Disclaimer: is in the first chapter and will remain as such. The song used in this chapter is "The First Cut Is the Deepest" sung by Sherrel Crow.
AN Hey all, I'm sitting here working and slaving away at my crappy old computer... just to finish this fic for you by the weekend. And I'm proud to say that I've quite accomplished that goal. Be proud of me. Now that the story is over of course, I'll have to think of something new. By George... is that a plot-bunny on the horizon? Why... I think it is... *runs away*
Read the notes at the bottom, ne? You might learn something important.
## IF ANY OF YOU REMEMBER MY OLD FIC: TOSSED AND FOUND... THERE'S A SEQUAL. "Tossed and Found: The Cycle Continued" By Killua-san. ##
===============================
Part 10: Beginnings
It had begun to rain. Cold sheets of gray rain falling from an equally gray and cold sky and landing on the cold, gray Earth below. Schools were closed because of possible flooding; large businesses were closed for the same reason. Everybody was advised to stay indoors. A nasty virus was sweeping Tokyo, its victims falling within days of catching it.
But Yusuke's house was empty. His mother was out drinking and partying. And Yusuke himself was sitting in the darkest booth he could find at the Black Thorn. Though the dirty club brought back memories he would rather forget, he had found he couldn't stay away. The music continued to blast, regardless if Yusuke listened to it or not. The people continued to dance, regardless if he joined them or not. He was content simply to exist and be ignored. Besides, he had received a very formal incitation, complete with a ticket, requesting his presence at the club. He had immediately recognized the handwriting as Hiei's - though it was much smaller and neater than he remembered.
The note had simply said: "Yusuke... please spend your evening at the Black Thorn tonight. I hope that your inner demons have quieted and that your soul can be at peace."
And there had been another thing written, but it had been crossed out. Yusuke couldn't even read half of it, because it was so covered in ink markings.
"Ai s-"
That's all he could read.
So there he was, sitting alone in his booth. Ignoring the rest of the people in the club, not listening to the music but being satisfied that nothing had really changed at all. The music suddenly cut out, the teen looking up in surprise. The manager stepped out onto the stage, he was grinning as though he had just won a million Credits. He probably had.
"The Black Thorn is proud to present, for a *second* time, Hiei and Kurama. Or, as they are now called: Strangers!"
The crowd immediately began cheering and rushing to move closer to the stage. The manager quickly stepped off, fearful of the many frantic fan-girls. Everybody but Yusuke was excited. The delinquent himself slumped back down in his seat. He should have seen it coming.
The lights dimmed and music began pounding through the sound system once again.
I would have given you all of my heart,
But there's someone who's torn it apart.
And he's taken just all that I have,
But if you want I'll try to love again.
Baby I'll try to love again but I know.
To the surprise and delight of the crowd, Hiei alone stepped onto the stage. Beyond belief, the small singer jumped off the stage and began walking through the crowd. The sea of fans and admirers parted for him as he walked though them. Seemingly looking for somebody. What everybody else didn't know what that he knew exactly where his target was. And so did his target.
The first cut is the deepest,
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest.
But when it comes to being lucky he's cursed,
When it comes to loving me he's worse.
Kurama stepped onto the stage as well, singing with the same lonely sounding voice as Hiei. His green eyes were locked on his small partner. And Hiei still wandered through the crowd.
I still want you by my side.
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried.
And I'm sure going to give you a try,
And if you want I'll try to love again.
Baby I'll try to love again but I know...
Kurama jumped from the stage as well, taking a different path than that of the smaller. The crowd parted for him as well, as though he were a god among men. Because with his almost ethereal looks, in the eyes of his fans... he was.
The first cut is the deepest.
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest
But when it comes to being lucky he's cursed.
When it comes to loving me he's worse.
Yusuke didn't want to believe it when the two suddenly made a bee-line for his booth. Just as suddenly, Yukina appeared, her red eyes wide and looking as though she were only one step away from crying. Yusuke remained seated, not wanting to see his friend cry any more than she already had. And even though every instinct told him to run, flee, get out of there - because he didn't want to be confronted with Hiei again... didn't want to remember the emotions he couldn't even begin to forget... he stayed.
I still want you by my side.
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried.
But I'm sure going to give you a try.
Cause if you want I'll try to love again.
Baby you know I'll try to love again but I know...
