Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ Nightmares ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter 5: Nightmares

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Disclaimer: I think you know, if not, go back a couple chapters.

Warnings: Cursing and references to rape…you were warned.

Author's Note: I do not under any circumstances condone rape. It's sick and all rapists should have their dicks cut off and shoved down their dying throats.

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A knock at the door roused Yusuke from his slumber. He looked over to a snoring Kuwabara and came to the conclusion that he would have to be the one that opens the door. He pulled himself from the comfort of his bed and opened the door. Standing in the hallway was the most adorable little girl he had ever seen. Her long green hair was pulled back in a ponytail, her large brown eyes looked at Yusuke in amazement, and her chubby little hands held a bundle of what Yusuke guessed was clothing.

"Well, hi there. You are a pretty little thing," Yusuke says as he bends down closer to her height. The little girl giggles and blushes. "I bet you have a boyfriend, don't ya." Yusuke winks as she sakes her head. "You don't! Man, this is my lucky day. Can I be your boyfriend?" The little girl nods her head furiously.

"Miss Keket says dinnew will be weady in a howr," she says, handing the clothing to Yusuke.

"Alright…sounds good. Are you going to be there?" The little girl shakes her head in a negative motion. "Well, that's a bummer. I can't even have dinner with my girl. Maybe next time then. Thank you gorgeous." Yusuke blows a kiss at the girl and she skips down the hall.

"I'm telling Keiko on you." Yusuke looks up to see a chuckling Kurama.

"Oh yeah, does that mean I can tell Hiei?" Yusuke grins.

"Tell Hiei what?" The confusion on the redhead's face was not an act.

"Come on Kurama, I may not be as smart as you, but I'm not a total idiot." Yusuke grins.

"No, really, I have no idea what you are talking about. What is there to tell?" Kurama looked even more confused than before.

"Man Kurama, that's bad. Even I can see you have the hots for him. Hell, I think you and Hiei are the only two who don't know." Yusuke shakes his head.

"I am NOT attracted to Hiei! Why does everyone keep saying that?" Kurama practically shouts.

"Calm down, man. Gee, I'm sorry. It's just that you treat him differently than you do the rest of us. It seems like there is something there. Maybe you should think about it. If you don't feel anything, you may want to lay off a little, because Hiei may read something into it. I know he can be a regular little dickhead at times, but he's still one of my buds. Don't hurt him just to feed your ego. That would make you no better than the Koorime that threw him away." Yusuke turns away from Kurama and goes back into his and Kuwabara's room.

Kurama stands in the hallway in shock. What was everyone's deal? Did he really treat Hiei that differently? And Yusuke! That ningen had the nerve to threaten him! The audacity, the unmitigated gall! Kurama could feel his face turning red as random thoughts entered his mind. Maybe there was a -slight- attraction, but it was probably a passing phase. It had been quite some time since he had gotten laid. Shuuichi had fooled around with a couple of girls, but was yet a virgin. Kurama pretty well knew that Hiei was also a virgin, so he wouldn't be a good candidate for a lover. Besides, Kurama would only want no more than a one night stand. That thought made the kitsune sick to his stomach. Hiei was too good of a friend to do that to. Besides, the little fire demon was about as sexual as a rock, so Kurama would just be wasting his time to even try. But one thing was for certain, Yusuke had given him something to think about. He needed to examine his relationship with Hiei a little closer. Kurama always felt that he owed Hiei something for some reason. He first started to interact with the small youkai as a strange sense of obligation but now? Now he actually enjoyed Hiei's company. True, they didn't have deep, meaningful conversations (not on Hiei's part at least), but there was a certain sense of security there. To really break it down, Hiei was Kurama's first real friend.

Kurama finally turned and went back to his room. He laid Hiei's clothes on the foot of the half-Koorime's bed. Said demon was still asleep and had the covers pulled up so far that one could only see a tuft of black, spiky hair. What did Hiei dream about? Did he dream at all? How much did Kurama really know about his roommate? Probably not enough to fill a sheet of paper if he chose to write it down. But this thought did not make the youko uncomfortable. Kurama felt as though Hiei did not want to burden anyone with what he thought or felt. All Kurama knew was that Hiei was fiercely loyal and had no qualms about laying his life down for his `friends.' Maybe Hiei invited death. He had no fear when he fought, which was not a good thing. Was he really so miserable that he willed death to seek him out…almost begged for it? `I'm afraid I won't be able to stop.' That phrase repeated itself in Kurama's mind. Oh how he worried about his diminutive companion. Hiei wasn't allowed to die, Kurama just would not hear of it.

