Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Coming Clean ❯ Finding Each Other ( Chapter 30 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: This story was written by me, mhmartini, for enjoyment purposes only. All characters taken from a show/series/book/etc. are property of their respective creators; I am only borrowing them. Original characters are mine. The storyline is mine. I am making no money from this endeavor. The only �profit� involved is the joy of writing and the reviews of my readers. No copyright infringement is intended.

Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Hentai | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.04.2005 | Updated On: 06.03.2007 | Pages: 6 | Words: 8.0K | Visits: 777 | Status: Completed

Kurama sat on the floor, numbed by the message from Hiei. After some time, he jumped up and raced out the door. The fox tore down the steps as fast as he could, slipping on the last few. Somehow he caught the railing before he fell, and hauled himself back to his feet. He ignored the spinning, light feeling in his head as he ran out the front door of the apartment building. In his haste, he did not notice the figure entering the building and collided with it head on, knocking both of them to the side. Before he could mumble his apology, Kurama's head swam, and he felt his legs giving way beneath him. Strong hands grabbed the kitsune by the arms and slowly lowered him to sit on the sidewalk. His vision blurred by his dizziness, Kurama looked weakly around, unable to distinguish the shape of the person he had just run down.

"Woah, Kurama, you need to slow down. Where's the fire, Fox-boy?" came a familiar voice. Kurama looked in its direction, but still could not focus on the speaker. Yusuke kneeled by the dazed fox, watching with concern. Kurama's head weaved slightly and he was obviously disoriented. The detective held a hand out to steady the redhead. "Kurama? What happened?" he asked slowly.

Within a few minutes, Kurama regained his senses and recognized Yusuke squatting in front of him with a concerned expression. With a start, Kurama tried to jump up, but the detective held him firmly down. Realizing he was not going to break free, Kurama slumped against the wall. "Hiei. He's gone," the kitsune said dejectedly, staring at the ground.

Yusuke blinked at his friend. The detective knew Hiei was safe at Keiko's place, but apparently the fox did not. Keiko's description of Hiei's odd behavior and her request for him to not tell Kurama where Hiei replayed in Yusuke's mind. 'Must be trouble in Paradise,' the brown haired boy thought to himself. He decided to get the story from Kurama before he did anything. "What happened, Kurama? Where is Hiei?" he asked.

Green eyes rolled up to look at Yusuke. "Hiei...left. He's alone, blind, and probably lost. I don't know what time he went. I woke up and he was gone. I have to find him before...before...." Kurama's stomach heaved slightly. Although he did not get ill, the shudder was obvious to Yusuke.

"Calm down, Kurama.," Yusuke began. "Don't pass out on me. I know you've been sick, so just calm down and we'll figure this out. What happened? Why did Hiei leave? Did you guys have a fight, or something?"

Kurama blushed a bit at the question. "Or something," he replied softly.

"Could you be more specific?" Yusuke prompted. At Kurama's irritated and somewhat embarrassed look, he continued. "Where Hiei went may depend on what happened. Is he hiding? Out to fight something? Running from something?"

Kurama considered this for a moment. "He thinks he has done something awful to me. I asked him to go, meaning leave the room for awhile. He misinterpreted that and left the apartment. I know places he would have gone, but I doubt he could make it there blind and without useable youki. He's out there, Yusuke. It's my fault. I have to find him."

"Come on, Fox-boy. Let's get going," Yusuke said, helping Kurama to his feet. Although he still had no idea what had happened, he at least was starting to grasp the circumstances. He did not want to tell Kurama where Hiei was, but he did start leading the fox towards Keiko's house. Perhaps, if Hiei heard Kurama's version of the story from the kitsune himself, things would be all right.

"Hiei? Why won't you tell me what happened? I'm sure Kurama is worried sick over your absence," Keiko prodded. She had set Hiei up in the guest room. The hiyoukai sat on the bed, huddled into a small ball, leaning against the headboard, not speaking. Determined to get an answer, she tried again. "Hiei, at least let me call him..."