There was a brief pause before both Kurama and Hiei sent him directly meaningful looks. Looks that begged him to stay behind as he had once before. Yusuke closed his eyes against that look, and when he reopened them, the two singers were making their way back to the stage, finishing their song. And Yukina had already vanished back into the crowd.
The first cut is the deepest.
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest.
When it comes to being lucky he's cursed,
When it comes to loving me he's worse...
The first cut is the deepest..."
The song faded out perfectly as they reached the stage. And then the music began a new with a different song with a completely different message. The second song was about looking past the surface and seeing the pain hidden on the inside. It was about pain and lies and needing somebody there to help sooth the hurt only visible behind their eyes. Then they sang a third song. The third song was of the future. A song purely sung to send out the idea that there is always something out there to look forward to, even if it is frightening. And songs about everlasting presence in the heart. Songs that told Yusuke that Hiei and Kurama would always be there for him, should he need it. Songs that said, there were already there.
===
To tell the truth, Yusuke fled the club as soon as he was able. He didn't wait behind to talk to Hiei and Kurama, as he once had. He couldn't talk to those who knew just how horrible a person he really was. He had killed hundreds of people. He had hurt his three best friends. He was a failure, in all aspects of his life.
He spent the next week hiding behind his books. Not daring to miss school. He completely ignored the people who now crowded him in the hallways, wanting to know why Kurama and Hiei had sung to him.
Kurama didn't return to school.
===
Yusuke received another note on his door about a week after the night at the Black Thorn. This one was much longer than the quick note he had received previously. And it wasn't formal at all. But even though Yusuke wanted to just throw the letter away without reading it... he read it, slowly savoring each word.
"Yusuke,
"So not feel bad that you didn't stay behind to speak with us, we understand that you're going through a hard time right now. But Kurama and I wanted to tell you our news; surely you've noticed that he isn't in school anymore. Well, the reason is because we've gotten a record deal.
"You remember Genkai don't you? Well, she told us that at some point in our running away, she was sent out to find us. She nearly did too, but we got away before she could actually catch us. Anyway, she had heard us singing in a club that night - this was before we met you - and she said that if we wanted, she would call in for a meeting with some music company. We went to meet them and we sang a few songs for them, and they told us that they loved our songs and our look. And we got the deal!
"Yukina is so happy. Which of course, it the biggest thing right now. She says that with the money offered to us by the company, we can buy a home and settle down. She wants to live in Kyoto, but Kurama wants to travel around the world. The others were happy for us as well, but they've all moved to different places. I'm not quite sure where they are, but they keep in touch with us as much as they can. (Genkai taught us all how to read and write and do math and such. She said it was important.)"
The handwriting in the letter suddenly changed to something that Yusuke didn't recognize.
"Hey Yusuke, this is Kurama... I just wanted to say that I miss you a lot. Life isn't the same without your dry humor! And teasing Hiei just isn't the same... OW! The little creep bit me! OW! He bit me again! Why that little... I should bite him back and-"
The note went back to Hiei's handwriting, this time in a rather heavy scrawl, before smoothing out as Hiei's temper cooled.
"Sorry about that, stupid fox doesn't know his place. So, as you can see we're having a busy life, but it just isn't the same without you. All three of us are thinking of you, we all miss you Yusuke. Especially me. I hope you haven't forgotten about me yet. I'll write you again soon.
"Your friend, always.
Hiei."
===
The notes came frequently after that. Each day, Hiei and Kurama and Yukina had something new to tell him. They found a house in Kyoto and it was something they all absolutely loved. Yukina had bought a piano, even though she didn't know how to play it. They said it was the most beautiful thing they had ever seen. They wanted him to visit them, they wanted to visit him. The three experiments also sent a copy of Hiei and Kurama's first CD.
Yusuke fell asleep every night listening to it.
Yusuke began to miss his friends. He wanted to share their adventures again. But he was still scared. Scared of the people that he had killed. Scared of the changes in his body. Scared of the feelings he had for Hiei. And even though he wanted to face them... he couldn't. His mother, his schooling, his friends - few as they were - they all needed him. He needed to be needed.
It was late at night when Hiei finally approached him. Yusuke had been out to take a walk, before deciding to rest a bit under the stars. He took out a handy blanket and sat down on it. His demons came out to dance in front of him, taunting him.
