Hanae looked at Kishi with pity. So, he was the same as them as well. It did bring forth 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 also anger Kishi. And as her debt was originally owed to him, though 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 as 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 enough to bring the tea to her lips finally. “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 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 spring up like a spooked rabbit. 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 the seat and around the table in an attempt to block his flight. “You don’t have to decide now, 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 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 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.
 
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.”
 
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. 1755394310705.webp

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?"
 
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'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.
 
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?”
 
"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.
 
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?”
 
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.
 
Hinoka made to follow after Hiei, the pipe still in her hand, still not having been brought anywhere near her lips.

“Don’t.” Migi said.

“Don’t what?” Hinoka turned to face Migi, frowning deeply just as Hiei had shut the door.

“You’re gonna run after him, right?”

“Well, not run…” Hinoka looked down at the pipe before handing it back to Kishi.

“Let him cool down.” Migi said before yawning. “I got a good idea to where he might be heading to.”

Hanae had brought her cart out early to the square. Everything was the same as it had been the days before, but there was one brand new addition to her cart. A large sign that now sat in front of it. The wood was thin, the nails crudely holding everything together. But the sign itself had been painted white, and a multitude of painted pink and lavender flowers framed the sign.

In black ink, with all the artistry and mastery of a person who had properly studied calligraphy, was the name of Hanae’s business. Beauty and balance in harmony, and hopefully, the zen practice could bring Hanae some good luck.

Or the sign in general could bring in more customers. Maybe even get some repeat customers!
 
Somehow, Ginrou found himself acting as a pack mule for all his sister Matsuri's things. As they walked down the market lane together, his arms were already full of the sundry items she'd deemed necessary to get. Her arms swung freely beside the katana at her side. Not that Ginrou was complaining, much. It was still easier to shop when Matsuri was around.

A nearby sign caught Ginrou's attention, colorful as it was. "Pocketful of Petals," he muttered to himself, reading it out loud. The delicate script paired with the quaint name didn't seem to match.

1755397226688.webp"What'd you say?" Matsuri asked from beside him.

"Our mother is coming back from her travels tonight. There should be fresh flowers in the house," he responded, already walking towards the flower stand. Ginrou shifted all the bags and boxes into the crook of one arm. He leaned down over a bundle of peonies, fingers of his free hand brushing lightly against one, to point the flower's face towards his own. A double bloom, red ruffled center peeking out from rows of silkier petals. "Do you think she would like pink, or yellow?"

It only took a few seconds for Matsuri to grow impatient. She huffed. "I think you're too particular. It doesn't matter, she won't notice either way," she scolded her younger brother. "So just pick some and let's goooo..."

Ginrou ignored his sister. "Excuse me," he turned his attention to the flower seller, looking up from red blossoms to red lips. "Do you grow these yourself? I've never seen a petal shape like this on a peony before."
 
The sign was a success! Hanae did her best to pretend to be busy while the man and woman spoke amongst themselves. Of course, it was hard not to eavesdrop when they were only on the display side of the cart.

Perpendicular to the two, Hanae kept her hands busy with flower arranging, and she set them into the vase when her attention was really needed. Her dark eyes went to look at Ginrou and she smiled warmly, before leaning to the side to look at the woman. Their hair was striking, as was the overall way they held themselves. Their clothes reminded her of all of her beloved plants.

It seemed they had a successful shopping excursion judging by the man’s full arms. What better way to end it than with fresh flowers?

“I do,” Hanae answered, beaming brightly towards Ginrou. “I have colors you won’t see anywhere else, my family has bred flowers for centuries. Did you know that flowers have special meanings?” She added, thinking of how to would be best to sway this man into actually purchasing some flowers. This time she wouldn’t be giving anything away for free. She had to pay Hiei back, she had to.

