust through him. It made him think back to when Itsuki talked about wanting Sensui as his lover. Together over 10 years and Itsuki wanted to protect Sensui even knowing he was dying.

He understood what Siren and Koemna said, but he just couldn’t accept it yet. A knot of apprehension twisting his gut as he thought about talking to Yukina. He wanted to know what she thought.

He also wanted to visit Keiko and see how she was holding up. It’s not everyday he find out things about his best friend that made him feel like he couldn’t relate anymore. He never could handle change well. Speaking of change, he wondered if Yukina could change like Hiei. He never asked, and thinking back on it, he realized he really didn’t know much about Yukina other than what’s happened while they’ve been together.

He really was pathetic.

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(Next morning…)

Kuwabara didn’t get much sleep that night. One of the many things keeping him up that night was the lengthy fight against all those demons in the mountains. The scene changed to Urameshi and Kurama making-out right in front of him. That nearly gave him a heart attack. He thought about other thinks, to try and get back to sleep.

The last nail on the coffin, it finally sank in that Yukina was Hiei’s sister.

She’d been in the human world for so long looking for him she ended up getting caught by Tarukane. But now that she knew Hiei was her brother…

What had he been thinking? He hadn’t even kissed her yet!!

He shook his head. Giving himself a slap, he got up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. It was already morning and he was working on maybe three hours of sleep. He looked in the mirror with a determined look. “What am I gonna do?”

‘How about kiss Yukina for starters?’ his reflection answered.

“AAHHH….” He jumped back and so did his reflection. “Are you talkin’ to me?”

He got no answer. He moved closer to examine the mirror, hoping not to have a repeat. Nothing happened and he went back to his room to get dressed. His clothes had been washed and left in his room. ‘Maybe I should kiss her….’

“Kazuma, would you like breakfast.” Yukina turned the corner having heard movement.

Kuwabara, having spent a little time thinking about kissing Yukina, asked, “Can I kiss you?”

Yukina’s eyes widen, having not expected that. He’d only ever hugged her or held her hand. “Of course.”

Kuwabara leaned down as Yukina tilted her head and their lips met. It was a bit awkward seeing as Yukina had never kissed anyone before. Kuwabara didn’t have much experience either and so their first kiss was sloppy and clumsy. It felt weird to Yukina, as if she shouldn’t be doing this. Kuwabara’s lips were chapped and they rubbed harshly against her soft lips.

A shadow moved over the couple.

‘Why? Why am I afraid?’ She blinked several times when Kazuma backed away. Yukina didn’t want to do that again anytime soon. ‘He looks so serious.’ “Kazuma?”

“I gotta go.” He turned around and left the temple, not even bothering to have breakfast.

Genkai walked around the temple and saw Kuwabara practical run down the stairs.

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Yusuke woke to find himself on his stomach and the warm weight of Kurama covering half of him. He turned his head to see the redhead still asleep. He smiled dreamily at the beautiful sight.

This was something he looked forward to for the rest of his life. Waking up next to the man he loved, feeling safe and comfortable. He turned around slowly, trying not to jar Kurama too much and slipped his arms around the other’s waist. Unfortunately for him, Kurama did wake up, but the smile on his face made him forget what he was going to do anyway.

“Hey,” Yusuke said softly.

“Hey,” Kurama grinned. “Been up long?”

“No.” He hugged Kurama, feeling giddy as the hug was returned.

Kurama felt at peace. He took a deep breath and slowly recalled what had happened in the last 12 hours. He then wondered if Yusuke’s good mood was because he didn’t recall last night. He wouldn’t bring it up until Yusuke was ready to talk and put it behind him.

“So what happens now?” Yusuke asked.

“Well,” Kurama thought for a moment. “We could go back to sleep or get up and have breakfast.” Though looking at the clock on the nightstand suggested lunch would be the meal of choice.

“I was thinking today.” Yusuke zoned out then smiled. “I know. Why don’t the four of us go clubbing? I’ll get us in.”

Kurama looked surprised. In all the time Yusuke’s been working there he hadn’t talked about his job outside of telling them his hours. “I think we should relax today and go tomorrow. Friday nights are the most interesting. We’ll also have to find something suitable to wear and call Hiei to see if he’ll come.”