/You did it!/ They cried. /You killed them all! How will you ever face your friends again? You don't deserve them!"
Just a few steps away, Hiei was taking a walk as well. He knew full well that Yusuke wasn't that far away from him. He kept his footsteps silent, his pace slow. He wanted to run and embrace Yusuke. He wanted to tell the other all that had happened with his voice, not silly letters. But something held him back. Something kept him away from where he wanted to be.
/"Do you know what I did to them? I *killed* them! All of them!"/
Hiei stopped moving closer, now completely unsure of himself. Yusuke's words kept coming back to haunt him. Did Yusuke honestly believe that he was a murderer? No, he did not kill them. The guards died, yes. But that was their own doing. In Yusuke's heart he sought out those who cared, those who felt guilty. The experiments, some of the guards, even some of the doctors still lived. All those who carried black-hearts were obliterated.
"You might as well come out here, Hiei." Yusuke sighed, not looking over to the bush the Jaganshi was hiding behind. "I know you're there."
Hiei smiled to himself and shook his head. "Are you finding what you hoped for here?" He asked, walking around the bush and settling down on the blanket his friend was sitting on. "I've seen you at your school, you're doing much better. Kurama says that we should attend school as well, but I do not agree with him."
Yusuke remained silent for a moment. "What did you do to me?" He whispered.
"Nani?"
"How is it you have such a hold over me? How is every action of mine somehow connected to you? I cannot sleep at night because you are not there for me to hold. I throw myself into my schoolwork to try and forget the way it felt when our minds were connected. But no matter what I do, no matter what I see - everything comes back to you. I cannot read without hearing your voice, I cannot go anywhere without checking if your aura is there as well. I can feel you watching me when I'm at school; it distracts me so I try to work harder. Keiko and Kuwabara and everybody else that I knew in the past - they're different now. Or maybe I'm different." Tears began dripped down his cheeks, but Yusuke determinedly didn't look into the red eyes that would be his undoing.
"I can't go back to who I was any more." Yusuke told him. "I can't go back-"
In an abrupt movement and dislocation of air, Hiei was in front of Yusuke, staring determinedly into his eyes.
"Have you learned nothing from your time in Hell?" He asked. "Time may slow or even stand still. But it never goes backwards. What would you do if you could change the past? Not go to the club that night? What then? If we had not met and you were not brought back to Hell... everybody who was there would still be suffering. As it is, they have found a place to call their own. They are *happy*. Do they not deserve to be happy?"
Tears began leaking down Hiei's cheeks as well. The strange thing was, like his sisters, they hardened into perfect gems. Hiei didn't seem to care, because he kept staring into Yusuke's brown eyes, pleading with him.
"Do *I* not deserve to be happy?"
He surged forward, without any warning, and almost attacked Yusuke's mouth with his own. The kiss wasn't especially romantic so much as it was desperate. Hiei in desperation to find his own happiness, Yusuke in desperation to not be alone. It was sloppy and wet, but even through the imperfections a thread began to grow between their minds. As the kiss wore on it grew stronger, into a bond that could never be severed.
"I missed you." Hiei confessed after they broke apart. "And I know you don't want to hear this, but you cannot stay here much longer. A few years, tops. People will begin to notice that you're not getting any older. The three of us aren't so big of a deal; people will only see us from a distance or in pictures. People actually know who you are. They'll get suspicious."
Yusuke smiled and hugged Hiei against his chest. "Same old Hiei, always thinking ahead." He chuckled. "I know I cannot stay here much longer."
"Urameshi!?"
The two on the blanket jerked apart.
"Kuwabara?" Yusuke asked almost disbelievingly. "What are you doing out here?"
"I think the question is, what are *you* doing here? And what's with the little kid? Why haven't you been talking to me since you got back? It's been nearly two months and not a word!"
Hiei stiffened, his skin temperature increasing drastically. "Little kid?" He hissed, pulling himself free of Yusuke's arms and standing up. He slowly drew his ever present katana from its sheath. "I'll show you a little kid!"
"HIEI!" Yusuke hissed, grabbing his little mate against his chest again. "You can't hurt him! At least, not with a katana!"
"I could if Kurama was here!" Hiei protested, trying to wiggle free.
"Hiei? Kurama?" Kuwabara said softly to himself, his eyes suddenly widening as a rare look of understanding flashed across his face. "The Strangers? The two singers? That's who you are?!"
