Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ The Collector ❯ Barry White, Eat Your Heart Out!! ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer: Still don't own it. Still wish I did. Do ya think that'll ever change? Maybe if I win the lottery.... *snicker*

SM: Oh GOD.... It's the LAST chapter!! *bawls*

Kylyx: *pats her shoulder* There, there. No need for this sort of display.

Argaus: *grinning* Are you kidding? This is great! How often does our Author cry like a big, wimpy baby?

SM: *cries harder*

Kylyx: Will you just SHUT UP!? I'm trying to calm her down so she can finish this damn thing already!

Argaus: Why would you want to do that? I was having fun.

Kylyx: For the love of... Look. It's been going on too long. You got to murder a few people, banged a Kitsune, and really fucked up a solid relationship. Haven't you had enough?

Argaus: Asking stupid questions now?

Kylyx: Argh! That's it! We're finishing this fic right now!

SM: *clings to her PC* No! I don't want it to end!!

Argaus: *blink* What the hell...?

Kylyx: Dammit! Let go!!

SM: Nooooooooo!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Barry White, Eat Your Heart Out!!

Spirit World Damage Report, Section 7, Team C

Sunday, 11:26AM

YTD 1955

Upon questioning of the suspect, it was confirmed that all damages were not within his realm of energy. His reasons for being on the scene were non-condemning, therefore we cannot hold him longer than the customary 48 hours for reference check. He will be released back into the Demon Realm on Tuesday, at 4:30PM. Botan will be accompanying the party, and will report back to the Head Office.

Property damage unassessed as of yet.

Death Count: 3

Spirit World Damage Report, Section 7, Team F

Friday, 9:12PM

YTD 1957

Gross breech of conduct cannot be confirmed, due to lack of evidence. None of the witnesses questioned are willing to report anything to aid the case. We will be apprehending the suspect at his home two days from now, and will be delivering Botan to the Head Office tomorrow. If no evidence can be found between the two, we will have no choice but release both her and her "acquaintance," Argaus.

Probation, and surveillance of both is recommended.

Property damage: $12,000

Death Count: 7

Spirit World Damage Report, Section 4, Team G

Tuesday, 3:00AM

YTD 1957

Four of our Field Agents are dead, three others considered MIA. There is no sign of Argaus, or Botan; she is believed to be aiding him in his escape. The trail has been fairly easy to follow, so far, and we have hope of finding them both within the next day. Upon capture, protocol will be followed, and Argaus will be brought into trial. Botan, we will leave to you.

Property damage: $450,000,000

Death Count: unable to determine, due to lack of whole bodies. Most will have to be identified with dental records.

Spirit World Investigation Team Report

Wednesday, 4:44PM

YTD 1957

Information we received after questioning Botan has lead us to believe our main suspect has escaped into the Human World. He is, now, untraceable. Due to her highly disappointing lack of judgment, and improper protocol, she will be temporarily suspended of her duties until further notice. Further pursuit of punishment for her crimes will be determined by the Chief Administrator.

Until given permission to release her, she will be retained inside of her home, on constant surveillance.

Spirit World Investigation Team Report.

Saturday, 6:12PM

YTD 1958

One Year without incident in either Spirit, or the Human world has forced us to deem Argaus legally deceased, and possibly roaming either plane. Due to this, his criminal action cannot be perused by Spirit World, and must be dealt with upon his arrival at the Gates of Judgment.

Botan has been released, and allowed to return to her duties as Pilot of the River Styx.

Koenma sighed, and tossed the old reports onto his desk. Forty six years had passed since then, and everyone in Spirit World had thought it gone, never to be remembered or brought up again.

Least of all, Botan.

The poor girl, though what she did then was quite foolish, had never really gotten over the entire incident. She managed to hide it well behind a mask of bubbly efficiency, but one never truly forgets their first broken heart...

She had first met Argaus after the first incident he was suspected for. A family of lesser Demons, low class, had been traveling down the main commerce road, following after a caravan that was headed towards the western territories. Their clan had moved on months before; they were stragglers, forced to take care of several things in their old territory before moving on.

They had made it to the outskirts of a smaller settlement, when they had been attacked.

The clean-up crew hadn't been able to determine their murderer, they had only found one simple Illusionist wandering a little further down the road.

To say he was charming would be an understatement. Prettier than most Demons of his class, Argaus had nearly managed to evade being brought in by the Spirit World law enforcement. It was only due to the captain of the crew being male (and decidedly straight) that he was ever seen in the questioning room. And even then, they had to bring in a male officer to do the questioning; all the females were quite taken with him.

The testing of his spirit energy was quick and efficient, and a definite let down. The creature had just enough to create his pretty Illusionist pictures, and the occasional vision, but that was basically it. His physical strength was minimal; he'd be lucky to get out of a barroom brawl with a few broken bones and a severely damaged ego. So, according to law, they had to release him.

Koenma only wished he knew then that it would be a mistake to send Botan along.

Their story-book romance was just that; fantastic, sweet, and beautiful. Argaus doted upon the girl like she was the last creature in the Universe, spoiling her with simple gifts only the most innocent of the heart could fully appreciate. His subtle grace enticed her, seduced her in both heart and body, and she gave him her love freely.

And from her, he took her trust. With that trust came the telling of secrets, of things one must never know about another. Things that were directly linked to Botan's job.

Namely, how to ensnare and properly maintain a creature's soul.

It was around that time, that the odd murders began to become more frequent.

When Argaus was brought in as a suspect, Botan, like the loyal lover she was, stood by him in her belief of his innocence. And boy, did he lap that up. He swore to her that he hadn't done those horrible things, that he never murdered countless innocents, and never once used the power she had taught him to do so.

And so, under the eyes of Spirit World, Argaus in his grand deceit, clouded the heart of Botan, and stole the souls of any he could come across.

His escape to the Living World wasn't quick. Weeks went by before Botan finally managed to find a weakened spot in the barriers to let him slip through. And as he turned to her to say his goodbyes, he continued to sing of his love for her, and how it would never begin to fade, for she was the only person in either world that ever believed him, had ever loved him.

And then, just as quickly as he had come into her life, he disappeared, for forty six long years.

Koenma knew that Botan honestly believed him dead, too weak to survive on his own in the Living World. The idea threatened to consume her, had they not sent her back to her duties. She worked tirelessly, hiding her pain and loss behind her happy little mask, and continued to live out her destined life.

He could only imagine how she was feeling now, now that she knew the truth of his actions, and the reality of his true death. Now she had nothing to look forward to, knowing that the Spirit World would not allow her to handle his passing through their realm, due to the personal nature of the issues. Now, she had no hope to see him ever again. No hope, at all.

Koenma shifted in his seat, leaning back and propping his feet on the desk top. The issue with Argaus had finally been resolved, even though those that needed closure the most were denied that. But he was gone forever from the Living World, never free to hurt another soul for the rest of eternity. That should have been enough.

But, as most things went, it wasn't, and probably never would be. Though the bastard was now dead, he still managed to destroy lives with his last breath, and any and all feared that it would be permanent.