“Tomorrow’s good.” Yusuke smirked wickedly, “And I think Siren’ll come with or without him.”

Kurama chuckled, “I think so too. Is it a mixed club or will we have a problem?”

“Mixed. This means I’ll be beating everyone with a stick when they see you.”

They both laugh at the image.

“But until then…” Kurama grinned like the fox he was and pounced.

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Hiei had to admit, he enjoyed just holding her sometimes. The act seemed just as intimate as if they were making love. Hiei’s senses took in her scent and sighed blissfully. The warmth of her body just added to the euphoria. Placing a kiss on the nape of her neck he snuggled closer and allowed her purring to lull him back to sleep.

Hours later, Hiei stepped out of the den in his pants and took in breaths of fresh air. He felt good. Who knew he’d find what he was looking for by coming back with Yusuke? A soft look passed over his face. It was the only indication of his happiness. He looked around and went into the forest to hunt.

He had to find something smaller than a deer if they were going to move. But part of him wanted to stay until the cubs were born; it would be safer and they had Koenma’s human money. He caught a couple of rabbits and plucked a few eggs from a swan’s nest.

When he got back, Siren was nowhere to be found. He didn’t think he’d been gone that long. He reached out with his Jagan and spotted her flying back in his direction with a bag in her arms. She landed 5 minutes later with a big smile on her face.

“Where did you go?” Hiei asked.

Still smiling, Siren walked up to him and opened the bag. The smell alone was enough to make his mouth water. “I thought we could have some pastries.”

She set up the fire and spit for the meat. Hiei set everything down and found a stone smooth enough to heat the eggs. He went to the stream to wash it off while she skinned the rabbits.

He was starting to like the peace of a simple life. She looked up, sensing his mood and smiled. He moved closer and licked her ear. She giggled at his playful nature.

Yes, life was good.

It’s a pity Hiei carried his communicator in his pocket.

Beep Beep Beep.

Siren reached around to get it out of his pocket and flipped it open.

“Hello, Kurama.” She said cheerfully. She was in a good mood.

“Hello, Siren. Yusuke and I were wondering if you and Hiei would like to go to a club with us tomorrow tonight.”

“I’m there.” Siren didn’t even think twice about it.

Hiei looked over her shoulder to glare at Kurama. “You know I hate crowds.”

“I know, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.” He smiled coyly. “Should I take your response as a ‘yes’?”

Hiei growled and moved away to finish cooking. Siren and Kurama’s smiles widened.

“What kind of club is it?” Siren asked as she took seat.

“It’s called ‘Rumors’. According to Yusuke, it’s run by an American who likes to express himself and lets others do the same. Friday nights they play mostly Latin music; pop, jazz and other varieties Yusuke can’t pronounce.”

“That’s sounds great. I can’t wait.” Siren was really excited.

“Neither can Yusuke. I thought it would be nice to relax today.”

“I agree. I don’t know about you, but things have been moving a little quickly for me and I don’t mind slowing down some.”

Hiei looked up, concerned.

“Do you want us to pick you up or will you come here?” Kurama asked.

“We’ll meet you at your place. It seems a long way to travel just to pick us up.”

“I won’t mind.”

“No, it’s alright. What time do you want to meet?”

“Come by at 7:00 pm. We’ll have dinner here and go to the club after. It doesn’t open till 10:00 pm.”

“That’s fine. See you tomorrow.” Siren closed the communicator.

“And how exactly do you expect to cover that distance?” Hiei asked, annoyed.

Siren smiled, “We’re going to fly there.”

“People are going to notice.” He removed the stone from the fire.

She sat next to him, “Unless their gifted, it’s unlikely. Plus, it’ll be getting dark by then.”

“Hn.” He reached out to the bag with sweets.

She slapped his hand away. “You get one Strawberry and one Kaya tart after we eat your food, understood?”

Hiei’s shoulders stiffened minutely, but he removed his hand. He glared at her and she glared back. She broke the staring contest because she didn’t want the meat to burn.

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(That afternoon…)

“Hi hi.” Botan’s cheery voice greeted Keiko’s ears as she opened the door.

