Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Seasons ❯ Walls ( Chapter 4 )

((So here it comes.... I think I'll call this "The Transition Chapter" You guys have no idea how hard this one was... where most people get writer's block... I get the proverbial "Endless Brain Fart Syndrome" It is a chronic illness that plagues those who love to write fan fiction, (in most cases Yaoi) and has been proven to be hereditary. (*curses father*)

Symptoms include: Bouts of inexplainable unhappiness with writing, Being totally inept with the concepts of grammar, spelling, and the basic structure of a sentence. And of course... Vast and endless blank spots where a story should be.... so in conclusion.. Let's just say that... I had "A lot of fun" with this one.

To those of you who are actually following along with my wacky story... thanks a billion times infinity... Cause every time I got a brain fart I just looked at your reviews and they pulled me through... Keep them coming !.... they are quickly becoming the source of my life's energy!!

As you are all too well aware.. I took a really long time getting this chapter out.. I'm sorry really I am ... But in essence of that I've also posted one long big ole chapter for you guys... so really you're getting about 3 chapters in one here... thank you so much for waiting if you haven't forgotten about my story that is.... I hope you're in for a long sit.

All right... as you all know... all the disclaimers and warnings from the Prologue chapter still stand but here's a new one though, there will be a touch of gore in this one.

((...)) = Endless babbling from the author

*...* = Thoughts from a character. (Youko in this chapter... YAY!)

**...** = Youko thoughts (as per request of reviewer)

** ~~ Walls ~~ **

And...

*Five...*

*Four...*

*Three...*

*Two...*

"A-Ahhh !!! "K'rama!!... My head!!! IT HURTS!!!!"

"I told you to go slower Hiei...."

"But..."

"Now just wait.... It'll go away."

Hiei Clawed at is hair and tugged in an effort to relieve the pain that could only be gained from a frozen brain. ((Hey I think that rhymed))

Kurama just laughed.

Poor Hiei had to sit it out yet again. This was what?... Maybe his tenth headache in the last five minutes? Kurama looked over the three empty cartons of ice cream that had been full only a half hour ago... He was beginning to wonder if this was healthy for Hiei in his condition. Fire demon or not, you cant just live on ice cream alone... can you?

((I know I sure try...))

"Hiei... you do know that we dont have any ice cream left...."

Apparently Hiei was a little too busy digging into his bowl to pay much attention. At this rate he would get another brain freeze in...

"A-Ahhh!....."

Kurama closed his eyes and sighed.

~ 10:00 PM ~ ((... Do you know where your children are?...))

Finally coming down off his "Sweet Snow" induced high... Hiei stared up at the ceiling of the dark room from Kurama's bed. It was all he could do not to fall asleep and relive those nightmares again.... "His" nightmares. He wouldn't return there... He just wouldn't!

"Can't sleep?"

Hiei turned to see Kurama propped up on an elbow while he lay in his futon. The soft glow of the television set was the only light to the room. (Hiei didn't like to sleep in complete darkness)

Hiei glanced at the muted program before shaking his head in reply. (The news was on.)

Kurama took in a sharp breath before saying...

"Do you want to sleep next to me?"

Immediately the spiky head nodded and Hiei rushed to un-tangle himself from the mess of covers. Kurama laughed at the spectacle. Well... actually he laughed to settle the knots bunching up in his stomach. He knew he was getting himself into a dangerous situation.

But...

Hiei finally managed to find a way out of the prison of covers and was rushing over to Kurama's side now. He was wearing one of Kurama's old pajamas (teddy bears and all). Kurama had time to go rummaging through all the old boxes they had stored away in the attic.

He almost wanted to laugh again. Hiei ...wearing pajamas with teddy bears imprinted on it. He would have taken a picture just for the memory. But if Hiei were to somehow find out when he got better; well let's just say the police would have a hard time identifying Kurama's body. Even he had always hated those pajamas. But oh well. They were serving their purpose. He couldn't have Hiei romping around in clothes that practically fell off him every time he moved.

(That almost gave poor Kurama a heart attack.)

Now Hiei was cuddling next to him and small arms were circled around his waist. Hiei buried his face into Kurama's chest and seemed contented to stay that way. Kurama wrapped his arms around Him. One hand rested against the small of his back, the other absently running fingers through Hiei's hair. His hair, though still rebelliously spiky, it now was soft as silk from all the conditioners Kurama had used on it.

(Yet another thing he knew Hiei wouldn't appreciate when he got better. Especially now since his hair smelled like an apple orchard.)

Though Kurama had somewhat gotten used to the cuddly and clingy Hiei... He still couldn't quite get over the fact that the little fire demon purred. He was doing that right now. And it amazed him to no end. Of course, it was also _very_ enticing.

*Think of something else...*

**Hmm.... Positions?** His Youko side suggested.

*Uh... No?*

**Boring.**

* Shut up!!! .... Gods I cant believe I was such a pervert!*

**Correction: "Gods I cant believe I'm STILL such a pervert." **

*....It's too late for this....*

**Heh... You're all out of fight tonight. Maybe now we could scr- **

*SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!*

For the thousandth time this week he'd given himself a headache. But he didn't want to dwell on that, as he was sure he'd felt Hiei shiver just now. Since he'd been poisoned, Kurama knew that Hiei had lost control over regulating his body temperature. And thusly he had hot and cold spells. They came on fierce and without warning. But they usually didn't last long.

"Are you cold?" Even as he said it Hiei curled in closer to him and he held the small body closer still. Yet Kurama was sure he felt Hiei shake his head "No" against his chest.

*Why is he being so quiet?*

"Hiei. What's wrong? Speak to me."

Hiei pulled back just enough to gaze solemnly up at the Kitsune and the red head felt his breath catch.

"I dont wanna go back K'rama."

"Go back? ... Where?"

"Back in the dark."

Okay now he was really confused. Was he scared because the room was dark? What was he talking about? Kurama's headache did nothing to help in his confusion.

"Do you want me to turn the lights back on?" Kurama asked when he could think of nothing else.

Hiei then turned a look on him that made his heart stop. It must have stopped. That could be the only reason for him to be breathing so hard, to make up for the lost beat.

"What is it? ... Please don't cry Hiei... " His hands were shaking as they cupped the small face.

He was panicking. He knew it. Even before, when Hiei had gone through his "Depression Cycle"

he'd never seemed _this_ close to crying. Kurama didn't know what to do, he didn't know what to say.

"I don't wanna leave... I wanna stay... please let me stay."

He truly didn't know what Hiei was talking about. But how could he deny him anything?

"Of course you can stay Hiei... You can stay as long as you like. Just please don't cry." He pleaded.

Hiei just closed his eyes and whispered something so low Kurama didn't catch it.

"What was that?" He leaned in closer.

"Do you think I'm weak?"

*What? Where's all of this coming from?*

He held him tighter.

"No Hiei. I don't think you are weak."

"He does..." Hiei whispered sadly, and so low Kurama missed it again.

"What?"

"K'rama, How do I become strong like you?" Hiei's eyes were more inquisitive than sad now. Much to Kurama's relief.

"Strong... Like me?"

*Well Figure that...* He never thought he'd live to hear Hiei say such words.

But then again he never thought he would get the fire demon to become obsessed with ice cream, or sit in his lap, or cuddle with him... Kurama released a sigh in Hiei's hair and his arms went even tighter around him. Suddenly a thought dropped into his head. Maybe he was desperate to get Hiei back to normal, or maybe some deity really was looking out for him, cause this was his best idea in a while.

*If I told him stories about his past, maybe...*

" Well... I know of someone _stronger_ than me."

Hiei lifted his head.

"Really?" His eyes widened in awe. Kurama smiled warmly.

"Mm hmm." Kurama hummed.

"Tell me."

Kurama's smile only widened at the request.

"Well..." He began.

*Hmm....' Once Upon A Time ' is more than a little corny but oh well...*

"Once upon a time...There was a brave and noble young warrior. He was smart, loyal, and as quick as they come."

