Life Goes On

Scene 38 ------------------------------------------- A Couple Hours Later

* Ryuji uses his jagan and speed to track Hiei nearly halfway across Mukuro's territory. When the koorime realizes that he can't shake his younger brother he comes to a stop just outside of a small town and waits, arms crossed and smirking. When Ryuji blurs to a stop beside him in a few moments Hiei scowls up at him.


Hiei- Ryuji,..


* Ryuji hands Hiei his black cloak.


Ryuji- You left your cloak back at the cave.


* Hiei sighs and takes the garment from Ryuji angrily.


Ryuji- Besides, I told you.. I'm not leaving you alone so close to your High Heat.. Where the h--- do you think you're going, anyway?


* Ryuji glances toward the town, vaguely recognizing it as just one of the numerous hamlets in Mukuro's territory.


Hiei- I got thirsty.. Care to join me since you're so insistant on being my toadie?


* Ryuji returns Hiei's scowl.


Ryuji- Hn.


* Hiei rolls his eyes and they start toward the main gate.


Ryuji- I've been doing some thinking about your.. situation..

Hiei- My.. situation.. is none of your concern.

Ryuji- Why waste your breath, Ani?


* Hiei pauses to glance up at him as they stand just outside of a tavern.


Hiei- I've already told you.. I can't go to him..

Ryuji- But you heard Lord Koenma.. The kitsune is out of his..


* Ryuji shakes his head when Hiei disappears into the dimly-lit tavern then follows. They find a small booth in a dark corner. Ryuji's demon ears pick up the murmurring that starts to circulate about his smaller brother's enticing 'aura' as he follows Hiei. Since many of the patrons recognize them, though, they aren't approached except by the demoness that brings their menus over. Hiei refuses to take his.


Hiei- Just bring me a pitcher of your strongest ale.


* Ryuji looks at Hiei over his menu.


Ryuji- You need to eat something, Ani.

Hiei- Fine.. Stick an olive or two in it, woman.


* The waitress rolls her eyes then looks at Ryuji.


Waitress- You'll be sharin'..?

Ryuji- No, I don't drink alcohol.. Just bring me a glass of water.


* The waitress leaves. Ryuji shakes his head.


Ryuji- I hate this part of your cycle.

Hiei- You should be used to it by now.

Ryuji- Don't try to be funny, you'll ruin your reputation.. Oh, hey! They have Roasted Wild Oxtail.. Man, I haven't had that for.. ages..

Hiei- Go ahead and order it.. It's all going on Mukuro's tab anyway.


* Ryuji nods.


Ryuji- I think I will.. I wonder if they have rooms upstairs.. We'll need one for the night..


* Ryuji and Hiei both look up when a chuckling demon meanders over confidently.


Demon- You two must be new in town..


* Ryuji narrows his eyes when the newcomer looks at Hiei practically drooling.


Hiei- Hn.. And you must be blind.


* The demon looks at Ryuji again.


Demon- You must be pretty laid back to let your whore talk outta place..

Ryuji- He's not.. my whore.. He's my older brother..

Demon- Ahh.. Good.. Then I can deal directly with you.


* The demon turns his attention once more to Hiei as he scoots in beside him. Ryuji quirks an eyebrow surprised when Hiei just bows his head and allows the intrusion.


Demon- My name is Stoney.. There's a good reason why they call me that, too..

Ryuji- Because you have a hard head?


* Stoney half glances toward Ryuji then leers at Hiei.


Stoney- You could say that..


* Ryuji looks at Hiei who hasn't sent the intruder away. When he sees how his brother is reacting he opens his inner jagan. Ryuji catches onto the Dominant aura that Stoney is exuding quickly. Before he can say anything, though, the waitress returns with their drinks. She makes sure that they notice her dropping a couple olives into the pitcher of ale.


Stoney- Put their order on my tab, Anya.

Anya- Sure thing, Boss.


* Now Hiei looks up, shaking himself out of the slight stupor he'd slipped into.


Hiei- Boss?

Anya- Stoney, here, owns this place.. In fact, he owns just about everything.


* Ryuji forgets his order as he watches Hiei lower his eyes. Since his jagan is still open he feels Hiei's insides begin to churn. Anya leaves as Stoney pours Hiei a beer from the pitcher.


