Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ FRIENDS & LOVERS ❯ Chapter 10 ( Chapter 10 )

Thanks everyone that reviewed. I’m glad you’re liking this. I know the lemon chapters are the most popular but sometimes chapters without lemons, like this one, are an essential part of a good story. I know Kurama’s been super emo in this but don’t worry he’ll be back to his old self soon, just not in this chapter. This is almost over, in fact the next chapter just might be the end, that or next to the end.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho. Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters are property of Yoshihiro Togashi, Fugi TV, Shueisha, Jump Comics and Studio Pierrot. The only thing I own is a love for Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters.

FRIENDS & LOVERS

Chapter 10

Sensing Kurama’s unease both Hiei and Yusuke were about to reach out to him but were a moment too late. Kurama gave a whispered “I can’t do this” then with a swirl of ki the redhead transformed into his fox form and raced down the street away from the apartment. In a flash Hiei and Yusuke took off after him.

Knowing that in this form Kurama might be able to elude them Hiei and Yusuke sped through the city in pursuit of their fox. Never in his life had Hiei felt nearer to heart failure as when he heard screeching car tires ahead of them. The crash that followed only made him go faster. Arriving at the scene of what was luckily only a three car fender bender both men quickly scanned the area for Kurama’s ki before racing away again.

With the city almost behind them Hiei and Yusuke knew they needed to find a way to get a jump on the elusive fox before he got to the woods. Once Kurama left the city and was surrounded by plants he could easily escape. At a nod from Hiei Yusuke darted down an ally. The route Kurama was taking would lead him around the heavily trafficked warehouse district at the edge of town that Yusuke was now cutting through.

Hiei could now see the silver fox less than a block away running close to the buildings where there were few obstacles in his way. Using the jagon Hiei guided people into Kurama’s path causing him to slow down as he darted around them. Hiei didn’t bother to mask his ki as he gained ground on the fox. With Yusuke’s ki masked Kurama might not be aware that they were leading him into a trap.

Leaving the city behind Kurama raced towards the dense trees ahead. With Hiei right on his tail Kurama thought he had made it when suddenly Yusuke appeared from behind the first group of trees and snatched him up. Too close to stop in time Hiei too made a grab for them both and the three of them tumbled to the ground.

When they finally came to a stop Kurama found himself pinned between his lovers. Before he could raise his ki and summon help from his plants Hiei grabbed him by the scruff. “Don’t even think about it Fox!”

Yelping at Hiei’s rough treatment Kurama wasn’t surprised to hear Yusuke was angry as well. “Damn it Kurama, enough of this crap! Change back so we can talk! NOW!”

Marked as he was Kurama knew his only option was to obey his lovers. Raising his ki Kurama transformed. Even though they weren’t happy with him both Hiei and Yusuke took a moment to hug the redhead between them before pulling back to glare at him. Hiei was the first to growl at Kurama. “What the hell has gotten into you Fox? You could have been crushed by those ningen contraptions!”

Not to be left out Yusuke scolded at him as well. “Damn it Kurama you nearly gave us a heart attack back there!”

With his heart pounding from the run and the close proximity of his lovers, Kurama just shrugged and whispered. “I just had to get away.”

Yusuke glanced at Hiei before taking a deep breath to calm down before speaking again. “Kurama, a few hours ago we were making love then we woke to find you gone. Everything was fine when we left your mom’s then suddenly you ran off. Babe, we love you. Talk to us, tell us what we can do to help you.”

Seeing their concern Kurama was unable to meet their eyes as he spoke softly. “I told you but you didn’t listen.”

Hiei looked at Yusuke and frowned. “What did you tell us Fox?”

Kurama settled against Yusuke’s chest as he glanced sadly at Hiei. “I told you I couldn’t do this. I love you so much more now than I ever did, if I allow this to happen it will only hurt that much more when you leave me.”

Pulling Kurama closer Yusuke tried to reassure him. “Kurama, we love you, if you’ll just accept us we’ll never leave you.”

Quietly Kurama responded. “I know you won’t Yusuke. I’m sorry you have to go through this, you never did anything wrong. When you were with Hiei you didn’t know he was my lover. Later, when we were together you didn’t know that Hiei was the lover that left me. Hiei however knew exactly what he was doing.”

Yusuke just held him after that realizing it wasn’t him Kurama was afraid would leave but Hiei. Hiei’s eyes widened at Kurama’s words. “Damn it Kurama, I left because I didn’t want to hurt you but I came back for you. I love you Fox and if you give me a chance I’ll never leave you again.”

Even though Kurama began to tremble in Yusuke’s arms his voice became hard as he glared at Hiei. “You loved me before too Hiei but you still cheated on me, you still left me. How can I ever trust that you won’t do it again?”

No emotions showed on Hiei’s face as he stared at Kurama for several moments before looking at Yusuke. Hiei then closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. When he opened them Hiei reached out to caress Kurama’s cheek. Leaning closer he kissed Kurama gently. When Hiei pulled back it was only slightly before he moved to kiss Yusuke just as tenderly.

