Making of the Band
by Yami Yue

Chapter One: Turn Your Back to the Twilight

I looked over at the calendar. It was hard to believe that a whole year had passed. So much had changed in such a short amount of time. For starters, Kurama had cut his long hair the day after his mother’s death. His once long locks now ended at his jaw line. Although the new style wasn’t a bad look for him, I preferred his long hair much more. It enhanced the air of mystery and sensuality that the fox kept so carefully controlled. I dared not ask that he let it grow back. It was a sign of his mourning.

What surprised everyone more than Kurama’s new haircut was the fact that I moved in with him. Then again, perhaps it was the fact I gave up being Mukuro’s heir and moved to the human world that surprised everyone. Having gotten a taste of what a Makai lord’s life was like I lost my desire for it. With the power came the endless games of manipulation and betrayal of court life. I’ve had enough betrayal and manipulation in my life already. The thought of having no one at all around me that I could trust was most unsettling. Besides, I could not abandon Kurama when he needed me most. He needed someone at his side while he went though his mourning. Yusuke and the clown wouldn’t be able to do so. They had their own families to worry about and their own lives to lead. Kurama was glad to have my company, regardless of my reasons. He never asked and I never told.

He had used the money from his inheritance and the sale of his mother’s house along with the business skills he’d learned from his stepfather to start his own business, a flower shop.

I turned my attention away from the past and focused on the task I had been engaged in before I had been distracted. I glanced over what I had written on the pad of paper in front of me. Upon reaching the end I picked up the pencil I’d been using and touched it to the paper to continue where I had left off. The telephone rang before I managed to even write a single word. I bit back a growl of frustration and picked up the receiver. “Shiori’s Flowers, this is Hiei speaking, how may I help you?” I said into the receiver, reciting the greeting Kurama had asked me to use.

“Hiei, is that really you man?” came Yusuke’s voice over the other end of the line. “What do you want?” I inquired curtly. “I told you, you were a good actor. For a minute there I didn’t think it was really you,” “Get to the point quickly Detective or I’m hanging up,” I growled. “Is Kurama around?” he asked. “He’s at the cemetery,” I informed him. “Listen, if he’s feeling up to it, why don’t you two come by my place and we’ll have a guys night in, just the four of us,” “I’ll ask him.” I assured him. “Bring your guitars if you guys are coming, we’ll have a jam session.” Yusuke responded. “I’ll have Kurama call you back with his answer.” I told him. “Great. Thanks Hiei,” He said then hung up. I set the receiver back in place then picked my pencil back up. I narrowed my eyes and glared at the phone daring it to interrupt me again.

By the time it was time to close shop for the day, I had finished with my writing. I closed up shop and headed upstairs to the apartment above that I shared with Kurama. It was dark inside as I entered. I frowned. I thought for sure Kurama would have retuned home by now. I turned on the light in the living room as I entered and set the notepad on the coffee table. I crossed the living room and headed into my bedroom.

I quickly changed out of my uniform, then grabbed my guitar and headed back into the living room with it. I sat down on the couch and carefully played a few notes, making sure that my guitar was in tune. Kurama had taught me how to play the instrument after noticing my slight interest in it. I found it fitting that the first song I wrote would be for him.

Satisfied that the guitar was properly in tune I began to play. At the intended moment I opened my mouth and began to sing the lyrics I had written down on the notepad.

Ah... Waves of people flow through the city streets.
Now, as if to defy them,
I walk alone.

That precious smile
that I lost sight of long ago
is fading in my heart.

Never give up, even when
your heart is tested by sorrow.
Overcome all those times.

Never give up. Amidst the wind,
Turn your back to the twilight.
It will take you anywhere.
Lonely way.

Ah... Even when your frozen feelings
are unexpectedly shaken
by someone's gentleness,
close your eyes and just mutter
that warmth
doesn't suit you.

Never give up. Now, while holding
nothing but your dreams,
let fate guide you.

Never give up. Without expectation,
turn your back to the twilight.
Walk towards the future.
Lonely Way.

Never give up, even when
your heart is tested by sorrow.
Overcome all those times.

Never give up. Amidst the wind,
Turn your back to the twilight.
It will take you anywhere.
Lonely way.

I looked up as I finished playing the song and spotted Kurama standing in the doorway. There was no need for me to ask how long he had been standing there. I guessed long enough to have heard the whole song. Without a word he began walking toward the couch. As I watched him, I marveled once more at his grace, one of his many admirable qualities. It was understandable that so many had fallen victim to his charms. I realized recently that I too had fallen prey. I had fallen for the fox in human guise and fell hard. Still, I kept my silence about the matter. There was no reason for me to reveal my feelings for my best friend, at least not yet.

