Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Bugs ❯ Bugs - Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )

A/N-finally! I revised this so many times that I don't even recognize it anymore!

 

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Shiori awoke early, as usual. She stretched and turned to the empty space on the bed beside her. Staring at the pillow, she thought of her family. Her husband, usually a very gentle and loving man, had completely flipped this week. Her son, also very gentle and loving, had received the brunt of this explosion. The red head currently lay upstairs with his lover. Shiori was not sure if he had awoken yet or not; the last she saw of him, he was still unconscious from his fall, being carried up the stairs by the deceptively strong hiyoukai.

 

That was another enigma; Hiei. When she had first met the small demon, he was laying on her son's bed, barely alive, out cold. That was the day that her son had been forced to reveal his secrets to her, to prevent her from calling an ambulance for both of them. When Hiei had awakened, the first words he had said to her were in anger, and as she thought back, perhaps a touch of fear. Yet, around her son, the tough and abrasive demon's heart of ice melted, and he became tender. She had seen them interact in a number of different situations. To the world, they were friends; dependable, comfortable, and nothing to think twice about. Among those they trusted, they were lovers. At first, Shiori had been concerned that the cold fire demon was not giving her son the affection he needed, but she realized this week, watching them, that they were truly happy, and truly dedicated to each other.

 

She had that with her husband. She loved him so much, and she knew how much he loved her as well. This week was very stressful on all of them. With a sigh, she admitted to herself a few key facts. She knew she would forgive him, after he went to get some therapy and proved he was capable of restraining himself around her son. She also knew Kurama would forgive him. The fox was that type of person. Hiei may never forgive this incident, but she knew he would refrain from killing the human over it. With any luck, they could eventually accept each other.

 

With another sigh, Shiori got up, and got dressed. She went to the kitchen and began to prepare breakfast.

 

When Kazuya stepped out of his bedroom, the smells of cooking food greeted him. He went downstairs to find his wife preparing their morning meal. Without a sound, he just watched her for a while. He knew he had been dreadfully unfair to her. All week he had made her choose between supporting her son and supporting her husband. She had tried to change the circumstances by distracting him from conflicts and trying to separate them, but to no avail. He felt horrible for the things he had done this week.

 

He had stayed up late into the night, alone in his bed, thinking things over. He had been raised in a strict family. They had pounded into his head that two men laying together was wrong; it was sinful, it was disgusting. It was something to be ashamed of, something to hide, and above all, something to hate. He had accepted this, and embraced this belief as the truth. He realized last night the mistakes in that thought process. While he chose to believe what his family taught him, he had no right to try to change his stepson and Hiei's relationship while he stayed in their home. It occurred to him that that is exactly what he was trying to do. Some stupid part of him thought that if he could police them, and make it inconvenient for them to be together, that they would just stop being together. The idea that love could exist in a same sex relationship had never even entered his thoughts, until he saw the care evident when Hiei tended his ill lover. The soft voice, the gentle touch, the defensive attitude; all of these would be his exact reaction if something had happened to Shiori. Perhaps his bigoted family was wrong. Maybe they had overlooked a key element in any relationship. Maybe the two demons laying together was more than a physical fling.

 

“Shiori?” he called out softly. She heard her name, and turned to see him. She smiled at him warmly, despite the chill between them. “I think, maybe, I've been wrong about some things. I'm sorry. I know I said I wanted to give Shuuichi a chance, but I don't think I ever really did. I'm sorry for that, too.” he said.

 

Smiling, Shiori walked over to him, and placed her hand on his cheek. “I know it's difficult for you, Kazuya. Shuuichi is everything you have been told to hate. I doubt I could have accepted him if circumstances were different. One thing that helped, however, was the realization that he is the same Shuuichi he was before I knew. The only thing that changed was my perception, not my son. I had to accept that, and then, there was no question about accepting him, because I always had, and nothing had truly changed.” Hatanaka nodded silently.

 

After a moment he spoke. “I need to go out for a bit, Honey. I'll be back later.” Shiori nodded, and he left the house.