Sensing something was wrong Yusuke tried to hold on to Hiei as he ended the kiss but Hiei pulled away and looked at Kurama. “You’re right Fox, you did tell us and we didn’t listen. Well, I’m listening now Kurama and it seems you’ve made your decision. As promised I will return to Makai and I won’t be returning. Yusuke, take care of our fox, he loves you and he trusts you. I love you both… always.”

Yusuke couldn’t believe this was happening as he held Kurama tight. In his arms Kurama struggled against him as he reached out but Hiei was already gone. The silence of the forest was pierced by Kurama’s scream. “HIEI NOOOOO!”

Through the course of their turbulent relationship Yusuke had seen Kurama upset but never like this. Yusuke had never been so torn in his life. He loved Hiei and wanted nothing more than to hunt the fire demon down and beat the crap out of him for being so stupid as to leave the men he claimed to love. Right now however there was no way he would leave his beloved fox as the redhead sobbed against his chest.

Knowing that Hiei wasn’t coming back Yusuke gave Kurama a few minutes then pulled him to his feet. Holding the redhead close Yusuke led them home. Back at the apartment Yusuke tried to get him to lie down but Kurama refused to go into the bedroom where the scent of their earlier lovemaking still filled the air. After settling Kurama on the sofa Yusuke put water on for tea then stripped the bed putting the sheets in the washer.

Going back to the living room Yusuke knelt beside his lover. Though Kurama had stopped crying some time ago he was still distraught. Yusuke stroked Kurama’s cheek until lifeless green eyes finally met his. “, tell me which tea I should fix you. How about something soothing that will calm you?”

Slowly Kurama answered. “Blue tin.”

Yusuke stroked Kurama’s hair briefly before going to make the tea. When he returned Kurama reached for the mug almost too eagerly. Before the redhead could take it Yusuke held it out of reach while looking at him skeptically. “Not so fast Fox. What the hell is this stuff? What’s it going to do to you?”

Unable to meet Yusuke’s eyes Kurama whispered. “It will make me sleep and take away the pain.”

Yusuke was still wary. “How long will it let you sleep?”

Looking up Kurama saw the concern in Yusuke’s eyes. “Unfortunately Yusuke, it will only be for a few hours.”

Relenting, Yusuke gave Kurama the tea. Two hours later the redhead slept curled up protectively at one end of the sofa as Yusuke remade the bed. When the phone suddenly rang Yusuke jumped on it so it wouldn’t wake his fox. “Minamino residence.”

On the other end of the phone was Kurama’s mom. Shiori was calling to tell them that Kazuya woke with no memory or ill effects of the events that morning. After explaining that Kurama was asleep Yusuke filled her in on what had happened since leaving her house. The only thing that kept her from rushing over was that Kurama needed sleep more than he needed his mother.

After hanging up with Shiori Yusuke turned down the freshly made bed then went to get Kurama. Gently lifting Kurama in his arms Yusuke carried him to bed. The redhead barely stirred as Yusuke stripped him before tucking him in. Having nothing better to do Yusuke stripped and joined his lover.

Looking down at his lover Yusuke sighed. Brushing red hair back from Kurama’s face Yusuke whispered down at him. “Damn it Kurama, I know how much you love him. How could you let him go?”

As if he’d heard Yusuke’s words Kurama whimpered in his sleep, blindly reaching out to him. As soon as Yusuke wrapped Kurama in his arms the fox settled down. Closing his eyes Yusuke sent up a silent prayer. “Please let us get through this and let Hiei be alright.”

XXXXX

Kurama’s tea had allowed the demon to sleep through the night. When he woke the next morning Kurama did his best to put on a brave front for Yusuke’s sake. Unfortunately he failed miserably. Yusuke didn’t fail to notice that Kurama hadn’t truly smiled since that day. Nor had it escaped his attention that Kurama hadn’t eaten enough to keep a bird alive in the last five days.

Kurama wasn’t the only one putting up a front. Yusuke knew how much Kurama was hurting and tried to be patient and supportive but inside he was furious. He loved Kurama and knew Kurama loved him but he loved Hiei too and wasn’t sure how he was going to forgive his fox for being stupid enough to let their fire demon go. Both men knew they’d have to talk about their feelings eventually but so far their missing lover was subject neither wanted to discuss.

The most telling sign that both demons were suffering from Hiei’s loss was that they hadn’t made love even once since he’d been gone. They were polite and superficially affectionate towards each other but that’s where it ended. Both when they had first become lovers as well as after Hiei and Yusuke had marked Kurama sex was something they did where ever and when ever the mood struck them. It wasn’t uncommon for them to forgo sleep in favor of making love all night.

It was midmorning and Kurama sat alone on the sofa. Hiei had been gone five days and his relationship with Yusuke was deteriorating rapidly. As much as he hated to admit it Kurama knew all of this was his fault. Knowing something had to change Kurama had snuck out of bed hours before sunrise to think. Now as he waited for Yusuke to get out of the shower he still hadn’t found any answers.

Hearing the bedroom door open Kurama turned and tried to smile at Yusuke. “Good morning Yusuke, did you sleep well?”

Yusuke shrugged. “Not really Fox, I don’t like sleeping alone.”

