The Forbidden Fairy Tale

Hello! I decided to rewrite this fic because I wrote the other one…What, 4 or 5 years ago? Yes, well, I decided that it was a piece of utterly ridiculous filth and I can’t believe I actually wrote it…So I’m rewriting it to give Jasmine a TRUE birthday present that I can actually be proud of, and she can enjoy reading. I also decided to make changes to this fic, to revamp it and make it a bit more interesting. It’s no longer told from Hiei’s point of view, as I’ve found I struggle writing stories in first person, so I won’t butcher this trying to. Also, Jasmine is not an ordinary human; she is an elf. Sounds weird, but read the story, you may like it. The entire plot has been revamped, and is totally different from the original. In my opinion, it’s all the better for it. I hope that my writing has improved since my earlier years. Leave me a comment, and let me know what you think.

My writing style hasn’t changed in the many years that I’ve been writing, but if this is your first fic of mine, here’s the deal:

“Talking”

‘Thinking’

~Telepathy~

(Authoress’ notes)

*~*~* Change in time, place, P.O.V. *~*~*

Ali: Well, there’s that. All that’s left is to introduce
my muse and the disclaimer. My muse is called Nightshade…If you look on my profile, it has a picture of her. ^^ Feel free to take a look; she’s rather pleasing to the eye.

Nightshade: I am glad that you think so, darling.

Ali: ^-^ I wouldn’t dare think otherwise love.

Nightshade: *smirks* Greetings readers. I hope that you intend to be nice to my Ali. No flames, please. If you did not like the story, I apologize in advance but that is not her fault and she deserves no flames.

Ali: Thanks princess. Would you mind doing the disclaimer?
Nightshade: Ali does not won Yu Yu Hakusho or any of the mentioned characters with the exception of Namael, as she made him up. Do not steal!

Ali: Thank you love! I think that’s it, so yeah, enjoy the fic, and I hope you like the changes Jasmine. Don’t hesitate to tell me if you want something done differently! Love ya sweetheart!!

*~*~* The Forbidden Fairy Tale *~*~*

Hiei was staring up at the darkening sky, ruby eyes catching and reflecting the fading colors. The tree branches swayed around him, hiding him from the view of those on the ground. His normal stoic manner was no longer present, his face a soft mixture of emotion, his guard, for once, down. No one was around, except for…her. That alone was the only reason he let his guard down at all. It was very quiet, only her humming disturbed the serenity of twilight, but it was a welcome distraction. Hiei focused on her voice, and called the image of her to his mind. No other would ever know his innermost thoughts, no one but her. Long white hair curled gently along her hips, her body soft and inviting. She had a smile that could light up the night sky, her elfin heritage evident in her pointed ears and pure white eyes, an offset to her deep brown skin. A voice that whispered of love-filled days, and reminded him of passion filled nights. She was the only one that understood him, the only one who looked past the icy exterior and unlocked the fiery demon that lived inside. No longer forbidden, but someone desired, Hiei felt his heart shift, felt the need to draw her inside. His pride would never allow him to be affectionate to her in front of others, but she understood that. He was unsure who he had made so happy that they would bless him with his elfin mate, but he would not forsake his luck by asking.

Jasmine…Even her name is beautiful. Hiei was not one for pretty words or romantic sayings, but in the secret sanctity of his mind, he could say what he would never out loud. Jasmine was rare, one of the last of her kind. Elves were quickly losing their standing in the Makai, their numbers dwindling more every year. Even among her celestial kind, she was truly…perfect. Descended from the gods themselves, elves possess certain qualities, such as godlike looks and skill with magic that make them wanted by slave traders and power hungry demons alike. Jasmine had escaped such a fate as a child; her parents were lord and lady of the eastern lands of the Makai, where the last of the elves reside, working on rebuilding their dying race. As a child, Jasmine was raised as a sorceress so that she could defend herself should the need arise. Hiei would never allow any close enough to her to force her to use her powers, but it was comforting to know that she could defend herself. She was armed with twin swords, blessed by the wizards of her clan, but now they rest in a glass case in their home. Unlike other demons, Hiei did not spend his wealth on a lavish palace, but rather built a rather practical dwelling that he and Jasmine share, along with their infant son, Emori.

“Hiei?” Opening his eyes, Hiei looked down to see his mate standing beneath the tree, a smile on her pretty face. The wind picked up, swirling her flowing white dress around her lithe form. Her long hair was pulled back into a dignified bun, her bangs framing her face. She looked like an angel, standing beneath the unworthy demon above her. He didn’t smile back at her, but his eyes softened. She leapt up across from him on the tree branch, folding her legs calmly under her.

“Where is Emori?” He asked.

“Asleep. Namael is with him.” Jasmine replied. Hiei scowled. He did not trust that toad with his son.

“Namael?” Jasmine didn’t miss her mate’s scowl, and laid a soft hand over one of his.

“Namael loves our son. Do not worry so, mate.” Jasmine could have laughed. Her mate was so protective of her and their son, but it was completely flattering. Namael had been her childhood friend, a kobold demon that decided to leave their village when Jasmine did. He was about 2 feet tall, with scaly brown skin and black eyes. His ears were long and floppy, giving him a comical appearance, but he had trained under a wizard in his younger years and knew quite a few spells. Namael affectionately called her Lady, and she couldn’t have asked for a better companion throughout the years. When she decided to leave the safety of her village, Jasmine was pleased to have someone she knew with her. It made leaving much easier. She had decided, after her third sister was born, that it was time to leave and find a mate of her own. She had wanted to explore the rest of the Makai, a place so strange to her. It was never easy, and thinking of home caused a pang of sadness to ring through her. She had not visited and ached to show her parents her son and mate.

Hiei turned over his hand, cradling her smaller one in his in an uncharacteristic show of affection. Her soft smile was his reward, and he leaned back against the tree trunk, eyes drifting closed again with a small contended sigh. Suddenly, her heartbeat changed rate and Hiei opened one eye.

“Something troubles you.” Hiei didn’t make it a question, it was a statement. Jasmine tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear, turning away slightly.

“It is nothing. You may continue to sleep. I will protect you.” Hiei resisted the urge to laugh, and straightened up.

“We will ignore your frivolous statement. Speak, Jasmine. What troubles you?”

“Many things trouble me, but none of them are worth speaking about.” Jasmine replied, missing the hardening of Hiei’s eyes.

“I will not ask you again. I would know what troubles you.” Hiei knew that Jasmine hid what she was feeling a lot of the time, mostly because she didn’t want him to think she was weak. He did not think her weak, her strong emotions were part of what made him more comfortable with showing her his. Despite this, Jasmine persisted to hide what she was feeling, and Hiei could have strangled her. Did the woman learn nothing throughout the years?

“Hiei, do you ever wonder why it is you met someone?” Jasmine’s question startled him, but his face remained impassive.

“Explain.” Jasmine turned and looked at him, her glittering eyes lingering on his lips.

“Sometimes I wonder why it is I met you, and what I could have possibly brought you to make you want to be with me.” Jasmine’s voice was soft, a caress of minute proportions against the youkai’s skin. He stared at her for a moment, drinking in the soft planes of her face, the curve of her shoulder that gracefully preceded the curve of her breast. She wondered what she brought him? Perhaps he hadn’t been showing her lately what she truly meant to him.

“Jasmine, I will never tell you things that I do not mean. You know more than any that I am not the most articulate, that I struggle with saying the pretty words you deserve to hear.” Hiei started, his hand tightening fractionally on hers. “It was my hope that my actions would be able to tell you what in words I cannot express.”

“Hiei, I am not trying to tell you that what you do is not enough for me.” Jasmine replied, afraid that was what he thought.

“I know. I am only sorry that you cannot see what it is you do for me.” Hiei spoke with his usual tone of hard steel, but Jasmine could detect the hint of affection that softened his voice.

“I…” Jasmine started, but fumbled. Did she see what he felt for her? Jasmine, as a child, had always dreamed of a prince sweeping her off her feet, whispering sweet nothings in the dead of night. A hopeless romantic, she had always longed for one who would hold her close, protect her, and make her feel wanted. Jasmine was a vocal lover, she was not ashamed to admit that, nor did she try and change who she was. She didn’t want Hiei to change either, but it was hard to change her nature, was hard to only hear ‘I love you’ once a month. She knew that it was unspoken for him, that he showed his love through his actions, but sometimes she wanted to hear these things. Was that wrong of her?

“You owe me no explanations, mate. I can read your mind.” Hiei supplied, noting her confused expression. Her pointed ears wiggled slightly as she continued to think, her hand shaking slightly in his. He frowned. “I will force you to change your thoughts should this continue to distress you.”

“It is just like you to say something like that.” Jasmine replied softly, smiling. He smirked.

“Hn. Just do not doubt me. It is not something to worry so much over.” Hiei spoke with complete conviction, as if he could make her see things the way he did. She nodded, but without enthusiasm.

“I suppose you are correct. You…You would tell me, should I do something to upset you?” Hiei shook his head, a small smile tilting up the corners of his mouth. What was she so worried about?

“Jasmine, you have never upset me.” She whirled on him.

“I did too!”

“I do not believe so.”

“Well, you need to pay more attention because I distinctly remember upsetting you.” Jasmine shot back, her full lips pursing.

“I think probably not. I do not get upset.” Hiei replied in his calm tone, infuriating his mate even more.

“Hiei, you did too. You are not right all the time, you know.”

“Nonsense.” Hiei enjoyed getting his little elf angry, she looked rather…cute ruffled. Right now she tore her hand from his, crossing her arms as she glared at him.

“Must I prove this to you?” Jasmine asked, her glare intensifying till her white eyes seemed to turn silver. Her eyes were a truly beautiful thing, the palest of white they resembled the prettiest of pearls. (A.N. If you don’t get what the hell I’m talking about, think like Storm’s from Xmen. If you don’t know who that is, get the
hell out of my fic.)

“I am not sure how you would do this, but I am willing to prove to you that I am right.” Hiei replied. Jasmine rolled her eyes.

“Fine. Let me elaborate to you exactly what happened the very first day we met…”

*~*~* Three Years Previous *~*~*

“Lady, we be lost?” Namael had complete and utter faith in Jasmine. Having said this, the kobold knew that even his mistress had limitations, and she seemed to be going in complete circles. He wasn’t the best with directions, but going in circles got you nowhere, right? Did the elf know where she was going? Namael hated to even question her, Jasmine was so happy to be striking out on her own and he didn’t want to be the one to dampen her parade. She deserved all the happiness in the world.

As the daughter of his Lord and Lady Alyth, Jasmine had inherited all her parent’s powers and abilities, leaving no doubt in the kobold’s mind that he had made the right choice to leave with her. Besides, he loved her like no other and she was kind to him. More demon than mystic creature, kobolds are a sort of hybrid between the two. The Makai is split between demons and mystics, with the demons outnumbering their legendary counterparts. The difference between the two species is that mystics are creatures that are directly descended from the gods, and are generally more powerful. Elves, pixies, faeries, dragons and wizards were examples of mystics, but all are extinct except for the elves. Demons are growing more powerful and stronger in numbers as the years continue on, and the mystic’s territories continue to shrink. Hybrids like kobolds are very common, and tie the species’ together. Namael trained with the last known wizard a century ago, and then chose to settle in the territory of the elves. There he met Lady Jasmine and instantly fell in love with her childlike charms.

“We are not lost, Namael. Have you no faith?” Jasmine replied, her tone light and chipper as she ducked under a low tree branch. The kobold had no need to duck, and glanced up at his tall mistress through his black eyes.

“I have plenty of that, Lady. We just been walking forever.” Namael’s voice sounded weary, and Jasmine looked down at her small companion. He was only carrying his small pack with his clothes and a walking stick perfect for his height, but for such a tiny demon all that must be wearing on him. Jasmine stepped gracefully over a fallen log, setting her pack down to lift him up onto it. He glanced at her gratefully, wiping the sweat from his brow. Jasmine smiled, touching the top of his head affectionately. The two red suns filtered through the trees, beating down on the elf. She hitched her pants up higher on her hips, chewing thoughtfully on her lower lip. She wore a maroon shirt that stopped just below her waist that had a triangle slit just above her breasts, with tight black pants and cloth boots. Attached to the waist of her shirt was a long maroon cloth that reached the ground, and could be used as a wrap should she get cold. That, of course, wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. It was midday, and the suns were merciless. (A.N. I’ve never seen the Makai, so I make up what I think it should look like. Sorry if you don’t like that!)

