The morning sun's rays were dancing their way into their bedchamber, as sunbeams settled gently onto the sleepy lovers, intertwined in a familiar embrace. Hiei's ear was pressed against Kurama's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his life-partner's heartbeat slowly returning to a quieter pace. Kurama's chin rested in Hiei's soft spiky hair, as he gently stroked Hiei's shoulder with his free hand. His long, luxurious tail was swept over the two of them, creating a extra layer of warmth under their quilt in the cool morning air. The lover's had just shared a wonderfully romantic dawn. The fire demon smiled, as he realized waking up with the delightfully libidinous kitsune was as exciting as going to bed with him. Even after all the years they had been together, now living as a family with the kits in the Makai, Hiei and Kurama's passion for each other had never waned. If anything, the devotion they had towards each other was becoming stronger day by day, something Hiei would never have imagined possible in the past. As he and Kurama snuggled closer in the futon for the last few minutes of peace and quiet that their household would have for the day, a tiny, squeaky, miniature female youko whispered, ..."touchan"...
"Hai, Rami-chan", Kurama chuckled softly, giving Hiei a squeeze. The Koorime groaned in protest at the intrusion their daughter was making; he hadn't finished snuggling and he reluctantly rolled away from Kurama, grumbling to himself. Since both of them were naked, the youko swished his tail over to cover the both of them discretely as to not give Rami more of an education than her tender years would warrant. Rami made her way over to Kurama's side of the futon and looked down at her father, pouting. Wuzzy, her favorite stuffed toy, dangled by his forehead horn in her left hand.
"Hi's kicking me again," she whined, her little lower lip protruding and her eyebrows scrunched together in a scowl. It was difficult sharing a small futon with such a squirmy twin brother.
"So, kick him back," Hiei yawned matter-of-factly, stretching his arms out in front of him, then bringing them back behind his head, knitting the fingers. He crossed his ankles and yawned again.
"Hiei!" Kurama said softly but sternly, not wanting to wake the others, giving his husband an elbow in the side. Hiei grunted, flinching at the mild reprimand. "Don't tell her to do that! Rami-chan," Kurama explained, holding her free hand in his, rubbing the soft skin, "just give Hi a gentle shove back over to his side of the bed. He's not doing it to be mean. He just likes to spread out."
"Go back to bed," Hiei mumbled, squeezing his eyes shut, sleep beginning to overtake him.
"Can I sleep in your bed, Kurama-touchan?" Rami asked, as sweetly as she could. She used all her feminine powers of persuasion, which included, of course: the index finger in the mouth, the adorable face, batting the eyelashes (now who'd she learn that from?)...
Hiei growled softly to himself, as Kurama opened his arms with a smile, letting his giggling little youko nestle between her fathers.
"I gotta get a lock for that door," Hiei grumbled under his breath, squinting his eyes at his lover, who was already in a deep snuggle with his musume.
"Hiei, first we gotta get a door..." Kurama reminded him with raised eyebrows and a slight grin. Hiei frowned at Kurama, then glanced over at the entrance to their bedchamber.
"Oh...yeah," the Koorime snorted, remembering this was the Makai dwelling and not the Ningenkai apartment they had shared when Kurama was still human Shuuichi. Hiei rolled over onto his side so he was facing two of his favorite demons and gently started to stroke Rami's silky silver mane. He smiled slightly, mentally noting how much Kurama and Rami were alike. Both were beautiful silver foxes with golden eyes, and both knew how to charm the pants right off you, which of course in Hiei's case took on a literal translation. Hiei felt the kitsune made too many allowances with Rami, but then again, she was the only female in their little clan, and she was so kawaii! Noticing her hair was a bit tangled from sleeping, he reached over and picked up Kurama's hairbrush that was on the low table next to the futon. Settling back into the bed he noticed Kurama was smiling at him. Hiei began to gently brush through the back of Rami's mane, while Kurama looked deeply into his husband's ruby eyes.
"What are you grinnin' at, fox?" Hiei whispered, gently stroking his daughter's beautiful hair.
"Do you remember when you gave me that hairbrush, koibito?" the youko whispered back to his mate, his golden eyes gleaming.
"Hai, I do," Hiei answered softly, brushing the tangles free from his daughter's hair. He took his palm and smoothed down the silver silk with a sigh. Rami had fallen back to sleep in Kurama's arms, her right thumb being firmly sucked in her mouth while Wuzzy was crushed between their bodies. Hiei held the hairbrush out in front of him to study. "I remember, because I almost blew it," he whispered, looking back at Kurama, who was studying Hiei's face intently. He held the brush to his chest and closed his eyes. Kurama's golden spheres sparkled for a moment, and the trio began to slowly drift off to catch the last few moments of sleep. As sleep crept upon him, Hiei's thoughts traveled back to the time before he and Kurama were married, before they had their children, before they realized just how much they truly meant to each other...
