Private Tales Flowers are the Stars of the Earth

[Hiei]

"You stupid little rich girl," Hiei said through grit teeth, and behind teary eyes, fat with hurt. Remembered the way she had played with him the night before. That she had taken his letter. Wet tears rolled down the side of his face, then streamed, and though he tried to keep his lip stiff, his mask worn, he could not keep them from trembling. "Playing your games," he said with a bit more venom.

He wanted nothing more than to leave. "You think I've taken shortcuts?" he said with a little more heat than he had intended, watched as she fiddled with the flowers. Too rough. Too harsh. One broke betwixt those pads she had touched him so gently with just the night before. "You know nothing of my life, or what I've been through," he growled, and he pulled his eyes away from her.

"I was different," he said, mocking. He couldn't think of any words. Shook his head. Futile and lost in the swell of emotions. He wiped away his tears with the back of his hand and made to walk away. "Last I checked, dancing was just that... Dancing," he did glare at her then, eyes still red and fresh from tears. "I did nothing more but help your flowers shine," he looked away. Wanted to spit a hundred and more things at her to help the hurt wash away. He shook his head.

"You owe me money," he said coldly. "And I plan to collect," his mask was back in place. He bowed to her, and left.

 

[Hanae]

Hanae hadn’t expected to see Hiei’s eyes fill up with tears. She had considered him to be emotionless, perhaps a man who feigned his emotions. Perhaps her careless words had cut him too deeply, and a part of her felt guilt but also a wicked satisfaction about it. One half thought about how he could dish it out but was unable to take it, and the other half was cursing her carelessness.

She was about to apologize. She had been rude, thoughtless and careless. His harsh words didn’t hurt her, instead they made her regret what she had said even more.

Of course, he finished it all with a final farewell that made Hanae keep her mouth shut. She did owe him money, a lot of money. But she had been told there was possibly a way to cut down the five gold to maybe four. Maybe if she added in a extra special herb on the side.

***​

Hanae had closed up her shop far earlier than normal. Instead she had spent time preparing her catnip wine. She had found a old plum bottle in one of the storage closets. It was made of a dark gold glass, with a large wide body and a long, skinny neck. It looked more like a small oar that a wine bottle at a distance. After cleaning the old wine bottle diligently while she waited for her catnip wine to cool, she had set off to a a much smaller, more hidden part of her garden.

She didn’t need to have more than two of the plants. She had never used it much for recreational use, neither had anyone in her family. But they had once had a dog with horrible separation anxiety. Sometimes mixing up a bit of the herb with his food gave everyone in the house a moment of peace. Hanae had cared for the plants out of habit.

Besides, every now and then she had particular pinched nerve in her lower back that traveled down her leg. On those painful nights ingesting the oils it could produce was a welcome reprieve.

She pulled out a series of bulbs, one plant produced ones that were purple and the other produced ones that were a dark green. She was certain the dragonkin preferred the purple buds but just in case she’d also give him the green ones. Maybe both could make him consider what he had said the day before more seriously.

It was evening as Hanae left her house, a large basket that needed both of her hands to the side of her. It rubbed and hit her thigh just enough to annoy her, but Hanae had made this decision. She would follow through on it. If she hurried, hopefully she could get there before he closed. So she picked up the pace, her geta clacking behind her frantically.

***​

The sun was halfway set behind the horizon when Hanae found herself at the correct door. She was breathing hard, sweat sticking her dark bangs to her small forehead. Taking a deep breath, Hanae knocked on the door. Loud, demanding. She hoped he would answer, at least to tell her that he hadn’t already left for the night. Or did he live in his veterinary clinic?

---

Working with a hang over was rough. The sun was too bright, the birds were too loud. And the Madame! Oh, the Madame today was on a extra big one. Last night was a night off for Migi, at least he had thought that was what she had said when she told him that she was “fine” and he “could do whatever he wanted.” When he had left she had even called out to him that she

So he did just that: whatever he wanted. Why had he gotten so punished for it? She had said that she was fine! And now that he thought about it a bit more, hadn’t she shouted “go have fun”?

Migi bent low, picking at the weeds outside of her residence. Or one of her residence. This one was more of a business venture than it actually was a home for her. The Madame did seem to spend a good chunk of her time here compared to the others. Maybe it was her pride or joy, it maybe it was just because it was right at the center of everything. Everyone knew that the Madame had the eyes of a hawk.

When he rose, he groaned in pain, tossing the weed to the street to then shove the heel of his palm into his eyes. Rubbing his eyes harshly, Migi wondered what on Arethil could Kenta and Hiei be doing? Surely when they arrived the three of them would be sent on something of more importance. Maybe Migi could stop at a quick shop and get himself some hot sake. That always worked wonders, and while water would be better for him, he needed the hair of the dog far more to get himself through today.

He was sure the Madame would want him to sing for her tonight.

What he wasn’t sure was if he had enough stamina to deal with her appetite tonight. He’d have to stop by Kishi’s today as well, pick up a special little something to keep him in the mood.

“Migiru?” Migi stopped rubbing his eyes, but kept his hands covering his eyes. That voice sounded familiar. Yeah, way familiar, he had definitely heard it before. And she knew him by his name, not his nickname. So, someone more important than a quick lay. He turned his head in the direction of the voice, still not moving his hands. Did he want to see the sunlight right now? Nope. “Migiru, look at me.”

Demanding, demanding. Now, who else was demanding…

“Yeah, yeah,” Migi said, slowly bringing his hands away from his eyes and opening them. He winced, the bright sun obscuring his vision so he saw nothing but pure white. Moments passed and his eyes adjusted. “Oh. It’s you. Wassup Hinoka. It’s kinda weird seeing you. Hiei was just talking about you last night.”

