______Hiei tried to crack open his left eye but failed. "Mmm…" he groaned. He stirred in his place and frowned in his sleep. The bed was cold. He forced the eyelids to uncover his big almond eyes, expecting sunrays to zap right into his eyeballs. But nothing. Only dim lighting and a cold dark room.

______: … Mukuro’s Palace … : his head rang a bell.

______"Mukuro?" he asked. "Finally awake?" a low feminine voice was heard. "Hn," answered the youkai. Mukuro chuckled. "Hiei, next time be more of a careful youkai. I don’t want to give my throne over to a slob," the bionic woman smiled. Hiei nodded. "Gomen," he uttered. "No need for that. Now drink this," she shoved over a bowl of steaming broth.

______When Hiei was up to his last spoonful of the steaming liquid, his beeper beeped. "Well, that toddler want’s to see us," he sighed, putting the bowl away. Mukuro smiled and brushed his hair. "Hiei… be careful," she smiled. Hiei nodded.

______"You’re acting like Kurama’s mother," Hiei grumbled. "I heard that," She ruffled the spiky hair. Then she tightened her grip on it and pulled it backwards. "If you’re dead, no one will take over the throne," she smirked.

______"Have you seen Hiei anywhere?" Kurama asked Botan. Botan shook her head. Kurama sighed. Yesterday, he had a weird dream. About him being accused for molesting Hiei and it was all over the paper and news. Everyone eyed him with disgust. Not in a million years would he want himself to get involved with that kind of attention.

______Deep in thoughts, he didn’t even hear the others greeting the fire youkai at his presence. "Hiei!" Botan smiled. The fire youkai ignored the ferry girl and sat on the table. Kurama was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the loud chirp of Botan’s. But then when he saw Hiei, he smiled. "Hiei," he greeted the youkai. Hiei nodded and fixed Koenma a serious look. "This better be good," he warned, his fist was emitting smoke.

______"Okay, okay…" Koenma pushed away the stacking piles of paper aside. "Train yourself hard. Someone sent a note to me," he said, showing a piece of crumpled paper written in blood.

______"… We want to conquer Reikai. We consist of 305 youkais with physical power abilities. You can say that each of us is about the higher B-classes youkai level. Good Luck. We give you one month…"

______They all frowned.

______"Is this somekind of a joke?" Yuusuke scratched his head. "Unfortunately no, Yuusuke," Koenma shook his head. "Hiei," suddenly the toddler sucked furiously on his fukumen looking at the fire demon. "Can you stay in Ningenkai for the month? I will arrange it with Genkai so that you can stay there," Koenma nodded. Hiei narrowed his eyes. "Genkai?" he echoed. "What? Don’t you like it there?" Koenma tapped his fingers.

______Hiei frowned. Being too close to Yukina might be dangerous. That busybody Kurama would probably urge him every day and night to tell his the truth to his sister.

______"Well…" Hiei looked up next to him. "I can find my own place to stay. You don’t have to bother the old woman," he answered. Koenma shrugged. "Suit yourself then," he flipped over the file reports.

______"I’ve asked Genkai to have you guys stay at her place for the month, for the training," Koenma explained. "What? But tomorrow’s our first day of summer vacation! I have lots to do!" Yuusuke protested. "I’m sorry Yuusuke," Koenma blinked.

______The meeting went on for a few more minutes.

______"Okay, you’re all dismissed. Remember to train hard," was Koenma’s advice. "Yukina and Botan would be there to help you guys," he grinned. Groans were heard from Yuusuke and Kuwabara. "What!?" Botan gritted her teeth. Yuusuke and Kuwabara shook their head. "Aha! Nan de mo nai…! Nothing! Hehehe…" they laughed. Kurama smiled and followed the two out the door.

______"It’s best if you could stay with Genkai," Koenma said when Hiei was the only one left. "I’m not going to force you… but it will be easier to find you when an emergency comes," he told the silent youkai. Hiei sighed. No answer came out from him as he walked his way out.

______Genkai was in her garden with Yukina. "Baasan!" Yuusuke hollered. She smiled at her student. He was so full of life. Behind him were Kuwabara and Kurama. Kuwabara had about three big bulky bags with him while Yuusuke and Kurama just brought a medium sized travelling bag with them.

______"Late, very late," she shook her head. "So you guys have to run around the temple 30 times," she grinned. "What?" Yuusuke and Kuwabara exclaimed. Kurama just sighed and put down his bag. "And those bricks, bring them with you," she pointed at a hill of bricks by the side. "No…" they all sighed.

______"So, where’s Hiei?" even though it was a general question, it seemed to be directed to Kurama. "I dunno," he answered. "Oh well, it’s okay then. You guys start!" with that, the three of them started to jog around the temple with bricks on them.

______Yukina, Genkai and Botan carried the boy’s bags into their room. The three of them stopped in front of a room. "Put Yuusuke and Kuwabara’s bag here," she ordered. Yukina and Botan struggled with Yuusuke and Kuwabara’s bags putting it into the room. It has three futons lying on the floor. They sighed and went out of the room. Yukina offered to carry Kurama’s not-so-light bag. They stopped in front of a room quite far from the others. "Put Kurama’s bag here," she ordered. Yukina struggled and put the redhead’s bag inside. There were 2 futon’s in the room.

______When Yukina came back out, she gave Genkai a puzzled look. "Why don’t Kurama-san stay with Kazuma-san and Yuusuke-san? There’s enough futon for him there," she asked with a delicate smile.

______"Because we’re going to have another guest," she said and went off. They asked nothing more. The old lady seemed to have something in her mind. When Genkai was safely out of sight, Botan whispered to Yukina. "Hiei coming?" she asked. Yukina shrugged. "Datarishite…" she blinked.

______When the both of them came back to the garden, they saw not three but four people running on the ground. Yuusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama and Mitarai Kiyoshi which is the boy who is an enemy-turned-friend.

______"One… two… three… four… One… two… three… four…" they chanted. None of them seemed tired yet.

______When it was up to the last round, Genkai suddenly changed her decision. "Make it another 60. You guys looked too healthy," groans were heard and they resumed another 60 rounds. "Botan-chan… can you please put Mitarai’s bag in Kurama’s room?" she asked. Botan nodded as the old lady continued to watch the others. She and Yukina walked to Kurama’s room. "Why with Kurama? I thought Hiei was going to stay with him?" Botan asked. Yukina shrugged.

______When it all ended, they all slumped on the ground, gasping for air. Yukina and Botan came out. "Dinner time!" she exclaimed. As much as the guys wanted to eat, their bodies betray them. They were too tired.

______Finally, they managed to crawl in. Took them half an hour. Everyone was on the dinner table. There were eight bowls of rice on the table despite that there are only seven of them. "Drink first. We’ll wait for the last person," Genkai smiled slowly.

______The jumped into the hot drink and nearly burnt their tongue. "Baasan! Why is it so hot?" he asked. "Well…" she giggled. "Yukina just boiled it, what do you expect? Cold ice lemon tea?" They all sighed.

______Suddenly a figure opened the door. It was Hiei. "You came?" asked Kuwabara, still blowing his hot tea. Hiei looked at Kuwabara’s awful face and blinked. "Sit Hiei, have dinner with us," Genkai smiled gesturing to the empty place. Hiei frowned at his place nearest to Kuwabara. "You knew I was coming?" he asked. Genkai shrugged. "I had a hunch."

______"You’re going to run 90 rounds around the garden like us afterwards," Kuwabara chuckled. Hiei kept quiet. "He doesn’t need to," Genkai announced. "Why?" Kuwabara demanded. "He just came back from Mukuro’s palace. He did some exercises already," she explained. "You knew?" Hiei asked. "I know a lotta things."

______Later…

______"Go to your rooms. Botan and Yukina will show you where they are," Yukina walked to Genkai. "So Hiei-san would be staying with Kazuma-san and Yuusuke san?" she asked. Genkai nodded.

______The seven of them walked quietly on the sidewalks towards their room. They all stopped in front on a closed room. "Yuusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei are staying here," she said. Hiei frowned. "If I refuse to?" he can’t take it if he was staying with these monkeys. At least Kurama was staying with the curly haired boy. That would be less noisy.

______"Come on, Hiei," Yuusuke pulled him in and shut the door.

______Kurama and Mitarai were put in the same room. Kurama wanted to share the room with Hiei but said nothing. Over the time, he had developed a feeling towards that quiet youkai. But he wasn’t sure of the feelings the fire youkai had for him.

______Kurama decided to let the subject drop and unpacked his stuff.

______Yukina and Botan could see the hurt in Kurama’s eyes that Genkai separated them.

______Hiei refused to sleep on the futon and sat facing the window.

______"Oi, Hiei… sleep… you’re going to need it," Kuwabara said from under his comfortable futon. The fire youkai just kept quiet and sat with his legs crossed facing the door. His face was slightly lighted by the moonlight.

______"Hiei… come and sleep," Yuusuke coaxed. He knew the youkai didn’t like the idea of him getting stuck here with them. "Hiei…" Kuwabara started.

______"Shut up, will ya! Just… shut up…" he growled.

______Genkai went over to Kurama and Mitarai’s room. "Everything okay here?" she asked. The boys nodded. Then Kurama stepped forth towards the lady. "Care for some tea?" he asked. Genkai nodded and sat as Kurama placed the tea set on the table.

______They talked a little about what kind of training they were to face and about the band of youkais. After a few moments, Genkai paused and took a sip on her tea. The other two was silent. Suddenly the old lady cleared her throat. "And another thing. You two are not allowed to meet the other group unless you were asked to or in battle. And at night… but you guys would most probably be too tired anyhow to meet each other," she told them. Kurama blinked. "Shikashi…" he protested. "You heard me, that’s the rule for this time’s training," she nodded and stood up. "Oyasumi," with that she went out.