The perfectly tragic ending, to a perfectly painful story. Argaus had gotten his one, true desire. He found the ending to his story-book, in the broken heart of one he lusted for, and the near unbearable pain of another.

He would be laughing gleefully in Hell, when his time came.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, buddy, how ya doin'?"

Kurama glanced up from the paperback novel that sat in his lap, and squinted through the fading sunlight to get a clearer view of his friend. Yusuke's large, brown eyes stared down at him, filled with genuine concern. He hoped the twist of his lips bore some resemblance to a smile.

"As well as can be expected. And how are you faring?"

Yusuke rolled his eyes, blowing a puff of breath out, ruffling his bangs, before he settled into the grass beside his friend beneath the giving shade of the tree in Kurama's back yard.

"You know me. All revved up and no place to go."

Kurama chuckled, and closed his book, "Keiko giving you a difficult time, is she?"

"Yea, I guess so. We were supposed to go to a movie today, but half-way through it, she kinda pushed me outta my seat and stormed off. I don't understand women, Kurama. One minute they're all fine with you, then the next they're screaming at the top of their lungs in public at you, then get mad and blame you when people start staring."

"Perhaps you should learn to keep your hands to yourself."

Yusuke sputtered, and sent a playful punch into Kurama's shoulder, "Hey man! You're supposed to be on my side, here!"

"Oh, am I?" Kurama knew that his smile was genuine, at that moment. It felt good to tease Yusuke again, to get him flustered, and subtly make fun of his lack of tact. Things almost felt... normal, again.

Yusuke huffed, and turned to face forward again, his shoulders slumping the slightest bit, "Yea, well... after that, I decided to come over and see how you were doing."

"As I've told you, Yusuke, I'm fine. Never better, in fact."

Yusuke slowly turned his face, half of it hidden in the shadows of Kurama's favorite tree, the sunlight glinting off his tanned skin, making him look oddly distorted. Distant. Not really there.

"Are you sure, Kurama?" his voice was soft, carrying that gentle catch to it that always appeared when the boy was honestly worried about something, and all his walls had fallen down. A moment of tenderness, that none had yet to fully appreciate. Kurama felt a tight pull in his chest, and hoped the grimace within his heart wasn't reflected in his eyes. No, Yusuke, I am not sure.

"Of course," Kurama stood, brushed off the back of his pants, "Would you like to come inside? I believe Mother has left some iced tea in the refrigerator-" His steps halted as Yusuke clapped a hand over his wrist, and gently tugged, silently asking his question again. Kurama sighed, bowing his head, "Yusuke, there is no need for this worry. I am alright. Truly."

The hand remained there, and gave a gentle, reassuring squeeze, before it released. Yusuke stood, and smiled, "Yea, that tea sounds good."

Yusuke sat at the kitchen counter, his eyes wandering over the sparkling worktops, and near sterile stainless steel fixtures. It still amazed him that Kurama's Mother had the energy to not only work every day to support her little family, but still keep a house this clean. There wasn't a day of his life that his own home wasn't a complete mess, occasionally smelling of old garbage, and always smelling of alcohol. But even under the stench of cleansers and bleach, the germless surfaces, there was a comfortable feeling of home here. This was a place where you felt welcome, the moment you stepped through the front door.

Kind of odd for the lair of Youko Kurama.

"So tell me, Yusuke, how is your Mother?" Kurama asked, as he set the glass of iced tea down, on top of a corkboard coaster.

Yusuke shrugged, swirling the ice around in his glass, "Alright I guess. Yours?"

"She is well. Hovering over me, as a mother often does. And Kuwabara, how is he doing?"

Yusuke cocked a brow, but decided not to point out the obvious. Small talk wasn't a normal thing for Kurama. At least not that he'd seen.

"He's good. Slobbering over Yukina like usual. I think Genkai's about ready to rip his lungs out, though, just so she won't have to listen to him spouting cheap poetry, anymore."

As Yusuke spoke, he kept his eyes locked on Kurama, watching the subtle changes in his face, his eyes, the distracted and distant look in them. Even his mannerisms, the flow of his body, was different. And, like he knew they would, those large, green eyes widened the slightest bit when a familiar energy flickered to meager life, only to be forcefully extinguished a second later.

Kurama stood on shaking legs, holding his hands behind his back to hide the tremble, "Excuse me for a moment, Yusuke."

"Yea. Sure. I'll just enjoy my iced tea, in Kurama the Fox Demon's spotless kitchen, and count the invisible smudges on the windows...." he knew he was rambling, and talking to himself. Kurama had only been in the room long enough for the first two words, and didn't even pay attention when Yusuke repressed his own energy.

Even as Kurama opened the door to his room, he knew what would meet his eyes, who would be waiting there. True to his instinct, his eyes caught sight of the smaller demon, toeing off his black boots by the window.

"Hiei, what are you doing here?"

The Demon in question glanced up from the process of ridding himself of his boots, and quirked a brow. "I'm affording your rug the nuisance of having to be cleaned."

Any other day, any other time, any other situation, and Kurama would have found humor in Hiei's sarcastic reply. Now, all it did was feed a guilty rage inside of him, and his hands shook in tight fists by his sides.

"You've been late getting to school lately, Kurama. Won't your Mother be upset with you?" Hiei asked as he stepped half way across the bedroom, and with a quick cross of his legs and a smooth motion, sat on the floor. Kurama felt that rage grow to almost blinding proportions, and bit his tongue in an effort to keep it in check.

"Hiei, what I do with my life is none of your-"

"Business? Excuse me, Kurama, but I think you slowly wasting yourself away is plenty of my business."

"How-"

"Dare I?"

"Will you stop interrupting me!"

Hiei crossed his arms with an indignant grunt, "I wouldn't interrupt if I didn't already know what you were going to say. I know you well, Fox."

Kurama's eyes glazed for a moment, temporarily lost in his anger. The question was, was he angry at Hiei for his words, or for the truth in them? It was so much easier to blame him, than to face them, though.

"Hiei, this has to stop. Right now."

"Hn. What has to stop? I'm merely stating the obvious, which is tedious, trust me."

It hurt to hear to that, to believe it. Kurama was now tedious to his once-lover, like a sickly child needing constant care? Was that all he had become? And yet... wasn't that what he had wished for? A way out of this horribly impossible situation he found himself in? He could no longer give himself to Hiei - he did not deserve that honor. But it still hurt... it hurt him deeply.

And true to the nature of the creature he had become, he retaliated against that pain with his anger.

"If I'm so dammed tedious, then you can just leave right now."

Hiei tried not to blink, tried not to look confused. Kurama had said many things since... that day. He had denied him the companionship he knew they both craved. He had told him that it would no longer be. He told him he planned on returning to his normal, quiet life, without him in it. So Hiei had been content to watch him from a distance, occasionally stop by like he used to do, to tease and pester the Fox. And the Fox had always seemed to return the playful blows, like they had before, even if it did seem a little forced.