Kurama tilted his head back so he could better enjoy the feeling the bristles made through his crimson mane, as Hiei ran the hairbrush down the length of his hair. Hiei enjoyed brushing Kurama's silky red tresses and the kitsune loved the intimate contact. He enjoyed the tingly sensations in his scalp and neck as each sensuous stroke caused him to close his eyes and feel his whole body relax. Hiei seemed to be fascinated by the color and texture; his own spiky black hair, while always clean and soft, had a mind of its own. The Koorime liked the way Kurama's hair smelled of herbs and flowers, and he liked to play with stray strands after they made love. He often brushed Kurama's bangs out of the way with his thumb before he kissed him, and he liked to grasp his side locks when he pulled his lover closer to him. "Shuuichi" knew just how to move his head when he was giving off "signals" to Hiei, being somewhat of a master at the "come hither" look.
"Do you have to go see Koenma today?" Kurama complained. Hiei put the hairbrush down with a sigh.
"Hai, you know I do." Hiei had been summoned to attend a conference in the Makai of territory scouts who kept an eye on the comings and goings within the demon world. A few scouts had gotten a little lax on the job and needed some extra "training" and it was Hiei's turn to go, so he would be away from the Ningenkai for a few days and would be difficult to contact.
The lovers were finding cohabitation to be somewhat interesting, not unlike most couples. "Dating" was one thing; even "sleeping over" had it's fun differences. Living together brought unusual challenges for the pair. Hiei was still getting used to sharing his space and still spent a lot of time in the Makai. Kurama noticed little things about Hiei he'd never noticed before. Like when he was Shuuichi, Hiei seemed a bit more relaxed, something no one else would be able to detect except Kurama. Also, after they'd made love as demons in the Makai, Hiei, while he loved to sleep safely in Kurama's arms, didn't stroke or brush his hair like he did Shuuichi's. It's like Hiei still treated them as different beings. Hiei wasn't intimidated by the physical differences between Youko Kurama and Human Shuuichi; well, at least not anymore, and seemed to enjoy the "pleasures of the flesh" that often followed a particularly grueling assignment of demon hunting with his fox.
They had a special place they shared in the Makai that was like a small tree house Kurama had found. It was high in the trees - something that Hiei liked - and far from prying eyes - something they both liked, with a wonderful view of the Makai mountains where the sun liked to set. Twilight in the Makai made the one-room tree house a warm and inviting place, and Kurama hoped that someday he'd find a bigger dwelling like this to share when his human form ran out of life far in the future.
Kurama had hoped that by living together in the Ningenkai with Shuuichi he could let Youko Kurama slip in now and again, and then the delineation between the two would blur. Kurama always felt he was one in the same. Hiei still treated them as human and demon, two separate beings. Hiei had expressed his "love" of each in his own way, but Kurama still found the separation surprisingly uncomfortable. Kurama had this annoying little ache in the back of his mind that somehow Hiei liked "Shuuichi" better, was more comfortable with him as a human, maybe even loved him more as a human than as a demon, but he never broached the subject with Hiei and he felt it must just a strange human emotion. He hadn't been human for very long compared to being a demon, and demons didn't seem to worry about stuff like that. He figured Hiei would come around in time. And demons had lots of time.
The apartment would be a lonely place for a few days but Shuuichi had his work and his kaasan to keep him occupied. The Youko hadn't been summoned this time and Kurama pouted as he watched Hiei pick up his cloak and katana.
"Keep the home fires burning, kitsune. I'll be back in three days," Hiei said with a quick kiss.
"I'll think about you everyday, and dream about you every night," Kurama said very dramatically, throwing his head back and putting his wrist against his forehead, grinning mischievously, then grabbed his fire demon for a passionate embrace. A quick kiss wasn't going to be enough to last him.
Hiei squirmed at the sudden entrapment and groaned. "Shimatta, Kurama. It's only three days. What the Hell could happen in three days?"
"Well, I'll still miss you," Kurama grinned, giving Hiei a quick smooch on the nose, then released the fire demon from his warm embrace. Hiei adjusted himself and, with a smile and a slight displacement of air, was gone.
Kurama sighed deeply. *Oh, well* his thought. *I guess I've got stuff to do.* And as he turned to make up the futon and get ready for work he noticed a sharp pain in his right side that he instinctively began to rub. Maybe he had picked up Hiei to quickly. Hiei certainly wasn't getting heavier. Kurama conjured up some pain-killing herbs, ate them, and didn't think much of it as the pain began to subside.