______Kurama dropped on his cushion. "This is not fair!" he said under his breath. Mitarai looked at the redhead. "Daijobu, Kurama?" he asked. Kurama shook his head. "I don’t think I feel too well," he slumped on his futon and covered himself up with the covers. This means that he can’t see Hiei for the whole month except in training and battle! And asking Hiei to come out to the garden at night would be too obvious…

______Kurama bit his lips…

______Genkai slid open the door and was face-to-face with a pair of big almond eyes and red pupils. She nearly jumped out of her skin if it wasn’t for that familiar small button nose of the fire youkai’s. "Hiei," she smiled. Hiei rolled his eyes and closed it.

______She took out a bell from behind her back and rang it noisily. Both Kuwabara and Yuusuke startled up. "Nan da yo?!" Yuusuke scratched his head. "Nothing, I am just telling you the rule for this time’s training," she announced. "Rules?" Yuusuke and Kuwabara echoed at once. "It’s just one rule. You three cannot see the other team in daytime. Meaning none of you can meet, talk or even smile to Kurama and Mitarai from dawn to dusk. Make it as if they don’t exist. But it’s okay after dinnertime. But I’m sure you’ll be too tired to do so," she smiled.

______"For the whole month?" asked Yuusuke. Genkai laughed. "Don’t worry. You guys can meet in battles. So now go to sleep Hiei," with that she went out of the room.

______Next morning…

______"Botan, you go and serve breakfast in Kurama’s room. Yukina-chan, you go and serve breakfast in Yuusuke’s room. If I sent Botan, Hiei might not eat," Genkai ordered the two girls. Both gave her puzzled look. "Aren’t they suppose to have breakfast here?" Genkai shook her head. "Yukina-chan, make sure Hiei eats okay?" Yukina nodded and trotted the trays. Followed by Botan.

______"And remember. No electricity… keep it traditional… Meiji time…," she smiled to herself.

______A soft knock was heard. Yuusuke startled open his eyes. It was still dark and someone was at the door?

______He pulled the blankets with him and practically dragged himself to the door, sliding it open. He smiled as the small delicate features of the ice maiden greeted him early in the morning. "Yukina-chan," he yawned. Yukina flashed him a cheerful smile. "Ohayo gozaimasu, Yuusuke-san. I brought breakfast," she smiled.

______"Breakfast? It’s not even dawn yet!" he mildly protested but gestured the ice maiden in. He slid the door to close it, not letting anymore cold air in. Hiei was still sound asleep. And Kuwabara didn’t even flinch.

______Yukina lighted a candle. "No electricity?" he asked. Yukina shook her head. "Genkai doesn’t allow electricity here," she reasoned. Yuusuke tightened the wrap around his body as he looked at the soft ice maiden serving breakfast on the small table. "Do you know any of the reasons why Genkai created the rule?" Yuusuke asked. Yukina shook her head. "Unfortunately, no… I was confused too as well… Kurama-san didn’t like the rules too much I think…" Yukina pondered. Yuusuke shrugged. Kurama might have a crush on Hiei. But it was hard to tell since he was so nice to everyone else.

______After that, Yukina walked over to Hiei and sat near to the sleeping fire demon. She reached out a hand and touched the fire demon’s body. "Hiei-san… wake up," she pushed a little. Hiei opened his eyes and grumbled.

______Yukina went over to Kuwabara and woke the guy up. Took nearly five minutes but the guy finally made it. "Oh, Yukina-channn!!! Ohayou!!!" He exclaimed happily. Yukina nodded. "Breakfast is ready, Kazuma-san," she smiled. "Yoshi!" he instantly got up. Hiei snorted and rolled his eyes.

______Breakfast was not quite silent for this side. Kuwabara was talking all the time praising how good the cooking was and all. But Hiei was definitely in a sour mood.

______A few moments after that, the fire demon stood up heading towards the door. "Ikimashou ka, Hiei-san?" Yukina asked. The fire demon didn’t said anything, he just slid open the door.

______"Dame!" Yukina caught up with him. She held his arm with a little effort. "Onegai… please eat. Botan-chan and I had got up early to prepare it for you," she pleaded. Hiei sighed inwardly. He didn’t voice out anything, just followed Yukina’s pull back to the table. He ate a few more mouthfuls and waited until the others are finished.

______Yukina smiled. "After this, you guys can have your morning bath. Then go to the left side of Genkai’s garden," Yukina explained. "Left?" Kuwabara echoed. "Hai, left side… because the right side of the garden would be occupied by Kurama-san and Mitarai-san," Yukina cleared herself. Hiei rolled his eyes.

______"I’m going to take my bath," he uttered and walked out. Kuwabara made sure Hiei was out of range before laughing. "Nani ga okashii ne?" Yuusuke asked. "Hiei bathes?" he giggled more. Yuusuke rolled his eyes. But then he leaned closer to Kuwabara. "Why if he doesn’t, Kurama would stay a mile radius away from him, ne?" both rolled on the floor laughing. Yukina blinked but still chuckled as the two of them looked funny to her.

______Cold… The water from the river felt like ice water splashing on his face. Hiei was too deep in thoughts to feel the chill. He paused. Slowly, he stripped off his clothes and dipped one foot into the water. Cold. He ignored it.

______The need to win has separated both of them. Hiei sighed. He wondered to himself. :… Why am I acting like this? …: The world is cruel. No matter in what world you are in, it will still be cruel to you.

______"Kurama, are you alright?" Mitarai put a hand on the redhead’s shoulder. Kurama nodded. "Don’t be sad. Are you mad at me for some reason?" he asked. Kurama shook his head. "No."

______Mitarai sighed. "Hey, have you heard the new song from Daze?" he asked, catching up with Kurama. Kurama smiled. "Which one?" he asked. "Umm... what’s it called already? Ahh!! Together Forever!" he exclaimed. Kurama smiled and nodded. "Yeah, the tamagotchi song."

______Flashback…

______Hiei frowned at a round shining flat thing. He looked at it and can roughly see his own reflection on it. Looks like a mirror but it has a hole in the middle of it. "Oi Kurama, what is this?" he asked. Kurama rushed towards the fire demon. "That’s a CD," he took it away from Hiei's not-so-careful hands.

______"What does it do?" he frowned as Kurama put the round thing aside and put it back in it’s casing. Seemed to be something precious. "It produces sound," Kurama explained, brushing his delicate fingers through his silky red hair.

______"I want to hear it," Hiei curled his arms on his chest. "Okay," Kurama got up, leaving the fire demon on the bed. He popped the CD into the Hi-fi and ran his index finger over the ‘play’ button. The heat sensor instantly responded with Kurama’s feather light touch and started the track.

______First there was a beeping noise.

______"… I’m your tamagotchi, I’m happy that you love me, and we should be together forever and forever…" it sang. Hiei chuckled. "It’s stupid," he laughed. "No it’s not. It may sound stupid. But it’s a cute song… the meaning is nice too… especially if you change the word tamagotchi to something else…" Kurama trailed off. "Yeah, stupid fox…" Hiei rolled his eyes. Then something curious popped in his mind. "To what fox?" he asked.

______Kurama sweatdropped. "… Umm… nothing… it sounds cute as it is," he tried to cover the truth. Fortunately the fire demon didn’t ask anymore.

______But then, he repeated the song 10 times and nearly made Kurama dizzy with it.

______"Hiei… can you please change the song?" the fire demon shook his head and pouted at Kurama who was concentrating on his so called Mathematics homework. "It’s cute remember?"

______End of flashback…

______"It has a catchy tune," the redhead chuckled. "Yeah," Mitarai swung the towel over his shoulder and chuckled. "Sensui nearly blow me to bits when I sung that song in the middle of our meeting. Hahaha…!" Mitarai laughed at his own joke.

______Kurama chuckled. When they reached the riverside, a familiar figure was heading their way. : … Hiei … : Kurama said softly in his heart. The fire demon gave him a ‘look’.

______Hiei got out of the cold water and wiggled himself dry. He reached for his clothes that were hidden somewhere near the bush and got into it, swinging his cloak hanging it on his shoulder.

______Then he heard soft giggles. He searched for the source of the sound in the dim light. And found it.

______Two figures made their way to him. One was a familiar one, a very familiar one. : … Kurama … : he wanted so much to just go up to him and hug the redhead telling him how much he missed him. How much Genkai’s stupid rule made his heart ache. How much…

______The fire youkai blinked.

______He was expecting the redhead to feel the same, but it looks as if the fox spirit was having a hell of a great time with the curly haired boy. He is even laughing with him now.

______How dare he.

______Suddenly it hit him. :… Hiei! How could you control Kurama like that? He’s not yours and never will be yours. He’s so beautiful and what are you? Just a forbidden child! …:

______As the two came closer, one of them realised that he was there, eyeing them. Kurama stopped laughing at whatever joke Mitarai was making. The youkai gave Kurama a look and turned away before Kurama could greet him or something. Muttering curses.

______Before Kurama could say anything, the image of Hiei had been turned into a mere blur of black.

______Mitarai blinked. "Kurama? Daijobu?" he asked. Kurama shook his head. His heart felt like breaking into pieces. How come Hiei acted like. Unless he…

______Kurama blinked. How could he? Could it be that… Hiei too had the same feeling as he did?

______Kurama nearly fell into the river while thinking about the fire demon. It’s a good thing that Mitarai was there to pull him back. Their eyes met and locked with each other for a while.

______"Gomen ne…" Kurama pulled off gently. Mitarai nodded and blushed himself.

______The sun was already up from its hiding place. The powerful shining rays of light shot through whatever stands in its way.

______Genkai smiled. "Faster!" she yelled at Yuusuke. "Hai, baasan!" Yuusuke hollered back, running faster. Hiei on the other side was with Kuwabara. The big guy with the red hair was practising his kata while Hiei stepped down the stairs tying the sash on his trousers.

