Disclaimer: Sue me.  Please?  I've been trying to get rid of these college textbooks for months...

Notes: There will be detailed Author's Notes at the end of the story.

Feedback: Hai! ^_^ Flame me if you want - see if I give a rodent's posterior.

Warnings: Eventual shounen ai, het, "alternate" pairing. 

*...* emphasis

/.../ thought 

- Part Three -

Engagement

      Gods, it was hot...

      Yusuke wiped his brow with the edge of his sleeve as he continued to wade his way through the underbrush.  Of all the days Koenma had to pick to send him on a wild demon hunt... /Damn Koenma... Why can't Makai have central air, or something?/

      His jeans were sticking to his legs, damp with sweat.  And he'd worn long sleeves, too - sleeves that were presently too friendly with his skin.  His hair was damp, his bangs falling in his eyes.  Sweat was both coating his body and running down his face... He was miserable.  And when he found the renegade demon that had forced him to come out on a day such as this, it would be even *more* miserable.

      He continued to hike for a few minutes, cursing Koenma, demons, the sun, and long sleeves.  He stopped his tirade long enough to take a deep breath, and then he heard it... The sound of running water...

      /Water.  That's what I need.  Gods, yes.../ He started forward again, following the sound of the trickling liquid.  /Just a little water... That's all I need... Just...a...little.../

      He came to a clearing and stopped, his mouth already falling open in anticipation.  The clearing was home to a small lake of refreshing water.  A small waterfall was pouring a steady stream of the liquid, filling the air with a wonderfully natural sound.  He was not at the bank of the lake; the sandy bank was on the other side of the clearing, and Yusuke was now on a large, flat rock.  The rock was serving as a kind of dock.  It was possible to leap from it into the deep waters.  Deep waters... Gods, he wanted to taste that water...

      But as he started forward, he noticed a shape moving in the water.  /Oh, great.../ From what he knew of demons, they could be quite adamant about things that fell in their territory.  The more radical ones took offense if one stepped on a blade of grass that belonged to them.  He was too worn out from the heat and had no desire to fight any sort of combat.  Maybe if he asked nicely...?

      "Uh... Excuse me?" he called over the rushing water.  "Hey...!  Uh...I've been traveling hard all day...and I'm really, really thirsty... Could I please have some of your water--Hey!"  His request turned into a shout when the figure dived under the water he desired.  "Hey, come on!  Don't ignore me!  I'm dehydrated, here!  Could I please have some of your water?"  He ran to the edge of the rock and stamped his foot.  "HEY!  I'm trying to be as polite as I can, all right?  The heat is making me irritable!"  He squatted at the very edge of the rock.  "So, can I *please* have some of your water?!"

      And at those words, a great rush of cold water showered him, drenching him from head to toe.  He was so startled that he fell backward onto his bottom.  He was still recovering from the ambush when he heard the laughter.  Laughter that...sounded familiar... He opened his eyes, blinking away the droplets, and crawled forward to look over the edge of the rock again... And then he gaped.  "Hiei?  What the hell are you doing in there?"

      "Cataloging the marine life, Yusuke," Hiei replied dryly.  "What does it *look* like I'm doing?"

      "Um...swimming."

      "Very good.  When I get out, I'll give you a honeycake."  Hiei smiled at him and kicked himself a little ways from the rock.  Water didn't seem to have a huge effect on Hiei's hair, Yusuke noted.  It was no longer in its distinct candle flame shape, but it wasn't flat against his head, either.

      "Since when do you own a lake around here?" Yusuke asked.  "And can I please drink from it?"

      Hiei chuckled.  "It's not my lake.  I asked if I could swim in it, and the mermaids are letting me."

      Yusuke blinked.  "Mermaids are letting you swim in their water?"

      "Mm-hm."  Hiei gave Yusuke an amused grin.  "They said they'd enjoy the view."

      The view?  Yusuke blinked again, not catching the reference at first, but then his eyes fell on another rock to the right.  Hiei's cloak was on it, along with his shirt and his...pants... Yusuke didn't see any underwear... "Can I ask you a personal question?"

      "You can ask me whatever you want - it doesn't mean I'll answer, though."

      "...Do you wear undergarments?"

      Hiei snorted.  "Gods, no.  Those have to be the most ridiculous things I've ever seen..."

      "Oh..." So Hiei was swimming... "I didn't know you liked skinny dipping..."

      Hiei raised an eyebrow.  "What?"

      "Swimming naked," Yusuke clarified.

      "How else are you supposed to swim?" Hiei wondered.  "With your clothes on?"

      "No, with bathing suits on."  Before Hiei could ask, he explained, "Garments that humans wear when they go swimming so other people can't see their...equipment."

      Hiei looked amused.  "Are humans so perverted by nature that you have to wear clothes to prevent others from looking at you?  In the Demon World, you only look if you're interested..."

      "It's not that," Yusuke insisted.  "It's just...indecent, that's all."

      Hiei looked even more amused than before.  "Humans have too much shame..."

      "And demons don't have enough," Yusuke retorted.  "Do you speak Mermaid?  Can you ask them if I can have some water, please?"

      "They said yes already.  Did you think I splashed you for fun?"

      "Yeah."

      "Oh... Well, I did.  But they did say you could have some."

      "Where are they?" Yusuke asked as he leaned over to scoop some water in his palm.  "I haven't seen a glimpse of them."

      "You wouldn't want to see them," Hiei pointed out, swimming closer and treading water almost right under Yusuke.  "They're not wearing 'bathing suits'."

      "No seashells, or anything?"

      "No."

      "Oh, brother... And they flaunt around in front of you like that?"

      "Yes."

      "Oh, for--"

      "I told you, Yusuke: in the Demon World, you only look if you're interested."

      "Hm."  Yusuke sipped some more water.  Gods, it was so good... "When are you getting out?"

      "When I feel like it."  Hiei shot him a sly look.  "Why?  Did you want to look?"

      Yusuke swallowed.  "Hiei...are you coming on to me?"

      "How can I be coming anywhere near you if I'm in the water...?"