 

Hiei usually was awake at morning's first light. Today, however, he slept in a bit, snuggled in the warm embrace of his fox. When he finally did open his eyes, he looked at the face before him.

 

Kurama's left eye was still swollen, and had bruised overnight. The kitsune, despite the angry looking injury, was sleeping peacefully with a small smile on his lips. Hiei just watched him as he slumbered. After about a half an hour, the kitsune finally stirred. The fox slowly opened his right eye to look at his lover.

 

“Good morning, Fox. Did you sleep well?” Hiei asked softly.

 

“Mmmm.” Kurama murmured as he stretched. “I slept like a baby. I love you, Itooshi.” Hiei just smiled and rubbed his nose against Kurama's. After a few more minutes, the fire demon rolled over and stood up.

 

“Let me get my robe on, and I'll help you up.” he began to say, but he was cut off by a thud behind him. Turning, he saw Kurama sitting on the floor, wincing. The kitsune had tried to get out of bed and walk, and the tender, damaged soles of his feet would not support him. “What do you think you're doing, Fox?” Hiei asked, coming over to assist his lover.

 

“I can walk, Hiei. I just wasn't prepared. It hurts a little, but I've endured worse.” Kurama responded, trying to use his feet to stand.

 

Hiei stopped him by scooping him up, and setting him back onto the bed. “Just because you can tolerate the pain doesn't mean you should have to, Fox. At least, not when you have me to carry you around.” Hiei reasoned, planting a small kiss at the corner of Kurama's mouth. “Now relax of a moment, I'll be right back for you.” he directed. A few minutes later, Hiei was bundling Kurama into his robe, and taking him to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

 

Once the demons were properly cleaned and prepared for the morning, Hiei assisted his fox in getting dressed, and picked him up to carry him downstairs. Kurama tried to protest, But Hiei silenced him with a deep kiss and a gentle squeeze. When they broke apart, Hiei said breathlessly, “Let me baby you, Fox. It makes me feel better for not killing him before he could hurt you.” Kurama just gave his fire demon a wry look, and allowed himself to be carried down the stairs.

 

Hiei was very careful not to bump Kurama's bandaged feet on the railing as he carried the kitsune down to the kitchen. As the two entered the kitchen, they saw Shiori preparing breakfast, her back to the doorway.

 

“Good morning, Mother.” Kurama said from Hiei's arms.

 

Shiori spun around. “Good morning, Shuuichi. Oh my.” Her greeting trailed off at the sight before her. Half her son's face was black and blue, his eye was swollen shut, his feet were bandaged to his ankles, and he was being carried, effortlessly, by his much smaller lover. Shiori quickly went to the table and pulled out a chair. Hiei gently sat Kurama on the chair and pulled another close. Very carefully he propped the fox's feet up on it.

 

“Good morning, Hiei.” Shiori said softly, unsure if the small demon was in a better mood or not.

 

“Good morning, Shiori” Hiei replied amicably. Shiori was relieved at his tone, much friendlier than the night before. With one of her concerns put to rest, she turned to her son to resolve the rest.

 

“How are you feeling today, Shuuichi?” she asked, brushing his hair off his face to examine his injury.

 

“I'm fine, Mother.” Kurama replied, tilting his head to humor her. She didn't seem to believe him. “Really, Mother, I am fine.” he protested. “I am able to walk as well, but someone...” Kurama pointedly looked at Hiei. “...refused to let me.” Hiei just shrugged and smiled. Kurama smiled back at him. Shiori saw this playful exchange and relaxed a bit. It seemed her son was in good hands.

 

Shiori turned back to the stove to finish breakfast. She had made a western style breakfast, and brought the plates of eggs and sausage to the table. Once everyone had a full plate before them, they began to eat.

 

“I hope you like eggs. I was going to make french toast, but I couldn't find any maple syrup.” Shiori began nervously. Kurama picked up the tone. There was something on her mind, and she wasn't sure how to say it, so she was making small talk until it finally came out.