Kurama sat beside me, his beautiful emerald green eyes looking directly into mine. He had heard the whole song and had liked it. I tried my best to tell him without words that it had been for him. Kurama smiled. “That was wonderful Hiei,” He said. “How long have you been working on it?” “Too long,” I murmured as I set the guitar aside. “Still it was worth it to see that precious smile of yours,” I thought. “You do it so rarely these days,”

“Yusuke called earlier.” I informed him. “Oh? What did he say?” he asked. “He invited us over to his apartment for a …” I paused for a moment trying to recall Yusuke’s exact words “…jam session,” I answered. “I told him that I would give you the message and have you call him back.” Kurama gave a slight nod in understanding. “Are you feeling up to it?” I asked. “Yes, I think so,” He replied. I reached up and touched his silky red locks loving the feel of its softness. “You should let it grow back,” I commented. Kurama raised an eyebrow. “You don’t think this style suits me?” he asked. I lowered my hand and locked my eyes on his. “That’s not what I meant and you know it,” I replied. Kurama’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

“Then what did you mean?” he asked softly, his voice sounding low and sensual to my ears. “That I like your hair better long,” I replied. He smiled and fingered the ends of his hair. “Maybe I will let it grow back.” He said thoughtfully. “It has been a year now.” “You still feel the pain of her loss.” I responded, noting his voice now held a somber note to it. “Yes, I doubt it will ever leave me completely but it has lessened some,” He leaned toward me and rested his head upon my shoulder. “Are you sure you’re feeling up to this?” I asked. “I am,” He replied.

The phone rang, shattering our quiet moment. I glared at the irritating device. The telephone had become yet another thing I despised about the human world, yet one more annoyance I tolerated to remain at Kurama’s side. The fox chuckled and sat up to answer the phone.

“Hello?” he said into the receiver. “Hello Yusuke. I was just about to call you.” He paused, listening to our raven haired friend on the other end of the line. “Are you coming with me Hiei?” he asked. I gave him a slight nod. “Yes, we’re coming. What time do you want us there?” he asked then paused to listen again. “In an hour? Yes, that’s fine.” He responded. “Alright, We’ll see you then,” With that he hung up the phone. Although the oaf and the detective could irk me to no end at times I actually enjoyed their company. Tonight however, I was going only because Kurama was going.

So, an hour later I was at the front door of the apartment Yusuke and Kuwabara were sharing. I have no idea how those two could live under the same roof. They fight more with each other than I do with the fool. Those two never ceased to surprise me. Yusuke opened the door. “Hey guys.” He greeted as he moved aside to let us in. “Kuwabara went to the music store, he should be back any minute.” I followed Kurama into the apartment. “Is that a new keyboard Yusuke?” Kurama asked as the detective shut the door behind us. “Yeah, I just got it a few days ago.” Yusuke answered. “Do you mind if I try it out?” Kurama asked. “Sure, knock yourself out, I’m going to order us some food.” Yusuke answered as he headed into the kitchen. Kurama sat down at the keyboard and began to play the song I’d played earlier on my guitar.

I listened attentively, marveling at the fox’s skill. When he finished the song I nodded for him to play it once more, this time I played along with him on my guitar. “Aren’t you going to sing Hiei?” Kurama asked. If he hadn’t asked I would have never sang where there was a chance Urameshi or the oaf would hear me. Since Kurama had asked however, I complied and sang the lyrics I had written. As I sang his eyes met mine and in that moment I was unaware of anything except us and the music we were creating.

All too soon the song came to an end and the spell of the music was broken. “Hiei you punk, how long have you been hiding that talent from us?” Yusuke questioned as he entered the living room. Kurama turned to face him. “He does have a nice singing voice doesn’t he?” Kurama asked. “I’ll say.” Yusuke responded. “Better not let him sing at karaoke, the ladies wouldn’t leave him alone. “ He handed a soda to the fox and headed toward me. “if you put as much effort into flattering Keiko as you have me you would receive less bodily harm.” I said as I took a can of soda from the raven haired detective. “Yeah, but Keiko can be cute when she’s mad,” He responded as the front door opened.

Kuwabara entered carrying a new set of cymbals for his drum set and several containers of take out. Kurama rose to help Kuwabara with his burden. “You know, I was thinking we could add a little bass and some drums to that song,” Yusuke suggested. “Like our first real song,” Kurama nodded. “What song?” Kuwabara asked. “What’d I miss?” “We’ll tell you while we eat,” Kurama said. “What do you think Hiei? Do you want to work on your song?” I was curious to know what it would sound like with all the instruments added in, but I wasn’t about to admit it. “Fine by me,” I said. “Alright then, let’s do it,”

On to Chapter Two >>
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