“Well, we will rest here for a bit, all right?” Jasmine asked, and her friend looked up at her with a grateful smile. “I will go see if there is a stream nearby. You must be terribly thirsty.”

“No, Lady, I go with you. There be demons.” Namael’s basic English was adorable to say the least, and
Jasmine’s smile blossomed into a grin.

“I will be fine, old friend. You just rest.” Reluctantly, he relaxed, but looked grateful for the respite. Jasmine grabbed her twin swords from her pack and strapped one onto her hip, the other across her back. She left him sitting, flaring her senses as she walked, using her powers to search for water. Elves were naturally connected to the elements, and their powers are direct extensions of them. Locating a stream only a few minutes away, Jasmine headed in the direction to clear it of any demons before bringing Namael. While he may try and protect her from anything that moved, Jasmine was truly the stronger and didn’t want to expose him to any dangers.

Catching an unfamiliar aura, Jasmine immediately halted just before the tree line broke. Flaring her senses, Jasmine caught three separate entities. Two of them were lower class demons, probably B or C. But the third was distinctly stronger; an S. Jasmine knew the classification of demons only because her parents thought it would be useful to know, and now she was grateful. She drew one of her twin swords, sliding behind a massive tree to shield her from view. Her pale eyes took in the scene at the stream, where two massive demons were taunting a much smaller one. Jasmine blinked, because the aura of the smallest demon was the strongest. ‘He’s the S-class?!’ Jasmine thought to herself, unable to hide her surprise.

“C’mon shrimp, use that pathetic sword!” The taller purple demon yelled, his six eyes trained on the small demon. Jasmine noted with interest that the S-class demon had a sword in hand, his cold red eyes fixated on the tall demons. He was short, maybe 5 feet if he was lucky, but he was built like a god. He wore a black tank top tucked into black pants, two white belts standing out against the darker clothing. His arms weren’t overly muscular but they were chiseled, and while she couldn’t see his legs through his pants, she bet they weren’t any less impressive. His face was all hard angles and planes, a mask of anger and cold indifference that stole her breath. He looked like he had never smiled, never experienced joy before in his life. His hair was spiked upwards, adding a couple inches to his height, black with a brilliant white starburst. On his head he wore a white bandana, and his arms were wrapped up, as if he was injured. Anger surged through Jasmine at the thought of those two hulking idiots tormenting someone who was injured.

“I think he’s scared.” The other demon, a sickening yellow color, spoke alternately between two mouths. Jasmine grimaced. ‘I thought Mother said that demons began to look better the higher in the classification they were?’ Her thoughts were wayward, and she tried to reel them in. She would have to be prepared to fight. She was going to help the smaller demon, S-class or no.

“I suggest that you both pray to Enma. You will be in hell soon.” He spoke, and Jasmine froze. His voice sent shivers down her spine; the hard whip of steel that underlined the threat left no doubt in her mind that he was indeed an S-class. Someone with a voice that cold and unfeeling couldn’t be anything less. Jasmine knew that the other demons would die; there was no doubt of that in her mind.

“You talk big shit for a small fry.” The purple one retorted, cracking his knuckles. The figure in black smirked.

“I am surprised you understood.” His sword glinted in the light as he shifted it slightly, into a more defensive position. The demons obviously missed it, but Jasmine was battle trained and did not. She gripped her sword tighter, readying herself.

“What’s the s’posed to mean? You insultin’ my friend?” The yellow one bellowed.

“Hardly. That was a compliment.” Jasmine found herself shaking her head at the sarcasm and cynicism that dripped from the bored voice of the youkai, a small smile on her lips.

“I’ve had about of your smart mouth.” The purple one moved, leveling a massive club even with the smaller youkai. “Hand over that thing around your neck.”

“You are in no position to order me around.”

“Oh? And why’s that?”

“You are already dead.” Jasmine watched with wide eyes as one moment, the figure was standing before the purple demon, then the next he was behind him. The demon took one staggering step forward, then fell to pieces. Jasmine couldn’t tear her eyes away from his dismembered body, disbelief wrought all over her face. That demon moved with a speed unknown even to her kind. How did she think she could have helped him?

“What the FUCK?!” The yellow demon whirled, intent on facing down the still figure, despite the fact that he was obviously the weaker of the two. Jasmine prepared for the carnage that was sure to follow, but was unprepared for her guest.

“Lady? What you doing?” Namael had heard the commotion and had come immediately, fearing for Jasmine’s life. To find her hiding behind a tree increased his worry, and he broke the tree line to see what the problem was. She turned towards him, fear for his safety making her eyes flash.

“Namael! Get out of here!” Too late to realize his err, Namael could only stare wide-eyed at the massive demon that was only a few feet from where he stood. He could see the other, smaller demon that was closer to him, to his right. Somehow, he knew that demon meant him no harm. But the yellow demon was snarling, throwing a fit. Without a word, the demon lunged himself at Namael, intent on tearing him limb from limb in a blind rage.

Jasmine watched through narrowed eyes as the pathetic creature launched itself at Namael, and readied the sword in her sword. As he rushed past her tree, Jasmine lunged out, slicing just above his elbow, right below his shoulder. He stopped, turning towards her.

“Well, what do we have here? An elf?” Jasmine moved fully into the clearing, her head high.

“Do not address me, vermin. You should have listened.”

“To who?”

“Him.” Jasmine pointed her bloody sword at the silent one, who watched her with red eyes. The demon threw back his head, loud laughter spilling from his mouths.

“What the hell did he say that I should have listened to?”

“That you are going to be in hell. Soon.” The demon sobered up immediately, moving to lunge at her. His movements were slow and unresponsive, and his eyes widened.

“What…what the hell did you do to me?” He managed to stutter, blood continuing to pour from the wound on his arm. Jasmine smirked, one hand on her hip.

“It’s called Hannaa-takit.” She raised her sword, his blood hissing and smoking on the blade. “My sword is acidic. I sliced a main artery. You are going to bleed to death. Slowly.”

The demon opened his mouth to protest, but could no longer control his muscles. He fell forward onto his knees, then his face. Lying in an undignified heap, he watched through unfocused eyes as his blood slowly dripped from his body. Namael released a breath, rushing over to Jasmine’s side.

“Thanks be plenty, Lady! I wasnae payin’ attention.” Jasmine nodded down at him, her smile soft.

“You need to be more careful, my friend. I would have been devastated should something have happened to you.” He nodded vigorously, and Jasmine turned to the youkai that was still standing there. “Hello.”

Hiei was still studying this elf with guarded eyes. He had never seen one up close, and her features were very distinguished. Her eyes were the strangest white, almost like fresh snow. Her ears were pointed, and silver hoop earrings decorated them. Her smile revealed pointed fangs, but there was nothing threatening about her. Long white hair hung to her waist, adding to her exotic appearance. Her clothes were appropriate and flattering, and decidedly elfin. The small reptilian demon that was standing protectively in front of her seemed annoying and so far did nothing to impress him. Namael, as he was called, mainly seemed to be a tagalong, baggage that the elf kept with her. For what purpose, Hiei was uncertain.

“I no think he speak, Lady.” Namael said, confusion wrought all over his face. Why didn’t the demon speak when he heard Lady talking to him?

“He speaks, Namael.” Jasmine replied, her eyes never leaving the quiet demon. “Why he chooses to be silent now, I am unsure.”

“It matters very little to you.” Hiei finally responded. Her smiled didn’t fade, and she moved towards the stream. Dipping her blade in the cool, rushing water, she hummed slightly to herself as she cleaned her sword.

“Hey! Speak to her with kindness, boy!” Namael bristled at having Jasmine spoken to in such a
disrespectful manner, and spoke up. Hiei looked down at him through his nose, disgusted.

“You, toad, would do well not to order me around.” Jasmine stopped humming, turning to face Hiei.

“Would the two of you stop it?” She sheathed her sword, coming over to where Hiei was still standing. Dropping low, Jasmine greeted him formally, in the way of her people. Hiei watched with guarded curiosity. “Greetings, demon. I am Jasmine Alyth, of the Alyth clan.”

“I am Namael, of the Alyth clan.” Namael followed suit with Jasmine, greeting the demon despite the fact that it was the last thing he wanted to do. Hiei didn’t even spare him a glance, just looked at Jasmine as she straightened up.

“Hn. Hiei.”

“No last name?” Jasmine asked. He sighed, slightly annoyed.

“Jaganshi.” Jasmine gasped.

“As in, the Evil Eye?” She asked. His eyes widened a fraction, for the first time letting an emotion flit across his hard features.

“How is it you know of the Jagan?” Hiei asked, truly curious.

“I did not realize that demons had such a thing…I thought it was only a myth, a legend, told by my people.” Jasmine replied, shock registering on her face. She stared hard at the cloth on his forehead, a pulse seeming to sound from behind the white strap.

“That’s some mighty evil…” Namael piped up, shuddering. Jasmine laid a comforting hand on the top of his head, but her eyes never left Hiei.

“What is the legend of your people?” Hiei questioned.

“The eye itself is alive, with a spirit of its own. It can speak to its beholder, and when it feels as though it is insulted, it will retaliate. I have never seen one…” Her voice trailed off, her unspoken questions echoing loudly in the silence. Hiei sheathed his sword, and then reached up, removing the cloth that hid his Jagan. Slowly, the purple eye opened, focusing on the elf. She opened her mouth slightly, her full lips forming an ‘O’. It blinked at her, and she couldn’t help but smile. It was kind of cute…In a really demonic way. (A.N. Now, I don’t remember if the Jagan can actually communicate with Hiei in the way I’m about to use, but in my fic it does.)

~Who is that?~ Hiei could have snorted at the eye’s question.

~It matters very little.~ He replied.

~It matters greatly, Hiei. One would have thought you to be smarter than that.~

~Why does it matter who she is?~

~She is an elf. She would make a powerful mate.~ Hiei rolled his own eyes, ignoring the strange look he was getting from Jasmine.

~Is that all you occupy yourself with? Thoughts of rutting?~

~It would be, if you would engage regularly.~ Hiei sighed, looking at Jasmine.

“There, you have seen it.” The eye closed slowly, and Hiei tied the bandanna back in place.

“Thank you.” Jasmine replied honestly, and she noticed he nodded slightly. Silence lapsed for a moment, and then Jasmine got an idea. “Are you hungry?”

“Lady, I don’t think it be the best idea to let him eat with us.” Namael spoke softly, but with the withering look Hiei gave him, it mattered very little. Jasmine shook her head.

“Nonsense. If you are hungry, we have plenty of food. We were planning on resting here for a bit anyway.” Hiei contemplated her offer. Was the eye right? He never indulged in anything, and he had no one to call his own. Not that Jasmine was the one for him, but would it hurt for a little interaction with someone? Hiei was still undecided but relented.

“I will stay.” Jasmine clapped her hands happily,
a laugh spilling from her throat. Hiei smirked. This elf
was too easily pleased.

And she worked entirely too fast, was Hiei's next thought as he watched her scurry about, setting up camp by the stream. The bodies had been cremated personally by Hiei, and the clearing now smelled distinctly of the busy woman preparing food. She was humming to herself, some nameless tune that had that toad smiling. Hiei noticed that she continually paid him little attentions, like a pat on the head or a smile, and the little demon soaked them up like rays from the suns. It was almost pathetic, the way he wanted anything she could give him. Hiei would never allow some woman to control him in such a way.

“So, Hiei, what are you?” Jasmine noticed the lack of conversation and just assumed he wouldn’t mind talking. He couldn’t really be that quiet, could he? Everyone liked to talk about themselves.

“That matters to you why?” Hiei answered her question with one of his own, ruby gaze watching as she spread out a large blanket, her pack having long ago been retrieved. Namael was busy just a few feet from the blanket, setting up a small fire. The wood was set up in the traditional way, a pot suspended from a wooden spit above it. The kobold was adding meat to the pot, but the fire had yet to be started. Jasmine didn’t seem fazed by his smart reply.

“I was only trying to learn more about you. I am sorry if my question offended you. You do not have to answer.” Hiei was somewhat startled to silence. Why wasn’t she getting upset? Everyone else found him nearly intolerable, and that was perfectly fine with him. It kept them at a distance, but Jasmine wasn’t like that. She seemed genuinely interested in him, and gave him her undivided attention. It made him almost hungry to talk to her, embarrassing as that is.