 

“Neither Hiei nor I like maple syrup, so we don't usually have any. We can pick some up if you would like.” he offered.

 

“No, no, Sweetheart. You just relax. I may pick some up later today. I have a few errands to run.” A small, uncomfortable silence overtook the room. To break it, Shiori said, “Your new refrigerator is wonderful; I can reach everything inside of it.” After this comment, the silence hung between them again.

 

Finally, Shiori set down her fork. “Shuuichi, Hiei, I'm sorry.” she whispered, staring at the table. It seemed the small talk was over. She continued, “I never should have let things get so out of hand. I was trying to be a dutiful wife, but I forgot that I am a mother first. I'm so sorry. I...” She stopped speaking when she felt a warm hand grasp her own. Looking up, she saw her son holding her hand.

 

“It's not your fault, Mother. This conflict has been brewing for a long time now, ever since he got me that apartment. That was a patch, a way of avoiding the real issue. Now, we've been forced to face each other. I think we'll come out of this much stronger, and much closer. There was nothing anyone could have done to prevent this.” Shiori smiled wistfully at his gentle words, and softly squeezed his hand.

 

The distinct murmur of `murder may have helped' was heard coming from Hiei's general direction, but no one commented on this.

 

Loud foot stomps echoed down the stairs at the front of the house. Shuu-kun burst from the stairwell into the living room and headed towards the kitchen. “Morning, Mom. Morning, Hiei. Morning, Shuui...woah!” He stopped as Kurama turned to face him. “That's some shiner! It takes up half your face! Did you get a picture?” the younger boy asked eagerly.

 

“Shuu-kun, come have some breakfast.” Shiori said, laughing, as she rose to her feet to give her chair to the boy since all four were currently being used.

 

“No, don't get up, Mother. He can have the chair my feet are on.” Kurama began.

 

“No, Sweetheart, I really think you should keep them up.” Shiori protested.

 

“But you shouldn't have to get up.” Kurama countered politely.

 

“No, Dear, it's not problem.” Shiori responded.

 

“Ningens.” Hiei muttered, shaking his head. He stood and pushed his chair to Shuu-kun. He then picked up Kurama's feet, sat on the chair, and placed the feet in his lap.

 

“Oh, okay.” Kurama and Shiori said, practically in unison. Shuu-kun laughed.

 

“Yeah, they're definitely related.” he joked. Everyone at the table smiled.

 

The group continued their meal quietly. When the last bits of food had disappeared, Shuu-kun regarded his stepbrother intently. “I didn't mean to get Dad all mad at you, Shuuichi. I'm sorry.” he said.

 

Kurama smiled at the younger boy. “It is no fault of yours. The tension had been building all week.” Hiei nodded his agreement.

 

Relieved, Shuu-kun began to ask some questions he had thought up last night. “So, Shuuichi, you're a demon?” When Kurama nodded, Shuu-kun continued. “Your demon name is Kurama, and that's why Hiei calls you that, right?” Another nod. “So, um, could I call you Kurama, too?”

 

Kurama was a bit surprised at this request. “Why?” he asked.

 

“Well,” the younger boy began. “I feel kinda weird calling you by my name, even though it is your name, too. Well, your human name. So, If I can call you Kurama, then I won't feel funny about it. And, no offense, I can have my name back. Even if everyone else keeps calling you Shuuichi, I know the difference. I know it sounds dumb like that, but it's true.”

 

Kurama regarded his stepbrother carefully. In a strange way, it did make sense to him. “You may call me whichever name you like. But, as you have pointed out, others will still call me Shuuichi.” At this the boy nodded happily.

 

Shiori smiled and shook her head. “I will still call you Shuuichi, after all, it IS what I named you.” she said merrily.

 

“Of course, Mother. I wouldn't have it any other way.”

 

When the breakfast dishes were cleared, the group relocated to the living room. Hiei gently placed Kurama on the sofa and covered him with a light blanket. Shuu-kun watched them with interest.