"No!" the fire demon replied harshly.

"Why not? If Yusuke wandered off I would be a wreck. Kurama cares for you, he...," she began again, only to be cut off again.

"No, he does not," Hiei said, this time softly, regretfully. The sound of the phone ringing drew Keiko's attention, and she silently left the small demon to answer the call.

"Kei, I've got Kurama," Yusuke said into the receiver. "I don't know what happened, but he's a mess. He's convinced Hiei has been killed, beaten, sold into slavery, kidnapped, or committed suicide. I don't know where that's all coming from, but I don't think he can handle this right now. He's trying to hide his condition, like always, but his body just isn't up to this. He said Hiei thinks he did something horrible, and thinks Kurama hates him. I thought maybe I could bring Kurama over. If Hiei is in another room, and Kurama will talk to us, maybe Hiei can overhear and they'll get back together."

Keiko looked into the room Hiei was in. "That might work, Yusuke. Hiei is not doing so well, either. He's obviously blaming himself for something. Let's try it. Where are you?" she whispered into the phone.

"Nearby. I've been leading him in your general direction, but it's slow going. He's still pretty weak. We should be there soo,." The two humans planned a few more details, and then hung up. Yusuke approached Kurama, who had been sitting on a bench nearby.

"Hey, Kurama, you don't look so hot. We're right near Keiko's place. Let's stop in and get a drink or something," the boy suggested.

"No. I have to find Hiei," Kurama insisted, pulling himself to his feet.

"No, Kurama. You need to sit down and get something to drink. You're about to fall over. Besides, we can ask Keiko if she's seen him," Yusuke said, taking Kurama's arm and practically dragging him towards Keiko's house.

"Hiei, I want you to stay in here and please be quiet. I have someone coming over, and it would be awkward for them to see you here. Please, just stay put," Keiko said softly. Hiei gave no indication of having heard her, just remained curled into a ball on the bed, leaning against the headboard. Keiko bit her lip as she closed the door, hoping that this worked. A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

Keiko opened the door to an argument. "I told you; you need to sit down for a little!" Yusuke said, rather loudly.

"And I told you I have to go find him. Now if you are not going to help me, then I suggest you get out of my way, Detective," Kurama replied in a cold tone. His eyes showed his fierce anger at having his desperate search stalled, but his body language betrayed his exhaustion. The fox could barely stand up straight. Yusuke knew, however, that even an exhausted, weak Kurama could be a formidable foe, and he was determined to get the kitsune into the house without a fight.

"Hello, Kurama, Yusuke," Keiko greeted them. Not waiting for a reply, she took Kurama's arm and led him into the kitchen. "You look tired, let me get you a drink," she said sweetly.

"No, thank you, Keiko. I am not able to stay. I have to resume my search. Excuse me.," Kurama replied in a polite, but distant tone.

Hiei raised his head in the guest room. He would recognize that voice anywhere. It was the voice that lulled him to sleep and eased his nightmares, the voice that called him out of the darkness he now lived in, the voice whose owner he had betrayed in the worst possible way. What was Kurama doing here? Did the human wench call for him? Sitting perfectly still and quiet, Hiei listened, hearing every word.

"Oh," Keiko said, smiling. "What are you looking for? Perhaps I could help?" she suggested as she poured some cold tea for the kitsune.

"No, I don't think so," Kurama responded, turning to leave. Keiko stopped him by taking his hand and putting the glass of tea into it.

"Try me," she said.

