Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Blood Lust ❯ Chapter 7
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Arigatomina 
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.01.2002 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.0K | Visits: 743 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.01.2002 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.0K | Visits: 743 | Status: Work In Progress
Category: Anime, Yu Yu Hakusho, Yaoi, TWT
Warnings: shonen ai
Pairings: KuramaxHiei
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.geocities.com/arigatomina
Blood Lust
Part 7
Kurama didn't notice the tapping at first, too deep in his thoughts, but Hiei must have because the short youkai was on his feet immediately. Catching the frown, Kurama stood as well, his eyes moving in the direction of the door. Yukina wasn't supposed to be back that night. He'd convinced her that it would be best if she let him deal with Hiei, and the girl had promised to wait until tomorrow to check back. For a moment he couldn't think who would be visiting him, then the door opened and a familiar voice called out cheerfully.
"Suiichi? Suiichi? Are you home?"
A dull look of irritation passed over Hiei's features before he slowly sat down again. If there was one ningen he couldn't bring himself to be rude to, it was Kurama's mother. No matter how much he wanted to, he knew better than to treat *her* with disdain, the fox would kill him. The redhead in question gave him a confused shrug before moving out of the room and Hiei sighed, turning his face away from the doorway. He just hoped she wouldn't go snooping around. It was much easier for him to be in the house now that the ningen had moved out, but he'd been unfortunate enough to meet her a time or two in the past. He didn't think he was up to it right now. The voices neared after a brief pause in the living room and Hiei sighed again, folding his arm over his chest.
"Company?" Shiori asked, blinking at the tall teen in surprise. It wasn't that her son didn't have enough friends, but he rarely brought them home with him. In fact, she couldn't remember having met more than four of them and only one had been a girl. Thinking of the pale blue-haired girl, her eyes brightened and she gave the boy a quick smile. "That's wonderful. I won't keep you long."
"I don't have a girlfriend," Kurama murmured, looking away from her happy face. He absolutely hated disappointing her when she asked for so little from him, but there was nothing to do for it. Her small sigh made him give one of his own before turning back to her. "I didn't think I'd see you before you left," he said quickly, green eyes growing a bit warmer. "You're still going on vacation, ne?"
"Of course," Shiori said, losing that expectant look. She should have known. The boy simply didn't seem at all interested in settling down. But that didn't lessen her love for him, he was the perfect son. "I just wanted to stop by before we left. You know I don't like the idea of your being here all by yourself for the next month, it's so long. Your brother was hoping you'd change your mind."
"Ah, I know." Kurama's eyes flicked away for a second before he straightened with a small smile. "But I do have plans, and I don't expect to be alone." He moved a hand to her arm before she could get that excited look again and drew her toward the kitchen. "My friend is visiting for a while," he said, his eyes glinting when Hiei shot him a glare, the little demon looking sharply away again, "you remember Hiei?"
"Yes, it's nice to see you again." Shiori gave a small smile to the dark-haired boy, watching as those odd red eyes met her for a second, Hiei nodding slightly before dropping his gaze to the table. She'd only met him a few times, but she was always surprised at how young the boy looked. And he was so shy, it was odd her son would be friends with him. After all, Suiichi was such an outgoing boy and his young friend had yet to speak more than two words in her presence. She understood the other teens her son had brought home better, especially the tall orange-haired youth. Now *there* was a boy with a gregarious personality. Her son was watching her and Shiori sighed. "I guess I should know better than to worry about you, but I can't help it. I'm afraid you'll keep yourself cooped up in here the entire month."
"I'll make sure to get plenty of fresh air," Kurama smiled, his gaze darting to Hiei again as he resisted the urge to smirk. He couldn't help but think of the night they'd spent in the garden, not to mention his stint in the Makai. Yes, he was getting more than enough of nature, in both worlds. "I want you to enjoy yourself," he said, his expression solemn, "don't give me a second thought."