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Hiei looked down at the pool of water he had collected from the public well, in an old wooden bowl worn down from use, a few blocks away from Hanae's cart. His fingers gripped tight around the lip of the thing. He was still angry. And maybe a younger version of himself would have shout and cried and lashed out against the wall, or some poor passerby.

But he had learned that lesson some time ago. A long, hot breath left his nose. His mouth sealed tight, though he could feel a crack in the mask he so tried to wear. The words she had thrown at him, like poisoned darts. She had blamed him. After she had dared to face down the pink dressed patron. After she had stood up for him.

She blamed him, just because of how he had moved. For her flowers. For her. His teeth bared in pitiful snarl. He splashed water across his face, again, and again. Hung his head over the little bowl that rest against the stone ledge of the well as his long hair bled the water out. Most of the water in the bowl was gone.

What the hell was he doing?

***
"Migiru," Hiei had called out to the bigger man as he approached from the east, not yet recognizing the figure in the fine red robes, or the black jingasa cap. Though he really should have. He wore a pleasant smile, and put a sweetness into his voice that was well worn and practiced, "I doubt the Madame wants you harassing any patrons before the-" he stopped, and his eyes went wide.

"Hinoka?" ​

---

Out from the veterinary clinic appeared a familiar face, pale, with red eyes that burned with a haunting allure. "Oh?" Shinobuu said, when the sound of clacking geta pulled his attention. His hand lazily let the door behind him slide shut. "If it isn't the pretty little flower girl," his lips spread wide, and his eyes narrowed, leaving a look on his face that looked something like a hungry cat. He fixed his hair. "All done peddling your little stars for the day?" he asked, sweetly.

His robes were loose, and their was a flushed quality to his complexion, near marble save for the dust of plum wine pink.

He fixed his hair, then fixed his sword. "Surprised Hiei is trailing you like the sad little crane he is," he said, and his eyes fell on her like arrows, his smirk curled with a cruel pleasure. "A noble Lady such as yourself, really should keep better company," his head ticked playfully, and he showed more teeth. "Don't you think?"
​

A little black and white alley cat cuddled up next to Hanae's ankle, and mewed as it rubbed its head against her.

Hanae

 

[Hanae]

Migi turned slowly towards Hiei. At least the sun wasn’t in his eyes as he did so. A stupidly wide grin was on his face as he waved Hiei over, leaning to the side so Hinoka could be in full view.

Hinoka was clad in red, as was the norm. The vibrant crimson contrasted against her pale skin and dark hair. She took off her cap, holding it in front of her with both hands. The smile she wore was friendly and familiar and it matched her gray eyes. She regarded Hiei for a moment before she stepped forward.

“I’m back.” She said, her dulcet voice reaching past Migi to Hiei. The silver necklace that Hiei had given her long ago stood out starkly against the black and red canvas of her attire. One half of a pair of crane wings. Every feature had been masterfully etched into the charm. It was a work of art, but more importantly, it had come from Hiei.

“Isn’t it crazy?” Migi interjected, “We were just talking about her last night and how much you missed her. Fuckin’ wild that she’s back in town.”

Hinoka’s dark brows raised in curiousity, glancing at Migi before looking back at Hiei. She didn’t have to speak aloud her thoughts, her eyes clearly said it all: is that true? Did you miss me, even after all this time?

Hinoka laughed, putting her cap back on. A breeze ruffled her red robes, the gold and orange birds and butterflies flittering in response as if they were actually flying about.

“For a week at least, maybe a month. The rains make it hard to travel around.” Hinoka said, coming ever closer to Migi and Hiei. “So, Hiei, how have you been? Migi was just telling me that business has been good for you guys?”

---

Hanae looked upward at Shinobu, surprised by his presence. Or should she have been surprised in the first place? It seemed Kishi was the sort to keep all kinds of company.

“I don’t understand why everyone calls him a crane, he doesn’t have wings. Or a big nose.” Hanae said lamely, avoiding eye contact with Shinobu as she spoke. However there was a frown ruining her fair features. She stared hard at the cat rubbing it’s cheek against her slender ankle. She’d bend down to pet it but her basket… “And I’m not a noble lady.” Remebering Hiei’s scathing ‘Stupid little rich girl’ comment made Hanae shook her head. She wasn’t here to chitchat with this strange man, the one who had given Hiei that strange note from his mother.

“Your clothes are loose.” She commented, still making her point in not looking at his face—or his chest. “Is Kishi… gone for the day?”

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Shinobuu's pleasure only seemed to grow all the wider across his face. His eyes, a fuller red with mischief. "You don't understand many things, I think, little flower girl," he let his fingers run across the hem of his robes, pulled them open and shut them, to fan himself. It just stirred his white hairs the more, and cooled the sticky sweat that sheened across his form.

"Kind of you to notice," he said with wink and a nod. "Though you are more than welcome to take a peek, you kow?" he laughed and stepped closer to her, spoke lower, his voice like curling smoke, sweet and seductive with the promise of a heady time. "Only have to pay if you want to touch," he teased.

---

Hiei had to collect himself. His eye catching the glint in hers. The shine that traced the finery of her crane's wing. He grit his teeth.

"It is... fuckin wild, on that I agree," he said, and there was a soft hurt in his voice, he averted his gaze from the red splendor of Hinoka's robes. Her smile. Her laugh though, her voice. He had a harder time ignoring that. He stepped toward the entrance of the building. "We can... share some tea, if you'd like," he said from over his shoulder, and walked past Migiru. Shoving him on the shoulder, hard.

Inside, the smells of earthy incense and burning spices filled the air. It was a dance hall. A well appointed stage that had all the seating neatly gathered round. As shabby as the place may have looked outside. It took no time to tell that the people who ran it, cared about the performance.