"Was he as pretty as you?" Asked Hiei.

Kurama looked down into those eyes that were an impossible ruby red. With one hand he lightly caressed Hiei's cheek.

"Oh yes... He was very beautiful. In fact, he was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

Hiei just smiled and rubbed his cheek against Kurama's palm, much like a kitten does.

Kurama couldn't help but blush despite himself.

*Hiei.... If you only knew.... If you were only aware...*

"Tell me!" Hiei whined, breaking Kurama out of his day dream. ((But it's pass 10:00 pm....))

"Oh...um..." Kurama mumbled

Had Hiei been his normal self, Kurama was sure he would have spat some nasty comment or made a rude gesture. Hiei just didn't like that, being stared at of course.

"Well... When the warrior was very young, he was sent away from his home."

Kurama knew Hiei had nightmares about being thrown off the ice continent already. He had to be subtle and slightly alter the details. No need to give Hiei even more nightmares.

"Why was he sent away?"

"Because... three evil ice witches put a curse on him."

Hiei gasped dramatically and Kurama just chuckled.

*How cute...*

**Yes.... Let's make him gasp again.**

*Cut it out... now...*

The youko's deep laughter echoed then faded in his head.

"K'rama.!" Hiei complained again after the pause in his bedtime story.

"Oh... I'm sorry. Right." He took a deep steadying breath.

"The people of his village feared him because of his curse, because it made him different. So he was sent away. And he could not ever return there until he had broken the curse."

"How does he break it?"

"Now now Hiei, Patience..." Kurama said.

"He didn't know how to break it. The only thing he knew was that he was all alone now. So the only thing he could do was become stronger. And he did."

"How does he become stronger?"

"Hiei.... You'll ruin the story if you rush it." He reprimanded. In fact now that he thought about it, Kurama really didn't know enough details about Hiei's past to tell him that... Guess he had to wing it. ((1 That was for KurohiTatsaki))

He did however know a few important events from the little that Hiei had let him know.

(Some light browsing through Hiei's file in spirit world helped too.)

" He met a group of travelers who turned out to be thieves. " Kurama continued.

"Thieves.... That's people who take things from other people right?"

"That's right Hiei..."

"But they're not always bad." Hiei added.

"Exactly."

They'd already had the talk about "thieves" earlier that week. And Kurama (Being a legendary thief and all) could not have Hiei thinking that thieves were all bad now could he?

"Not all thieves are bad because these thieves took care of the warrior and they taught him many things... Like how to use a sword."

If he didn't know any better he would not have noticed Hiei's cringing at the mention of a sword. He thought it strange... No, downright ironic how Hiei seemed to avoid his Katana. The normal Hiei, would almost _never_ be seen without his blade at his side. But in the past few days he noticed that Hiei would steer clear of the thing. He even caught the fire demon scowling at it as if it were some dirty thing he meant to be rid of.

*Funny how he likes watching Rurouni Kenshin which is all about swords.*

"They taught him how to survive.... how to be strong." He continued as if not noticing.

"But soon the three ice witches found him traveling with the group, and they put a spell on all of his friends to make them betray and hurt him."

*The first golden rule of a thief. ' There is no honor among thieves.' ... That was their first true lesson to you Hiei...*

Of course he wouldn't tell him that part. So he just threw in the three "Ice Witches" to explain the betrayal.

"The young warrior had to leave them then. He was very sad that he'd lost his friends but he knew he had to become stronger so he wouldn't have to depend on others to survive."

Hiei sighed sadly at this.

"Will he always be alone? "

"Hiei please let me get to that..."

"He then found someone who could help him. Someone who gave him a magical crystal that made it easy for him to find what he was looking for."

The "crystal" he was referring to was in fact the Jagan on Hiei's forehead.

"Cause he was looking to break the curse right?" Hiei asked.

"Yes... He looked into the magical crystal and..."

"But didn't he have to _do_ something to get that person to help him?" Hiei interrupted yet again.

"What?" Kurama asked, confused.

"He had to do something... for the person to give him the crystal... He... had to hurt himself..."

*Oh Gods... Is Hiei remembering?!*

This was what he wanted so why did the thought horrify him so? Would this be the end of it all now?... He'd never be able to hold Hiei again after this night would he? Is that what he _really_ wanted?

*I don't know...!!!!* He shouted inwardly. He just didn't know anymore... it was so abrupt.

"K'rama...."

The whisper came so soft but it was just as effective as any scream would have been. For the third time tonight he'd been brought out of his own head and back into reality by Hiei.

"What was his name?" Hiei asked.

It was a simple question really. One that should just as easily have a simple answer. And it did in fact. But then why was it do damn hard to just tell him that the warrior's name was his own. For Hiei and the warrior was one and the same. But... What if it triggered something to bring his memories back? ... But then why wouldn't he want that? That was the whole point at telling him the story in the first place... to jog his memory.

So he was back at this argument again....

Then it occurred to him. He'd changed a few subtle details in the story so far.. he could do the same with this one too right? After all, he wanted it all to be subtle so Hiei could ponder it a little. He didn't want to overwhelm Hiei with the full blast of all his memories. Sure that was it. He was going for subtle.

"His name... "

*Don't completely lie... just soften it a bit.* He told himself.

"They called him... The Dragon."

"Oh..." Hiei murmured thoughtfully just before releasing a long yawn.

"You're tired Hiei... And it's really late. I think it's time for sleep.

"But I don... wanna go to sleep." Hiei half murmured half yawned.

Kurama just smiled. He wouldn't have to coax the fire demon anymore since he was already half asleep as it was. He lay there and waited for Hiei's eyes to close completely and for his breathing to become slower and deeper. It was then that Kurama finally released a sigh of relief.

((** -_- **))

The moon was at it's crescent in the starry night sky. Kurama sat at his desk with a pencil drumming against his chin in an thoughtful manner. A math book was spread open to page 336 in front of him and there was this problem he just couldn't get. No matter how many times he looked over the numbers they just didn't make any sense. And he could have sworn the numbers changed every time he looked back over them.

He dropped the pencil and pushed the book away. With a sigh of temporary defeat he just leaned back against the chair. It must have been the heat, he thought as he absently fanned himself. He then looked over to his window and immediately wondered why it was still closed in such heat. Kurama stood up and padded over to the closed window. He unlocked and completely opened it.

A gasp escaped the teen as a force knocked him back and strong arms wrapped around his neck tightly. He stumbled backwards and tripped on something he just knew wasn't there a second earlier. He fell and landed on his back, the weight still on him and all. He found himself drowning in endless pools of crimson fire as he stared into those almond shaped eyes. Those eyes that were usually cold were now reminiscent to a smile. Yet they were darkened with a definite heat Kurama had never seen before.

"Hiei" He breathed.

He then felt small fingers lacing his own and his arms were pulled up to rest against the floor on either side of his head. Hiei was straddling him and he felt himself becoming aroused at a startling rate. Hiei's face lowered and was now only inches away.

"You want me (Hiei) don't you Kitsune?" Hiei asked, his voice husky and seducing.

Kurama thought he'd heard and echo of Hiei's name when he spoke but all thoughts immediately fluttered away as he felt Hiei grind his hips tightly against him. He let out a gasp.

"H-Hai.. I do." Was all he could manage between excited pants.

Hiei smirked and placed a feather light kiss onto the lips that drove Kurama's senses completely wild. He craved more and he pushed up against Hiei's mouth in a nearly desperate attempt to deepen the kiss. Hiei did not relent and allowed the invasion. He still held Kurama's hands against the floor in a submissive position however.

Finally breaking away for lack of air Hiei sat up completely and looked down into the Kitsune's emerald eyes. His expression was unreadable ... as per usual.

"Then do you not want me (him) back?"

Kurama was beyond all ability to think as it was didn't he ask the same question a few seconds ago? And what was with that echo? He just wanted to do it already and if he could just get his hands up...

"Hiei... Please... Yes Yes I want you... I want you back."

