Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Late nights turned great!! ❯ Episode 2: Hitting Evil Flirters ( Chapter 2 )

RedFox again. Starz will be out of town for the next two installments. I will do my best to try to get to any email I might receive. Though we haven't gotten any so far. Last time I checked, we only had like three visits to the page. Oh, well. We'll have all this on a new created site soon. Starzie and I will have our own webpage (Most of the work is being done by Starzie) to post our fanfic on, just in case mediaminer goes down again, like it did recently. Oh well. Whoever those three people were who read the last chapter, please enjoy this one too.

Me again, this is being posted two and a half days early because I will be busy both Friday and Saturday. Don't get used to these quick updates. They are supposed to happen on Saturdays, not earlier unless there's circumstances beyond the authoresses control.

Starz: *The rest of the trip to Genkai's was spent in relative silence, both Hiei and Kurama lost in their own thoughts. When they arrive at Genkai's it's already late into the night, and the two girls are tucked in for the night. Genkai had suggested that they wait until morning before doing anything serious... And that ended that rather complicated day....*

*IN THE MORNING*

Genkai: *as always, she's up at the crack of dawn, and as always, she targets Yusuke as the first one she wakes up. She opens the door to his room without a great deal of care for being quiet (as a matter of fact, the door crashes into the wall with a loud, 'bang'.)* All right, dimwit! Time to get up!

Yusuke: *Jumps and sweat drops* Jeez, Genkai, you think you'd let me sleep later for saving people. By the way, is anyone else up yet?

Genkai: *crosses her arms and gives him 'the look'* Why no, but you can go wake them up, dimwit. And after that, you can go run a hundred laps around the temple. *She out of the room*

Yusuke: *goes to the room that Kurama and Hiei share to find no one there. Goes to Kuwabara's room to find him snoring loudly. Walks up and kicks him hard in the side.* WAKE UP!! *Singsong voice* No time for screwing around. But if that's true, then you have a lot of time on your hands. *Kitty face*

Kuwabara: *jumps up in surprise, revealing he is only wearing his boxers* ((*dies shuddering*)) What the hell??? Damnit Urameshi, get the hell outta here and lemme sleep!!!!!

Yusuke: Go to hell Kuwabara. Genkai said to wake everyone up anyway. So get some pants on for crying out loud before she sees you and goes nuts.*thinking of the funny punishment she would give him...nothing compared to a hundred laps, he's sure*

Kuwabara: *grumbling the entire time about pounding in Yusuke's face, he hurriedly puts on his clothes* So now what? ((Yep, that empty head of his strikes again!))

Yusuke: Right. *Looks exasperated* You find Botan, and I'll get everyone else. *Thinks "at least Botan already knows him, and isn't afraid of his antics."* *Walks out of the room, leaving Kuwabara completely by himself.*

Kuwabara: Yeah, yeah, sure, sure... *walks off toward Botan's room, still grumbling about how insanely early it is. When he gets there, he knocks on the door* Yo, Botan! Time to get up!

Botan: *from within* Just a second. I'll be out shortly. Don't go anywhere! *Steps out putting up her hair* Okay. *Sees it's Kuwabara* oh. *Sweat drops* Good morning. Is there something I can help you with?

Kuwabara: Nah, the old stiff wants everyone up. No clue why. ((And yes, he's forgotten about yesterday. Temporarily, at least. It's too early for his small, crippled brain LOL!)) Yusuke's getting everyone else up... *BIG 'ol yawn*

Botan: Well, Yusuke is probably telling everyone to meet in the 'den', so let's head there. We'll be getting orders or something there. But wouldn't I know if there were orders from the spirit realm??? *Sweat drops* oh well, we'd best do as she says.

Kuwabara: *yawns again, nearly tripping over his own two feet, and he's STILL grumbling as he walks toward the den with Botan* I wish I knew what Genkai's problem is, waking us all up this early... it's not fair... *and the complaining goes on and on and on until they reach the den*

Botan: well, now's the best time to find out. *Walks in to find everyone else there. Including Hiei and Kurama. Seems they were awoken (or had stayed awake) before everyone else.* Good morning everyone. What's this all about?

Yukina: Good morning Botan. I believe we're here for a briefing or something.

Hiei: Enough of this. Let's do what we came here for and be done with it. *Glares at Genkai*

Genkai: *as if on cue, she walks in and surveys everyone, but she notices Yusuke* And where might the pervert be? *Hopes to hell he's not snooping into the two guest rooms or else it's three hundred laps*

Red: *hoarsely and wobbly on her feet* What? Who's a pervert? *Squints around at everyone*

*People jump in surprise*

Starz: *still blissfully unaware in her guest room*

Genkai: *thinking: At least one of the poor souls has been spared* It's nothing you need to be concerned with. Please sit down. *To Hiei* See if our other Guest is awake, and find that dimwit before he does something stupid!

Kurama: *being the gentleman he is, he helps Red into the den* Are you all right, Miss Red? *Concerned look*

Red: *she's gonna be hoarse for a while* mmm. . . *rubs head and eyes* How long? {Has she been out she means, but you know the deal with sleepy people.} God, it feels like I just fell asleep.

Hiei: *walks out of the room without looking at anyone or saying anything*

Kurama: You've only been out for the night. *He then repeats his earlier question* Are you alright?