Kurama studied the lump in the bed. How was he going to wake Hiei and keep his head? Kurama crept closer to the bed….

"What do you want, stupid fox?" Hiei grumbled sleepily.

"It's time to get up. Dinner is in less than an hour." Kurama says as he walks over to his bed and begins changing clothes. Hiei grabs his clothes and goes to the bathroom to change.

Kurama was admiring himself I the mirror as Hiei came back into the room. The outfit in which Kurama was donned was a deep green silk, embroidered with silver threading. The sleeveless tunic had the outline of ivy leaves stitched on its soft surface. The pans were loose and had no adornment. The beautifully tailored ensemble brought out the green of Kurama's eyes and made him look every bit like one of his roses.

"Arrogant fox." Hiei snorted. Kurama turned to see Hiei attaching his sword at his side, and felt the air rush from his lungs. Hiei looked stunning. The outfit did not deviate much from his normal clothing in that the pants were almost exactly the same. His shirt was also sleeveless and died around the waist. The deep crimson silk was decorated wit black and gold threading, making it look like he was wearing flames. Hiei looked back at Kurama to see him staring. He arched an eyebrow and Kurama turned away.

Hiei and Kurama entered the hall at the same time as Yusuke and Kuwabara, which were also finely dressed in silks of blue and yellow. They stood there for a few moments commenting on their clothing, when Dante came down the hall toward them. His clothing had only changed in color, his pants now being as white as his shoulder-length hair, and a dark blue sash.

"I'm here to escort you to dinner," Dante says, now full of his earlier confidence.

"It's like he is a totally different person." Kuwabara mutters. "To think a nice set of legs and a tight little ass could turn a man into an idiot, it's pathetic. Kuwabara wheezed as all the breath was forced from his lungs due to a swift punch to the stomach. He promptly fell to his knees and looked up to see where the punch had come from, his gaze locked with the enraged red eyes of Hiei.

"You will talk of her only with the highest respect, lest you want to lose your head pathetic ningen. She is better than you could ever hope to be, so you best watch what you say." Hiei begins walking down the hall, while the others just stare in shock.

"I'm surprised that you were not the one to reprimand him." Kurama said absently to Dante.

"He really didn't give me a chance." Dante said still staring wide-eyed down the hall in which Hiei had disappeared. After a few moments, Dante blinked and returned his gaze to the Reikai agents. "I guess I better get you to dinner before I get in trouble." They all nod and start down the hallway. Kurama lags behind, feeling a heavy pain in his chest and not knowing why.

The sound of laughter caused the men to look at each other in confusion. It was deep, masculine laughter…a laugh they had never heard before. Dante opened the door to the dinning hall and entered with the rest of the Reikai Tentei. They couldn't believe their eyes. There was Hiei sitting on the table in front of Keket, who was in a chair. He was leaned over as she said something to him and a deep rumbling chuckled resounded from his chest. Some could say that Hiei actually looked happy.

"Your highness, your dinner guests are here." Dante choked out. She turned to the Fey guard and smiled warmly.

"Thank you Dante." She slid her chair away from both Hiei and the table and approached the newly arrived group. "Will you be joining us this evening? We do have guests after all, and I know that you dislike eating with just me." Keket grabs a hold of one muscular arm and looks up at him with hopeful eyes. Dante found himself breaking out in a cold sweat and in fear of passing out as he looked into those big violet eyes.

"S-su-re." Keket bit her lip to keep from laughing at the poor guy. What was it that kept the man from coming up with an intelligent sentence when she was around? Kurama shook his head and buried his face in a hand. That was not going to make an impression.