As in 'I want you back down here so I can screw you senseless.'

He knew he should let Hiei take his time but it was getting more and more difficult with him so near... so hot... It was killing him. Kurama glanced trough the window at the full moon that seemed blood red through the haze of passion that painted everything in his field of vision crimson. Why wasn't Hiei moving?

"I want you I want you I want you!" He screamed.

Hiei's lips twitched upward in a nearly microscopic smile just before he descended and claimed Kurama's lips once more. Again the Kitsune hungrily tried to deepen the kiss. The muscles in Kurama's arms grew taut as he tried to free his hands. He wanted to touch Hiei so badly, to free him of those annoying clothes, to free himself of the pressure building down below.

Hiei moved from the lips and started to make a trail of soft kisses along Kurama's jaw and up towards his ear. As he did this Kurama could feel Hiei release his left hand and small fingers slowly moved down his chest, coming to a stop over his heart. Hiei's mouth just reached his left ear and the fire demon kissed it once before breathing one word into it hotly.

"Liar "

Kurama felt a terrible excruciating pain just where Hiei's hand had rested and he screamed out in shock and horror as he watched Hiei slowly sit up. His eyes were cold and distant... not his own.. .or were they?. Kurama's eyes widened in utter terror as he saw blood dripping down Hiei's wrist. Blood that was dripping from the still pulsating organ in his hand... Kurama's heart.

He wanted to scream but he had no voice.

"You can't steal mine (his) if you don't have yours "

Kurama's eyes widened further yet still and Hiei's dark and mirthless smile spread as his hand closed into a fist, crushing the heart.

((** O.O **))

The horrified teen let out a frightened yelp and woke up with a jolt as his hand grasped at his chest, clenching the fabric just over his heart. Other than the fact that he was drenched in sweat there was no blood, no pain. He was still gasping for air though, and the images seemed to be burned into the back of his eyelids and in his mind. His eyes quickly shot to the small body still sound asleep next to him. The dim light of the rising sun illuminated the Koorime's features and Kurama could clearly see that whatever Hiei was dreaming about, it was making him smile.

A heart warming spectacle it normally would have been if not for the image of that cold and malevolent smile of Hiei as he sat above him holding his beating heart. Kurama sat there staring at him for a few minutes He noted his clearly unguarded features, that smile that seemed to grow wider when he heard it... whispered so softly.

"You want me back..."

Kurama felt his blood run cold. He took in sharp gasping breaths as he fought to calm himself. Thoughts flew through his mind at a dizzying pace. What Hiei just said... was too close to what was said in his dream. Was it at all possible that sweet and innocent Hiei was having the very same dream as he did... and was enjoying it? Did he in fact _make_ Kurama have that nightmare? Well in all fairness, the fire demon's true personality was far from "sweet and innocent" after all.

No! it couldn't be. It damn well better not be! But what if it was? Answers.. He needed answers.

Normally he wouldn't let a dream freak him out like this. He would just casually explain it away with logic. But there was a most disturbing element to this dream that just could not be ignored, and could not be explained through logic either, lest he wished to contradict himself. You're not supposed to feel pain in a dream, at least not like that. And he had, as real as if his heart had actually been ripped from his chest.

This was something that could only be achieved through use of some sort of demonic power. Say... a demonic eye for instance?

He grabbed the Koorime's shoulders and shook him, maybe a little rougher than he intended but his nerves were getting the best of him. He had to know and now.

Hiei murmured incoherently and sleepy eyes cracked open a little before drifting off again.

"Wake up!" Kurama's voice was slightly raised and his hands gripped tighter.

It was then that bleary red eyes opened slightly. Hiei yawned sleepily. Everything was still blurry as his vision shifted from dream land. It had been such a good dream too. Imagine his shock when the first thing he could make out were those beautiful green eyes staring down at him angrily. He half thought he was still asleep and had slipped into a nightmare after all.

At seeing the shocked then immediately worried expression Kurama's brows furrowed. He wondered if the Koorime was possibly hiding something and perhaps that was why he looked so worried now. But he would wonder no more.

"What were you dreaming about just now?" He inquired forcefully.

Hiei had never seen a look in those eyes that was quite like this one. Oh... what had he been dreaming about before? Why couldn't he hurry up and remember? If only to make the Kitsune happy and not look so angry.

"I...I don't... " Hiei stammered then looked away, hoping to focus on anything but the anger in front of him.

So he was to be hated after all? Just like he was hated in all of his dreams of many nights past. He only wished he knew what he'd done to make the Kitsune mad now. If only he could remember... Hiei swallowed hard over the growing lump in his throat and closed his eyes. Maybe this was just a bad dream. He tried really hard to remember what he had dreamed about. It had been something good for once that much he knew, then it finally came to him.

Kurama had watched the changes in the Hiei's expressions closely and he was soon very regretful for having been so angry and forceful with him. Especially when Hiei answered his question with a frail disheartened voice.

"In my dream I was sitting under a tree outside and watching you dance... and I was eating sweet snow ... and no matter how much I ate... it never ran out.. and you never stopped dancing.... and...."

The rest remained temporarily unfinished as Hiei was pulled into a love filled embrace. Hiei just shuddered at the affectionate gesture. It was so different from what he'd expected. Pushed away, sneered at... something along those lines. Not hugged. And it felt so good he dare not open his eyes to see if it was real, so instead, he just continued.

"And... then I heard your voice... and you said you want me back. It made me so happy.... but then..... "

Kurama just tightened his grip around his precious bundle . They were laying side by side and both felt as if they still weren't close enough. Kurama silently cursed himself however. Of course! Hiei had only heard him talking in his sleep and had heard him saying he wanted him back. Naturally it interacted with his own dream. Gods.. how could he have suspected Hiei of doing something so terrible?

He was pretty sure Hiei didn't even know how to use the Jagan at all let alone use it to manipulate another's dream. The more he thought about it the more he hated himself for upsetting his beautiful little fire demon.

*Damn it...*

It had been less than twenty four hours and he'd managed to scare Hiei nearly to the point of tears twice.

*Nice work... *

He frowned and pulled Hiei closer as he softly whispered his apologies to him. He was going to have to make it up to him somehow...

"Hiei..."

His frown deepened a little as he felt the body cringe. But then those ever hesitant red eyes slowly rose to meet the greened hues of the Kitsune's. Kurama put on a warm smile for his fire baby.

"How would you like to go outside?"

((** ^_^ **))

"Todays weather report straight to you from J-Wave 81.3 FM. Home of the best music on the planet! Today we'll be reaching record highs of ninety seven degrees fahrenheit, with a humidity level of seventy-eight percent . Get out that sun block, it's going to be sweltering today folks! It is highly advised not to spend too many hours in the sun and to drink plenty of fluids! ... Tonight there's a seventy percent chance of rain With lows of... "

Kurama only half listened to the weather as he pulled out a small bright red cooler and filled it with ice from the deep freezer. All the while he had the dryer going with some of his old clothing tumbling about. ( No good having Hiei walking around with clothes that reeked of an old attic.) And speaking of the little fire spark... He was taking a rather long time with his bath.

As soon as the red head looked up in the general direction of the bathroom, he heard the happy sing song voice fast approaching.

"K'rama... K'rama... we're going out side!!" Hiei chirped excitedly.

Kurama couldn't help but laugh. It was either that or melt into a puddle of mush on the floor. Hiei was just so irresistibly adorable he didn't know what to do. His laughing stopped abruptly however when Hiei rounded the corner and was there for viewer' pleasure. Picture a fire demon who was still wet from a nice little bath wearing only a towel. Though the said towel was very securely tucked under his arms and held up by a tight little knot in the fabric. (as directed by Kurama) It was still the notion of a very naked Hiei just beneath a single (thin little) layer.

*So easily accessed...*

Better that he didn't start with those thoughts... lest he wished to wake his Youko side that has been pleasantly quiet all morning.

"You're pretty excited huh?" He asked Hiei

**Yes... and he's not the only one.**

Scratch that... The Youko lurks after all...