"I..." Kurama sighed, regarding the tea he now held. 'How did she manage to do that?' he wondered. After a moment he continued. "I am searching for Hiei." When Keiko shot him an innocent, yet curious expression, he felt something was off. But he indulged her anyway. "Hiei thinks he has done something awful. He thinks he...hurt me. I asked him to go, meaning to leave the room for a while, and he left the apartment. I fell asleep, and when I woke up he was gone." Kurama voice lost its coldness. "I was harsh with him, and I fear he misinterpreted my meaning; I would never tell him to leave my life. Now he is alone, blind, and most likely lost. I have to find him before another demon does. I can't lose him. I need him." Kurama's exhaustion and fear were guiding his words. The hand holding the iced tea shook.

Keiko and Yusuke stood still, unsure what to do from here. They had never heard the kitsune be so open about his feelings; usually the fox kept everything bottled up inside, hidden behind a wistful smile. In the past few hours, Yusuke had seen all of Kurama's emotions displayed right on his sleeve, and it was unnerving him to no end. He was about to say something when a soft voice cut through the silence. "Fox?"

Kurama looked up slowly. Hiei stood in the doorway. His face was neutral, devoid of emotion. Kurama adopted a similar mask. "Go, talk to each other," Keiko urged. Kurama turned his gaze to the two before him

"You both knew he was here and kept this information from me?" the fox demon asked coldly.

"Um, yeah," Yusuke admitted, feeling a sliver of fear at the expression on Kurama's features. "He told us not to tell you. Take it up with him," the human said quickly, pointing at the small demon in the doorway.

"I will," Kurama said in a flat tone, as he approached the door. Hiei, hearing the advancing footsteps withdrew from the doorway, unsure what to expect.

Keiko and Yusuke watched as Kurama shut the door behind him. "I hope we didn't just make a big mistake," Keiko said. Yusuke made no reply. His teammates were so difficult to read. Kurama, who usually held everything inside, had been openly worried about Hiei, but when he discovered the fire demon was safe, his emotions got sucked back inside. Hiei was obviously upset about something that had transpired between them, but still kept it inside and resented anyone who even thought about helping him.

Hiei heard the door close and then silence. Assuming Kurama was deciding how best to kill him, he drew a shaky breath. "Kurama, I...." The fire demon was cut off by a thud in front of him and slender arms wrapping around his waist. Kurama's head pressed into Hiei's torso.

"Never leave me again," the red head whispered, sitting on his knees, holding his hiyoukai close. Stunned, Hiei could not respond. Kurama hugged him tighter, desperately.

"I thought you wanted me to go," Hiei finally said, still not believing that Kurama was holding him. "I forced you."

"No, Hiei. You did not force me," Kurama said, drawing back and raising a hand to gently brush his fingers through Hiei's hair. "You only sought to please me, and you did. I was afraid I would lose control. I just wanted you to leave until my body calmed down. I would never tell you to leave me," the fox whispered gently, rising from his knees to place a soft kiss on Hiei's lips. "I couldn't live without you, Hiei. Please don't leave me again." With a small nod, Hiei wrapped his arms around his lover and held on tight, inhaling Kurama's scent. Since he could not see his fox, the scent was the only thing making this real for him, his proof that Kurama was the body in his arms.

After some time, the guest room door opened and the two demons emerged into the kitchen. Yusuke and Keiko looked up at them. Although neither face betrayed any emotion, the calm aura between them spoke volumes; they had overcome their rift, and were back together.

After a brief chat with the humans, and a few subtle threats from a certain kitsune about what tragedies may befall anyone who kept his fire demon from him in the future, the two demons made their way back to their apartment. The night air was brisk, and no one glared at them for holding hands once they realized that the smaller was blind. The demons walked leisurely home, stopping for some dinner on the way. Once they returned home, they snuggled up together, falling asleep in each other's arms.

Several days later, Shiori dropped by the apartment. When she knocked Kurama opened the door. "Hello, Mother, come in. What is that?" he asked, eyeing a small bundle Shiori held close to her.