Hanae

 

[Hanae]

Hanae said nothing, her cheeks turning as red as the silk fabric she wore. It made all the more sense to her now about how Shinobu and Hiei knew each other. They were in the same business, weren’t they? This time she looked at Shinobu. Was this how the mouse felt when it was trapped between a cat’s paws?

“Does Kishi pay you?” Hanae asked pointedly, feeling her heart pounding faster and faster in her chest. “Is he inside?”

---

Migi felt the shove on his shoulder, jerking forward slightly. He grumbled something that was hardly witty at Hiei, but Hinoka seemed to ignore both of the men’s antics. She had taken her hat off once more, but this time only one hand held onto it. In her eyes, only Hiei was reflected.

“I’d like that. I was hoping we could catch up. If you have time.” Hinoka said, walking just a step behind Hiei. She had patted Migi’s shoulder softly in good-bye. Stepping inside, she placed her hat on a rack that was often reserved for guests, but looking around… well, not too many guests were around this time.

“You have sencha?” Hinoka asked, moving about as if she had never left. This place was almost like a second-home of sorts.

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Hiei nod, as he lead her in. He wasn't sure if Migi would follow. He wasn't sure if he wanted Migi to follow. Last time. Well. No. That was then. This was.

What was this?

"Of course," he said, and led her to their old corner. If he was aware of the spot, he didn't show it. Old habits. Muscles used to moving in familiar directions. He motioned for her to seat on the plush cushion, all the little sounds of the workstaff moving about, the glasses clinking and kissing with gentle chime, seemed to carry to that corner.

It had great acoustics. Best place to listen to the performances. To feel the music.

"I'll go and fetch the tea for you, please, make yourself comfortable, Hinoka," he said remembering his guard. He raised up, looked at her a moment too long. Wanted to look longer.

So much for his guard.

He walked away. ​

---

"Does he pay me?" his lips curdled like spoiled milk. His eyes, more delighted than before. More twisted. "What, you think just because we sell a little action on the side, everyone pays us?" Shinobuu laughed. His humor died in his throat. He scoffed, a hot and dry sound. "Just because you can't get any without throwing your coin around, little princess,"

The door slid open behind Shinobuu. The Dragonkin's large golden eyes wide, almost clueless. The little cat mewed and hurried over to the big man, whose' muscles seemed to pour out of his robes. Well fitted as they were.

"Hanae?" he asked, the little black and white cat tried its affections on Kishi, and he bent low and picked her up. It nestled in his big arms easily, as if it had climbed up into a tree. Its little eyes closed and it purred happily. "Nobuu, go on now, leave the girl alone,"

Shinobuu sighed, laughed. "Always such a softy, Kishi," he sneered at Hanae, then smiled sharp toothed. "I'll see you later, little flower girl," and he walked away.

Kishi looked at the jug held in Hanae's arms. "Well, come in," he said and motioned her inside.

Hanae ​

 

[Hanae]

Hinoka slid in the booth. The smile had yet to leave her face and as she position her gear so she could sit comfortably, the door didn’t open a second time. It seemed that Migi, despite his usual poor wisdom, had decided to stay outside. Hinoka looked up. There was a tapestry hung on the wall, that was why she always went to this spot.

At least in the beginning.

But the tapestry was old and worn, the golden and silver threads had stopped glimmering in the lamplight long ago. Didn’t make the scene of the rushing waves along a rocky shore that gave way to a mountain of bonzai any less dramatic. She stared at the tapestry. It had began her. Her wanderlust. She always had wished that the tapestry was bigger, that it could show her a much larger picture.

When Hiei returned she was snapped out of her daydream.

“Thank you.” Hinoka said, “I have a long night ahead of me.” Nothing unusual. For the longest time she had worked nights until the sun rose for a new day. She liked her new schedule much better. “So.” She took a cup, warming her hands as she cradled it. “Migi said last night was… what did he say exactly, ‘one for the books,’ I believe?”

---

Hanae shrank back, feeling shame creep into her bravado and tear apart that foundation. She was on a roll with the insensitive sex jokes today, wasn’t she? She was going to apologize, even if Shinobuu had been antagonizing her. But Hanae was unable to do so. Partially due to Kishi’s intervention, but mostly because little princess made her blood run cold.

She stared at Nobuu, eyes wide. She didn’t want to see him again.

She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him until Kishi motioned for her to step inside.

Hanae dipped her head, a flustered pink creeping into her cheeks and on the shell of her ears. She kept her head low in a attempt to hide the fretful blush.

“I-I’m sorry to bother you,” Hanae stammered, clearing her throat, buying her another moment of time. “But, yesterday, I mentioned some catnip wine. I brought you some. And other things that you may want to look at.” She stepped inside, taking small nervous steps. Then, without thinking, lifted up the basket as high as she could, her slight arms and wrists and hands shaking tremendously from the effort.

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Kishi strolled through his shop unperturbed. "You aren't bothering me," he said flatly, and disappeared behind a bead curtain. A flame could be heard coming to light, and he looked at the girl's offerings. A toothy smile curling across his lips. "Catnip wine, how thoughtful," he said with a warm rumble in his throat. He grabbed the basket from her hands and lifted easily. Took it to his desk, and let it down.

Opened it, saw the green and purple buds, neatly trimmed.

"Nary a stem or seed," he said with more warmth in his voice now. A hot breath huffed from his draconic nose. "You muse be good with those little hands of yours," he dug around in the basket, took out the bottle of wine, and pinched up some of purple bud, brought it to his nose and gave it a sniff. He nod approvingly. "Smells, dank," he said coolly.

