Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Hiei's Unexpected Burden ❯ Liaisons ( Chapter 2 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Rei had no trouble keeping up with Hiei. And he was minimally impressed but he didn’t care much. As long as she didn’t die while in his possession, he would baby-sit her. His boots scraped against the roughness of the tree’s branch and he paused a moment while she leaped to his side. Rei shook her head at his impatience as they neared the border of Makai. On the other side lay Ningenkai, the one place she wished to avoid for the rest of her life. Rei steeled her resolve and followed Hiei towards it, never realizing that her emotions were being projected to the koorime.

“Why?”
What do you mean?
“Your animosity is radiating in waves.”
Just…memories I don’t wish to remember.
“Keep it to yourself,” Hiei snapped. “I have enough trouble trying to keep you along without carrying you on my back.”
Believe me, I would rather have a wooden paddle stapled to my arm. Your company is endearing truly.

Hiei stopped mid leap and somersaulted in the air to avoid landing on all fours. His feet skidded a step before he settled into one unmoving figure. His back turned to Rei, she had no idea of the fury that was storming on his face. Fuming red eyes glared at her from over his shoulder and Rei repressed a shudder and looked away in nervousness. The koorime started walking with an arrogant stride that made him Hiei. She followed, though a little behind just in case he wanted to throw his rage at her. Rei wasn’t in the mood to dodge the Dragon of the Darkness Flame any time soon and fight it.
No patrol guarded Makai and the Kekkai barrier was long gone. If anything, it was like a walk through the park. Hiei took a step over the line and she was only a moment behind before they were transported through to Ningenkai. The astroplane didn’t take long for them to get to the other side. Rei stumbled as they landed on the ground and she barely was able to stay up right. Hiei smirked openly before turning his back on her. Rei’s sea eyes hardened considerably at his uncaring stance. Whipping back her mane of shock white hair, she took a deep breath and ensued behind him, never expressing her anger. She simply kept up, as it was what he wanted. Hiei looked at her warily.

“You’re different,” he said after a while. They were going through the forest and instead of running or jumping, he preferred for the time being to walk. He was Hiei after all and it didn’t matter, he did things without explaining.
Different how? I am just some reformed courtesan who’s wasting your time.
“That as well,” Hiei muttered dryly. “But you can control your tongue.”
You’re hilarious, absolutely brimming with wit. I hope you can note my sarcasm.
“Hurry up,” Hiei clipped, shooting her a withered look as he walked.
Of course Sensei.

… … …

Genkai’s temple had not changed. Quite as it were, the strength of the old woman inside it was still strong. A cool breeze wisped around them both Rei and Hiei. The Koorime’s cloak was fluttering around him and it took little time for him to jump off the branch they were currently standing on to reach the ground. Rei made no sound, which Hiei liked enough. Of course, she wasn’t stupid. Rei knew what he was doing here. Yukina the ice apparition was known to stay at Genkai’s temple and it was the best protection that anyone could ask for.

Does she know?
“Know what,” Hiei snapped at the interruption.
That you are her brother…
“She suspects it,” Hiei said shortly. “But I am not going to confirm anything. Kurama annoys me about it constantly enough.”
Kurama?
“Just be silent and keep up,” Hiei growled.
As you will, oh angry Sensei!

Rei barely ducked the tightened fist that careened her way. Her back arced as she tried to stay on her feet. Hiei pulled back and glared at her while she staggered to a comfortable position. But contorting her body to avoid powerful blows at a second’s notice wasn’t her best talent. At the very least, she had dodged his punch. But Rei was still in some pain. She touched her chin and found a shallow cut of three inches. Fingers felt the trickling blood and she looked fiercely at him. But it was Hiei after all and he only scoffed at her anger. Seemingly, it wasn’t enough that she had been cut, no of course not. Hiei smacked her head while she was walking forward and she landed on her knees in the pristine snow that she only just realized was really cold and wetting her skin.