Excitement took over the bumbling oaf and he rushed forwards. "Can I have your autograph? Can I take a picture of you? What about of you and me? How about you sign a picture of you and me?" He eagerly threw out idea after idea.
Hiei sighed. "I'll send you another letter tomorrow, Yusuke." He said, now completely ignoring Kuwabara. "It'll say where our new house is. Come visit us this weekend, alright? I'll come to pick you up if that's alright."
The small fire controlling Jaganshi offered a rare smile and leaned up to kiss Yusuke again. "Ai shiteru, itooshi."
Yusuke only had a moment to repeat those words, before Hiei disappeared completely.
"Urameshi." Kuwabara looked shocked and angry now. "Explain. Now."
===
In the next two days, Yusuke quit school for good and stayed in his house packing. He told his mother that he had gotten a job in Kyoto and that he was moving there. As promised, Hiei appeared late Saturday night holding two train tickets. He explained that he ran from Kyoto to Tokyo, but didn't think that Yusuke could run for so far without getting tired. The two took the late night express train and were met by Yukina and Kurama at the train station. The three took him to their new home.
They showed him everything. The kitchen, the bathrooms, the living room, study, music room, the yards, the attic, and finally - their own bedrooms. All of them were a marvel. Kurama's was painted all in greens. The fox had a large nest for a bed that hung from a tree growing in the corner. The carpet was actually grass growing out of the floor boards. It was truly beautiful. And the window had a view pointing towards the mountains. Yukina's room was actually rather cold, and her bed was a nest made from a tree as well, though it seemed to be made completely of ice. The walls were painted a very light blue, and small throw rugs covered the floor. Her window over looked the back yard. And Hiei's room was, strangely, designed exactly like Yusuke's old room. Although, there was again a nest instead of a bed. The wood smelled of fires, meaning this was a tree grown specially to hold in Hiei's great heat. The room even had Yusuke's old text books on the desk, which he had though he had lost. The window, complete with an amazing window seat, looked over a great view of the ocean, rather than the city.
"This is our room." Hiei said shyly. "I've been sleeping in Kurama's nest, but now that you're here... we'll share. Is that okay with you, itooshi?"
Yusuke nodded. "That sounds perfect."
"But Yusuke," Yukina said happily, tugging on his hand. "We haven't shown you the best part yet!" She eagerly pulled him down to the music room and tapped lightly against a panel on the wall. The whole wall slid back to reveal a beautiful piano. It was the same piano that Yusuke first played months ago, right before he and Hiei were caught.
"Play us something, ne... oniisan?" The blue haired ice princess pleaded.
Yusuke smiled and sat down. For the first time, he truly felt a peace. At peace with his friends, with his life, with himself. He had someone to love, he had a true family. And he was happy.
He played the piano.
And he was beautiful.
=Owari=
===============================
AN Alright, this is the last authors note of Strangers. *sniffle* I think that we should take a moment to savor this moment. Because, this fic was more than just a fic. Someone even went so far as to say it was *more* than just a fic. ^__^ and I don't think it really matters how long it took to write, or how many cows were killed during the planning process. Or even who stole land from whom at the turn of the centuries. All that matter is that it's done now. And the plot-bunnies (shudders) have been invited back in hopes that a new story will emerge in this ones shadow. (Runs away)
Alright, now that *that's* over, I have just a few more things to say. First off, there were a few songs in this chapter that I didn't actually use the lyrics of, but I did kind of put the title in. I want to list those songs in case some nimrod thinks that I own those as well.
1) Behind Blue Eyes: Original version sung by The Who.
2) Into the West: The end song of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.
3) I'm Already There: sung by Lonestar.
I do not own those songs; I only used ideas from them. Okay, the second thing I have to say is I actually wrote a two page lemonish - limish thing... but my computer ate it. I'll *try* to rewrite it (although we all know that rewrites are never as good). Send me an email if you want to read it. I'll try to send it out as soon as I can.
Thirdly, I have a live journal. And it might be slightly out of the way for you to actually go and check it... but that is where I put all of my updates. I suggest checking it for story updates, rants, and random talking.
Ano... I think that that's about it. Plot bunnies are coming closer, and I'm hoping to have this up before they actually attack. *author suddenly freezes* what's this, an idea for a sequel? NOO!!