The rattle of the pot could be heard from the back room. "Be right back," he said, and went to grab the tea.

---

"Of course," he said and began to pour her cup, listened to her intently. A long night. It brought a smile to his face. The memory of their long nights. The smell of the tea. The way they would just... She cut in, mentioned Migi and what he had to say the night before. His brow scrunched, but he stopped his pour just in time. Neat. No spills. The color of the tea shone beautiful and bright green. Like new buds in springtime.

He paused a moment. Shook his head. Put the pot down, sat across from Hinoka, and grabbed his cup. Raised it to his forehead and bowed to her respectfully. Formally. A host greeting a guest.

"Migi says a lot of things," he assured. Let the rich aroma of the tea into his nose. It helped clear what little fog still lingered in his mind. "You'll excuse me, if I ask you to be a little more specific, Hino?" He smiled, his eyes looked to hers. You came back. They said. Warm with possibility.

 

[Hanae]

Hanae wanted to remark it was hardly thoughtful of her, after all, thoughtful implied that she was doing it out of the kindness of her heart wasn’t she? Really, she was hoping to lessen her payment to Hiei. She shuffled after Kishi, clutching her hands together and holding them up to her chest nervously.

She didn’t know what to say from his compliment.

As he left to go back behind his beaded curtain, Hanae went to her basket. She sat the wine bottle upright, placed the little jars of herb upright, and then pulled out a small tin box wrapped in a red and white cloth that she had sewn herself. She untied it, laid the box to the front.

When Kishi came back, Hanae turned to face him.

“You… I…” She plucked at her dress. “Well, I was told that dragonkin liked peppers. I grow Dragon’s Breath. These ones aren’t fermented though.”

---

Hinoka smiled as Hiei poured her tea, taking her cup and waving away his formalities. She took a sip, relishing the bitterness and set it down. Lazy rolls of steam came from up from their cups. She tilted her head to the side, leaning back into the plush cushions. Her eyes glittered at the mention of her nickname.

He couldn’t be too mad at her if he was calling her Hino, right? Perhaps this time…

“That you missed me.” She said plainly, shrugging as if it weren’t a big deal. Really, she wanted to hide the fact that it brought her joy and made her heart soar. “But also that you got shit-faced last night.” Hinoka was quiet for a moment, breaking eyecontact to look down at her cup of tea. “Which means something is going on, you’re not the sort to get drunk like that. Unless…” unless maybe it was because he was drowning his sorrows because of her!

Did he still love her? Was this a sign? Was this fate? Hinoka hid her excitement through a cool, calm and collected mask.

Light-hearted and knowing, but never quite letting anyone know what she was currently thinking. In truth, many would have been shocked.

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

"Missed you," he echoed, smelling the herbaceous tea, its tendrils of steam wafting through his nose, rising like a veil before his eyes. He smiled. "Is that why you came to visit, Hinoka?" he asked. Not sharp. Not soft. "To see if I still miss you?" He drank from his tea to let the question linger.

Sip taken, he let his cup down, rest it in the palm of his hand. He turned his head and looked at the tapestry. Thought of the times it was just the two them, well after closing. Cradled in each others arms, leaned against the wall. Her eyes craned up at him, his back against the wall. The tapestry and its landscape behind him,

"You left, remember?" he said with some coldness. "Why do you care about what I feel or don't feel anymore," his eyes hid from hers. Dancer that he was, he knew the angles. The line of her sight. Hope welled inside him. Excitement. But he was no stranger to their treachery. But she was wearing her wing.

---

Kishi looked at the tin box Hanae had put before him. His eyes a little wider with surprise. "Oh?" a laugh rumbled in his broad chest. "All this, for little ol' me?" a low sound of amusement came from the back of his thick neck. "A form of payment?" he teased her, and set the tea down on the table, pot upon a ceramic plate.

He poured the leaves into the strainer, and let the oolong seep in the pot for a moment or two, as his claws handled the tn box and revealed the peppers. "Hmm, we do indeed," he said. "We like hoards of gifts all the more," he grabbed up a pepper and crunched it without hesitation. Savored the taste and the spice as it coaxed his mouth.

"Things grown with love taste best," he said with a nod, and turned his warm golden eyes on her. "But you know that, don't you, Hanae?" he wagged the half eaten pepper at the gifts. "Out with it then, girl, you hear for a good time, or for something else?" he smirked at her, easily.

 

[Hanae]

Hinoka merely smiled at Hiei.

“As prickly as ever,” She said, taking her time to answer him. It had been months, maybe closer to a year now since she had left. “You’ve always been so unfair, you know. The sort to get so angry at others for making mistakes but never apologizing for their own.” A chuckle left her lips and she took a sip of tea. The look in her eyes had grown somber.

“Believe me when I say that our last goodbye has sown seeds of regret into my heart.” Hinoka wanted to reach out, to take hold of Hiei’s hand and comfort him. “But I had to leave. If I didn’t leave then, I’d still be here. I’d be miserable, and my only sliver of happiness would be you. It’s not fair to make you my only reason for living.”

---

Hanae inwardly cheered, her dark eyes watching Kishi closely. Dragonkin liked gifts? She was happy she had brought the Dragon’s Breath then. Even if it was the secret ingredient to her grandmother’s famous noodles that were said to knock out the strongest man. It had been a sort of hazing.

After all, the Dragon of the East liked to make sure the men under her could handle the heat. When they started, they wouldn’t leave unless they were holding death’s hand.

“N-no, you’re wrong, I’m not that sort of woman…” Hanae fidgeted with her slender fingers. First Hiei, then Shinobuu, and now Kishi? Were all the men secretly in that service? “Well. They are gifts.” She began, “to see if you’d like more in the future, and if, in the future, they could perhaps lessen… the… payment.”