Red: *voice gets cracklier as she speaks* You really don't want to know. *Coughs*

Kurama: Actually, I do. It's easier to make someone feel better if you know what hurts. *Smiles kindly at her*

Red: Plenty hurts, head, heart, and in this instant, my voice. *Clears her throat to keep it clear. It doesn't help. It's still sounds like crap.*

Yusuke: We have some Tylenol, but I don't think we have any heart medicine. *Smiles dumbly, the way only he can*

Kurama: I believe some green tea will help your throat, Miss Red. *He stands up* I'll be back with that and some Tylenol in a moment. *He walks off*

Botan: I believe we all want to know, what happened last night? From what Kurama told us, we really don't know much. Maybe you can help? *Looks at Red hopefully*

Red: Sure, though I can't guarantee how long you'll actually be able to hear me. I believe Kurama *blushes slightly at his mention* mentioned that I spaced out for a while. That was because I see things. Normally, just well. . . normal things. Like the weather, and school pop quizzes. But last night what I saw. . . it was no single coherent image, but they terrified me right to the core. *Reaches for her necklace and plays with it thoughtfully* Even though I can't remember what it was *shivers* I know it was bad enough that I couldn't let it come to pass. *Her throat dries up and she is no longer able to speak*

Genkai: *she's silent through out Red's explanation and now she even quieter, a thoughtful look on her face as she thinks over what she just said*

Kuwabara: *is at Red's side in an instant* You poor thing! Don't worry! I, the great Kazuma Kuwabara, am here to comfort you! *Thus he commences trying to comfort her*

Red: *looks at Kuwabara and she's scared out of her wits, she breathes heavy and backs as far away from him as she can.

-Screen switches to Hiei, who is outside one of the guest rooms-

Hiei: *stares at the door, and opens it after a second's hesitation.* So, how's Little Starz this morning? *Meant as sarcastic, but doesn't sound as much so as he thought*

Starz: *all Starz does is roll over in her sleep and pull her blankets closer*

-Back in the den...-

Kurama: *he walks in with a teacup and some Tylenol, and sees Kuwabara antics, he resists the urge to roll his eyes, and walks over* Kuwabara, please. She just woke up. *He hands the teacup to Red and then the Tylenol* I hope you feel better soon, Miss Red.

Kuwabara: *he backs off

Red: *smiles weakly up at Kurama and shoots an apprehensive look at Kuwabara* *tries to speak but still can't as she's forgotten about the tea now in her hand*

Botan: You missed the explanation she just gave, Kurama. Genkai, did you want to fill him in?

-Back in the guest room-

Hiei: *thinks-- wonderful...the one hurt is the one that is up and she sleeps the day away. Ah. To be carefree in this world.* *pulls covers off of Starz and lays a hand on her shoulder, shaking her gently* Wake up Little Starz. Starz: *Starz groans and smacks the hand away, burying her head under her pillow and mumbling something about man-eating muffins*

-Back in the den...-

Genkai: It seems the young lady here is privy to visions. She received a rather intense one that caused her to collapse. It's nothing too serious. There are many people who are similarly gifted.

Hiei: *sweat drops* Hmmm. Seems I'll have to try harder. *Leans down and pulls the pillow away from her. He opens one eye and leans down to stare into it.* Did you not hear me? I mean goodness, if even Red is awake. . .

-Back in the den-

Yusuke: Back before I got killed, I didn't see that many people who had stuff like that happening to them. You're just trying. . . to make her. . . feel better. . . oops. *Sweat drops*

Starz: *he once more gets no response... okay, I take that back, he gets a snore*

-Back in the den...-

Genkai: *her eye twitches, but other than that, nothing else shows through her expression* Actually, dimwit, most people get visions through their dreams, so naturally they believe them to be just that. Dreams. *Her voice is another dead give away that Yusuke's going to be running around the temple for an eternity*

Hiei: *glares off into space* I mean, you don't even want to see your best friend? I mean, you seemed so concerned last night that I thought you might want to know. But if not *singsong by Hiei* I'll guess I'll just have to leave. . .

-Back in the den-

Red: *stares at her feet in an expression of embarrassment. Finally rests on putting her arms around her legs and burying her face in the nook of her knees*

Yukina: *Looks sorry for Red, though she doesn't say anything. If Red could see her face, she would just smile and try to comfort Yukina in return*

Starz: *Again Starz is motionless, clearly still in dreamland. She rolls over though a few seconds later, reaching for her missing pillow, but of course it's not there! Someone ((*cough*)) had taken it! She gets the closest thing instead...Hiei*

-Back in the den...-

Kurama: *places a hand on her shoulder and smiles, hoping to cheer her up* Hiei should be back with your friend soon. He went to wake her up. *Thinking- hopefully the prospect of seeing someone she knows will further cheer her up.*

Red: *shakes her head vigorously, and stands up. She runs out of the room, crying before anyone can stop her.*

Yusuke: *getting glares from Genkai, Yukina, and Botan* I hope it wasn't anything I said!

-Back in the guest room-

Hiei: ACK!!! *Sweat drops* *Disengages her arm from his hair rather forcefully and pulls her up into his face.* Try that again and you'll be thrown in the lake. Do you dare and test that theory?

Starz: *Starz eyes flutter about half way open and she blinks at him in slight confusion before her eyes fall shut again and her head droops* Stupid........muf...fins..... *Snore*

-Back in the den...-

Kurama: *he sends Yusuke a look. Though it's not a glare, it's the closest thing to one for him. He gets up and walks off after Red*

Red: *running as fast as she can in pajamas and after just getting the intense vision. She finally comes to rest beside a rather large bamboo stalk.