Kurama patted the sofa beside him and waited for Yusuke to take a seat. “I know Koi and I’m sorry. If we’re honest we’ve both been alone for days. As hard as this will be I think it’s time we talked.”

Yusuke nodded as he waited to see what Kurama would say. “I know you’re angry with me and you have every right to be. I’ve been foolish, selfish and unreasonable and we’re all suffering because of it.”

Encouraged by Kurama’s words Yusuke turned and grabbed his hands. “Then let’s do something about it Kurama. None of us has to suffer or be alone. All we have to do is go get Hiei and we can all be happy again.”

Kurama stared at Yusuke longingly for a moment before leaning over for a brief kiss. “I love you both so much Yusuke and there’s nothing I want more in the three worlds than for you and Hiei to be happy. That’s why I want you to go to him. You love each other and belong together Yusuke and I won’t be the reason you’re apart anymore.”

Unable to believe how calm Kurama was Yusuke released his hand and shouted. “What the hell are you saying Kurama? You act like this is just about me and Hiei! Well here’s a news bulletin Fox, Hiei and I happen to love you and I know damn good and well you love us too! How the hell can you sit there so calmly and throw all that away?”

Green eyes glared at Yusuke as Kurama shouted back. “You think this is easy Yusuke? How the hell do you think it makes me feel to know that I’m the reason the men I love are unhappy? I’m the cause of the rift between us! I’m the reason Hiei’s alone right now! I know better than anyone what being rejected will do to someone as sensitive as Hiei!”

Yusuke grabbed Kurama by the arm. “Then fix it damn it! Come with me to Makai Kurama, let’s go get our lover back!”

Closing his eyes Kurama shook his head. “I can’t Yusuke. Hiei will never forgive me. Just like you can’t forgive me. Don’t try to deny it, I’ve felt your resentment ever since Hiei left. The only way I can make this right is to let you go. Please Yusuke, don’t leave Hiei alone.”

Staring at Kurama Yusuke didn’t know what to say. When the phone suddenly rang both men jumped. With a sigh Yusuke released Kurama and went to get the phone. “Minamino residence.”

Seeing the look on Yusuke’s face Kurama went to his side. “Yeah Kuwabara, we’ll be right there.”

After hanging up the phone Yusuke grabbed Kurama’s hand and dragged him towards the door. “We’ll have to finish this later. Yomi just showed up at the temple. Kuwabara says he’s demanding to see us right away. Something about an emergency.”

Knowing that Yomi wasn’t one to overreact Kurama knew whatever had happened must be important for the demon lord to risk entering the Ningenkai. Grabbing his keys from the table Kurama allowed Yusuke to lead him to the car. Usually Kurama drove since it was his car but this time Yusuke took the keys from him before ushering the redhead into the passenger seat.

The drive to the temple was spent in a tense silence. Knowing Yusuke was a good driver and wouldn’t risk their lives unnecessarily Kurama remained calm as Yusuke sped through town weaving in and out of traffic. In less than an hour they were sprinting up the temple steps. Kuwabara met them at the door. “Get in here guys, it’s bad.”

Barely sparing each other a worried glance Kurama and Yusuke hurried inside. One look at Yomi and Kurama’s heart began to pound. Yomi was a master at masking his emotions but Kurama could easily see that something was indeed very wrong. “Kurama, Yusuke you need to get to Alaric right away, it’s Hiei. Mukuro says he went after a drug ring they’ve been trying to stop and started a one man war.”

Kurama stood frozen staring at Yomi. Beside him Yusuke shouted. “What the hell does that mean you old goat? What happened to Hiei?”

Warily Yomi watched Kurama as he answered. “By the time Mukuro realized what he had done and went after him Hiei had taken out most of them but he was wounded in the fight. It’s bad. Mukuro says he won’t make it through the night.”

A heavy silence that filled the room as Yomi’s words sunk in. It wasn’t long though before Yusuke growled. “You and Mukuro are sadly mistaken if you think Kurama and I will allow Hiei to die! Let’s go Fox!”

Yusuke grabbed Kurama’s hand and attempted to drag him from the temple. He was surprised when Kurama didn’t budge. Slowly sad green eyes looked at him and Yusuke shook his head. “You are not doing this Kurama! Hiei needs us!”

Red hair swayed as Kurama shook his head and whispered. “No Yusuke, he needs you.”

Kurama flinched when Yusuke flung his hand away and shouted. “You selfish son of a bitch! I believed you when you said you loved him, when you said you loved me! Now I know you’re nothing but a damn liar! Fine, stay here, I don’t give a damn anymore! I’m going to Hiei! I won’t leave him alone and I won’t let him die!”

Kurama didn’t move as Yusuke turned to leave. Hesitating in the doorway Yusuke glared at Kurama one last time. “You were right earlier Kurama, this is your fault. Don’t bother waiting for us because Hiei and I won’t be back.”

For a moment after he left no one moved. When Yomi reached out to touch Kurama’s arm tear filled green eyes looked up at him. Kurama’s voice when he spoke was little more than a whisper. “I killed him. I killed Hiei.”

Yomi reached out and caught Kurama just as he fainted.