"This is Shuu-kun's newest project," She explained. "A friend of his is going to America for two weeks and asked him to cat-sit. I hope you don't mind that I brought him along. I have to go pick up some food and litter for him, and I was wondering if you could watch him while I'm out." With this explanation, Shiori unwrapped the bundle to reveal a tiny black kitten. The little puffball opened its eyes blearily; it had obviously been asleep. Licking its whiskers, the kitten turned its gaze to Kurama. One gold eye and one green eye watched the kitsune carefully, as the small black ears flicked back and forth, trying to capture every sound.

"Of course we can watch him for you, Mother. What is his name?" Kurama asked, gently taking the black kitten from his mother.

"Spam," Shiori supplied. Kurama looked at his mother with a confused expression. "It's some type of American meat product. The boy who owns the cat named it right after he discovered he was going to go to America, and he named it the first American word he learned to pronounce. That's all I know," she explained, holding up her hands to proclaim her innocence in the choice. Kurama just nodded wordlessly and carried the animal over to the sofa. As soon as the four tiny paws met the couch, the kitten began stalking towards an unsuspecting Hiei.

Kurama watched with anticipation as the furry creature stalked closer and closer to his lover. When the kitten's whiskers gently brushed Hiei hand, the hiyoukai started slightly. "What the...."

"It's okay, Love. Stay still. It's a kitten. We'll be watching it for a few hours while Mother is out shopping," Kurama explained, as the kitten continued to explore Hiei's hand. Finally, determining the unmoving fire demon not to be a threat, the small cat climbed into Hiei's lap and curled up to take a nap. Kurama covered his mouth with his hand and tried to hold in his merriment at the sight. The small puffball nestled into Hiei's lap and began to make a motor-like noise.

"What is it doing?" Hiei asked, still unmoving. Kurama sat gently on the sofa next to his lover.

"It's purring, Hiei," he said softly.

"Hn. Annoying sound," Hiei said grumpily. He had felt strangely restless all day, and his patience was wearing thin, even though nothing had happened to actually wear at it. This unease had been with him ever since his flight from the apartment, and everything seemed to grate upon his nerves. Kurama had picked up on this, and had tried to keep Hiei happy, but that was much easier said than done.

"It is not annoying. You purr, too, you know," Kurama replied.

"I make no such noise," Hiei said definitively.

"Yes, you do. You always purr when we..." With a furtive glance in Shiori's direction, Kurama leaned close and whispered something into Hiei's ear too softly to be heard by anyone else. A pink blush coated Hiei's cheeks and the bridge of his nose as the revelation was made to him.

"I'll stop," he said shortly, embarrassed.

"Don't," Kurama said, snaking an arm around his petite lover. "I like it." Hiei said nothing, but the pink stayed where it was. Kurama watched with a smile. He had never seen the hiyoukai blush like this before. He looked so innocent.

Shiori had watched while the kitten had climbed onto Hiei's lap, and had then gotten sidetracked digging through her purse, looking for her list of errands for the day. She had heard the soft exchange, and seen the blush, but pretended she had not. This act did not fool her son, but neither said a word to preserve Hiei's dignity.

"Shuuichi, I have to run to the market and pick up some cat supplies, and then I have to go to the cleaner, I should be back shortly," Shiori began, standing.

"Mother, would you like me to go?" Kurama volunteered. He knew Hiei had no objection to staying with Shiori. "I have to go to the market also, and the cleaner is on the way back. If you could stay here with Hiei and... Spam, I could run your errands for you."

"Would you, Sweetheart? That would be wonderful!" Shiori agreed. She knew her son had not left Hiei's side since the wandering away incident. (Kurama had not told her exactly what had happened, only that Hiei had attempted to go out on his own and he was loathe to leave the fire demon alone again so soon.) Kurama practically jumped on this opportunity to get some errands of his own done without having to worry about his lover. Pocketing Shiori's list and cleaning stub, he kissed Hiei on the cheek and disappeared out the door in a flash.