      "Never mind."  Yusuke reached down to scoop another handful of water--

      --and then a hand closed on his arm and he was abruptly tugged off the rock *into* the water.  "Son of a--!"  The rest of his exclamation was swallowed along with the water that found its way into his mouth.  He gurgled and choked for a few moments, thrashing about in the lake, before he noticed that Hiei was laughing at him again.  He stopped thrashing and glared at the demon.  "Thanks.  I really needed that."

      "I thought you were dehydrated?" Hiei replied innocently.  "I was helping."

      "Yeah?"  Yusuke leered evilly.  "Well, your hair looks too dry.  Maybe I should help you with that."

      He kicked himself forward in a tiny dolphin dive, but Hiei ducked under the water before Yusuke could get him.  Yusuke waited patiently, watching for the demon to surface so he could splash him with everything he had.  What he didn't expect was the sudden tugging pressure on his clothes...

      "Hey!!" he shrieked as his pants and boxers were yanked off.  He kicked and thrashed in the water, trying to get at Hiei, but to no avail.

      His friend surfaced a few feet away, brandishing the garments that should have been covering Yusuke's lower body.  "You don't have a 'bathing suit', and it's not good to swim in your clothes.  You can't glide through the water with your clothes on."

      "Hiei, give them back."  Yusuke tried making a pleading face, but it came out more annoyed.  "Come on.  That's not funny."

      "*I* think it's funny," Hiei pouted.  He drew his arm back as though preparing to toss the clothes back to Yusuke...and then changed directory and threw them across the lake to land on the rocks near his own clothes.

      "Hiei!" Yusuke wailed.  "How am I supposed to get them now?"

      "Get out of the water and walk to them," Hiei replied matter-of-factly.

      "But that means I'll have to...to..."

      "What are you so shy about?" Hiei wondered.  "Got something to hide?"  He grinned, and then taunted, "Or maybe nothing at all?  Is that it?"

      Yusuke narrowed his eyes.  "Nothing, huh?"  He stripped his shirt away and started front-crawling closer to the demon.

      Hiei had his eyes closed as he chuckled.  "I'd pay to see that secret revealed... The great Urameshi Yusuke, a woman wanting to live a man's life... Oh, priceless..."

      Yusuke reached out and dunked the fire demon.  "No, *that's* priceless!" he howled triumphantly, holding his friend's head below the surface.  He wasn't certain how long Hiei could hold his breath, but he did intend to leave him there for a few seconds, at least.  At least...that had been his intention.  He yelped and released his hold when he was...grabbed.

      Hiei's head broke the surface and he shook some water out of his hair.  They treaded water, and sometimes their knees would knock together because they were so close.  Hiei hadn't let go.

      "So maybe I was wrong," the demon admitted softly.  It was a little hard to hear him over the tiny waterfall.  "Maybe there is something down there, after all."

      Yusuke was doing his best to tread water and speak articulately, but it was becoming increasingly difficult with each passing second.  "...Yeah...there is..." He moaned quietly when Hiei's hand moved a little, the action intensified because of the water.  On impulse, he tugged Hiei with him as he swam backwards toward the rock he'd initially been pulled in from.  He reached up with one arm to grasp the edge of the rock so he could stay afloat.  With the other he pulled Hiei against him.  "More."

      It was all he'd been able to say, but apparently it was more than enough.  Hiei's hand returned, and with his other he supported himself by Yusuke's shoulder so he could gently lick the water away from his chest.  The hand under the water didn't remain there for very long.  It soon moved to curl around his neck.  Hiei's other hand joined it, and then he wrapped his arms around Yusuke's neck, his legs, in turn, winding around Yusuke's waist as his tiny mouth traveled up his throat.  Yusuke was almost losing his grip on the rock above them, and his free arm wrapped around Hiei's back.  He moved his head, blindly searching for his friend's mouth, and Hiei met him halfway.  The kiss tasted like the fresh water they were bathing in...

      He was dreaming - he had to be dreaming.  This couldn't actually be happening... Yusuke moaned and kissed back harder.  He opened his eyes so he could see Hiei, and stared at his friend's features, pleased to note that Hiei kissed with his eyes closed.  /Eyes.../ He paused, his tongue stilling.  /Eyes...?/

      Hiei pulled away for a moment.  "Problem?"

      "Er...the mermaids?"  Yusuke scanned the waters for any sign of another living being.  "What if they--"

      "They're enjoying the view," Hiei assured him, leaning forward again.

      Yusuke shied away just a little from the advance, still a little self-conscious.  And then his feet twitched when they were...tickled.  His breath caught in his throat when fingers started tracing up his leg.  "Are you sure...they're just watching...?"

      Hiei smiled at him.  "Mermaids like to play," he explained before closing the distance between them.

      Yes.  He had to be dreaming.  He was naked in a beautiful lake, making out with one of his friends, and there were mermaids playing with his legs... And it all felt so good... Yes.  Definitely a dream...but a damn good one.  He closed his eyes again and returned the kiss with enough passion to evaporate the water, his free hand sliding down Hiei's back to his--

      "Yusuke?!"

      That voice... Yusuke's eyes snapped open and he looked across the waters to the bank on the other side.  He broke the kiss and raised his head.  No...it couldn't be... "Keiko?"

      His girlfriend backed away, the long waves of brown hair swishing behind her as she shook her head in disbelief.  Her mouth moved, but whatever she was saying was too quiet for him to hear over the sound of the waterfall.  As quickly as she'd appeared, she turned away from the lake and started running away.

      "Keiko, wait!" he cried, shoving Hiei away.  He barely registered Hiei's startled yelp as he was hurled back into the water.  "Keiko, it's not what you think!"  He swam as fast as he could to the bank and scampered onto the grass.  He paused long enough to grab his pants and shrug into them, sparing a glance over his shoulder.  Hiei was still under the rock, and he looked a little hurt.

      "What do you mean, it's not what she thinks?  What was it to *you*?"

      Yusuke ignored him.  "Keiko!  Wait!  Please!"  Without a backward glance, he tore off into the woods after her.  "Keiko!!"

~*~

      When the bright morning sun started shining in his eyes, Yusuke realized that he'd forgotten to draw the curtains.  He groaned quietly and buried his face further into the pillows, remembering the dream.  Gods, how could he have dreamt that...?  If Keiko hadn't appeared, he was certain the entire thing would have progressed to an orgy involving a demi-human, a fire demon and some water demons... He couldn't believe himself - dreaming of Hiei like that!  Hurting Keiko like that...!