The pain in his side had returned quite strongly while Kurama tried to concentrate on his figures. He didn't notice he had begun to perspire when Suki, a co-worker who shared his office, looked up and then came over to his desk. Kurama and Suki had become very friendly over the past few months, often having lunch together or taking a noon-time stroll.
"Are you all right, Shuuichi-kun? You look a little pale," Suki said, reaching over and placing her hand on Kurama's forehead. "Oooh, you have a fever!"
"Hm? I do?" Kurama asked somewhat bleary-eyed, and as he stood up to get a drink of water, he suddenly felt very dizzy. The pain in his side was now very sharp.
"Maybe you should go home and see a doctor?" Suki's voice was full of concern for her officemate and friend. "Here, let me get you some water." She helped Kurama sit back down and went over and poured out a cup of cold water from the cooler.
"Arigatou gozaimas, Suki-chan," Kurama smiled, taking a sip. *Maybe I should go home*, he thought. Perhaps he just needed to lie down. It could be indigestion; he and Hiei did enjoy a rather hearty meal as a sort of going away party before Hiei's trip. Maybe he'd stop by Yukina's for a stronger healing spell and he'd be back to normal. "I think I will go home. Would you finish up for me, dozo?" Kurama put on the charm, even though he disliked having to have other people finish his job, the human in him having a strong work ethic.
"No problem, Shuuichi-kun," Suki said with a sweet smile. "Now you just go home and lie down and come back tomorrow when you feel better, ne?" She patted Kurama on the back as he grabbed his jacket that was hanging on the back of his chair. He was in considerable pain as he climbed down the stairs and left his office building for the short walk to Yukina's house.
Kurama was perspiring quite heavily as he made his way up the front steps to his sister-in-laws house. He began to feel dizzy as he rang the bell.
"Oh, Kurama-kun, konichiwa! What brings you here?" Yukina smiled happily greeting her brother-in-law. Then her face became worried as she noticed how pale Kurama looked. "What's the matter? Is Hiei all right?"
"Oh, Hiei's fine," Kurama spoke a little raggedly, the pain becoming really uncomfortable now. "He's in the Makai at a meeting." Kurama walked into the living room and suddenly doubled over in agony. Yukina tried to catch him as he fell to his knees. "Kurama, what is it?!" All the commotion had attracted the attention of Yukina's little daughter who were playing quietly upstairs. She came bounding down the staircase to find her uncle on his knees and her 'kaasan trying to lift him to the sofa.
"Kori," Yukina spoke quickly, feeling Kurama's forehead with a frown. "Go call Touchan and tell him to come home right away. Tell him Kurama ojisan is very ill. Hayai!" The small ice demon nodded, ran to the phone in the kitchen and called her father.
"Kurama-kun, where does it hurt?" Yukina asked, trying to get a sense of what was wrong with her brother-in-law. His color now was very pale and he was taking short raspy breaths as the pain intensified.
"My right side, kinda near my belly..." was all Kurama could hoarsely whisper.
Yukina closed her eyes and held her hands over his side, concentrating on his human anatomy. Her eyebrows suddenly went up and she looked into Kurama's pained face.
"I think you have appendicitis, Kurama," she said softly, wiping away some perspiration from his forehead. "I think it's about to burst." She tried to sound calm but the quiver in her voice gave her fear away.
"But...youko's don't....youko's don't have appendices..." Kurama choked out.
"I know," Yukina acknowledged, "but in your human form you have all the normal organs humans have, including an appendix." Then she looked down at her hands. "I don't know if I can fix this, Kurama..." her voice trailed off.
"But...I can't go to....Yukina, I can't go have surgery. I can't risk transforming mid-way...ow," the pain seemed to overwhelm Kurama. When it's teeth let go, he continued. "I can't have surgery."
"Can we contact Hiei somehow?" Yukina felt helpless. "What about your 'kaasan? Where is she?"
"She's been visiting friends.....in Osaka....for the past few days." Kurama moaned. "She's due home this afternoon...." He began to whimper and tears were now filling his eyes. "Yukina," Kurama choked. "Help me..."
Kuwabara came rushing in the front door just as Kurama passed out from the excruciating pain. His work was only a few blocks away and when Kori told him something was wrong he immediately came running home.
"Yukina-san, what is it?" the tall carrot-top human said, kneeling beside his wife, looking at his suffering brother-in-law and friend.
"I think his appendix is about to burst, Kuwabara-kun, or maybe it has already, I don't know," Yukina sobbed as her husband put his arms around her. She felt so useless. Normally she could heal just about any wound the Urameshi Team endured, and some had been pretty severe in the past, but this very human ailment seemed to be too much for her demon healing powers. While her hands and spells could heal, they couldn't perform miraculous human operations.
