30 Sept 02

 The Meaning of Sakura Blossoms

     Tiny petals whirled around in a beautiful display before landing on the green grass.  The Sakura trees were in bloom and each of them was shedding blossoms.  Catching one floating by Hiei held it in the palm of his hand before letting it go.  He wondered why humans found the petals so fascinating or even interesting for that matter.  It just looked like an ordinary flower and nothing special to him.  Shaking his head in puzzlement Hiei leaped onto a tree branch and quickly vanished.  Reappearing a few miles away in another tree he gazed down at Kurama’s home and noticed that all was quiet. Jumping to another branch he looked inside and noticed that the other boy was sitting at his desk reading something.  Leaping inside the room he quietly walked over and glanced over Kurama’s shoulder.   There were no pictures and the book looked extremely thick.

 “What are you reading Kurama?”

 Kurama glanced up at Hiei and smiled slightly before gazing back down at the book.

 “Nothing really just some stuff on ancient Japan for class.”

 Hiei couldn’t figure out what would be so interesting about ancient Japan and shrugging his shoulders he went over and sat on the bed.  Pulling out his sword and rag he set out to clean it until it shined.

 “You are still going to the party at Genkai’s right?”

 Hiei glanced over at Kurama and shook his head no.

 “Why would I want to go to a party?  It’s a waste of time and everyone is just using it as an excuse to get drunk.”

 Kurama let out a sigh and rolled his emerald eyes at him.  Hiei was being stubborn again, which was nothing new.  Threading one hand into his red hair he watched Hiei thoughtfully for a moment.

 “You do know that Yukina is going right?”

 He watched as red eyes widened in surprise before glaring at him in suspicion.  The best way to get to Hiei was to mention Yukina and the little demon would become shy and unsure.  It was an underhand tactic to use but if it worked then why not.

 “Yukina is going?  Then I guess I can go too.”

Kurama turned around and hid his smile of triumph.  Best not to let Hiei know he had been tricked or otherwise he would never go. Yusuke and the others had asked him to try and get Hiei to come since he was closest to him.   He was glad that Hiei had agreed to come so easily or otherwise he might have had to use some underhand tricks to get him to go.  There were all sorts of plants he could have used to tie him up and or even drug him.

 Feeling the other’s Reikai vanish Kurama, knew that Hiei had left and letting out a sigh began to try and read the book again.  Man who knew that history could be so long and very detailed.

 Several hours had passed and Hiei knew that he could put it off no longer and headed for the party.  Hiei leaned against the pine tree and gazed down at Genkai’s home.  He felt a little uneasy about going to this party and hoped he didn’t have to stay long.  Hopefully he could just stay long enough to see Yukina and then leave but for some reason he doubted it.  

  Jumping from branch to branch he quietly landed on the ground and slowly made his way to the door.  Opening it he walked inside and out through another into the courtyard.  Blinking his eyes in surprise he was shocked at what he saw.  Botan, Yukina Keiko, Kuwabara, Shizura, Genkai, Yusuke, Kurama, and even Koenma were here.  Everyone stood near the two tables that were heaped with food and were talking loudly.  Sakura blossoms floated everywhere and made a pink carpet on the ground.

 Yukina was the first to notice he had arrived and waved at him.  Everyone turned and glanced over at him before yelling out a greeting.   Walking towards the group he was startled when his twin met him half way.  Her red eyes were lit up with joy and she smiled at him. 

 “I am so glad that you could come to the party Hiei.”

 Gazing at his twin Hiei felt a sense of peace fill him because of her smile and the happiness in her eyes.  For just a moment he could swear that his tear gem warmed against his skin before it faded away.  Raising a hand he touched it through his black cloak and smiled slightly.  A cherry blossom drifted by and landed in her green-blue hair and reaching out he careful plucked it out.  Curling his hand around it he looked up into her red eyes and smiled softly.

 “So am I Yukina, so am I.”

 He finally understood why people liked the Sakura flowers at last.  Not just for their beauty but the memories that looking at them would remind them of.    Holding the petal more tightly he walked towards his group of friends with his twin and began to enjoy the party.

 Standing by Kurama later Hiei gazed up at his friend and smiled warmly at him.

 Kurama was looking at him in puzzlement.  He had never seen Hiei smile like that before and was unsure what to make of it.  Just what was his friend up to and why was he smiling like that?

 “What is it Hiei?”

 “Thanks for inviting me to the party.”

 Kurama emerald eyes lit up in surprise before a smile appeared on his lips. 

 “You are very welcome Hiei.”

 The two quietly leaned against the wall and watched their friends get royally drunk.

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A bit odd and um not to sure what the point of this fic is at all sorry. Aw well.  Review please.