Oh well. Review, ne? Please? I'll love you for ever.
.
AN Hey all, I'm sitting here working and slaving away at my crappy old computer... just to finish this fic for you by the weekend. And I'm proud to say that I've quite accomplished that goal. Be proud of me. Now that the story is over of course, I'll have to think of something new. By George... is that a plot-bunny on the horizon? Why... I think it is... *runs away*
Read the notes at the bottom, ne? You might learn something important.
## IF ANY OF YOU REMEMBER MY OLD FIC: TOSSED AND FOUND... THERE'S A SEQUAL. "Tossed and Found: The Cycle Continued" By Killua-san. ##
===============================
Part 10: Beginnings
It had begun to rain. Cold sheets of gray rain falling from an equally gray and cold sky and landing on the cold, gray Earth below. Schools were closed because of possible flooding; large businesses were closed for the same reason. Everybody was advised to stay indoors. A nasty virus was sweeping Tokyo, its victims falling within days of catching it.
But Yusuke's house was empty. His mother was out drinking and partying. And Yusuke himself was sitting in the darkest booth he could find at the Black Thorn. Though the dirty club brought back memories he would rather forget, he had found he couldn't stay away. The music continued to blast, regardless if Yusuke listened to it or not. The people continued to dance, regardless if he joined them or not. He was content simply to exist and be ignored. Besides, he had received a very formal incitation, complete with a ticket, requesting his presence at the club. He had immediately recognized the handwriting as Hiei's - though it was much smaller and neater than he remembered.
The note had simply said: "Yusuke... please spend your evening at the Black Thorn tonight. I hope that your inner demons have quieted and that your soul can be at peace."
And there had been another thing written, but it had been crossed out. Yusuke couldn't even read half of it, because it was so covered in ink markings.
"Ai s-"
That's all he could read.
So there he was, sitting alone in his booth. Ignoring the rest of the people in the club, not listening to the music but being satisfied that nothing had really changed at all. The music suddenly cut out, the teen looking up in surprise. The manager stepped out onto the stage, he was grinning as though he had just won a million Credits. He probably had.
"The Black Thorn is proud to present, for a *second* time, Hiei and Kurama. Or, as they are now called: Strangers!"
The crowd immediately began cheering and rushing to move closer to the stage. The manager quickly stepped off, fearful of the many frantic fan-girls. Everybody but Yusuke was excited. The delinquent himself slumped back down in his seat. He should have seen it coming.
The lights dimmed and music began pounding through the sound system once again.
I would have given you all of my heart,
But there's someone who's torn it apart.
And he's taken just all that I have,
But if you want I'll try to love again.
Baby I'll try to love again but I know.
To the surprise and delight of the crowd, Hiei alone stepped onto the stage. Beyond belief, the small singer jumped off the stage and began walking through the crowd. The sea of fans and admirers parted for him as he walked though them. Seemingly looking for somebody. What everybody else didn't know what that he knew exactly where his target was. And so did his target.
The first cut is the deepest,
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest.
But when it comes to being lucky he's cursed,
When it comes to loving me he's worse.
Kurama stepped onto the stage as well, singing with the same lonely sounding voice as Hiei. His green eyes were locked on his small partner. And Hiei still wandered through the crowd.
I still want you by my side.
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried.
And I'm sure going to give you a try,
And if you want I'll try to love again.
Baby I'll try to love again but I know...
Kurama jumped from the stage as well, taking a different path than that of the smaller. The crowd parted for him as well, as though he were a god among men. Because with his almost ethereal looks, in the eyes of his fans... he was.
The first cut is the deepest.
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest
But when it comes to being lucky he's cursed.
When it comes to loving me he's worse.
Yusuke didn't want to believe it when the two suddenly made a bee-line for his booth. Just as suddenly, Yukina appeared, her red eyes wide and looking as though she were only one step away from crying. Yusuke remained seated, not wanting to see his friend cry any more than she already had. And even though every instinct told him to run, flee, get out of there - because he didn't want to be confronted with Hiei again... didn't want to remember the emotions he couldn't even begin to forget... he stayed.
I still want you by my side.
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried.
But I'm sure going to give you a try.
Cause if you want I'll try to love again.
Baby you know I'll try to love again but I know...