“Botan?” Keiko looked miserable. She really didn’t want to speak to anyone for awhile, especially anyone in Yusuke’s group. Keiko was long over her jealously of Botan once she was convinced there was nothing between them. But Kurama….

“Keiko, can I come in?” Botan waited silently to be invited, and when Keiko continued to stare she reminded the young girl that she was still there.

“I’m not really up to seeing anyone right now.” Keiko replied in a low voice. It sounded hoarse, like she’d been screaming.

“Please, Keiko, I’m just here to talk. I know about what happened…” Botan stopped the moment Keiko turned around and walked to her window. Botan invited herself in and closed the door behind her. She understood Keiko would be upset, the wound was still fresh. It had barely been two days. “Keiko?”

“How could he do this to me?” Keiko asked no one in particular. “I waited for him to come back and then he dumps me for a GUY.” The emotions she’d been fighting were back and threatened to suffocate her. “It’s not fair.” Her vision was once again starting to blur.

Botan came up behind her and rested an arm around the girl’s shoulders. “I know it’s not fair, but these things happen.”

“What did I do wrong? Is it because I’m not a guy? What could Kurama give him that I can’t?” Keiko didn’t expect answers to her questions. There were too many things going on in her mind and at the same time her body felt numb. She’d cried herself to sleep several times and it wasn’t even restful.

Botan gave her a sad smile. “Why don’t you sit down and I’ll make you some coffee.” Botan lead her to the couch then headed to the kitchen. Ten minutes later, both women sat nursing a cup of coffee. Keiko was feeling a little better; it was easier to breathe.

Botan didn’t ask her any questions and just sat there for an hour, letting Keiko talk about whatever she wanted. She was a lot older than she looked and had seen much as a spirit guide. All she could do was be there for Keiko as any true friend would. She wasn’t going to take sides. She helped Keiko to bed and cast a spell that would help her get some sleep without dreams.

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Siren laughed as she ran across the sand. The smell of the ocean to her left and the grass to her right with Hiei on her heals. It was fun to just let go.

Hiei could easily catch her, but the fun was in the chase. Though, and he grinned, there was fun to be had once he caught her too. They’d taken a walk on the beach, wanting a change of scenery. She was particularly interesting in watching the sunset. After dumping their cloaks on the grass, she’d challenged him to a game of catch. He leaped over a rock and landed on the other side only to be ambushed from behind.

“Gotcha.” She wrapped her arms around his waist but couldn’t hold steady as her momentum caused both to lose their footing. Hiei landed on his back with her on top. “Are you alright?” she asked shyly with innocent eyes.

He glared at her and sat up. She got off him and moved to look at his back. Siren wiped away the sand and a few pebbles, but all in all the skin was unbroken.

“Everything looks alright….HEY…put me down.”

Hiei slung her over his shoulder and walked to their cloaks.

“Put me down you savage.” She playfully banged on his back and kicked her legs. A surprised scream escaped her when Hiei slapped her rear. She stopped struggling instantly.

“Don’t give me any ideas.” Hiei said casually.

“I’ll be good.” She said quickly in a childish voice.

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They lay on one cloak and used the second as a blanket. Hiei stared at the sunset and felt content. He closed his eyes, letting the sea breeze wash over his body. Siren pulled out a ball and let the last of the sun’s light shine through it.

Siren stared at the ball in her hand for a little while; a smile graced her lips as she thought back to all the times she used it to look in on Hiei. She’d been worried when Hiei fought Yusuke, but was most worried about the tournament. She had gone with many others as a spectator to watch, but she also wanted to help him if needed. Fortunately, there were a few ways to go to the human world without having to deal with the barrier. The hardest was to stay below the Hunters’ radar.

Hiei opened his eyes and looked thoughtful at the crystal ball in her hand, “Is that a tracker?”

“Yes and no. I used it to find you, but you’re the only person I can ever find with it.” She smiled. “I have a better connection to you now, so I don’t need it. Though I can use it to see what you’re doing.”

Hiei’s eyes widened, “Did you look all the time?”

She chuckled, “I believe in privacy. So, if you were…otherwise busy, I looked away. And yes, I used it often, when I could afford to be distracted.”

His eyes narrowed, “Busy?”