“Yellow roses actually represent coming back home, but,” she stepped forward, gesturing at the small yellow roses. “The large ones come into bloom later in the year. These are yellow tea roses but they still represent the same feeling.” Hanae explained before gesturing towards a large bundle of pastel pink flowers. “Pink carnations have always been the flowers for mothers. When a mother gives birth you may notice that she receives dozens of pink carnations because they represent a mother’s undying love and gratitude.”

Hanae was smiling, but her smile faltered. Well now it was obviously that she had been listening to their conversation.

“O-oh, but you were looking at peonies, weren’t you? Is that the favorite flower of the person who is coming home?” Hanae asked tentatively, wondering if she covered up her rudeness well enough. “I can do custom bouquets. Normally, I’d require time in advance.” She paused, unsure where she was going with this. “I can even drop orders off at your home since your hands are quite… full?”
 
The woman confessed to coming from a long line of flower growers, with a pride that that lit her face up. And yet here she was alone, with a modest stall that could stand to see a few repairs. More mismatched mysteries piling up on top of each other. Ones that his sister clearly didn't notice, as she crossed her arms and started tapping her foot when the seller launched into an explanation of color and occasion.

Of course Ginrou knew flower language, but he listened all the same, a serene look on his face. He didn't even seem to mind when the seller mentioned his mother directly, a decidedly rude thing to do. He just added the brashness of the comment to the tally of odd ends...

But then the flower seller asked if peonies were someone's favorite, and Ginrou couldn't stifle the laugh that welled up inside of him fast enough. It came out as a wide grin and light chuckle. "You could say so, yes."

He sobered up, and put the neutral expression back on his face. "The royal family keeps a rare blue varietal in their palace," Gin explained. "Because of that, Lady Morikami thinks of peonies as stately."

"Uh-uh," Matsuri chimed in, coming closer to peer around her brother's elbow at the flower display. "And mom always asks about 'the blue ones' no matter what you get, I don't know why you put so much thought into it..." Matsuri peered at the flowers. Her eyes flitted between the ruffled rows of bouquets, painted in the soft tones of spring, trying her best to decipher some meaning from them. She pointed at the pink carnations the seller had motioned to before, with all the authority of a general commanding her troops. "Let's get those ones."

Closing his eyes, Gin raised a hand up to his face to hide whatever expression was forming there. He wanted to say something. He changed his mind.

"...I'll defer to the ladies' judgement." He dropped his hand and looked to the flower seller once more, giving a small bow. There was nothing but a smile on his face. "Could you do a dozen bouquets of pink carnations before sunset? I know it's a rush order. We'd be able to pay you for the disruption to your day, of course..."

Ginrou stopped, and waited for the flower seller to fill in the rest. This was usually about the time a merchant would name their price. A larger order on short notice, and delivery to boot. He was prepared for the worst.
 
Morikami? That name sounded so familiar. Hanae looked from the man to the woman. They were siblings, weren’t they? They had to be with the same unique hair, and similar skin— so smooth! Then it suddenly occurred to Hanae, after all, hadn’t the man said Lady Morikami? Hanae could feel her ears grow hot, meaning her cheeks would soon follow.

She dipped her head low, beginning to pluck at her long white skirt.

“Peonies are a lovely flower.” Hanae said softly, but looked at the carnations that the woman pointed at. My, what a voice she had! So confident and full of surety. Hanae’s dark gaze flickered to the man, and realized that he was waiting for her to speak again.

Oh! What to say?

“A d-dozen?” Probably not that, but Hanae was shocked in hearing such a grand amount. She’d need to rush back to her garden! She only had three with her. But what good fortune. Hanae looked down at her hands, beginning to use her fingers to count. Both her hands shook from a swirling mixture of excitement and anxiety. “M-maybe… since you want a dozen, fifty silver coins… if that’s… okay? And if you could tell me your residence…? Wait, let me, get some paper, one moment, one moment!” Hanae said, going around to her cart and beginning to make a lot of noise as she rifled through her things.
 
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