______"Go Hiei, Kuwabara," Genkai shouted. Kuwabara nodded and took over Yuusuke’s running as the other boy was allowed to rest. She kept her gaze on Hiei. The fire demon rolled his eyes at her before going. : … Mad at me? … : she blinked. Well, if she wanted her plan to work, Kurama must not see Hiei. "Keep running, I’m checking on Kurama and Mitarai. When I come back, we’ll start with the fighting," with that she was gone.

______Kurama was meditating in the middle of the other garden with Mitarai following him. She could see their brows turning in frowns a couple of times. : … Most probably training with brainpower and youryoku… : she mused to herself.

______The sun was up high and Genkai frowned at the searing sunlight. She shook her head at Yuusuke’s now technique. But before she could say anything, Yukina came out. "Genkai-san, I prepared lunch," Genkai nodded. "Botan, call Kurama and Mitarai in. They can rest and eat lunch first," she ordered.

______Yuusuke stopped in mid-punch. "Yo, baasan! We’re hungry as well," he complained. "You know the rules. You can’t see Kurama and Mitarai during the day," she reasoned. "Hey, I thought that rule was only for Hi…" Kuwabara was knocked deep in the ribs by Yuusuke. Hiei snorted. He knew what was Kuwabara’s next word. His name.

______But why did they think that he wanted to see Kurama. Did he? :… stop lying to yourself Hiei …: a flat voice scolded him inside.

______"Shut up and keep training. When they are finished, I’ll call you guys. The food’s plenty for everyone," she sighed.

______"Kurama, Mitarai!" Botan called. Both pair of eyes snapped open. "Botan-chan?" Mitarai smiled. "Tabemasu yo! Iku wa yo!" she chirped. Kurama and Mitarai nodded. Both of the fighters made their way to the dining room and took their place. A nice dish of food was served on the table, just waiting to be eaten.

______"Suwaru kudasai, I’ll take the rice for you," she scooped the rice into two bowls and placed it in front of Kurama and Mitarai. "Itadakimasu," Mitarai exclaimed and dived in the food with Kurama.

______Later, after Kurama and Mitarai had finished their morning training and lunch, it was Kuwabara, Yuusuke and Hiei's turn to eat.

______"Gosh, I’m famished," Kuwabara grinned at his second bowl of rice. Genkai was there eating with them. She glanced at Hiei who barely touched his food. "Is Yukina’s cooking bad?" she asked. Hiei looked up and blinked once. Before he could answer anything, Kuwabara stamped his fist on the table. "Who are you to criticise Yukina-chan’s perfect cooking?! How dare you? Answer to the great Kazuma Kuwabara!" he exclaimed angrily.

______Yuusuke rolled his eyes. He pulled Kuwabara down and whispered into his ears. "Oi, baka! Hiei's upset. You don’t have to make it worse," Yuusuke grunted. Kuwabara’s brows raised in confusion. "Honto ni?" Yuusuke sighed and resumed eating his rice.

______Hiei looked away from them and got up. "You haven’t finished your rice," Genkai stopped the fire youkai. "Make me stay," he uttered. "Hiei-san… onegai… I know it doesn’t taste good but please… I’ve put my every effort in it," she pleaded with watery eyes.

______Watery eyes… Kurama… Hiei closed his eyes. The image of Kurama shedding tears for him emerged in his mind. How those crystal clear tears surround the redhead’s wonderful emerald depths. So very serene and beautiful. Never in his life again would he be alone. That was his promise. Kurama’s silent promise.

______Without a word, the fire demon got back to his place and ate.

______Later at night…

______Yuusuke threw his shirt over to the side and laid on the futon. "Wow… I’m tired," he sighed. Kuwabara was silent. Yuusuke turned. He expected his friend to agree with him. But the fellow was fast asleep. Only Hiei was up, staring at the moonlight.

______"Oyasumi Hiei," Yuusuke yawned. No answer. Yuusuke shrugged and turned to his side. Soon enough, he fell asleep.

______Hiei turned his head to the door. He could see a tall figure walking outside the room. His shadow was clearly seen by the fire youkai. :… Kurama …: his heart said softly.

______The redhead was a good-hearted youko. He’s so diligent and perfect. But the one phrase that escaped his mouth was enough to make Hiei feel very uncomfortable.

______Flashback …

______Kurama leaned on the windowsill and looked at the moonlight with Hiei next to him. "Do you know what’s love, Hiei?" asked the redhead suddenly. "Yeah, a death sentence," was Hiei’s answer. He hated that word ‘love’. Because of the love that surrounded his mother and so-called father, he and Yukina was born into this cruel world. It’s a taboo.

______"Oh…," Kurama nodded. "I love you, Hiei…"

______Hiei blinked. "Don’t be ridiculous," with that, he flew out the window without a word.

______End of flashback…

______That was just about a week ago. Did Kurama really like him that much? :… You have your pride Hiei. Besides, a youko like that won’t like you for long …:

______But Kurama had treated him very well… tend all his wounds. Listen to all his grandmother stories about his work with Mukuro and all. Who else would do that?

______He eyed the shadow, which stopped at the door. A soft knock. Hiei went to the door and slid it open.

______"What do you want?" Hiei asked casually. Kurama smiled. "I was going to take some fresh air. Care to come along?" he asked. Hiei looked behind him. The others were already asleep. He stepped out of the room and shut the door.

______They were walking around in silence and found a spot in the garden, which was nice enough to sit, to enjoy the moonlight.

______"How’s Mitarai?" Hiei asked. "He’s nice," Kurama answered. Hiei looked away. Why did it feel like knives travelling through his heart when he heard that? "Do you like him??" Hiei asked. Kurama nodded. "He’s a very kind person," Kurama smiled.

______:… he’s happy …:

______:… Serves you right Hiei… you were the one who refused his proposal …: a voice scolded him. :… you should be thankful that he still treats you as a friend …:

______Flashback…

______Hiei looked at his fingers which were intertwined with Kurama’s "I don’t like you, do you hear me?" Hiei blinked, trying to let go. Kurama looked at the ground. He nodded wearily. "If you really do hate me that much, kill me…" he slowly let go of Hiei’s fingers.

______"Shine…" with that Hiei went away.

______With that, they haven’t said a word to each other until the day they met in Koenma’s office.

______End flashback…

______Kurama sighed. It couldn’t be true. Hiei still doesn’t like him. :… I better go before I irritate him more …: Kurama stood up. "I’m sleepy. Oyasumi…" he trailed off. A tear dropped off his eyes as he brushed it off.

______Hiei watched. He didn’t know what to say. Maybe Kurama would be better off with Mitarai. :… But would you be happy? …: a voice asked him deep inside. :… Does it matter? …: he asked the voice back. :… of course it matters …: Hiei closed his eyes.

______It goes on like that for several days. None of each group had any chance to see each other. On the forth day though…

______Mitarai held Kurama’s hand. "Kurama-kun…" he said softly. "Yes, Mitarai?" Kurama asked. They were in the garden that night having fresh air. "I like you very much," he asked, slightly blushing. Kurama smiled. He liked Mitarai too. Not as much as he likes Hiei but still…

______Mitarai treated him like someone who’s precious to him yet Hiei… Kurama closed his eyes. Sometimes the fire demon really treated him like dirt.

______Kurama nodded and reached for Mitarai’s hand. "I do as well… I do…" he leaned over and kissed the boy.

______Unknown to them, a figure in black was watching from a distance. Hiei closed his eyes and bit his lips. He blamed himself for everything, for not telling Kurama his true feelings and rejecting him. Now he really felt like he lost something valuable, his life.

______Hiei walked out of the room. His head hurts as much as his heart. "Hiei, quick! We don’t have all the time in the world!" Yuusuke shouted from the garden. Hiei looked up as he headed for the stairs. Today they were supposed to combine forces and experiment their latest technique. "Shut up! ^#$@…%&!*…&*!#…" was his last words and curses before he fell off the steps and landed flat on the ground.

______"Hiei!" Yuusuke and Kuwabara rushed over to the fallen demon. They helped the limp youkai and Yuusuke placed the youkai’s head on his lap. Genkai touched his forehead. Burning hot. "Hiei with a fever?" she told them more in amusement than matter-of-factly.

______Botan and Yukina came to see what was with the shouting and all. Yuusuke got the fire youkai into the room followed by Kuwabara. Suddenly Genkai held both of the girl’s wrists. "Not a word to Mitarai or Kurama. Act as if nothing happened. Understood?" Both of the girls nodded.

______Genkai sighed. She thought that separating the two would make them train harder than having only each other in mind. But Hiei with a fever is not very good. He might be delusive and talk in his sleep out of the longing feel in his heart. She knew Hiei likes Kurama, but was too stubborn to admit it. She saw his face when the fire youkai saw Kurama and Mitarai walking together and did something in the garden last night. Genkai smiled. Even how cold the little fire demon was, he still melted when he saw his Kurama with another guy.

______She glanced over to Yukina who was putting a damp cool towel on the poor boy’s head. Hiei opened his eyes wearily. "Hiei-san…" she sighed, pity for him. "Ku…ra…ma…" Hiei said softly. Yukina brushed away a tear gem from her eyes. "I’m sorry, but we cannot tell him you’re sick… please be patient… and get well," she changed the towel which seemed to grow hot again.

______Genkai shook her head and gave Yukina the herb she was mixing.

______In the middle of the night, Hiei suddenly opened his eyes. "…Kurama…" he said softly. His eyes wandered around the room. Yuusuke and Kuwabara were in their futon snoring away. Yukina was sitting next to him. She was asleep though. He took a deep breath, determined to get up and sneak to Kurama’s room.

______But when he tried to stand on his knees, they felt like jelly and he instantly slumped back on the futon. He closed his eyes. "Kurama…" he whispered softly. Pleading that someone would tell his fox how much he missed him. How much he wanted to be in his arms…

______The bitter medicine Genkai had for the fire demon tasted not only bad but had a side effect of dysentery for a few days later.