He knew he wasn't kidding himself; things would never go back to the way they were. There was too much between them, for them to ever go back to that. But... he had at least hoped it was a nice fantasy to try and role play. He had made a promise to Kurama, that night, under an imagined cherry tree, drenched in the rain, that he would not force the Fox into anything he did not want.

He would never, ever do that to him again.

So he indulged him, no matter how much it hurt, and let him live out his life as he saw fit. Until Kurama began to falter, and his torment started to show. He ate little, slept even less, and was rarely to school on time any more. His grades were slipping, and even his perpetually optimistic Mother had began to worry about her darling son. When Shiori worried, then the sky must really be falling.

He was wasting away, losing everything Hiei knew he really was. He had let Kurama live out this little play, but this was going too far.

"You don't want me to leave, Kurama. Open your eyes!"

"My eyes are open Hiei, and I don't like what I see!"

Hiei stood quickly, and crossed the room in three single strides. Kurama felt a chill down his spine as his once-lover nearly stood on tip toe, to yell into his face. This was all far too familiar. He could nearly feel the current of the river around him...

"You're looking at what you choose to! You seek to blame me for your anger! Arrogant bastard, I said open your eyes and see what you're doing to yourself!"

Kurama snorted, and tried to take a step to the side, to put some distance between them. He could feel the heat of Hiei's body this close, and it disturbed him, made his insides churn with something he denied was even there now. Hiei stepped with him, would not let him pass.

"Don't you mean what I'm doing to you, Hiei? This has been about you from the beginning, and you say I'm arrogant? I asked you before to leave, and now I'm telling you. Get out."

Hiei's body stilled, his breath stopped short in his lungs. Kurama's eyes were fierce, sharp and piercing, and they cut him down till he thought he would drop to his knees. The only thing that kept him on his feet was the thunderous pounding of his heart, and the last bit of pride he held onto. He turned without a sound, and stepped dully toward the window. As he pulled his boots back on, he did not once look at Kurama, for he was afraid he could not go through with the request if he did.

Finally, he stood on the window sill, the summer wind blowing past him, ruffling his coat, back turned to the bedroom. His shoulders dropped and he sighed.

"You say that I am only concerned with my own life; you assume my motives are nothing but selfish. Hn," he shook his head miserably, defeated, "Perhaps they are, truthfully. Because Kurama, your life is my life. No matter where you are, what you do, I am forever linked to you. Into this inevitable death you have sentenced yourself to, I find myself drawn. I refuse to let you go alone."

And just like that, the smallest glimpse of swishing black, and all Kurama could see was the swaying leaves of the tree in his backyard. All traces of Hiei were gone, even the lingering smell of tree sap and summer wind that he normally left behind seemed absent. He had never felt so alone.

Kurama sighed, and leaned against the doorjamb, his head thumping softly as it settled against the wood. He closed his eyes, chewed on his lower lip, and wrapped his arms about his waist. Why did this hurt so much? Hiei was just being selfish, stubborn, completely close-minded like he normally was. What was in this for him? Why did he keep coming back?

And every time Kurama drove him off, it became harder and harder to watch him go.

His hand went up to his chest, feeling his heart pump furiously beneath the layers of flesh, muscle, and bone. It snaked up to his throat, feeling it constrict.

Every time Hiei left, it became harder and harder to breathe.

"Why won't you let me breathe?" He whispered into the empty room, with only the summer wind as his answer.

"Kurama?"

The Fox didn't jump, wasn't startled. He hadn't forgotten about Yusuke, sitting down in his kitchen. The boy would have heard most of the argument, enough that he would know the gist of what happened. He turned slowly, a fake smile plastered on his face, but felt it die when he saw the look in his friends eyes.

Disappointment. Shame. Pity.

God, it was disgusting.

"Don't say a word, Yusuke. I don't need your-"

"I know, I know. Nothing I could say to you right now would make a difference, anyway. Could I make a suggestion, though?"

Kurama sighed again, bowed his head.

"Ya got anything stronger to drink? Ya look like ya need it."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The world felt like such a warm, comfy place. Kurama grinned behind his glass, slurping the alcohol through parted lips, relishing the lingering burn it left behind. The sun had long since set, relinquishing its strong hold to the cool blue of the summer moon, drowning Japan in its eerie light. That light shone through Kurama's bedroom window, muted barely by the soft glow of his desk lamp, and the occasional votive candle he had lit as a mere after thought.

After all, getting drunk was much more enjoyable in a relaxed setting.

Yusuke sat opposite him, cross legged on the floor, nursing his own glass of... what were they drinking? His mother kept a rather extensive choice of drink in her liquor cabinet.... Kurama shrugged his shoulders, not even bothering to ask. What did it matter, really? The drink was doing its job, wasn't it?

"You wouldn't believe the shit that woman has put me through, man... It's like... like a dick is really that scary, ya know?"

Kurama giggled, covering his mouth and pinching his nose shut, hoping to keep the laughter at bay as best he could.

"I don't know, Yusuke... I've seen some pretty scary 'dicks' in my day..." Kurama mumbled, still smiling, and tipped his glass back. He frowned up at it for a moment - it was empty. Opening his mouth, he stuck his tongue out, letting the last few dribbles drop onto it, tilting his head further back.

"Shit! Kurama?"

The Fox giggled again, laying flat on his back on the floor where he had fallen. Yusuke laughed along with him, and setting his own glass down, offered his friend a hand back up. Kurama took it gratefully, since the room was moving around far too much for any decent sort of mobility.

That mobility was indeed failing as he was pulled back into a sitting position, and he ended up falling forward, right into Yusuke's open lap.

"Heh... Hey, ya alright?"

Kurama stayed still for a moment, grinning up at the boy. For a second, his thoughts stopped completely, as he stared.

He had never really noticed before, but... Yusuke had truly beautiful eyes. They were large, round, and impossibly brown. There were so many shades of the color in there, twisting and swirling together to form some sort of odd kaleidoscope of patterns.

Kurama's gaze moved slowly down, over the petite little nose, down to his lips. They were full, slightly parted, turned up at the corners in Yusuke's normal, contented smile. They looked soft, very soft... almost as soft as the hand that still held his, trapped between their pressed bodies...

Kurama licked his own lips, and bracing his free hand on the floor, pushed himself up.

"Kurama? Whoa-!"

The Fox pressed their mouths together gently, letting his lids drop closed. Yusuke made no move, and Kurama took that as a silent encouragement. At least he wasn't pulling away.

He titled his head slightly, and let the tip of his tongue slip across the line of his friend's lips, feeling a trio of butterflies go crazy in his gut as he tasted pure man beneath the flavor of the alcohol they had both drank. This was something he had missed - the tingle of male in his mouth, against his own skin. How long had it been since he had sampled it? A month? Maybe two? Ch... such a horrible waste of his sexual skills, to deny himself like this.

So what if Yusuke had a girlfriend? He could easily distract him of that fact. So what if Hiei was still following him around like pet to master? He had made it perfectly clear before that he had no intention of going back to him... it was best like that.

He was available, body burning for a release, and Yusuke was there. It was perfect.

He groaned in the back of his throat, licked his own lips again, and moved in for another kiss.