Green eyes looked over at Hiei. Ruby eyes looked up and locked with green; a play of rubies on emeralds. There was something different in the fire demon's eyes. A look of…longing…maybe? Longing for whom? For the pretty little Fey Princess? Kurama blinked and when he opened his eyes, Hiei's eyes were back into their usual inexpressive coldness. Kurama wondered about that. How could fire red eyes make you feel like ice was shooting up your spine? Hiei motioned the kitsune over with a jerk of his head and jumped down from the table.

"I have something to show you after dinner." Hiei states coolly as Kurama stands him.

"What about the others?" Kurama was a little frightened, Hiei was so unpredictable.

"What about them? They're not invited. They could never appreciate this as you can." Hiei sits down at the table as the other's approach.

They all sit down and the food is brought in and placed on the table. Foods of all sorts of Makai vegetables, fruits, and cheeses surrounded the Makai equivalent to venison. Plates were piled with food and placed in front of those at the table.

"So, gentlemen, what is it that brings you to the Daione Sidhe?" Keket asked as she poured Dante a glass of wine.

"Well, ma'am, to be to the point, your life is in great danger." Yusuke said with a mouthful of food.

"What? Why am I in danger? I have done no harm to anyone." Keket looked over at Yusuke with a worried look.

"You are wanted as a sacrifice for your power. A demon by the name of Fortinbras is looking for you as we speak. He wishes to take over the three worlds and you are his means of accomplishing that." The once cheerful demeanor was turned into fear. Yusuke felt sorry for her, but knew there was really no way to soften the blow.

"What am I going to do? My people are in danger." Keket's hands start shaking as she ponders a solution. Fortinbras was not to be trifled with, she knew that. Because of her, the Fey and everyone in the three worlds were in danger.

"Hey, you are the one in danger. You should concentrate on yourself." Kuwabara states.

"No, this is not just about me. This is about many innocent beings, beings whose lives are suddenly in my hands. This is not as simple as what you are making it out to be. If it would just affect me, I would not be worried. I need to figure something out." Keket stood and started to pace.

"That's where we come in." Kurama's voice caused Keket to pause and turn to look at him.

"Whatever do you mean?" Keket's violet eyes welled up with tears.

"We will protect you as well as take down Fortinbras. You have no need to worry, we are her to do the worrying for you." Kurama met the eyes of the fire Fey. She really did care what happened in the three worlds, which was rare for a demon.

"I cannot allow you to risk your lives for me. My life means little in the grand scheme of things."

"Don't be stupid," Hiei growled. "Just shut up and let us do our jobs."

"I didn't spend all those months trying to save your ass just for you to enter in a suicide mission for me!" Keket yelled as she slammed her hands down on the table. Hiei stood abruptly, knocking his chair over.

"You are not in much of a position to make a choice." Came the gruff reply.

"I do not have to allow you to remain here." She threatened.

"Woman, do not be a fool. You are going to need our help. You cannot be captured by that…thing. Your people will be in much more danger then, more so than now. Dammit! Why do you always have to be so stubborn?" Hiei's eyebrow twitched in irritation.

"I'm the stubborn one!? Coming from you makes that statement an oxymoron. You define the word my dear fire-baby." Keket cheeks flushes as Yusuke and Kuwabara mouthed the word `fire-baby' at each other in confusion. Hiei opened his mouth to retort…

"This has gone quite far enough." Dante interrupted as he stood. The shocked faces looked toward him. "We are civilized creatures, let's try to act like it. Princess, you must admit that we have few options but to take the assistance offered. Now you two will sit down and eat your meal in a dignified manner." Dante watched as Hiei picked up his chair and sat back down. Keket blushed in embarrassment and returned to her seat

with her head down. She glanced at Hiei and silently mouthed an apology. Hiei sighed heavily and winked in his own form of apology. He was going to have to watch himself. With the rest of the Reikai agents around, he could not be as he was before in the Daione

Sidhe.

"I am sorry for my behavior. You are always welcome here. Please forgive my inhospitality." Keket said softly, head still down.

"Don't worry about it, the shrimp seems to bring out the worst in everybody." Kuwabara states. Keket gave a shy smile.

"So, what exactly is your plan?" Dante asked.