Stoney- So.. are you two a couple or.. just brothers?

Hiei- We're.. just brothers.. most of the time..

Stoney- I see.. Hey, I understand completely.. My brother comes by to visit once in a while, too.. Look, I can tell by your.. marks.. that you've got plenty of experience..

Ryuji- Do you have any clue who you're talking to?!


* Hiei raises his eyes to glare at Ryuji in a manner that shuts him up. Stoney pays the fire demon little attention anyway.


Stoney- Like Anya said, I own this town.. I'm always on the lookout for certain.. individuals.. that have lots of experience.. I get feelings and I'm usually never wrong..


* Stoney turns more toward Hiei, calmly trapping him in the corner of the booth. Hiei glances toward Ryuji then partially opens his own jagan under the ward to effectively block Ryuji's scanning.


Stoney- And I'll bet that you're pretty d--- good..

Hiei- What are you offering?

Ryuji- Ani!


* Hiei snarls at Ryuji.


Hiei- Shut up! This is my decision!

Ryuji- But..


* Stoney looks at Ryuji.


Stoney- Calm down, Little brother.. I'm not going to hurt your Ani..


* Ryuji starts to reach for Stoney's throat, but Hiei grabs his arm.


Ryuji- Don't.. you dare.. call him that.. again..

Hiei- Stand down, Corporal.


* Ryuji looks sadly at Hiei when he pulls rank on him. Hiei feels Ryuji relax and releases his wrist. Stoney begins to remove some money from various pockets of his attire. Hiei lowers his eyes away from Ryuji's as he listens to Stoney murmur, calculating the different amounts. Stoney then nods and lays the money on the table in front of Hiei.


Stoney- How about ten grand just for the.. test drive. Hmm?


* Hiei looks at the money and swallows. Ryuji begins to wonder if his brother is going into one of his spells when Hiei gives no further reaction.


Stoney- No pressure, though.. Enjoy your stay.. If you decide to accept I'll be upstairs in my apartment.. Just come up the stairs, you can't miss it.. Knock twice then come on in..


* Stoney leans to whisper the last part in his ear as he surges his Dominance.


Stoney- (Whisper) I'll leave it open for you, Firecracker.


* Stoney pulls back and gives Hiei's spikes a long, slow stroke. Then the demon stands and ambles off toward the stairs. It takes everything in Hiei's being to keep himself from being drawn after that strong aura. The koorime swallows and looks down at the money that Stoney left. Ryuji studies him a long moment then leans closer, staying as calm as he can.


Ryuji- You can't seriously be..

Hiei- (Quietly) Why shouldn't I?

Ryuji- Why..?!


* Ryuji composes himself again when Hiei actually flinches at his raised voice.


Ryuji- Look, Hiei.. I know you're upset because you just lost your mate.. and all this other s---..

Hiei- I knew he was going to go sooner or later.. I had two years to prepare myself..

Ryuji- You can't lie to me.


* Hiei closes his eyes.


Hiei- This is my life and my decision, Ryuji!!

Ryuji- What about your boys?


* Hiei grabs the beer to take a gulp, refusing to answer.


Ryuji- If you do this.. it will destroy you this time, Ani..

Hiei- I only have about a year left anyway.

Ryuji- Not if you go to Yusuke now.


* Finally Hiei raises his eyes to meet Ryuji's.


Ryuji- D--- your pride! Do you really think going back into this is better than..?

Hiei- Let's see.. Live the rest of my life doing what I was born to do.. Or living cowered under two half humans..? Those are my options, correct?


* Hiei looks back down at the money. When Ryuji reaches to take it away Hiei's reflexes are quicker. He snatches up the ten grand and blinks out of the booth away from Ryuji's reach.


Hiei- Go back to Mukuro, Corporal.. You can tell her whatever the h--- you want to..

Ryuji- Hiei,.. if you go up there..

Hiei- You have your orders. I told you, this is my decision.


* Hiei turns and heads toward the stairs. With his jagan still partially open he can feel his brother's worried sorrow. The koorime pauses at the bottom of the stairs, closes his eyes, curses himself inwardly, then begins to ascend the dirty, creaking stairs.