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Kishi's lips spread wide. "Lessen the payment," he thought out loud then munched the last of the pepper, let the heat swell in his mouth. Another happy huff pushed through his nose. "Not the sort of woman who would keen for a little fun, but shrewd enough to go behind your partner's back," he grabbed up a cup of tea, and offered it to her first. Still enjoying the tingle on his tongue.

"What kind of woman are you, then, Hanae?" he let go of the cup once she took it, and grabbed up his own. Took a long sip. "The money put forward was not your own," he said. "Hiei took care of your debt, remember?" another drink. "Though I suppose I can, give him back a coin, if that's what you want,"

---

Hiei smirked. "I know you had to leave, Hino," his voice rang full of old hurt. "It didn't make it any easier, and I never asked you to choose me over your happiness, I..." his eyes looked to hers, saw the want in them. His resolved stiffened. "I made my choice as much as you made yours," his eyes came shut, and he took a drink from his tea.

Small as his shield was, he would use it as best he could.

The drink ended.

The cup came down. He looked to her again as the well worn ceramic knocked soft against the polished table. "I did miss you,"

 

[Hanae]

Hanae felt her cheeks stay red, the blush was far more arrogant than Hanae herself. Kishi did bring up a honest point, and in a way, she was going behind Hiei’s back, wasn’t she? Perhaps she was being too hot-headed. Every now and then Hanae could find herself being a brat over the most ridiculous things. Such as that time when a passerby had picked all the mandarins off a branch that was hanging over the wall. She hadn’t said anything then but she had prompted pruned that branch that very night.

She took the tea, looked at it as if she could read her own future through it. Her shoulders slumped. Both hands gripped the cup and the warmth did little to alleviate her anxiety.

“I’m not a woman that needs to pay for sex,” She seethed, “maybe I actually find it to be something special and without a price.” Or maybe she was just a hopeless romantic. Some would argue that courtesans were far better than any traditional lover. “And Hiei… Hiei just would like his money back. The only thing he’s worried about is how soon he can collect it and I,” Hanae realized then that her fingers were shaking. The tea split over the edge, wetting her fingers.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to no longer be indebted to him.”

---

Hinoka smiled at his words, leaning forward, a hand reaching forward. With every passing word of his, her hand reached closer and closer and closer. She looked at him with eyes of yearning, with eyes filled with regret. She loved his face when he held back, how the melancholy matched his blue robes. She had been sad too, and with that sadness, she had found him.

She loved her sad-boy and his watery eyes. She missed his soft touch before it turned firm with desire.

“We made our choices,” She agreed, and finally, her hand was close enough to be placed over his. She didn’t engage further, even if she wanted to stroke his fingers with her thumb for old time’s sake. “Oh, Hiei,” She murmured, “I’ve missed you. Sometimes, out on the road, all I could think about was you. We could’ve been so happy.” Her voice trailed off and for a moment she looked to the side.

A sad smile rested on her lips.

“We could still be happy. Together. You can still come with me.”

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Kishi grinned. "My, you really sound like you know Hiei," he laughed and took a drink from his tea. Let the golden liquid settle in his cup. What she said next, well, it made him laugh. His eyes looked up to her, narrowed and lost the kindly gold hue.

A low rumble came from his throat. "Those are dangerous words you just uttered, Miss Hanae," he said flatly. "Not to be thrown so lightly," he took in a breath to gather his thoughts.

"Whatever it takes?" he repeated them. Shook his head. "Well, do like we did when we had nothing," his eyes looked at her, knowingly and cold. "Go and offer yourself up to a Madame," he huffed. "Lady as cute as you," he shrugged, and took a long drink. Let the cup down again and watched the steam curl slowly about. "You'll be done in a month or two, less if you get a good client," he smirked.

His eyes found her again. "Or are you just letting your words flow, like a child does paper cranes down the river?"

---

Hiei stared at her hand wide eyed. The warmth of her touch. His breath hitched in his throat and he felt all those things he had already felt before. Them pressed together behind the stage. Hands trailing across each others forms. The crowd long gone. The hour late and both of them so utterly spent. He missed her too. He did. He.

He drew in his breath and pulled his hand away. And even that hurt too. Her warmth burned across the trail where her gentle and firm fingers traced. Here her musician's calluses scratched.

He clenched his teeth and pulled his hand back. "You left. Hino." he said wounded. "I..." he shook his head no. his eyes pinched tight. "I loved you. I still," he huffed, and smacked the table, made the teapot clatter.

A server's head snapped to look over at their corner.

He bowed his head deeply to her. "I'm sorry," a host to a patron. "I... I need air," he said, and rose, made to stand.

Hanae

 

[Hanae]

Hanae looked at Kishi with pity. So, him as well. It did bring forth the question the question she had asked Shinobuu before he had left. First she had angered Hiei, then Shinobuu. She’d need to be careful unless she wanted to anger Kishi as well. And as her debt was originally though him, though she supposed the loan was with Hiei, Hanae needed to choose her words more carefully.

“You’re mistaken if you think my body is the same quality of my face,” Hanae said. “But I understand that’s not the point you’re trying to make. Still, even you said so yourself that things grown with love taste better. Imagine how they would taste if I had grown them with resentment and bitterness.” Hanae had calmed her nerves down enough to finally bring the tea to her lips. “I was born with hands that only know how to love, Kishi.” She paused, suddenly worried if perhaps she would anger Kishi now.

“You could’ve found a good client. I used to know a family who rather respected dragonkin. But that wouldn’t necessarily make things better, would it? Even if the client was good and kind to you, if you didn’t want it but felt like you had to… is that a choice?” She went to the desk, putting her cup down.