"Well, we really don't have much of one." Yusuke chuckled and scratched the back of his head. The group collectively sweat dropped.

"You're a flippin' genius." Dante muttered under his breath and Keket stomped down on his foot.

"Now, Dante, that wasn't very nice." Keket said between clenched teeth. "I'll tell you what, we will gather the war council together tomorrow and then maybe we can come up with a plan."

"That is a wonderful idea, your highness." Kurama said smoothly, glad that this conversation had come to an end. Something about this place made a person want to forget all the bad things in the worlds. He couldn't understand whatever had possessed Hiei to leave. If Kurama had the chance to stay here forever, he would. The rest of the meal was eaten with more cheerful topics of conversation.

As the meal ended and everyone went on their separate ways; Yusuke and Kuwabara back to their room and Dante and Keket down the hall to who knows where. Kurama

started down the hall toward his room when Hiei grabbed his arm.

"You're going the wrong way. Come on." Hiei trudged down a different hallway, dragging Kurama behind him.

"Where are we going?" Kurama stated, slightly annoyed.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?" Hiei said cheekily. Kurama just shook his head and rolled his eyes as he let himself be dragged by the smaller demon. Kurama took this time to look at the beautiful hallways that were reminiscent to the Baroque era, which Kurama adored. He was so caught up in his observance that he failed to notice that Hiei suddenly stopped, so he ran smack dab into him.

"Sorry." Kurama said softly at Hiei's agitated look.

"Close your eyes baka." Kurama looked pointedly at the youkai before Hiei's glare made him follow the orders given.

"I don't know your purpose in doing this. All I know is that this better be good." Kurama felt the callused, almost tender, hands of the fire demon grasp his own and led him outside. "Can I open them now?" Kurama was getting tired of this game. They

had been walking for what seemed like several minutes and he was starting to become worried.

"What's wrong kitsune? Don't you trust me?" Hiei chuckled in his dark way that usually meant death to someone.

"Hiei, this is not funny anymore. Either you let me open my eyes or I'll do it anyway and go back to the room." Kurama huffed and stopped.

"Fine. Open your eyes you baby. I thought you trusted me, but I guess I was wrong." Hiei almost sounded…hurt. Kurama opened his emerald eyes and gasped in surprise. It was a huge garden full of many rare Makai plants as well as some that had been extinct in the Ningenkai for centuries. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. A kaleidoscope of colors surrounded them, making Hiei stand out among the bright hues.

"Oh, Hiei, this is beautiful. I had never seen so many plants in one place. Some of these I haven't seen in years." Kurama's eyes danced with joy as he let out a loud, happy laugh. "I'm so sorry I doubted you. This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me." Kurama closed the gap between them and picked up Hiei in a fierce hug. He felt the little demon stiffen and start to struggle.

"Iie! Baka kitsune, put me down!" Little legs kicked until they hit the ground. Hiei looked up at Kurama and growled.

"Gomen, Hiei, I just wanted to say arigato." Kurama almost grinned at the acidic expression of his comrade.

"Well, now you've said it." Hiei ground out as he straightened his cloak. Hiei looked around the garden, uncomfortable with the silence. Kurama took this time to study Hiei. The unwilling hero…Kurama mentally chuckled. Hiei was bad, there was no doubt about it, but sometimes the bad guy ended up being the good guy. Such was Hiei's case, but probation usually had that effect on a person…or demon. Hiei may have been a good guy if it wasn't for his upbringing. He had no choice but to be a thief, mercenary, or whatever horrible title the Jaganshi had possessed in his past. It was a matter of survival…sort of. Hiei really didn't have the will to survive, it just accidentally happened…all the time. Fate had a plan for the half-Koorime, but had not revealed its intentions as of yet. Kurama noticed that Hiei willingly accepted death, but it seemed to avoid the little youkai, much to Hiei's chagrin.

"Hiei, we're friends right?" Kurama asked, uncertain.

"Damn it Kurama, you still don't trust me? Did Maze Castle not prove anything to you? I saved your ass remember! Now you have the nerve to ask a question like that after everything. You are more of a baka than I thought." Hiei walks away from Kurama, headed back toward the castle.