      He froze when he realized he was holding someone in his arms.  And considering who he went to bed with...that must mean...

      He opened his eyes and glanced down at what he held.  Hiei was snuggled against him, small hands and one cheek resting on Yusuke's chest, his eyes closed in a deep, relaxed slumber.  Yusuke had to wonder when was the last time Hiei had actually spent the night sleeping and nothing else.  That bastard Chiran had seemed *quite* familiar with Hiei's body...

      Slowly and gently, not wanting to disturb his friend's slumber, Yusuke slipped his arms away and crept out of bed.  He paused to pull the covers up around his smaller companion, and then walked toward the closet.  He figured that a servant would be along to tell him when he had to meet with the Council, but he wanted to be ready early.  He selected some black breeches and a sparkling red tunic from the wardrobe and dressed quickly, fastening a golden belt around his waist to complete the ensemble.  He admired himself in the mirror for a moment, and then jumped when there was a knock on the door.

      Yusuke turned and blinked.  Who would be visiting him now?  Surely it was too early yet for him to be brought to the Council meeting...?  He noticed Hiei's form stirring, and his friend sat up, rubbing at his eyes.  When the knocking started again, Hiei moved to rise.

      "Don't," Yusuke urged.  "I'll get it."  He trotted to the door and opened it.  "Yes?" he greeted the attendant with a tray in her hands.

      "Morning to you," she said with a dip of her head.  "I've brought breakfast for you," she went on, hefting the tray.  "May I?"

      Yusuke nodded, and the girl entered, setting the tray on the round table in a corner of the room.  "I brought enough for the Honor Bound.  Will he be eating?"

      Yusuke froze for a moment, noticing that she had asked *him* if Hiei would be eating.  "Hiei," he called, "are you hungry?"

      The demon stared at him for a few moments, and then uttered, "If you think I have earned it, Yusuke-sama."

      "Yes," Yusuke said curtly.  "He's eating."  When the girl nodded and started setting the places, Yusuke shot Hiei a look that hopefully said, "I'm going to throttle you as soon as she leaves," and blinked when Hiei averted his eyes and lowered his head.  Yusuke cursed himself.  He'd forgotten how Hiei would interpret something like that.

      When the serving girl left the room and shut the door behind her, Yusuke took a deep breath and faced his friend.  "Hiei...you don't need my permission to eat if you're hungry," he sighed.  "You're *not* my slave."

      "I know that," Hiei assured him.  "But I am Honor Bound.  If you *do* ask me to do something, or decide that I don't deserve something, I have to accept that."

      Yusuke rolled his eyes and slumped down into his chair.  "I don't believe this... Come on."  He licked his lips when he saw the selection the attendant had brought them.  Eggs - probably not chicken eggs, but they still looked good - and some delicious-looking strips of meat, along with a couple of pieces of fruit.  He pierced some egg with his fork and sampled it.  It was as good as it looked.

      He raised his eyes to see Hiei climb out of bed and straighten his rumpled tunic.  When he started forward to join him, Yusuke couldn't resist.  "You mean you aren't going to make the bed?" he asked sarcastically.

      Hiei paused, looking a little startled, and then turned without a word to begin pulling up the sheets.

      Yusuke tightened his grip on his fork.  "Stop that!" he snapped.

      Hiei turned back to him, head bowed, one hand closed on the golden wristlet of his other arm.  "With all due respect, Yusuke-sama," he began hesitantly, "perhaps if you would clarify what you would and would not like me to do...I wouldn't anger you by misinterpreting your words..."

      "Of all the fucking..." Yusuke shook his head and took another bite of his eggs.  "You can do whatever you want.  I don't c--"  No, "I don't care" were the wrong words to use, "--I don't mind what you do with your time."  He sighed and gestured to the other plate.  "But if you're hungry... Your food is going to get cold."

      Hiei nodded and made his way to the table, sitting down across from Yusuke.  He ate slowly and quietly.  Yusuke finished his meal relatively quickly, but savored the tea that had been brought to them.  As he drank, some of the questions he'd been meaning to ask the night before came to mind.

      "...Hiei?  Can I ask you something?"

      "Yes."

      "...Why are you here?  How come Mukuro doesn't know you're here...or that you've been here all this time...?"

      Hiei bit his bottom lip.  "I came...for the same reason you did, I bet.  I was supposed to negotiate with the Council to get Tenrai to join in Alaric's nation."

      Yusuke blinked.  "But if you were here on business...how did they make you Honor Bound?"  He remembered Chiran's words.  \ "I believe you lost your right to Duel a long time ago." /  "If you were here on business...why were you a Duelist?"

      "I was never a Duelist, Yusuke-sama.  Prospective Honor Bound never are.  It is the High Priest who determines who has the potential to be Honor Bound, but they get one chance to defend themselves first.  A Duelist challenges the prospective Honor Bound, and if he wins, the Honor Bound's fate is sealed."

      "You mean...once you're Honor Bound...there's no way out?"

      "No.  The One Engaged may change daily, but the Honor Bound doesn't..."

      "Daily?" Yusuke echoed.  "You mean you get passed around like a piece of property?"  He shook his head again.  "And you don't fight this?"

      "I tried, Yusuke-sama.  For the longest time, I tried, but..."

      "Do...do they all abuse you?  Do they hit you and molest you like Chiran?"

      "No."

      "If you...don't mind...how many have had you?"

      Hiei frowned.  "For the longest time, it's been Chiran... It's hard to remember everything before him, but... The first was Hiro, as I mentioned.  He was - is - an excellent Duelist.  He was also the newest addition to the Duelists.  He was new to the entire tradition of being the One Engaged.  When he actually realized that he would be able to do whatever he wished with me - starvation and death aside - he honestly wasn't sure what he wanted.  And I..." He sighed quietly.  "I can't say I was fond of the idea of being someone else's property.  I gave Hiro a very hard time, and since he'd never been in charge of another person before, he let me do it."  He hefted his wrists.  "If it weren't for these, it would have been difficult to tell which of us was Honor Bound.