“You can keep the wine and everything else. Think of it as a gift. Maybe by paying respect to the descendant of a god I’ll receive some good fortune. I’ll pay my loan off through other means.”

---

She watched him get up. Like a rabbit that had been spooked. And it happened at the worst possible time! It seemed like he was going to say it, say the words she so dearly hoped to hear.

When he stood up, she did as well, holding up her hands.

“Wait! Wait-wait-wait, Hiei.” Hinoka begged, coming off from the seat and around the table in a attempt to block his flight. “You don’t have to decide now, not even today or tomorrow. I understand it was a lot to ask, especially now after all this time.” She made sure she wasn’t getting closer to him, even if she wanted to hold him tight in her arms.

Even if she wanted to nuzzle her face into the soft, warm crook of his neck while she played with his hair and caressed his jaw.

“I never stopped thinking of you. Every night, every morning, every dream, all were of you. All I’m asking now is that you consider my offer. I have proof that we could live a good life. We could get away from this city that sucks all the good out of life.” Hinoka promised, and in a moment of realization, pulled out her coin purse and took a silver piece. She placed it on the table.

“I’ll leave you be. I’ll be staying at the Sunflower Inn, if you… well, you know.” Hinoka wasn’t sure how to best phrase the idea that he should visit, or visit her if he was maybe considering what she was suggesting to him. Again. For the second time. If he said no again…. She began walking away, but paused and looked over her shoulder. “I hope I haven’t upset you too much. Have a pleasant night, Hiei.”

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Hiei looked at the coin she had placed on the table. Its silver glint helped him keep his mind. She just.

Why did she say so much to him. Did she not care what it did to him? What he had to do to move on. Just... pretend like he was ok.

He would not cry. Not now. Not for this. He was furious. His breath short, and his work to keep it longer the only thing that kept him from trembling. His eyes hard, and his fist tight. He would wear it like armor. His anger. He would wear it like a mask, for he had no fan to hid behind, and there was no music to guide his next step.

And he did not trust himself to take another step with her picking at his wound. Gods but did he want to bleed.

The coin. He kept his eyes on the coin. "Goodbye, Hinoka," he said tightly. His eyes wet, but no tears fell.

---

Kishi stifled a laugh. "Hands that only know how to love," he said warmly. Almost fondly. "That's a good line, I'll have to use it next time Nobuu pays me a visit," he was not upset.

He picked the neat little jar she had packed so full of green gifts. Plucked some of the sticky buds that bubbled and grew so stuck together. One fat nugget. Then another. Ripped them apart gingerly. And packed his fine copper bowled pipe full to the brim with the stuff. Held it up to his scaly lips, and blew a little kiss of fire that set the bowl to spark and flame. He let out a cool stream of breath, and then put the mouth of the pipe's stem to his own, drew in breath and let the long thick white curls of sweet smoke stream from his nostrils like currents.

"Good, good," he said as she retracted her deal. "Would've been down to two coins with a bounty fine as this, after a bit of haggling," he grinned, like the hungry dragon that he was. "Assuming I told Hiei about your visit, and our deal," his eyes looked at her seriously. Coldly. "Word of advice, Hanae, on the house," he took in another long pull from his pipe. "Don't wear your heart so plainly for all to see, hmm?" the next jet of smoke came from his mouth, the little cat that had rested on his shoulder finally grew tired of their perch, and bound off. Kishi's eyes followed the little creature. "Or is it something you carry in your palms?" he feigned thought and fixed his eyes on her as the curtain of smoke between them dissipated.

 

[Hanae]

Hinoka nodded her head once more at Hiei and left him be. She took her cap, held it tightly in one hand, and then went outside. When the door shut behind her, Hinoka took a moment for herself.

Her free hand went to calm the beating heart beneath her chest. Her lips twitched, up the down, then more down before…

“Hieeeiii.” Hinoka squealed, now holding up her cap to hide the ever growing smile on her face. He was so gosh-darn-cute when he was about to cry! The way he turned his lips into that thin flat line, the way he couldn’t look at her! He always gave her the flash of inspiration she needed to make one of her hit songs.

“The crane,” she said, beginning to skip down the path, “The crane faces the West wind and weeps.” Yes, that going to be the title of it. She couldn’t wait to string together notes and chords until she had a perfect song to compliment Hiei’s lovely tears.

---

Hanae looked shocked at Kishi’s suggestion. He would have kept it from Hiei? Well, she supposed people had to make their profits. But it would have made her… what exactly? Perhaps have her become even more desperate than she was now.

Kishi was right. Hanae wasn’t desperate for certain things, at least not yet.

“I think,” Hanae said softly, “In a hour, you would have brought it down to zero.” She said, the most confident she had been all day. She smiled at the large man, and looked down at her hands, right into her palm. She closed her fingers until Hanae’s hands were tiny fists. “Share one of the peppers with your lover.” Hanae said, making her way to Kishi’s front door. “And when I return,” she looked over her shoulder, “tell me if I need to grow hotter ones.”

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Kishi smiled at Hanae's comment. "Confidence looks good on you, Hanae," he called out. "Wear it more often maybe!" He huffed a short Smokey laugh.

A small cat meowed at him once the entry door shut, and he nod at the creature, steel blue of fur and green eyed. "What?" He picked up another pepper, turned his head and munched it in one bite.

These were way too spicy for Nobuu. He smirked. "Not so innocent, are we, Hanae," he said to himself.

---

Hiei would stand alone before the tea pot and the coin for a long while. "What the hell is wrong with me?" he asked, his eyes bleary, his fist tight. Till his fingers loosened.
***
Work went long. They had some customers get too handsy with the dancers and well, Hiei had to step in.