"Hiei, I'm sorry! Wait! Where are you going?" Kurama watched as Hiei's form was getting further and further away.

"To bed." Was the ill-tempered reply. Kurama sighed. He had offended Hiei…again. It seemed to be a habit as of late. Kurama sat down amongst the plants, ashamed of his behavior. He wanted to believe Hiei was his friend. He felt it sometimes. He supposed that he received his answer, and, in spite of the reaction of Hiei, Kurama smiled. Hiei was indeed his friend.

*******

"Have you told him this?" Asked the voice in the darkness.

"He would never believe me. I shouldn't feel this way…especially all that has happened between us." The whisper replied.

"Can you move past it?" The voice blended perfectly with the darkness.

"I-I'm not sure. It seems so sick to feel as strongly as I do about him after what he did to me." Hurt was apparent in the tone.

"Love often has no rhyme or reason." The first voice replied, showing a wisdom that was beyond its years.

"What do you make of it? Do you think me weak?" The voice became weaker.

"No, I think it takes strength to forgive the wrong done and try to move past it, especially with him." An arm reached out in the darkness and wrapped around the cold shoulders.

"No one has ever made me feel this way. I'm at a loss of what to do." Despair and confusion was obvious.

"If it was meant to be and he feels the same way, it will happen on its own." Dark eyes sparkled.

"Arigato."

********

Kurama sighed as he finally made it back into the room. He hated to admit it, but he had actually gotten lost. Luckily he ran into Dante in the hallway, sporting a blush and a happy grin. Dante was in great spirits as he escorted Kurama back to the room. A pang of envy at Dante's cheerfulness hit the youko. His evening could have ended with the same joy if he had no insulted Hiei. Kurama actually -noticed- Hiei for the first time tonight.

Standing in the garden opened Kurama's eyes to Hiei. The whole thought of this "gift" offered to him by the little fire demon was the single most romantic thing Kurama had ever experienced. Hiei knew that he would love the garden, but was also aware the he could not give it away. So, the next best this was to share the beauty that he had found. But the moment Kurama opened his eyes, the true beauty was standing before him in the form of the youkai, not the plants. Hiei stood out among the flowers and at that moment, Kurama fought the urge to kiss the fire demon senseless. The sheer magnitude of Hiei's actions was lost on Kurama at first, but it was painfully obvious to him now. Hiei had actually, voluntarily showed an act of friendship and Kurama questioned it. He silently damned himself to the lowest pits of hell. Hiei didn't often reveal any feelings and the one time that he does, Kurama throws it back into his face. He felt like such an ass. (Hee-haw y'all)

Kurama looked over at the slumbering demon and realized that Hiei had been asleep for quite sometime. The relaxed countenance that he had witnessed before was now gone, and the fire demon looked as miserable in his sleep as he did when he was awake. Kurama sighed again deeply and prepared himself for bed. Maybe he was falling for Hiei, but he was picking a piss poor way to see if their "friendship" (term used very loosely) would go further. Kurama found himself thinking of his rejection of Hiei's offer of friendship as he climbed into bed and drifted off to sleep.

*******

Green eyes opened with a start as he heard a deep moan. The first thing that popped in his mind was that Hiei was having another nightmare. He quickly turned his head to the bed where the youkai was sleep and got the surprise of his life. Hiei definitely not having a nightmare, but was living a dream. He was halfway naked, locked in a passionate embrace with a very naked Keket.

They were sitting on their knees on the middle of the large bed, every inch of their bodies touching as their tongues and lips mingled. It was almost as if the two couldn't get close enough. Hiei finally broke the kiss to gently caress the soft cheek of the pretty little Fey before him. They stared into each others eyes with such tenderness…

Kurama blushed in embarrassment. He knew he should look away, but he couldn't…even though the pain in his chest had returned. He wished that he was on the other side of that ruby gaze instead of the temptress.