"Would you go see if Shiori is home yet?" Yukina asked, as she covered Kurama with a quilt; he had begun to shiver. "She should be here, in case..." she wouldn't let herself finish her thought.
"Hai, Yukina-san," Kuwabara said as he rose and headed for the door. "I'll be right back."
"Kori-chan, go get me a damp cloth for your Ojisan's head," Yukina wanted her daughter to help her as she would be a healer when she grew up, too. Kori had been watching from the kitchen doorway, a little scared at what was happening.
After only about a half an hour, Kuwabara returned with Shiori, who he had literally intercepted as she returned from her visit. He had filled her in with what he knew and they rushed back to his house. Shiori had learned about Kurama/Shuuichi when her son and his lover chose to live together. Kurama wanted her to know everything about himself. He had even once become youko for her and it was something they hadn't talked about since. But she seemed to accept his "differences" in stride, learning also about Yusuke, Kuwabara, Yukina, Botan...whether she actually believed in these stories was now irrelevant; her son was dying.
As Shiori knelt before her ailing son, she stroked his soaking forehead tenderly, looking at his pained face. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, causing his eyes to flutter open. Kurama turned his face towards his human 'kaasan, his eyes filling with tears.
"Gomen, 'kaasan," he whispered as Shiori gently stroked away a tear. "Gomen..."
"Shh, it's okay," Shiori replied, attempting to smile. She brushed away some strands of crimson that were matted to his damp cheeks. "Try to hang on, musuko."
"I need Hiei," Kurama moaned. "I need him here...."
"We can't reach him, Kurama-kun," Kuwabara remarked. "If he's working with the scouts, there's no way to contact him."
"I need Hiei..."
"Shiori-san," Yukina began, "I think his appendix might have burst, but I'm not certain. The only way to save Kurama is for him to transform back to youko. I can't heal him and we can't take him to the hospital. There's no time." As she spoke, another stab of pain grabbed Kurama and he curled into a ball, shaking. No one seemed to notice that Botan had appeared in the corner of the room.
Yukina knelt down in front of Kurama and held his face in her hands. She looked him deeply in the eyes and tried to explain as best she could what he needed to do.
"Kurama-kun?" she spoke softly. "Shuuichi is dying. I can't save him and the only way to save you is for you to transform now."
"No, not without Hiei....Hiei loves Shuuichi..." Kurama moaned.
Yukina frowned. "He loves you, Kurama. He'll understand you had no choice."
"He loves Shuuichi more..." Kurama closed his eyes as tears rolled down his cheeks. In his dazed state he couldn't think clearly. Yukina and Kuwabara glanced at each other; Kuwabara shrugged his shoulders. Both didn't understand what Kurama was talking about in his delirious state. As Yukina wiped his cheek she noticed Botan in the corner, who was biting her lip. Yukina knew it was now or lose them both.
"Kurama!" Yukina had never used this tone of voice in her entire life, even when disciplining the children. Kurama open his emerald eyes and stared at his sister-in-law.
"Kurama, you must transform now! Botan is here for Shuuichi." The others didn't realize Botan was even in the room, and they all gasped as they turned to look at the Angel of Death. Botan looked so sad at the task she was sent to complete.
"...Hiei...gomen nasai..." Kurama's voice was barely audible.
"Musuko, look at me" Shiori suddenly said, grasping Kurama by the shoulders. Kurama just had the strength to look up. "Please don't let me lose Shuuichi this way. I know Hiei will understand that you had no choice. Please, Kurama, there's no other way," she pleaded. "I understand. I will always love you, no matter what form you take. You will always be my son."
Kurama inhaled a sob deeply, feeling his life-force starting to slip away. It was now or never. He closed his eyes and felt his body begin to drift. A soft silver glow surrounded his body as Shiori and Yukina stepped back. With amazement, Shiori watched as the beautiful, delicate features of her redheaded human son slowly blurred and became the handsome, more chiseled features of the taller youko demon. His fiery red hair became longer and shimmered silver as two downy fox ears emerged from atop Kurama's head. A long, luxurious silver tail emerged from his back and draped over the side of the sofa. Even his clothing went from human to demon, the shear silk sticking to Kurama's soaked body. Kori's eyes were large with excitement as she watched in fascination at the event happening in her living room. She knew of her uncle's heritage but had never actually seen him in his youko form. She was too young to understand the implications of the transformation. With a gasp of breath, the transformation was complete. Youko Kurama slowly opened his golden eyes.