The boy had always been so independent. She almost wished he would rely on her a little, but she knew it wasn't going to happen. And Suiichi was right, he was more than old enough to handle living alone. But they were close enough that she visited at least twice a week. She didn't like to be parted for so long, a month in another country was like a lifetime away. Still, he could take care of himself. "Well, here's the number to the hotel we'll be staying in. I guess...that's all I have to give you." Shiori blinked for a moment before smiling suddenly and pulling the tall teen into a quick embrace. "I'll be back soon."
Kurama returned the hug, his eyes widening for a second when he caught Hiei watching them with an odd expression. But the youkai looked away too quickly and he dropped his eyes to his mother's hair, stepping back. "Stay out of the sun, you know how you burn."
"Oh, you never change," Shiori smiled, shaking her head. "I come all worried about you and you're only thinking of me. Take care, Suiichi."
It seemed to take forever for Kurama to get rid of his mother and Hiei was glaring by the time the redhead came back into the kitchen. But he cleared his expression the moment green eyes fell on him. "She's leaving?"
"They're taking a vacation," Kurama nodded, his eyes pausing on Hiei's face before sweeping to the empty cup in front of him. Taking it, he moved to the counter. "I'd almost forgotten they were leaving today. I'm glad she stopped by to say goodbye, they'll be gone for a month."
"Why did you bring her in here?"
The tone was void of any emotion, but Kurama's lips twitched a bit as he turned to set the filled cup in front of his short lover. "I mentioned that I had company and she immediately assumed it was a girl. I couldn't let her think that. And it's not as if you haven't met before." The youkai snorted and Kurama smiled. "You were very civil, Hiei, thank you."
The ningen was teasing him and Hiei raised an eyebrow. "I said nothing."
"But that's better than what you *could* have said," Kurama reminded him, his smile widening a bit. "I half expected you to be gone before we got to the kitchen. Does she make you uncomfortable?"
"What?" Hiei frowned, scowling at the tall youth as he wondered where the question had come from. He *had* met the female before, on the few occasions when Kurama had managed to distract him enough for her to come in without his noticing. But she'd never seen anything that would tell her they were more than friends. Why would it bother him that Kurama's mother thought they were friends? The last time he'd seen her, Yusuke and Kuwabara had been there as well and she'd barely glanced at him. "Of course not."
"I thought she might since you were so quiet," Kurama continued, his eyes drifting off to the light hanging over the table. "She thinks you're shy." Hiei must have been taking a drink of his coffee because he choked, his eyes wide when Kurama glanced at him. With a brilliant smile, Kurama nodded. "You didn't say anything the last time she saw you and she asked if you were always like that. Do you remember? You were sitting on the window, ignoring everyone, just like you always do. But she mentioned you specifically."
"Why?" Hiei asked, his eyes wide as he frowned at the male. For some reason the idea of Kurama's mother noticing him made his eyebrow twitch and he knew he didn't like it.
"Actually, she wanted to know how old you were." The little youkai had the oddest expression and Kurama propped his elbow on the table, starting to enjoy himself. "She likes to see people happy and she thought you looked lonely. Of course, I didn't tell her your real age, but I gave her the impression you were the same age as me. She offered to set you up."
"Set me up? What are you talking about?" Hiei's frown darkened, confusion added to it. He didn't particularly like the woman, but he assumed she was as pure hearted as Yukina, from the way Kurama seemed to worship her. He couldn't see why such a person would set anyone up, let alone him. "Set me up for what?"
"With," Kurama smirked, "not for. She wanted to set you up with a girl. Kaasan knows better than to try that with me, we've talked about her matchmaking efforts, but she likes to see other people together. I guess she had a friend with a daughter my age. A girl just as shy as you."
"I am *not* shy," Hiei spat, tossing his head. Kurama's mother was a fool. Even as he thought it, he glanced at the redhead, glad he hadn't voiced *that* opinion. But she was, to think he needed help finding a girl, or that he was too shy to find someone if he wanted to. "Why are ningens so obsessed with meddling?"
He knew exactly what the little demon was referring to and Kurama smiled, shaking his head. "You never did forgive Yusuke for asking your orientation, did you. He was just curious, he asked me the same thing. I suspect he knew about us even then. It certainly showed during the tournament. As for meddling, ningens aren't happy alone. It's natural for them to try to get people together."