What was that for?!
“Don’t embarrass me,” he warned. “I won’t tolerate your foolish notions of trying to fit in. You’re already enough of a freak with all that white hair.”
Oh yes, here I was thinking that I followed the very definition of normal! You’ve got a head of black waves on your head, just in case you didn’t notice, oh wise sensei! And the red eyes. So absolutely common in this world. And the-
“Humans classify living as breathing,” Hiei stated suddenly. “So in case you want to lose all brain activity, by all means, continue berating me with your idiocy.”
I am your submissive mind slave, Sensei…

This was followed by an approving grunt and an unbelieving expression on Rei’s face. With a deep intake of breath, she followed the hostile koorime and began to think without thinking. That is to say, that she didn’t cut off her thoughts from Hiei. Which had little effect on his facial expressions but enough information on other things, mainly ones that he really didn’t need to know about.

What a selfish prick, honestly. Now I’ve got a cut on my face. No bother, it’ll heal sooner or later. But I suppose he has his reasons. Strange to think that someone so lean and thin could control the Dragon of the Darkness Flame. They sure have the same personalities. Attack first, ask questions later. I wonder if he still visits any of the others from the Dark Tournament. I heard he was quite intimate with the human- Kuwabara I think was his name-

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!”
Nani?!
“If you’re going to think such depraved thoughts,” Hiei said, after finally soothing his stomach from what she had been thinking. “Sever the connection. I don’t think I stressed that enough.”
You…you heard that…?
“Every word onna…”
Ah…so Sensei?
“What,” he asked sourly.
Was it true?

… … …

“Oh Hiei! It’s been so long,” a soft voice murmured in delight.
“Mukuro’s orders,” Hiei said stuffily, having the need to explain himself.
“And you’ve brought…a friend? How wonderful,” she said.

Rei smiled gently at the female apparition in front of her. Hiei’s height matched hers exactly, not a meter out of place. Both had the large jewel eyes that glimmered like rubies in the sunlight, only hers were a more prominent and innocent glint. Long eyelashes fluttered against her cheek while she blinked. Her aquamarine hair was like finely spun silk, shimmering with every movement of her head. Demure with the traditional garb of a blue kimono, she looked like a fragile figurine. From what Rei had heard, Hiei’s sister had been classified as a valuable but weak apparition.

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” she said, bowing slightly. Rei’s hand movement’s couldn’t be interpreted by the human estranged demon. “I-I’m sorry? I don’t understand.”
“She’s mute,” Hiei stated bluntly.
Oh you’re just bursting with good news, aren’t you?
“Hn,” Hiei muttered, shaking his head in annoyance. “Her name is Rei.”
“I’m sure we will be able to communicate,” Yukina said, taking Rei’s hand. “Would you come help me in the kitchen…Rei?”
Sure…wait, she can’t read my mind…
“Idiot,” Hiei muttered.

Rei had been raised to pleasuring in the bedroom chamber, never learning to work in the kitchen or other home things. But wielding a knife to cut vegetables was just as nice as using a kodachi, only there was no blood, just juice. Slice, dice, slice. She liked working along Yukina, who was good company and sweet as she was stunningly pretty.

“Are you… Hiei’s friend,” asked Yukina softly, her red eyes glancing at her. Rei made a ‘sort of’ gesture with her hand. “How long have you known him?”


When Rei tried to show her two fingers, Yukina chuckled and put on a pot to boil the large amount of vegetables. Rei realized that there was lot of food being cooked for just themselves. Her questioning expression had Yukina explained with detail about a certain Kazuma who was coming to dinner with the rest of the others. Names were said more calmly after the Kazuma boy but the gentle demeanor was always there. Rei nodded and left a little later after everything else was finished in the kitchen. She found Hiei lurking on the windowsill.

“I’m not lurking, onna,” Hiei said, without taking his eyes from the window.
I forgot you could listen.
“Hn, that’s obvious.”
You’re in a friendly mood, aren’t you?
“Because I constantly have half-breeds as my charges,” Hiei said sarcastically.
I didn’t ask Mukuro for this. I was perfectly content to stay training.
“And you think I asked for this? Just be quiet.”
Would you tell me who Kazuma is?
“Yusuke’s lackey,” Hiei snapped. “A stupid human who should have been put out a long time ago, the one you mentioned, Kuwabara.”
Oh! Your lover?
“If you ever say or think something even close to that, I swear, my sword will become a permanent addition to your anatomy,” Hiei said, his eyes glowing angrily.
It was a teammate of yours in the Dark Tournament long ago, right?
“You know that much,” Hiei muttered.
They’re all coming for Christmas dinner. I suppose they might be surprised to see you here after all these years.
“Hn, I don’t care,” Hiei said dully, staring outside the window.