Only his lips met resistance. His eyes opened slowly, finding Yusuke's fingertips against them, and the boy's own eyes sharp and focused - frighteningly sober.

"Lie to yourself if you have to, Kurama, but don't lie to me."

Kurama's eyes grew wide, his mouth opening and closing in half formed sentences of denial, anger. His cheeks began to flush, and a headache began to pound somewhere in his brain. The anger slowly began to turn to realization of the rejection, and he felt the bitter tears form in his eyes, but they wouldn't fall.

"You'd do this to me, Yusuke?"

Yusuke sighed, "What hurt more, Kurama? Being afraid you lost him, or being afraid you need him too much?"

Kurama stared, his jaw agape, silent for a moment. What could he say to that? He felt the tears finally fall, slipping down his burning cheeks, and he tried his hardest to hold them back. His chin mottled, and he quickly turned away, stumbling to his feet and towards the window.

"You don't know anything about it!"

"Don't I? You're my friend, and even I'm smart enough to know when you're wallowing in self-pity."

Kurama growled, slapping his palm against the wall as he stared fiercely up at the stars, as if he could cast all the blame onto them, instead. They were silent for a while, Yusuke staring at his friend's shaking back, watching the flowing tears drop to the carpeting. He sighed again, and stood, standing barely a foot away from him.

In a soft, gentle voice, he spoke, "Answer the question, Kurama."

The Fox felt all his fight leave, evaporate somewhere inside his heart, and he nearly crumbled to the floor.

"It is neither, Yusuke. It hurt to think I had lost him forever, yes... But, I think it hurt more to see him standing there, alive, smiling at me... Have you ever seen Hiei truly smile? It's the most beautiful thing in the world... But when I saw him, I realized that I had to face all the wrongs I had done to him. He knew of them all, I know he did, but they didn't seem to matter..." he felt Yusuke's comforting hand on his shoulder, and he struggled to continue, to speak through his tears, "I was terrified, Yusuke. It was so much easier to let him go, than to face him after all the things I had stained our relationship with. It's because of that, that I...."

Yusuke slowly turned his friend around, and the Fox fell into his arms, sobbing heavily into his chest. He cradled his friend, petting his hair back, letting him cry as much as he needed.

"H-how could I-? How could I - do that to - him?" Kurama choked on his words, fisting his hands in the back of Yusuke's shirt, desperately trying to stay on his feet. The younger boy eased them both to the floor, kneeling down, and still held him to his chest.

The sobbing eventually calmed, Kurama's shoulders relaxing as he took deep, soothing breaths. His nose was stuffy, and his eyes ached, but his heart hurt worst of all. With a shame he hadn't thought possible, he pulled himself from Yusuke's arms, staring down at his lap. Absently, he rubbed at his nose, clearing some of the drainage.

"Kurama, could I ask you a question?"

The Fox nodded, silently, keeping his gaze fixed on the floor before him.

"Have you forgiven Hiei for what he did to you?"

Kurama slowly drew his eyes upward, red rimmed and bloodshot though they were. The proof of his tears was not the source of his shame.

"I forgave him the moment he told me of it."

"And he forgave you for everything you did?"

Kurama cast his eyes down again, his answer barely audible, "Yes, apparently."

"What are you, fucking stupid?!"

The Fox jumped, his head snapping up and at attention, "Excuse me?"

Yusuke rolled his eyes, shook his head, "Come on, Kurama. If Hiei forgave you for all that crap, then what the hell is stopping you? The guy came to you in a dream to spout poetry and claiming undying love-"

"You knew!?"

Yusuke's eyes grew wide, and he grinned sheepishly, "Well, yea, sorta. The Dream Weaver explained what they planned - Don't give me that look! She didn't tell me everything! Just... about the cherry tree and the Joining Ceremony. That's some pretty deep stuff, man."

Kurama blushed from his ears down to his chest, chewing on his lower lip, "Quite."

"So seriously, what's the problem? Why aren't you running into his arms, weeping like a girl, and begging for him to take you back? You know he would."

The Fox gave a heavy sigh, shifting his weight to lean on his hand, curling his legs up beside himself, "I do know that, but it is not easy as all that. What I have done to him is unforgivable, unforgettable. I do not deserve him."

Suddenly, Kurama found himself laying back on the floor, his head spinning and ears ringing. Yusuke sat over him, glowering, having delivered a brutal smack to the side of his head.

"You really are stupid, aren't you? 'Don't deserve him. Not worthy of him.' Blah, blah, blah. Isn't that supposed to be up to him to decide? So what if he kept secrets from you? So what if you, after being tricked and lied to, cheated on him? So what that you decided to run away from your fear, instead of face it? Do you think he's worth it, Kurama? Is he worth everything you two have gone through?"

Green eyes closed, fresh tears brimming, and he nodded.

"Then why the fuck are you willing to pass up a damn good chance at happiness, just because it might not work out? Christ, grow some balls, man."

Kurama held his breath for maybe a second, before he began to laugh. The sound filled the room, warmed his blood, made his heart feel like beating again. It breathed life back into his limbs, gave the room a gentle, comforting feeling. He opened his eyes again, the green inside of them glittering as he stared up at his friend.

"Thank you, Yusuke. Only you could manage to insult someone's pride during a pep talk."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kurama rushed out of his home the next day, stepping into the misty, summer morning, trying his hardest to ignore the pounding headache behind his eyes. A night of tears, and several types of alcohol left a person with one Hell of a hang over. Absently, in the back of his mind, he reminded himself to clean up his Mother's sewing room as soon as he got back. Hopefully, that would be before she got home from work.

He had so many things to do that day, he could only pray that it would be enough.

The streets weren't too busy yet, the regular hustle and bustle of city life muted by the early hour, and for this he was thankful. The flow of energy around him almost felt still, and he easily tuned his senses onto his surroundings, letting his intuition and emotion guide him to where he should be. Where he needed to be.

He was not at all surprised to find his prey waiting for him, seated almost casually in the grass, staring up at the gray sky. Hiei looked relaxed, as though the entire world around him was of no concern. Appearances were deceiving, however, and as Kurama slowly approached, he was again not surprised when the Fire Demon acknowledged him with a soft, "Hello."

Kurama didn't answer him. He merely stood behind him, staring at the back of his head, his hand fidgeting in his pocket.

"Well, are you going to sit down, or not?"

"Yes, of course." As the damp grass chilled him through the seat of his pants, Kurama felt a tightening in his stomach. Could he really do this?

They remained in silence for long minutes, both lost within their own thoughts. But... strangely, Kurama noticed that the feeling between them was not awkward, not uncomfortable as it had been. He took a deep breath as he let the realization sink into him.

Hiei knew that he had come to some decision. He knew, and was prepared for whatever decision it might be.

His heart warmed, and he smiled secretly to himself.

"Hiei, may I ask you a question?"

"Hn. That is a question."

"I - ah - Hiei!"

The Fire Demon smirked, and nodded his head. Kurama huffed, the breath ruffling his bangs.

"Did you mean what you said? In the dream you sent to me, I mean."