"Ch'. Yusuke is nosy. And your mother--" He stopped himself out of instinct and immediately glared. When did he start watching what he said about ningens? Kurama was watching him and he glared darker, raising his chin. "Your mother has no place in *my* business."
"You want to be the one to tell her that?" Kurama asked, not bothered by Hiei's glare. He'd noticed that the youkai seemed to avoid talking about her, and he had a suspicion it was to keep from saying something that would insult him. He loved his mother, but that didn't mean Hiei had to keep his opinions to himself. "She's just curious about my friends. I don't introduce her to many, you know. It's her way of having a hand in my life." His voice sobered slowly and Kurama noticed that Hiei was watching him with a sharp expression. "Human children depend on their parents for everything, but I was never like that."
"They're helpless," Hiei said, frowning at Kurama's dark gaze. "I've seen them, they can't fend for themselves. Of *course* you wouldn't be like that."
"Yes, but she never understood *why* I wasn't like other children. I only relied on her for the things my body made it impossible for me to accomplish on my own. She loved me regardless. So I do what I can to make her happy now." Those red eyes had fallen from him, and Kurama sighed, leaning back in his chair. "If she wants to meddle, then I encourage it. She worries too much, but I don't see anything wrong with that."
"You hold your weakness far too close to you." Hiei frowned sharply when Kurama's eyes snapped to him. "Your love for her will kill you both."
"Hiei--"
"How many enemies have targeted your ningen family to get to you?" Sadness radiated from Kurama's face and Hiei looked away. "You care too much, and you do it boldly. If you want her happy...why do you put her at risk like that?"
The black-haired youkai looked back to him with a small frown and Kurama felt as if a current of electricity ran down his back. "Hiei... Do you think I should stay away from her? The way you avoid Yukina? If I did that, it would hurt her just as much as any enemy could. At least close to her I can make her happy, and I can protect her as well. I couldn't do that from the Makai."
"You're overconfident," Hiei informed him, his eyes dark. "It's just a matter of time before your old enemies target you again, or new enemies. Your name has lasted for decades despite your absence. And becoming Yomi's underling brought your fame back. You should know what that means."
"You think I'm in danger?" Kurama asked, his eyes narrowing. "Even if I were, what demon would come to the Ningenkai to get me? That's just one more reason to stay here. Hiei, you know the laws forbid the killing of humans. My mother is as safe as she can be, whether I'm near her or not. But...I do know my enemies are waiting. I'm not overconfident at all."
"The Ningenkai is your shelter, then," Hiei muttered, glaring eyes sweeping the pale kitchen. The baka actually thought he was safe here. If Biula wanted, he could kill Shiori easily enough. The laws were kept well enough in the Makai, but the Reikai had been in complete disorder since Koenma seceded. Biula could kill the woman in the human world and chances were, the Makai would never even know about it. Even if the new Reikai Tante were sent into the Makai to capture him, Hiei knew Biula was of too high a level for their efforts. Kurama's foolish notion of being safe from attacks made him an easy target. But at least the human mother would be gone for the next month. Hiei only needed two days, but it was good to know he had extra time. If he failed to kill Biula during the next fight, he didn't want the demon to have another hostage. He hadn't thought about it, but if Biula knew where Kurama's human home was, then he probably knew about Shiori as well. And he would have to be a complete idiot not to realize what a perfect hostage the helpless ningen would be.
"Hiei, why are you concerned about me?" The demon blinked at him, as if broken from his thoughts, and Kurama frowned. If there were anyone Hiei should have been worried about, it was himself. After all, *he* wasn't the one who'd nearly been killed twice now. "Does this have something to do with what happened?"
"Educating you is impossible," Hiei said sharply, ignoring the question. His expression turned lazy and he shrugged, shaking his head at the ningen. "I don't know why I bother. One would think you'd learn from your mistakes, but you never do." The redhead frowned at him and Hiei glowered, lifting the coffee cup. "You keep your ningen mother close to you, you'll learn eventually. A weakness is best kept hidden."