      "It wasn't long - maybe a week or two - before Hiro was defeated by Touma.  And Touma...was not so kind.  He was older, and had lived through several Honor Bound.  He had won Duels before, and he knew that he could be defeated any day.  He wanted to enjoy being Engaged while he could..." Hiei nibbled on a piece of his meat.  "At first, I tried to give him a hard time, too...but when he struck me...it hurt.  I couldn't believe it.  All he did was slap me, and it hurt.  That's when I realized that these," he gestured to the wristlets again, "made me...weak."

      "And now you're just a possession?" Yusuke asked disbelievingly.  "People actually fight for the right to do whatever they want with you?"

      "Yes, but that's not all they--"

      "That's fucking ridiculous.  Just what the hell are these people?"  He stared at the ring on his finger.  "And now I'm one of those sick Duelists, too?"

      "You're not sick, Yusuke-sama--"

      Yusuke growled and started tugging the ring off.  "Anyone who treats another person like a piece of property, ordering them around and beating them, is *sick*.  This whole Engaged thing is stupid and I won't have any part of it."

      Hiei reached over the table to cover Yusuke's hands with his own, but he stopped just short of contact.  "Yusuke-sama, if you're here to negotiate a treaty with them, it wouldn't be wise to dismiss one of their oldest traditions so easily..."

      Yusuke halted in the act of pulling the ring off and stared at Hiei.  His friend pulled his hand away and folded them in his lap.  "I'm sorry."  He spouted the words out almost automatically.  "I didn't mean to sound like I was giving orders..."

      "Stop apologizing.  I was staring because you're right."  He sighed.  "But I don't want any part of this.  Is there some way I can--" He paused, remembering what Hiei had said the night before.  "But all I have to do is not go, and I'll forfeit, right?"

      Hiei nodded slightly.  "...Yes.  You...will lose the Duel that way."

      "Fine, then."  Yusuke nodded decisively.  "I just won't go to the next Duel on purpose.  Then I won't be part of this anymore."

      "...Ah," his friend replied quietly, pushing his plate away.

      "Not hungry anymore?"

      "...No, Yusuke-sama."

      "Are you sure?" he asked.

      "I don't want to impose, Yusuke-sama...but should you not be ready to begin the negotiations?  An attendant could be along at any time..."

      "Yeah."  Yusuke put his fork on his plate, and then remembered something.  Hiei had been sent to Tenrai for the same reason Yusuke was here.  "But..." Yusuke bit his own lip.  "But if you were originally sent here on a mission for Alaric...why...why didn't Mukuro send someone after you?  Why have you been here all this time?"

      Hiei swallowed and moved the remains of his food around on his plate.  "Mukuro and I...had a fight before I left... She probably thinks I left for good."

      Yusuke opened his mouth, comforting words on his tongue, but a knock at the door interrupted him.

      "Do you want me to answer it?" Hiei asked.

      "No.  I'll do it."

      Yusuke stood and admitted the visitor.  It was the same attendant as before, and she gave him another little bow.  "My Lord Yusuke, the Council is ready to see you whenever you are ready to come to them."

      "Ah."  Yusuke smiled at her.  "I'll be out in a matter of minutes."

      "Very well."  The girl curtsied this time.  "I will wait for you out here.  When we are gone, another servant will be along to tidy your rooms."

      "Thanks," Yusuke called as she exited the room once again.  He looked over at Hiei.  "Are you going to follow me to the negotiations, or do you have something else you'd like to do?"

      Hiei stood and fiddled with the ends of his sash.  "If...if you would allow it, I should head off to get my clothes from...from Chiran's chambers and...bring them here."

      Chiran...?  Yusuke raised an eyebrow.  "Are you sure?  I mean, would you rather wait for me?  So we can go together?"

      Hiei shook his head.  "I'll be fine.  Chiran is...rather cruel, but he respects the tradition.  He won't touch me now that I'm not his anymore."

      "All right, then," Yusuke lamented.  "I'll see you later, then?"

      "...Yes."

~*~

      When Yusuke entered the Council's chamber, he saw exactly what he'd expected: a bunch of elderly-looking demons sitting around a...round table?  He was seated at the space "across" from the demon that had to be the High Priest.  The man even *looked* like a High Priest out of a story.  He had long, white hair and a beard to match.  His outfit consisted of white robes, and Yusuke immediately noticed the Rose Signets embroidered on each breast.

      "The day's greeting, Lord Yusuke," the High Priest said with a bow of his head.  "I trust you are doing well.  I am Maru, High Priest of Tenrai.  It is a pleasure to meet you at last."

      "The pleasure is all mine," Yusuke replied carefully, not quite knowing how to begin.  "And I hope you are doing well, your Holiness."  That, he believed, was the appropriate way to address a man of Maru's status.

      "Quite, quite.  I trust you are enjoying your stay at the temple?" Maru inquired.  "Do you have everything you need?  Are the servants polite?"

      "Everything is fine," Yusuke assured him.  "I'm very impressed with the service, and this nation is beautiful."

      "Thank you, my Lord.  You're entirely too flattering.  But if we may dispense with the pleasantries and get down to business...?"

      /How direct./  "Certainly.  I understand that you are your fellow Councilmen are under the impression that we harbor some...hatred for your kingdom's relations with Mukuro."

      Maru took a sip of the wine.  "Lord Yusuke, the Lady Mukuro has been trying to convince us to join Alaric for quite some time now."

      "I know - and my nation's primary concern is the fact that if Tenrai unites with Alaric, our Grain Trade will be halted."

      "And *our* nation's primary concern is the fact that the late Lord Raizen was very adamant about loyalty.  There are many benefits for us to join with Mukuro, and few for us to join with Toranin.  But just the same," he went on before Yusuke could interject, "we have no intention of joining either nation.  We are quite happy the way things are."

      "From what I understand, you have some skewed views of Toranin.  For one, we do not intend to harm Tenrai simply because--"

      "Lord Yusuke, please forgive me, but there is a more pressing matter to discuss here.  Our political debate can wait."

      /A more pressing matter?/  Yusuke raised an eyebrow.  "And that would be?"

      Maru leaned forward.  "May I see your right hand?"

      Yusuke's muscles tensed immediately, though not enough for it to be really noticeable.  Slowly, he did as the High Priest asked, setting his palm on the table in front of the old demon.  "Is there something wrong?" he asked when Maru's gaze focused on his new ring.