There was a brief pause before both Kurama and Hiei sent him directly meaningful looks. Looks that begged him to stay behind as he had once before. Yusuke closed his eyes against that look, and when he reopened them, the two singers were making their way back to the stage, finishing their song. And Yukina had already vanished back into the crowd.
The first cut is the deepest.
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest.
When it comes to being lucky he's cursed,
When it comes to loving me he's worse...
The first cut is the deepest..."
The song faded out perfectly as they reached the stage. And then the music began a new with a different song with a completely different message. The second song was about looking past the surface and seeing the pain hidden on the inside. It was about pain and lies and needing somebody there to help sooth the hurt only visible behind their eyes. Then they sang a third song. The third song was of the future. A song purely sung to send out the idea that there is always something out there to look forward to, even if it is frightening. And songs about everlasting presence in the heart. Songs that told Yusuke that Hiei and Kurama would always be there for him, should he need it. Songs that said, there were already there.
===
To tell the truth, Yusuke fled the club as soon as he was able. He didn't wait behind to talk to Hiei and Kurama, as he once had. He couldn't talk to those who knew just how horrible a person he really was. He had killed hundreds of people. He had hurt his three best friends. He was a failure, in all aspects of his life.
He spent the next week hiding behind his books. Not daring to miss school. He completely ignored the people who now crowded him in the hallways, wanting to know why Kurama and Hiei had sung to him.
Kurama didn't return to school.
===
Yusuke received another note on his door about a week after the night at the Black Thorn. This one was much longer than the quick note he had received previously. And it wasn't formal at all. But even though Yusuke wanted to just throw the letter away without reading it... he read it, slowly savoring each word.
"Yusuke,
"So not feel bad that you didn't stay behind to speak with us, we understand that you're going through a hard time right now. But Kurama and I wanted to tell you our news; surely you've noticed that he isn't in school anymore. Well, the reason is because we've gotten a record deal.
"You remember Genkai don't you? Well, she told us that at some point in our running away, she was sent out to find us. She nearly did too, but we got away before she could actually catch us. Anyway, she had heard us singing in a club that night - this was before we met you - and she said that if we wanted, she would call in for a meeting with some music company. We went to meet them and we sang a few songs for them, and they told us that they loved our songs and our look. And we got the deal!
"Yukina is so happy. Which of course, it the biggest thing right now. She says that with the money offered to us by the company, we can buy a home and settle down. She wants to live in Kyoto, but Kurama wants to travel around the world. The others were happy for us as well, but they've all moved to different places. I'm not quite sure where they are, but they keep in touch with us as much as they can. (Genkai taught us all how to read and write and do math and such. She said it was important.)"
The handwriting in the letter suddenly changed to something that Yusuke didn't recognize.
"Hey Yusuke, this is Kurama... I just wanted to say that I miss you a lot. Life isn't the same without your dry humor! And teasing Hiei just isn't the same... OW! The little creep bit me! OW! He bit me again! Why that little... I should bite him back and-"
The note went back to Hiei's handwriting, this time in a rather heavy scrawl, before smoothing out as Hiei's temper cooled.
"Sorry about that, stupid fox doesn't know his place. So, as you can see we're having a busy life, but it just isn't the same without you. All three of us are thinking of you, we all miss you Yusuke. Especially me. I hope you haven't forgotten about me yet. I'll write you again soon.
"Your friend, always.
Hiei."
===
The notes came frequently after that. Each day, Hiei and Kurama and Yukina had something new to tell him. They found a house in Kyoto and it was something they all absolutely loved. Yukina had bought a piano, even though she didn't know how to play it. They said it was the most beautiful thing they had ever seen. They wanted him to visit them, they wanted to visit him. The three experiments also sent a copy of Hiei and Kurama's first CD.
Yusuke fell asleep every night listening to it.
Yusuke began to miss his friends. He wanted to share their adventures again. But he was still scared. Scared of the people that he had killed. Scared of the changes in his body. Scared of the feelings he had for Hiei. And even though he wanted to face them... he couldn't. His mother, his schooling, his friends - few as they were - they all needed him. He needed to be needed.
It was late at night when Hiei finally approached him. Yusuke had been out to take a walk, before deciding to rest a bit under the stars. He took out a handy blanket and sat down on it. His demons came out to dance in front of him, taunting him.
/You did it!/ They cried. /You killed them all! How will you ever face your friends again? You don't deserve them!"