Kurama's frown softened slowly, dissolving as he watched those lowered red eyes. Hiei spoke from experience, he knew. The young demon had a weakness every bit as precious as his mother was to him. By keeping his relation to Yukina a secret from nearly everyone, Hiei had ensured that the girl would never be used against him, or hurt because of him. It really was the best way to protect the girl, but Kurama knew it was too late to do that with his mother. He couldn't simply disappear from her life, she'd never understand. He wasn't going to hurt her like that, and he thought Hiei would have felt the same if he'd spent his life with Yukina. The youkai had lived too long with a gap between them, it was natural for him to hold onto that gap without feeling the pain of separation. Yes, Hiei's advice was true, but it simply wouldn't work. "I can't leave her now," he said softly, giving a small smile when Hiei glanced at him. "I know you're right, but I just can't. I'll be on guard, though, you can count on that."
It wouldn't help him. Hiei turned his head, hiding his glare. Even if he told Kurama exactly what to be on guard for, it wouldn't help him. But that wasn't going to be necessary, anyway. There weren't that many demons as strong as Biula, and Hiei doubted another would surface after he killed the youkai. There was no point worrying about it. Setting the empty mug down, he pushed his chair back, frowning at Kurama. "Are you expecting more visitors?"
"What?" Blinking at the change of subject, Kurama shook his head slowly. "Not that I know of." The little demon smirked at him and he blinked again when Hiei walked to the doorway.
"I want a bath," Hiei muttered, frowning down at his feet. Silence met him and he glanced over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow at Kurama's wide green eyes. "Are you coming?"
Kurama blinked once more before his eyes widened and he stood quickly, a smile tugging his lips. "Oh, of course." The youkai smirked and he shook his head, following the short male with bemusement. Hiei flitted between moods almost as rapidly as he flitted between trees. It was so difficult keeping up with him, but definitely more than worth it.
* * *
TBC
--notes--
I know what you're thinking, nothing happened in this part. But I think if you read carefully, you'd realize I revealed quite a bit in that little conversation. I just hope I didn't hide it *too* well. ^__~ (PS: expect a return of the angst, I've left it out of two parts in a row and I'm suffering from withdrawal)
Warnings: shonen ai
Pairings: KuramaxHiei
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.geocities.com/arigatomina
Blood Lust
Part 7
Kurama didn't notice the tapping at first, too deep in his thoughts, but Hiei must have because the short youkai was on his feet immediately. Catching the frown, Kurama stood as well, his eyes moving in the direction of the door. Yukina wasn't supposed to be back that night. He'd convinced her that it would be best if she let him deal with Hiei, and the girl had promised to wait until tomorrow to check back. For a moment he couldn't think who would be visiting him, then the door opened and a familiar voice called out cheerfully.
"Suiichi? Suiichi? Are you home?"
A dull look of irritation passed over Hiei's features before he slowly sat down again. If there was one ningen he couldn't bring himself to be rude to, it was Kurama's mother. No matter how much he wanted to, he knew better than to treat *her* with disdain, the fox would kill him. The redhead in question gave him a confused shrug before moving out of the room and Hiei sighed, turning his face away from the doorway. He just hoped she wouldn't go snooping around. It was much easier for him to be in the house now that the ningen had moved out, but he'd been unfortunate enough to meet her a time or two in the past. He didn't think he was up to it right now. The voices neared after a brief pause in the living room and Hiei sighed again, folding his arm over his chest.
"Company?" Shiori asked, blinking at the tall teen in surprise. It wasn't that her son didn't have enough friends, but he rarely brought them home with him. In fact, she couldn't remember having met more than four of them and only one had been a girl. Thinking of the pale blue-haired girl, her eyes brightened and she gave the boy a quick smile. "That's wonderful. I won't keep you long."
"I don't have a girlfriend," Kurama murmured, looking away from her happy face. He absolutely hated disappointing her when she asked for so little from him, but there was nothing to do for it. Her small sigh made him give one of his own before turning back to her. "I didn't think I'd see you before you left," he said quickly, green eyes growing a bit warmer. "You're still going on vacation, ne?"