      "Lord Yusuke, where did you acquire this ring?"

      "It was given to me," Yusuke explained.  "And it is real."

      "I don't doubt it.  And I don't doubt that you defeated Duelist Chiran last night either."

      "I did."

      "And this is the urgent matter we must address.  It seems that you are now the One Engaged."

      "I am," Yusuke replied, both on guard and attentive.

      Maru exchanged glances with Ruka and several other Councilmen.  "Lord Yusuke, do you know what it means to be the One Engaged?"

      "Not really," he admitted.  "But I *do* know that it involves enslaving other people and turning them into punching bags and sex toys."  /Whoa.  Down, boy,/ he scolded himself.  /Stop that before you say something that really crosses the line./

      "...if you're here to negotiate a treaty with them, it wouldn't be wise to dismiss one of their oldest traditions so easily..."

      "Lord Yusuke," Ruka admonished, "it appears as though you don't understand the purpose of the Duel."

      "Enlighten me.  Please."  He meant it.

      "The Duel has been carried out for centuries, Lord Yusuke," Maru began.  "Do you know what a Miracle is?"

      Yusuke doubted they meant the literal meaning of the word.  "No."

      "Neither do we.  We know only that if we are granted our Miracle, our nation will prosper and will be peaceful until the end of time.  And the person who wins the Miracle gets to have their own wishes fulfilled.  According to our forefathers, the Miracle can only be reached from the Hall of Engagement."

      "What a fitting name."  He tried hard to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

      "You've been to the Garden, yes?"  Yusuke nodded.  "Did you see the floating castle that hovers in the clouds?"  When Yusuke's eyes widened, Maru chuckled.  "Next time you take a trip to the Garden, look up and you will see it.  That castle is the forbidden Hall of Engagement.  Once every few years, we are granted a chance to be admitted to the Hall and have our Miracles.  The purpose of the Duel is to gain the right to enter the castle."

      "...I'm not sure I understand," Yusuke confessed.

      "Only two people are permitted in the Hall of Engagement: the One Engaged and the Honor Bound.  The Honor Bound are the only ones with the spiritual ability to allow the Hall to open, and the One Engaged is taken with the Honor Bound if they are accepted.  If they are taken to the Hall, the One Engaged gets to use the Honor Bound to grant Tenrai's Miracle.  That is why Duelists fight each other for the right to become the One Engaged."

      "But then why Duel at all?  If the purpose is to bring your nation a Miracle, why fight for the right to do that if it benefits everyone, anyway?"

      "Because not only does the One Engaged get to be a 'hero', but he also gets his own wishes granted.  Only aristocrats have the right to become Duelists, and they are designated by the Rose Signets they wear.  They are also the only people with permission to wear swords in this land."

      "And Blood Soaked?"

      "It is said that once, that blade was used to win this nation the peace and freedom we enjoy to this day.  Now, it is the weapon wielded by the One Engaged to be used in the Hall of Engagement.  We do not know what for, because we have yet to find an Honor Bound who can bring us to the castle."

      "And you think Hiei is that one?"

      "We think they are all 'that one'," Maru explained.  "But we never know for certain whether the Honor Bound will be the right one.  But eventually, the prophecy will come true, and we will have our Miracle.  Anytime a new Honor Bound is chosen, he could be the one.  We can't afford to have anyone interfere."

      /Like me./  "I think I see where this is going..." Yusuke murmured.  "I am now a Duelist - and the One Engaged - but I am not a native.  You believe that I may corrupt this nation's tradition.  Or worse, that I *will* end up going to the Hall of Engagement, and thus you won't get your Miracle."

      "Precisely, my Lord."

      Did they actually think that he *wanted* to be a part of this ridiculous tradition?  "I assure you, you needn't worry about that.  I have no intention of remaining the One Engaged."

      Maru blinked.  "You don't?"

      "No.  I have other things to do, and other responsibilities to look after."

      The Council was silent, seemingly shocked.  It was Ruka who finally spoke.  "Then...with that out of the way...I suppose we can begin out initial debate?"

      Yusuke nodded.  "I'd like to get down to that, yes."  /And find out if my political skills have improved any.../

      Maru took another sip of wine, and then the "negotiations" began.

~*~

      The halls were empty, but Hiei didn't let that intimidate him.  He rapped his knuckles loudly on Chiran's door.  Part of him wondered if Chiran had recovered completely from the bump Yusuke had given him, the other was hardly surprised when the straw-haired Duelist opened the door and greeted him with a tight smile.

      "May I help you?"

      "Your head is well?" Hiei inquired politely, careful not to add any undercurrents of sarcasm in his tone.  He owed the utmost respect and obedience to Yusuke now, but it was still proper for him to adopt a respectful air when speaking to other Duelists.

      "Well enough," Chiran spat.  "That new Duelist seems a little violent.  Is he as rough as he acts?" he added snidely.

      "That's no business of yours," Hiei replied evenly.  "I am here for my clothes."

      "I know."  Chiran opened the door all the way and stepped to the side.  Hiei raised an eyebrow.  Clearly, the Duelist was saying, "Come in and get them yourself, if you want them."

      Hiei shrugged and accepted the invitation.  Chiran was bold and had no shame, but he was still honorable when it came to abiding by the rules of the Duel.  He strode inside, feeling only a twinge of nervousness when the door almost-slammed behind him.  He walked straight to the closet and opened the door of the left section, where his clothes were located.  When he reached in with both hands to fiddle with one of the hangers, he felt Chiran's hands rest lightly on his hips.  He ignored it and continued to pull tunics off hangers, not flinching even when Chiran leaned in and sniffed the skin of his neck.

      "I don't believe it," the Duelist stated.  "You don't smell like sex."

      "So?" Hiei asked.  He turned, forcing Chiran to release him and move to the side, and tossed his tunics on the bed.  When he turned back to the closet to start collecting breeches, he heard the Duelist snort.

      "I honestly don't believe it.  He won the Duel and didn't celebrate his victory?"  Chiran barked a laugh.  "Doesn't he know that he may lose the Duel tomorrow?"

