Haunted By An Unfulfilled Desire (Hiei/Shizuru - Yu Yu Hakusho - #9)

[x_ryukotsusei_x]

Title: Haunted By An Unfulfilled Desire
Authors: Takhisiss and Ryukotsusei
Pairing: Hiei/Shizuru
Fandom: Yu Yu Hakusho
Theme: 09. Haunting
Rating: NC - 17
Warnings: Very light citrus content in this chapter. Strong Language, Alcohol use.
Disclaimer: We do not claim any ownership nor do we make any profit off of this fanfiction based off of the anime Yu Yu Hakusho.

Chapter One

‘Of all the stupid ideas. Why me? Going to a party that's more of an exercise in futility than anything else isn't how I wanted to spend my night. ’ Shizuru stood in front of her closet looking at all the different clothes hanging there and shook her head once more. ‘It isn’t a formal occasion so obviously I don’t need to wear a kimono thankfully, otherwise I would have told Kazuma he could shove the invitation.' Sighing heavily her hand lingered over a cashmere sweater before pulling back once more. 'Somehow I don’t think that a pair of jeans and a sweater would go over very well either and I'd never hear the end of it. 'So I guess it'll have to be a skirt and blouse. That should work fine, if they were expecting a little black dress or something I'll be happy to disappoint them.' Outside her closed bedroom door she could hear her brother yelling at the television set, berating the bad man contestants for making what he considered to be a dumb move. ‘As if they can really hear you! You owe me one Kazuma, there is no other you would have conned me into attending a singles party so you could have a chance to spend time with Yukina.’ A loud crash of something hitting the wall caused her to turn from the clothing she had been looking at with a scowl, half tempted to go out there and demonstrate just how much she'd picked up from watching those competitions as well. “You better have whatever you threw cleaned up before I get out there or your head's gonna be next!”

“All right! All right! Jeez, it was only an.. never mind!" Kuwabara hastily shut his mouth, suddenly realizing that his sister wouldn't appreciate learning that he'd just shattered her favorite ashtray but that didn't stop him from glaring at the closed door for a moment before he moved to pick up the broken glass off of the floor. Just his luck, he was going to have to replace the damned thing before she noticed it was missing. As he worked his eyes stayed glued to the television set, not wanting to miss a single play that was being made. “Hey Shizuru, you really should be out here watching this. Your favorite fighter is on and he’s really doing well tonight.”

She heard the words and inwardly sighed. ‘If only life was really so easy. My favorite fighter invades my television during the day but he can’t see fit to invade my dreams at night.’ She looked over to her still unmade bed glaring at the rumpled sheets as if it was all their fault. ‘And if I have to be having those kinds of dreams at night why does it have to be with one of my brother's team mates for heavens sake?’ Her daydreams weren’t a new occurance to her, being a simple pleasure she could indulge in when she was alone but now they had become a problem invading her sleeping hours as well and changing the male from a fantasy person to someone she saw on a fairly regular basis was a bit unnerving. As if that hadn't been enough it was becoming more and more difficult to be around him, her body choosing to respond on it’s own accord at the sight of him. Standing near him had proven to be even more interesting, her legs feeling like they had been made of jelly. ‘I’m just surprised no one has commented on it but knowing my luck that won’t last forever. Perhaps going tonight isn't such a good idea after all.’

“Hey sis, you have company! Keiko’s here to see you.” Kuwabara opened the door for Yusuke and Keiko, waving them inside and moving the laundry off the side of the couch where it had been sitting until he got around to putting it away. It was supposed to have been done earlier but then he'd gotten side tracked. It was tempting to just leave them to sit once more but the sound of his sister moving around made him change his mind. He'd already heard her lecture twice today on how if she could wash the clothes then he could put them away and he didn't want to hear it again. However the fight was about to start again and a hasty decision was made, the small pile of clothing suddenly finding a home beneath the couch. What she couldn't see Shizuru couldn't yell about. Satisfied at the moment Kuwabara resumed his position on the couch, ignoring the amused looks of the two who just came in. “You’re just in time man, a new match is about to begin.” Yusuke plopped down on the couch as Keiko headed towards the bedroom door which was no surprise, she had had absolutely no interest in the wrestling match if Yusuke wasn't involved in it. Kuwabara watched her go for a second and then turned towards his long time rival and whispered, “I hope she can get my sister in a better mood. With how cranky she’s been lately it’s like she needs to get laid or something but with the way she's acting I doubt any man would want to touch her!" A shudder went through his body then, his mind trying to picture anyone who might find his sister attractive enough to bed. It wasn't a scenario he really wanted to dwell on too heavily.

Ignoring the two men in the living room, Keiko knocked softly on the bedroom door and walked in at the muffled invitation, her eyes taking in the sight of the unmade bed with some surprise. Shizuru was normally a very neat person, something had to be bothering her for her bedroom to in such a condition. Her first impulse was to question the girl on it but one look at the older girl's face made her hesitate. Shizuru was a very private person, not prone to gossiping like the other girl's and Keiko didn’t feel like it was her right to try to pry into her personal life. ‘If she wants to tell me I guess she will.’ Instead she chose what she hoped was a subject she thought her friend was looking forward to. “Have you decided what you are going to wear to the party tonight?”