Keket raised her hand and gently traced the outline of Hiei's perfect lips. The fire demon's tongue snaked out and tenderly lapped at the digits as they passed over the crease of his mouth. A hand tangled in midnight curls as it gently tugged the head back for greater access to the long graceful neck. Tiny hands slid up the muscular back until they curled around strong shoulders for support. The full lips gently nibbled and kissed their way to the two firm globes of flesh. Feminine lips parted in an excited sigh and violet eyes closed as smooth lips closed around a taunt nipple. The moist tongue slithered around the hardened nub and red eyes rolled back in ecstasy.

Kurama felt himself become aroused. He wondered how it would feel for Hiei to do that to him. Would he react the same way? Would he touch him with the same gentleness and care, like he was fragile? Before Kurama knew it, black pants were being thrown to the floor as the princess was lowered delicately to the bed, like she was the greatest treasure in all the three worlds.

Paths of butterfly kisses were placed upon the flat abdomen and smooth thighs of the female fire demon. Her curvy hips rose in impatience as her hands gently fisted in the half-Koorime's hair. One hand traveled slowly down the length of one long, pale leg before traveling back up the inside, spreading her before him. White fangs gently nipped the inside of one knee as she let out a hiss of pleasure. Hiei inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of their arousal before lowering his head to nuzzle the soft patch of hair at the apex of Keket thighs.

Kurama felt his chest tighten even more as Keket gasped Hiei's name. The little demon was making love to her with his mouth…drinking from her as if she was the sweet nectar of ambrosia. Callused hands touched every inch of skin within reach as if they couldn't get close enough.

Insistent hands raised the dark head up for a long, lingering kiss. Lips still touching, teasing, Hiei gently eased himself into the warm wetness of beautiful demon under him. He pulled her hands from his hair and entwined their fingers as he lowered their hands to either side of her head. Long, graceful legs wrapped around lean hips that had yet to start a rhythm. Hiei nuzzled Keket's nose with his own as they breathed in each other's breath. Ruby eyes were locked onto amethyst as Hiei started a slow, gently motion. Their fingers tightened in their grip as they made love slowly, sensually.

Kurama had never seen such a caring act of love. The times he remembered making love had seemed more for physical release than this beautiful merging of bodies, hearts…souls. Who was Kurama kidding? He never made love, he fucked. A large void filled the youko as he watched as the pace stayed slow, only the force of the thrusts changed slightly. They gasped as if every movement was bringing them a stronger pleasure than before. Hiei dropped his head in the crook of Keket's shoulder as her legs tightened around Hiei. Their eyes squeezed shut tightly. Hiei let out a low groan and Keket a high pitched gasp as they mutually found their climax….

*******

Kurama jerked awake. He was panting and sweat covered his body. He ran a shaky hand through his damp red locks. That was one of the most erotic and heartbreaking dreams he could ever remember having. Kurama quickly glanced around the room, expecting to see evidence of the sensual act he had witnessed in his dream. His heart slowed as he found nothing. He pulled himself from the bed and went into the bathroom for a drink of water.

The cup was filled to the brim and Kurama gulped down the water furiously. He splashed some of the cold liquid on his heated face as he stood there in deep thought. His strong hands gripped the sides of the sink so hard that his knuckles turned white. He left his head down to watch the water drip from his face to the sink below. It was almost like teardrops. He finally raised his head to look at his reflection in the mirror. To put it mildly, he looked like hell. His eyes were bloodshot with dark circles underneath, his hair was a tangled mess, and he looked extremely pale. He stared very hard at his reflection, willing it to give him answers to unknown questions. The more he stood there and thought, the more confused he became.

Why did this dream upset him so? What did he really feel for Hiei? Did he love the temperamental youkai? He supposed he did, but was he in love with him? That he didn't know. It was possible that could fall in love the Hiei, but was very unlikely. Kitsunes did not fall in love. Hell, as far as he knew, demons didn't love. But humans were a different breed altogether. Humans do fall in love. Maybe Shuuichi was falling in love and Youko Kurama was fighting it. Why would he fight himself? The answer was simple. He was afraid of being crushed by the little fire demon. What were the chances of Hiei loving him back? Slim to none. If Hiei was capable of falling in love with anyone, it would be Keket.

It hit Kurama like a ton of bricks right at that moment. He was falling in love with Hiei. No matter how hard he tried to avoid it, it happened. Damn him. Damn that little youkai. It wasn't fair! Youko Kurama was supposed to be breaking hearts, not having his broken. It was Karma he supposed. Fate came back and bit him in the ass.