He chilled his hand in the cool water of a wash basin in the back room.

"That was pretty fucked, huh?" Kenta said.

Hiei grumbled.

"Too bad Migi was busy with the boss, he would've made the whole thing so much easier."

He could still feel Hinoka's hand on his. The rasp of her calluses against his skin. He could still feel the patron's touch against his chest. He growled and closed his eyes. Tried to breath deep.

"Yo, you alright?"

"I'm fine," Hiei said sharply.

Kenta laughed nervously. "I mean yeah, I know you are, Hiei, guy didn't stand a chance, and well, Luckily Fei was just well, you know, the regular amount of flustered." Kenta peaked over his shoulder, tried to get a look at the busted up knuckles and if he could spot any bruises. "Just well, haven't seen you take it to a guy like that in a while..."

Hiei huffed. Let his hand still under the cool water. "I need a drink,"

Kenta blinked. "What?"

"Nevermind,"

***
It was later than late. He hadn't drank. A walk would do the trick. So why was he standing outside the Sunflower Inn? Looking at the balconies and windows.

Idiot.
***
"Good morning," Hiei said crisply.

"Yo," Kisihi said lounging behind his desk. A thick haze of sweet smelling smoke swirled around him, and he puffed his copper pipe. "Care to partake?"

Hiei walked over, and took the pipe. Sat down as its fine bowl burned a white wispy trail that wafted lazy in the purple haze. He put it too his lip and took a drag.

"You don't look like you slept much," Kishi said with a smirk.

"I don't wan't to talk about it," he said choking back some smoke. His eyes got watery, and he coughed some. Felt a rush in his head as he worked through his bad puff. "That's," he said between fits. "Pretty damn good," Hiei took another drag.

Kishi's smirk grew wider and he leaned back in his seat. "Your little girlfriend paid me a visit last night,"

A cough, a sputter, more coughs and he pound his chest. "What now?"

Kishsi took the pipe off his hand, took a long breath in, and let a long trail of smoke out. "Hanae,"

Hiei's eyes turned to knives. "The flower girl."

Kishi nod. "Gave me this here herb, along with another bounty of..." he laughed. "Gifts,"

"Why the hell should I care what she gives you, Kishi?" he snapped.

Kishi smiled wider. "Cuz you owe me only three gold now, you fool,"

Hiei's eyes widened. "What?"

Kishi shrugged. "It was good stuff, she drives a hard bargain," ​

"Hanae?"

---

Hanae

 

[Hanae]

In the early morning, plenty of people were just beginning to enter their homes as others left theirs. The nightlife in Sonshan never stopped and many places boasted about being open for twenty-four hours.

Migi was just glad that the Madame had let him go when the sun came up. There had been times when she had restrained him to a chair and then promptly fell asleep. It’s hard sleeping on a chair already, even harder when one’s ankles and wrists were tied to the legs. All he could do was watch her while she slept like a dog— which, she was the one who came up with that analogy, not Migiru.

He never had a thing with words. That was always more…

“Hinoka!” It was easy to spot her in the morning crowd. Her bright robes, her cap that she always had on her being, and of course, her instruments. It also helped that Hinoka had always been tall. Migi remember the first time he had met Hinoka— she was so large and quite chubby at the time, with a round face and small beady eyes!

He thought she was a boy at first, especially since their first meeting had been her scaring away his bullies.

“Migi?” She turned towards him, grinning. “You’re free.”

“Hardly.” He answered, placing one of his muscular arms around her shoulders. “Come with me to Kishi’s. I need to pick up a prescription.”

---

Laughter could be heard outside of Kishi’s door, a lilting giggle mixed with a hardy guffaw. Migi opened the door, releasing some of the smoke that had been building up between Kishi and Hiei. Never much of a gentleman, he stepped inside first and Hinoka moved in behind him, holding onto her hat with one hand.

“Kishi!” He said, coming through the small hallway. The cats meowed and scampered towards the man. Migi always had had a thing for animals. Or rather, animals had a thing for him. He didn’t care for them much. They were greedy lil bastards in search of a easy meal. “Hiei!”

“Hiei?” Hinoka intoned, leaning to the side so her face could peak through the spot between Migi’s waist and arm.

“Kishi, you got anymore of those blue vials, you know the ones,” Migi continued on, getting out of that cramped hallway and taking the pipe from Hiei without a second thought. Hinoka was beaming, looking expectantly at Hiei. It was fate! It was fate after all! This time the higher powers had to be on her side if they were seeing each other so soon!

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Hiei's eyes came up, saw the big man, and he grinned a big and stupid grin, his eyes squinty as Kishi puffed another long drag. Passed it on to Hiei. "Yo Migi-"

A second voice. Hiei blinked. His hand half raised in hello.

"Hinoka," Kishi said all too pleased, his voice almost like a purr. "My, I didn't know you were in town," he got up, and went over to hug the songstress. "Hmm, it's like the family is back together again,"

Hiei cast his eyes down. His good mood gone. Great. Now he was the villain again. "I didn't know you were back on the vials, Migi," he said coldly and below his breath.

Kishi arched a brow, and turned to face Hiei. Smacked him on the back with heavy palm. "Easy, better he gets it from a good source instead of hiding it around, hmm?"

Hiei's eyes darted to Kishi. The big dragonkin's eyes stared down at him, unwavering. They gave nothing back, but gold pools of reflection. Hiei deflated. "It's good to see you again, Hinoka," he muttered.

Kishi nod and disappeared behind his beaded curtain.

A cat was curled upon his desk, the lazy smoke curling languidly above it as it stretched and yawned, and set back to its coziness.