“Probably a nice skirt and blouse, I'm not going to dress in anything fancy since I already know quite a few of the people there and frankly the idea of going out with most of them is disturbing.” It would figure that Keiko would ask about one of the subjects that was irritating her at the moment but there was no reason to snap at the girl either. Maybe the unexpected visit could be a blessing in disguise helping her decide which outfit to wear, Keiko always did have good taste in clothing. Shizuru laid out two different combinations over the chairs and turned to her friend with a speculative look. “Give me a hand here girl, do you like the forest green blouse with the black skirt or do you like the light blue blouse with the royal blue skirt better?”

“Well, they’re both beautiful.” Keiko fingered the soft fabric in appreciation as she privately wondered if Shizuru realized just how much care she was apparently putting into the choice. Even if Shizuru had said there wasn't anyone she was looking to impress Keiko had to wonder if maybe the woman was hiding something. Then again, it was possible she was in denial about the whole thing, she'd been reluctant to date since the dark tournament fiasco and when she had it had ended badly. That was most likely the case Keiko decided but Shizuru obviously wasn’t in a good mood to begin with and pointing it out to her directly wouldn't necessarily be the wisest of things to do so instead she decided to try the indirect approach. “Well the green and black will make you all mysterious looking while the blue and blue combination will make you more open and available looking. It depends on the image you are trying to bring across I guess.”

An unladylike snort was her answer to the comment but Shizuru did look at the outfits differently now that the impressions had been pointed out to her. Mysterious went hand in hand with seductive and the last thing she wanted to do was to be fending off some drunk's wandering hands. Approachable could be just as annoying but it was far less likely to get her felt up. “Well, I certainly don’t want to come across as mysterious looking do I?” Picking the outfit up off of the chair Shizuru then hung the outfit up in the closet and turned to looked at Keiko. “So I will be wearing the blue outfit. I swear if anyone gets the stupid idea in their head to put the moves on me they're going to find out Kazuma isn't the only one in this family who knows who to fight.”

The comment caused Keiko to start giggling which earned her a black look but that didn't stop her amusement over the situation. Oh yes, she was betting that there was a special someone Shizuru had in mind and it made her wonder if maybe the guy would be there. “Oh come on, it really wouldn’t be that bad now would it? I know you aren’t a lesbian or at least you’ve never seemed like one to me." Keiko knew she was being a bit forward but if this is what made the older woman open up some then she'd go with it. "So what would be the problem if some guy showed an active interest in you? Unless you already have someone in mind and are waiting for him of course.” A sly smile spread over her face, waiting to see just how defensive Shizuru became.

“There is no one I’m waiting for. I don't even know why I'm going to this get together anyway.” The casual remark had hit too close to home for Shizuru’s comfort and she tried to cover it with a show of irritation. “Is there anything wrong with me just being happy with being single at this point in my life or has it become a crime not to be hanging off a guy's arm at every available opportunity?” Turning on her heel she yanked open the bedroom door a little too forcefully and stalked into the living room leaving Keiko to follow stunned in her wake. The girl's reaction wasn't of any concern to her at the moment, it'd be a cold day in hell before she fawned over any man like the younger girl did with the man sitting on her couch just now. At the surprised look on her brother’s and Yusuke’s faces her irritation continued to grow, what was it with people being so damned nosy anyway? “Don’t you guys have anything better to do then stare at me?”

Hastily Kuwabara averted his gaze, turning to the Detective next to him with a flat look. “I told you so.” Really, he didn't know what the hell was eating at her but even he wasn't about to ask the woman what the hell her problem was. Swallowing hard, he sat up hastily and tried to act as if he hadn't said anything at all when Shizuru turned to stare at him suspiciously, the look on her face clearly telling him that she wasn't in a mood to deal with him at the moment and that he'd better tread lightly. “What? I didn’t say anything!”

Yusuke eyed the woman, realizing that Kuwabara was right. The attitude she was giving off reminded him greatly of someone else, the only difference being Hiei would have most likely been hurling threats right now. Still, it was entirely too much fun pissing the apparition off and he knew that Shizuru would be no different. “Oh sure he did Shizuru. He said you have a secret crush on Hiei and that if it continues for too much longer you'll need to start buying stock in batteries.” Yusuke leaned back into the sofa with a cocky grin on his face and his arms folded across his chest in a defensive posture knowing that any moment now either Shizuru or Kuwabara would try to hit him for that one. ‘This is going to be so much fun it will be more then worth the free punch it will get me’. He gave a yelp of surprise when the attack came from an entirely unexpected direction, Keiko having walked up behind him and giving him a resounding smack across the back of the head.

Shizuru rolled her eyes at the man, it was tempting to smack him one but Keiko had already taken care of that problem and now they were engaged in a glaring contest. It was disturbing, had the guy managed to pick up on what even she didn't want to admit or was it just a lucky guess? “Remind me again why I am going? If this is the crap I'm going to have to put up with all night you can save it. It isn’t like anyone will notice I’m not there.” Now Kuwabara had joined in the evil glares being directed over to the Detective but she ignored the both of them. Instead she looked over at the television set where another round of the Bad Man Contest was preparing to start, the fighters bare chests already glistening with sweat under the spotlight and their pants hugging their legs like they had been painted on. “Now if you had some half naked guys looking like these that were going to be there, it might just have turned out to be interesting. Instead I'll be stuck looking at you two.” With a grin Shizuru looked over at Keiko. "No offense Keiko but I prefer my men not to be... so...."