… … …

Surprised was an understatement. From what Rei saw, they all were gob smacked at his presence. A lovely red head with shimmering green eyes even dropped his armful of gifts. It was apparent that he wasn’t expecting Hiei to be there at all. Sitting across the room where she wouldn’t be seen at once, Rei watched with her knees pulled to her chest. Hiei looked somewhat dismayed at the reactions. A young man with slicked back hair, auburn eyes and a long coat tied at the waist laughed and embraced the koorime without warning. Wide red eyes looked at the red head but he was busily picking up the gifts. The boy with the slicked back hair rubbed his knuckles into Hiei’s hair.

“Hiei, you punk! I haven’t seen in a while,” he said, laughing in joy.
“Yes Hiei, its been quite a long time,” said the redhead.
Who is he?
“Yes, Kurama, it has,” Hiei replied, which answered Rei’s question.
“Who’s that,” asked an oddly formed boy with carrot shaded hair. He was pointing directly at Rei, who’s sea eyes were half closed.
“Dinner is almost ready,” Yukina said, coming in from the kitchen and wiping her hands on a piece of cloth.
“YUKINA! MY LOVE!”
“Kazuma,” Yukina murmured breathlessly, a soft blush dusking her cheeks. “I’m so glad you made it.”
“Nothing could keep me away from you, my precious treasure,” the so called Kazuma gushed.
I sense you getting ready for a murderous rampage…
‘Shut up,’ Hiei replied in his thoughts.
“I believe Kuwabara is distracted,” Kurama murmured, trying not to laugh. “But who is the young lady in the corner?”
“Hn, my charge,” Hiei stated curtly. “Rei.”
“A pleasure,” Kurama murmured, his eyes looked behind him and Rei followed his gaze. A trio of girls were walking in and talking to Yukina a moment. When she didn’t say anything and merely nodded, he sent a questioning glance at Hiei.
“She’s a mute,” he said, adjusting his ruffled cloak. “She’s called Rei.”
Yes, and why don’t we put a sign on my neck and tell them not to feed me?
‘I don’t oppose the idea.’
You are truly evil.
“She’s very pretty,” Kurama murmured.
I like him. Tell him hello for me.
‘Use your hands, I’m not your messenger boy.’
Your kindness is legendary.
“Are you alright Hiei,” asked the chocolate eyed boy.
“Fine,” the koorime muttered, glancing at Rei. “Just distracted.”
“Oh ho ho! Does Hiei have a girlfriend,” he asked, wiggling his eyebrow.
“Yusuke, I don’t want to tear out your throat,” Hiei snarled. “Back off.”

… … …

The introductions were done and Rei was filled with a soft kind emotion that she hadn’t felt…ever. It was hard enough to get to speak mentally with Hiei. Kayko and Botan were talking around her and making friendly gestures. At some point, they had begun playing around with her hair. They didn’t notice the stiffening of her shoulders or the faraway gaze that shaded her sea eyes. Her ivory hair was around her head, spilling in ringlets and braids while the others partied. Yusuke was fooling around with Jin, the wind master while Chu got more and more drunk. It was a chaotic celebration but only Hiei noticed Rei’s uncomfortable manner.

‘You’re stiffer than the walls around us.’
It’s nothing, I’m just not used to this… attention without something darker beyond it.
‘And what is that suppose to mean?’
The only times I was fussed over was when a particular customer came to buy my time for the evening. Its best to say that I don’t have very good memories.
‘They won’t harm you.’
I know that much, but the familiarity is enough to send me back to those times.
‘You’re not there now.’
True, I am grateful. Merry Christmas Hiei.