The Shadow That Loves The Light

Hiei had always felt most at home amid the darkness. He slid through blackness silently, hidden by the shadows and unnoticed by the world. His grace and speed let him fly through the night, his feet never making a sound as he moved, his black hair and dark aura giving him the illusion of being a shadow himself.

As a child he'd learned to love the dark. Night gave him opportunity and the shadows were his friends, keeping him hidden from his enemies or prey. His garnet eyes did not glow like many nocturnal predators or prey, and his dark hair and small figure gave him the ability to blend into the shadows, creating the illusion that he had never really been there and was simply a part of the night.

But the darkness was fickle.

Sometimes the shadows became confining and constricting. The blackness that shielded him became suffocating and tight. Shadows swirled around him as he struggled, their hold becoming tighter and tighter until he couldn't see. Until he couldn't move. Until he could hardly breathe.

But, even as his struggling ceased, left lost and drowning, forced to watch as his sanctuary became his prison, a ray of light eased itself across him.

It was not bright or harsh, but soft and gentle, floating lightly around him. He felt the choking grip melt away, replaced by a gentle warming embrace, holding him as his breathing evened and his eyes opened…

Hiei felt his lips curve into a smile that he made no attempt to hide as Botan's fingers smoothed back his hair. Her soft blue strands tickled his face as the playthings of the light breeze.

His smile faded into his usual blank expression as he pulled away just enough to look at her. His single ray of light, cutting through the shadows for him when he couldn't see.

He smiled again and nuzzled into her neck, unfazed by his own unusual display of affection. There was nothing wrong with needing a little light in his life.

Even the night had the moon.

Ok, to clear up any possible confusion, the beginning is basically Hiei's mind. If that doesn't make sense just ask a more specific question and I'll be happy to answer.

Do me a favor and tell me what you thought!