______Resulting in a very pale looking Hiei for the next two days. A sick and pale Hiei is not good for the practise.

______"How are we going to train like this?" Yuusuke frowned at the feverish fire demon. "Never heard of Hiei getting a fever," Kuwabara pondered aloud. They took the day off and watched Hiei. He was having cold sweats all over.

______"Shouldn’t someone tell Kurama-san?" suddenly Yukina asked. Genkai shook her head. "It’ll disturb their concentration," she reasoned. "But Hiei’s getting worse," Yuusuke reasoned.

______Genkai shook her head, stubborn still. "It’s none of Kurama’s concern now. He’ll be fine. I gave him medicine," she closed her eyes and went out. "I’m going to check on Mitarai and Kurama," she said softly.

______"What did she mean by it’s not Kurama’s concern now?" Yuusuke asked. "It’s Kurama-san… he… he and Mitarai…" Botan paused. Every pair of eyes was settled on her. "They’re already a couple," she mumbled. "WHAT?!" exclaimed Yuusuke and Kuwabara. "And Hiei-san knows about it?" she asked. "Maa…" trailed Botan.

______"Ku…ra…ma…" Hiei said softly. Yukina nodded. "I’ll get Kurama-chan for you, Hiei-san," she promised. "I’ll get Kurama-chan tonight," she held Hiei’s limp hand.

______Botan took dinner to Kurama’s room. Both of them were cuddled up together and reading some magazines. "He is stupid," Mitarai pointed at an actor. "Yeah, as if he’s so damn cute," Kurama chuckled. "Ne, tabemasu yo," Botan chirped. Both of them nodded and sighed. "Oh, it’s so tiring," they stretched.

______"Ah! I forgot! I’ll go take the cups," she stood up. Then she pretended to fall and hurt her ankle. "Itai!!" she exclaimed. Both Kurama and Mitarai rushed towards her. "Botan-chan! Daijobu?" asked Kurama. Botan nodded. And sighed. "Itai…" she trailed off. Kurama looked at Mitarai. "Mi-chan… can you go take the cups. I’ll put some herbs on her ankle. It might be dislocated," Mitarai nodded and went out.

______Just as Mitarai closed the door and Botan was convinced that he was far away already, she got up. Kurama blinked. "I thought your ankle was twisted?" he asked. "It’s just an act, Kurama-chan… anyway I have to tell you something," she said and leaned closer to Kurama.

______"Hiei likes you very much," she nodded. Kurama smiled and shook his head. "No, he doesn’t. He already told me," Botan shook her head. "No, no… he really likes you," she insisted. "And how do you know about that? Anyway, he had already made it clear to me that he hates me," he said.

______"Besides, I already have Mitarai… he treats me better than Hiei. And Hiei… please… I don’t want to make a fool out of myself already…" Kurama closed his eyes, suppressing the tears that were waiting to come out.

______"Hiei had been sick for three days and all he uttered was your name!" Botan finally spoke in an angered voice.

______Mitarai stopped at his tracks outside the room as he heard Botan’s loud voice inside.

______"Sick?" Kurama echoed. "Yes, most probably he knew about you and Mitarai. He had a fever and his temperature was so hot that Genkai had to give him the koori-no-hana to cool him down. As you know that herb has a side effect of getting diarrhoea for two days. You should see how he looks like now," Botan told Kurama. Kurama tried to stand firm. "It’s none of my business… send my regards to him though," he turned away. "Kurama-san!" Botan exclaimed. "He haven’t ate for two days!" Botan raised her voice.

______"Then what do you want me to do? Go to him? And do what? I might possibly be humiliated and kicked away by his ‘Oh-I’m-so-great’ ego. He’ll be all-right by himself I know that. Everyone knows that!" Kurama exclaimed. "And what about Mitarai?" his voice slowed down. "You don’t expect me to just dump him. I like him as well. He treats me a hundred times better than Hiei will ever be able to," Kurama closed his eyes.

______Mitarai blinked. He felt guilty. He opened the door.

______Kurama opened his eyes when he heard the door slid open. "Mi-chan…" Kurama called as he saw his lover. Mitarai nodded and sat the cups down on the table. His face was not so happy. "Ne, Mi-chan… daijobu da yo?" Kurama inched closer. Mitarai nodded. "Let’s eat," he said softly. Kurama and Botan nodded.

______It was a silent meal.

______Suddenly Mitarai spoke. "Ne, Kurama-chan…" he started as he put aside his bowl. "Yes?" Kurama arched his brow. "Hiei-san loves you…," he said softly. Both Kurama and Botan stopped eating. "Please, don’t start," Kurama ran a hand through his hair and stood up. "Don’t ever bring up this matter again!" with that he ran out of the room, into the garden.

______Botan looked at Mitarai. His eyes were welling up with tears. "Botan-chan… what have I done… I have taken away Hiei’s love from Kurama… what am I to do?" he asked, burying his face in his hands. Botan patted his shoulder. "There’s nothing to worry about. Kurama-san would be okay for a while... he just needs some time to think for himself," Botan sighed as she cleared the table.

______She went back to Yuusuke’s room and see Hiei. "How’s he doing?" she asked, sitting next to Yukina. She reached to brush Hiei’s hair off his sweaty forehead. Hiei blinked his weary eyes once. They were so lifeless and dull. "Not too good. Have you told Kurama-san?" asked Yukina. Botan nodded. "What did he say?"

______Botan blinked. "Well… he’s very disturbed now. He still isn’t convinced that Hiei likes him," she turned to Hiei and held his hand with her free one. "Hiei, have you told or do anything to Kurama until he thinks that you hate him so much?" Botan asked him, still stroking Hiei’s hair.

______Hiei closed his eyes. It was countless. Everything Kurama did for him was returned by harsh answers and acts. He didn’t answer Botan’s question. It would just hurt his pride.

______"If you’re not telling us… then I’m sorry Hiei… you have just lost Kurama to Mitarai Kiyoshi," Botan uttered softly. Hiei bit his lips as he suppressed his tears.

______Yukina held Hiei’s other hand. "Oh, Hiei-san… don’t be like this. Please be well again," she pleaded, tears started to roll down uncontrollably down her rosy cheeks. Kuwabara gritted his teeth. Angry at Hiei for making his dear Yukina cry. But Hiei had his side of the story as well. He couldn’t blame it all at the poor fire demon.

______They all decided to leave Hiei alone for the night and rest. They needed to train the next day. Because Hiei was sick, Kuwabara and Yuusuke carried him inside another room. Something like quarantine.

______The night was silent. Sounds of insects in the night were the only thing that Hiei could hear. Suddenly the door was opened. It was Mitarai. The boy came in and closed back the door. He made his way next to Hiei. "How are you?" he asked. Hiei snapped open his eyes. It was burning with hatred. "Why are you here? I don’t want you here!" He exclaimed, but then he winced as his head hurts.

______"I’m sorry Hiei… I… I didn’t mean to take Kurama away from you…" Mitarai started. "What do you mean you took Kurama away from me? He was never mine! Take all you want! I don’t like him after all! Go to hell!" Hiei was suddenly full of life and anger. He was already on his feet, his fist was slightly emitting black smoke.

______Mitarai held Hiei’s shoulder. "You should have treated him nicer," he said softly. "Shut up! I don’t need you to tell me how to act!" Hiei fought the pain in his head as he shouted at the young boy.

______Everyone heard the commotion and rushed to Hiei’s room.

______Hiei grabbed Mitarai’s collar and gritted his teeth. "I hate you! And I hate Kurama so much that I wish he just die!" Hiei punched Mitarai right on the face. The door was slid open on the last sentence.

______Kurama bit his lips and lunged forward. He heard it all and he saw it all. "Hate me all you want but keep your hands off him!" Kurama lunged forward and scooped Mitarai up. "You ungrateful wretch!" Kurama spat, there were tears in his eyes. He carried Mitarai away and left everyone catchflies with their jaw.

______"Hiei!" Botan ran towards him. "Why? Why did you say that?" she asked. Everyone sighed. "Hiei, don’t be stubborn… now Kurama’s feelings might have been very hurt," Yuusuke started.

______"Shut up! SHUT UP!!!" he held his head as he shouted. "Hiei-san, are you alright?" Yukina asked. He didn’t look too well to her. "My… head…" he uttered softly. "Genkai-baasan! Hiei-san’s head hurts!" Genkai nodded. "That’s the last stage of the koori-no-hana herb’s effect. He’ll be okay by tomorrow," she nodded and went out of the room.

______Yuusuke sat next to Hiei and pulled the fire demon towards his chest. Hiei’s head hurt too much for him to protest. Tears started to fall freely out of the pain in his head and the grief he was suffering.

______Yuusuke motioned everyone to leave the room. When he was alone with only Hiei in his arms, he stroked the demon’s hair in order to comfort him. "I understand why you did that Hiei… just let it go… cry all you want," he said softly.

______"Yuusuke…" Hiei trailed off. The pain in his head and heart doubled and he bit his lips in order to contain it.

______Kurama treated Mitarai’s blue-black jaw. His face was very angry and very sad that Mitarai dare not to speak a word. "Go to sleep. And don’t go over and pest that bastard again," Kurama said softly and he gave Mitarai a peck on the cheek. He tucked the boy into bed and went out of the room for some fresh air.

______It was clear that Hiei hated him. Hated him so much that he wished death for him.

______Genkai looked at her calendar. It was already four weeks since they had been practising here. With all the inconvenience and all, they had a bit of improvement.

______"I’m getting them ready today," she nodded.

______As usual, both Yukina and Botan were already working on breakfast. Genkai smiled. "Everyone’s having breakfast at the same time today," she announced. Both nodded.