"Kurama?" Yukina came forward and looked down. "Are you...okay?"
With slow deliberate breaths, Kurama looked up at the room full of people and then looked at his human mother. A slight smile came to his lips.
"Hai, I think so."
Shiori came over and reached out a hand to her son. Kurama took his mother's warm hand into his and let her help him stand up. She touched him lightly on the cheek as tears streamed down her face.
"'Kaasan," was all Kurama could choke out.
"Hai," Shiori smiled. Kurama wrapped his now larger arms around her small body and held her very close. She smiled at the differences between Shuuichi's and Kurama's bodies but melted into the embrace none the less. It somehow felt so familiar. She had to stand on tiptoe now to kiss her son's cheek. She stepped back to look him over as they held each other's hands at arms length. Kurama smiled sadly down at her.
"Gomen, 'kaasan."
"Nonsense," Shiori replied with a sniffle, gathering her strength again, giving her hair a toss. "You did what you had to do. And I know in my heart Hiei-kun will understand, too." Then softly, she added "If he loves you as much as I do, he will understand." Kurama gave her hands a gentle squeeze, then let go.
"I'm so happy you're still alive, Kurama-kun," Botan said, after clearing her throat. "When we received the notice this morning, Koenma and I were very upset. We even spoke to Enma-sama, but he said there was nothing he could do to prevent this. Your human time had come much sooner than anyone expected." She put her hand on Kurama's arm. "I'm glad you had this second chance."
"Hai, me too," Kurama said softly.
"Well, you can't travel to the Makai right now." Yukina put her hand on Shiori's shoulder as she looked up at Kurama. "You need to get some strength back and besides it's too light outside. You'll just have to stay here for a few more hours, if that's all right with Botan."
"Hai," Botan smiled. "We'll go to the Makai together later tonight."
"There's some things I need to talk to Shiori about, so...." Kurama began. The others understood that Kurama needed to be alone and discuss some details with his mother: how to explain his death to his step-brother who was living at school, and to his fellow co-workers. He thought of Suki, but knew there was no way to explain this "situation" to her. He would miss their friendship. Shiori would have to arrange for a "funeral", and make arrangements with the apartment. Gods, the apartment! How would he let Hiei know not to go there? There were so many things to think about. But Kurama also knew he needed to just be alone with Shiori for a little while longer. She did just lose her human son, no matter how you looked at it.
Later that evening, the Ningenkai woman said goodbye once more to her son, and the two demons made their way through the gates of the Makai.
Hiei paused on the balcony rail and frowned. Something didn't feel right. He stayed close to the wall as he slowly lowered himself. The apartment was too dark. Kurama certainly would have set out some candles or something for a romantic homecoming that Hiei hated to admit he was expecting. He slid open the sliding door and looked around. Something was definitely wrong. No Kurama. No ki anywhere. A note was magneted to the refrigerator door in Yukina's handwriting in big letters that said "HIEI". After giving the darkened apartment one more look, he flitted over and grabbed the note in one motion.
"Niisan. Kurama is in the Makai, but come to my house immediately! Yukina."
"What the hell...?" Hiei crumpled the note, and before it reached the ground he was gone.
As Hiei approached the front door of his sister's house, Yukina was already there to greet him. She had been keeping an eye on the walkway and was very anxious to talk to her brother before he saw Kurama.
"Yukina, what's going on?" Hiei kissed his sister on the cheek, then walked inside. Kuwabara was waiting there as well. "Where's Kurama? There was no one at the apartment. What's goin' on?"
"Oh, Hiei," Yukina held onto Hiei's hand as she led him to the sofa. She then took his other hand and held them tightly, her eyes glistening as she looked up into a matching set of rubies.
"We couldn't reach you, and Kurama kept asking for you. There was no other way..." her voice became a choked whisper as she tried to find the words to tell her brother the news. "I couldn't heal him and we had no other choice."
"What are you trying to tell me, Yukina?" Hiei was becoming annoyed with still not knowing what was going on. Why was Kurama in the Makai?
Kuwabara came over and knelt before the demon siblings. He figured Hiei wouldn't stab him with his katana for delivering this kind of news if his sister was holding his hands.
"It seems Kurama, well, rather Shuuichi, got appendicitis and he just about died. He had come over here hoping Yukina could cure him, but she couldn't." Kuwabara figured he better just say it. "Hiei, Kurama had to transform back to youko...permanently." He closed his eyes, and waited for the fatal wound.
Hiei just stared at his sister.
"We couldn't contact you, and all Kurama did was ask for you, over and over, Hiei," Yukina tried to explain. Hiei didn't seem to hear her at first. He blinked several times, then cocked his head to better understand.