He felt like a pool of warm soup, fidgeting. "You alright, Migi?" he asked quietly. ​

Hanae

 

[Hanae]

Hinoka folded into Kishi’s embrace, rubbing and patting his back as if he were her brother. Migi took a long drag from the back, filling not only his lungs but whatever else could absorb the smoke. He blew it out and whistled low.

“This ain’t the usual shit.” Migi said before he decided he needed to try it again, just to make sure it wasn’t the usual stuff. To Hiei, Migi gave him a look, still holding on tight to the pipe. Hinoka was quiet for a moment, and as Kishi left the room, the silence held. Finally, Migi broke it. “Been getting soft again. Even with the three chicks—“

“Three?” Hinoka asked, incredulous. “Three is too many!”

“Well it’s not when your dick is working.” Migi said, shrugging. “Maybe it’s the alcohol. Or the herb.” He found himself a chair to sit in, and with a heavy sigh, he leaned back into it. “Like I get hard just fine and can start—“

“Blah blah blah!!!” Hinoka placed her hands over her ears, “BLAH BLAH BLAH I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR SEX LIFE!!!” Migi waved his hand at Hinoka, making a gesture that he was going to change it to something else. “I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT ANYTHING RELATING TO YOUR DICK!!” She added for good measure before bringing her hands down to her side. She continued to stand, although she kept glancing at where Hiei was.

“So anyways, as I was saying,” Migi was grinning, holding back laughter. “The Madame really wants me to…”

“Migi! Please! I don’t want to listen to this. Especially not about your time with Madame.” Hinoka whined, taking a step towards Hiei. Then another. “You know she always hated me.”

“Only because…” Migi trailed off. Well, they all knew why the Madame stopped liking Hinoka. “You’re… prettier… than her?”

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

"She envies your freedom," Hiei said sharply, his eyes on Hinoka for but a moment before he let them flit away to the big man. "Just, don't over do it, Migi, you... you don't have to do everything she tells you, you know. The Madame wants what she wants, but, she... she wouldn't actually force you..." would she?

Or was that just his point of privilege? His blood protecting him.

"The lifestyle isn't agreeing with you anymore, Migi," Kishi said, as he came back from the back room, and gave the big man a little straw box, woven together with delicate hands. "But, these'll help, most like," he huffed a neutral sound, and snatched up the pipe in exchange. "Could always, make some moves," the dragonkin said conspiratorially.

"We've been over this," Hiei cut.

Kishi shrugged. "We didn't have a potential source then, not this good anyhow,"

"We can talk about it later," Hiei

Kishi huffed. Smiled wide, and let the smoke curl out from the gaps in his toothy smile. "Riight, yes," he took another drag and sat on the desk. "Later."

Hiei didn't like the look behind the dragonkin's eye. But he wouldn't press the matter, given his current position. His eyes went back to Hinoka.

"Are you... performing soon, Hinoka?" Hiei asked her. ​

Hanae

 

[Hanae]

Hinoka smiled at Hiei, a playful yet knowing smile. The Madame hardly felt jealous of Hinoka’s looks (although she had commented on them plenty enough and made sure Hinoka realized she was given “better” shifts because of her skills) and most likely felt less jealousy when it came to Hinoka’s newfound freedom. The Madame had freedom, and money, and apparently, Migi whenever she wanted.

“Force me…” Migi looked up at the ceiling, perhaps really considering Hiei’s words. “Not like she really forced any of us into working for her. But I think I’m her favorite flavor of the month right now.” Migi was more than happy to trade the pipe to inspect the little box he now held in his hands. He opened it up, and even pulled out one of the blue vials. “These keep me hard no matter who I’m fuckin!” He laughed maniacally as he shook the vial ecstatically.

“MIGI.” Hinoka groaned, taking another then another step towards Hiei. She paused and then looked at Kishi, slightly conspiratorial and slightly hopeful that she’d get permission when she held out her hand to also partake in the pipe. “Is this from someone else?” She asked before quickly adding, “this isn’t from your weed guy? What was his name… Craig? Was it Craig?”

“I don’t think it was Craig, I think that’s the coke guy.” Migi interjected, but Hinoka ignored him, staring openly at Hiei.

“I had a soft performance last night. Out in the square were we all used to meet up at sunrise to go get breakfast before crashing for the day. You remember it, right, Hiei?”

“Oh, of course he does,” Migi spoke before Hiei could. “Hiei’s new friend put a business there.” Hinoka’s face darkened for a moment, a moment so quick that if one blinked it was lost.

“What new friend?”

Hiei

 

[Hiei]

Things had bounced quick. Concern for Migi, interest in Hinoka, Kishi's... instigating.

The dragonkin bowed his head to Hinoka and offered her the pipe, its wide brim bowl still half green.

Hiei grumbled. "Business associate," he said.

A low happy sound came from Kishi's throat. A rumble almost like a drum beat. "Is that all?"

Hiei cut a look to Kishi. Cold and without humor. "That is all,"

Another rumble from his scaly throat, and he nod his head. "Well, your business associate makes fine herb,"

Hiei leaned back against the wall, scowl on his face. Didn't like the feel of the room. Felt suffocated. "Fuck Craig," he growled. "Bastard burned us in the last deal, and gave us lousy shit," he took in a breath laden with the haze of smoke in the air, crossed his arms over his chest. "Fucker is lucky we don't break his other arm too,"

Kishi gave Hiei a sidelong look. "Easy now, hit too hard, and they'll be some blow back,"

A hard huff left Hiei's throat. "You are the ones..." he choked on the words. Grumbled and shook the thought away and pushed himself off the wall. "I need to get on with my day," he announced, bowed to the group. "Thanks for the smoke sesh," and made for the exit, but not before his eyes found Hinoka's. Only to flit away like scared birds out of the thrushes.