-In the den-

Botan: God, Yusuke, make her feel even worse, what is wrong with you lately? *Gets evil glares from the women*

Yusuke: (thinking: It's too early to think what to say to a girl) I didn't mean it to come out that way. I swear. I'll apologize when she gets back.

-Back in the guest room-

Hiei: That's it. *Hauls her onto his shoulder and stalks out of the room towards the lake. Once he gets there, he throws you in the chilly shallow end. (Looks as if he doesn't want you to drown, like he would most people).

Starz: HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *This can probably be heard from the other side of the world as well as in the den. Starz, sputtering and fighting off evil water plants, flails for a moment in the ice cold water before finally calming, and starring stupidly at her surroundings* What the...? *She manages to stand, no totally drenched, and suddenly notices Hiei, she assumes he's responsible for this oh so rude awakening* What... the hell... is your.... problem? *Glaring, but since she soaked it takes away from the effect*

-In the bamboo forest...-

Kurama: *he quickly makes his way through the forest, his sharp eyes easily seeing the tell-tale signs of broken branches, and the almost invisible impressions in the ground that tell him that Red has passed through this way. He stops when he sees her ahead. He starts forward, but he suddenly stops upon seeing the look on her face. Deciding to keep his distance for the moment, he quietly calls out her name* Red?

Red: *standing by the bamboo panting and massaging her throat. At the sound of his voice, she panics and runs as fast as she can again. The sound of Starz's screaming startles her and she trips over a large root (or something similar) She falls hard. It is a sign of how far gone her voice is, that no sound at all escapes her lips.

-Back at the lake-

Hiei: You wouldn't wake up. *Offers his hand to help her out of the lake* Genkai wanted to talk to you, and I wasn't about to report failure. Now lets go and get you cleaned up.

Starz: *Starz continues to glare at him, but she takes his hand... only to grin like a fiend and pull him forward, listening to the following splash with satisfaction* Heh. *She manages to untangle all the water plants from around her legs and starts to get out of the water* NO one messes with me in the morning!

-In the forest...-

Kurama: *surprised by Red's reaction, he momentarily hesitates before darting after her* Red, wait! *Just as Starz' scream reaches his ears, he catches sight of Red tripping and landing hard on the ground. Quick as a fox ((pun intended)), he's at her side, a hand firmly, but gently on her shoulder, so there's no repeat of her dashing off again* Red, please, tell me what's wrong? *He's really concerned now*

Red: *tries to reply, but doubles over coughing. After regaining her composure, she tries again, but nothing comes out. She pounds her leg in impatience and frustration*

-At the lake-

Hiei: (thinks: I left myself wide open for that one. Payback time.) *Swims to the surface and splashes her as hard as he can. He ends up getting seaweed (lake weed?) all over her and he starts laughing as only Hiei can: hard and cruel.

Starz: *Starz stands there, frozen, lake weed hanging off of her, and her eyes are wide in surprise* You.... didn't.... *her eyes narrow as she spins around to glare at him, but alas Fate is cruel today, and she loses her balance, unceremoniously going head first into the water right in front of Hiei. She comes up sputtering, losing what little dignity she had left. She glares at the laughing Hiei, a strand of lake weed hanging in her face* I don't what I'm going to do to get you back, but you will cower in fear when I think of it. *That was said in a flat voice*

-Back with Kurama and Red...-

Kurama: *he suddenly realizes she must have lost her voice, and won't be able to answer. He suddenly picks her up, just like last night, and starts back for the temple* Miss Red, I'm not sure why you ran, but running away solves nothing. You're in no condition to be up and about.

-Back in the den...-

Genkai: *she's losing her patience...run for cover! Lol* Botan? Would you please go see what is keeping Hiei? And you, dimwit, didn't I tell you to do a hundred laps after waking everyone? Hmmm? Make it three hundred laps. Right now.

Kuwabara: *trying and failing to hold in his snickers*

Genkai: *sends him the evil eye* You too, dimwit #2.

-In the den-

Yusuke: *drops his jaw* awww... Genkai, we have guests. Why do they have to see you torture us?

-At the lake-

Hiei: *laughs less cruelly but no less softly at her pronouncement.

-In the bamboo-

Red: *fights with her last bit of strength to break free of his hold. She freaks out and starts to punch his chest. Luckily for him, she's none too strong after all of her visions and running*

-In the den-

Genkai: Make that five hundred...

Kuwabara: oO Urameshi! You and your stupid mouth! *Glares at him for making it worse*

-At the lake-

Starz: *Starz calmly takes the lake weed off her head, and throws it in Hiei's face while he's laughing* Eat lake weed, jerk! *Not wanting to see just how cruel Fate could get, she decides to just sit in the water, her arms crossed, and a pout on her face*

-In the forest-

Kurama: Red, please! Calm down. *He's beginning to think Yusuke had nothing to do with Red running away* Please, before you hurt yourself. *His voice is pleading*

-At the lake-

Hiei: mmph! *As the lake weed flies into his face. He wipes it off and looks at her*

-In the den-

Yusuke: *sticks his hand behind his head Naruto style* Going going, just a second.

Yukina: I think. . .you'd better go before it gets any worse.