 

“So, Hiei, you're a demon. You guys are both demons, but you look so different. What are you guys, Um, I mean, what kind, oh, this is just sounding wronger by the minute.” Shuu-kun blushed a bit at his inability to ask the question without sounding completely rude.

 

“Don't worry about it.” Kurama reassured him with a smile. “I am a fox spirit. I am actually Youko, not youkai. It's still a demon, but a different type of apparition. Animal based spirits have different abilities and appearances than other demons. I can manipulate plants. I do look different from Hiei, and different from other youko for that matter. I was injured badly many years ago, and sought refuge in Ningenkai. That is how I was born, as a human, to Mother and Father. When Father passed on, it was just Mother and me. She taught me many things foreign to the demon world, and I live here now, in a human body.”

 

“So, the you that I am looking at is just a human?” Shuu-kun asked, almost disappointed.

 

“Yes and no. My body is very human. It cannot withstand the damage my demon body can. It is not as strong. But, it is imbued with my demon energy, so it heals faster than a normal human, and is stronger, and capable of surviving more damage. I am able to change into my demon form at will. I choose to remain in this form.”

 

“Why? If I had a demon form, I would stay in that all day long.” Shuu-kun said.

 

“Would you? My demon form is tall, over seven feet tall. I have silver hair, fox ears, and a silver tail. As an animal spirit, I also have an animal form; that of a five tailed silver fox. Which form should I wear to school? Which would be the best for a job interview? For grocery shopping? For going to the mall?” Kurama countered.

 

“I see your point. But, as a demon, you wouldn't even have to go to school. You could just blow the school up if you wanted to. You could take over the human world and do whatever you wanted to!” Shuu-kun mused. At this, Hiei laughed aloud. “What?” Shuu-kun asked, slightly hurt.

 

“I tried that. It's not as easy as it sounds.” Hiei informed him. At this, Shuu-kun's eyes grew wide.

 

Before the boy could launch into a tirade of questions, Hiei explained. “I am a mixed demon. My father was a fire demon. My mother was a koorime, an ice apparition. They are slightly different from other demons. I was considered a Forbidden Child among the Koorime, and cast out of their society. I “grew up”, so to speak, among a band of thieves. Awhile back, I decided to try to take over Ningenkai. So I enlisted the aid of two partners in crime, and we made our move. Eventually, we were stopped.” Hiei summarized.

 

“Wow. Who stops a demon bent on world conquest?” the riveted boy asked.

 

“That is the job of a Spirit Detective.” Kurama explained. “The Spirit Detective in question is Yusuke Urameshi.”

 

Some of this information caught Shiori off guard. Her son had told her how he had met the fire demon; Hiei had tried to kill him thinking he was someone else, when Kurama was younger. During the fight, Kurama had badly injured the demon. Instead of killing him, he had snuck the hiyoukai into his bedroom and nursed him back to health. He had not told his mother or their subsequent joint venture: the one that had resulted in Shiori's miraculous recovery due to the Mirror of Utter Dark, and in the parole of her `perfect son' and Hiei. She also had not known that the Urameshi boy was such a powerful figure among demons.

 

“So, then, you have a gang of demons?” Shuuichi-kun prompted Hiei.

 

“No. One of our band was killed. The other one was released on probation from Reikai. I was imprisoned briefly. When the Junior Lord of Reikai realized that my skills were better used in his service than in his prison, he released me on parole to aid the Spirit Detective. The parole was recently lifted, and I am currently free. I believe my other accomplice had much to do with this arrangement, but he refuses to admit as much.” Hiei said, carefully keeping his `accomplice's' identity hidden.

 

“Wow. Can I see your demon powers? Do something demon.” Shuu-kun asked excitedly.

 

Hiei fixed the boy with a glare. “Perhaps, some day, you will witness my demonic abilities. But since I use them mostly in battle, it would be prudent for you to hope that you never have to see them.” Kurama nodded his agreement. He had not even shown his mother either of his demonic forms. The human boy just nodded, overwhelmed with the information he had received that morning.