While the fox was out, Shiori attempted to make conversation with the hiyoukai. While this was a daunting task for most, Shiori and Hiei usually hit it off rather well. Today, however, the demon was irritable and antsy. When he was sitting, he was fidgeting. When he was standing, he was pacing and prowling the small apartment. He had upset the kitten enough by waking it from its comfortable slumber when he stood up unexpectedly, that the small cat now hid under the sofa, playfully batting out a small paw to try to catch his leg as he walked past. Hiei paid the creature no mind. He felt so pent up today, so restrained, he thought he might go crazy if he couldn't get loose. The thought that he had been acting more and more like this recently never crossed his mind, but Shiori saw immediately why her son refused to leave Hiei alone. In an effort to calm him, she finally steered him into the kitchen, sat him at the table, and put a large bowl of ice cream before him. Never one to turn down the treat, Hiei began eating rapidly.

"So, Hiei, how have you two been lately?" Shiori asked, trying to get the fire demon to talk some, so that the ice cream lasted longer.

"Fine," Hiei answered between mouthfuls.

"I see. How are you getting along?" she prompted.

"Fine." Shiori sighed.

"Has Shuuichi been going to school?" she tried, hoping he didn't just answer 'fine' again.

"No. He stays here unless he has a test," Hiei replied quickly. Shiori just nodded.

"And yet his grades are as high as ever. He is an amazing young man," she mused with motherly pride.

"Yes," Hiei answered, too softly for Shiori to hear. For a few moments, Hiei's mind wandered from his ice cream. He thought of Kurama, and how much more amazing the fox was than even this woman realized. He thought of the battles they had fought, the injuries each had sustained. He recalled the ways they would help each other, fighting together seamlessly, covering each other's backs. He thought of how Kurama would tend to his injuries, wrap his wards when he was too tired, and watch over him as he hibernated. All of these thoughts stirred a deep affection for his lover. With a start, Hiei realized that the thoughts were stirring something else as well. Luckily, his blush did not return, but Hiei made sure to remain seated at the table, since he was unable to see his own outward appearance, and did not want to flaunt this "stirring" before Shiori. Suddenly he could not wait for his fox to return to the apartment and for the human woman to leave.

Kurama finally returned, laden with groceries. "Mother, I'm back. I put the cat supplies and the cleaning in your car already, so you will not have to carry them down the stairs."

"What a thoughtful son I have," Shiori said, hugging him close. "Let me just catch that kitten, and I'll be on my way," she continued, reaching under the couch. A tiny hiss later she pulled the small cat out from its hiding place. "Well, Son, I have to go," she said, trying to contain the now awake, and very energetic kitten.

"Do you need help taking him home?" Kurama asked, eyeing the cat warily from the kitchen, where he was putting away the groceries he had bought.

"No, Sweetie. I have a carrier for him in the car so he won't get underfoot while I am driving," she replied.

"Fox?" came a soft voice from the table.

"Alright. Would you like to stay a bit longer, Mother? I could make some miso soup for lunch?" Kurama asked, hoping for a distraction from the surly mood Hiei had been in all day.

"No, Son. I need to get home and make dinner for Kazuya and Shuu-kun," she responded, opening the door.

"Fox?" came the voice again. Kurama turned to his lover, feeling somewhat guilty about ignoring him before.

"Yes, Love?" he asked as Hiei arose and stepped towards him.

"Let her go home," Hiei said, wrapping his arms around Kurama's neck.

"But, Hiei, I don't want to be rude to her. I could at least offer her lun..." Kurama stopped speaking as Hiei pressed his body against the taller form, revealing his aroused state. After a quick breath, Kurama called out, "Bye, Mom!" and pulled Hiei into a deep kiss. Shiori was already out the door, and heard his farewell, but did not witness the two forms practically melding together and stumbling towards the bedroom.

The demons made their way quickly to their bed, losing articles of clothing along the way. When they reached the bed, both were naked, pressed against each other, and their lips had not parted, even for air. As one, they collapsed upon the mattress. Hands and tongues roamed each other, seeking to remap territory that had lain untouched for far too long. Their breath became one as they joined each other, rediscovering each other, and the love they shared.