Just a few steps away, Hiei was taking a walk as well. He knew full well that Yusuke wasn't that far away from him. He kept his footsteps silent, his pace slow. He wanted to run and embrace Yusuke. He wanted to tell the other all that had happened with his voice, not silly letters. But something held him back. Something kept him away from where he wanted to be.
/"Do you know what I did to them? I *killed* them! All of them!"/
Hiei stopped moving closer, now completely unsure of himself. Yusuke's words kept coming back to haunt him. Did Yusuke honestly believe that he was a murderer? No, he did not kill them. The guards died, yes. But that was their own doing. In Yusuke's heart he sought out those who cared, those who felt guilty. The experiments, some of the guards, even some of the doctors still lived. All those who carried black-hearts were obliterated.
"You might as well come out here, Hiei." Yusuke sighed, not looking over to the bush the Jaganshi was hiding behind. "I know you're there."
Hiei smiled to himself and shook his head. "Are you finding what you hoped for here?" He asked, walking around the bush and settling down on the blanket his friend was sitting on. "I've seen you at your school, you're doing much better. Kurama says that we should attend school as well, but I do not agree with him."
Yusuke remained silent for a moment. "What did you do to me?" He whispered.
"Nani?"
"How is it you have such a hold over me? How is every action of mine somehow connected to you? I cannot sleep at night because you are not there for me to hold. I throw myself into my schoolwork to try and forget the way it felt when our minds were connected. But no matter what I do, no matter what I see - everything comes back to you. I cannot read without hearing your voice, I cannot go anywhere without checking if your aura is there as well. I can feel you watching me when I'm at school; it distracts me so I try to work harder. Keiko and Kuwabara and everybody else that I knew in the past - they're different now. Or maybe I'm different." Tears began dripped down his cheeks, but Yusuke determinedly didn't look into the red eyes that would be his undoing.
"I can't go back to who I was any more." Yusuke told him. "I can't go back-"
In an abrupt movement and dislocation of air, Hiei was in front of Yusuke, staring determinedly into his eyes.
"Have you learned nothing from your time in Hell?" He asked. "Time may slow or even stand still. But it never goes backwards. What would you do if you could change the past? Not go to the club that night? What then? If we had not met and you were not brought back to Hell... everybody who was there would still be suffering. As it is, they have found a place to call their own. They are *happy*. Do they not deserve to be happy?"
Tears began leaking down Hiei's cheeks as well. The strange thing was, like his sisters, they hardened into perfect gems. Hiei didn't seem to care, because he kept staring into Yusuke's brown eyes, pleading with him.
"Do *I* not deserve to be happy?"
He surged forward, without any warning, and almost attacked Yusuke's mouth with his own. The kiss wasn't especially romantic so much as it was desperate. Hiei in desperation to find his own happiness, Yusuke in desperation to not be alone. It was sloppy and wet, but even through the imperfections a thread began to grow between their minds. As the kiss wore on it grew stronger, into a bond that could never be severed.
"I missed you." Hiei confessed after they broke apart. "And I know you don't want to hear this, but you cannot stay here much longer. A few years, tops. People will begin to notice that you're not getting any older. The three of us aren't so big of a deal; people will only see us from a distance or in pictures. People actually know who you are. They'll get suspicious."
Yusuke smiled and hugged Hiei against his chest. "Same old Hiei, always thinking ahead." He chuckled. "I know I cannot stay here much longer."
"Urameshi!?"
The two on the blanket jerked apart.
"Kuwabara?" Yusuke asked almost disbelievingly. "What are you doing out here?"
"I think the question is, what are *you* doing here? And what's with the little kid? Why haven't you been talking to me since you got back? It's been nearly two months and not a word!"
Hiei stiffened, his skin temperature increasing drastically. "Little kid?" He hissed, pulling himself free of Yusuke's arms and standing up. He slowly drew his ever present katana from its sheath. "I'll show you a little kid!"
"HIEI!" Yusuke hissed, grabbing his little mate against his chest again. "You can't hurt him! At least, not with a katana!"
"I could if Kurama was here!" Hiei protested, trying to wiggle free.
"Hiei? Kurama?" Kuwabara said softly to himself, his eyes suddenly widening as a rare look of understanding flashed across his face. "The Strangers? The two singers? That's who you are?!"