"Scrawny?" Keiko easily saw where Shizuru was going with the conversation and she wasn't above poking a bit at Yusuke's pride, especially with what he'd just said. Every once in a while even he needed to be knocked down a peg or two and this time he had it coming. She nearly laughed at the look of indignation that crossed over both of their faces.

“Hey! There is nothing wrong with the way I look!” Now it was Yusuke’s turn to stare sourly at the television screen in front of him. It would figure that Shizuru would like the over muscled look, he hadn't met a girl yet who managed to keep her tongue in her mouth when confronted with the types of men they were watching. “All that muscle is over rated and besides, they're all probably stuck on themselves anyway. We won't even get into what all those steroids they take has done to the muscles that really matter. You'd be better off buying more batteries, unless you prefer something you can't feel which if that's the case knock yourself out. Besides I could beat them in a fight any day of the week.”

“Oh please... I'd be willing to bet they're packing more than you are in that department and I'm sure they know how to use it too. Now that guy there, I'd be more than happy to get a demonstration of his skills." Silence descended over the room making her pause and look at them. Shizuru was willing to bet they weren't expecting such a blatant declaration and based on the stunned look on her brothers face told her that she had managed to shock him speechless. Was the truth really that surprising? She gave a harsh laugh at his look of indignation that slowly made its way oh his face. “Oh come on bro, you might plan to die a virgin but that doesn’t mean all of us want to.”

The very idea that Shizuru could be a virgin still was so unlikely that Yusuke burst out laughing. The woman who had garnered Kurama's attention for a short period of time and had brushed the kitsune off was untouched? The very possibility was just too damned funny.“You’re a virgin? Really? Hell I didn’t know such a creature existed anymore! Wait until I tell Hiei and Kurama, they’ll find it funnier than all hell!” Yusuke turned suddenly as he felt the heat of a stare upon his head. Turning he found himself face to face was a silently fuming Keiko. “Well, what I meant was.. aw hell come on Keiko, you don't count. I mean everyone knows that you’re still a virgin.”

“And just how the hell do you know I’m not still a virgin?” While Shizuru couldn't say that she actually was, the way the Detective was carrying on with his line of thinking made it sound like she'd spread her legs for anything with a pulse and that anyone would think of her in such a way was infuriating. With her fists clenched at her sides Shizuru stalked up to the man who had gotten up off the couch when he'd seen the murderous look in her eyes. It didn't matter, he would not escape her fury. Eventually she stood nose to nose with Yusuke who was still trying to back away from the now fuming three humans in the room with him. “You’ve damned sure never been with me so you wouldn't know shit unless you've been stalking me which as far as I am aware of you haven't been." Her voice lowered dangerously as she stared him down. "Have you?” At the violent shake of denial from the man she now had cornered against the wall Shizuru continued: “Then once again I ask, just how in the hell do you know I’m not a virgin?”

In this instance Kuwabara was inclined to agree with his sister, Shizuru might be many things but a hussy was not one of them. Stepping in before a war was able to break out in the living room, Kuwabara interceded in what could have been a bloodbath. “Let me show you the way out before she kills you.” Kuwabara grabbed hold of Yusuke’s collar and dragged him away from his sister and towards the front door, though the man didn't even bother trying to fight him. Yusuke probably figured that he was trying to do him a favor. Stopping just short of the threshold Kuwabara pulled his fist and then slammed it into the Toushin’s jaw. “That one’s for me, next time you want to talk shit about my sister keep your mouth shut. See you tonight at the party Yusuke.” With those words he dumped his stunned leader unceremoniously outside the door and turned, closing the door firmly behind him.

“I’m sorry but I have to go too.” Keiko wasn’t crying but in her voice there no mistaking the hurt and anger at the thoughtless words that her boyfriend had just so carelessly tossed out. In her opinion he'd deserved being tossed out of their home. How would he have reacted if someone would have spoken to her that way? Sometimes he just didn't think! “I never meant for this to happen when we came over to visit.” She looked at the hand that was placed on her shoulder and then up into the eyes of her friend. “I really hope you decide to come tonight Shizuru. I might need someone to keep me company.” Right now she didn't know if she even wanted to speak to her boyfriend, how could he have been so thoughtless? At the silent nod she received she gave a tremulous smile and headed for the door. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

After the door had closed and they were alone once more Shizuru turned to her brother. While she appreciated what he'd just done, if it hadn't been for him telling Yusuke whatever it was that he'd said this would have never have happened. She knew he could see it coming by the look in his eyes and this time he didn't even try to move. Tears gathered in her eyes but she absolutely refused to let them fall. She wouldn't let learning what they all really thought of her make her cry, that was unacceptable. Instead she channeled it into anger, her hand connecting with his face and punctuating her every word. "This is all your fault!" One did escape then but she hastily swiped it away. She wasn't a slut that slept with every guy who approached her! “I know you said something, that last whisper of yours to Yusuke was for something!” At her brothers continued mutinous silence she gave into her frustration, her fist smashing into his jaw and knocking him into the floor before turning and stalking back into her bedroom slamming the door behind her.

~*~*~*~

“Why do you let such foolishness bother you? Are you ashamed of your attraction to me? Or could it be that you would prefer a mere human partner?” Disdain for that thought seemed to fill the voice as it’s owner waited impatiently for an answer. When no answer was forthcoming the voice continued, a undeniable note of irritation creeping in. “Demons are so much more talented then humans at pleasing our women, to think that any human could compare to us is simply disgusting.”