*******

Kurama gently laid Hiei back onto the bed, never parting their lips. Hiei wrapped his legs around the kitsune's waist eagerly, pulling Kurama closer. Flesh rubbed against flesh as their hands wandered over each other. Pulling away to gasp for air, Kurama dove back into a passionate kiss. Both demons were almost afraid to proceed, afraid that at any moment they would wake up, and this precious togetherness would fade into a dream. So they just continued touching, kissing, and rubbing together.

Finally, Kurama began to reach for the nightstand. Withdrawing a tube, he fiddled with it for a moment before his slick fingers began groping for Hiei's entrance. Hiei shifted his hips higher, welcoming Kurama's intrusion. He had wanted this for so long, needed to feel his fox within him. Hiei gripped Kurama's hips between his legs almost painfully in desperation. "It's alright, Love," Kurama soothed, his face centimeters from Hiei's. "I'm right here."

"I need you, Fox, now!" Hiei practically mewled. Kurama rubbed his cheek against Hiei's and nodded, continuing his preparation of his lover. The kitsune took his time, much to the torment of the hiyoukai, but Kurama knew his partner had been inactive for a long time, and took special care not to hurt his beloved. Finally, he felt Hiei was ready. As for Hiei himself, he had felt he was ready some time ago. But the fox's fingers felt so good, he couldn't complain. Aligning himself, Kurama gently pushed into his lover. Hiei moaned aloud as the feeling of fullness threatened to overtake him right then and there. Kurama allowed Hiei to relax and adjust. When the unseeing crimson eyes opened, the fox began gently moving his hips.

Hiei was in a world of pleasure. A small portion of Kurama's weight rested on his small body, the majority supported by the fox himself. Although Hiei could not see anything, his other senses filled in the blanks for him. His whole body tingled with sensation. He felt every minute movement his lover made. His hands wandered Kurama's back, touching and feeling the smooth, slick skin. The feeling of Kurama over him and inside him filled him with emotion as well. He could hear Kurama's heavy breathing and the rustle of the sheets as they moved together. He could still taste Kurama from their passionate kisses. He could smell their scents combined into the unique essence they created together. Each of these senses was heightened, keening with pleasure, and enveloping him in their buzzing cacophony. Raising his legs higher, Hiei panted out, "More. Harder."

Kurama took no time in obliging his lover. Slipping his arms under Hiei's knees, and hoisting the youkai's legs over his shoulders, he raised the smaller form's pelvis, and began thrusting harder and deeper. Hiei writhed in pleasure, moaning aloud. He had never been so vocal before, but Kurama loved to hear it. The hiyoukai began to speak with each thrust. Sometimes the words made sense; sometimes they were just incoherent sounds that escaped his throat. Hiei's hands fisted in the sheets as his head pressed back into the pillow. When Kurama hit the most sensitive spot inside of him, Hiei practically screamed his kitsune's name. Riding harder, Kurama very nearly lost control of himself, but quickly reined his body in. He did not want to finish before his lover; they both needed this.

Still groaning, Hiei reached blindly up for his lover. Kurama saw this, and dropped Hiei's knees off his shoulders so he could lean down and caress the other. Bodies pressed together, the demons continued to touch each other, their maddened pace reduced to a gentle rocking back and forth. Neither had reached his peak yet, but their joining changed from a fast, furious pace to slow lovemaking. Soft kisses and loving caresses were given and received by both as they shared their feelings without words.