"Yup!" Hiei practically bounced over to his favorite red head.

Kurama just laughed and ruffled the still damp hair. Ever since this morning Hiei had been a regular little lightning bolt of energy. Running about at warp speed and spontaneously coming up with songs for everything as he went along. He actually had a nice singing voice. Still it was probably the funniest thing Kurama had witnessed in all his life. (this one and the last). With Hiei so bubbly and happy he didn't even have time to berate himself over his not so innocent thoughts.

Just then the sound of the buzzer on the dryer hummed through the air. All the while Hiei swayed from side to side on the balls of his feet in time to the music the radio was playing. And Kurama picked through the now dry (and snuggle soft) articles of clothing, trying to come up with an outfit. It was a little hard since all of his older clothes were out of date. And ever the fashion cautious Kitsune that he was, he had to have Hiei dressed up to par. (( Oh so vain ))

Yet he also had the suspicion that no matter what he put on the fire demon, Hiei would make it look good. He glanced over at the pretty one now who was practically twirling to the up beat pop song. Even though a pop song is not something you usually well... twirl to, Hiei pulled it off without looking too moronic. He had a silent grace that he was completely oblivious to. Yup, Hiei was definately one of those "the clothes doesn't make him, he makes the clothes" types.

And Kurama also silently noted to himself to give Hiei a CD walk man to carry around. He seemed to really be enjoying the music. But on to the next dilemma. He frowned to himself as he picked through the selection of clothes. As weird as it sounds Kurama found himself wishing his mother hadn't thrown out his old under pants. He turned back to Hiei again who was sitting on the table with his eyes closed, his head bobbing to the music.

*Well, it's not like Hiei isn't used to no underwear...*

Kurama had found the answer to the "boxers or briefs" question on the first day when he'd given Hiei a bath. The answer to that of course was neither. And he shouldn't have been too surprised since he never wore such undergarments in his past life. Finally deciding on an outfit he turned to Hiei

"Okay time to get dr..."

*.....*

::Sorry Kurama cant talk right now as all of his brain cells are being redirected from speech to stopping massive blood loss from on coming nose bleed.:: ((Please leave a message... *Beep*))

He stood there frozen in place as soon as his eyes fell upon of the sight of Hiei using the towel to dry his hair. The _same_ towel that was _supposed_ to be wrapped around his body.

(( Poor poor Kurama....*snickers*))

"K'rama? Does it hurt? Your nose is bleeding again." Hiei asked innocently.

"No no!... I'm fine I'll be right back... just have to go take a shower.. ha ha ...um... you should put these on.. I'll .. er be back."

And with that, the unfortunate brain fried red head dashed off at a speed that even rivaled Hiei's. Said demon stood there a little confused, wondering why his fox got nosebleeds so often. And hadn't Kurama already washed? He then looked over to the clothes Kurama had picked out and got to dressing.

A little while later found Kurama emerging from his second cold shower of the day, a few shades paler from blood loss but cleaner all the same. He really needed to find a better way to cope with the molestable morsel that was Hiei and his raging teenage hormones. He got dressed (yet again ) and cautiously made his way back to the kitchen, silently praying that Hiei listened and put on the clothes he'd picked.

When he reached the kitchen a tidal wave of relief flooded through him. Hiei _was_ dressed. He was sitting at the table with his back to the red head. And Kurama was surprised to see he was eating a bowl of cereal. After last night he thought he'd never get him to eat anything but ice cream ever again. Kurama smiled at his good little demon and walked over to him before lightly tapping Hiei on the shoulder. Hiei looked up from his bowl and in one quick maneuver he was out of his seat and immediately attached himself to Kurama with a hug around the waist.

*Gah...*

Kurama found himself wondering if anyone has ever died from receiving a hug from a too cute little youkai. Then he imagined reading his own death certificate.

:: "Shuichi Minaminno, Cause of Death: Spontaneous Combustion of the heart. Immediate after affect of a hug." ::

*Pretty pathetic...*

"Now..now.. Let's have a look at you." He said prying himself from the embrace and stepping back to observe Hiei.

He was right after all. Just as he'd expected, Hiei took what would only be appropriate a decade ago and made it into something all his own, and he looked good.

The clothing was simple really. He wore a short sleeve shirt of deep dark grey that used to be black at one point but had slightly faded over the years. However it was still even toned and fit him well. Over this was a long white sleeve less shirt that was merely a stitch or two wider in the shoulder than a wife beater. ((2)) This was to both take attention away from the off-black tee under it and to brighten up the outfit a bit. Kurama was more than a little tired of seeing Hiei in black.

just a few inches of red could be seen where the long shirt ended. Hiei was wearing little red biker shorts with two white stripes going up either side. They were only slightly baggy. Kurama thanked Inari when he'd found a pair of old sneakers that fit Hiei. They were black with red and white patterns and the lace was red as well. And he had on white socks.

Kurama was all smiles.

"Did I do good?" Hiei asked with a touch of hopefulness in his voice.

"Yes you did very good. Do _you_ like it?" Kurama asked. Though he already knew the answer.

Hiei merely nodded ecstatically. Kurama could put anything on him and he would like it. As long as it didn't itch, make him trip, or was damp, he was a happy camper.

"Hmm...." He said thoughtfully as he tapped his chin. Something was missing and he couldn't put his finger on it. He studied the Korrime from the feet on up. So far everything seemed perfect but.

*Ah ha!*

When his scrutiny fell on the spiky head and red eyes he found what was missing. He needed to do something to hide those eyes. See, demonic red eyes weren't exactly of the norm by ningen standards. But he didn't want to put sun glasses on him, that would look tacky. ((Heaven forbid.)) He remained the ever thoughtful artist, trying to finish off his work of art when it hit him.

"Wait here."

He ran upstairs to his room and raided the shelves of his closet before finding what he was looking for. As he was about to head downstairs he remembered he'd almost forgotten about the CD walk man. But then as he thought about it, he decided maybe that wasn't so much of a good idea. He didn't want Hiei to have to deal with changing discs every fifteen minutes. (Not to mention, he didn't want his discs to be scratched up). So he got out an A.M./F.M walk man instead. It was pretty small and could be attached to a belt.

Kurama went back downstairs to find his little Koorime missing in action. Biting down on his lower lip to stop a grin from spreading, he feigned a worried little sigh and went about "searching" for the lost one. This had been an ongoing game between the two. A fun little game of surprise hide and seek that Hiei loved.

"Oh dear.. where have you gone to Hiei?"

He looked under the table, then behind the fridge. Then he went about looking in completely absurd places. (Much to Hiei's amusement)

"Are you down here?"

He checked the little space between the floor and the bottom of the fridge. He was just looking through the cabinets over the sink when a pair of arms circled his waist from behind.

"Got you" Hiei declared with an air of triumph. and Kurama couldn't hold back laughter any more.

"Yes... yes... you got me" He turned to the victorious Korrime while still chuckling.

"All right lets see you. "

When Hiei complied he put a white visor cap on his head. The cap effectively hid the little white starburst of his bangs and went over the warded Jagan. Most importantly it cast a shadow over his his eyes giving them an illusion of a burgundy color. Though burgundy wasn't a natural eye color either, it definately would cause less attention than a startling blood red. Kurama knelt down and wrapped a thin cloth belt over the shirt and attached the walk man to it.

"This is your present for catching me." He said when he saw Hiei's eyes widen in confusion.

He connected the earphones.(They were the small ones that cling to the ears)

"You can listen to music while we're out."

He placed an ear phone to his own ear and turned the small radio on, then winced when he got a static signal full blast. He adjusted the volume and tuned through the stations. He then stopped on 81.3 F.M. (apparently Hiei enjoyed this station most ) then turned over the earphones to the excited little one who'd been patiently waiting.

"And there you go, do you like it?"

Hiei's features were positively beaming with an unexpressed emotion and Kurama was blushing something fierce before he even knew it.