"Of course," Shiori said, losing that expectant look. She should have known. The boy simply didn't seem at all interested in settling down. But that didn't lessen her love for him, he was the perfect son. "I just wanted to stop by before we left. You know I don't like the idea of your being here all by yourself for the next month, it's so long. Your brother was hoping you'd change your mind."
"Ah, I know." Kurama's eyes flicked away for a second before he straightened with a small smile. "But I do have plans, and I don't expect to be alone." He moved a hand to her arm before she could get that excited look again and drew her toward the kitchen. "My friend is visiting for a while," he said, his eyes glinting when Hiei shot him a glare, the little demon looking sharply away again, "you remember Hiei?"
"Yes, it's nice to see you again." Shiori gave a small smile to the dark-haired boy, watching as those odd red eyes met her for a second, Hiei nodding slightly before dropping his gaze to the table. She'd only met him a few times, but she was always surprised at how young the boy looked. And he was so shy, it was odd her son would be friends with him. After all, Suiichi was such an outgoing boy and his young friend had yet to speak more than two words in her presence. She understood the other teens her son had brought home better, especially the tall orange-haired youth. Now *there* was a boy with a gregarious personality. Her son was watching her and Shiori sighed. "I guess I should know better than to worry about you, but I can't help it. I'm afraid you'll keep yourself cooped up in here the entire month."
"I'll make sure to get plenty of fresh air," Kurama smiled, his gaze darting to Hiei again as he resisted the urge to smirk. He couldn't help but think of the night they'd spent in the garden, not to mention his stint in the Makai. Yes, he was getting more than enough of nature, in both worlds. "I want you to enjoy yourself," he said, his expression solemn, "don't give me a second thought."
The boy had always been so independent. She almost wished he would rely on her a little, but she knew it wasn't going to happen. And Suiichi was right, he was more than old enough to handle living alone. But they were close enough that she visited at least twice a week. She didn't like to be parted for so long, a month in another country was like a lifetime away. Still, he could take care of himself. "Well, here's the number to the hotel we'll be staying in. I guess...that's all I have to give you." Shiori blinked for a moment before smiling suddenly and pulling the tall teen into a quick embrace. "I'll be back soon."
Kurama returned the hug, his eyes widening for a second when he caught Hiei watching them with an odd expression. But the youkai looked away too quickly and he dropped his eyes to his mother's hair, stepping back. "Stay out of the sun, you know how you burn."
"Oh, you never change," Shiori smiled, shaking her head. "I come all worried about you and you're only thinking of me. Take care, Suiichi."
It seemed to take forever for Kurama to get rid of his mother and Hiei was glaring by the time the redhead came back into the kitchen. But he cleared his expression the moment green eyes fell on him. "She's leaving?"
"They're taking a vacation," Kurama nodded, his eyes pausing on Hiei's face before sweeping to the empty cup in front of him. Taking it, he moved to the counter. "I'd almost forgotten they were leaving today. I'm glad she stopped by to say goodbye, they'll be gone for a month."
"Why did you bring her in here?"
The tone was void of any emotion, but Kurama's lips twitched a bit as he turned to set the filled cup in front of his short lover. "I mentioned that I had company and she immediately assumed it was a girl. I couldn't let her think that. And it's not as if you haven't met before." The youkai snorted and Kurama smiled. "You were very civil, Hiei, thank you."
The ningen was teasing him and Hiei raised an eyebrow. "I said nothing."
"But that's better than what you *could* have said," Kurama reminded him, his smile widening a bit. "I half expected you to be gone before we got to the kitchen. Does she make you uncomfortable?"
"What?" Hiei frowned, scowling at the tall youth as he wondered where the question had come from. He *had* met the female before, on the few occasions when Kurama had managed to distract him enough for her to come in without his noticing. But she'd never seen anything that would tell her they were more than friends. Why would it bother him that Kurama's mother thought they were friends? The last time he'd seen her, Yusuke and Kuwabara had been there as well and she'd barely glanced at him. "Of course not."