Shizuru writhed on her bed, the sheets tangling around her legs as she tried desperately to break free of the dream that once more held her enthralled. Fingers clenched in the soft material as she twisted once more trying to escape that damnable voice. She had decided to take a nap and try to forget the morning's unpleasantness but as soon as she had fallen asleep the mysterious voice had once more invaded her mind demanding an answer to the questions she didn’t want to answer. “Get out of my head and let me get some sleep!”

“I grow tired of waiting for your answer. Deny it all you want but you're only lying to yourself. Your body betrays your desires, your own scent fills the air with your arousal.” A hot tongue slowly trailed it’s way lightly down the side of her neck making her body shiver with delight and longing. At the moment she wanted nothing more than to take what was being offered to her. “Do you see how your body responds? I challenge you to deny it’s response and your desire for me.” Once more the tongue was teasing her neck, drawing small circles on her throat as long fingers slowly moved down her body to gently roll her aching nipples between them.

“Shizuru! It’s time to wake up, we have to go. You promised to have dinner with us before the party tonight.” Yukina knocked again on the door, satisfied only once she heard movement within the bedroom. Concern creased her brow as she thought about Keiko’s description of the earlier fiasco that had happened at the house. Yusuke had been very out of line with his comments but that was Yusuke for you. They'd come to expect that from him and for the most part they'd gotten used to it. What she hadn’t necessarily been expecting that particular reaction out of Shizuru. ‘What did she mean about not planning to be stay a virgin? Is it possible that she really could be wanting a mate? I wonder who would it could be that has attracted her attention.’ Yukina had heard of some females getting testy when they were in heat but she had never experienced it personally even though she knew that sooner or later it would happen when it was her time to reproduce. ‘Maybe she would be willing to talk to Genkai about it, she is very knowledgeable about things.’ Finally the door came open and she smiled at her friend when Shizuru walked out. A lot of care had been put into her appearance which made her wonder all the more. “Shizuru you look beautiful.”

“Thanks. I tried.” Shizuru smiled at her friend, trying to conceal just how unsettled she was. Even now she could still hear his voice taunting her and it was slowly driving her mad. Glancing down at herself once more Shizuru decided that even she had to admit the outfit really did look nice. She only hoped that the makeup she had applied would cover the dark circles that were developing around her eyes in response to her lack of sleep. She didn’t miss the flicker of concern that passed across Yukina’s eyes but was grateful when the little Koorime chose not to ask any questions. ‘Maybe dinner tonight and the party will go okay after all.’ As they all stepped out the door she looked at her brother giving him a glare that plainly said he had better not embarrass her anymore for the night. A simple nod was his response, most likely the man didn't want to get decked again. When he looked at her like that she nearly felt guilty over the bruise that had formed on his face. “I’ll see you at the party Kazuma.” She then turned to Yukina and Botan as they stepped out the door.“ So where are we going for dinner?”

“We’re doing something a little different tonight. We have reservation's at a lovely French restraunt that opened up downtown. It may not be what you're used to but I have it on good authority that the food is to die for.” Botan piped up with the answer as she looked at her watch and they walked down the sidewalk towards the train station. She had also heard about the fight earlier in the day and was hoping to distract Shizuru from her problems. The last thing any of them wanted was for another fight to break out at the party, it was rare that they could convince the guys to go to an event like this in the first place and Botan didn’t want anything to spoil it. At Shizuru’s doubtful look she quickly added “And don’t worry about the costs, I got some money from Koenma so it’s my treat.” She giggled then at the surprised look she was being given. “Or rather maybe I should say this is Yusuke’s treat.”

“Why would Koenma do such a thing and what does Yusuke have to do with this dinner?” Yukina was genuinely curious, Koenma wasn’t known for his generosity giving out money for nothing and neither was Yusuke for that matter. Her eyes widened at the look of mischief that came onto Botan’s face at the question, this was going to be good. “What’s going on ? I know Koenma had to have a reason and how does Yusuke fit into this? C’mon Botan, tell us.”

It was only a short walk to the train station and Botan was enjoying the sense of anticipation she had created. Since the station was already coming into view she decided to prolong it for a few moments, Shizuru was likely to get a kick out of what she had to say. “Calm down, as soon as we are on the train I’ll answer the question.” She winked at Shizuru who was beginning to look decidedly resigned and ready to walk back the way she had come. “Don’t worry, you’re going to love this. But we had better hurry if we want to catch this next train.”

They ran the last few steps into the station, just in time to catch the departing train. Of course it was crowded and a few people looked at them strangely before moving to give them some room. There were a few whispered comments from people wondering why someone would be wearing a kimono in this day and age when it wasn’t a holiday but no one approached them to ask which suited them just fine. A few men even smiled at them and moved, giving all three girls a place to sit down together. Once they were all seated Shizuru tiredly turned once again to Botan. “Okay, we’re on the train now. Spill it, what does Yusuke have to do with this dinner?”

“Keiko told me about what happened earlier at your house and I didn’t think it was right. So right before I came down I had run into Koenma and he asked what was wrong, so I told him.” Botan was preening now, obviously proud of what she had done and the resulting action “Koenma really has a lot of respect for you Shizuru and he's borne the brunt of Yusuke's warped sense of humor far too often. He felt this would be a perfect opportunity to teach Yusuke a lesson.” Giggles threatened to turn into full blown laughter as Botan remembered the scene, replaying it in her mind. The calculating grin on Koenma's face had been priceless. “So anyway, he pulled out Yusuke’s ledger to see how much in wages he owed him. Then he made a paid in full entry and handed me the money while telling me to treat you to a nice dinner. I don’t know if Yusuke knows about it yet but I bet he blows his top when he finds out.”