"K'rama?

He stood up and took this time to study his masterpiece. Yes the visor had worked perfectly and the belt strap around Hiei's waist accentuated his slim build. Kurama suddenly found himself to be fashionably inadequate to go out with Hiei. He only wore a pair of blue jeans and a green tee shirt. But hey, this wasn't a dressing contest, and Hiei looked so cute he'd probably win if it was.

Then with an air of finality, Kurama grabbed the red cooler filled with refreshments in one hand and took one of Hiei's small hands in the other.

"Time to go."

((*_____*))

It was still fairly early in the day. The sun was still on the rise indicating it was sometime before noon. But of course, none of that mattered. Time simply didn't seem to exist while the two walked side by side. The normal stares and excited whispers followed behind, yet they weren't all for the beautiful red head as usual. Most of Shuichi's admirers were just wondering, Who was that adorable little boy?

"Maybe he's babysitting for someone?" One girl asked the other.

"Oh... I wish he was my babysitter...." The girl sighed dreamily.

"Um.... wouldn't that make you under age? That's sick." She replied looking at her friend suspiciously. ((3 For Yamistar. you know why))

Both girls straightened up quickly as the object of their obsession walked by. He just glanced their way and blessed them with a bright and friendly smile, as he always did. They could only blush and fall into an uncontrollable fit of nervous giggles.

Hiei waved at the two red faced girls and they waved back cheerily, almost eagerly. This had become common practice since the moment they stepped foot out of the house. Kurama smiled down at the Koorime who was trying to look everywhere at once while holding onto his hand for dear life. Even if it was temporary and somewhat artificial, Kurama couldn't remember the last time he smiled this much or felt this happy. He was sure Hiei must feel the same way.

*But Inari it's hot out...It's too early to be this hot !* He had half a mind to turn the ice filled cooler over his head.

Which was why their first stop would be the park. He was sure that Hiei would enjoy it and a little rest in the shade of a tree sounded really good right about now.

"K'rama what's that?" Hiei asked pointing a little ways down the street.

"That's a bus Hiei" Kurama answered.

"What does it do? " Hiei eyed the large metal carrier a little suspiciously.

Again Kurama found himself trying to hold back a chuckle. "Well, it carries people to different places they want to go."

Now that he thought of it, sitting in an air conditioned bus was looking much more inviting than walking in this vile heat.

That was the bus that stopped not too far from Yusuke's apartment. And he'd been wanting to have a talk with the Earth's spirit detective for a few days now. Ever since Yusuke grabbed Kuwabara and bolted out of Kurama's house at lightening speed, he hadn't seen or heard anything from his partners. And he was sure they had better have a good reason for abandoning him that way... abandoning both of them that way.

The Kitsune looked down at Hiei who was now observing the bus with a hint of longing. He just smiled. Today was Hiei's day... anything for his little fire baby today.

*Change of plans*

"Hiei, would you like to ride on the bus.?"

If it were possible for Hiei to smile any larger his face would have surely split in two. Kurama would have been beaming just now but...

**Let's give him something _else_ to ride on...**

(( *Waves flag with "Go Youko!" written on it* ))

*Damn it Youko!!!*

He choked on a growl of annoyance and tried to make it sound like laughter. But even he had to admit it sounded more like a cross between a wounded dog and a cat choking on a fur ball. Not exactly the most charming combination of sounds. Yet he found Hiei giggling at his own expense. Kurama soon was laughing as well. Hiei's laughter was well worth the embarrassment.

The cool bus ride was a well needed, if short break from the sweltering heat and humidity. All throughout the ride people didn't even bother to discretely steal glances at the two. They out right ogled the pair. Kurama was used to this for certain, but it was increasingly annoying today since he didn't want Hiei to feel uncomfortable. Well.. actually Hiei could care less, he barely even noticed.

"Look K'rama... little busses."

Kurama peered out the window to where Hiei was pointing and laughed. "No Hiei those are cars."

Hiei blinked. "Oh.." He then plastered his face to the window again.

"What's that?" He pointed at the loud two wheeled thing zooming between cars amidst angry honking.

"That is a motorcycle." Kurama answered.

"That?"

"A truck... and that's a van. That one's a motor scooter. "

Kurama was soon wondering how many vehicles he would have to name today as they reached their stop. Hiei immediately tightly gripped Kurama's hand as they stepped off the bus and into the swarming crowd of people walking on the city block. Everyone was practically elbow to elbow and they moved as drones. Kurama watched the very troubled Koorime and decided they should get off the streets soon. And just as the thought crossed his mind the perfect source of salvation came into view.

One thing "this" Hiei shared in common with his normal alter ego was the complete and utter dislike for large crowds. And walking through this ocean of sweaty humans would be imposing to anyone. Hiei's displeasure grew more and more and his pout only deepened as they maneuvered, or rather bumped their way through. That was until they walked into a cool and sweet smelling place.

It was a quaint well lit place with pastel pink colored walls and checkered tiled floors of the same color. To the right were tables lined up along the tall windowed wall. To the left was a long counter and underneath it were glass displays with perfectly delicious looking ice cream models. ((4 this is actually a description for Baskin Robbins....))

A plump, rosy cheeked and apron clad girl greeted them both with a bubbly smile. "Good afternoon and welcome Haagen Dazs. May I take your order?"

"Hmm.." Kurama hummed thoughtfully tapping his chin as he looked over the large display of flavors. He purposefully ignored the growing amount of female coworkers queuing up near by to peer at him. He decided to try something new this time around.

"I think I'd like to try the white chocolate raspberry truffle. three scoops? ((What a moutfhull of yum!!))

He smiled down at Hiei who looked as if his eyes were going to pop right out of his head.

"And what would you like Hiei?"

Hiei, who had yet to let go of Kurama's hand looked up at the Kitsune, his crimson eyes brimming with unexpressed excitement.

"I.. I can have whatever I want?" He asked in disbelief. The onlookers had increased in number and were now commenting at how cute and sweet the little boy was. If they only knew that said boy was really a murderous fire demon with a hidden demonic eye and the ability to unleash a black dragon powerful enough to decimate a continent. ((Oh well.. he's still cute though. *hugs Hiei plushie* ))

"Well... You can have one thing for now and later on we can get some more." Kurama was willing to admit that he was pretty well off as far as money goes. But if Hiei had his way in this place he'd have to buy the whole place out.

"I want that one..." Hiei immediately pointed at a display through the glass.

" Dulce De Leche. A very good choice that's one of my favorites. How many scoops then?" The girl behind the counter inquired.

"Umm... This many." Hiei held up all ten fingers. Kurama just chuckled a little.

"Uh... two bowls... four scoops each, good for now?" The girl offered in a confused tone. Apparently she didn't believe such a small one could eat that many bowls of ice cream at once. Kurama merely nodded.

"Okay will you be staying?" The girl asked.

"Yes we will." he replied.

One of the star struck girls cleverly took this as an incentive to get her chance at the gorgeous red head.

"I'll show you to your table! Please follow me." She stated importantly leaving all of her jealous coworkers glaring daggers at her back as she lead them to a table by the window.

"Oh... let me just wipe this down for you." And she immediately bent over the table and wiped away the non existent dirt on it slowly and deliberately, making sure to add an extra sway to her hips and giving a good show of her hot pink thong.

*That's tactful.* He thought with disgust as he had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at the girl's antics.

Sure she was pretty enough and the skirt she wore left little to the imagination, even without her bending over to show off her assets. But the outright boldness of her to act this way was very unattractive not to mention annoying.

*Where's the supervisor when you need one?*

He realized the answer to his question was standing right before him as the girl _finally_ stood upright. Her name tag read "Supervisor: My name is Izumi" .

"Thank you very much ah... Izumi." He said with a polite smile as he laced a little sarcasm into the use of her name, it was so small in dose however she didn't catch it. He doubted she would have anyway even if he had spelled it out that he wasn't impressed with her in the least.