“There was no offense. It is merely surprising to find someone interested in what I have to say.” Hiei’s reply was guarded, and Jasmine was careful to keep her face impassive as she filled a small pot with water. Hiei was like the fireworks of her people, easy to set off and one must be careful how they are handled. Jasmine didn’t know anything about this demon next to her, but could sense that his life had not been easy. That would explain his less than social personality, and his cold eyes. Determined to unlock his personal Pandora’s box, Jasmine turned her brilliant eyes on him.

“Why would I not be interested in you?” She asked, a small smile tugging her full lips at the corners.

“No one ever is.” Came Hiei’s dry remark. He was standing at the corner of the blanket, looking down at Jasmine. She was pulling cups from her pack, pouring water from the pot into them.

“I am quite pleased to announce that I only make up for one of the millions in this world. I may be the only one interested in you, but I am still interested.” She offered him a cup, her smile still glowing. “Have a seat and drink with me?”

“Hn.” Hiei didn’t respond, but took the cup and sat. Her smile blossomed into a grin, and Hiei shook his head. Namael heaved a great sigh from his spot by the fire.

“Lady, I be losin’ my touch.” Jasmine turned, seeing her friend’s frustration at being unable to start a fire. It was never his strong suit.

“I will do it for you.” She replied, and moved to get up. No sooner had she started to rise, the wood burst into flames, nearly singing the kobold that was still kneeling next to it. He yelped and scrambled away from the roaring flames, and Jasmine turned surprised eyes to Hiei, who merely looked bored.

“Lady!” Namael was prepared to scold Jasmine for not
allowing him to get away first, but she wasn’t paying him any attention. Her large eyes were on Hiei.

“That was you, was it not?” Jasmine wasn’t trying to ask the obvious, it just sort of slipped out. His eyes swung to hers, a cold sort of amusement lighting the red depths to almost maroon.

“I am sure that your question was merely a formality.” Jasmine flushed, and Hiei’s smirk widened.

“Kind of obvious, I suppose.” Jasmine tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a curiously innocent gesture. Hiei watched the movement through hooded eyes, his face slightly turned away to imply his disinterest.

“I am a ice/fire youkai. A hybrid, much like your friend.” His voice was soft, and Jasmine’s pointed ears wiggled as she listened. “I was born of a Koorime, who betrayed the rules of her people and bore me, a son. I was the only male in a females only species.”

Jasmine was silent, afraid of breaking the mood. He was opening up slowly, a bit at a time, and it was progress. Namael was even silent; one ear tuned to the conversation as he kept tabs on the meat that was cooking on the spit.

“My mother Hina bore two children, twins, my sister and I. My sister was born a full ice youkai, but I was called the Forbidden One because of my fire lineage. I was the abomination, the one that could not be kept. My mother was forced to throw me from their world.” Hiei’s voice never changed tones, his eyes distant. He could hear Jasmine’s swift intake of breath at his words, the sympathy and pity that seemed to radiate from her. Normally that would anger him, he didn’t need anyone’s pity, and sympathy was for the weak. But coming from her it seemed almost natural, as if it was something acceptable. She didn’t mean any harm, did she? Why was he telling her these things?

“I suppose I would be lying if I told you that I understand their decision. I do not. I did not choose the life that I was given, but I am unapologetic for how I have lived it.” Hiei finished, finally turning to face her. What would he see in those crystalline eyes?
Jasmine was at a loss for words. While she had known immediately that he was tortured soul, she had no idea that his life had been this hellacious. What could she possibly say that would make this demon’s pain go away? Scars like that would never fade; he would bear these wounds for the rest of his life. Anger swirled close to the surface as she thought of him as a child, fending for himself as he struggled to understand and learn all of life’s hard lessons. What right did his own people have to turn their backs on him?

“Hiei…” Jasmine spoke his name softly, and his eyes bore into hers, awaiting her response. “I am sorry for that. I know that is most likely what you do not want to hear, but in my heart of hearts I am truly saddened by what has befallen you. Sometimes fate is most cruel in her games…”

“You are correct in your assumption that I do not want to hear your apologies. They are wasted on me.” Hiei snapped, angry for no reason. She didn’t change expression, and her calm nature was helping him more than he knew. He had never told anyone his story, the forlorn tale that was his life…And it felt good to share that with someone.

“Nothing is wasted on you, Hiei. You are not forbidden
and your people were wrong in what they did to you.” Jasmine replied softly, careful not to rouse him.

“You simply have not known me long enough.”

“I have known you long enough to realize that you are not the horrible person you pretend to be. If you would only give yourself a chance, I think you would see that.” Jasmine said with a wink, her fangs gleaming in her smile. Namael brought over the meat that was cooked, careful to keep his eyes averted from Hiei.

“You may not like me, Hiei, but I think Lady be right ‘bout this. You seem all right to this one.” Namael’s words coupled with Jasmine’s compassion were having a funny affect on Hiei. For the first time in a long time, he truly felt accepted, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep his stoic manner in place. Come hell or high water, there was no way this elf was going to get the satisfaction of knowing she had gotten to him.

Jasmine kept her smile to herself, knowing that Hiei wouldn’t appreciate it. He was trying so hard to keep up that ridiculous mask, and for now she would let him think that he had won. Sharing a conspirator’s wink with Namael, Jasmine served the food. Hiei took his plate without a word, the meat smelling good to his empty stomach. She handed him a fork, and he began to eat. Watching as Jasmine did the same, he couldn’t tear his eyes from her. Why was she so enchanting? Was it just the nature of her people?

“I be curious, Hiei. What was they wantin’ from you?” Namael asked, chewing thoughtfully. Hiei looked at him, his eyes hard.

“You expect me to answer that?” Jasmine cleared her throat, stilling Namael’s smart remark.

“I think he was only wondering because they seemed to be
intent on getting something around your neck.” Jasmine clarified, her gaze carefully averted from his neck. Hiei glanced down, the tear gem from his mother hanging from his neck. (A.N. I know, he never found the gem after he lost it, but in my story he did. Just play along, all right?? *pleading eyes*)

“It was a gift…From my mother. When Koorime cry, their tears form priceless gems. This one is my mother’s.” Hiei held up the pearl-sized gem, and Jasmine gazed at it with open interest. She moved closer, setting her plate down. She started to reach out, and then pulled her hand back. Hiei didn’t miss the action. “You may touch it.”

Jasmine smiled gently, her small hand reaching out to touch the gem. It was small and cool to the touch, her fingers caressing the smooth surface. Hiei watched her face, her childlike fascination amusing and refreshing. She looked up and caught his gaze, a blush tinting her pretty features. She released the tear and moved back to her spot across from him, resuming eating. Namael glanced between the two, shaking his head slowly. Would anyone ever learn to just admit their feelings?

“I am glad then, that I was there to help you. I would not want your mother’s gem to be stolen.” Jasmine said nonchalantly, unaware that she had just planted a bomb. Hiei’s eyes hardened considerably, and he shook his head slightly.

“There to help me? If I remember correctly, you did absolutely nothing for me.” Jasmine frowned, for the first time allowing an emotion besides happiness to flit across her features.

“What are you talking about? I killed one of the demons.”

“I could have done that myself.” Namael looked nervously between the two.

“I think maybe you both did good?” He tried, a nervous smile not reaching his eyes. Jasmine spared him a glance.

“I did better than good. He is just too proud to admit I saved his sorry hide.” Jasmine snapped, and Hiei smirked.

“The day I need an elf to help me is the day I commit suicide.” It was Jasmine’s turn to smirk.

“Better put that sword to good use then. I helped you.” Namael rolled his black eyes.

“You would think that the two of ya would know better than to argue about the past.” Both of them turned towards him, and he shrank into himself, suddenly very interested in his food.

“I think you may as well admit that I helped you.” Jasmine replied, chewing thoughtfully on a bite of meat. Hiei met her gaze evenly.

“It would be better for all involved if you woke up.” He shot back, and she narrowed her eyes. Hiei couldn’t explain it, but seeing her all riled up stirred something deep within him, something primal, and he resisted the urge to shake his head to clear it.

“I do not know what is worse, your arrogance or the fact that you cannot admit you needed help from a woman. An ELFIN woman.” Jasmine spoke casually, but there was an underlying whip to her voice that could not be ignored. Hiei felt his hackles rise to the unspoken challenge.

“I needed no help from an elfin woman who could no better wield a sword than her dwarf friend.” Namael raised his head, an angry scowl on his face.

“Hey! I didn’t do nothin’ to either of ya, so leave me out of it!”

“Who are you to call someone a dwarf?” Jasmine asked with a laugh, unable to hide the mirth in her eyes. Hiei’s sparked, and the air crackled with electricity. He HATED it when one made reference to his height, and her remark would not go unpunished. She stopped laughing, immediately raising her guard. Hiei resisted the urge to smirk. She feared him? Good.

“I would ask that you refrain from making such foolish comments. It is…unwise.” Jasmine set her unfinished plate down, eyes still wary.

“Why? Did I upset you?” Hiei turned away, not liking the fact that she had gotten under his skin.

“Hn.”

“I did! I knew you had a heart somewhere in there!” Jasmine exclaimed, laughing. Hiei rolled his eyes.

“Damn elf, you do not know what you are talking about.” Jasmine reached over, poking his side.

“Admit it! Admit I ruffled your perfect feathers.” Hiei jerked, grabbing her hand. Their eyes locked, and a passion arched between them like lightning. Jasmine tried to pull her hand away, but Hiei kept hold of it. Moving in close to her lips, he spoke.

“You ruffled my perfect feathers.”

*~*~*~* End Flashback *~*~*~*

“I told you.” Jasmine’s smirk was full of glee, and Hiei rolled his eyes skyward. Where did she get that arrogant streak? (A.N. I wonder…)

“I do not remember it happening quite the way you
explained.” Hiei knew he was lying, but he couldn’t just admit that he was wrong. It was simply not feasible.

“That is because in your old age, you forget the minute details.” Jasmine chided, and Hiei returned her smirk.

“May I remind you, dear Jasmine, you are older than me?” Jasmine flushed, ducking her head so that her bangs hid her eyes. Why did she always forget that?

“Yes, well, I make this age look sexy.” Hiei snorted, shaking his head. While she may be right, he wasn’t going to admit it.

“I believe you are simply trying to get me to forget your slip.” Jasmine stared at him with her luminous eyes.

“Is it working?” He couldn’t help it, he chuckled. Her surprised smile widened her face, and her eyes twinkled. “I love it when you smile, Hiei.”

“I am well aware of that. You feel I do not do it enough.” He replied, unable to completely wipe the smile from his face. She leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on his lips.

“No, you do not.” Their eyes locked, and Hiei closed the distance between them to press his lips against hers, using one hand to pull her snug against him. She deepened the kiss, her lips soft and pliant against his while his tongue caressed her full lower lip. Her lips parted, allowing him the entrance he desired. His tongue slid across hers, the sensation rippling down her spine as she moaned into his mouth. He swallowed her moan and continued to ravage her mouth, his tongue gliding to the inside of her cheek. One of her hands came up to cup his cheek, while one of his went to the back of her head to hold her still. The passion that never seemed to leave their relationship flared to violent life between them, and Jasmine felt heat pool low in her abdomen. Smoky white eyes opened as they slowly pulled away, her full lips slightly parted.

“Can we make love in a tree?” Jasmine’s question slipped out before she could censor herself, and she immediately looked away. Hiei shook his head, the small smile still turning his lips upwards. His mate had an insatiable sexual appetite, but that was fine with the youkai. He rather liked the fact that she was so wild for him.

“You have not changed, at all.” Jasmine settled between his legs, her back resting against his chest. His arms circled her and held her close, and she burrowed further into his warmth as the last of the light disappeared over the horizon.

“What are you rambling about?” She asked, looking up at him.

“If your thoughts were not so preoccupied with
thoughts of me ravaging you, you would have heard me.” Hiei replied, and watched through satisfied eyes as she turned from him, her eyes on the dark leaves that surrounded them.

“Or you could just stay out of my mind, where you were not invited.”

“I am always invited to your mind. You belong to me.” Hiei’s lips ghosted across the mark that marred her otherwise flawless skin, finding satisfaction in her brand. She shivered, goose bumps rising on her arms as the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Her neck was always so sensitive, and when he marked the curve of her throat, it seemed to make it worse. She swatted the hands that rested on her stomach.

“You do not have to put it so…plainly.” Jasmine was complaining but she really liked the way that Hiei staked claim to her. It made her feel wanted, needed by him, and she liked his possessive streak. But she also liked to ruffle his feathers.