That had been the last thing she'd expected to hear, who would have thought Koenma had such a devious nature? “Then I think I’m going to enjoy this dinner.” Shizuru sat back in her seat, a real smile lighting up her face. Yusuke would indeed blow up when he heard about it but it wasn't as if he had a huge need for the money. The man was still living with his mother so his expenses were negligible. She refused to feel guilty about this. “Damn this feels good knowing that for once someone has actually managed to turn the tables on him. Did Koenma give you enough so we can have a bottle of Sake with dinner too?”

“Oh I promise we’ve got more then enough for that and a hotel room after the party so we can get away from the guys if we want to as well. We are going to have one heck of a girls night out compliments of Yusuke. Keiko is in on the secret too but she promised not to tell him about it if he hasn't found out already, Koenma wanted to have a bit of fun with him first though he wouldn't elaborate on just what he had in mind. No sense in ruining our good time you know?” Now Botan did burst out into full blown laughter. Keiko going along with the idea had been an unexpected surprise but a welcome one but the looks on the faces of her companions made the moment absolutely priceless. “I wish I had a camera to take a picture of the two of you.”

“Here’s our stop.” Yukina stood and waited for the doors to slide open along with her companions. Milling throngs of people surrounded them making it hard to move in any direction and making her more then a little concerned. If they had reservations then they didn't want to lose them because of a crowd. Stepping over to Shizuru she whispered, “ Let’s get out of this crowd, we don’t want to be late for dinner and I didn’t get a chance to eat today.”

“The restaurant isn’t far off.” Shizuru put an arm across the girl's shoulders and steered her to a less crowded area of the terminal with Botan following in their wake. Now that there were fewer people to contend with she could feel the little Koorime begin to relax as she stopped worrying about the time and begin to enjoy looking around her at all the sights. ‘She really should get out of that temple and live it up more often. I wonder if somehow Hiei has something to do with keeping her cloistered in there even if she doesn’t know it.’ The possibility wouldn't surprise her, there were times he took his protectiveness to the extreme.

“Here’s the place.” Botan opened the door to the coolly lit interior and waited for her friends to enter before turning to the Maitre De. We have a reservation for a party of three. Compliments of Koenma.” The man looked doubtful for a moment but checked his list as the girls stood waiting then motioned for them to follow him while Botan grinned in triumph. They were led to a small door off to the side that was marked Private Parties and escorted inside, the Maitre De bowing low to them as they passed.

“Your private server will be with you shortly, he will be responsible for seeing to your every need. In the meantime may I offer you ladies a drink perhaps? The sake here is very good, there is none finer to be found in the whole of Tokyo.” The man was now almost fawning over them. He wasn’t sure exactly who these young ladies were but he had received strict orders from the owner himself who had informed him with a very pale face that the girls would encounter no problems, if they did his job would be forfeit.

“Sake would be fine, please bring us a bottle of red wine to have with our dinner as well.” Shizuru spoke for the three of them after sending an inquiring glance at her companions and receiving slight nods of agreement. Yukina hadn’t looked like she was very sure but had nodded anyway. Shizuru almost snickered. ‘I think she might be in for a surprise if she isn’t used to drinking.’ It was fine though, there wasn't any way she'd let something happen to the Koorime.

Their waiter arrived within moments of the bottle and he was quickly dispatched with orders for their Boeuf Bourguignon with side orders of rice pilaf, a cheese platter and a garden salad. Shizuru finally began to relax as time passed and the alcohol began to take effect, their waiter hovering nearby at a discrete distance. The man was excellent at his job, attentive without being annoying.“We should do this more often, maybe next time we can figure out a way to get my brother to foot the bill. I bet if you asked him Yukina, he would do back flips over himself in his hurry to pay.”

“Do you really think so?” The sake was starting to make her feel a little giggly and Yukina couldn’t stop herself from laughing at the picture that Shizuru started to paint of Kazuma tripping over himself. “That really is funny but I doubt he would act like that. We really are only friends after all.”

"Of course he would, you can't tell me you haven't noticed how he fawns all over you." Botan snickered at the expression on Yukina's face, the girl really was clueless when it came to males. Movement to her left caught her eye and she looked up to see that their food had arrived courtesy of their waiter and two others carrying the steaming dishes. Her eyes grew large at the size of the dishes, surely they weren’t expected to eat all of this food at one sitting. Then it struck her as funny and she gave an errant giggle. “Do you think we should take Yusuke a doggy bag of leftovers?”

“Sure, why not?” Shizuru waved her hand grandly over the food with a big grin. “I’m sure he will appreciate the thoughtful gesture we are showing him as a thank you for buying us all dinner.” A nagging thought tugged at the back of her mind that he might not see the humor in the situation but she found it funny and resolutely pushed the thought away. It would serve as a reminder that he should keep his big mouth shut. “Of course, it is entirely appropriate that we express our thanks in such a manner.”

The second bottle of sake’ was almost gone and Botan raised her hand to signal that they needed another one. The wine while good was a bit unusual and she'd found herself sticking to the beverage she was more familiar with. Almost two hours had passed since their food had arrived but it remained mostly untouched, the drinks and conversation flowing so easily that the food had been mostly forgotten. The waiter approached with some trepidation uncertain about the reaction that his question was going to raise. “Will my ladies be safe to drive home or should I call you a cab?”