______Half an hour after that, they served the dishes and went to call for the boys.

______On this side…

______"Jeng, jeng, jeng… Ohayou ne!" Botan exclaimed. Kurama and Mitarai nodded. "Guess what?" she gleamed. "What?" Kurama smiled back. "Well, we’re all having breakfast together!" she shouted. "Together?" asked Mitarai. "Yes! As in, you two, me, Yukina-chan, Genkai-baasan, Yuusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei!" she told them. "Honto ni?" Mitarai blinked. Botan nodded. "Iku wa yo!"

______On the other side…

______Yukina woke up the boys and smiled. They were already in their fresh clothes. "You guys don’t have to wait, we’re all having breakfast together," she told Yuusuke and Kuwabara. "Ja!" Kuwabara and Yuusuke went out happily thinking about what food they’re having for that day.

______Yukina looked at Hiei who gathered up his cloak. She sat closer to him. "You can see Kurama-san today," Yukina told Hiei as the fire youkai put on his cloak. With his back towards his sister, Hiei raised a brow but kept his voice level. "So?" he asked. "I thought you would want to look nicer today," she suggested. "So what? Mitarai would be enough to cheer him up," Hiei said and turned around heading for the door.

______Yukina sighed. Hiei looked very pale and sad. But she knew that his power grew the most out of the others.

______At breakfast, everyone was waiting for Hiei and Yukina. When the fire demon entered, everyone was silent. "Hiei why are you late? We’re all famished!" Botan exclaimed and chuckled.

______Hiei and Yukina took their seat. When they were starting to eat, Kurama suddenly stood. "I’m skipping breakfast today," with that he walked towards the door. Everyone knew why. It was Hiei.

______"Do you think Yukina-chan’s cooking is that bad that you’re skipping it?" Kuwabara asked, actually an excuse for Kurama to eat breakfast with them. "Her cooking is fine," his voice was very serious, then he walked out of the door. Everyone dared not to speak a word after that.

______Breakfast was quiet. The food was nice and plentiful but the air was still cold.

______After breakfast, They were all gathered up in the garden. Genkai blinked. "No, lets go up the mountain. It’ll be better there."

______As soon as they arrived at the mountain, Koenma appeared in his teenage form. "Ready?" he asked. Everyone nodded. Then they were transported into Makai, where the Demons are waiting.

______Yuusuke blinked. There were only 5 youkais in front of them "Ne? you said there were hundreds of you guys?" he asked.

______The youkai blinked. "The others died while practising," he answered casually. Yuusuke blinked. Then he smirked. "This should be easy," he cracked his knuckles. "Don’t underestimate them," Kurama warned. Yuusuke nodded.

______So it started. The easy battle between 5 B-class youkais and the Reikai Tantei. It was not even a threat to them.

______The fight was over in 5 minutes. Though it was short, they suffered enough injuries to last them a month. Kuwabara rolled his eyes. "Wasted my whole month for this shit?" he snorted. Koenma shrugged.

______"Anyway, let’s have a party," Koenma suggested, pushing away the piling papers as he talked to Botan. Then he leaned closer to Botan. "Maybe we could make Kurama and Hiei propose to each other?" he grinned. Botan blinked. "Oh, you didn’t knew?" she asked. "What?" Koenma blinked.

______"Kurama had a big fight with Hiei and now he’s with Mitarai," she told Koenma. "Now, how did that happen?" he asked.

______Botan spent the whole afternoon explaining to Koenma.

______"Sou desu ka?" he sucked furiously at his fukumen. "Mitarai shouldn’t be interrupting them… I was hoping for the two to get together… and I already got wedding gifts piling up for them and their children in the future!" He blinked.

______"You went to buy gifts for them?" Botan asked. Koenma shook his head. "Go and visit Makai. Everyone thought that the two would make it together and already sent the gifts to them via-me! ^_^;" he grinned.

______"Well then… we have to separate Mitarai and Kurama first," Koenma thought. Botan flapped her hand. "That’s a no problem, Koenma-sama… Kurama paid less attention to Mitarai after the Hiei punching Mitarai scene," Botan smiled.

______"That should be easier then," Koenma smiled.

______"Hi, Hiei. Okaeri," Mukuro didn’t even look up when she greeted her heir back. She looked up when she got no response. "Hiei?" then her jaw dropped. "Oh devils! What happened to you!" she rushed away from her table and wrapped her arms around her precious little so-called son.

______Hiei didn’t stay to get healed by the healers. Mukuro fussed with him.

______"Oh, Hiei… what have you been doing?" she shook her head as she watched her servants pulled off the fire youkai’s torn top and revealed the demon’s small compact torso. "We fought with some youkais and won," he said casually.

______Mukuro ‘tsk-tsked’ and sighed. "Aren’t you suppose to get healed by the Reikai Tantei healers?" she frowned as she didn’t like the cuts and bruises at all on her heir’s body. She clapped her hands and a few more youkai’s came in with first-aid kits.

______"What? Let that Botan touch me? I’d rather die," he snorted and then winced in pain as one of the servants put antiseptic on the cuts. It reacted like acid on him. Mukuro rolled her eyes. "There’s always your dear sister," she smirked. "Leave her out of this!" he snapped, and winced again as another stab of pain soared through his veins when the servants put the antiseptic solution on another wound.

______"Hey, snappy aren’t we today? Why don’t you…" Mukuro paused as Hiei gifted her with an angry glare. "Okay, okay… I’m talking about something else now… ah… How’s Kurama?"

______Hiei debated with himself. Either to snap at Mukuro again, or let the matter drop. He was silent for a while. But finally nodded. "He’s alive," he was put into bed by the servants when they finish dressing up his wounds. The servants bowed at Mukuro and went out. As soon as they were out of the room, another one entered. With a bowl of steaming broth. "Put it there, I’ll feed it to him," she ordered the youkai. Hiei glared daggers at her, but Mukuro seemed to be kind of occupied with smiling at her servant that she didn’t realise Hiei’s glare. The servant nodded and put the bowl on the table next to Hiei’s bed and went out.

______Mukuro waited until she went out and closed the door. She turned back her attention to Hiei and took the bowl of steaming Makai chicken soup. The fire demon sighed and obediently opened his mouth for his so-called mother to feed him.

______When Hiei had finished the soup, Mukuro put it back on the table and reached out to brush the youkai’s hair. "Told you to be careful," she sighed.

______"I did something terrible," he suddenly told her. "What, you killed Kurama?" she chuckled. "Serious! No, but quite close," he said. "What is it?" she asked.

______"…………"

______"Hiei… you can tell me. I may not be at much help. But it would make you feel better if you tell me," she smiled.

______"We had a fight," he finally told her. Mukuro gulped. What was she to do with all the gifts that were piled up in the storeroom everyone gave for their wedding?! "And… Kurama got a new lover," he said softly.

______Mukuro blinked. She definitely needed to throw them away.

______"How?" she asked.

______Hiei spent the whole night telling her what had happened.

______"You stupid little idiot," she finally announced. "I know," Hiei sighed. "You love him right?" she asked. Hiei bit his lips. Mukuro rolled her eyes. "Just nod darling," she ordered. Hiei nodded. "But why is that you said you hated him?" she asked. Before Hiei could answer… "Because you have that stupid little ego stuck to your backside!" she knocked his head.

______Mukuro sighed. She can’t go to the human world. That stupid barrier between Makai and Ningenkai doesn’t allow A-class and S-class demons like her to enter the other world. That means she can’t help her little heir.

______"If I could go to the Ningenkai and talk to Kurama, it would be perfect… but that stupid barrier… hmm…"

______Suddenly a knock was heard on the door and it echoed around the room for a while. "Come in," Mukuro answered. A youkai came in and handed her a parcel and a letter. "These two came together?" she asked. The youkai shook his head. "One is from Reikai. Another is from…" he saw Hiei and leaned closer to Mukuro. "It’s a present for Hiei-sama and Kurama-sama from Yakusen-sama," he whispered. "Oh…" Mukuro nodded and dismissed the youkai.

______She read the letter and smiled. "A party for you," she smiled. "I don’t want to go," Hiei turned to his side. "You go and tell Kurama exactly what you feel," she ordered. "He has Mitarai already," he closed his eyes.

______Mukuro sweatdropped. All these presents are really going down the drain if Hiei kept his ego high up his head. She got up and went to the closet. She picked up a small sized black tuxedo and white shirt. Perfect with a red bow as red as Hiei’s ruby eyes. But then she thought for a while. She rummaged through the closet again and took out a pair of blue jeans and a baby blue T-shirt.

______"I have a hunch Kurama would wear a white tuxedo because black don’t suit him very well. And if he comes in normal human clothes…" she mumbled and rummaged through the lot again. "Who said I’m going anywhere!" Hiei shouted. "I’m not saying you’re going anywhere," she shrugged and smiled as she took a nice hooded jacket out of the closet. Hiei gritted his teeth.

______Mukuro came back with the attire and chucked it on the bed. She took her place on the bed and started putting it all together like a puzzle. "It will look nice on you," she commented with a smile.

______Hiei got up and wrapped his arms around Mukuro. "Mukuro… please… don’t do this to me. I’ll be going there alone and Kurama’s going to come with Mitarai… I really, really don’t want to see it… I have enough of it already… please… don’t force me…" he buried his face on Mukuro’s chest.

______She patted his head. "Why don’t you want to see it? Does it hurt you a lot?" she asked. Hiei nodded and Mukuro could feel something wet on her chest. Hiei was crying silently. "Kurama’s going with you," she said. Hiei shook his head. "I’m making sure of that," Mukuro nodded. Hiei shook his head again. "Don’t force him. Besides, what are you going to do with Mitarai?" Hiei asked. "Kill him?" she suggested playfully. "Mukuro…" Hiei sighed wearily.

______She chuckled. "Okay, okay… I’ll deal with it… you just worry about the party… I just wish that the party is held in Reikai… than I could go with you all and help ^_^;"

______Hiei shook his head. "You’re one crazy mother," he slumped back on the bed.

______Mukuro laughed and reached out to brush the tears dry. "I am, am I? Maybe I am crazy… getting myself into your stupid little problems… But it looks quite fun…" she went out of the room.