      Hiei didn't answer, mostly because Chiran was right.  Duelists who won him rarely let the opportunity to do whatever they wanted to him pass by without taking it.  Some Duelists had even been married - to *women* - and had still taken him to bed.  He turned again to drop the breeches on the bed.  He didn't bother folding anything, and bent a little to start gathering them all up.

      And the next second he was shoved against the mattress.  Chiran's hand was pressed firmly on his back.  He raised his head and stilled when the Duelist bent over so that his mouth was at Hiei's ear.

      "I wanted my Miracle," he hissed.  "I was so close...*so* close... Did you know Yusuke before the Duel?"

      "That's not your affair," Hiei replied, a tad too quickly.

      "So you did know him."  Chiran clicked his tongue.  "The Council is not pleased, you know.  Another Duelist will be along soon enough to win you back."  Hiei could feel the Duelist's breath on his cheek, and he could feel the lips almost grazing his ear.  "Maybe I will."

      "Then issue a formal challenge and go about it as a Duelist," Hiei advised, "rather than using low tactics in a bedroom."

      Chiran stiffened and pulled away.  "Hurry up and get out."

      Hiei didn't need any urging.  He gathered his clothing in a bundle and made his way to the door.  Chiran opened the door for him, but as soon as he was outside, it slammed shut.

      He sighed quietly as he hiked back to Yusuke's chambers, asking himself why he'd even bothered getting his clothes.  If what Chiran had said was true - and it probably was - then he wouldn't be with Yusuke for very long.  It wasn't that he particularly doubted Yusuke's fighting skills...but the man had said he didn't want to be part of the Duel and would lose purposely.  And even though...even though Yusuke was being kind...Hiei would never try to coerce him into taking part in something he didn't want to.

      When he started descending the stairs down to the guest chambers, he wondered who he'd be passed to next.  Would it be Hiro?  Surely that one would want another try now that Chiran was out of the way.  He'd been bonded to Hiro more than once, and the other demon had never quite forgiven him for giving him such a hard time at first.  Or perhaps it would be Archer?  Hiei couldn't say he disliked that one, but still... Or would it be Chiran, after all...?  At least he'd managed to have one day away from him before being handed back, but still... He wanted... He wanted...

      He paused outside Yusuke's room and shifted his burden to one side so he could open the door.  Once inside, he occupied himself with putting his clothes in Yusuke's closet.  Never mind that he would probably be moving them to another Duelist's room shortly...

      He glanced at the clock when he was done.  Yusuke was still at the meeting, he gathered, and would be there for another hour or two.  He climbed onto the bed to lie down for a nap.  He had a good hour yet, he assured himself, closing his eyes.

      Oddly enough, the first image that came to mind was Yusuke scattering the rose petals of another Duelist.

~*~

      When Yusuke exited the council room, he gave in to the urge to roll his eyes.  It was something he'd been dying to do during the entire conversation with the Councilmen.  Of course, he hadn't expected to sway them after only one meeting - even the most prolific of diplomats may not have been able to do so, and Yusuke was not a diplomat by any stretch of the imagination.  /Still...they're damn stubborn, those guys.../ He started walking forward without raising his head, and bumped into someone.  He made a tiny exclamation of surprise.

      "Oh, I'm sorry.  I didn't see you."

      "No, I'm sorry - I should have moved."

      Yusuke blinked and looked at the person he'd collided with.  "Hiei?  What are you doing here?"

      Hiei stepped back.  "I came to meet you, Yusuke-sama."  He blinked.  "Would you prefer if I went elsewhere?"

      Yusuke shook his head.  "Don't be ridiculous."  He turned and waved his hand.  "Coming?  I just need to relax for awhile."  He started walking in the direction of his room.

      "All right," was Hiei's only answer, and he fell in step behind Yusuke.

      And Yusuke wasn't about to stand for *that*.  It was bad enough Hiei was asking permission for just about everything.  "Why are you walking behind me?"  /Like some pet,/ he added mentally.

      "Would you prefer I didn't?"

      "I'd prefer if you stopped acting like you're my servant and started acting like my friend - like you used to be."  He glanced over his shoulder.  "Walk with me?"

      Hiei nodded.  Yusuke slowed down long enough for Hiei to fall into place beside him, and they walked the rest of the way to Yusuke's room in silence.

~*~

      When they arrived, Yusuke let them in and shut the door behind them.  As the attendant had said, the room was cleaned and refreshed.  Yusuke could still smell the perfume used to give the chamber a floral scent.

      "When do they serve dinner around here?" he asked.

      "Late afternoon, if you wish it," Hiei answered.  "Why?  Did they not serve you lunch?"

      "They did, in the Council meeting.  I was just wondering how much time I had to relax.  Did you eat?"

      Hiei shrugged one shoulder.  "No."

      "Are you hungry?"

      "No, Yusuke-sama."

      "Would you stop calling me that?" Yusuke asked in exasperation.  "You're making it sound like I'm a member of the emperor's family," he added as he sat down on his bed.  He flopped onto his pillow, and blinked when something crinkled near his ear.  He sat up and looked at what he laid on.  It was an envelope; a white envelope sealed with a pink rose insignia - an insignia that matched the design of his ring.  "This..." He sat up with the letter in his hands.  He broke the seal with a quick twist of his wrists and pulled out the thick piece of paper.  The note was short, precise, and to the point.

To the One Engaged, 

      I will Duel with you tomorrow.  I will meet you in the Garden at the toll of the mid-morning bell.

      Yusuke stared at the script, reading the letter over, and then he looked up at Hiei.

      The demon nibbled his lower lip.  "A challenge," he stated.

      Yusuke nodded.  "Yeah..." /A challenge so soon... I only won last night... All I need to do is not go, and then I can get out of this mess... But.../ He glanced at Hiei.  "Should I fight?"

      Hiei started.  It was a moment before he spoke.  "You said...that you didn't want to be any part of this - that you wanted to finish negotiating and go back home as soon as you could..."

      That was true, but... "What about you?"

      "Me?"  Hiei looked confused.

      "Yeah.  What you do want me to do?"

      "It is not my place to want."

      "But *what* do you want?"

      "No one cares what I want."

      "I do," Yusuke declared softly.  "Do you want me to fight for the right to keep you?"

      "It is not my right to ask that of you," Hiei evaded.