Kurama kissed his way down Hiei's neck to his collarbone. A soft rumble began deep in the hiyoukai's chest. Smiling softly, Kurama continued his movements. Both demons were nearing their ends. A few more gentle rocks and Hiei stiffened. The hiyoukai felt about to explode. Feelings flooded him as his climax rushed upon him, more powerful than any he had ever felt. His body arched and tightened, and he gripped the fox painfully as he screamed out, "Kurama!" The sudden tightness grabbed Kurama like a vice, and threw him over the edge as well. Thrusting deeply into his lover, he spilled his own seed, and then collapsed onto Hiei. Both lay unmoving, gasping, and weakened by their shared pleasure.

After a few breathless minutes, Kurama turned his head to place his ear against Hiei's still rumbling chest. Smiling, he looked up at his sightless lover. "Do you hear that?" he whispered.

Hiei listened for a moment, unsure what 'that' was that he was supposed to be hearing. When he groggily realized there was a motor-like noise, he tried to isolate it and find its source. He was surprised to discover it was coming from him. "You're right." he murmured, the sound never wavering as he spoke. "Why didn't you tell me before that I make this noise?" he asked breathily.

"I thought you knew. It signifies contentment and non-aggression in cats," Kurama murmured, nuzzling into the purring fire demon's neck.

"I never was," Hiei said. When Kurama stilled, Hiei explained softly. "I never was content or submissive before you, so I think I never made this noise before." Kurama looked at his lover again, and placed a small kiss on Hiei's still parted lips. Finally, the fox found the strength to pull himself off his smaller partner and lay beside him. The demons cuddled up to each other, both drained and sweaty. Deciding they would worry about cleaning up when they could actually move again, each pressed as close to the other as possible. Had anyone looked into the room, they would have seen only one form lying in the bed, so tightly were the two small forms melded.

*******

Exhausted, the two demons lay together, snuggled face to face. Hiei could feel Kurama's breath, still heavy from their lovemaking, wash over his face. Small things like that, like hearing Kurama's human heartbeat, and smelling the crimson hair touched the small demon deeply, strengthening his love for his fox. Tiredly, he closed his crimson eyes. "I love you, Kurama," he said sleepily. The tense anxiety that had been building in Hiei for days was gone, and his energy felt more balanced now than it had since his ordeal with Intaro

Kurama tightened his grasp around his spent lover's waist. "I love you, too, Hie,." he whispered before drifting off to sleep.

The morning sun peeked in the window, gazing down on two figures still clinging to each other. The taller figure still slept. The smaller was awake, but had not opened his eyes. 'Why bother?' he thought to himself lazily. Hiei's body was relaxed and comfortable, held securely in the arms of his kitsune. Hiei listened carefully, isolating the sounds of Kurama's deep, even breathing, his heartbeat, Hiei's own demon heartbeat, different, yet almost in synch with his human lover's. Inhaling, he absorbed the scent of roses, the natural, wild scent his fox had, and the scent of their mingled perspiration from their tryst last night. Gripping slightly, he felt the smooth skin beneath his hands, his fox's skin. He could picture Kurama perfectly in his mind. He focused on this for a while; enjoying the vision he had created for himself.

After long minutes, Hiei finally decided it was time to get up. With a deep sigh he opened his eyes...and froze. Crimson hair drifted over a face more beautiful than he remembered. A strong chest rose and fell with each breath. Closed eyes showed no worry, no fear, no anger, only a youthfulness that belied the ancient soul housed behind them. Gasping, Hiei stiffened in surprise.

Reflexively, Kurama curled his arms more tightly around his lover when he felt the small form stiffen. Waking immediately, the fox opened his eyes to see what was the matter. To his great surprise, red eyes stared right into his own, not through them. Those red eyes wandered over his face, drinking in every detail, and coming to rest again locked to his own gaze. "Hiei? You can...," he whispered.

"Yes, Fox," Hiei replied, smiling. "I can see you." Kurama pulled Hiei tighter for a hug, but Hiei pushed against him. Confused, Kurama looked at him questioningly. "I just want to look at you, Fox. I've missed your face, more than anything. Let me look." Kurama just nodded, and the lovers lay in bed, staring at each other, for some time.