-In the forest-

Red: *shakes her head again as hard as she can. Tears course down her face and she still continues to hit him with her meager strength. Silent sobs rack her body as she remembers what the vision told her.*

-At the lake-

Starz: *Starz continues to glare at him... okay, she tries to continue to glare at him, but the look on his face is just too much, she begins laughing now* You're! *Laugh* too! *Laugh* cute! *Laughing so hard, she nearly topples over into the water*

-In the den-

Genkai: Six hundred, and bathroom cleaning... *she says this calmly, as if it's an everyday occurrence... which it is...*

Kuwabara: Aw, man, I'm out of here! *Tears out of the room to start his laps*

-In the forest-

Kurama: *he sees Genkai's temple up ahead, and he comes to a stop. He won't bring her in there like this. Red didn't need the added attention. She needed to calm down. But how, was the question...* Red... *not sure what to do, he just holds her close, rocking her a little, and hoping she'll calm enough to bring her back in* Please, Red... *he wipes her tears away, and smiles at her*

-At the lake-

Hiei: *turns deadly serious at the word 'cute'.* *tackles her at the stomach and plunges her underwater*

-In the den-

Yusuke: *runs out before Genkai can exact another cruel punishment on him.*

Yukina: Don't you think you were. . . a little. . . hard on them Genkai?

-In the forest-

Red: *she grabs him around the chest and gives five squeaks at random. She meant to say "I don't want that to happen to you." shakes her head some more and cries even harder at what her vivid imagination was cooking up.*

-At the lake-

Starz: *Starz lets out a yelp before going underwater. Somehow, she slips out of his grasp, and comes up sputtering again. She blinks the water out of her eyes, and glances around, waiting for Hiei to surface. When he does, she gives him just enough time to take a breath before placing her hands on his shoulders and shoving him back under water. Satisfied, she quickly exits the water before he can retaliate* Ha! Look who has the last laugh! *She flashes a victory sign and suddenly freezes in embarrassment upon seeing a dumbfounded Botan standing a few feet away*

-In the den-

Genkai: *a smile slides across her face* Don't worry, Yukina. Those two will probably collapse before they reach a hundred anyways. I just need them off doing something so they don't make this situation any worse.

-In the forest-

Kurama: *he's really worried now, and holds her even closer* Please, Red, I don't know what's wrong, but I promise I'm not leaving until your okay. I'll stay right here with you, I promise.

-At the lake-

Botan: I don't know what's going on, but Genkai sent me to find you . . . I guess both of you. *o0 at Hiei and Starz*

Hiei: Sorry, Botan, but Little Starz here needed a wake up call.

-With Yusuke and Kuwabara-

*Racing each other like idiots, each trying to gain the upper hand. After about twenty laps, they fall to the ground at the same time panting like dogs*

-At the edge of the forest-

Red: *writes on her hand with an invisible pen and points to the ground. She wants to write in the dirt to make him understand that she's not going crazy*

-At the lake-

Starz: *Starz starts at what Hiei just called her* Little!? Hello! I'm 5' 7" and you're what? Not even five feet???

-In the forest-

Kurama: *he nodes and gently sets her down, but he stays near just in case she tries to run again*

-At the lake-

Hiei: I meant in personality. You act like a kindergartener (sp?) and you sleep like a rock.

Botan: Rocks can sleep?

Hiei: *sweat drops*

-Edge of forest-

Red: *writing in the dirt, not caring how dirty she gets. "I'll only tell you. And maybe the older woman. I can't, not to the others. Please understand." She wipes out that and puts "I'll just need a pencil and paper."*

-At the lake-

Starz: *Starz huffs, and crosses her arms* I don't act like a little kid! Or... At least I wouldn't be if someone hadn't tossed me in a lake.... You got the second part right, at least... *she gives him a sheepish look* I guess this whole thing was partly my fault... But it was mostly yours! So, uh... can we go back to wherever? *She's got no clue where she is*

-In the forest-

Kurama: *relieved that she's calmed down some, he guides her through one of the back entrances, and gets her a pencil and some paper* Here you are, Red. *He hands them to her*

-At the lake-

Hiei: *buddy look again* right. It's just right over there. *He points somewhere*

Botan: Neither of you are going in there soaking wet, Genkai would have a fit!! I want you to wait outside while I get some towels. *Rolls her eyes at the immature antics*

-In some random room in the temple-

Red: *Looks apprehensively at the paper and picks up the pencil with a shaking hand. "Normally my visions pick up things like news of a pop quiz, or that the weather is going to suck, but last night, it showed me something more powerful than ever before. It showed me above the ruins of this temple, laughing mercilessly. There were a lot of other images, but that one was the most omnipresent." She waits for a second before she writes again. "Normally this wouldn't show itself to me if it was just a random vision or a dream. My visions come as a result of something happening that would concern me. Well, this does *she underlines it* concern me now. I can't let that happen to any of you." *The tears start again, splashing the paper, "Especially you, the way you've treated me. I'm sorry." She brings her knees up again and hugs them in the exact same manner as before. But now she is looking at Kurama instead of her knees.

-At the lake-

Starz: *Starz tries really hard not to say it but fails. The look is just too priceless. She whispers it to herself* He is so cute! *She really doesn't care if Hiei or Botan heard her*

-With Kurama and Red-

Kurama: *he is reading over her shoulder as she writes, but he is letting nothing show on his face of what he is thinking. When she's done, he kneels down by her, and brings her into a hug* Red...I can't tell you why exactly, but please believe me when I say this. Anyone who would try to attack this temple would get a very nasty surprise. The people here, myself included, we have ways of protecting ourselves. *He pulls back to smile at her reassuringly*

-On the way back to the temple-

Botan: *pulls Starz aside* I've never seen him look like that before. What did you do to him? Never mind that, but how on earth did you get through that ice-cold barrier he keeps around himself???