Hiei was quiet for a few seconds, before he nodded again, "Yes. Every word."

"But why? Why not just take what you consider yours?"

He turned to face Kurama slowly, his face set as it normally was, sharply contradicting it as he tilted his head, "Because I do not own you, Kurama. If I tried, you'd run from me. I let you choose your own path."

"No matter what it is?"

"Within reason."

"But, why?"

"Fox, that is now three questions."

"Hiei!"

"Because it is your choice, and I have hope that it will eventually make you happy, no matter what it is you do."

Kurama shifted, crossing his legs beneath himself, "Even if it means living my life without you in it?"

He watched Hiei's eyes glitter, the sharp stab biting into him somewhere within his soul. But he remained steady, and nodded his head, "If that is what you wish."

Kurama stood, his head bowed, stuffing his hands back into his pockets. Hiei watched him, feeling his heart constrict, and quickly turned his gaze away. His eyes closed, not able to bare witness to Kurama, his Fox, his very life, walk away from him. He knew that in time, the wound would scar, and eventually fade to tolerable, but for now, it was too fresh, too deep. The mark of Kurama's love, and rejection, would remain with him forever.

"It is rare that a Kitsune gives their heart completely to another, let alone their soul, Hiei," The Fire Demon felt the softest of pressure drop into his lap, and his eyes snapped open, "I can only pray that the gift of my soul to you will make you happy."

In his lap, like a beacon in the night, was a single length of white ribbon. He blinked, and drew his eyes up to Kurama. The Fox had removed his coat, draping it over one arm.

Laced over his right bicep was another, single length of ribbon, criss-crossed in a perfect pattern, and tied at the elbow.

A mark of one betrothed.

"F - Fox?"

Kurama dropped to his knees, forgetting about his coat as it fell somewhere beside him. His hands, warm and soft as they always had been, circled Hiei's face, and his eyes glimmered with unshed tears.

"White is the absence of Life - " he choked, struggling to get the words out through the sobs that wanted to escape, "And in you, I wish... I wish to find that Life, Hiei. Gods forgive me, through my wrongs and transgressions, selfish monster that I am, I want this perfect creature with me."

Fat, salty drops rolled down his cheeks, and his stomach jumped as he held his breath.

"I love you, Hiei. Please... Give me your answer."

Hiei drew his hands up, gripping Kurama's wrists and pulling them away from his face. The moment they dropped away, he shot a hand back out, and pulled the Fox to him, sealing their lips together with a desperate whine.

Kurama closed his eyes tightly, and wailed into the kiss, his arms wrapping around the life he craved, and finally reached.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"He's going to kill you, you know."

Keiko huffed, fidgeting with her disposable camera, and rolled her eyes, "Oh he will not, Yusuke. If anything, he'll thank me... one day."

"Heh. Yea. Years after you're dead and buried. I can see the papers now," Yusuke held up a hand, guiding it across the air and imagined headline, "Moronic girl thought it cute to snap pictures of potentially homicidal Fire Demon. Family saves a fortune on cremation bills."

As Yusuke skipped away, trying to avoid the infuriated slaps that were sailing his way, Kurama cast his eyes around the field.

He had never imagined so many people would be here, but he was glad they were. To his right were his closest friends; Kuwabara and Yusuke, both accompanied by the women they loved (though one was loath to admit it, sometimes.) All four of them were dressed in white, the boys in slacks and fresh linen shirts, the girls in simple skirts and blouses.

On the left were Laria and Kyla, smiling at each other, their hands clasped together, partially hidden from view. They too were dressed as simply as Keiko and Yukina, though they each had matching, Baby's Breath flowers tucked behind their ears. Botan fluttered around them like a bird, she dressed in a completely white kimono. Koenma was also in attendance, standing a few feet away from the trio of girls, moving his pacifier from one end of his mouth to the other.

A shock, though Kurama found it warmed his heart, was that Madeline was there as well, twisting her braided hair between her long fingers, looking a little nervous. Kurama couldn't really blame her - it wasn't often that ROUS left their village, let alone be allowed to travel to the Human World to attend a ceremony. He was glad she was there, though.

Kurama smiled, and cast his eyes upwards to the sky. A small frown fought its way onto his lips as he stared up at the clear blue above him. Hopefully, that would change. He prayed, Gods did he pray it would.

Suddenly, everyone went quiet, and he brought his attention back to the present. This time, his mouth turned up into a hopelessly happy smile, as a small body, also dressed all in white, came striding across the field towards them. And as Hiei neared, Kurama saw that he too wore a smile as bright as his own.

That smile quickly faded as the others focused their attention on him, retreating to his normal, fixed appearance. It only made Kurama's smile brighter. But he too had to give himself a somewhat serious expression as he straightened his posture, and held his head high.

"Before the eyes of the Gods, with the blessings of Mother Earth and Father Sun, do you come to this place willingly?"

Hiei stood straight as well, pulling his shoulders back, his chin tilting with an air of defiance, "I do."

Kurama nodded, and held out his right hand, which Hiei took with his own right.

"Why are they acting like that?" Keiko whispered as quietly as she could, watching as the shorter of the two demons joined the first, standing directly before him.

"They have to. Official ceremony stuff." Yusuke answered, giving her a little nudge to tell her to shut up.

Silence continued to flow over them all, the only sound being the gentle wind as it played through the blades of grass, and the leaves of the trees. Slowly, both demons lifted their free, left hands, cupping the other's cheeks. Both sets of eyes closed, and their heads bowed.

"Now what are they doing?"

"They are memorizing each other's souls, Keiko. It is important that they know each other, inside and out, for the Joining to work properly." Koenma answered absently, watching the exchange between the two demons with an intense gaze.

After long, quiet moments, both demon's opened their eyes, their sights locking together, the words not needing to be spoken. Slowly, their hands fell away, and they took a single step closer to each other.

"Through my life there have been lies, wrong doings, and things that should never be forgiven. Before the eyes of the Gods, I do not ask forgiveness, for that I am not worthy. Instead, I ask for the strength, and the chance to redeem myself through my chosen one." Kurama spoke in a firm voice, steady, letting it carry across the air.

"Through my life there have been lies, persecution of those not deserving of death, and denial of my emotions. Before the eyes of the Gods, I do not wish redemption for my sins. Instead, I ask for the compassion, and ability to express my affection to the one I have chosen." Hiei answered the request in turn, keeping his own voice strong, defiant as usual.

"May the Gods give their blessings." both demons spoke in unison, and with their free hands, reached for the ribbons wrapped around their right biceps.

"White is the absence of Life." Kurama spoke, pulling the knot free from Hiei's elbow.

"A symbol of time spent Without." Hiei replied, he too releasing the ribbon.

Their joined hands released, and both demons brought their left-hand palms up to their mouths, piercing the flesh with their canine teeth.

"My blood flows for the one I wish to give my life." Kurama's voice lowered to nearly a whisper, his eyes going soft as the spell began to weave around them.

"For the one I give my soul to, for all eternity." Hiei whispered back, joining their left, pierced hands together in a tight grip. Their blood touched, mixed together between their palms.