Excitement took over the bumbling oaf and he rushed forwards. "Can I have your autograph? Can I take a picture of you? What about of you and me? How about you sign a picture of you and me?" He eagerly threw out idea after idea.
Hiei sighed. "I'll send you another letter tomorrow, Yusuke." He said, now completely ignoring Kuwabara. "It'll say where our new house is. Come visit us this weekend, alright? I'll come to pick you up if that's alright."
The small fire controlling Jaganshi offered a rare smile and leaned up to kiss Yusuke again. "Ai shiteru, itooshi."
Yusuke only had a moment to repeat those words, before Hiei disappeared completely.
"Urameshi." Kuwabara looked shocked and angry now. "Explain. Now."
===
In the next two days, Yusuke quit school for good and stayed in his house packing. He told his mother that he had gotten a job in Kyoto and that he was moving there. As promised, Hiei appeared late Saturday night holding two train tickets. He explained that he ran from Kyoto to Tokyo, but didn't think that Yusuke could run for so far without getting tired. The two took the late night express train and were met by Yukina and Kurama at the train station. The three took him to their new home.
They showed him everything. The kitchen, the bathrooms, the living room, study, music room, the yards, the attic, and finally - their own bedrooms. All of them were a marvel. Kurama's was painted all in greens. The fox had a large nest for a bed that hung from a tree growing in the corner. The carpet was actually grass growing out of the floor boards. It was truly beautiful. And the window had a view pointing towards the mountains. Yukina's room was actually rather cold, and her bed was a nest made from a tree as well, though it seemed to be made completely of ice. The walls were painted a very light blue, and small throw rugs covered the floor. Her window over looked the back yard. And Hiei's room was, strangely, designed exactly like Yusuke's old room. Although, there was again a nest instead of a bed. The wood smelled of fires, meaning this was a tree grown specially to hold in Hiei's great heat. The room even had Yusuke's old text books on the desk, which he had though he had lost. The window, complete with an amazing window seat, looked over a great view of the ocean, rather than the city.
"This is our room." Hiei said shyly. "I've been sleeping in Kurama's nest, but now that you're here... we'll share. Is that okay with you, itooshi?"
Yusuke nodded. "That sounds perfect."
"But Yusuke," Yukina said happily, tugging on his hand. "We haven't shown you the best part yet!" She eagerly pulled him down to the music room and tapped lightly against a panel on the wall. The whole wall slid back to reveal a beautiful piano. It was the same piano that Yusuke first played months ago, right before he and Hiei were caught.
"Play us something, ne... oniisan?" The blue haired ice princess pleaded.
Yusuke smiled and sat down. For the first time, he truly felt a peace. At peace with his friends, with his life, with himself. He had someone to love, he had a true family. And he was happy.
He played the piano.
And he was beautiful.
=Owari=
===============================
AN Alright, this is the last authors note of Strangers. *sniffle* I think that we should take a moment to savor this moment. Because, this fic was more than just a fic. Someone even went so far as to say it was *more* than just a fic. ^__^ and I don't think it really matters how long it took to write, or how many cows were killed during the planning process. Or even who stole land from whom at the turn of the centuries. All that matter is that it's done now. And the plot-bunnies (shudders) have been invited back in hopes that a new story will emerge in this ones shadow. (Runs away)
Alright, now that *that's* over, I have just a few more things to say. First off, there were a few songs in this chapter that I didn't actually use the lyrics of, but I did kind of put the title in. I want to list those songs in case some nimrod thinks that I own those as well.
1) Behind Blue Eyes: Original version sung by The Who.
2) Into the West: The end song of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.
3) I'm Already There: sung by Lonestar.
I do not own those songs; I only used ideas from them. Okay, the second thing I have to say is I actually wrote a two page lemonish - limish thing... but my computer ate it. I'll *try* to rewrite it (although we all know that rewrites are never as good). Send me an email if you want to read it. I'll try to send it out as soon as I can.
Thirdly, I have a live journal. And it might be slightly out of the way for you to actually go and check it... but that is where I put all of my updates. I suggest checking it for story updates, rants, and random talking.
Ano... I think that that's about it. Plot bunnies are coming closer, and I'm hoping to have this up before they actually attack. *author suddenly freezes* what's this, an idea for a sequel? NOO!!
Oh well. Review, ne? Please? I'll love you for ever.
.