“The party! We’re going to be late for the party if we don’t go now!” Yukina noticed the time at the waiters question and pushed back her chair to rise, then suddenly found her legs didn’t want to held her weight. It was a decidedly odd feeling but that made it all the more amusing. She giggled as she sat back down heavily and then turned to the waiter. “If you could please box up our food so we can take it with us, then call us a cab to deliver us to this address.” Carefully she extracted a slip of paper and extended it to the man.

“Of course my ladies.” The waiter bowed then snapped his fingers. Waiters appeared as if by magic and the food was packed up in boxes ready to go. Within ten minutes he leaned over to whisper in Botan’s ear. “Your ride has arrived, I took the liberty of ordering my ladies a limousine and chauffeur. I hope that this meets with your approval.”

“It meets with my approval very much, thank you.” She pulled out the money to pay the bill for their food and the waiter’s eyes grew very large as she handed him his tip. It was as much as he normally made in a week for his wages and he bowed very low, surprised at such generosity. “Please feel free to come back anytime to dine at our fine restaurant. Please ask for me as your waiter again, my name is Yoshihiro Daisuke."

People looked at them as they made their way to the car, each of them leaning on the arm of a waiter who was acting as an escort. Whispers could be heard from some of the more affluent customers talking about how unlikely it was for proper well bred young ladies to be out alone in such a state but a look from the head waiter silenced the talk until the girls were outside the door. There the chauffeur hurried round and opened the door to admit the young ladies who were now being delivered into his charge. Once they were inside the vehicle the head waiter addressed him with a stern warning. “If any harm should befall my ladies while they are under your care you will not live to rue the next morning.” Then he turned on his heel and was gone, leaving the driver to stare after him.

The buttery soft leather of the seats was cool to the touch, acting as a balm to her overheated skin. Shizuru glanced over at Yukina who had sunken down into her seat with her eyes closed giving every impression that she was in heaven. Every so often she would start giggling at some private thought of her own, earning her an amused look from Botan. Sighing with pleasure Shizuru sat up straighter and addressed the ferry girl. “It’s probably a good thing it’s only a short ride to the party. I have a feeling she would be sleeping by the time we got there otherwise.”

The comment earned a giggle from Botan as she stared at the Koorime who was now humming to herself. “You’re probably right. Hey Shiz, have you checked out our driver? He’s cuttttttttteeeeeeeeee. Do ya think he would be willing to escort me inside the party?” That would surprise the guys, she'd been on the receiving end of the rude comments recently on just who would find her attractive.

“Who’s cute?” Yukina opened her eyes to look at her friends and giggled again as she stared hard at them both. “Do you guys know that there is two of you sitting in the car?” She giggled again at the looks her friends exchanged. “Won’t everyone be surprised to see five of us arriving instead of three?” Then she closed her eyes again to resume humming the nonsensical tune that was going through her mind.

“Well, there’s no doubt about it, she’s wasted. We’re gonna have to keep a real good eye on her to make sure no one tries to take advantage of her. Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this before." Botan didn't want to contemplate just how upset Hiei would be if someone tried to paw at the girl but as long as they were both looking after her then there wouldn't be any problems. "Oh well, at least she’s a happy drunk.” Botan started giggling then too as she leaned against Shizuru's shoulder. “Can you imagine the reaction when all the guys see us?”

“Well, you won’t have long to wait before you find out.” Shizuru pushed the girl back over to her own side before turning to look out the window as the limousine pulled into the drive and slowed to a stop. There were only a few people standing outside but apparently the word had already spread that the car was pulling up. More people were making their way out the door to see who was arriving in such luxury. Seeing Kurama and Hiei making their way out also Shizuru muttered “It figures they would have to come out to look too.” Suddenly she was once again wished she had decided not to come, the sight of the small fire apparition making her stomach tie up in knots. ‘This is just lovely.’

Emerald green eyes widened in surprise and claret red eyes narrowed in anger as the chauffeur hurried to the side of the car and opened the door to reveal the three drunk girls sitting inside. This was totally unexpected and unacceptable as far as both guys were concerned but it was Hiei who spoke first in a voice that was colder then ice. “Kurama, go get Kuwabara. He can take care of escorting his sister for the evening. You can act as Botan’s escort if you so choose, I really don’t give a damn. I will take care of Yukina for tonight.”

The Kitsune nodded his agreement before turning and disappearing into the crowd. It wouldn’t take him long to bring the others back but he was concerned that the thin thread on his temper that Hiei was holding would snap if someone said or did the wrong thing. Already the air conditioning had kicked in due to the rising temperature coming in from the doorway, it wouldn’t do for the building to go up in flames because someone made a mistake and got the girl drunk.

“Hi Hiei!” Yukina opened her eyes and waved, giggled at the sight of him standing there obviously waiting for her to leave the seat of the car. “How’d you make two of you and why are you both here?” It was nice to see another familiar face in the sea of people that had gathered around. Carefully she stepped out of the car, giggling as she did so. Her hand went to the edge of the door as she swayed unsteadily but moments later a firm but gently hand settled on her arm, steadying her.