Hiei: *continues walking as he eavesdrops on the conversation*

-In the random room-

Red: *Nods into his shoulder believing him, but not about everything.* *pulls gently out of the embrace* *writes: "There's a lot you don't know about me, Kurama. I don't know if even you'd be able to get through to me if something like this should happen."*

-On the way back-

Starz: *Starz gives Botan a quizzical look* Ice-cold barrier? *She glances at Hiei for a moment and then stares at Botan* What on earth are you talking about? He's been really nice... Er... well, the whole lake thing excluded... *sweat drops*

-Back with Kurama and Red-

Kurama: *firmly* It won't happen, Red, and... If you'll let me... *a splash of red crosses his cheeks* I would like to get to know you better.

-Near the temple-

Botan: *o0* Hiei, nice?!?!?! I've never heard those two words used in the same sentence before. Surely you must have done something. Even his behavior back at the lake was warm considering the usual.

-Random room-

Red: *turns redder than ever before, but practicality cuts in.* *writes "Not if getting to know you is to hurt you. It's bad enough that all of you are concerned for me, but I can *underlines* hurt people. I. . . lose myself. Become someone else, so to speak, when emotionally blank. It's happened before, and . . . " *she stops, putting the pencil down before she can betray her secret. She looks down at her hands and turns scarlet again* {thinks about what I wrote last night about the shockwave scream}

-Near the temple-

Starz: *Starz is now really confused* I don't understand. Is he... a bad person??? *Can't imagine that he would be* I mean, he helped me and everything yesterday...

-Back with Kurama and Red-

Kurama: *he's surprised at this bit of info, but he smiles at her, all the same. He places two fingers under her chin and gently makes her look back up at him* I think I'll take that risk...

-Near temple-

Botan: *sweat drops*. . . not bad exactly, just . . . really isolated. . . He normally doesn't act like this to people.

Hiei: (thinks: Because I never had a reason to be me before now.

-Random room-

Red: *looks as if tears are about to start again, but she has no more left to cry.* *writes: "I. . . don't want to hurt you, but I sense that if I tell you I have to leave, it will hurt you in a much worse way. So, I'll stay for now, if only because you don't want me to go. Just ask me to stay and I will." *closes her eyes, expecting nothing to be said.*

-In front of the temple-

Starz: *Starz cheeks flash red as she comes to a stop in front of the temple* He... doesn't? *She sneaks a peek at Hiei, turning slightly redder* Does that mean... he likes me? *She whispers the last part*

-With Kurama and Red-

Kurama: *softly* Stay. *He leans forward and kisses her on the forehead* Please stay.

-Stopped outside of the temple-

Hiei: *moves on while staying in earshot. Stops when his range of hearing is limited* Are you two coming or should I attribute this to being female human twits?

Botan: ahem. *Significant look*

-Random room-

Red: *the color of the text used to write her name. Snaps open her eyes for a full five seconds before passing out from lack of blood to the brain {it all went to my face!!!} (Only out for about a minute for reference)

-Outside temple-

Starz: Is that what you mean, Botan? Does he usually act like that? *Is suddenly confused* And why is he always calling me a human? He acts like he isn't human himself! *Shakes head, not realizing how on the mark she really is*

-Random room-

Kurama: *he's startled, and almost panics, thinking maybe another vision had hit her, but he sighs when she comes around shortly after* I can safely say life will never be dull with you around. *He helps her up* How about we go back to the others? Your friend is probably waiting.

Botan: That's pretty much the way he usually is, *sweat drops* Maybe he's saying we're human because he's a midget?? *Only to get her off the demon track*

-Random room-

Red: *looks at him with alarm on her face as she suddenly remembers Kuwabara. Then she looks down at her clothes and shakes her head. She points to her tattered (from the run) pajamas and tear-streaked face. She wants to get cleaned up first, and she's forgotten all about the paper and pencil.*

Starz: *Starz shakes her head* For some reason... I don't think that's it. *Sighs and shakes her head again* Oh well. *Calls to Hiei who's still waiting impatiently* We're coming, Hiei! Patience is a virtue, after all.... little one! *Smirks at her nickname for him*

-With Kurama and red-

Kurama: *he nodes, understanding perfectly well what she wants to do, so he shows her where the bathroom is* I'll bring a towel and some clothes for you if you'll just wait a moment. *He walks off*

-Outside temple-

Hiei: * b.i. look again. (He's gonna look at you a like that a lot because it is one of the few involuntary reactions he has to emotional stimuli) Little One?

Botan: *sweat drops* uh-oh.

Hiei: Why on earth do you people find making fun of my height entertaining???