"You mean..."
"Shuuichi's gone, Hiei" Kuwabara indelicately announced. There was no other way. "If the transformation didn't happen when it did, both Shuuichi and Kurama would be...dead."
"Kurama is waiting for you in the Makai. Oh, Hiei, he kept asking for you. He didn't want to..." but before Yukina could finish, Hiei suddenly stood up and flitted out of the house in a blur.
"Hiei, wait!" Yukina cried, but her voice fell on deaf ears. Hiei rushed back to the Makai.
"Kurama!"
The youko had been leaning on the large branch that poked out of their Makai hide-a-way as the fire demon came bursting in. Hiei was panting and his eyes were wide with confusion.
"What the Hell happened? I went away for three days...and you DIE?!?"
"Hey, it's not like I had any warning, ya' know." Kurama had decided he would play it as cool as possible and see how Hiei would react. "And it's not like I'm really dead." He tried to smile as he held up his arms and pointed to himself. His smile faded as he realized Hiei was not appreciating his lame humor.
"Yukina said something about not being able to heal you. What happened?" Hiei began to remove his cloak and katana as Kurama sat back down on the branch. Hiei folded his arms across his chest and glared at the kitsune.
"I don't really know," Kurama looked down at his feet. "After you left I felt really funny and my side hurt. I didn't think anything of it, but I guess things just happened really quickly." He looked back up at his lover. "I went to Yukina's for help and the next thing I know is...is...she's tellin' me I gotta' transform or I'm gonna' die. I think my appendix ruptured."
"Kitsune's don't have appendices," Hiei growled.
"I know that! Tell Shuuichi!" Kurama shot back. At the sound of the human's name, Hiei closed his eyes and his nostrils flared, while he inhaled in an attempt to keep himself calm. Kurama immediately saw the look on the fire demon's face and tried again to lighten the situation.
"Hey, look. We don't have to pay rent anymore," he said with a sarcastic chuckle. Humor was definitely not the way to approach Hiei.
"Yeah, right," was all Hiei said with a scowl. Then, very softly but with too much anger, said, "why did you let this happen?"
Kurama blinked. "Nani?"
"Why did you let Shuuichi die?"
Kurama glared back. "You think I let Shuuichi die?"
The two demons stared at each other for a very uncomfortable minute.
Kurama shook his head as he felt the back of his eyes begin to sting with tears. He looked away from his lover and bit his lip. He felt his breathing become ragged as he took a deep breath.
"Ya' know. Maybe I'm glad he's dead. Because now I know how you really feel about me." *Dammit, Kurama thought. I will not give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry.*
"What are you talking about, fox?" Hiei grumbled.
"I always though it was just me," Kurama said with a laugh, "but now I see that you really did love Shuuichi more. Well, tough shit, Hiei! He's gone. And now you're stuck with me." Kurama felt his chin quiver but he was so angry he didn't care.
"When did I ever say I loved Shuuichi more than you?"
"You didn't have to say it in words, Hiei. Actions speak louder sometimes...."
"Baka! When did I ever...."
"Hiei, I'm not blind. I see how you act with Shuuichi, and it's different than with me." Hiei frowned as he looked at Kurama, trying to recall any situation where he acted differently. He shook his head and tried to mouth a protest, but Kurama continued.
"I'll give you a perfect example. Last month, after we finished killing that Renegade and we slept here? I asked you to brush my hair, and you said you didn't have time. Funny how you always had time in the Ningenkai...with Shuuichi." Now it was Kurama's turn to fold his arms in a huff.
"Huh?"
"And just other things, Hiei. It's like you did more stuff with Shuuichi than with me. Was I only good for a quick fuck in the Makai?" Kurama's eyes shown with anger.
Hiei stared into Kurama's slitted eyes. He turned his head slightly, then made the mistake of speaking first before thinking.
"You're jealous."
"Nani?" Kurama gasped.
Hiei chuckled. "You're jealous. You're jealous of Shuuichi, and you let him die."
Kurama's eyes flooded with tears, both from incredible hurt and dangerous anger. He turned his back on Hiei before the fire demon could see them roll down his face.
"I think you better leave..." Kurama whispered hoarsely.
Hiei was gone before Kurama choked back his first sob.
It was after midnight when the youko crept silently into his mother's house. Shiori had fallen asleep reading in her favorite stuffed chair. Kurama knelt before her and titled his head with a smile. She had exhausted herself with all the arrangements she had made, taking care of the calls and letters describing her son's sudden death and all. Kurama touched her gently on the knee, waking her with a start. She looked down at the kitsune's face and smiled. But her smile was short lived as she saw the youko's face crumble into tears. He laid his head in her lap and sobbed while she stroked his silver mane.