"You're very welcome..." She said with a seductive twinkle in her eye, then plastered on an artificial smile for Hiei, which irritated Kurama to no end.

"And is this your little brother? He's very cute" She winked at Hiei in mock playfulness.

*Because we look _so_ much alike and all...* Kurama thought in annoyance.

Either he sensed Kurama's growing dislike for the girl or he himself had seen right though the girls false visage. One way or the other Hiei gave the girl the vilest look his sweet face could muster. And the girl immediately paled and backed off. She quickly said something about checking on orders before dashing away. Kurama was pretty sure the look Hiei just gave the girl was even meaner than his usual menacing glare.

"I dont like her K'rama." Hiei informed him after the girl was long gone.

*Interesting...*

"Why is that ?" He inquired.

"She has fake eyes." Hiei stated as he peered at her suspiciously. The girl must have felt his gaze from across the room for she blanched and avoided looking at their table completely.

"Hmm... " Kurama said thoughtfully. And he just left it at that. He figured that Hiei had indeed just seen straight through her falseness and didn't like it.

If they waited long for their ice cream they wouldn't have noticed it for the constant stream of visitors they got at the table. most of them were of course other employees which seemed to consist of all females. Every once in a while other patrons would chat with the charming and alluring pair. Mostly they were compelled to state how sweet and adorable they thought Hiei was. Hiei would dazzle them with the sweetest of smiles while Kurama just smiled pleasantly. It was nice not having all the attention aimed at himself for once.

"Okay three scoops White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle." A new server girl said through a huge smile as she placed the ice cream in front of Kurama.

"And three scoops Tres Leches for you." The girl placed the bowl in front of Hiei.

*That's not right...*

"Is there anything else I can get for you?"

"Well actually I believe that's the wrong order. We ordered two large bowls of Dulce De Leche."

He politely brought to her attention.

The girl immediately reddened with embarrassment and bowed lowly to them a few times apologizing over and over again.

"Oh.. I'm so sorry today's my first day!.. I - I'll get a new one right away!... "

And here she made and attempt to retrieve the wrong order from the little fire demon but apparently he was quite content to keep what he had, for when she reached for the bowl of ice cream Hiei scooted away from her grasp and shot her a look that clearly said "I bite".

The girl took the hint and pulled her hands away as if from a snapping dog. Kurama did everything in his power not to laugh but a chuckle escaped despite his efforts. It seemed the half Koorime was very fiesty when it came to his sweet snow. ((Damn right!))

"Ah.. just put it on my bill?"

20 minutes, 14 scoops of ice cream (11 of which were Hiei's ), and 7 brain freezes later (All of which were Hiei's) found the pair back out in the overly congested streets of Tokyo. Hiei was even more regretful of being back out here since leaving the Haagen Dazs Cafe. So Kurama tried to distract him by giving him little quizzes. He asked him to identify vehicles, shop signs and the general rules of traffic.

He felt Hiei fidget uncomfortably beside him once more. Looks like it's quiz time again. They were coming up on the last cross walk before reaching the park.

"All right Hiei.. what do we do here?"

The Koorime removed the earphones from his ears and seriously studied where they were standing. He looked at the traffic lights and the automobiles.

"We stay put until the cars stop and that light box shows the little man walking." Hiei said a little tentatively.

"Good, and what else?" Kurama prompted.

Hiei was thoughtful for a second before answering. "Then we look both ways before walking to the other side?" He looked up at Kurama though his visor cap hid most of his face from the Kitsune.

"Right.. Very good Hiei." He said ruffled Hiei's hair happily before the light changed and they crossed the street.

Who would have thought the Kitsune's luck would finally change for the better at that very moment as he spotted a certain black haired teen just across the street walking alongside his pretty brown haired girl friend.

*Well well well.....*

How fortunate was he now that he could reap his revenge on that spirit detective for abandoning him alone with Hiei for a week. And what better way than to call him out right in front of Keiko who was more than willing to dish out a few righteous blows to Yusuke's skull?

They were a few paces ahead and had their backs to Hiei and himself. He made his approach discreetly and he held tightly onto Hiei's hand as he led him down the street. It wasn't until he was almost right behind the couple before he decided to make his presence known.

"Good afternoon Yusuke, It's been a while no?" He said in a deceivingly silky soft and friendly tone.

The spirit detective visibly jumped at the sound of the voice and turned around much like a child caught stealing from a candy store.

"It's good to see you as well Keiko-chan." Kurama smiled though he caught Yusuke's plainly guilty look.

"Oh hello Kurama how are..." Her sentence would remain unfinished as she was too busy staring at the shorter demon beside Kurama to complete it.

"Ah.. Hiei?...I-Is that you?" She asked with a look of shock.

For some strange reason, Keiko was very perturbed by the idea of Hiei wearing anything other than black let alone cute retro-wear. ((Hmm.. imagine that.))

* And since when did Hiei cling to Kurama like a scared kitten? * She thought. Kurama took Keiko's confusion and used it as ammo.

"Oh yes.. I thought fresh air would do Hiei some good. He's gotten much better since the poison was extracted." He stated mildly then smiled at Hiei. The little demon returned a smile so sweet Kurama almost lost his train of thought. Keiko's eyes widened at the display and like a moth to the flame, she was drawn in.

"Poison?... What poison?" She blinked and eyed Hiei as if she were looking for some sort of deformity.

*Alas the moth's wings are singed.* Kurama thought

"The poison of the Makai mind warp plant of course." He stated as if such a detail should be common knowledge.

This was when Yusuke finally decided to join in on the conversation... or rather find a quick exit

"Y-yeah. that was from the last mission. But as you can see Hiei's doing a lot better now eheheh...It was real good seein ya Kurama, " He grabbed Keiko's hand and tried to pull her away. But he might as well have been tugging on a stubborn mule as far as it got him.

"I suppose you must have been busy this week..." Kurama went on despite Yusuke's efforts to flee. "Since you never stopped by to see how Hiei has progressed."

*Add a touch of guilt, give it sunshine... and watch it grow.* He thought with a smile on his face.

Keiko, now drawing pieces together fixed Yusuke to the spot with a searing glare.

"You had another mission.. And you never told me!?" Her voice raised an octave and passer by must have sensed the oncoming danger, for the group of teens suddenly had a lot of space between them and the crowd.

" I-It was just a side mission. S'not like the demon was real dangerous or anything." Yusuke began.

"Apparently the demon was formidable enough to ensnare Hiei in his trap and poison him." Kurama added thoughtfully.

"And then you ABANDONED your own partner while he was poisoned!? What kind of a leader are you anyway!?" She said with a definite fire in her eyes.

"Ah.. Uhh... see what had happened was uh... err....Ah Hell! ...So what! I went on a mission and I forgot to tell you, big deal! And I had.. reasons for not visiting Hiei OKAY!!? Where do you get off mothering me all the time!?"

This was obviously Yusuke's attempt to redeem his pride and some control over the conversation. It was however a very poor tactic and he found out when he saw Keiko's face. Her eyebrow twitched and her fist tightened. Kurama just took Hiei's hand and decided to get as far away from the couple as possible. Hiei surely didn't need to see the violence that was about to unfold here.

They had just entered the park when...

"HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!"

Hiei jumped at the frightful boom of Keiko's voice. Kurama just led him away from the sounds of Yusuke being pummeled and went on with a blissful smile. It was just too easy to stir up a fight between those two. In fact he was pretty sure they would have fought about something else anyway had he not come along. He wondered if they noticed how much they acted like an old married couple.

It was a good sized park, serene, fairly quiet and with a clean pond just in the center. There was also a several playing areas with swings monkey bars and see-saws. Few people were walking about here and there. Some parents leading their small children along or walking dogs. Kurama found the largest, most leafiest tree and sat on the grass under it's shade. He let out a sigh of relief and closed his eyes briefly.

"K'rama... are you sleepy?" Hiei asked with concern very evident in his voice. The Kitsune just opened his eyes and gave Hiei a reassuring look.