“You do not have to pretend that it bothers you.” Hiei shot back, resting his chin on the top of her head. She rolled her eyes, but the action was lost on the youkai.

“You are so arrogant sometimes. I could strangle you.” Jasmine knew as well as Hiei that her threats were empty, but they made her feel better to say them.

“You tell me this a lot. But you like my arrogance.” Hiei always had a response to anything Jasmine threw at him, and knew his elf found it all the more irritating.

“Get over yourself. Your arrogance follows you everywhere, even in our bed.” Jasmine scolded.

“If I may point out, it was my arrogance that made you so comfortable with me in our bed.” He commented, and she frowned, turning slightly to gaze up at him.

“What?”

“Do not tell me that your memory is failing you in your age.” She swatted his leg.

“Do not take that tone with me; I may be tempted to turn you over my knee.”

“I am willing to try anything once, mate.” Hiei kept his face completely neutral, but the shock that registered on her face was completely priceless.

“Hiei…Half the time I do not even know what to do with you.” Jasmine said, shaking her head. “Now, what were you talking about just a moment ago?”

“My arrogance helped you find your inner sex addict.” Hiei replied, watching her eyes widen in disbelief.

“Beg pardon? I highly doubt that.” Hiei arched a brow at her.

“Are you going to sit there and tell me that you were completely comfortable with me our first time?” Jasmine pointedly looked down, avoiding his eyes. It was much easier to lie that way.

“I was. I did not need your help.”

“’Hiei, wait! I do not think it is going to fit!’ Did you not say that?” Hiei mocked, and Jasmine about fell of the branch. Had she really said that?!

“B-But…Wait, no I…” She stammered, words failing her. Hiei kept his arms firmly around her to keep her from falling out of the tree, but he was gloating triumphantly over her.

“You did.” He replied. She shook her head in disbelief.

“I would never say that…In a million years.” Hiei smirked.

“I am offering to explain your err to you.” She blinked up at him, still trying to understand why in all hell she would have said that.

“While I could never imagine my ever saying that, I suppose I could listen to your ridiculous tale.”

“I am quite sure that you remember, as it was the night you asked me to meet you by that waterfall you found…”

*~*~*~* Flashback (Lemon!) *~*~*~*

Hiei wasn’t entirely sure what the hell he was doing. Why was he going to meet her? It was the middle of the night, he should be sleeping, but instead he was moving through the dark forest, heading to some obscure place. Why? Hiei wasn’t sure but Jasmine better have a damn good reason for calling him out here. Her summons had interrupted the stillness of the night, had penetrated his mind shields and surprised the living hell out of him. He had no idea that she knew telepathy, or could find his mental path whenever she so desired. She had asked him to meet her at a waterfall, because she needed to talk to him. That alone had driven him from his restless sleep to come to her. Something in the tone of her voice was off. Hiei would never admit it, but he cared for this elf, had since the very first day they met. If there was something wrong with her, he would do all in his power to right her world for her.

That being said, it didn’t stop Hiei from being
slightly agitated. He rarely slept, but when he did, he hated being disturbed. He was not mad at Jasmine, but if someone was threatening her or causing her distress, Hiei was going to tear them limb from limb, if ONLY because they got him up in the middle of the night. Leaping from one tree branch to the other, Hiei broke the tree line into a small clearing. Jasmine’s ethereal beauty immediately came into view, a brilliant white glow radiating from her body, bathing a small portion of the clearing in her silver light. Hiei landed silently, for a moment simply content to gaze at her, the way her hair moved around her in the slight breeze, or the way her pale eyes glittered like gems in the darkness. She was truly the descendant of a goddess, and sitting barefoot beside the water made her seem all the more surreal. Her lithe body was encased in a long flowing gown made of the softest white silk, hugging her gentle curves as if it was made just for her. The neckline dipped low, revealing the soft swell of her generous breasts and her graceful neck. Her profile was presented to him, her face tilted up as she gazes into the black sky.

“It is a beautiful night, is it not?” Jasmine’s voice was soft as she spoke, but she didn’t turn to face her companion. Hiei turned his face up to the inky abyss, taking in the expanse of sky.

“Nights are always beautiful.” Came his reply, his voice resounding with a gentleness that made the elf turn to look at him. ‘He came…’ The silly little voice in her head kept repeating. She hadn’t thought he would come to meet her. Jasmine had found this waterfall completely by accident, stumbled upon it during one of her exploratory missions. It was a very strange waterfall, one that only the Makai could produce. The water was crystal clear, but instead of flowing down, the water flowed up. It was fascinating to watch, and Jasmine instantly fell in love with this magical place. It was definitely a place that had been touched by wizards, their magic laced even in the plants and the way the water moved. There was a pool of water at the base of the waterfall, surrounded by rocks.

“Why did you come?” Jasmine asked, and Hiei once again turned to her.

“You asked me to.” He replied, as if it were the
most obvious thing in the world.

“I did not think you would come meet me.” She
admitted, curling her legs under herself. He moved towards her slowly, hands in the pocket of his pants. He wore his traditional black outfit, his black shirt tucked into his pants. He made no noise as he moved, silent as a shadow, yet Jasmine found that comforting.

“Foolish onna.” Hiei’s voice held a slight scolding tone to it, and she fought the urge to laugh. He came to stand beside her rock, gazing into the mystic waters of the pool. He could see his reflection in the clear pool, the rippling of the water distorting his image slightly. Hiei’s lips twisted into a sarcastic smile. This was a perfect representation of his soul…Distorted, damaged, imperfect.

~You are the foolish one.~ Jasmine’s soft voice caressed the fire demon’s mind, slipping in and out of his thoughts and memories. He turned to look at her, but she was gazing into the water.

~I do not think it to be so.~ He replied, his voice emotionless. He felt the shifting of Jasmine’s mind, and felt her sending him waves of comfort, caring. Resisting the urge to surrender himself to her, Hiei accepted her emotions with forced resistance.

~When will you open your eyes?~

~They are never shut.~

~Then you are blind. You are so quick to point out what is wrong with you, but you shut out all the good things without a second thought. Do not be so quick to condemn yourself.~ Jasmine’s voice echoed with wisdom that belied her age, and Hiei found himself compelled to believe her. Was she right? Could he really let go of his title?

~How is it that you presume to know so much about me?~ He asked her, and she turned to him, mirth twinkling in her shimmering eyes.

“You are just like me.” She spoke aloud, and
Hiei’s eyes widened a fraction.

“How?”

“You long to be free of all your silly little fears. You long to be free of the world, yet you do not wish to be alone.” Standing up, Jasmine unfolded her form with unfailing grace, her dress catching the wind. “You do not want to fight anymore.”

“Hn.” How could he argue with her? She was right, of course. He wanted to give in to the darkness that called his name, he wanted to let go of everything and never look back. He wanted to forget that he had a past, wanted to shed the shackles that life had handed him. Would he ever get to be free?

“It is all right, Hiei, to admit this to me. I will promise not to tell anyone that you do have a heart.” Jasmine said with a laugh, and Hiei shook his head. Sitting on the edge of a large rock, Hiei watched as Jasmine dipped a slender foot into the pool, a smile still on her pretty face.

“I have already admitted too much. I do not want to have to kill you.” Her laughter echoed off the rocks, filling the clearing with the pleasant sound.

“No, we would not want that.” Silence lapsed for
a moment, and Jasmine took the time to assess the situation. She had called him here on an impulse, wanting to see him. After the first day they had met, he had been in her thoughts often. They had parted ways on good terms, and he quietly told her that if she needed anything, all she need do was ask. She hadn’t seen him for a few weeks, so that counts as needing something, right? Well, she sure hoped that he wouldn’t mind her summoning him in the middle of the night simply to talk. While he wasn’t much on the conversation front, she enjoyed talking to him, and felt like he really paid attention to her, despite the fact that he pretended not to. Another thing, she couldn’t deny her attraction to him. If there was one thing she hated, it was people who couldn’t just admit their feelings. While she hadn’t come out and told him that she cared for him, if he asked, she would tell him. There was no point in lying to him.

“Where are you staying now? Have you settled down yet?” Hiei asked, knowing the answer before she even spoke. His elf was a wanderer, and he knew she liked to travel. It was easy for her to live off the wild, as an elf it was almost instinct. Still, he didn’t like the fact that she had nowhere to retreat to, should she find herself in an uncompromising situation.

“No. Namael and I just returned to this area after visiting the land of the dragons. It is a vey beautiful place, despite the fact that all the dragons reside in hell now.” Jasmine replied, and missed the knowing smirk on Hiei’s face. He knew where they were. He controlled them.

“Why do you not settle down?” Hiei really didn’t have much room to talk. He didn’t have a home, but he at least stayed in the general area and was debating on whether or not a home would be worth building. He rather liked it here, in the western lands of the Makai. It was a mostly forested area, with a few rivers and rather scarcely populated. It used to belong to the wizards, and since they have disappeared the lands have remained empty. Demons are still wary of lands that mystics once inhabited, as they are notorious for traps and old spells that leave the unaware dead. It was perfect for a solitary demon like Hiei, who truly coveted his silence and the serenity of being alone.

“I have not found someone to settle down with.” Jasmine replied casually, but that wasn’t entirely true. She often dreamt of settling down with Hiei, but dismissed her thought as foppish fantasy. The man was as untamable as the wind, and she had better hope of catching a breeze and pinning it down. Still, dreams were dreams and she couldn’t help them, could she?

“Really.” Hiei replied, his tone guarded as usual. Did she not consider him worthy of her? Hiei was struggling valiantly with his wayward emotions, trying to reel them in before he got himself into a situation he wasn’t ready for.

Lifting her dress, Jasmine stepped into the thigh deep water. It got deeper as it neared the waterfall, but Jasmine was content to wade around in the shallows for now. After a moment of holding her dress, Jasmine allowed it to fall, uncaring if it got drenched. It laid flat against the water, billowing behind her as she moved. Hiei watched her, turning his body slightly to follow her movements. She was like a free spirit, wading around in the water that way.

“Hiei, tell me something.”

“Hn.” Taking that as his way of saying yes, the elf continued.

“Do you think we are meant to be alone?” Her questions were never easy, Hiei thought to himself. Did she not have normal thought patterns? He actually had to stop and think about his responses when he spoke with her, but it was a welcome change from the normal banter of demons.

“I do not believe that everyone is destined for happiness.” He replied instead, wondering if she would find that a sufficient answer.

“What about you?” Scooping some water in her hands, Jasmine threw the crystalline droplets into the sky, laughing to herself as they fell back down, shimmering in the light that radiated from her body.

“What about me, elf?”

“Are you destined for happiness?” Jasmine asked, truly interested. She glanced at him over her shoulder, their eyes locking.

“I do not know the answer to that.” He said, and she smiled.

“Maybe that is because you never reach out and take what
is yours.” Hiei smirked. Bold little thing that she was, she probably had a point. Maybe he should reach out and take her? He wanted her, but was that enough? Why was he worried about it? He wanted a good rut, and the soft curves and swells of her body promised that. The sultry look in her eyes heated his blood, and he felt desire curl low in his abdomen. If it all went well, maybe he would even claim her.

“Come here.” The tone in his voice brooked little room for argument, and Jasmine walked over to him slowly, the water lapping gently around her legs. He was perched on the edge of the rock closest to the water, his eyes smoky. Was that lust? Jasmine felt arousal barb through her, and tried to control herself. She reached him, placing her arms on either side of his still form on the rock. They locked eyes, and for a heartbeat Jasmine fooled herself into thinking that he was going to kiss
her.

“Foolish elf…I am going to kiss you.” Hiei spoke aloud, and then closed the distance between them. Their lips touched, and Jasmine swore she saw stars. Was this what it was like to kiss someone you cared for? It was euphoric, it was bliss, it was…right. His lips were insistent against hers, but she didn’t feel rushed. He was hungry for her, as she was for him. She felt his tongue caress her lower lip, and parted her lips slightly to allow him the entrance he desired. A soft growl of approval reverberated in his throat, and encouraged Jasmine to touch her tongue to his. Immediately his dueled with hers for domination, and she didn’t fight him for it. If he wanted to be in control, she would let him…for now.