******

"You are so bad." A voice whispers and a light chuckle follows.

"Well, someone had to bring him to his senses. Might as well be me." The second voice replied.

"Did you have to be so graphic? That was rather cruel." The first voice commented.

"Trust me, sometimes he can be hard-headed and dense. For someone so smart, he can be stupid at times." A third, more familiar voice stated.

"See, it was necessary." The second voice said smugly. Brown eyes squinted in confusion.

"I still don't understand why you are helping. I thought that you…"

"Oh no, it hasn't been that way for years. Actually it never was acted upon." The second voice explained.

"Well, let's hope this works." The first voice muttered. "Even though I don't think we should have interfered."

"Some just need a little push every now and then to come to certain realizations." Stated the second voice followed by a wink.

"Well, all we can do now is wait. Thanks for your help." The third voice trailed off as its owner walked down the hall.

*******

Kurama walked back into the bedroom and found that Hiei was still asleep, if you could call tossing and turning sleep. So Hiei did dream, or had nightmares rather. What could Hiei have endured that would cause such nightmares? Kurama knew that he should try to wake his roommate, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. What was the demon dreaming?

*******

It was so hot. Hiei could not remember the last time it was this hot in the forests of the Makai. Of course he had been underground for the past eight months. The temperatures there stayed mild and comfortable, no matter the season. He wanted something…anything to cool himself down. What was that noise? Hiei walked closer and the noise became louder. He pushed his way through some bushes until he found the source of sound…a small stream. Hiei almost sighed in elation.

The fire demon stripped of his sword, cloak, and shirt before sitting near the flowing water. He looked around, making sure there was no demons nearby that would stab him a he bent for a drink. Once being a mercenary meant you could trust no one. The only beings he spotted were a small band of kitsunes a few meters downstream. Kitsunes were relatively harmless as compared to other demons he could face. So, as long as he minded his own business and ignored the over-sexed creatures, he was okay.

Hiei cupped some water in his hand and brought it to his lips for a drink. The fire demon almost moans in ecstasy as the cool liquid burned down his throat. Having decided that the water was cool enough without being too cool, Hiei immediately wades out into the water. He dunks below the surface to allow his more than warm shoulders cool to the kiss of the sparkling water. He resurfaces a few minutes later and shakes the water out of his hair.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Hiei turns to the sound of the voice to see a black kitsune looking at him like he was dinner.

"Gee Anzai, I have no idea. It's awfully small, maybe we should throw it back." The white kitsune chuckles.

"Nah, I think we should take him back to camp with us…good things do come in small packages." The red kitsune licks his lips.

"Kurama might get jealous…or steal him away." Anzai replies.

"I don't think you will be taking me anywhere." Hiei growls as he reaches for his sword.

"Grab him, Doppo." The red one yells to the white one. Before Hiei knows it, he is being pinned to the ground by a very large youko.

"Get off me!" Hiei tries to struggle, but is obviously outclassed by the fox on top of him.

"This good enough for you Sachi?" Doppo holds up a now tied up, kicking and struggling Hiei. "I think I have some wards back at camp. Let's go show Kurama what we found." The three youkos and a struggling fire demon make there way back to the campsite.

"Put me down you sick motherfuckers. I'll burn each and every one of your asses and send you straight to hell. Damn you…all of you. I hope that a rat demon comes at night and chews your dicks off." More curses and threats spilled from the angered little youkai when another youko joined the group.

"Such bad language gentlemen. Been hanging around the local pubs too much?" Hiei looked at the source of the voice and his tirade stopped in midsentence. A silver kitsune…they were so incredibly rare, and so incredibly beautiful.

"We brought you something Kurama. He's a little runt of a thing but has energy." Doppo holds his captive in front of Kurama.

"Oh my, he is a little one isn't he? Young too. He probably isn't even passed his hundredth year yet." Kurama brings out a hand to stroke the little demon's face. Hiei snaps his teeth at the approaching fingers and Kurama had to snatch his hand back quickly. "Temperamental too. Watch out boys, this one bites."