-Outside bathroom-

Red: *Now down to a decent pink color, waits outside the bathroom for Kurama to return. She sees someone coming around the corner, though she can't see exactly who yet. She just stands mute *as if she has a choice* and stares.*

Starz: *Starz says this as if it's obvious* Because it's funny? *She smirks, and decides to be even more daring as she walks over to him, and slings an arm around his shoulder* And because that look of yours is priceless! ^-^

Kuwabara: *he comes walking around the corner and suddenly freezes upon seeing Red. Once his 'I'm in love' look crosses his face, and he darts over to Red, taking her hands in his, and trying to look handsome ((*gags*))* Red, my dear! I'm so glad to see you're all right! If you want I'll pound Yusuke into the ground for making you feel so bad! *Cheesy grin*

-Right outside the temple's front door-

Hiei: *keeps silly/cute look on his face but looks sidelong at Starz, finally at a loss for words. Botan is too shocked to say anything as well, but only because he is allowing this to transpire.*

-Outside rr-

Red: *looks at Kuwabara with a look of pure shock and disgust at his return, and being able to find her in a house in five minutes flat. Pulls her hand out of his as another shadow walks up.*

-Outside temple again-

Starz: *Starz let's impulse win over her, and she suddenly pecks him on the cheek before running off into the temple before he can draw his katana on her, she somehow finds her way into the den, and of course, everyone stares at her in shock since she's still wet* Er, hello people I don't know! *She waves*

Genkai: .................

-At the bathroom-

Kuwabara: *he's been going for a good minute and half, and finally he finishes in a flurry of dramatics by getting on one knee and asking....* Red? Will you marry me!?

Kurama: *has just walked up, towel and clothes in hand and all he can do is stare blankly* o_o

-Outside temple-

Botan: *mouth hangs open as she runs into the temple.* I didn't think it was possible. . .

Hiei: *little bit of anger mixed with mostly shock and the b.i. look.*

-Bathroom-

Red: *by now really tiring of his endless antics towards her, she gives him "the look" (female evil death glare) from which even Kurama flinches, she takes back her other hand (right) from him and swings it back. Then it comes back in an amazingly loud SMACK heard round the world. *Lets out huff of air from nostrils*

-At bathroom-

Kuwabara: *is on the ground, with swirls for eyes, moaning pathetically*

Kurama: oO *he hands over the towel and the clothes, at a loss for words* Er... here....

-Den-

Starz: *Starz shifts uneasily at the look Genkai is giving her* Um....

Genkai: Young lady... Why are you all wet?

*Starz looks sheepish* Er... it's a long story, and I have a feeling I should keep it to myself if I value my life. So, yeah, where are some towels?

Genkai: *she sighs, and shakes her head* Yukina, can you show you where the towels are?

-Den-

Yukina: Of course, Genkai . . . . This way . . . if you would.

-Bathroom-

Red: *turns to Kurama with a pout on her face and then looks back at Kuwabara with contempt on top of the pout* *gently takes the things away from Kurama* *Stands there looking at the unfortunate boy for a bit*

-Den-

Starz: *Starz glances at Genkai as she follows Yukina* If Hiei comes through here, I was never here! *Walks out with Yukina*

-Bathroom-

Kurama: *he closes his eyes as he gives a laugh* Something tells me Kuwabara will be leaving you alone after this. *He stoops down and starts dragging him off* Take your time, Miss Red. We'll be in the den waiting. *He smiles one more time before disappearing around the corner with the big oaf*

-Entrance to temple-

Hiei: Where is she, the little human wench!!! I'll have her head!!! *Swings katana around in threatening circles*

-With Starz-

Yukina: Why would my Hiei . . . be mad at you enough to seek you like that?

-Bathroom-

Red: *frustrated with her lack of speaking skills all of a sudden, she tries to talk in the shower. Still all she gets is a series of squeaks. And less than before when she tried to talk to Kurama.* *Finishes washing up, gets dressed, and heads to den*

-Den-

Yusuke: *comes inside panting* 200 laps Genkai . . . huff puff . . . done. When do I start on the bathrooms?

-With Starz and Yukina-

Starz: *Starz blinks at Yukina, and thinks, her Hiei??? A wave of jealousy suddenly waves of her. ((Unfounded jealousy, *snicker*)) Was she his girlfriend or something? Why hadn't Botan said something if she was??? Thinks, Why are the cute guys taken!?* *To Yukina* Er, who knows? Isn't he always like that? ......

-Den-

Kurama: *he walks in just as Yusuke is proclaiming he'd done 200 laps, but Genkai's giving him The Look and he sweat drops*

Genkai: Nice try, dimwit, but I believe the last thing I said was 600 laps. *She crosses her arms* You have 580 laps left. ((I'm assuming he's trying to pass off those 20 laps as 200...))

-Den-

Yusuke: *sees Kuwabara being dragged in.* what the hell happened to him?

*Red walks in and finds a seat isolated from everyone, still frustrated with her failure.*

Red: . . . . . . . . *Rubs her throat thoughtfully*

Hiei: *Hiei comes storming in, still looking miffed (no, not pissed) and is storming through calling.* I'll find you; there's nowhere you can hide!!! GET BACK HERE DAMMIT!!!

Starz: *Starz cringes when she hears Hiei's shout in the den* Is there a long way to the towels??? *Trying to delay her untimely death, lol*

-Den-

Genkai: *she's now giving Hiei The Look* Why are you all wet? Just what on earth could have happened between you two when I told you to wake Starz just now???

Kurama: *he drops Kuwabara in the corner, and turns to Yusuke* Another rejection. *He sees Red come in and sit by herself, so he walks over and sits down next her, a smile on his face* Feeling any better now that you're all washed up?

Yusuke: Not again......