Hiei deepened the kiss by running his tongue along the inside of her cheek, her sweet taste nearly driving the breath from his body. To be kissing her was exactly what he wanted, and he began to wonder why he hadn’t done it sooner. She was responsive to his touch, arching her body into his with every stroke of his tongue. It made him feel wanted, empowered, a feeling more suited to him than he previously thought. He broke the kiss to explore the curve of her slender throat. His name escaped her lips in the form of a pleased sigh, and he nipped the underside of her chin in response. Hiei brushed his lips against her throat, his teeth scraping lightly in the wake of his lips. He felt her body tense against his, and knew her toes were curling under the water. Was this a sensitive spot of hers? Smirking to himself, Hiei slid his tongue along the side of her neck.

Jasmine gasped, a shudder rippling through her body with such force she almost jerked away. Hiei chuckled darkling, his teeth finding and pinning her still.

“Hiei!” Jasmine cried out, finding nothing but pleasure in the pain of his bite. (A.N. Who would have pinned Hiei a biter?) Hiei released her skin, his tongue soothing the bite mark instantly. Her hands gripped the hard surface of the rock as Jasmine tried to control herself, to keep from begging for his touch. His lips shifted lower on her neck, tracing the outline of her collarbone with his ghostly caresses while his hands found the straps of her dress, prepared to lower the material off her shoulders. Jasmine head was tipped back, exposing the dark skin to his pale lips, and Hiei felt the glow that was radiating from her skin increase in brilliance, bathing him in the pureness of her spirit.

“Hiei…” Jasmine didn’t know whether she was asking him to slow down or speed up, but either way she wanted him to continue. Even in the cool waters of the pool Jasmine was heating up, her body temperature rising with every feather light kiss. His lips were insistent; with every spot he kissed, an ache began to build low in her abdomen, white hot lightning that made the treasure between her legs throb. She felt her knees growing weak and knew that soon she would be unable to support herself. Hiei must have caught her thought because he scooped her up, carrying her from the water and onto the soft grass of the clearing, her body pinned beneath his.
Jasmine would have laughed at the situation had she not been so preoccupied with his lips on hers. Who would have thought that he would have been able to pick her up? Even as it was, she smiled against his insistent kisses, and he gazed at her, perplexed.

“Elf, I know my kisses cannot possibly be leaving you with that silly grin on your face.” He said, and she giggled.

“Oh, your kisses are wonderful, Hiei. How do you know what they do to me?” Jasmine quickly covered, not wanting to explain herself. Hiei smirked, leaning down to kiss her eyelids, a curiously intimate gesture. She sighed contentedly, her eyes closing. Her body moved restlessly against his, trying to increase friction and soothe the ache that was pooling between her legs. It was exquisite torture, her need of him, and she couldn’t wait much longer to feel the steely velvet length of him inside her.

Hiei groaned at her thoughts, his body being pushed to its physical limits. His erection swelled to greater lengths, pressing insistently against his pants, and against her thighs. She felt it and opened her eyes, the brilliant orbs catching the light from the stars and shimmering back into his own eyes. A silent connection was established there, a shared emotion that had their lips crashing back together in a frenzied embrace. That feeling was acceptance, something foreign to both kindred souls, and all the more awe-inspiring for it.
Unable to stand the clothing separating their bodies a moment longer, Hiei reached to his hip, feeling his katana in its sheath. Pulling it from it’s perch on his body, Hiei shed the sheath and held the blade in his capable hands. Jasmine eyed the sword warily, confusion knotting her brow.

“What are you planning on doing with that?” She asked, but he didn’t answer. Being careful not to cut her, Hiei slipped the sword under the shoulder of her dress, slicing the silk with ease. Before she could protest, he cut the dress from her beautiful body, yet kept the fabric covering her. He had his own exploration to do…

“What the-HIEI!” Jasmine yelled, finally finding her voice. Hiei tossed his katana aside, not even sparing her a glance as his lips descended onto her neck again. He immediately felt her body relax, and smirked against her skin. This was just too easy.

Hiei lowered the dress slowly down her body, revealing her creamy breasts to his hungry gaze. Jasmine truly had a perfect body, and her breasts were enviable. Neither too big nor too small, they were perfect to him. His lips pressed against the swell of her right breast, and she arched her back slightly, urging him lower. Not about to be rushed, Hiei nuzzled the tender flesh, purposely avoiding the peaked nipple that begged for his attention. Switching sides, Hiei repeated the caress to her left breast, his breath warm on her skin. Jasmine couldn’t keep herself still, her body grinding up against his, begging for more without a word. Her hands found his hair, tangling in the ebony strands as she was lost to the pleasurable sensations.

Unable to resist the siren’s call of her body a moment longer, Hiei drew one dark nipple into his mouth, his teeth tugging gently on the blood-filled nub. Jasmine cried out, her lower back rising off the soft grass, her nails scraping his scalp in a most pleasing way. Encouraged by her little mewls Hiei swirled his tongue over her nipple, flicking his wet muscle over the abused flesh. Her body shuddered, an erotic shiver rushing up her spine like fingers. Careful of her tender skin, Hiei bit down, the pleasure pain index rising sharply for his little elf. His name was a whispered prayer that fell from her lips like a mantra, asking him for completion, to not leave her wanting. Kissing his way to her neglected mound, Hiei repeated his erotic assault on her senses, his little nips and licks driving Jasmine insane with want.

Jasmine couldn’t really remember where she was. It didn’t matter much, as long as he didn’t stop what he was doing. His tongue was a demon in and of itself, able to find all the hidden tender spots that left her breathless. Her dress was slid lower, revealing her flat stomach to his wandering mouth. His lips touched her quivering muscles, dipped lower to taste the adorable indentation that was her belly button. His hands caressed her sides, memorizing all the hidden angles and planes, the spots that made her body quiver just that much more. All of this was leading up to the moment where he would take her body for his, where he would take her to the place only he could bring her.

Finally sliding the dress completely from her body, Hiei’s hungry gaze fell on her perfect body, shadows from the night adding to her mystique. She squirmed under his intense gaze, her curves heating his blood to the point of boiling. The flush that tinted her skin made her almost glow, the soft light that emanated from her made him want her all the more. Sliding his body gently up her form, he settled between her legs, her scent driving him insane. Her arousal smelled of musk vanilla, and was pushing him to the point of his control. Pressing his lips to the curve of her hip, Hiei teased not only her but also himself as his kisses burned a trail to her inner thigh, deliberately avoiding the damp white curls that housed what he so desperately wanted.

Lost to all coherent thought, it was all Jasmine could do to clench her fingers in her lover’s hair as his kisses took the long route to her damp sex. She ached for him, a literal ache that couldn’t be assuaged through ghostly kisses. Arching her hips slightly, Jasmine tried without success to bring him closer to her, to ease the almost painful arousal that spiked through her. Hiei simply pinned her hips with his hands, taking his sweet slow time to reach her throbbing sex. Nosing aside her small thatch of curls, Hiei’s lips met hers in an erotic kiss, his tongue sliding out to part the slick folds. She sighed in ecstasy, only to growl out the loss as he removed his tongue almost as quickly as she had felt it.

His hands slid between her legs, parting her nether lips to allow his tongue better access. It glided over her engorged clit with ease, drawing a cry from the elf beneath him. Jasmine tasted as good as she smelled, encouraging Hiei to draw her clit into his mouth, suckling on the swollen flesh gently. Her nails massaged his scalp as she pressed his mouth tighter against her, her breath hitching in her throat. His tongue was a demon in and of itself, ravenously lapping up her essence and demanding more.

Hiei slid one finger down the center of her dripping core, dipping his digit into the heat of her entrance. She was tight and slick, promising heaven, and he slid his finger deeper, adding a second to stretch her. He didn’t feel a protective barrier, and that was good. Hiei wasn’t one for boasting, but he wasn’t small and it would have hurt her terribly had she been a virgin. Still, the thought of someone else touching her the way he was drew a rumbling growl from the base of his throat, his every instinct demanding he show her that no one else would ever be able to satisfy her the way he could. Pumping his two fingers inside of her tight sheath, Hiei once more pounced on her clit, his tongue flicking over the pearl as he coaxed more juices from her. Her breathing was irregular, coming in short pants as she struggled to rein in her raging hormones. The crest of her orgasm was rearing its head, and she felt the sweet escape begin to wash over her. Feeling her walls begin to clamp down, Hiei made a fast decision and pulled his fingers out of her, his tongue abandoning her sex.

“Mmmnmmm…Hiei…?” Jasmine struggled to control the shuddering in her body, the loss of her orgasm overriding every sane part of her. Her body was a jumbled mess of nerves and that damn ache hadn’t gone away. If anything, it had increased. Hiei kissed his way up her body, knowing that she was no better than she was before, but loving it. She leveled a glare at him, but leaned up to kiss him. Her body still hummed and throbbed, and her kiss was every bit as hungry as all his other ones had been. ‘Payback, as they say, is a bitch…’ Jasmine kept that thought to herself, careful not to let her demon lover hear the reverberating satisfaction in her mind.

Jasmine took control of the kiss, her tongue caressing and dancing with his, taking his mind off anything but her lips against his. Using his distraction to her advantage, Jasmine flipped him over, pinning him beneath her naked form by placing her hands on either side of his head. Her eyes gazed steadily into his as she hovered above him, a wry smirk twisting her lips. Hiei’s gaze was wary, to say the least.

“I do not like that look in your eyes.” Hiei said, and Jasmine chuckled darkly.

“I am sure I would not like it either. But do not worry, love. I plan to take full advantage of you.” Not even in the slightest bit comforted, Hiei could only wonder what she meant as her lips ghosted over his. The kiss was soft, meant to come off as almost submissive, but Hiei was not fooled. Jasmine had a few tricks up her sleeves, and he would need to be on his guard to keep from losing himself completely to her. Not that it would be a bad fate, but that is beside the point.

“Hiei…You are not the only master of fire…” Jasmine spoke against his lips, her eyes glowing brightly. Hiei felt a cool, almost sensual feeling along his skin, and glanced down. Slowly but surely his clothes were being burned away by white flames. But the flames weren’t hot, they felt almost…erotic against his sensitized skin. Hiei struggled to comprehend what was going on, and found that even with the help of his Jagan he couldn’t control the flames. They licked slowly over his torso, up the muscles of his chest to completely incinerate his shirt. His pants and shoes were next, and were quickly vanishing. Hiei suppressed a groan as the fire slid over his throbbing cock, a feeling very similar to how her tongue would feel. He couldn’t help the shudder that ripped through him, or the way his hips raised to meet hers.

With his clothing no longer present, Hiei’s large erection sprang free, springing to life to meet the dripping core of the elf above him. She gasped as the head of his penis pressed insistently against her, and lowered herself slightly onto him. His hands moved to grip her waist, intent on relieving the ache that was like a living breathing thing inside him.

Jasmine almost allowed him to lower her body over his, but she had a plan and she wasn’t going to let him get away with torturing her that easily. Raising herself off him, she pulled his hands from her waist and lowered her lips to the heavy muscles of his chest. His body was hot, his temperature rising with every feather-light kiss she placed on his chest. She kissed the spot right above his heart, a curiously intimate gesture that doubled his heart rate. Trailing kisses to one of his small erect nipples, Jasmine’s tongue flicked over the pink bud, knowing that this was a pleasure point for guys. Hiei’s upper back lifted off the ground subconsciously, and he was powerless to stop the way he responded to her touch, the way he craved anything and everything she could give him. (A.N. Remember earlier in the fic when he said he would never be that way? Don’t be cocky people, you usually end up eating your words! ^^)

Jasmine’s teeth scraped over the hardened nub, closing down in a bite over the little pleasure button. Hiei’s breath escaped his lips in a low hiss, his hands clenching at his sides into tight fists. She was playing with fire and he was going to burn her in the most pleasurable way possible if she wasn’t careful. As her tongue traced a path to his right nipple, Hiei couldn’t help wanting her to bite him hard enough to draw blood. He had a wild side, and she was coming dangerously close to sending him over the edge. Would she be able to accept that side of him? He wasn’t sure, but how uninhibited she was during this rut would give him the answer he desired. Her lips closed over his right nipple, pulling and tugging on the abused flesh with fervor, and Hiei lost himself to what he was feeling. Sex was the one time the fire demon was not afraid to show his emotions, especially with Jasmine.

Wandering kisses found his sculpted abs, kissing each of the hard squares with admiration. He instinctively flexed, and felt rather than heard her surprise. Smirking to himself, Hiei knew that Jasmine secretly loved how strong he was. It was in the way her lips brushed over his skin where his muscles bunched beneath the skin, in the way her arousal spiked with every deliberate flex. He knew that it came from a need to feel protected, to feel safe, and he could do no other than to respond to her wants. His hands found and bunched in her hair, knowing the direction in which her wicked mouth was wandering. It caused his arousal to nearly triple, his erection stretching to almost painful limits. It was insanity, the way his body craved hers, the way he wanted to beg for her to never stop. Scraping teeth blazed fire down the inside of his thigh, her hair brushing his legs with almost unbearable sensitivity. His penis throbbed, and Hiei’s fingers tightened considerably on her white strands.