"So what do you think?" Anzai asks as he walked up to Hiei who spits in his face.

"I think he has spunk. I've seen more attractive demons, but he is pretty. And just what are you hiding underneath that ward my dear?" Kurama inspects the ward tied around Hiei's head.

"None of your fucking business, shit head." Kurama chuckles at this response. Ignoring the deadly growl and heated glare, the silver kitsune unties the ward and bares the Jagan.

"Well, well, lookie here boys, we have caught us a Jaganshi." Kurama said, obviously impressed.

"Koorime you idiot." Hiei spat back.

"Koorime? You're an ice maiden? Very funny my little Jaganshi." Kurama patted his head. "I would expect you to be more of a fire demon. You're so…hot…so male." The fox purred.

"Half." Hiei stated quietly.

"Pardon?"

"Half fire demon."

"Fire and Ice…how lovely." Kurama purred in Hiei's ear. "Do you know what that means my little youkai?" Hiei gulped and shook his head. "It means you can create quite a bit of steam." Kurama licked the delicate shell of Hiei's ear and Hiei head butted him.

"Let me go."

"Um…no. You are too adorable to let go, especially when you are angry." Kurama began to walk away.

"Kurama-sama, what do you want us to do with him?" Sachi asked the retreating youko.

"Whatever you want, just don't let him go yet." Kurama winked at Hiei who provided Doppo with more struggling.

"Get the wards Anzai, we can't have fun with this one until he is unable to move much." Sachi stated with an evil glint in his eyes.

"But I like it when they struggle." Anzai pouted.

"If you allow this one to struggle, he just might chop your head off." Doppo chuckled as he looked at Hiei with uncontained lust.

"Just what you sick bastards planning on doing to me?" A slight tremor was in Hiei's voice.

"We're going to fuck your brains out, little ice maiden." Sachi chuckled. Hiei's ruby eyes widened in fear as he began to struggle harder. He tried to get away, but there wasn't any use as wards were slapped on his body and burned his skin. A scream of pain left the fire demon…

*******

"Damn it, Hiei, wake up!" Kurama yelled as he shook the little demon harder. Finally, ruby eyes opened with a blood-curdling scream. Kurama sat back with a shock. "H-Hiei?" The fox questioned.

"…" It was dark, he couldn't see. He started to panic.

"Hiei?" Kurama questioned again.

"I can't see, why can't I see?" He was becoming hysterical. Kurama turned on a lamp and moved the Jagan's ward that had fallen in Hiei's eyes.

"Kurama, I can't see!" The demon wailed before Kurama was able to readjust the bindings.

"Calm down! If you keep moving about like you are, I won't be able to help you." Kurama's soft voice soothed Hiei enough to stop squirming, but he was still breathing hard. Finally, Kurama put the ward in its original place and Hiei opened his fiery eyes. The panic…oh Inari, poor Hiei. Hiei shut his eyes and started to tremble slightly. When had the room gotten so cold?

"Cold." Was all the demon was able to mutter. Kurama pulled him into his arms and felt the clammy, cold skin. The redhead wrapped them up in the blankets and lay down with his little treasure. The youkai just continued to tremble.

"Hiei, you have to calm down. It was just a dream. Everything's okay now." Kurama whispered to his friend whose trembling was starting to calm. Kurama just continued to hold Hiei and stroked his hair. "Want to talk about it?" Yeah, he knew better, but he had to ask.

"No." Well, that was simple enough. Kurama sighed in frustration. It wasn't healthy to shut out your own emotions; Kurama knew that as well as anyone.

"As you wish then." Kurama pulled Hiei closer and whispered soothing wordless sounds in the youkai's ear until the small bundle fell asleep. Kurama started to leave for his own bed, but Hiei clung to him tighter.

"Don't." Hiei was still asleep and probably wouldn't remember this request in the morning, but Kurama could no more turn down this plea than he could tell his heart to stop beating. He curled himself around the fire demon and finally found sleep himself.

*******

That's it for this chapter. It's the longest I have ever done for any of my fics and I hope you didn't get bored reading it. Please review. I would be very grateful.

Laters,

sirencirce