"I thought she might since you were so quiet," Kurama continued, his eyes drifting off to the light hanging over the table. "She thinks you're shy." Hiei must have been taking a drink of his coffee because he choked, his eyes wide when Kurama glanced at him. With a brilliant smile, Kurama nodded. "You didn't say anything the last time she saw you and she asked if you were always like that. Do you remember? You were sitting on the window, ignoring everyone, just like you always do. But she mentioned you specifically."
"Why?" Hiei asked, his eyes wide as he frowned at the male. For some reason the idea of Kurama's mother noticing him made his eyebrow twitch and he knew he didn't like it.
"Actually, she wanted to know how old you were." The little youkai had the oddest expression and Kurama propped his elbow on the table, starting to enjoy himself. "She likes to see people happy and she thought you looked lonely. Of course, I didn't tell her your real age, but I gave her the impression you were the same age as me. She offered to set you up."
"Set me up? What are you talking about?" Hiei's frown darkened, confusion added to it. He didn't particularly like the woman, but he assumed she was as pure hearted as Yukina, from the way Kurama seemed to worship her. He couldn't see why such a person would set anyone up, let alone him. "Set me up for what?"
"With," Kurama smirked, "not for. She wanted to set you up with a girl. Kaasan knows better than to try that with me, we've talked about her matchmaking efforts, but she likes to see other people together. I guess she had a friend with a daughter my age. A girl just as shy as you."
"I am *not* shy," Hiei spat, tossing his head. Kurama's mother was a fool. Even as he thought it, he glanced at the redhead, glad he hadn't voiced *that* opinion. But she was, to think he needed help finding a girl, or that he was too shy to find someone if he wanted to. "Why are ningens so obsessed with meddling?"
He knew exactly what the little demon was referring to and Kurama smiled, shaking his head. "You never did forgive Yusuke for asking your orientation, did you. He was just curious, he asked me the same thing. I suspect he knew about us even then. It certainly showed during the tournament. As for meddling, ningens aren't happy alone. It's natural for them to try to get people together."
"Ch'. Yusuke is nosy. And your mother--" He stopped himself out of instinct and immediately glared. When did he start watching what he said about ningens? Kurama was watching him and he glared darker, raising his chin. "Your mother has no place in *my* business."
"You want to be the one to tell her that?" Kurama asked, not bothered by Hiei's glare. He'd noticed that the youkai seemed to avoid talking about her, and he had a suspicion it was to keep from saying something that would insult him. He loved his mother, but that didn't mean Hiei had to keep his opinions to himself. "She's just curious about my friends. I don't introduce her to many, you know. It's her way of having a hand in my life." His voice sobered slowly and Kurama noticed that Hiei was watching him with a sharp expression. "Human children depend on their parents for everything, but I was never like that."
"They're helpless," Hiei said, frowning at Kurama's dark gaze. "I've seen them, they can't fend for themselves. Of *course* you wouldn't be like that."
"Yes, but she never understood *why* I wasn't like other children. I only relied on her for the things my body made it impossible for me to accomplish on my own. She loved me regardless. So I do what I can to make her happy now." Those red eyes had fallen from him, and Kurama sighed, leaning back in his chair. "If she wants to meddle, then I encourage it. She worries too much, but I don't see anything wrong with that."
"You hold your weakness far too close to you." Hiei frowned sharply when Kurama's eyes snapped to him. "Your love for her will kill you both."
"Hiei--"
"How many enemies have targeted your ningen family to get to you?" Sadness radiated from Kurama's face and Hiei looked away. "You care too much, and you do it boldly. If you want her happy...why do you put her at risk like that?"
The black-haired youkai looked back to him with a small frown and Kurama felt as if a current of electricity ran down his back. "Hiei... Do you think I should stay away from her? The way you avoid Yukina? If I did that, it would hurt her just as much as any enemy could. At least close to her I can make her happy, and I can protect her as well. I couldn't do that from the Makai."
"You're overconfident," Hiei informed him, his eyes dark. "It's just a matter of time before your old enemies target you again, or new enemies. Your name has lasted for decades despite your absence. And becoming Yomi's underling brought your fame back. You should know what that means."