Jasmine’s lips ghosted over the top of his cock, her tongue snaking out to caress the head. Hiei’s body jerked, his hips thrusting involuntarily to try and increase the friction. Jasmine smirked, her tongue scaling the length of his throbbing dick with deliberate purpose. He tasted salty, but it was addicting and she found that she wanted to taste him. All of him. Her body was raised over his, her mouth sliding over the head of his penis with purpose. Hiei’s eyes squeezed closed at the euphoric sensation that washed over his body, his muscles clenching as his fingers bunched in her hair. Her lips continued to slide down the shaft of his penis, enveloping him in the moist cavern of her mouth. It was killing him, the way her tongue seemed to be anywhere and everywhere all at once. It slid up and down in tandem with her lips, and Hiei found he was powerless against his body’s needs. His hips raised to meet her with each bob of her head, bringing the delicious fire of orgasm closer and closer with each flick of her skilled tongue.
It was coming and coming fast, and when Jasmine’s hand wrapped around the base of his penis, pumping in rhythm with her head, Hiei felt himself letting go.

Smirking evilly to herself, Jasmine lapped up the last of his pre-cum and pulled back, watching as his red eyes flared to violent life as the orgasm slipped through his fingers. Snarling, Hiei flipped Jasmine beneath him, the feral red glow of his eyes heating the elf’s blood. Pressing a hand to his shoulder to make him stop, Jasmine took a good long look at the engorged dick poised ready to take her to a higher plane.

“Erm…Hiei?”

“What is it, onna?” Hiei growled out, his body literally trembling with the need to be inside of her. She bit her lower lip, her eyes still on his penis.

“Hiei…I do not think it is going to fit…” Hiei would have laughed had he not been so damn HORNY. Shaking his head, Hiei slowly inserted the head of his dick, her heat calling him, beckoning until he found that he could barely contain himself. She arched against him, her body meeting his and demanding more. Inch by delicious inch he filled her, and her nails tore angry red gashes into his shoulder, yet he wanted more. He forced himself to move slowly, until he was completely inside her. Giving her a look, Hiei spoke.

“Hn. Foolish elf. It fit.” Jasmine moved to reply, but Hiei pinned her roughly, his teeth sinking into her shoulder as he began to thrust inside of her, needing to release. Jasmine gasped at the pain from his bite and at his demanding thrusts, but her body met his stroke for stroke. Her gasp was truly music to the fire demon’s ears, and he couldn’t believe how tight she was. It was a fiery sheath that gripped and squeezed him, and he couldn’t help his hard thrusts. He wanted more, needed more, and he released her shoulder to lap at the blood that began to drip from the wound. She arched her back, and he grabbed one knee, opening her wider for his welcomed invasion. Together they climbed higher and higher, the bliss slowly building, flames threatening to scorch them, burn them alive and yet it still wasn’t enough. Jasmine felt herself begin to release, her walls clamping down on the still thrusting demon above her, but as she screamed his name in euphoria, Hiei felt himself let go, his hot seed spilling inside of her. Collapsing on top of her, Hiei nestled his face in the crook of her neck, basking in the afterglow. Jasmine’s arms twined around his neck as she struggled to control her breathing. She was…damn satisfied.

“Oh, Kami…”She breathed, and Hiei chuckled. She glanced down in surprise, but his eyes were closed. Her body was still clenching around his, sending delightful little tremors through his body. Was she truly this perfect? To him, she was, and he had made his decision. She would be his. He could not give her up, even though one as forbidden as him deserved to walk life in the shadows, alone, he couldn’t let her go. Selfish, yes, but Hiei was willing to pay the price in hell when he died if he could have a taste of heaven while he lived.

*~*~*~* End of Flashback *~*~*~*

“I believe the saying goes, I told you so…” Hiei couldn’t resist gloating, and Jasmine rolled her eyes. Okay, so she HAD said that, but who could really blame her? For Kami’s sake, did the man HAVE to be THAT hung? It was not her fault that she doubted her body’s capacity. Penis judging wasn’t her strong suit.

“Oh, fine. So you were right about that one. But that was only one time.” Jasmine replied dryly.

“One time is enough for me.” Jasmine shifted to reply, but a small cry from inside the house drew her attention. Hiei immediately went on guard, one hand shifting to his sword, the other connecting him with Jasmine, ready to protect her should the need present itself. She smiled at him, leaping from the tree. She landed gracefully on her feet, looking up at him.

“Emori is hungry. Would you like to come see him with me?” Hiei leapt from the tree, landing next to his mate. Nodding at her, the two started into their home.

“Namael most likely disturbed his sleep.” Hiei knew that it wasn’t right of him to blame every negative occurrence on the kobold, but he couldn’t help himself. The fire demon found that he had a jealous streak, and it extended even to Jasmine’s closest friend.

“I am sure that it was nothing of the sort. Babies wake when they are hungry; simple as that. I do not know why it is you harbor such hatred for Namael; he has done nothing to slight you.” Hiei snorted.

“It has nothing to do with slighting me and everything do with the fact that he still breathes.” Jasmine rolled her eyes, smiling as she opened the door, stepping into their well-lit home. Hiei stepped in behind her, closing the door. Immediately safeguards fell into place, designed to keep demons and the like out of the house. Hiei designed them, studying ancient demonic arts to make them impossible to unravel. Any who tried to enter would die. Jasmine found them comforting and laced them with her own magic.

“Hiei, love, for me, please try and be kind to him. He has helped immensely with Emori, comforting him when you or I cannot be there, and providing him with a playmate.”

“Emori is only four months old. He has no need for a playmate.” Jasmine walked through the kitchen, glancing over her shoulder at her irritated mate.

“Only four months old? Our son is already teething! If you have not noticed, he is more advanced than any child I have ever encountered.”

“That is because he has such powerful parents.” Hiei replied, following as she climbed the stairs. They could hear Emori giggling happily, Namael’s voice speaking nonsense to keep the child occupied. He knew that Jasmine had heard the baby’s cry and would be coming shortly.

“All the more reason for us to have Namael. I can only imagine the trouble he is going to be when he gets older.” The couple strolled down the lit hallway, coming into Emori’s room. The child was lying in his crib with his arms up, gurgling happily as Namael dangled a toy just out of the infant’s reach.

“Hn. Give him the toy.” Hiei demanded, watching as Namael frowned.

“Jeesh, I was just playing with the boy.” He replied sullenly, giving the toy to Emori. Jasmine came fully into the room, touching Namael’s shoulder.

“Ignore him, Namael.” Jasmine reached into the crib, lifting the boy into her arms. “How is my darling?”

“You spoil him.” Hiei remarked, but felt a sense of pride in seeing his mate cuddle and hold his child. It was the same pride he felt when she was pregnant, her stomach round and full, displaying his love in such a physical way. Emori laughed happily in his mother’s arms, little hands finding her hair and tugging gently. She nuzzled his cheek, her own happiness filling the room in the form of her smile.

“I would do anything for my little darling.” That was Jasmine’s nickname for her little boy. She called him her darling and while Hiei knew the boy would come to be embarrassed later in life, he allowed it. It wasn’t like he could just make her up and stop anyway. Emori was already showing signs of his strength and power, despite his young age. His hair was curly, his mother’s lineage apparent in the show white strands as well as his pointed ears. His eyes were a deep rich red, just like his father’s and he had his nose as well. Jasmine loved to say that he also had his jaw line, and claimed that she could see it when Emori set his mind to something, as it hardened in the same way that Hiei’s did.

“I think he be hungry, Lady.” Namael piped up. He leaned into the crib, pulling out a soft blanket fashioned by none other than Jasmine. She wrapped her son in its warmth, heading over to a wooden rocking chair in the middle of the room. Sitting down slowly, Jasmine prepared to breast feed. (A.N. For those of you nut jobs who finds breast-feeding offensive or whatever, be warned that it’s coming up. It’s not a graphic description or anything, but it’s going to happen.)

“I think you need to leave.” Hiei’s voice was hard, directed at the smaller demon. Namael turned black eyes on the fire demon, anger turning them a hard obsidian.

“I was with Lady from the days before she could walk. I seen every part of her, and I view her as my own child. I be stayin’.” Hiei’s eyes heated to flames, his anger flaring at being defied. Jasmine, sensing the oncoming battle, cleared her throat.

“Come here and hold your son’s head, Hiei, while I fix my dress.” He immediately went to her side, supporting Emori as his mate lowered the strap on her left shoulder, exposing her breast. Hiei kept his eyes trained on his son, but stole a quick glance when he knew she wasn’t looking. After a moment, Jasmine’s arm slipped back around the infant’s head, and he gave her arm a comforting squeeze. Emori turned his head and was soon latched contentedly onto his mother. Hiei watched the scene through soft eyes, knowing he was witnessing something momentous. He knew many demons that would never get the chance to see their mates with their children, and knew he was lucky. He never thought that he would ever have a mate, let alone a child, but he had both. Something inside of him melted at the sight of his mate and son, and Hiei quickly looked away for fear that it would show in his eyes.

“Hiei?” Jasmine’s soft inquiry fell on deaf ears. The small fire demon was looking out the darkened window, trying to regain control and reel in his wayward emotions. Where was all of his control? He was always so calm and collected, so why now was his heart on fire? What unknown emotion is this? Hiei felt tears burn behind his eyes, but he managed to keep them in check. This was completely and utterly ridiculous. Without sparring his mate a second glance, Hiei blurred and was gone from the room.

Jasmine sighed as she watched her love leave the room, his emotions high-strung. It made him unpredictable, but that wasn’t why he ran. He ran from her because he still felt that his emotions made him weak. When would he learn?

“Lady?” Namael’s worried voice caused Jasmine to turn to her friend, a small smile on her lips as she shifted Emori.

“Do not worry. He is fine.” She replied to his unspoken question, and saw him relax slightly.

“Did I miss something?” Jasmine shook her head.

“No. You know how he is.”

“Why he be so scared to show he love you and ‘Mori?” Namael asked, using Emori’s nickname. Jasmine shook her head, her smile gentle.

“He shows us, Namael, though he is not as I am.
He shows his love through his actions. Emotions are not easy for him.” She explained, but didn’t elaborate. Namael nodded, watching as Emori finished, gurgling happily. The baby may have Hiei’s eyes but he had his mother’s happy personality. Namael rushed over to support Emori while Jasmine fixed her dress. Placing him over her shoulder, she patted his back. “Come on darling, show Mama how those little lungs work.”

Namael smiled as he watched Jasmine burp her son, and felt a measure of pride. She had grown so much in these last few years, matured beyond what he would have thought capable. While she had a playful side, she was able to be the perfect mother for her son, and he knew that she had affected Hiei in much the same way. While he didn’t know the intimate details of their relationship, Namael knew that Hiei had opened up and bared his soul for her, in the same way that she had for him. That was what made their relationship so strong. Love wasn’t the only prevailing emotion, but trust was side by side with it. That was the problem with so many failed relationships. There was love, but no trust. Namael knew this not from experience, but from witnessing so many heartbroken lovers and mates, and was immensely pleased that Jasmine had found someone who would treat her like the queen she was.

“Namael, I hate to ask you, but-”

“I take ‘Mori. You get him.” Jasmine smiled, kissing her son’s forehead as she placed her him in Namael’s waiting arms. Kissing her friend’s cheek, Jasmine started from the room.

“I love you, Namael.” Jasmine paused at the doorway, realizing she hadn’t told him that for many days. He turned towards her, Emori snuggled tightly in his arms.

“I love you too, Lady. Like my own.” Namael replied, and watched as she smiled softly, disappearing into the hallway. The kobold stared down into the infant’s red eyes, wondering what great things this child was destined to do. With parents as powerful and wonderful as he had, he would not have a hard time of it.

“Well ‘Mori, I think we play some more. Your mama and papa have some things they gotta do.” Emori gurgled his reply, and Namael smiled. Maybe life here wouldn’t be as hard as he first thought. Sending all his luck and best wishes to Jasmine, Namael turned from the door.