______Mukuro grinned and stopped a servant on her way. It had been two days and Hiei had recovered from whatever physical wounds he had. "Ne, get Kurama and Mitarai Kiyoshi here," she ordered.

______The youkai blinked at her. "Kurama I can find, But I don’t know who is Mitarai Kiyoshi, Mukuro-sama," he apologised to her. Mukuro looked at him. "Get Kurama and ask him to bring a human named Mitarai Kiyoshi along. Is that good enough?" she asked. The youkai nodded.

______Before the youkai walked away, she grabbed his arm and stopped him again. "Yes, Mukuro-sama?" Mukuro leaned closer to him and whispered. "Not a word to Hiei, okay?" the youkai nodded.

______Kurama was lying on his bed only wearing his boxers. "Why is it like… so damn hot today?" he asked himself as he pointed the controller and turned the air-conditioner on higher.

______A knock on the window was heard.

______Kurama frowned. :… Hiei? …: but as he opened the window a pink coloured youkai came in. "Oi… why is it hot here today in Ningenkai?" he suddenly asked Kurama. "Wakaranai… who are you?" Kurama asked. Though he doesn’t know this youkai, he was convinced enough that he’s not the troublemaker type according to his colour.

______"I’m Mukuro-sama’s servant. I was asked to get you and another human named Mitarai Kiyoshi to her palace. Anyway, sorry to disturb you… are you doing something?" the youkai apologised. Kurama shook his head and sat on his bed. "Do you know what does she want with us?" Kurama asked. The youkai shook his head. "But I don’t think it’s anything serious. She’s happy today," he smiled.

______"Sou da… well, okay then… we’ll be over in a couple of hours. You can go back first," Kurama smiled. The youkai nodded and disappeared back out of the window.

______Kurama closed the window and closed his eyes. :… What does she want with us? …: he pondered and sighed. "Ah… what the hell," he shrugged and went to change.

______He called up Mitarai and met him in the park.

______"Hai Kurama!" a boy in a hooded jacket and jeans exclaimed as he came closer to Kurama. "Hi Mitarai…" they exchanged hugs. "Are you ready?" Kurama asked. Mitarai nodded.

______Moments later, they arrived at Mukuro’s palace. "Wow, this place is big. Who’s living in it?" Mitarai asked. Kurama smiled. "An S-class youkai who is actually Hiei’s so-called mother. She’s one of the three Makai Lords in the Demon World," Kurama grinned. "Ah…" Mitarai mused. "Is she going to eat us or something?" Mitarai asked.

______Kurama chuckled. "She’s actually a nice person if she’s in a good mood. But I don’t know…" Kurama went through the gate followed by Mitarai. "Oh… hey, no guards?" Mitarai grinned. Kurama shook his head. "We’re welcomed. They are around. Maybe your youki level is still too low to locate them," Kurama reasoned and approached the door.

______It opened from inside and the two stepped in. A small purple fur-ball formed in the middle of thin air and made a squeaking sound. "Hai… I thought Mukuro-sama wanted to see us?" Kurama asked the small fur-ball. It hopped up and down in the air and squeaked again. Kurama blinked. The fur-ball seemed to put one of its small fingers on its mouth.

______"Oh, we’re too loud is it?" Kurama asked softly. The fur-ball nodded.

______Then the fur-ball floated to Kurama’s hand and pulled it. Gesturing the redhead to follow it into Mukuro’s throne room.

______When they entered the dark room, the fur-ball disappeared.

______Suddenly there was sheer brightness. "Ohh! You guys are already here?" a woman in simple attire was visible. Mitarai blinked. Her face was half covered by a weird looking mask.

______"Hisashiburi na, Kurama," she smiled. "Yes, it’s been a long time," Kurama nodded. "Well, you do know why I called you here for, right?" she asked. Kurama shook his head. "Actually, no," Mukuro blinked. "Is it so? Then… have a seat," she offered them a seat and poured some tea in the small teacups.

______"You guys are having a party, am I right?" asked the Makai lord, sipping some tea. Kurama nodded. "Yes, we are," Kurama answered. "Is Hiei invited?" she asked.

______Kurama looked away. "I don’t know," he said casually. "Ne… you had a fight with Hiei or something?" Mukuro pretended not to know a thing. "No," Kurama lied.

______"Lie to me fox, and I’ll cut off your tail," her voice was deep. "How should I know? I’m not the one who arranged the guest-list," Kurama reasoned. "I’m talking about the fight you had with Hiei," she said dully. "We’re not fighting," Kurama answered.

______"Aha, yeah right. And why is it that when I asked you about him you acted as if he’s some kind of a dirt?" Mukuro asked. Kurama snapped his head up. "No, I did not!" he denied. "Does Hiei look like dirt to you? Does a future heir to a Makai throne look like a dirt to you, Kurama?" Mukuro asked, her voice slightly cold and harsh.

______Mitarai blinked. He didn’t knew that Hiei had such a big post waiting for him.

______"No, Mukuro…" Kurama shook his head. "Then why do you seem to hate him so much?" she asked. "I do NOT hate him! He is the one who hated me!" Kurama snapped. "Oh, snappy aren’t we today?" Mukuro suddenly said softly and she poured more tea into Kurama’s cup, as if comforting him.

______"Hiei hates you? I see…" Mukuro nodded. But then chuckled. "You’re trying to lie to me?" she slanted her left eye at Kurama. "Believe what you want, Mukuro," Kurama rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay," she sipped some more tea.

______"Say, do you have any plans to get married?" Mukuro suddenly turned her gaze to Mitarai. "Who? me?" Mitarai pointed at himself. "Yeah, you see anyone else here?" she blinked. "Well… yeah…" he smiled. "With a girl?" Mukuro asked.

______Mitarai shrugged. "Of course… can you get married to a guy?" he asked, kind of sarcastic in that matter. Mukuro sighed. "You can, here in Makai. And in Ningenkai too," she smiled. Mitarai shrugged. "I’m definitely marrying a girl," he assured Mukuro.

______Mukuro gifted him with a pleasured smile. "Good because I’m having Kurama for my son-in-law," Mukuro smiled and reached out to pat Mitarai. "I wish you happy ever after," she congratulated Mitarai in advance. "That’s a weird phrase Mukuro," Kurama commented. "Isn’t that what they always say in the end of human fairy tales stories?" she asked. Kurama blinked "Okay, okay… I get the idea," he chuckled.

______Obviously Kurama wasn’t aware of his state. But then he stopped and thought for a while. "Mukuro… Hiei hates me… don’t be ridiculous," Kurama rolled his eyes.

______Mukuro ignored Kurama and smiled at Mitarai. "With this I officially pronounce you two, separated, divorced or whatever you want to call it ^_^," she grimaced. "Mukuro…" Kurama called again. Mitarai looked at her in confusion. "Oh… so you wanted to separate the two of us?" Mitarai asked. Mukuro thought for a while.

______"Yes."

______"Why didn’t you say so? Kurama and I have no serious relationship as in that kind. We just like to spend time together," Mitarai said. Mukuro blinked. "Sou desu ka?" she asked. Kurama nodded.

______She slumped back to her seat. :… What a waste of effort …: she sighed. "Oh, okay then… I’ll get someone to send you back," Mukuro ordered the fur-ball which suddenly appeared in thin air to send Mitarai back to Ningenkai.

______When the room was empty except for the two of them, Mukuro was back to business. "Take Hiei to the party," she said calmly. Kurama shook his head. "He’ll kill me in return," Kurama answered. Mukuro shook her head. "He loves you so very much. He hated you because he thought that you had a new lover," Mukuro explained. Kurama listened, but didn’t say anything in reply.

______"Really… he was invited to the party. He got the invitation but he didn’t want to go because he said that you’d be coming with Mitarai and he didn’t want to see that, because it hurts him so much. And you know what made that confession more maudlin?" Mukuro asked.

______Kurama blinked. "What?" Mukuro sighed. "He was crying when he said that," she told Kurama.

______The fox spirit was silent. "Don’t you believe me?" she asked. Kurama nodded. "I believe you," he said softly. "Then pick him up at 6," she grinned. "The party starts at 9," Kurama blinked.

______"Come at 6. Talk to him. Go to the party at 8.50," Mukuro winked and stood up. I have some things to settle. See you next time," she went out of the room.

______Two days later…

______Kurama came back from meeting Yuusuke and saw his step-brother coming down the stairs. "Hi, Shuu-chan," Kurama greeted. "Ah… Niisan! A girl called. I mean a lot of girls called," he said. "Sou da? What did they say?" he asked casually, walking into the kitchen and peered at what his kaasan was cooking. Shuuichi opened a piece of paper. "They said to call all of them back. They’re Junko, Kirina, Shayla, Afura, Yukiko and Shina. All from Sara Yashiki High," Shuuichi told his step-brother and folded back the paper where he wrote all the messages.

______Kurama kissed his mother and thought for a while. :… Sara Yashiki? I’ll kill Yuusuke for giving my phone number away like hot cakes …: "Doumo. But I don’t have their numbers," he thanked his step-brother. "Oh," Shuuichi shrugged. Then he looked at the clock. "Ne, niisan… aren’t you going to change and get ready for the party?" Shuuichi inquired the tall redhead. "Now?" Kurama asked. "No, tomorrow! Of course now! You said you were to go to your date’s house at 6!" Shuuichi rolled his eyes.

______Kurama looked at the clock. It’s half past 5. He sighed inwardly. "Oh my!" with that he went up to change.

______Shiori put down a plate of fried tofu on the table. "Shuu-chan has a date already?" Shiori asked. Shuuichi shrugged. "He just told me to remind him, that’s all," he said and sat on the counter. "Tell him to bring her home one day," she smiled.