Hiei: She wouldn't wake up, so we took a little field trip to the lake. Then I literally got dragged into the situation. *Looks angered at the look when he's really impressed that she tricked him.*

-Hall-

Yukina: Yes. . . would you like a tour while we're at it? I give those well. *Seems actually excited about the prospect*

-Den again- (heh)

Red: *looks startled by his appearance, tries to speak by default, and pouts when it doesn't work. She is extremely frustrated with this. Sends Kurama a pleading, frustrated, lost look*

-Den-

Genkai: Is it your aim in life to make enemies of everyone you meet? Go apologize. ((*Smirks* The ultimate punishment for Hiei... apologizing... oh the horror!!!))

Kurama: Don't worry, your voice will return soon. *He puts an arm around her shoulders to comfort her*

-Hallway-

Starz: *Starz nods* A tour would be great, but towels first, okay? I'm soaking here! *Laughs*

Yukina: *positively bursting with delight* Okay! On your left . . . *tosses her a random towel from a random closet*

-Den-

Hiei: I do hope you are joking. I do not apologize.

Yusuke: Kuwabara? HELLO???

Red: *now she's just plain angry at her voice. She punches her thigh since she is not able to express in words that she was sorry that he had to do all the comforting.*

-Den-

Genkai: I do not joke. *The Look intensifies*

Kuwabara: OhhhhHHHhhh..... HelllLLLllllOOoooo mmmoOOOmmmyyy.... *still out of it*

Kurama: *He just laughs and shakes his head* Don't worry about it, Miss Red!

-Hallway-

*Starz starts drying herself off as she follows Yukina through the temple, once she has all the water she can get off of her, she just hangs the towel over her shoulder, and listens to Yukina*

-Hall-

Yukina: And I do believe you know the den, which is where we ought to be....

-Den-

Yusuke: *kicks him sharply in the side* Get up lazy.

Hiei: *Backs down before the will of a more powerful person.* Very well, I will go and look for her. *Opens the door to find Starz and Yukina*

Red: *leans into his arm a little and rubs her eyes. Still frustrated, though his jibes have been making her feel better*

*Botan sits back, watching how the teens act around one another*

Starz: *Starz freezes like a deer caught in headlights* Er... Hello little on- er Hiei! *Weak laugh* Funny meeting you here! Heh... heh....he....

Kuwabara: *finally snaps out of it, and sits up rubbing his head* What happened? And what hit me?

Kurama: *smiles at her, and then laughs when Kuwabara comes around asking what's up*

Genkai: To think I let this oaf live here.... *sighs*

Hiei: Genkai has asked me to . . . apologize. *He says apologize like a curse word.

Yukina: Good morning/afternoon, brother. {RedFox: This is set a few years after the Dark Tournament, so Starzie and I have concluded that she does know by now that Hiei is her brother.}*Walks right past him into the room.*

Red: *leans head on Kurama's shoulder and is asleep within seconds*

Starz: Er... okay... *that's when Yukina walks past him with the 'brother' thing, and her heart leaps for joy (after of course feeling embarrassed of being jealous of Yukina in the first place)* So... I'm all ears!

Kurama: *he smiles at the sleeping Red, and leans his head on hers, watching the others through half-lidded eyes*

Hiei: I can't believe I'm doing this for a human. *Glances at Genkai before saying . . . * I'm sorry for waking you up with the lake.

*Yukina can't remember the last time she had heard those words out of Hiei's mouth.*

Yusuke: You got rejected yet again, second best. *Points to Red and Kurama.*

*Red gives a sneeze jolting her body, but not waking herself up*

Starz: I'll forgive you if you explain just one little, tiny thing to me.... *holds up her hand and holds her thumb and pointer finger close together to demonstrate how little she thinks it is*

Kuwabara: *jumps when Red sneezes. He suddenly remembers the scene and cringes* Keep her away from me man! *He missed the second best comment because of how much of a coward he is, lol*

Genkai: *gives Hiei a look that says 'you'd better agree'*

Kurama: *he shifts slightly when she sneezes, but only to get more comfortable. He seems quite contented where he is, and amused as he watches Hiei*

Hiei: Very well. . . if that's the only way I can get out of this. {A good one} Yusuke: It's okay man, she's asleep. Finally met a girl that could kick your ass huh? *Snickers*

*Red shifts as to get a better pillow out of Kurama. Knees pointing towards his, head on his chest, arm across wherever a spot can be found*

Starz: *Starz crosses his arms and starts...* You keep calling me 'human'. I don't need to be reminded I'm human every five seconds... Shall I start reminding you you're human every five seconds???

Kurama: *he just brings her closer and pretty soon he's a sleep as well, Red cocooned safely in his arms*

Kuwabara: *glares at Yusuke but declines comment ((for once in his life! Red, you smacked his brain into slightly working! Congrats!))

Hiei: *sweat drops* no that's quite alright. I don't normally refer to myself as that, that's all. I like to think I'm. . . better than that.

Yusuke: Better you than me man, that's all.

Red: *snuffles and snuggles closer, sensing the ever-rare safe haven in his arms.

Yukina: *looks at the two curled up on the floor and smiles*

Starz: *Starz gives him a look, knowing he's dodging the real answer, so she just walks into the room and grabs a random open seat* Apology...... not accepted.... ((Heh, I'm remembering one of my funny sayings.... Why be difficult when, with a little work, you could be impossible? *Cackles* Poor Hiei, having to deal with me!))

Kuwabara: *for the first time ((*sweat drops*)) he finally notices Starz* Hi there, cute stuff! *Winks, Starz gives him a warning look that of course he misses* ((*shudders* I can't believe I typed that!))