      Yusuke wouldn't let him go so easily.  "But I'm not asking you to *ask*.  I'm just wondering what you *want*."

      "I will not ask anything of you, Yusuke-sama."

      On impulse, Yusuke seized his friend's shoulders and pulled him close so that their chests were nearly touching.  "Hiei, if I own you, then make this a command.  Tell me, do you want me to fight?"

      Hiei struggled a little and tried to escape.  "Yusuke-sama--"

      "Do you?"

      "I have no right to ask--"

      "*Do* you?" he bit out forcefully.

      Hiei's features wavered, and his mouth worked.  "I..."

      Yusuke hardened his gaze.  "Do you want me to fight?"

      Hiei shut his eyes and sagged in Yusuke's arms.  "...Yes," he muttered mournfully.  "Yes... I want you to fight..."

      Yusuke pulled his friend against him, since Hiei's legs appeared to be failing him.  "Then..." If he didn't go to the Duel, he would lose his claim on Hiei and the demon would be passed on to his would-be challenger.  Then Yusuke could simply finish the negotiations.  But then... His mind conjured the image of Chiran holding Hiei again, kissing Hiei again, touching Hiei again... If he forfeited the Duel, Hiei would be left behind, in the hands of some other bastard... "Then I'll fight."

      "No!"

      Yusuke pulled away, taken aback by the force of the reply.  "But I thought..."

      "No," Hiei said again.  "Don't do it just for me."

      "What kind of friend would I be if I just left you behind with these sick Duelists?  Didn't you want me to fight?"

      "Yes, but--"

      "No buts, then.  I'll fight.  You won't be with any of them for awhile, at least."  /And when I leave this place, I'll be sure to take you with me./

      "Yusuke...I don't think you--"

      "So where do you keep that sword?" Yusuke inquired, closing the discussion before Hiei could protest more, and finally asking the question that had been on his mind since the day before.

      Hiei blinked.  "Blood Soaked?"

      "Yeah.  Where does it go?"  He swallowed.  "It's not *really* inside you, is it?"

      The demon's lips quirked upwards.  "No."

      "So the whole 'drawing it from your heart' thing is just for effect?"

      "I suppose you could say that."

      Yusuke tapped his lips, remembering the light and magic involved... It had been incredible... And he would be wielding Blood Soaked tomorrow, so he'd be able to see it again, but... "Can you do it again?"

      His friend raised an eyebrow.  "Here?  Right now?"

      "Yeah.  I'd like to...see it again."  He didn't bother denying it.  He wanted both to see and to hold that incredible blade again.  "Can you do it?  Or can it only appear in Duels?"

      "No...I can do it anytime."  Hiei took a step forward, closing the distance between them.  He looked up into Yusuke's eyes.  "I can summon it now."  He reached up to pull Yusuke's face down to his.

      Yusuke had time to force out the beginnings of a startled protest before their lips met.  But unlike the last time, he didn't lose himself in the gentle, probing kiss.  He pushed Hiei away and narrowed his eyes.  "What are you doing?"

      The fire demon looked mildly surprised.  "I thought you wanted me to summon Blood Soaked...?"

      "What does that have to do with kissing?" Yusuke demanded.

      For a moment, Hiei looked confused.  But then he bit his index finger.  "I'm sorry.  I keep forgetting that you don't know everything about the Duel... Yusuke-sama, Blood Soaked appears only if there is compatibility between the One Engaged and the Honor Bound.  The better they fit together, the better chance Blood Soaked will appear.  In order to call it forth, I have to be able to kiss you and touch you."

      Before Yusuke could say anything more, there was a knock at the door.  He exchanged glances with Hiei.  The demon shrugged, and Yusuke moved to answer it before Hiei could try.  On the other side of the door was a rather...unexpected face.

      "The day's greeting to you, Yusuke," Chiran began.

      Yusuke raised an eyebrow.  "May I help you?"

      "I'm here to invite you to dine with the other Duelists and I," the demon explained.  He gestured behind him, and Yusuke could see three other men standing in the hall.

      "Oh?" Yusuke mused.  How...convenient.  If he accepted, perhaps he would be able to find out who he'd be Dueling with tomorrow... "How gracious of you."

      If Chiran perceived the mild sarcasm in his voice, he didn't comment on it.  "You're welcome to refuse the invitation if you wish," he assured.  "It is merely a suggestion."

      "No," Yusuke interjected smoothly.  "I accept."  He glanced over his shoulder at Hiei.  "Will you wait for me here?"

      "As you wish, Yusuke-sama," his friend replied, seeming to adopt a more respectful manner in the face of an audience.

      Yusuke gave him a brief smile before he exited the room.

~*~

        "I'm flattered that you accepted our invitation, Yusuke," Chiran gushed as they strolled through the halls of the temple.  The straw-haired Duelist was wearing an elegant red coat, and the gold fastenings often caught the light of the overhead chandeliers and sparkled.

      "I'm flattered you invited me," Yusuke replied carefully, keeping himself in the yellow level of alertness.  True, Hiei had said that the Onhi of Tenrai were pacifists, but he wasn't about to take any chances just yet - especially while he was walking with three of them.

      "Oh, no trouble at all," said the more distinguished-looking man on his right, fingering his long mustaches.  "We all know each other.  It's only fair that the most recent addition to the elite Duelists have a chance to become acquainted with us all."

      Yusuke took in the man's aristocratic clothing.  It was as expensive as Chiran's, but somehow, this demon looked...right in it.  "And you are...?"

      "You may call me Touma," he invited.

      Yusuke recognized the name immediately.  "The one who started slapping Hiei around," he said before he could stop himself.

      Touma did nothing but raise an eyebrow.  "Ah, I see.  You're one of the gentler Duelists."

      "You'll forgive me if I don't find any pleasure in striking someone who can't hit back."

      "Oh, not to worry," the younger demon assured him.  "The Honor Bound is yours to do with as you will."

      "Some Duelists are sicker than others," Touma explained, "I won't deny that.  But Hiro is right.  Treat the Honor Bound however you like while you have him.  Generally, I only strike Hiei when he needs to be told his place."

      "As do I," Chiran added.  "For some reason, he is frequently late returning to my chambers..."

      "That's because you're a horny prick," Yusuke stated calmly.