______"Her? I don’t think it’s a ‘her’," Shuuichi grinned. Shiori looked at him holding a spatula I one hand. "Aha… sou desu ka? Then who is this boy?" she asked. Shuuichi thought for a while. If his instincts were correct…

______"I’ll tell niisan to bring him home. Then you can see him," he hopped off the counter and went out.

______Moments later, a beautiful redhead came down the stairs. Everyone was in the living room. "You look gorgeous, musuko," Shiori gasped. Shuuichi nodded enthusiastically. "Perfect!" he exclaimed, giving Kurama as thumbs-up. "Well, even though you look like a girl, you sure look handsome," Kazuya joked. "Tousan!" Kurama started. "Okay, okay… jyodan deshou…" he chuckled. Kurama looked at his watch, 5 minutes to 6.

______"Gotta go!" he grinned. Shiori gave him a peck on his forehead. "Say hi to him for me," she winked at her son. Kurama nodded and went out the door. Then he paused and turned. :… Him? How did kaasan…? Oh what the hell… I’m already late! …: he turned around and went through a portal to Makai.

______"Hiei… you are not getting the bow right," Mukuro fussed. "I still don’t want to go," he growled. "You’ll be going to the party in a coach. It’s not like you have to travel to Ningenkai by feet," Mukuro joked. "What? A pumpkin coach like in Cinderella?" Hiei asked. Mukuro rolled her eyes. "Yeah, complete with horse legs attached and whips," she replied sarcastically.

______"I still don’t understand. Why do you want so much to…" Hiei was cut by a knock on the door. Mukuro looked at the clock, exactly 6 o’clock. "Oh goodie, he’s here," she smiled broadly. Hiei rolled his eyes. "Who’s here… oh… no… you didn’t…" Hiei shook his head. "Yes, I did! And you’re not going anywhere," she grabbed the fire demon who was starting to run away.

______"Come in!"

______The door opened and a tall boy in a pair of jeans and soft pastel green shirt was standing right in between the door. "Hai," he smiled. "He’s not wearing a white tuxedo," Hiei whispered to Mukuro. "Oh, we’ll deal with that," she turned to Kurama. "Come here and close the door," she smiled. Kurama did as told and came closer.

______Hiei still hadn’t moved from his place from just now. He was standing on his knees on the bed with Mukuro fussing with his bow. "Since Kurama’s not wearing a tux…" she took the jeans, baby blue T-shirt and jacket.

______Hiei was stripped right on front of Kurama and was forced into the other attire. "Kurama, can you help me with this?" Mukuro asked. Kurama nodded. "Sure," he walked closer to Hiei and Mukuro. The fire demon was still frozen. Shocked and dazed all in one.

______Suddenly Mukuro slapped her forehead. "I forgot to do something! I’ll leave this to you Kurama," with that she went out of the room. "Mu… Mukuro!" Hiei gritted his teeth and swore under his breath when Mukuro closed the door. Kurama turned back to look at Hiei when the door was shut.

______"Hai," he said. "Hai," it was soft.

______Kurama reached his hands to help Hiei buckle his jeans and zip up his zipper. "You look cute today," Kurama commented. "Ah? Oh… so do you," he said nervously as Kurama’s soft hands moved up to stroke his jaw after finish messing with the buckle and zipper.

______"I’m sorry," Kurama said softly. "For what?" Hiei asked. Logically, it should be him who was supposed to apologise to Kurama. "For everything that I have done to you," he said softly, one finger trailing Hiei’s fine jaw.

______"You did nothing wrong to me," Hiei moved closer to Kurama’s face. Kurama shook his head. "I was wrong to push you," he said. Hiei’s hands moved up to hold Kurama’s sides. "No… I am the one who was suppose to say sorry," he said softly, his face was dangerously close to Kurama.

______"I forgive you," Kurama leaned closer and gave the youkai a kiss, sensual and nice.

______Mukuro came down to the hall before the two went to the party. She clasped her hands together and uttered some incantations. After that, she brushed Hiei’s hair with both of her hands. "What’s that for?" Hiei asked.

______Suddenly there was a nice soft smell emitting itself from Hiei. "It’s a spell I learnt. No perfume needed and you still smell nice," she grinned and leaned down to give Hiei a peck on the cheek.

______"Off you two," she hushed them out.

______Hiei blinked.

______"Weird," he said softly. Kurama leaned down to smell Hiei. "Mmm… nice. It suits you," he commented. "I’m going to suffocate everyone," Hiei snorted. "No, it’s nice," Kurama assured Hiei.

______"Genkai-baasan, where do you put this?" Kuwabara asked, balancing three big bowls of chips in his arms. "There," the old lady pointed on the corner.

______Kuwabara followed her orders and placed the bowls on the table. Yuusuke came in and sighed. "Everything’s ready… but where’s Kurama and Hiei?" he wondered, having a seat on a cushion. Everyone took their seat and looked at the food on the table. "I hope the chips are not that spicy," Mitarai frowned.

______Botan opened a piece of paper and read from it. "First, we’ll have a feast…" she paused and grinned at the food, cause most of them were prepared by her. "Secondly, we’ll have a game," she looked at everyone. "What game?" Kuwabara asked.

______"Oh, it’s ‘Pass The Parcel’ Kuwabara-kun," Keiko smiled, she was the mastermind behind that game. She, made all the penalties. From easy ones, funny ones, up to the embarrassing ones.

______Botan nodded enthusiastically. "And so, last would be Genkai-baasan’s story time," Botan nodded. "Bo-ring," Yuusuke chimed. "I’m telling ghost stories, not grandmother stories," she rolled her eyes. "Honto ka?" Yuusuke’s eyes got bigger, clearly he was interested.

______"What else, Botan-chan?" Yukina asked. Botan folded her piece of paper. "We wait for Kurama and Hiei," she told the koorime. "Are you even sure they’re coming?" Kuwabara narrowed his eyes. "Well, I’m sure Kurama-kun’s coming… but I don’t know about Hiei-san," Yukina told them. "If Kurama doesn’t show…"

______The door was slid open.

______A familiar face was looking through the opened door. "Gomen minna, we’re late," Kurama smiled apologetically. "Come in," Kuwabara smiled. Kurama came in and waited for Hiei to step in before closing the door. "Oi, Hiei! You came!" Kuwabara grinned. "So?" Hiei took his seat near a corner.

______Kurama produced a bag from his back. "Here, Hiei and I got these for the party," he showed them. There were colourful little candies inside it. "Kawaii!!" Botan cooed. Kurama smiled. "Hiei took the pick," he leered at Hiei. "Hn," Hiei looked away.

______The girls put the cute candies into a small bowl. "Where did you bought it? Makai?" Kuwabara took one and examined it. "Ningenkai, baka! No one sells those things in the Makai," Hiei snorted. "Oohh…" Kuwabara replied sarcastically, intended to make the youkai boil.

______"Here Hiei, have one," Kurama picked one pink coloured candy and handed it to Hiei. The fire youkai looked around him as every pair of eyes was settled on him. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" he turned his back to them.

______"Oh Hiei… take it," Botan cooed. "Shut up," he snorted. Kurama shrugged. "Don’t force him," he said, quite disappointed.

______They started with the feast.

______"Who made these?" Kurama asked, taking his bite slowly on a rice mochi. "Yukina and I, we made it!" Botan grinned. "How does it taste?" she asked. Hiei wanted to say it was terrible just for the sake to make her irritated but then he remembered that Yukina too had her share in helping. So he said nothing.

______Kuwabara finished off most of the dishes. Rows and rows of praising for Yukina accompanied every bite. Hiei got fairly annoyed and decided to make a commotion.

______He got up on his knees, put down his bowls and chopstick and leaned towards Kurama, gesturing him to come closer. "Oi, you have a rose?" the fire demon asked. Kurama smiled and nodded. "Here," he handed Hiei a nice full bloomed rose.

______Hiei stood up and walked his way to Yukina. "For you, a token of appreciation from Kurama and I," he nodded. Yukina’s face lightened up immediately. "Ah, doumo Hiei-san!" she reached for the flower and inhaled it’s soft rosy scent. "You overgrown wart! You just can’t stand me being so nice to Yukina … blah… bla…" Hiei turned deaf ears to the big guy’s grumbles.

______"Okay, okay, okay…" Botan flapped her hands. "Let’s move on to the second part of the event. The ‘Pass The Parcel’ game! Keiko-chan was the mastermind behind it all. So, any problems after the game, I have a mallet ready ^_^," Botan giggled.

______Everyone gathered nearer and sat in a circle. "Genkai-baasan is going to control the music… So beware if you guys ever have a grudge on her ^_^!" she warned. When everyone was ready, Botan sensed something.

______She sniffed harder and a sweet smell travelled through her nostrils. :… nice …: she commented, and turned to the left where the smell seemed to come from. :… Hiei? …: Botan leaned closer and sniffed.

______Hiei frowned and leaned backwards. "What is it?" he asked. "Where did you get this perfume from, Hiei?" she asked. Every eye in the room was on Hiei once again. "Mukuro gave it to me," he told her. Botan arched her brows. "Sou da…" Hiei pushed her playfully. "And it’s only for ‘someone’ to smell it," he sat closer to his left, plastering himself to Kurama.

______Botan pouted. "Yoshi! Hajime!" she clapped her hands. The music started. Everyone started to push around the parcel, not wanting to get it. Genkai grinned as the parcel moved around and came back to Yuusuke. She stopped the music.

______"I KNEW IT! I knew it! You have a grudge on me, do you baasan???!" he laughed and shook the box. "Pick, Urameshi!" Kuwabara laughed. Yuusuke muddled through the pieces of papers inside the box and took out one. He opened and narrowed his eyes at the small writing.

