Hiei's Harem - Pt. 10 - Initiating

I want to say that I hope I'm not taking Hiei too far OOC. As with all of my stories, though, I like to show a little "growth" in their range of manner or whatever. But then, it's not so much that I'm trying to turn Hiei into a "softie", but just trying to portray that even he is capable of learning to show affection and such. At least towards his mates. I honestly don't think that it's too OOC, because he does show such things toward Yukina in the series. What do you think, though?

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Scene 3 -------------- Lily's Garden


* Since she's been aware that Hiei has followed her, Lily pauses near the edge to wait for him to catch up. Hiei pauses on a branch to study her a moment. He watches her caress a flower that leans closer toward her. Then he drops down quietly beside her. His calm voice still makes her flinch.


Hiei- Lily.


* She half glances down at him.


Lily- I came here to rest.

Hiei- No, you came here to hide.. again.


* Lily hesitates, then continues on into her garden. Hiei follows.


Hiei- We need to talk.

Lily- There's nothing to say.


* When Lily sits down Hiei settles himself down beside her, very close and facing her. When she looks away to avoid his intense eyes he gently guides her face back toward him.


Hiei- We'll succeed next time.


* Lily shakes her head.


Lily- There.. won't be a next time.


* Hiei scowls and his caressing of her cheek turns into a firm grasp of her chin.


Hiei- What have you done?!


* Lily's eyes widen and she tries to wrench loose from his grip. His deep growl freezes her immediately.


Hiei- Answer me! You know the rule I've set..!

Lily- Hai. I.. I haven't eaten anything.. Not yet.. Please believe me, Master.


* Hiei slowly gets his anger back under control and releases her. It doesn't surprise him when the Kitsune scrambles away from him some. He's known of her fragile mental state since she'd lost their last kit a couple weeks ago. Thus the reason he had set the order in place that she not use any plant without his knowledge.


Hiei- I didn't mean to be so rough..

Lily- I.. I knew you were.. following me.. I figured now,.. since your mind is clear of your concern for the Mistress and your sons,..

Hiei- I won't hear of any plan involving your death in any way, Vixen.


* Lily timidly looks at him.


Hiei- I don't want to lose another mate.


* He pats the ground where she once sat.


Hiei- Come back here beside me, Fox.


* Lily looks away.


Lily- I'm useless to you.

Hiei- That's the stupidest thing you've ever said.. I won't hear you speak such nonsense again.


* The Koorime makes his way over to settle onto his knees behind her. Lily stays put, but lowers her eyes as he brings his mouth close to one of her pointed ears.


Hiei- You're my mate.

Lily- I never.. intended to take my life.


* Hiei scrunches his brow as he mulls over her words. He then moves back down into his original position so he can study her face.


Hiei- Then tell me what you do intend.


* After a moment she raises her golden eyes to meet his.


Lily- I know of a plant.. that can render a demon sterile.. It's one of a Kitsune's best-kept secrets.. It's a law passed down among my species, though, that this plant is only used in extreme cases.. or by females that have passed their prime..

Hiei- But this is not an extreme case.. And you are far from being past your prime, My Fox.

Lily- It's been eight years since that.. accident.. Since Gamock pushed me off the lookout.. I haven't been able to carry successfully since..

Hiei- Lily,..

Lily- Please, Master.. I cannot bear to lose anymore.. Use my body if.. when you must.. But I will never carry another..


* Lily's voice cracks and she lowers her face into her hands. Her sobbing rends Hiei's composure to shreds and he pulls her into his embrace.


Hiei- Please, Lily.. Allow me to search for other options.. There must be some way to repair you.. I refuse to just lower you to the status of a d--- concubine.. I have a whole village full of demons that I can use for that purpose.. You must listen to me.


* Lily relaxes against Hiei. He continues to hold and soothe her as his mind begins to consider his options. When Lily finally falls silent he realizes that she has slipped off to sleep. He strokes her long, ebony strands as he continues holding her.