      Chiran's face flushed with anger and insult.  Touma and Hiro chuckled.  "That he is," Touma agreed.  "That he is."

      "I simply think that Chiran became too accustomed to his status as the One Engaged," Hiro put forth.  "Even I was starting to think that he and Hiei were joined at the hip, as they say."

      "And now there is fresh, new blood among the Duelists," Touma went on, clapping Yusuke on the back.  "I'm sure the other Duelists will be pleased to meet you.  It's been so long since we've had a new addition to our ranks."

      Yusuke just smiled, though he was sure it didn't touch his eyes.  He kept pace with the three other Duelists as they journeyed to the dining hall.

~*~

      It was well past sundown when Yusuke returned to his room.  When he entered he noticed that the chamber was dim, lit only by a candelabra on the nightstand.  He didn't pause and he made his way to the closet.  He still couldn't believe the things that had been discussed over the dinner.  There had been about fifteen other people at the table, all of which had introduced themselves, though Yusuke hadn't been able to recall each of their names.  What he *had* recalled, however, was the way they had all discussed Hiei.

Since Yusuke was a new Duelist, they'd said, it would be courteous of them to disclose some of Hiei's habits to make him easier to handle.  Hiei would often stay out in the Garden until late at night.  However, a night without dinner and a slap or two would help enforce the curfew that was set for him.  /Sick bastards.../ And that was only one of the things they'd shared.  Yusuke hadn't been able to believe his ears.  Surely not everything they'd said had been true...had it?

      He sighed and realized that he'd dressed in his nightwear bottoms and was in the process of buttoning up his nightshirt.  He looked in the mirror behind his reflection at Hiei.  His friend was sitting on the floor, cross-legged, hands folded in his lap.  He was not quite alert, though; he was leaning back against the nightstand and the bed, looking like he was asleep.

      "Hiei?"

      Or not.  At Yusuke's call, he sat up straight and blinked.  "Yes, Yusuke-sama?"

      "I think it's time for bed," he replied with a hint of amusement, finishing with the buttons of his shirt.  "Did you get your clothes without any trouble?"

      Hiei nodded and walked to the closet.  Yusuke turned his back to toss his clothes in the basket.  He pulled the covers of the bed down and fluffed his pillow.  When he turned back to Hiei, the demon was dressed in his own nightclothes: a pair of silk pants and a sleeveless black shirt.

      Yusuke climbed into bed and motioned for Hiei to do the same.  When they were settled in, Yusuke leaned over and blew out the candles, and the light winked out.  Yusuke snuggled under the covers, eager to get to sleep.  He had a full day coming...

      "Yusuke-sama?"

      "Hm?"

      Hiei paused before he went on.  "Your dinner with the other Duelists...?  Did you enjoy yourself...if I may ask...?"

      "I don't like them," Yusuke declared softly.  "Any of them."

      "You would not be the first, Yusuke-sama," Hiei replied, just as quietly.  "The Duelists don't even like each other, really.  They are all after the same thing, and so they are all rivals.  They all want their Miracle."

      Yusuke rubbed his cheek against his pillow.  "And those are the same Duelists who fight to win you all the time?"

      "They are."

      "And you've...been with all of them?"

      "Yes.  It is possible for a Duelist to challenge the One Engaged more than once.  I have been bound to each of them at least one time."

      "And you let them do whatever they want to you?"

      "Yes."

      Yusuke gaped, rolling over to stare at the demon sharing his bed.  "Anything at all?"  So...what Chiran said had been true...?  What the others said had been true...?  When they had talked freely about what Hiei was like in bed...they had been right...?

      "Yes.  It is their right."

      "The hell it is!" Yusuke snapped.  "No one has the right to beat you or take advantage of you like that!"  And they definitely didn't have the right to brag about their exploits with Hiei to everyone else.

      "But they do, Yusuke-sama," Hiei insisted patiently.  "They do.  That's the purpose of the Duel: to claim the Honor Bound and the right to do what you wish - until the time comes to go to the Hall of Engagement."

      "That's bullshit."

      "It's the truth, Yusuke-sama.  It's part of the tradition."

      "Then it applies to me, too, doesn't it?" he asked sinisterly.  "I'm a Duelist now.  So if I feel like hitting you just for the hell of it, it's my right to beat you senseless - even when you haven't done anything?"

      "Yes, Yusuke-sama."

      Yusuke growled.  "So what if I feel like punching you?"

      "Go ahead," Hiei invited calmly.

      "What if I want you to sleep outside on the cold ground?"

      "Tell me and I'll do it."

      "What if I want to fuck you black and blue?"

      "...Would you like me on my back or on my hands and knees?"

      Yusuke tore at his pillow in frustration.  "Damn it, Hiei!  Do you have any idea how atrociously absurd you sound?  I'm not going to do any of those things to you!"  He punched the mattress between them, and Hiei winced for a moment, probably thinking the blow had been aimed at him.  He grabbed Hiei's arm over the golden wristlet.  "There's got to be a way to get these fucking things *off*!"

      "I tried, Yusuke-sama.  I tried everything, and nothing works.  I accept it now."

      "No!  No, no, no!  Fuck, Hiei, we are *not* playing this master-slave game.  The One Engaged and the Honor Bound should be partners - equals."

      "It's not done that way, Yusuke-sama."

      "Why the hell not?  Only the One Engaged can wield Blood Soaked, but only the Honor Bound can give it to him.  It balances out.  You are *not* my fucking pet, Hiei.  You're my friend."

      Hiei blinked his garnet eyes at him, and then lowered his gaze.  "You're too lenient with me," he said at last.

      "Too lenient?" Yusuke flabbergasted.  "I'm treating you the way one person should treat another!  What the hell have they been cramming in your head for the last six years for you to think you *deserve* to be treated the way those bastards treated you?"  He clawed at his pillow again.  "Gods, I just want to...*hurt* you!"

      "It would be your right if you chose to--"

      "Shut up!  Just *shut up*!"  Yusuke rolled over and pulled the covers close to him.  "If you can't open your mouth without apologizing, suggesting punishments, or sounding like a submissive weakling, then don't say a word!"  He inched further away and tugged the covers up under his chin.

      Hiei was silent for the rest of the night.

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