"No not exactly, It's just very hot out today and it drains me of energy." Kurama closed his eyes and sighed again while fanning himself a little.

Even if the heat was a little less intense in the shade, it really didn't help much for the humidity. He heard the sounds of Hiei going through the cooler and soon felt something very cold and wet touch his lips. He opened his eyes to find Hiei holding a fruit juice pack in front of him. ((Think Caprisun here people.)) He even had the straw inside the juice pack and everything.

"This will help?" Hiei was kneeling in front of him holding up the token gift right before Kurama, his Crimson eyes were practically begging for The Kitsune's approval. And how could Kurama deny him? He took a great long sip and was feeling better for it. Then again he knew that he really felt better while in the presence of such glowing warmth spilling from his sweet little fire demon.

"That feels a lot better. Thank you so much Hiei."

*Inari! That smile.* It was so sweet, and warm it simply overwhelmed him with innumerable sensations every time he saw it.

He was drowning in those gorgeous ruby eyes and was reaching out to Hiei before his mind had time to put the acts of his body in place. He had to give his head a good shake when he realized he was losing touch of himself. Had he not done this he may have ventured so far as to kiss those delicious looking lips.

* I can't do this... * Why had he thought this would get easier over time?

Here they were in a public place, on display for all to see and he was thinking about making out with Hiei who looked every bit the innocent little boy. Instead of reaching for his love he just took the juice

"A-aren't you hot too Hiei?" Kurama said distractedly. The Koorime just shook his head in reply a small secret little smile gracing his face.

*So then he must be learning to regulate his body heat. *

"Hmm well at least you're comfortable. That's good..."

But was it?... This was just another sure sign that Hiei was edging ever closer to full recovery and would soon return to his normal state. This should have been something to rejoice in right? Then why did the thought of it sadden him so?

*I must be the biggest hypocrite...*

Hiei saw the sudden look of distress on his Kitsune's face and completely racked his brains for a way to make him feel better. What had Kurama done for him whenever he had a nightmare? He would usually hold him close and whisper nice things to him. But as it stood, he was a little too small to cradle the fox in his lap so that wouldn't work. Kurama would also slowly runs his fingers through Hiei's hair and massage as he went along, it had always felt so very good to him.

Imagine Kurama's surprise when he felt small fingers running through his hair and massaging his thought cluddered head with such care and precision. Hiei's hands gently passed through the silky red stands and Kurama opened his mouth to talk but decided against it, afraid he may somehow ruin the moment with his voice. He only dipped his head forward a bit more so the Koorime could have better access. Hiei soon started to hum a soft tune he must have heard on the radio. The melody did sound somewhat familiar, Kurama thought absently.

The sounds of the park, the children at play, the sounds of the city, the honking of drivers, they all drifted away save for the sound of that voice and the lovely chirping of summer birds. It was almost as if he'd been put on a sedative. had it not been for the unbearable humidity Kurama may have been comfortable enough to drift off into slumber. A cool refreshing breeze passed through the park and played with the strands of hair Hiei had yet to tend to. For that instant the heavy wall of heat dispersed and left the red head in a wrapped in a blanket of nostalgia.

The soft scent of the Ningenkai plants and grass suddenly gave way to the more heady perfume of the Makai in full summer bloom. So heavy one could taste the scent on their tongue and revel in it's natural beauty that practically demanded attention. Soft whispering breezes playing though silver fur as Youko Kurama's animal aspect frolicked in the fields like a pup. All the while nipping at the weeping flowers from low hanging stems too thin to hold up the large bud.

*Home...*

Hiei was very surprised when he realized his Kitsune was fast asleep. Was he really that good? Now Kurama would be well rested and very happy when he woke up. Hiei felt himself smiling happily once more, the thought of him taking care of Kurama and helping him absolutely delighted Hiei greatly. If only he could stay with the fox forever even if he knew he never could.

* I want to stay, but.... *

But what was that white ball of fluff peeking from behind a tree nearby? It was not much larger than a soccer ball and had downy looking snow white fur and dark eyes. It's fluffy tail curled up over it's back wagged back and forth at an alarming speed. The pup barked a playful invite and being the curious little demon that he was, Hiei was compelled to follow.

(( <(^-^<) )) (( (>^-^)> ))

Keiko walked... or rather stomped down the street with a definite grimace on her face. Yusuke, a few throbbing lumps on the head richer followed not too far behind. He moodily watched Keiko blaze a clear path through the startled throngs of people walking on the street. All the while she violently sucked on the straw of her strawberry shake as if the cold treat itself was responsible for pissing her off. Never was there a more fearsome looking teenage girl in a pink summer dress and matching hair bow.

After some inner debating Yusuke finally had enough of the chilly atmosphere... or to be more accurate he finally worked up the courage.

"Come on Keiko you dont have to act like that I wasn't even looking at that girl!"

"Hmph!"

*Stupid Yusuke! He would think that's what I'm mad about! * She thought hotly and added more force to her stomping.

"It's not my fault she bent over that way. How could I not see that pink thong."

"Oh so it's a pink thong now!!? I thought you wasn't looking at her!" She spun on her heels and was now giving him one of her famous death glares.

*Oh... damn that was stupid* Yusuke mentally berated himself.

"Ah... err, heheh... "

Poor Yusuke was rooted to the spot as he knew all to well that such a look meant a battering was soon to come. He hadn't been this sore since.... well actually he's never been clubbed quite like that before. She must be more angrier with him than usual. Was it about what Kurama said back there?

*Damn that Kurama!.. It's like he did that on purpose!... Last time I help him out!* Yusuke thought grumpily.

"You're such an idiot sometimes you know that?" Keiko practically growled at him then she continued her stomp down the street, sending everyone in her path scattering in another direction, she kind of had that affect when she was fuming. And fuming she was indeed.

*I cant believe he left Hiei all alone with Kurama like that! But... then again he doesn't know...*

Her pace slowed little as she went into a thoughtful reverie. Her strawberry shake was receiving much less of her anger now, she quietly sipped at it as she walked along.

*It must have been hard for Kurama to take care of Hiei for all this time when he has those feelings to contend with.*

Keiko knew all too well of Kurama's feelings for Hiei and for a long time too. Not that the fox knew of her knowledge of course. Unbeknownst to the legendary thief of the Makai, his famous impassive mask was a little more transparent than he would have liked to believe. All the girls in the group figured out that Kurama was in love with Hiei, or if not in love very much in lust for the demon. Keiko just hoped it was the former and not the latter.

"Keiko..."

*Hmm... who had been the first one to figure it out.. Oh yes...*s e

That had been Shizuru, Kuwabara's tough older sister who apparently drained all of the good genes as far as looks goes. She was a pretty brunette chain smoker with one hell of a fiesty mouth and a mean right hook to boot. Her spirit awareness was second to none, those senses may have been stronger than even her brother's. For that is how Kurama's infatuation came to her attention. She had noticed the sudden flare of excitement in the redheads aura whenever he was around Hiei. Then she started to notice the looks.. and it was all history from there as it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.

*And then Shizuru told me.. oh wait that's right someone else figured it out a little earlier.*

And that someone was Botan. The only blue haired, violet eyed girl floating on a oar in a pink kimono you'll find for miles and miles around. Botan was the sometimes bubble headed chief pilot of The river Styx. In other words she was the sweetest grim reaper you could wish to come across. Well of course not that you'd wish that. Botan being the little gossip kitten that she was took a break from doing a twenty four hour commentary on Keiko and Yusuke's relationship only to sink her curious fangs into something a bit more juicier. Namely the enigmatic yet oblivious fire demon Hiei and his lusting fox team mate. If only Kurama would just tell him how he feels. Not that Botan blamed him for not wanting to reveal those feelings. But it sure would make things more interesting though!

"Oi.. Keiko.."

*And that's when Shizuru told me... though I did notice something between them before. I just didn't know what.*

Keiko remembered asking Shizuru if she was really seeing those looks Kurama would send Hiei's way or if she was just imagining them. And while this was being discussed Botan had been in the background looking as if she'd stolen the greatest treasure in all the three worlds. Oh how she loved to gossip.