With their free, right hands, the demons tied a knot with the ends of the ribbon, and placed it on their thumbs. In unison, they wrapped the ribbon around their joined hands, over their wrists, up to their forearms, letting the minimal slack hang down. Their eyes met again, both filled with hope neither thought possible.

"May the Gods grant us Life." their joined voices rang out into the air, and slowly their mouths moved to meet, arched in the middle.

The second their lips met, their hearts froze, praying for the miracle they had dreamed of.

Almost immediately after, the world around them crashed, the near deafening thunder above them making their ears ring. As suddenly as the sound had come, the rain began to pour down in sheets, drenching all who stood in attendance. The rain cleansed them, washed away the bleakness of No Life, spreading colors so bright it blinded the eyes.

All the clothing worn bled into an array of rainbow hues, and the flowers that had been asleep before bloomed madly into life, their leafy arms reaching up to the sky in praise and joy, for the Gods were weeping that day, and all should honor their tears.

The women laughed, spreading their arms out, and tilted their heads back, drinking in the cooling water. The men hollered and yelled, jumping in a most undignified way as they felt their worries vanish with the rain. And Kurama and Hiei, pulling themselves from the spell sealing kiss, only smiled at one another, beneath the blessings of their Gods.

Their hands still held, the Demons walked away from their laughing friends, and stepped into the line of trees, disappearing into the shadows. Most did not notice, but those that did, did so with a smile on their face, and a feeling of love in their hearts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Fox! Slow down!" Hiei grumbled as Kurama drug him along, ducking below the hanging tree branches, tripping over surfaced roots, his bare feet squishing in the mud. He tried not to growl about the mud, and the cool rain - the latter was the Gods blessings and well wishes, after all - but he, just like every other creature, did not appreciate being dirty when there was no need.

The mud had soaked into his pants, reaching up to his knees in a matter of minutes. The surcoat he wore was also quite filthy. It would be impossible to get the stains out. And his hair... well, that was another matter entirely.

He sighed as Kurama chuckled, continuing to scamper between the bushes, barely avoiding scratching his fine skin on brambles and wild branches. How could he honestly complain? He was Joined with his Fox, for the rest of his life; what was a little dirt in comparison?

The ends sure as Hell justified the means, this time around.

"We're here." Kurama said, suddenly stopping short, Hiei nearly bumping his nose into the straight back of his companion. Stepping to the side, his hand still held in the firm grip of his lover, he took a good look at their surroundings.

They stood in an open patch of forest, the ground covered in flat, moss covered stones. Peeking up between the cracks in the rocks were small wild flowers, their colors vast and varying - purple, blue, pink, and yellow - their fragrance slight, almost like an after thought. In the middle of the natural splendor was a single brook, shallow and thin, the water bubbling over the upturned pebbles in a sweet song.

It was absolutely perfect.

Hiei turned his face upwards, staring into the smiling, slightly shy eyes of his lover. Kurama's cheeks were tinged with the hint of a blush, accenting his damp hair as it clung to his chin and neck. His irises shined like sun on moving water, asking questions, fearing answers. Was Hiei pleased with his choice of location? Would it suit their purposes well enough? Was this all ok?

Hiei gifted Kurama with one of his soft, secret smiles, his free hand reaching upward to brush his knuckles against the apple of his cheek.

"It is nearly as beautiful as you are, Fox."

"Hiei..." Kurama whispered, tilting his head to meet the gentle touch. Slowly, both Demons drew each other into their arms, holding tightly as they soaked in preciousness of this moment. They were together, now, with no one to bother them, no worries to pull at their minds or hearts. It was them in this world, and nothing else mattered anymore.

"For so long, I hadn't thought this possible." Kurama whispered into Hiei's hair, one hand stroking up and down his chosen's back. Hiei squeezed a little tighter, confirming the statement, if not agreeing to it - understanding it. How long had he been alive, and believed there was no one in the world for him?

Slowly, they pulled themselves away from their embrace, and with no small amount of amusement, began to undress each other.

Sodden clothing was tossed away carelessly to some side of the small clearing, forgotten within moments. Hand in hand, the lovers stepped over the cool stones to the brook, and knelt next to it. They were quiet, needing no words, only their awareness of the other as they took turns, scooping up small handfuls of the water, and cleaning the dirt from their skin.

The bathing was unhurried, fed by the knowledge and promise of forever.

Kurama leant back on his hands, turning his face up to the sky, smiling as the sun broke through the clouds, warming his face with its caress.

"It seems the Gods do not wish us to catch cold." He spoke absently, articulating his thoughts. The words were answered with a customary "Hn", that made him smile even more. He squirmed his way onto his back, relishing the soft feel of the moss beneath him, and positioned his hands behind his head as Hiei continued to wash his feet.

The Fire Demon rubbed his thumbs into the arch of Kurama's foot, feeling a well of pride within him as the Fox groaned his approval, and wiggled his toes. Hiei watched as the piggies moved, cocking a brow, before slipping his fingers between them, massaging each one in turn. He switched to the other foot, and repeated the gesture.

Suddenly, Kurama felt a sharp slap to his thigh, and he yelped, sitting up. Hiei stared at him, his hands still gently rubbing his foot, an amused smirk on his face, "You're being lazy, Kurama."

Kurama faked a pout, "Is it my fault it feels so good when you touch me?" Deliberately, he drew his other foot up, letting it pass over the top of Hiei's folded thigh, barely grazing his hip bone, before settling it on the ground so his knee was bent. He arched his shoulders, letting his hair spill over to one side, and cast Hiei a hooded, sideways glance.

Hiei's other brow shot up for a moment, and the corner of his mouth twitched with a grin. Determined not to let his Fox completely have the upper hand, he let his finger tips drag from the delicate looking ankle, down to the bend of Kurama's knee, and back up. The Fox shivered, his eyes closing at the soft touches. Soon, through his self-induced blindness, he felt the sweet brush of warm lips against his inner ankle, slowly drifting forward up his leg.

Reaching his knee, Hiei passed up the rest of the delectable thigh, slipping his body between those legs and settling himself against the tight abdomen. Bracing himself with one hand, he used the other to tickle up Kurama's side, up to his chin, where he gripped tightly, and stole a deep kiss from his lips.

Kurama inhaled sharply, tilting his head to allow the fierce entrance into his mouth. Hiei's tongue, scalding hot and dangerously slick, probed against his own, scraping over the line of his teeth, claiming him all over again.

With a shuddering gasp from both, they broke apart, their hearts thumping madly within their chests. They rested their foreheads against one another, taking a moment to catch the breath they had stolen from each other. Slowly, Kurama laid himself back onto the stones, bringing Hiei with to lay above him.

They remained for long minutes, simply caressing the other in innocent affection, enjoying the closeness between them. Gradually, Hiei's hands went up to the loose hair of his companion, and he threaded his fingers into the locks, watching as the red slipped between them, spilling back down to the ground. It was hypnotizing, in a way. He shivered when he felt gentle fingers glide up the back of his neck, nestling into his own hair. Kurama's clipped nails gently scratched at his scalp, and Hiei couldn't stifle the gratified moan.