Kurama returned then with Kuwabara right behind him. Yusuke and Keiko came hurrying up soon after just as Shizuru was stepping out of the car. She glared at her brother, slapping his proffered arm away. “I don’t need you as an escort, you did enough earlier. Remember?” Later she might regret the action but for now she wasn’t about to give him a chance to spoil her evening with his incessant questioning Turning her attention to Yusuke she smirked. “Thank you for such a wonderful evening Yusuke. It was very generous of you after all and a very nice apology.” Then she turned and walked into the building, leaving her brother to trail behind her.

“What the hell did she mean by that?” Yusuke was dumbfounded and didn’t like the glare that his team mates were giving him one bit. Hiei looked positively ready to roast his ass at the slightest provocation and it was likely only the fact that he was holding Yukina up that was stopping him from doing so. “I didn’t have anything to do with this, I swear it!” He looked at Keiko but she was looking at the car, not paying any attention to him for the moment. It looked like no one had an answer for him but then the pager in his pocket started to vibrate. Irritated at being interrupted he flipped it open. “Koenma, this had better damn well be important!” There was no answer, all he saw when he looked down was the demigod laughing so hard he was almost crying before the screen went black once again.

“Don’t bother to ask me, you’ll have to take it up with Koenma.” Botan had seen the pissed look he had given her and put an innocent look on her face which kept trying to fall with the snickers that wanted to break loose. After a moment she stepped out of the car and took hold of Kurama’s arm before turning to look at Yusuke once again. “And don’t even think about bothering me tonight. Who knows, I might just get lucky and we wouldn't want you butting in.” Then she winked at Hiei and guided the flabbergasted Kitsune inside the building that Shizuru had disappeared into into moments before.

“What did she mean about getting lucky? Is there a contest going on or something?” Yukina continued leaning against Hiei whose eyes had widened once again. An uncomfortable silence descended around them making her sigh, no one ever wanted to tell her anything. Closing her eyes for a moment, she rested her head on Hiei's chest, never noticing just how uncomfortable she was making him nor the stares they were receiving. “I really am glad to see you here you know. I miss you when you aren’t around. But right now do you think you could help me find a bathroom? I’ve really got to go.”

When Hiei had agreed to come to this damned party he'd been reluctant at best but now he was glad Kurama had managed to talk him into it. There would have been no telling just how much trouble Yukina would have found herself in otherwise. Gently he pushed her away from him, making sure she had her balance before letting her go.“Keiko would be the better one to help you with that. I will find you again afterwards.” Silently Hiei handed her over to the other girl then turned to look at the driver who was standing there silently holding what was obviously three very large dinners.

“My instructions were to deliver these to a gentleman named Yusuke until the ladies are ready to reclaim them.” Questioningly he looked from one man to the other, then handed them to the young man who held out his hand. Clearly he wasn't impressed by the way the man had reacted towards the women. "Please take care of them, and if my company can ever be of service again feel free to call.” The man turned and left, the car gliding silently down the driveway.

Turning Hiei went back inside the building to find Yukina and get some answers. Keiko would be able to take care of the girl for a few minutes but anything longer than that was unaccepted. Yukina was his responsibility and it wasn't one he took lightly. Yusuke had followed him inside and now that they had spotted Keiko and the small Koorime coming back into the main area they headed towards them. Shizuru was off standing near the garden talking to some people and Botan currently had Kurama occupied. Obviously Yukina would be the only one they could get answers out of at the moment.

“Where did you have dinner at Yukina?” Hiei tried to soften his voice, it wouldn’t do any good to make her upset. “And who was it that got you drunk?” Plans were already rolling around in his head about just what he intended to do to the guilty party. Soft doe eyes stared at him happily, as if surprised he was taking such an active interest in her evening.

“Umm, well, we ate dinner at some kind of restraunt. I don’t remember the name. But it was very good.” She started laughing then as she looked at Yusuke and Hiei then looked down at her hands. “As far as who got us drunk, well Shizuru ordered the sake and some sort of red stuff that was really good but I guess in a way it was really Yusuke since he was kind enough to pay for all this." Smiling once more she looked up at the apparition, with a pleased expression. If he was paying attention to her now, perhaps he would hang around more when everyone got together. "Hiei, will you take me there to eat sometime? I know you'd like it and I'd like to go back.”

Hiei was never given a chance to answer because a certain Detective was listening closely to every word she'd said. “I did what??!!” The yell carried across the room to where Shizuru was standing and she turned to stare at him, giving him a slow smile. Yusuke couldn’t believe what he was hearing and he didn’t like the way that Hiei was staring at him, eyes narrowing further in anger at his leader. “I didn’t do any such thing! I didn’t even know where you girls were!”

“Sure you did Yusuke. You paid for everything as an apology to Shizuru. Didn’t you? At least that’s what Botan said you did.” Personally she didn't see what the big deal was. Did he not want to be seen as a nice person? Maybe that was it, he didn't want people to learn that he could admit to when he'd done something wrong. Deciding to ponder it later, Yukina stifled a yawn. She was so tired all of a sudden and the room was so very warm which only increased her drowsiness. Slowly she looked back over at Hiei. “I’m so tired, is there a place I can lie down please?”

It was of no surprise to him that the alcohol had affected her in such a way, being a novice to drinking it was to be expected.“I will find you a place.” Hiei took her by the arm and started to guide her towards one of the spare bedrooms that had a lock on the door. He paused momentarily to cast a dark look over at the Detective, clearly telling him not to go anywhere. “I will deal with you for your part in this mess later.”