Kurama: *his arms tighten their embrace ever so slightly as she snuggles closer*

Hiei: What the hell do you mean not accepted!! The first time I apologize in forever, and you spit it back at me!! *Pulls katana* You and me, right now.

*Kurama and Red shiver from cold felt (in mind or physically) in the den. (Probably cuz my hair's still wet! >_<

Yusuke: *sweat drops* Not this one too. Haven't you had enough for today, second best?

Yukina: *moves to another random closet to get a blanket for Kurama and the lady. It got cold in the temple.*

Starz: *Starz looks startled, she hadn't been expecting that* Er... Gee, I seem to have forgotten my sword at home.... *sweat drops*

Kuwabara: Oh, can it, shorty! She's just mad because you didn't tell her you were a de- OW!!!!!! Genkai, what was that for!?

Genkai: *she just smacked him the back of the head* I just remember you haven't finished your laps. You too, Yusuke. *If glares could kill....*

Yukina: *puts blanket over two and walks towards her brother's conversation*

*Red starts sneezing uncontrollably due to the dust from the blanket. She still sleeps, not even aware she's doing it, but everyone else stares.*

Hiei: *As "that walking hormone" moves toward the adamant Starz, he interposes himself.* I don't think so. A girl who could barely stand up already beat you in one day. Do you want to get beaten by one who's had almost a full night's sleep??

Kurama: *he picks his head up; Red's sneezing waking him. His attention immediately shifts to the three people in the spotlight, and of course a look of concern slides across his face when he sees Hiei has his sword out.* Hiei? What is going on? Put that away! *Scolding look*

Red: *Red gives three tiny more sneezes, now that the blanket is moved a little away by Kurama lifting his head.* *Finally gives two coughs and lies still, sleeping peacefully yet again.

Hiei: She didn't accept my apology so I got . . . a little carried away. She's unarmed. I would not fight her like that.

*Yukina looks panicked and Botan looks disturbed*

Starz: *Starz manages to duck out of the room while they're talking, feeling a little bad for getting Hiei angry. She hadn't meant to*

Kurama: *shakes his head and laughs softly* Hiei, what am I going to do with you?

Hiei: Hopefully get her to explain why she's . . . *notices Starz is gone* . . . mad at me. Where'd she go?

Yukina: *points to the door she left out of.*

Hiei: DAMMIT!!!! *Screaming*

Starz: *Starz jumps when she hears him yells, and glances back toward the den a little worriedly* Great, now he's madder... *can't decide whether to run or go back and plead for her life* Hmmmm.... death or prolonged death? *Sweat drops at her own rambling*

Kurama: *winces then puts a finger to his lips* Shhhh! Red is asleep! Why don't you go talk to her? And leave the katana here.... *sweat drop*

Red: *Red stirs at the volume of the voice and opens her eyes for a second to make sure it wasn't any danger*

Hiei: If it gets me out from under the glare of her. *Glances at Genkai* *Hands the katana to her as well with a sigh of relief from the silent forms of Yusuke and Kuwabara. *Walks out of room to run into an indecisive Starz.*

Starz: *She glances up upon hearing someone leaving the den and sees it Hiei* Er, hey! *She gives a weak laugh* Er, was there something you needed??? *Really nervous*

Genkai: All right, dimwits, the show's over. You have laps to be doing! *If glares could kill*

Kuwabara: Heh, I'll be going now... *runs off*

Kurama: *he pulls Red closer* It was nothing. Just Hiei being Hiei. Try to get some more rest. You need it. *Smiles all charming like*

Red: *Red looks at him funny and tries to tell him something. Too tired to care that he can't hear it. Probably wouldn't have been coherent anyway. Lays her head back down, puts her arm across his midsection, and is asleep before Yusuke and Kuwabara leave, muttering, to finish their laps.

Hiei: Yes, I need to know why you are being a stubborn fool and not accepting my apology. Do you know how long it's been since those words have come out of my mouth before today??? *Not totally evil glare*

Starz: *Starz stares at the ground, shifting uneasily* *really quietly* I'm sorry, really. I just... I know you're hiding something, I don't like it when people hide things from me.... *she chances a glance back at him, before returning her gaze to the floor* I didn't know you'd get so mad at me, I just thought I could goad you into telling me if I didn't accept your apology. So... Sorry.

Kurama: *laughs softly to himself, and pulls the blanket around them closer. He's soon asleep once more*

Hiei: *looks at her totally at a loss for words. Well almost* Well, when those two wake up in there, I guess we'll have the meeting, so I'll try to get Genkai to let us tell you. Until then do as you wish within the law. Don't want the police over here and me without my sword.

Red: *Red bats at the blanket, the dust mites starting to gather at the outside of her nose. Let's out one huge sneeze because she sneezes whenever dust is around*

Starz: *Starz glances up at him, a little surprised* You're... not mad at me? *Hopeful look, then she gets to think about the 'anything within the law comment, and gets a little embarrassed as she asks...* Could I hang out with you? I mean, if it's not okay, I don't mind! *Embarrassed*

Hiei: For some reason I can't explain, I can't stay mad at you. Very well, if it pleases you, you can 'hang' with me for a while.

Kurama: *he awakes once more, and somehow his half asleep mind realizes it's the blanket that's making her sneeze. He takes it off, and stands carefully holding Red close* I think Miss Red could use a proper bed. *He takes her back to her guest room and tucks her in, then kisses her on the forehead* Sweet dreams, Red.

Next installment will be posted July 9, 2004. Thank you and good night.

RedFox