Kurama moved his other hand up, ghosting his fingertips up and down the small of his lover's back and side, feeling his flesh jump and relax beneath his touch. Hiei's breaths became deeper, more relaxed, and began to take on a throaty sound. Soon, he felt a wet, warm mouth trailing over his chest, seeking to find one of his nipples. It found its mark, pulling the sensitive flesh inside, suckling on it tenderly. It hardened beneath Hiei's tongue, the flesh around puckering, tempting him further.

Kurama gasped softly as he felt Hiei's sharp teeth begin to pull gently on him.

Hiei pulled back, the suction increasing, and let the little nub pop from his lips. He glanced up at Kurama's face, noting how he was beginning to flush, the evidence of his arousal beginning to grow beneath him. With another secret smile to himself, he bent back down, circling the worried nipple with the tip of his nose, occasionally flicking his tongue out to lap against it.

Kurama drug his nails over Hiei's shoulders, and back up his neck, burying his fingers into his hair, desperate to keep the contact. He noticed, faintly, that Hiei's hair felt much softer, warmer, kissed by the sunlight. Even his skin had started to dry. It left a pleasant glow around them, golden like honey.

"Ouch!" Kurama squeaked as a devilishly harsh pinch was delivered to his side. He glared down at his naughty little lover, rubbing the abused flesh, as Hiei merely smirked at him.

"You're being lazy, again, Fox."

"And you're being mean."

Hiei closed his eyes with a small shrug, and yelped as he was suddenly pushed back, pinned to the ground. He opened his eyes, staring up at Kurama's devilish smile, and snorted.

"Now you're being greedy."

"No more than you."

Hiei tried to cross his arms, a natural response to the banter, and he growled when he realized he couldn't with the Fox above him, holding his biceps down. He tried again, just because, and sighed dramatically when Kurama wouldn't relinquish his control.

"Fox, do you mind-"

"Yes."

"Fox!"

"Shut up, Hiei...." Kurama whispered, still smiling, and leaned down to capture his lover's lips, effectively muting the 'Hn', that was sure to escape. It was just a dull sound between them, almost invisible, between their questing tongues and gliding lips.

Slowly, Kurama drew back, letting his hands slip from their hold as he sat up. Hiei, not ready to end the contact, followed after him, holding onto Kurama's hips as he made the kiss continue on.

"Aahnn..." Kurama sighed, allowing Hiei's tongue back into his mouth, savoring the flavor of their saliva mixing together. The kiss grew messy, wild, and he found himself forcing his hand back, resisting the urge to wipe his chin.

Hiei either felt pity for his discomfort, or was amused by it, and drew back enough to lick the mess from Kurama's lips and jaw. When he moved further back, he found Kurama staring back at him, his eyes hooded, the green gone a deeper color, cloudy, pulling him in.

The look caused a tightening in his lower stomach, and he tried to hold back a groan.

"Kurama..." he said through a tight voice, his hands burying themselves in his lover's hair. Kurama chewed his lower lip, letting his lids drop, and tilted his head back.

Hiei couldn't resist the offering laid before him. His lips latched onto the pulse in Kurama's throat, swirling his tongue around it, making his Fox whimper, and push his body against him.

"Ah! Fox!" Hiei gasped, snapping his own head back, as a gentle, teasing touch was suddenly centered over his growing cock. Kurama slipped back on his knees, curling his hand around Hiei's awakening erection, and used the other to press against his chest, urging him to lay back.

Hiei resisted for a moment, not yet ready to cease his own explorations, but eventually conceded to Kurama's insistence.

Smiling yet again, Kurama allowed his free hand to travel over his lover's chest and stomach. His fingertips dipped into each roll of muscle, circled around dark nipples, and probed the belly button for a split second - Hiei's tensing and warning growl took all the fun from that adventure.

To make up for it, the Fox leant forward, placing a gentle kiss right above the swirled indent of flesh, and finally let his other hand stroke.

Hiei's body shivered, uncontrollable no matter how hard he tried to hold it back as Kurama's soft hands glided over the even softer skin it held. As the hand went back down, circling the base a little tighter, he wished that there were words enough to describe what that made him feel.

It was intense, slow and passionate, and made his skin finally feel alive.

Kurama sat back, watching his hand move lazily over Hiei's erection, fascinated at the contrast of colors and how it slowly hardened beneath his touch. It was empowering to see that he could do this, no matter how many times he had done it in the past. He supposed that the thrill would never cease.

Finally, Hiei let a sound escape him as Kurama brushed his thumb over his tip, a quiet whimper in the back of his throat as his hips pushed upwards. Quickly, he pushed the desire back as best he could, determined to make this feeling last. Sex was sex, but this was something totally new.

This was forever.

"Come on. Let's go into the Den." Kurama said on a whisper, releasing his lover's arousal, and offering him a hand up. Hiei sat up, taking the hand, shooting the Fox a confused look. Still smiling, Kurama pulled him to his feet, and led him towards a far corner of the clearing.

"Fox, it's just trees. What are you-"

Suddenly, he was pulled between two low branches, and nearly caught his breath.

What he thought was just a grouping of low standing trees and bushes was actually a carefully crafted dome. The branches were woven together with great care, strings of vines and blooming flowers laced between them, filling the small area with sweet smells and beauty. The top was high enough that Kurama had at least an extra foot and a half of space to stand, and the floor had been covered with soft, green leaves, and several swatches of silky material. Tucked into the corner of it were even more pieces of brightly colored cloth, and at least ten fur pelts. Sitting next to the make-shift bed were a number of jars and bottles from Kurama's collection of herbs and oils. With it was a small package, wrapped in white paper, giving off the easily discernable scent of raw meat. On the opposite side of the bed was a small, dug out fire pit, smoking happily.

The light shining between the branches left the Den in an imitation of summer evening, warm and comforting. Relaxing and safe.

"Do you like it?" Kurama whispered against Hiei's nape, wrapping his arms around his lover's shoulder, pressing his forehead against the back of his head. Hiei stared at the little Den, and brought his hands up to lace with Kurama's, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

Their childish foreplay forgotten for the time being, both Demons settled on the bed of furs, spearing the chunks of beef with home-made skewers, letting the meat cook over the small fire. They talked at great length, enjoying the smell of wood smoke and the flavor of nature's perfume on the air.

It was wonderful being here, they both thought.

After finishing their small meal, they wrapped their arms around each other again, holding their bodies close as they settled back onto the bedding, burrowing into the warmth they found there.

"I can hear what you're thinking, Kurama."

"Oh?" he replied, muffled, his nose buried in Hiei's hair, smelling deep the scent of his lover.

"This won't last forever."

The Fox lifted his head, staring down at the small Fire Demon without fear. Confusion, and curiosity were the more dominant emotions on his face.

"One of us, one day, will die before the other. Then this," Hiei took Kurama's hand, turned the palm so he could trail his fingertips over the lines and creases, "Will be over."