“Botan! I want to talk to you! Now!” It all made perfect sense now, the page from Koenma, the demigod's laughter and the ferry girls flippant attitude towards him when she had arrived. Yusuke was furious that he'd been set up and it was going to take some quick thinking to escape Hiei's wrath. Someone was going to pay for getting him into this mess and pay dearly. “Botan!” Angrily he looked around for any sign of the girl but she'd mysteriously vanished.

Hiei had eventually gotten Yukina settled comfortably in a bed to sleep off the alcohol which had been difficult since she hadn't wanted to be alone either. Eventually she'd been lulled into slumber and he had been able to return to the main area where he could keep an eye on the bedroom door. Right about now he was wishing he could go take out his anger in the Makai by killing something but he couldn’t leave Yukina unprotected. His eyes fell on Shizuru who was currently standing alone at the moment. ‘Why not, she’s pretty tonight anyway and she did help in getting Yukina drunk’ Slowly he moved closer until he was about three feet behind her.

‘Damn, it’s hot in here! Why don’t they turn the air conditioning on or something?’ Shizuru tugged at the collar of her blouse to loosen it a bit and looked around at the other people filling the room, positive that she would see everyone else dripping with sweat as well. But no one else looked uncomfortable, to the contrary it seemed as if a few of the guests might even be feeling slightly chilled as they stepped through the doors that led to the garden and made their way back indoors. Shizuru sighed then. ‘I hope I’m not getting sick, that would be just what I needed right about now.’ She took a step towards the garden doors herself, meaning to go outside for a breath of fresh air and immediately noticed the change in temperature. Annoyance began as a small seed in the back of her mind as she realized now why she had felt so warm. ‘It figures, I should have realized I was standing right in front of him of all people!’

“Do not think to blame me for your uncomfortable state of affairs woman.” It was a lie and he knew it but he wasn’t about to tell the girl that. Hiei had been acutely aware of the woman that he was standing behind and had been taking sadistic pleasure in his own private amusement, slowing raising the temperature around himself to see how hot he could make her. Now his fun ruined, he turned facing her with his lips turned down at the corners in irritation at the little enjoyment he could get for the night being ruined. Ruby eyes glittered as he stared at her. “And if you don’t want me to know what you are thinking then learn to keep your thoughts to yourself.”

People were beginning to stare at them in irritation as they were forced to move around the couple that were so rudely blocking the doorway, eyes locking in what was obviously a clash of wills. There was no telling just how long it would have continued, neither willing to back down until Kuwabara came wandering over having noticed the situation that had become the center of attention. “Hey Shorty, what do you think you’re doing making eyes at my sister? You aren’t going to put the moves on my sister just because she happens to be drunk!”

“Who’s making eyes at who?” Yusuke came walking over with a beer in his hand. Keiko trailed along beside him, curious as to what was happening as well. He hadn’t been able to find Botan, apparently she had left called away by Koenma for something urgent so his questions were going to have to wait and he had put it behind him for the night. “I heard you from clear across the room. You can’t honestly mean to tell me that Hiei of all people was looking at her like he wants her.” This was simply too much fun with all the friction that had developed between Kuwabara and Hiei over the years. Even if they had a decent working relationship on the team that didn't mean the lines of dating each other’s family was to ever be crossed. Personally he thought they were both being stupid but then there wasn't much he could do to change their minds. Stubbornness was a trait they both had in common and pigs were more likely to fly then they were to change.

“Maybe it wasn’t Hiei making eyes at Shizuru at all. It could have been her making eyes at him you know.” Stunned silence followed the words for a moment, and then Kuwabara turned around on the girl who had dared to utter such blasphemy. Keiko held his gaze evenly knowing that there was no way he'd ever hurt her no matter how mad he was, His honor code just wouldn't allow it and neither would Yusuke. Personally she couldn't see what the big deal was; they were all friends weren't they? Her earlier thoughts of Shizuru trying to impress someone surged to the surface once more. Was it possible?

“If you were a man I’d have already shoved your teeth down your throat for even suggesting such a thing!” Kuwabara shuddered at the mere thought. Surely his sister had better taste than to pick Hiei of all people. Hell if that was the case he'd help her stock up on batteries, there was no way the runt was going to put his hands on Shizuru if he'd have anything to say about it.

“But you won’t do any such thing.” Kurama had also walked up and now stood looking at the bunch of them. He had a sneaking suspicion what was going on unless his opinion was asked. “Besides Kuwabara, something is going on. If you used your eyes you would see it as well. You don’t have to be a psychology major in college to see that something is happening between them.”

Stunned silence followed and Shizuru turned narrowed eyes on the red head. So the Kitsune thought he was so smart did he? She'd just see if he happened to know everything like he tended to allow everyone to believe. He was as good of a person to go to as any, if nothing else maybe there was some sort of plant that could make the dreams stop for long enough so she could get a good night's sleep for a change. “Kurama, I need to talk to you!” Shizuru reached out and grabbed Kurama’s hand and leading him off towards one of the private rooms while stunned looks followed them out. A muttered curse crossed her lips, this situation had gone too far. "Damned apparition invading my thoughts and dreams. Bastard's probably doing it on purpose too."

The words reached Hiei easily enough over the murmur of the crowd as the two of them walked away, making his eyes widen in surprise. 'So she dreams of me huh?' Perhaps this night had just gotten a bit more interesting.

End of Chapter. Please read and review.