“Hiei!” Jasmine stepped room the house, flaring her aura to locate her missing lover. She knew he wasn’t in the house, so her next best bet was the forest. Sighing, the elf moved towards the tree line, knowing that at this very moment her mate was busy trying to bury emotions he should be expressing. Knowing that it was imperative she reach him quickly, Jasmine cast herself in shadow, a handy trick when she didn’t want to be seen. It dimmed even the brilliance of her hair and eyes, making it hard to see her. She didn’t want Hiei any more aware of where she was than she could help. He wouldn’t want her near him, but she wasn’t entirely sure if he would run from her or not. She would chase him, but in all honestly all she would do is wear herself out. She wasn’t as fast as him and if he wanted to get away, he would.

Striding into the dark forest, Jasmine continuously flared her senses to be sure that she wasn’t coming upon any demons. Their forest was generally empty, save for a few E-class demons. They were potentially harmless, but sometimes a few unwary demons wandered through Hiei’s claimed territory and Jasmine didn’t want to be caught unaware. Her mind racing, naming off all the familiar places where he might be, Jasmine strode off the beaten path and headed towards a large clearing. Hiei was fond of the place, and used it to train. Breaking free of the forest, Jasmine stepped fully into the grassy clearing, her eyes finding her missing mate. He had his sword drawn, and was doing exactly what she had expected: sparring.

There was no one else there, but he was going through the motions with vigor. Shaking her head, Jasmine shed her shadow cloak and allowed her brilliance to shine through. Hiei paused mid-strike, sweat dripping from his muscled form. His shirt was off, revealing gleaming muscles to her hungry eyes. She drank him in, unable to stop the spike of arousal that barbed through her. He didn’t turn to face her, but lowered his sword.

“You should not be out here.” Jasmine folded her arms, a smirk twisting her lips.

“Who died and made you my father?”

“I am hardly that. I am, however, your mate and protector, and you should do as asked.” He turned to face her, and Jasmine was nearly rendered speechless. She still hadn’t gotten adjusted to just how godlike his body truly was. Sweat ran rampant in droplets down his sculpted pectorals, disappearing into the waistband of his pants. Jasmine longed to trace the drops with her tongue, just to hear his husky growl of encouragement.

~Do not get yourself into a situation where you have little hope of winning, mate.~ Hiei’s husky voice echoed through her mind, and Jasmine flushed. Why was it she always forgot that he could read her mind?

“Hiei, I honestly did not come out here with the intent to rape you.” His smirk was her reward.

“I was worried about my virtue.” He replied, and Jasmine rolled her eyes.

“Why did you run from us?” Jasmine asked, unable to keep the hurt from her voice. Hiei sheathed his sword, his eyes roaming her face. Her eyes were like open windows, and he could read the hurt and pain she was feeling. For the millionth time in his life, Hiei cursed his inability to deal with emotions. It wasn’t fair to her, to have to deal with his constant mood swings.

“I did not run from you, mate. Never that.” Hiei began. He faltered for a moment, unsure if he could reveal the entire truth to her. She shifted from one hip from the other, but didn’t speak. “I was…struggling with what I was feeling.”

“I know you struggle with any emotion besides anger, Hiei. I am not asking you to change that. I fell in love with you exactly as you are. The only think I am asking you is to let me in.” Jasmine replied, unknowingly swamping him with her emotions. Hiei didn’t bother with a mind shield to dampen her feelings, he welcomed them. He didn’t deserve her love, her caring, her compassion, but he was selfish and no one else would have her. Any who tried to take her would die a thousand times over.

“Jasmine. I know that you feel as though this is your fault, but it is my shortcomings that keep us apart.” Hiei spoke with no inflection, but his eyes were betraying him.

“We are not apart love. Can you not see that I am standing right here, with you? I will never leave your side, no matter what the circumstances. And I do not blame you for anything.” Jasmine replied honestly, taking a step towards Hiei. The need to comfort him was paramount in her mind, but she kept her distance for fear of scaring him off.

“I do not deserve you. I am sorry that I cannot give you up to allow you to find someone who can admit their feelings to you.” Hiei said, and Jasmine felt tears welling up in her eyes, but held them off.

“I do not want anyone else! I chose to be with you because I love you, Hiei, do you not see that? What must I do to prove to you that whether or not you show emotion means very little to me? I only want to be with you…” Jasmine couldn’t keep her voice calm, her emotions were running rampant. She was unapologetic for sounding the way she did; speaking her heart was something that came natural to the elf.

“Jasmine…” Hiei was unsure what to do. His heart, hardened by his childhood, was melting and causing foreign emotions to cloud his thinking. He hated to see her so upset, yet was unsure what to do to make it better. He didn’t like the tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes, or the way her posture screamed defeat. Was she giving up on him? Or herself?

“Hiei, please…Please just promise me that you will no longer shut me out. I have given you everything that I am, and I only ask that you do the same for me.” Jasmine hated to ask him anything, but she needed this. It was a weakness of hers, but one she either couldn’t or wouldn’t change.

“I…” Hiei faltered. Could he promise her this? He wanted to, with all of his heart and csoul, juts to take away the hurt and pain that reflected in her eyes. But could he really open up and let her all the way in? Would she even love him then? If she saw what he really was, the monster with a tainted soul, how could he ask her to stay? He couldn’t lose her, or Emori. They were the only thing that mattered to him.

Jasmine didn’t know what to do. Hiei was silent, apparently withdrawing into himself. She turned slightly unsure what to do. She would never leave him, or stop loving him, but if he couldn’t do what she asked, she wasn’t sure what would happen. Cursing herself for her emotional weakness, Jasmine wrapped her arms around herself, trying to still her racing heart. She couldn’t blame Hiei; she knew of his past and knew the kind of damage it had done to him. How does one really love after such a thing? Jasmine would have been scarred for life, and probably would be in worse shape than he was. How could she ask him to chance? She didn’t have a right to, but she couldn’t retract her statement now.

“I promise, Jasmine, with everything that I am, that I will do my best to let you inside. I cannot immediately change who I am, but I will make an effort for you.” Hiei managed to say, his voice quiet. Jasmine turned to face him, disbelief on her face.

“Hiei, are you sure you can promise me? I will not hold it against you if you cannot change.”

“I have said that I promise, mate. I know that I owe you that much.”

“You owe me nothing, Hiei.” Jasmine replied, closing the distance between them. Their eyes locked, and Hiei allowed his face to soften, his eyes to reflect the love he felt for her. Tentatively, their lips touched, as if for the first time. Jasmine’s soft lavender scent enveloped the fire demon, and his lips pressed against hers more forcefully. A pleased sigh escaped Jasmine’s lips, and Hiei took advantage of her parted lips to slide his tongue along the crease, dipping into the sweet escape her mouth provided. Her hands tangled in his hair, her nails scraping his scalp in a most pleasing way. The kiss was soft, gentle, yet all the more passionate for it.

Jasmine slid her body along her mate’s needing nothing more than his touch. Hiei responded to her base needs, his hands situated on her hips as his mouth ravaged hers. His body was hot, the feeling erotic as he pressed her closer, needing the contact as much as she. Her lips were soft against his, but the hunger she felt was anything but. Hiei broke the kiss to explore the curve of her throat, but Jasmine, for once in her life, was not in the mood for foreplay. (A.N. *dies from shock*)

Tugging impatiently on his many belts, Jasmine accidentally tore one completely off, ripping his pants in the process. Biting her lip to hold back her smile, Jasmine held up the broken leather strap, her eyes raising to meet her mate’s, who merely shook his head.

“Between you burning them and ripping them, my clothes never seem to last.” Jasmine smirked.

“Then stop wearing the damn things.” Hiei returned the smirk, instantly disrobing himself in his normal, speedy fashion. Jasmine went to remove her dress, but Hiei reached up, gripping the straps and giving them a good tug. The fabric came away, revealing inch by delicious inch of her dark skin. Her hair was next, his fingers coming up to untie the wealth of snow white strands. It cascaded around her shoulders, falling to brush the gentle curve of her full hips. Standing there wearing nothing but a smirk, Jasmine literally took his breath way. Unable to bear the distance separating them a moment longer, Hiei all but tackled his mate to the soft forest floor, his body blanketing hers. Their kisses turned frantic as the passion rose, and Jasmine found that she couldn’t wait any longer. Flipping them over, Jasmine immediately impaled herself on his steel-velvet cock, needing the completion only he could give her.

Hiei let out a strangled cry, his hips raising to meet hers, his eyes clenching shut. She began to ride him, her body arching above his. Hiei raised his hands to her hips, gripping the skin hard as she took complete control, his body rocking beneath hers. It was perfect, the way she gripped him, pulled so insistently at him, her fire matching his. How he had come to posses her, he was unsure, but he would make sure that she never regretted in choosing him. He felt the orgasm rising in him already, and knew that he was powerless to stop it. She was just too much, her body was too much, and he just couldn’t handle it. She gripped him harder, his name falling from her lips over and over; her passion rising to a crescendo before she was ready. Jasmine wanted this moment to last always, wanted this burning to never cease. Hiei was everything to her, and she realized that she could never be without him. There would be no Hiei without Jasmine, no Jasmine without Hiei. Just as that knowledge too hold, Jasmine felt herself release, a throaty yell dragging itself from her throat as her slick walls gripped and milked her fire demon absolutely dry. His hips thrust once more, and then he was in heaven with her, her name a whispered prayer on his lips.

Jasmine couldn’t help it, she collapsed on top of him, drained. His arms merely enfolded her, pressing her body to his. A happy sigh escaped the elf’s lips, but she was tired, emotionally as well as physically. At least that ache that had pooled low in her stomach was gone.

“Jasmine?” There was a hesitant question buried
in his tone, and Jasmine sat up slightly, looking at Hiei.

“Yes love?” His eyes bored into hers, but they were soft.

“You are perfect to me, and I love you. Do you realize this?” His tone was loving, and it made tears spring to her eyes. Blinking furiously, Jasmine tried to cover her feelings with a shaky laugh.

“I love you too Hiei…And you know that I get very emotional right after we rut.”

“Make love.” Jasmine paused, her brows arching.

“Beg pardon?”

“I believe that humans call what we just did, making love.” Jasmine really did laugh. He was full of surprises, this one.

“All right, make love then.” She went to dismount him but he gripped her hips. “What?”

“Stay. Please.” Jasmine knew that this was a rare moment for him, so she complied, laying back down, her body still connected in such an intimate way with his.

“I was thinking about something, Hiei.” Hiei looked down at the drowsy elf in his arms and scanned the area for danger. Sensing nothing, he turned his full attention to his mate.

“About?” She shifted in his arms, somewhat nervous about her suggestion. Would he think it was a good idea? She hoped so.

“At the constant rate that we make love, I am bound to be pregnant sometime in the very near future.” That drew a smile from Hiei. It was true. “I was thinking that if we had a daughter, that we could…Perhaps name her after your mother?”

Hiei was silent as her words sunk in. Admittedly, he had always been a little touchy on the subject concerning his mother. He didn’t hate her for what she had had to do. In fact, he didn’t even blame her. Still, he harbored some unrest in his soul about the woman he barely knew. Would he look at his daughter and see betrayal? Hiei didn’t know.

“Hiei? Kami, I am sorry. It was foolish of me to even assume that you would think-”

“I would be honored if you would name our daughter after my mother.” Hiei spoke with complete conviction, knowing that Jasmine would see fit to argue with him. As it was, she saat up to look into his eyes.

“Are you sure?” Rolling his eyes, Hiei sighed in exasperation.

“Why must you always question everything I say?” Jasmine laughed.

“I would not be me if I did not.” Hiei nodded,

“That is undeniable. I am very sure, Jasmine.” She hugged him close, then got up. Hiei groaned at the loss of her heat, and watched as she stretched her limber body. Her eyes sparkled merrily at him.

“Come on, Hiei. Let’s go for a swim.” Hiei didn’t move.

“I have an aversion to water.” She scrunched her nose at him.

“You have an aversion to everything.” In one swift movement, he was on his feet, his body pressing against hers.

“Not to you.” Jasmine felt that all familiar ache start burning, and groaned. Oh yes, she’d be pregnant VERY soon…

*~*~*~* Epilogue *~*~*~*

“Hina! Hina, over here!” Emori called, watching his younger sister stand on her small legs. Turning her white eyes towards her brother, Hina laughed and started for him. Emori opened his arms and caught up his baby sister, laughing as she buried her nose in his neck. She was nine years old now, and he had just turned ten. The two were inseparable, and their love for each other was very evident. Emori was very protective of his younger sister, and Hina flourished under his guidance. That wasn’t to say, of course, that their parents were not around. Jasmine had been the best mother possible for them both, showering them with her love and affection. Hiei had been the stern father, but it was apparent that he loved them, and showed his love through his own way. Both children were training under their father to learn how to defend themselves, and since they both inherited their mother’s powers, she was training them as well. Namael was, suffice to say, their own personal playmate, and the children adored him.