 

After this, the conversation turned to lighter topics. Shiori still wanted to ask Hiei a few questions about his criminal past, but would let that rest for now. The four were still chatting (three were chatting, Hiei was listening.) when the door opened and Kazuya walked in.

 

Hatanaka was a bit surprised to see the whole family together in the living room when he arrived back at the house. He had hoped to speak to his wife alone before he had to face his stepson and Hiei again. But, he did have something to tell the entire family, and since everyone was present, this seemed to be a good time. Tentatively he approached the group.

 

“Hello, everyone. I'm glad to see everyone is here, I have some things to say.” he started slowly. When he received attentive silence in response, he continued. “First of all, I'm sorry. I apologize to everyone for the way I have been acting this week. I would like to also apologize to Shuuichi for interrupting his life so much, and for hurting him. I have been thinking about what's been going on. I think Shiori is right. I need some help to accept things. I went to my doctor this morning and told him what happened. He gave me the number of a specialist. This therapist deals with parent/adolescent conflicts, and specifically with helping one to accept choices the other has made against one's approval. I think he can help me accept you two. I have an appointment tonight. But, for the first appointment, he wants to see everyone. Usually the appointments are one hour, but the initial appointment is longer. He wants to meet us all and get an impression of all of us so he can help me better. I made the appointment for five o'clock, thinking we could all go out and get a late dinner afterwards. Is that alright?”

 

Shiori nodded, and looked to her son. Kurama looked at his stepfather. “That's fine with me.” Dropping his gaze to his lover, he asked, “Hiei?”

 

“Why should I go? I'm not related to him, and I don't need some ningen telling me how to think.” the hiyoukai practically spat.

 

“Hiei, Love, we all need to go. It won't be that bad. Please?” Kurama asked softly.

 

Hiei just glared for a moment. Finally he rolled his eyes. “Fine.”

 

Hatanaka looked at his son. “Shuu-kun?”

 

“Me, too? Sure, I guess five is good.” the boy responded.

 

With that settled, the family began to disperse. Shuu-kun went outside to play around a bit before they had to get ready to go. Shiori called her husband into the den with her. “I'm proud of you, Dear.” she said softly, kissing him on the cheek. He wrapped his arms around her, and held her silently.

 

Hiei and Kurama remained on the sofa. “Thank you, Hiei, for humoring us ningen.” Kurama said teasingly. Hiei just shook his head and snuggled up to his fox. “Hiei?” Kurama asked after a moment. “I think Mother may try to question you about your attempt at world conquest later on. I think that kind of caught her off guard.”

 

Hiei moved so he could look up at his fox's face. “Have you told her any of it?” Kurama shook his head. “I'll be careful what I say.”

 

“Love, just tell her what she wants to know. She'll find it out sooner or later, anyway.”

 

“That's a change, Fox. You went through how many years hiding who you are, and now you are telling me to just come clean with her?” Hiei teased.

 

“Even old foxes can learn a thing or two from ningen.” Kurama mused, hugging his lover closer to him.

 

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A/N-Basically a set up chapter. I can't wait to try to write Hiei in therapy. He has until five o'clock to try to firgure out which things are `bad' to tell a psychologist. Heh heh heh. And don't even think Shiori will forget her questions about Hiei's shady past. She asked her son about being on top, she isn't shy. As you can see, the next chapter is planned. Writing it...that may be more difficult. Words have not been my friend. Also, I keep writing “to the” as “tot he”, which is immune to spell checker. I had reread this a zillion times, but if some tot he's got through, I apologize. I can't read it anymore. I have revised t so many times, I am sick of it! I just need to post and move on (kind of like chapter three was, but at least this one has a point) Review if you feel so inspired, thanks.

 

PS-Thank you to my reviewers. Please don't be offended that I don't list you until next chapter. It's two am, and I'm beat. I promised myself I would post this before I went to sleep, though. I appreciate the reviews, and I will include a list next chapter. Gomen.