"He's gone," Kurama whispered. "Hiei's left me." Kurama's body shook as he cried, heartbroken. All Shiori could do was offer him a shoulder. She never did understand her son's fascination with the little fire demon, but she knew he loved him deeply. She sighed, then leaned forward and kissed Kurama on the top of his head.
"We'll figure something out, musuko" she said gently, tentatively touching his soft ears. She couldn't help but smile as she felt the downy fur that covered them. Kurama looked up with tear-stained cheeks. "Give him time, aka-chan. Just give him a little time." Kurama laid his head back down and sighed, closing his eyes. He stayed that way until just before dawn, then slipped back into the Makai.
Hiei somehow had managed to injure himself sparing with a drunk Makai Scout and was seeking Yukina's help. Kurama usually tended to his wounds but he was too stubborn to return to their dwelling and attempt to apologize for acting like such a jerk. He kicked himself for letting emotions direct his speech. He was sure he didn't love Shuuichi more than Kurama. He may have acted differently but he was sure....well, that wasn't the problem right now. Yukina had healed the wound and was wrapping his hand to protect the tender spot while Hiei silently fumed.
"Why don't you let Kurama do this? He's just as good at this kind of wound as I am," Yukina explained, awkwardly trying to bandage Hiei's wounded hand. She usually didn't need to use bandages.
"Can't. Had a fight."
"Oh," Yukina looked at Hiei with knitted eyebrows. "How's he been since the transformation the other day?"
"Wouldn't know. Haven't seen him."
Yukina stopped her nursing and stared at her brother. She then continued working on Hiei's hand.
"When Koenma-san received the notice about Shuuichi, he and Botan tried to get Enma-sama to intervene, but he couldn't. It sure was a shock to them to see Kurama's, I mean Shuuichi's name come across Koenma-san's computer like that. There. You're all fixed." Yukina patted Hiei's hand gently.
Hiei made a fist to make sure his hand still worked and he looked back at his sister.
"Human bodies must be really fragile," Yukina sighed, putting the supplies back in the first aid box. "Something as small as an appendix can kill a human." She shook her head. Hiei got up to leave.
"Kurama's very lucky, you know," Yukina continued as she walked Hiei to the front door. "He got a second chance. Really, a third chance if you think about it. Not too many demons can make that statement."
"Hn."
"Hiei, listen to me," Yukina stopped and grabbed Hiei by the shoulders startling him, causing his eyes to open wide at such an aggressive gesture from one so gentle. "Kurama's only thoughts were of you. He kept saying over and over that he couldn't let Shuuichi die because he said you loved him more than Kurama. Hiei, Kurama loves you. Do whatever it takes, Hiei, but don't lose him. Kurama would give his life for you. Don't blow this!" There were tears in Yukina's eyes as her fingers dug into her brother's shoulders. He had never seen such a display of anger from her, ever.
"I didn't love Shuuichi more..." Hiei whispered.
"Then tell HIM, baka, before it's too late."
Ruby eyes met as the Koorime took a deep breath.
"It may already be too late..."
"It's never too late, niisan. Not for love."
Hiei swallowed hard and tried to think. He stared at his sister for a few moments, then raised his eyebrows. He might have just the way to show Kurama that he loved him in any form, youko or human. He leaned forward and gave his sister a quick peck on the cheek and then was gone in an instant. Yukina closed her eyes and sighed, silently asking the Gods to bring the troubled lovers back together.
It had been two days since their fight and Kurama hadn't slept at all, even though he had been exhausted after the transformation. Botan had checked in on him but he shooed her away. He was trying to figure out what he was going to do, now that all of his life's plans were so suddenly changed. He was folding up the futon that he and Hiei shared when he felt a familiar rush of ki. He closed his eyes but didn't turn around to look at Hiei standing in the doorway.
"What do you want, Hiei," Kurama spoke in a matter-of-fact tone as he patted the folded bedding.
"I think we should talk," the Koorime replied. "I want to tell you something."
"Nani? That I did this to myself, or something stupid like that? I don't have time for this, Hiei." As Kurama turned away, Hiei grabbed him by the arm. Kurama glared down at the smaller demon.
"I'm not leaving until you sit down and listen," Hiei glared right back at him.
Kurama pulled his arm away hard, rubbing the red spots that Hiei's grip had made. "Say your peace, if you must," he hissed through his clenched teeth, sitting down on the folded futon, crossing his arms and legs.
Hiei took a deep breath and shoved his hands into his pockets. He thought this time before he spoke.