“‘Mori, spin me!” Hina cried, pulling back to look into her brother’s eyes. His ruby orbs twinkled merrily at her as he nodded. Hina was a beauty even at her young age. Having inherited her mother’s stunning white eyes and fangs, she bore resemblances to her father in her long black hair and the sharp features of her face. She was small for her age, but promised to be dynamite in a tiny package. She was showing tremendous skil with a sword, while Emori preferred the magic of his mother’s people. All in all, the children were destined for greatness.

“All right, hold on!” Emori spun his sister around, laughing with her as she squealed in delight. Soon, even he as too dizzy to remain standing, and they both collapsed onto the soft grass. Looking up into the bright sky, the children enjoyed the down time. Suddenly, Namael loomed into view, the look on his face scolding.

“What ya two be doin’? I thought ya was s’posed to be sparring? Your father will have me hide!” The kobold demon explained, worry creasing his brow. Emori laughed.

“Why are you so worried, Namael? Mama wouldn’t let him hurt you.” That settled him down somewhat, but he still retained his scowl.

“That don’t change a thing, ya s’posed to be sparring and I’ll not be gettin’ in trouble.” Hina sat up, moving her wealth of black hair from her face, smiling.

“Do not be scared, Namael.” Namael reached down, touching the girls cheek affectionately.

“You look just like your mama when she was a babe.” Hina’s smiled widened.

“Really? I’m just as pretty as Mama?” Namael laughed, nodding.

“Oh yes.” Laughter sounded behind Namael, and he turned to see Jasmine standing there, one hand on her protruding stomach. Twins, already six months in the making, were giving Jasmine a healthy glow to her skin, but plenty of back problems. For as slight of weight as she was, carrying the heavy twin boys was giving her plenty of new experiences.

“Are you saying that in my old age, my looks are failing me, Namael?” The color drained from the smaller demon’s face, and he rushed to her side to make up for his blunder.

“Oh, no Lady, I was merely saying that Hina resembled you!” Jasmine leaned over slightly, kissing the top of his head.

“I was only jesting you, old friend.” Jasmine turned to her children, opening her arms. “Do I no longer deserve kissed from my children?”

Both Emori and Hina leapt up, rushing into their mother’s arms, showering her face with kisses. Namael watched the scene a few feet away, smiling gently. Jasmine whispered loving nonsense to her children, who soaked up her affections with smiles and laughter.

“Hn. Namael.” Jumping about a foot in the air, the kobold turned to see Hiei standing beside him, though the fire demon wasn’t looking at him. His eyes were on his small family.

“Hiei, you almost scared me to death!” Namael scolded.

“One cannot blame me for trying.” Hiei replied in his cool tone, and Namael shook his head, not even bothering to respond. “Were the children sparring as asked?”

“Well…Ya see…I came out here pretty late and they was layin’ down. They musta been tired from sparring.” Namael faltered a bit, trying to save the children from their father’s scolding. Hiei turned the weight of his ruby gaze on the smaller demon, who turned away nervously.

“You do not have to cover for them, Namael. I know they were not sparring.” Namael released a breath, but Hiei wasn’t finished. “Aside from that, you are a terrible liar.”

“I don’t like lyin’, ‘specially to you.” Namael replied, and Hiei felt a smile relax his face. In an uncharacteristic show of affection, Hiei touched Namael’s shoulder.

“I appreciated that, friend.” Without another word, Hiei moved to his mate’s side. Namael stared after him for a moment, and then smiled gently. That demon was full of surprises.

“Jasmine what have I told you about spoiling them?” Emori, upon hearing his father’s voice, straightened up and stepped a bit to the side of his mother, reigning in his smile and looking more serious. Emori tried his hardest to please his father, and knew that he would be displeased should be continue to let his mother coddle him. Hina, however, latched onto her mother’s hand and gave Hiei her famous pout.

“Daddy, Mama was only kissing us. Don’t you like it when Mama kisses you?” Jasmine laughed, raising her gaze to her mate.

“Yes, Hiei, do you not like it when I kiss you?” Sensing a trap, Hiei took the easy way out and directed his stern gaze to his son.

“Emori, I thought you were told to spar.” Emori resisted the urge to turn away from his father’s intense eyes.

“I’m sorry, father.” Jasmine placed a hand on her son’s shoulder.

“Hiei, let them be. They train hard every day with very little complaints.” Hiei shook his head.

“Onna, you are too easy on them.” Jasmine patted Hina and Emori gently on the backside, shooing them off
to go play. Hina stood on tiptoe and kissed her father’s cheek before tushing off after Emori. Emori gestured for Namael to follow them, and reluctantly the smaller demon complied. Hiei watched them run off, and Jasmine folded her arms over her full breasts.

“I am not too easy on them. They are only children.” Hiei snorted.

“When I was Emori’s age, I was already killing demons for sport.” Jasmine came over beside him, taking his hand in her own.

“That is what is wrong with you. I am trying to keep our son from turning out as you are.” Heii narrowed his eyes are her, but she merely squeezed his hand and smiled.

“I do not know what I am going to do with you.” Hiei replied, and Jasmine winked mischievously.

“I may be able to think of a few things.” Hiei reached up with his other hand, touching her large stomach almost reverently.

“Do not tempt me, mate. You are pregnant and I fear this pregnancy will be harder on you than either Hina or Emori.” Jasmine placed her hand over his on her stomach, moving his hand slightly lower as one of the twins kicked. His eyes widened and he left his hand there even after hers moved.

“It is nothing I cannot handle. If you cannot handle it, we can send Namael to summon my sisters.” Hiei scowled at the mention of Jasmine’s entirely too happy sisters.

“That will not be necessary. It is bad enough we have to actually summon them for the birthing itself.” Jasmine laughed.

“My sisters are handful, I know.”

“That is an understatement.” The couple began walking aimlessly, keeping an ear tuned to their children in the forest. Silence stretched between them, but it was comfortable. Jasmine’s mind was on how her future had turned out, full of love and affection, as well as plenty of children. Hiei was the perfect mate, attentive and supportive, caring and loving in his own way. Ever since that one conversations so many years ago, he has opened up more than she ever would have first imagined. He told her he loved her many times a day, especially lying in their bed at night. It touched her heart and her very soul that he would willingly change for her. She had found him perfect when they first met, but now she couldn’t find any words to express what she felt for him. He was…Well, he was Hiei and he was hers. That was truly what mattered.

“Hiei?” Hiei turned to his mate, reading the unspoken questions in her eyes.

“Yes?” She turned away from him slightly, her eyes shifting from his face.

“I am sorry.” His brow furrowed in confusion.

“For what are you apologizing?” She squeezed his hand, subconsciously looking for his support. He gripped her hand tighter, careful not to hurt her, providing what she wanted without thought.

“I did not mean to make you change. I did not mean to make you feel like you had to.” She raised her eyes to his. “I thought you were perfect from the moment I met you.”

“Jasmine.” He spoke her name softly, and she closed her eyes. How could he ever forgive her? “Foolish onna, I changed for you not because you asked me to, but because I wanted to give you all of me.”

Jasmine’s brow furrowed in confusion, her eyes opening to rest upon his face. He met her gaze evenly, willing her to understand. Why wasn’t he better at explaining? It would save the both of them a lot of grief.

“I did not add any emotions or force any. What I showed you was always how I felt for you. I simply kept it hidden. The only thing that changed was how I expressed myself.” Hiei explained, and realization dawned in his mate’s eyes.

“You do not think it was wrong of me?” Jasmine asked, needing to be sure.

“I think you need to stop worrying so much. Your age is showing.” Hiei replied, and Jasmine rolled her eyes.

“Leave it to you to point out the age factor. Again.” Hiei removed his hand from hers and slipped his arm around her waist lovingly.

“I do it strictly out of love.” She just laughed, and Hiei sighed quietly. The couple meandered a little ways, taking in the sights and sounds of the Makai forest, until their children came into view. They were currently running from Namael, who was trying his hardest to keep up. It was the equivalent of ‘tag’, except any and all demonic powers were usable. Right now, Emori was using his powers of levitation to rise out of the kobold’s reach. Hina scampered up a tree, and Namael stamped his foot.

“Insolent brats, the both of ya be!” Jasmine couldn’t resist laughing, and even Hiei cracked a small smile. Namael turned and his dark green skin flushed brighter. Hina and Emori laughed from their perches in the tree.

“Mama, we won!” Hina exclaimed, clapping her hands happily. Jasmine clapped softly, all smiles.

“I am proud of you, Hina. You as well, Emori.” Emori flushed under his mother’s praise, and Hiei decided that his son needed a bit of reassuring. Maybe Jasmine was right? Was he too harsh on the boy?

“I see that you have been training hard to learn the magic arts, Emori. It shows.” Emori beamed under his father’s praise, and Hina, not to be outdone, stood up on the branch.

“Daddy, watch!” Jasmine watched with worried eyes as her only daughter back flipped off the branch, landing nimbly on her feet. Hiei hadn’t so much as blinked, not wanting anything to happen to his daughter. His muscles were coiled, he was ready to catch her should she fall or not land correctly, but she turned to the couple and raised her arms. “I did it! I’m awesome!”
“Yes, you are. Now, never do it again.” Jasmine breathed a sigh of relief, one hand hovering over her throat. Hiei shook his head, tightening his grip on her waist to reassure her.

“Why not? I won’t get hurt.” Hina rushed over to her mother, taking her hand, her eyes twinkling merrily. Jasmine leaned down, brushing a kiss across the young girl’s forehead.

“Mama worries. A lot.” Jasmine replied, looking up as Emori stood on the branch. Not about to be outdone by his younger sister, Emori disappeared in a puff of smoke, reappearing a few feet behind the group. Blushing furiously, Emori made his way over to his parents and sister, trying to pretend his teleportation didn’t just fail him.

“Nice job ‘Mori.” Hina teased, and Jasmine clucked her tongue.

“Shush, Hina. Your brother is trying very hard and teleportation is not easy. Until you can teleport without fail, you will do well to hold your tongue.” Hina nodded respectfully, mumbling an apology. Hiei shifted his position to allow his son to be included in the circle. Emori tucked himself under Hiei’s shoulder, needing the close contact of his semi-aloof father. Hiei didn’t move away, simply ducked his arm so that Emori felt more included. Namael was watching the family with tear-filled eyes, silently cursing his inability to keep his emotions in check. Jasmine raised her eyes to her old friend, smiling gently.

“There is room for one more, Namael.” The kobold moved forward slowly, looking to see if Hiei had an objections. When the fire demon merely watched him with his intense eyes, Namael moved with purpose into Jasmine’s embrace. The family stood watching the trees sway in the breeze, enjoying the serenity and peace. Hiei raised his eyes to the sky, thanking the gods above that, for once in his life, something was going right. He may not be able to change what has passed, but he can live for the moment and cherish what he has. Jasmine is the only one for him, and his children are evidence of his love and great need of her. For one who started his life off so tragically, his tale simply continues to improve more and more. Who would have thought that one so forbidden would suddenly become someone desirable? Never Hiei. Not too shabby for a bad-tempered fire demon, eh?

*~*~*~* Fin *~*~*~*

Ali: Well, the deed is done. I really am proud of this fic. It took me about a week longer to write than I wanted because I couldn’t get the lemons just right, but now that you’ve read it, please review? ^^;; I am such a baby, but I like reviews. It lets me know where I need to improve, and what readers like.

Nightshade: Do review, darling. I can gurantee that Ali would be your bitch should you do so.

Ali: *nods emphatically* Oh yes, of course I-*stops* HUH?!

Nightshade: I do hope that you enjoyed your story, Jasmine. Ali ignored me for almost 2 weeks to write this. *pouts*

Ali: ^^;; I wasn’t really ignoring love.

Nightshade: When you crawl into our bed at four in the morning, too tired to even get out of your clothes, it is ignoring.

Ali: Yes, well…*clears throat* I hope you did enjoy your story Jazzy, and know that I’m working on your next fic. I love you sweetheart! Thanks for reading!

Nightshade: Farewell, readers.

Ali: ^-^ Adieu!