She gave him a sultry look, “You know, answering to the call of nature, having your wicked way with some poor unsuspecting soul; whether it be pain or pleasure.”

“Why would you look away when I’m having sex?” He asked curiously. If she was a child of love, wouldn’t sex interest her?

The change was almost instant. Her face fell, “Because it wasn’t me.”

Not wanting to see that fallen look he kissed her; roughly and possessively. He pulled her closer, trying in some way to devour her. He wasted little time joining with her. She moaned loudly against his lips, wrapping her legs around his waist to once again dance to the beat of their hearts.

It was hours later, when the moon was high in the sky that they stirred. They looked at the stars, admiring their beauty. Hiei felt Siren cuddle closer to him.

“Cold?” his arm tightened around her.

“No.”

“What are you thinking?” he asks quietly.

She sighed and rubbed her face in his chest. “I can’t believe that I’m here with you. I use to cry myself to sleep every so often because of the loneliness. To have to wait a century to have intimacy made me think of suicide a few time.” She hooked her leg over his just to get closer. “I took the risk of being around children just to have someone around. I’d stay as a panther just so they could pet me. I felt so pathetic.”

Hiei listened on, intrigued.

“I have to admit, fighting helped the stress. After a while, I truly understood how they wanted to punish me. If I died, they’d win and we’d lose.”

“What would happen?”

“I was to absorb you into me.”

Hiei was horrified.

Siren looked up, having felt Hiei stiffen. She laughed, “It’s not exactly what you’re thinking. I was born a demi-god; therefore, I have a soul and a soul mate. You are my other half. If I absorb you, I’ll be complete.”

Hiei nodded though he didn’t really understand the logic behind it. “What’s it like to be a god?”

She perched her lips, thinking of how to explain. “It’s un-hindering.”

“I don’t understand.”

“How does a person who doesn’t need to eat, sleep or defecate, feel? To know that time had no meaning and unable to die?”

“I don’t know.” He regretted asking the question for it obvious was a sad topic.

“It’s hard. Only ‘The Great Mother’ can end our existence. Many of us fell during the war of the Gods and once we die, that’s it. We just disappear. Our energy is disbursed throughout creation. I’m different because I have a mortal soul. I was born a demi-god. My mother was Aphrodite, and my father was the human Adonis. My mother cared for him in her own way, but he died during a hunt before I was born. In memory of him, my mother grew anemone from his blood. She also fed me ambrosia after I was born so a part of him would always be with her. Unfortunately, she and I butted horns often. I couldn’t stand the games she played and that anyone she liked was hers to do with as she pleased.”

“So your morals made you different?”

She shook her head. “Unlike the others who were born whole, I had a soul mate. The ambrosia granted me full godhood. I followed the ways of Artemis, learning to hunt. Artemis was more of a mother than my own. After a while I became lonely. I wanted a partner, something Artemis didn’t approve of. She never liked men. So, I went to the Fates to learn about myself. They told me about you and so I watched. It was interesting watching you and learning about your love of fighting. I took the time to learn such things from Ares.”

“What was I like?”

“You enjoyed fighting. It seemed to give you a purpose in life. You would occasionally take a bed partner here and there to ease your loneliness, but no one ever really held your interest for very long. You died in combat and I got the opportunity to meet you on the other side. It was then I realized you truly were my other half. But I couldn’t stay with you for too long because I had my responsibilities at the time.”

Hiei shifted to look at her before asking, “Did you ever have sex with Ares?”

“No. He was interested, but I didn’t want meaningless sex.”

“So who was your first?”

Siren blushed and shyly answered, “Eros.”

Hiei frowned, “Did you know he was your brother at the time?”

Siren sat up and looked away. “Yes, I did.”

“Do you regret it?” Hiei sat up as well. Though it wasn’t something he’d do, he wasn’t disgusted by it. He wasn’t so naïve as to think things like that didn’t happen sometimes.

She shook her head. “Relation doesn’t matter to us. That’s what I mean by un-hindering.”

Hiei moved his leg around her so she was between his legs. He hugged her to him and raised his body temperature slightly. He didn’t want her to get cold.

She didn’t feel any negative emotions directed towards her, so remained silent, basking in his warmth.