"You think I'm in danger?" Kurama asked, his eyes narrowing. "Even if I were, what demon would come to the Ningenkai to get me? That's just one more reason to stay here. Hiei, you know the laws forbid the killing of humans. My mother is as safe as she can be, whether I'm near her or not. But...I do know my enemies are waiting. I'm not overconfident at all."
"The Ningenkai is your shelter, then," Hiei muttered, glaring eyes sweeping the pale kitchen. The baka actually thought he was safe here. If Biula wanted, he could kill Shiori easily enough. The laws were kept well enough in the Makai, but the Reikai had been in complete disorder since Koenma seceded. Biula could kill the woman in the human world and chances were, the Makai would never even know about it. Even if the new Reikai Tante were sent into the Makai to capture him, Hiei knew Biula was of too high a level for their efforts. Kurama's foolish notion of being safe from attacks made him an easy target. But at least the human mother would be gone for the next month. Hiei only needed two days, but it was good to know he had extra time. If he failed to kill Biula during the next fight, he didn't want the demon to have another hostage. He hadn't thought about it, but if Biula knew where Kurama's human home was, then he probably knew about Shiori as well. And he would have to be a complete idiot not to realize what a perfect hostage the helpless ningen would be.
"Hiei, why are you concerned about me?" The demon blinked at him, as if broken from his thoughts, and Kurama frowned. If there were anyone Hiei should have been worried about, it was himself. After all, *he* wasn't the one who'd nearly been killed twice now. "Does this have something to do with what happened?"
"Educating you is impossible," Hiei said sharply, ignoring the question. His expression turned lazy and he shrugged, shaking his head at the ningen. "I don't know why I bother. One would think you'd learn from your mistakes, but you never do." The redhead frowned at him and Hiei glowered, lifting the coffee cup. "You keep your ningen mother close to you, you'll learn eventually. A weakness is best kept hidden."
Kurama's frown softened slowly, dissolving as he watched those lowered red eyes. Hiei spoke from experience, he knew. The young demon had a weakness every bit as precious as his mother was to him. By keeping his relation to Yukina a secret from nearly everyone, Hiei had ensured that the girl would never be used against him, or hurt because of him. It really was the best way to protect the girl, but Kurama knew it was too late to do that with his mother. He couldn't simply disappear from her life, she'd never understand. He wasn't going to hurt her like that, and he thought Hiei would have felt the same if he'd spent his life with Yukina. The youkai had lived too long with a gap between them, it was natural for him to hold onto that gap without feeling the pain of separation. Yes, Hiei's advice was true, but it simply wouldn't work. "I can't leave her now," he said softly, giving a small smile when Hiei glanced at him. "I know you're right, but I just can't. I'll be on guard, though, you can count on that."
It wouldn't help him. Hiei turned his head, hiding his glare. Even if he told Kurama exactly what to be on guard for, it wouldn't help him. But that wasn't going to be necessary, anyway. There weren't that many demons as strong as Biula, and Hiei doubted another would surface after he killed the youkai. There was no point worrying about it. Setting the empty mug down, he pushed his chair back, frowning at Kurama. "Are you expecting more visitors?"
"What?" Blinking at the change of subject, Kurama shook his head slowly. "Not that I know of." The little demon smirked at him and he blinked again when Hiei walked to the doorway.
"I want a bath," Hiei muttered, frowning down at his feet. Silence met him and he glanced over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow at Kurama's wide green eyes. "Are you coming?"
Kurama blinked once more before his eyes widened and he stood quickly, a smile tugging his lips. "Oh, of course." The youkai smirked and he shook his head, following the short male with bemusement. Hiei flitted between moods almost as rapidly as he flitted between trees. It was so difficult keeping up with him, but definitely more than worth it.
* * *
TBC
--notes--
I know what you're thinking, nothing happened in this part. But I think if you read carefully, you'd realize I revealed quite a bit in that little conversation. I just hope I didn't hide it *too* well. ^__~ (PS: expect a return of the angst, I've left it out of two parts in a row and I'm suffering from withdrawal)