"It's nice to know your outlook is as grim as ever."

"Grim, but realistic. This will not go on for eternity. Neither of our souls are clean enough for rebirth."

Kurama smiled, and snuggled into Hiei's shoulder, letting his lips kiss the warm skin as he spoke, "True. But I see nothing wrong with enjoying the time we've been given. So lets forget the future, and sin the rest of our lives away."

"Hn. Pervert." Hiei squirmed as Kurama's hand slid down his belly, tracing the lines of his re-awakening arousal.

"Prude."

The touching lasted for hours, sweat falling and tensions building, only to be allowed to fall by the wayside, over and over again. Names were called, cried out, begged for release as each Demon took his turn to charge the other up time and again. They rolled over the furs, wrestling playfully for dominance, stealing kisses and soft bites as they went.

Slick fingers, moistened by Kurama's thoughtfully included jar of Jojoba oil, slid effortlessly into his opening, making the Fox curl his toes and roll his head from side to side. Hiei panted heavily as he thrust his fingers inside, watching with contorted fascination as the color of his lover turned from pale, to pink, to blushing red. The skin began to burn, and he affectionately licked a drop of sweat from Kurama's belly.

"Hiei… In me… please…" Kurama whimpered pitifully, scratching his nails across his own chest.

"Hn. Have patience, Fox. Didn't you say something about spending the rest of your life doing this?"

Kurama's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropping. Surely, Hiei wasn't going to take that statement to the complete literal sense? He'd… hell, he'd die!

"Close your mouth, Kurama. I'm just as eager to continue as you are…"

"Don't tease, Hiei…. Ah!!!" Kurama shut his eyes tight, back arching high off of the bedding, as his lover pushed quickly into his body.

"Who's teasing, Kurama?" Hiei growled, fingers bruising his lover's hips as he refrained from holding himself still, thrusting quickly into Kurama's tight passage.

"Nnnnaaaah… Hiei-" Tears streamed from Kurama's eyes, and he blindly groped for his own erection, slick from their combined perspiration, and began to stroke it for all he was worth. Sparks of pleasure seared into his nerves, making his body feel exposed and raw.

"Kur… ama…" Hiei gasped out with him, snaking one hand up to curl with his lover's, their fingers lacing together as the speed of his thrusts grew, as well as the force.

Their bodies scooted across the furs with each push, each growl, every pleasure taken and given freely. All too soon, Kurama's body tightened, clutching at his lover with everything he had, and his passion released.

Hiei watched Kurama's face, the way it twisted and his muscles clenched as turbulent sounds echoed from his throat. White splattered across that flushed chest, and his smaller hand smeared it across his skin, rubbing it in with sick satisfaction while his own burst and filled the body below him.

They lay together, panting, sticky and hot, the evidence of their lust staining the bedding blow them, clinging to their warm flesh. After a few long moment, Hiei began the lazy task of cleaning Kurama off with slow laps of his tongue.

"Hiei.. Do you really think that this will only last for one lifetime?"

"Yes."

Kurama curled his arms around the smaller Demon, and sighed.

"Don't be a drama Queen. Our lives might be dark and stained, but where we are now will make it worth it, in the end."

"Oh? Have you become a poet now?"

Rolling, and pinning his lover to the ground, Hiei growled, "Shut up."

~In the clearing stands a Boxer, and a fighter by his trade, and he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down or cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame. I am leaving, I am leaving, but the fighter still remains.~

~*@*~ ~*@*~ ~*@*~ ~*@*~

Epilogue

Botan shut the door to her home, still laughing, still drenched from the rain. She grinned, pulling the clip from her hair, letting the blue mass fall down around her shoulders. She laced his fingers through it, shook it out, and slipped off her shoes.

"The Joining was beautiful! I've never seen it rain so much!" she chirped happily as she made her way through the house, dropping her sopping clothing wherever she felt. Though her skin was damp, the air inside was warm, and she didn't shiver.

"It's a shame you had to miss it, really. Kurama and Hiei looked so happy!" she continued to speak, to ramble on, as she stepped into her bedroom, tossing the last piece of clothing towards her bed, and skipped into her bathroom.

The words went on for several minutes, she describing the way the flowers bloomed, and the feel of the magic after the spell was finished and sealed. Soon, she emerged from her bathroom, wrapped in a linen towel, her hair once again swept up, pinned at the top.

She quieted, padding across the floor in bare feet, over to her dresser. She leaned down over it, eyeing the small, marble sized globe sitting atop a silken pillow.

It took a little time for her eyes to adjust to the strange light inside, but once they did, she had to smile again.

"So you are listening to me. Have you ever seen a Joining Ceremony, before? They really are interesting, how the magic works and all," her hand came up, a single finger gliding over the curve of the bauble, "It's a real shame that you couldn't see it. But then again, maybe after you've had time to think about what you did, I might agree to let you Join with me!"

Her laughter rang out again, she quickly spun on her heel, the smallest of darkened, satisfied smiles playing on her lips, and left the room.

Somewhere, deep within the strange light of the globe, a lone figure sat, crouched down, staring into the nothing. His face was drawn, reflecting the hopelessness he felt inside; he wasn't going to fool himself, there was no escape from this.

Argaus could only pray the madness would come swiftly, and spare him the agony of a slow road into Hell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SM: Oh god… It's finished!! Holy shit!! I never thought this day would come!!!

Kylyx: *grumbles* You and me both.

SM: I wonder if there would be room for a third story?

Kylyx: Absolutely not! You've given too much attention to this fandom as it is!! LET IT DIE ALREADY!

SM: *winces* Ok, ok. Point taken. Alright everyone… that's it. The last chapter. At an even 30 pages ^_^ Yay.

Many, many thanks go out to my dearest friend, Tatoosh, for her invaluable opinion and help on this chapter, as well as others. Seriously, this story would probably have never have gotten worked on, if it wasn't for her incessant prodding and threatening. I have yet to meet such a woman as intelligent, fun, and sweet as her. I owe you a lot, love, so this story is dedicated to you.

Can I have my smutty bath scene now? *grins*

So.. This is the end.

But, here's a little extra treat for you all, incase any of you are interested.

As you've noticed, in several of my chapters, I've made references to, or stolen things from, certain movies or music I'm a fan of. And several of you have managed to pick those references out. HOWEVER… There's one reference in there that NO ONE has been able to catch yet!!

Thus, I issue a challenge.

The first person to find the reference I'm talking about, not only stating the movie it's from, but also the scene and characters involved (the movie characters, not fan fiction) will get a prize.

I will draw a fan art of the character(s) of your choosing, doing whatever it is that you wish!!

Drinking beer, stealing bicycle wheels, doing a number of naughty things… you name it! It'll be yours!

All you have to do is find the right reference… and, sadly, I'm very mean and I can't give you any clues ^_^

If anyone finds it, I'll make a formal announcement, and post the fan art as soon as I can.

Thanks everyone for reading… I had a lot of fun writing this story, and I'm really glad you all enjoyed it. It's been a trip!

Now be good, and go find something productive to do! *hugs everyone*

Later!