"We accused each other of some pretty awful things and I think we need to talk about this. You said I loved Shuuichi more than you; and I said you were jealous....well...maybe I loved Shuuichi differently from you, but I didn't love him more." Hiei felt his eyes ache, but didn't recognize the meaning. "Shuuichi is...was...different from you, kitsune." Kurama bit his lip and looked away trying to retain his anger, thinking it would salvage his heart. Hiei walked over and stood directly in front of the youko. "I didn't know how to react when they told me you...Shuuichi...died. I still don't know how to react. It's so weird." Kurama looked back up at Hiei with hurt in his eyes.
"I didn't want Shuuichi to die so soon, kitsune," Hiei said, just above a whisper. "I thought we'd have a long time together."
Then, as if by reflex, Hiei took his left hand out of his pocket, reached out, and gently rubbed Kurama's left ear. Kurama closed his eyes and leaned into the caress.
"I swear I wasn't jealous, koibito," Kurama returned softly, with a catch in his voice. "It's just that you acted so differently with him...with me...shit, Hiei. I really thought you loved him more than me."
Hiei sat down next to his lover and studied his sad face. "I'm gonna' miss him, that's all," Hiei said, trying to hide the emotion in his voice.
"I will, too," Kurama whispered back, sniffling. "He was a lot nicer than me."
"Ch," Hiei chuckled. "He also kept himself better lookin' than you do, fox. Look at your hair."
"Nobody's been here to brush it for me, baka," Kurama replied, wiping his nose with the back of his hand.
"Well," Hiei said, as he stood up and went behind the youko. "I think I can remedy that," and he reached into his cloak's hidden compartment. "Sit still so I can brush your mop, kitsune." Hiei turned Kurama by the shoulders so his back was to him and began to brush the tangled silky silver. Kurama closed his eyes. After a few wonderful strokes, he opened them.
"What kind of hairbrush is that, Hiei? It's very soft. I didn't bring any of my old brushes from the apartment back with me."
"This is a special hairbrush. There isn't another one like it anywhere," the fire demon answered softly.
"Can I see it?"
"Sure. As a matter of fact, I bought it for you this morning." Hiei handed the brush to his lover.
In his hands, Kurama held a sterling silver hairbrush with wonderfully soft bristles. His eyebrows knitted together as he examined it. But when he turned it over to look at the back, his mouth dropped open. Kurama's eyes were brimming with tears as he looked over his shoulder at Hiei, then back down to the brush. Engraved into the back was a fire-breathing dragon who's tail was wrapped around a fox that had six tails. The dragon's and fox's tails were intertwined and completely around the edge of the hairbrush was a vine of roses, not without a few thorns. Tears streamed down the overwhelmed youko's face as his trembling fingers lightly touched the beautiful thing.
"Arigatou, koibito. I'll treasure this forever," he choked.
"Not as much as I'll treasure you, fox." Hiei hugged Kurama tightly around the shoulders, burying his face in the youko's hair. Kurama leaned back into his lover's embrace, letting the tears fall from his chin. Hiei slowly rocked the two of them, kissing the back of Kurama's neck.
After a moment, Hiei stood up and came back around the folded futon. The fire demon sat down next to the youko, who was tightly clutching the hairbrush. Hiei took his thumb and moved some unruly silver strands from Kurama's brow, then he gently brushed away a tear.
"I'm gonna' miss him," Hiei let his hand caress Kurama's cheek.
"He's still here," Kurama whispered, rubbing his cheek on Hiei's rough hand. "He'll always be here."
Hiei smiled and squinted. "You may be right, fox. You were never this emotional as a youko before. Is this something I have to look forward to? I mean besides your being constantly horny?"
Kurama smiled and shrugged. "I don't know. We'll just have to find out. We have lots of time."
Hiei leaned forward and, holding his lover's face in his hands, kissed Kurama deeply on the mouth. Kurama closed his eyes, sighing with pleasure. He hadn't kissed his fire demon for so many days.
"We have the rest of our lives, kitsune."
The sudden crush of several demon youngsters toppling over themselves onto their bed made Hiei's eyes pop open.
"Oi! What's this all about!" Hiei growled, small demon arms and legs getting in his and Kurama's face. Rami was complaining there was no room for everybody, the boys were complaining it wasn't fair for just Rami to sleep with the touchans, and the blissful morning was suddenly brought to a noisy and somewhat painful end.
Kurama looked over at his husband and began to laugh just as Wuzzy was hurled into his face. Hiei shook his head.
"Gotta' get a door..."
The End
Copyright 1998 Julie Farel
Yu Yu Hakusho is the property of Togashi Yoshihiro, Jump Comics, and Studio Pierrot. Kori, Rami and the other children are the creation of the author.