A smile came to Keiko's lips at the memory. Soon after they all let Yukina in on the little secret seeing as they couldn't tell the small Koorime of that other very big important one. That one about Hiei being Yukina's brother to be precise. The small aqua haired girl just smiled sweetly as she usually did and said she thought they would be cute together. And thusly the Hiei and Kurama fan club and support group was formed.

"Earth to Keiko... Come in Keiko!"

Yusuke, who was quite fed up with being ignored opted to just annoy the hell out of Keiko until she payed attention to him. As odd as it was, her not paying attention to him was more infuriating than her beating the crap out of him. That being said, he ventured to take it a step further and get something of a rise out of her.

"This isn't about that girl in the ice cream place is it? If you got a bone to pick Don't just mope around, come out and say it!" Yusuke shouted at her back. causing the few passers by to quirk a brow in his direction.

When he was having fist fights with some random thug in a street brawl these tactics were quite effective in getting what he wanted. And when a demon heard his smart mouth it usually pissed them off so much they'd retaliate in anger and would lose the battle. But Yusuke obviously didn't know you can't use the same strategy in dealing with a girlfriend. Namely a girlfriend who was giving him a look so searing and angry that he would have withered away on the spot if she had that power. He was silently counting his blessings that Keiko _didn't_ have any spirit energy just then.

"All right... If you really want to know...." She said started a strangely quiet voice that made Yusuke very uneasy and unsure if he wanted to know at all anymore.

"Leaving Hiei alone with Kurama was just about the stupidest thing you've ever done Yusuke... And that's even including getting run over by that car."

*Oh so it _is_ about that then... Well little does she know...* He thought.

"Look it's not like I was trying to abandon them or anything I already told you I had my reasons okay?"

Keiko threw a hand to her hips at this. "Oh? And what would that be? Let me guess you were busy doing some extra studying before school starts?..." Keiko's voice was positively dripping with sarcasm here. You see, our Yusuke wasn't exactly what you'd consider scholarly. However the spirit detective bristled at her smart comment.

" Ha Friggin Ha... very funny. For your information I left Kurama alone with Hiei for his own good. If it was left up to him he'd be pussy footing around forever. I had to give him a good kick in the pants."

*Puzzled, Perplexed, Shocked, Confusion, Disbelief * These were just naming a few of the expressions showing on Keiko's face at this moment.

*Heh, finally caught her off guard with that one.* Yusuke thought smugly and so this pushed him to continue.

"Call me crazy, but maybe I've been noticing things about Kurama that everybody else might not be seeing."

Keiko's flabbergasted expression only intensified here.

"Yusuke.. What are you.." She stammered.

"Haven't you noticed, those looks Kurama's always giving Hiei? The way he always wants to take care of him if he gets hurt? And hell You can't forget the way he always looks scared out of his mind whenever it seems Hiei might lose a battle... It's pretty obvious. Fox boy's crushing on Hiei... hard.

Keiko opened her mouth only to find that no words would come out.

*I can't believe... he...* Even her thoughts didn't seem able to process all of this.

"Well... I have noticed" Yusuke continued. "And I also know that Kurama wont ever get around to telling Hiei how he feels on his own. That's why I left Hiei alone with him. I thought that if Hiei was right under him twenty four/ seven, he'd be faced with no other choice than confess his feelings for him. And you saw how Hiei was just a while ago, because of the poison he's reverted to a pre schooler's mental state and gotten all clingy and affectionate. With Hiei like that it's only a matter of time before Kurama cracks up and lets it all out. "

Keiko stood there staring at Yusuke with huge glossy eyes. This had been the very last thing she'd expected him to say.

"You knew?" she whispered.

"Uh.. yeah? How could I not know, it's written all over Kurama's face every time he looks at Hiei. But he's only fooling himself if he thinks he can keep it a secret forever. He needed a check with reality.. so I helped him out.

There was a moments silence.

"You knew he had feelings for Hiei all along... and that's why you left them alone, while Hiei was in a weakened state.." It sounded as if she needed a confirmation that she had all the facts straight.

"Yeah... Heh... I wouldn't be surprised if he's already told Hiei everything.. " He answered.

"Oh... Yusuke" Keiko whispered in an airy manner, her expression looked dreamy and romantic.

Yusuke felt himself grinning with unchecked smugness.

*All Right! Score one for Yusuke the sensitive, caring boyfriend. And professional matchmaker on the side.* ::Insert Applause Here::

He could practically see the hearts in her eyes and pink pastel bubbles floating just in the background. And...was that a harp playing?

*Oh yeah.. I'm in the good now.. * The teen even went so far as to chuckle.

"YOU DOLT!!!!!"

Yusuke barely even got a chance to completely hear those words pass her lips before his head met the pavement in the aftermath of a strong fierce slap to the side of the face. After dislodging his head from being embedded in the side walk Yusuke jumped up with a searing red hand print on his face and fire in his eyes,

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!!!!!???"

"YOU IDIOT!!!!! ' CRACK UP AND LET IT ALL OUT!?' I CANT BELEIVE YOU'RE THAT DENSE!!!!" She shouted at him.

"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FRIGGIN MIND!? I WAS HELPING KURAMA OUT!!!!"

They had cleared the entire city block from all the maniacal screaming between the two of them.

"It's ONE thing if you left them alone without KNOWING of Kurama's feelings for Hiei... But you PURPOSELY put Kurama in that kind of situation!... How could you do that to him!?" Keiko barked.

"I'm sorry ... DID I MISS SOMETHING HERE!? ... I thought I already told you it was for his OWN DAMN GOOD!. Otherwise Kurama never EVER would have gotten enough courage to spill!... WHAT don't you GET about that!?"

Keiko closed her eyes and took a few calming breaths while counting to ten in her mind. Though this practice did little to help she silently prayed for the strength and patience it was going to take to get through her boyfriend's thick skull.

"No Yusuke.. you're the one who doesn't seem to get it." She opened her eyes now and looked at him, leaving the silent promise of pain if he interrupted. He must have got the message for his mouth just hung open in an unspoken statement when he caught her eyes.

"I'm not gonna lie... I'm pretty surprised you'd notice that much about Kurama's feelings for Hiei. But in knowing that don't you think it was cruel to leave him trapped alone with Hiei in the state he's in?"

Yusuke didn't look like he was getting it.

"Ugh! ... Hiei is NOT his NORMAL self... Kurama can't admit his love for him while he's like this because he'd only be fooling himself.. It would be fake. And to make matters worst Hiei's extremely affectionate in his child like state and is constantly clinging to Kurama. Can you even begin to imagine what Kurama's been going through? Having Hiei so close, and loving, for all this time and yet not being able to do anything about it...."

Finally it seemed to be donning on the spirit detective the severe err in his strategy.

"And what if Kurama was to lose his self control? Then what do you think would happen Yusuke? ... Though I know Kurama isn't that kind of person, it's still very possible all of his feelings are just building and building inside of him until they force themselves out in the worst possible way... He could end up raping Hiei. Do you really want to see that happen? "

(.....)

(.....)

"Shit...." Was Yusuke's reply after a long thick silence. "I didn't think of it that way..."

"Well duh... But now that you see it in a new light you're going to fix your mistake aren't you?"

"Huh? What do you.." He stammered.

"You're going to march right back over to that park and volunteer to watch Hiei until he gets better.." She said pleasantly, as if it were the simplest of things.

"I'm gonna do WHAT!?"

((Okay.... Just so you know this chapter was going to be even longer than what it is now... but I just thought... Hey What the hell... I might as well post it here.. It's not like I'm trying to go for a world record or anything.. so .. Here you go !.

I'm very sorry for the long time it took for this chapter to come out but... oh well..

Since the next chapter is really the second part to this one.. I haven't thought up a name for it yet.. But it'll be posted alot faster than this one was you'd better believe it!))