______<< "Remember how your discipline teacher punished you? Imagine you have the power to be him one day, what kind of punishment would you give him to take revenge?" >>

______Yuusuke glanced at everyone. "Why is it that this thing knows what I want?" he asked. "Luck, Urameshi… pure luck," Kuwabara grinned. Yuusuke shrugged. "Well…" he said standing up. "I need someone to be Iwamoto," he smirked. Then his eyes landed on Kuwabara.

______"Oh no, you’re not using…" he was pulled by Yuusuke anyway.

"What the heck," Kuwabara shrugged and sat in the middle of the ring. Yuusuke pointed his index finger at Kuwabara. "Iwamoto, you have been caught kissing a girl in school. With that, you have to kiss the floor 10 times," Yuusuke closed his eyes and ordered. "Kisama…!" Kuwabara growled.

______"Oh, come on, Kuwa-chan!" Botan cooed. "Yes, Kazuma-san… it’s just for the sake of fun," Yukina chirped. Kuwabara nodded. "Anything for you, Yukina!" he quickly kissed the floor 10 times. Hiei shook his head and snorted. "Baka," Kurama looked at him and smiled. "You don’t know what you’ll get, Hiei," Kurama put his arm around Hiei’s waist, hidden under his jacket.

______Everyone cheered. "Yay! Hahaha! Okay, next!" Botan chirped. Once again the music started. The parcel went around and landed on Kurama’s lap when it stopped. Kurama blinked. "Oh no," he gulped. "Oh yes, Kurama-san!" Keiko giggled. Kurama shook his head as he dipped his hand inside the box to pull out a paper. Hiei peeped as Kurama opened the paper.

______<<"Kiss your favourite boy">>

______Kurama blinked. "Can we change the thing?" Kurama asked. "No! Don’t be a spoil sport, Kurama-san!" Botan said. "What is it, what is it?" Kuwabara took the paper and read. "Kiss your favourite boy?" He echoed. Yukina gasped. "That was meant for Keik…" Keiko suddenly hugged Yukina and covered her mouth. "Shh…" she said. Yukina nodded and the both smiled.

______Kurama turned to Kuwabara and blinked. "Go for it, fox!" Kuwabara slapped his back. Kurama turned to his back. "I need to go to the toilet," he suddenly gave an excuse. Everyone shook their head and Yuusuke was already on the door. "Not until you do it, Kurama," he grinned. Kurama sighed. "I’ll give him a peck," he nodded in defeat.

______"Nononoo……no!" Yuusuke waved his hands frantically. "Not on the cheek! I’m sure Keiko missed a few words there like ‘… Kiss your favourite boy on the LIPS with EXPRESSION’ isn’t it, Keiko?" Yuusuke leered at Keiko naughtily. Keiko got into the mood of mischief and nodded hastily.

______Kurama wasn’t sure if Hiei would let him express himself in public like this. He looked at Hiei, but Hiei was already popping the candies into his mouth ignoring Kurama completely. Kurama took a deep breath and turned around taking Yuusuke’s hand.

______Everyone gasped. Hiei turned and jumped on to his feet. "Him?!" he exclaimed as Kurama was nearly kissing Yuusuke.

______"No, you!" Kurama let go of Yuusuke and grabbed Hiei by his waist, pulling him to himself and closed the space between their lips. The kiss was light at first but it became hungry and passionate after a few seconds. Everyone was surprised by the way Kurama was kissing the fire demon, it looked so… tasty.

______A few breath taking moments ended and their parted the kiss. Eyes still locked into each other. "You’re one hell of a good kisser, kitsune," Hiei said softly. "You are too, koi," Kurama smiled.

______"Yay!!!! Supa-sugoi!! Botan chuckled and cheered. Everyone whistled and clapped. "Yo, get the music going!" Yuusuke hollered. Genkai started the music.

______Mitarai was the next victim. He opened the paper.

______<< Do a striptease >>

______Mitarai blinked. "Oh, no… I’m not going to do this," he shook his head. Botan took the paper from his hands and read. "DO a striptease! Do it!" she laughed. Hiei looked at Kurama. "What’s a striptease?" he asked. Kurama smiled. "It’s where you dance and take off your clothes one by one," Kurama explained. "I would rather you do it," he said, rather loudly.

______Some of them heard. Botan heard it. "But you have to look at Mitarai do it for now Hiei," she grinned and chuckled.

______Finally, after a LOT of coaxing, Mitarai finally did. Genkai played the song. His jacket went first, followed by his T-shirt, jeans but he stopped when he reached his boxers. "You guys really don’t want to spare me?" he asked one final time. "NO!" was the answer. Mitarai sighed and pulled down his boxers.

______Everyone made a sound of ‘Awwww’

______"Okay! That’s it!" he quickly put back on his clothes. "That was fast," Botan laughed. Hiei nudged Kurama. "You are doing it for me afterwards, right?" Hiei asked. Kurama leaned closer. "You’ll have my word and I am going to make you spill," Kurama smiled, a naughty glint in his eyes. Hiei didn’t knew what was in for him.

______He didn’t realise that the music was already playing and the parcel landed on his lap. Just as he wanted to give it to Kurama, the music stopped with the parcel still in his hands. "Hiei! Hiei!" everyone cheered.

______Keiko grinned. "It’s the last one Hiei, go for it," she laughed. Kuwabara sighed in relieve. "At least I don’t have to make a fool out of myself twice," he grinned. Hiei took the only paper left inside and opened it.

______<< Do something that you would never dream that you will do for the rest of your life in front of everyone >>

______He smiled. "What is it, Hiei?" Yuusuke asked. Kurama took it and read. "Do something that you would never dream that you will do for the rest of your life in front of everyone… well what will that be, Hiei?" Kurama asked.

______"What do you think?" Hiei asked Kurama. The redhead shrugged. Hiei got on his knees and held both of Kurama’s hands. "I’m giving myself to you, please say you’ll have it," Hiei said in a smooth liquid sentence. Kurama blinked. Everyone was silent. "Are… are you serious?" Kurama asked. Hiei nodded once.

______Kurama smiled and hugged his koorime. "Mochiron, koi."

______Everyone cheered. "Long live Kurama and Hiei!" they joked. "Cool! Great!!" was heard to be cheered by all of them.

______Genkai’s story time was next as they got into their places. Hiei was leaning against Kurama’s chest and the youko was having his arms wrapped around the youkai as they listened to the story. Now when they’re all gathered close to each other, they could sense Hiei’s soft scent. "Hey, nice perfume, Hiei," Yuusuke commented. Hiei smiled, contented in his lover’s arms.

______It was already a few days after the party. Shiori came up to Kurama’s room and smiled. "I have a plan today," she announced. "What is it, kaasan?" he asked, putting down his pen. "Well, first I want you to call that special ‘guy’ of yours for dinner tonight. Next, I want you to prepare the house because I’m going to get some groceries from the store. Then when I cook, you can entertain him. After that, we can have a nice dinner and some chit-chat with your special boy," Shiori ended her speech.

______Kurama blinked. Now where can he find Hiei? "I’ll try and call him kaasan," he smiled. "By hook or by crook, get him here ^_^;," with that she went out of Kurama’s room. The redhead sighed. :… How to get Hi… …: his thoughts were disturbed when the window opened for a youkai to enter. "Hiei!" Kurama exclaimed and hugged his little demon. "You saved my life! Where have you been?" he asked. Hiei sank his head against Kurama’s neck and let him carry him to bed. "Someone was meddling with Mukuro’s territory I had to take care of it," he said still wrapping his arms around Kurama.

______"Oho… really…" Kurama nuzzled the little youkai’s face. Hiei nodded and hugged his kitsune. "I am hungry," he sighed. Kurama laughed. "Hiei, actually you are kind of invited to dinner tonight," Kurama told the youkai. Hiei raised an eyebrow. "Invited?"

______Kurama smiled. "Well… I didn’t knew from where kaasan knew but she told me to bring my special boy to dinner tonight," Kurama explained. "And how did you know she’ll be expecting me?" Hiei rolled his eyes. Kurama closed his eyes. "Hiei, I don’t care who she expects. I just know that the ‘special boy’ is you!" Kurama reasoned, laying on his side.

______Hiei blinked his big almond eyes. "I am a little hungry," he smiled. "Good, help me clean the house," Kurama laughed. "I am your guest," Hiei rumbled. "What? When we live together in the future, I am not going to do all the housework alone," Kurama leaned closer to Hiei. "Agree?" Hiei looked at Kurama’s nose and decided to bite it. "Mochiron," he bit the redhead’s nose.

______"Itai!" Kurama rubbed his nose as the fire youkai laughed gleefully. "Hehe…" Kurama reached out to hug his fire demon. "You’re a born prankster," he said. "I am?" Hiei got up. "Well… you sure act like one," Kurama reasoned, following the fire demon. "Maybe I’m just hungry," the koorime smiled, throwing his arms around Kurama as the redhead carried him downstairs to prepare the table.

______Shuuichi took a packet of junkfood and threw it in the cart. "And it’s a slam dunk!" he exclaimed, turning around Shiori who was busy scanning the list in her hand. "Shuu-chan, please stop running around me, I’m beginning to feel dizzy," Shiori smiled. "Oh, okay," Shuuichi stopped on his tracks and peered at the list in Shiori’s hand. "Why such a long list?" he asked.

______"Well, you know about your brother’s special boy, right? He’s coming to dinner," Shiori smiled. Shuuichi blinked. "He’s ‘really’ coming?" he asked. Shiori gave him a look. "Why not?" she inquired. Shuuichi looked around. "Well… considering that he never talks to other people, I didn’t think he would even come to our house," he mumbled, but more to himself. "It’s your brother asking. Maybe he’ll come," Shiori started to worry.

______Shuuichi started to imagine how his decent brother would coo the small grumpy boy into following his brother’s pointing fingers. "Well, I don’t know if it’s Shuu-chan’s charm or his cooing that will bring his friend to dinner tonight, But I’m sure looking forward to talk to him," Shuuichi grinned. Shiori laughed at the same view and chuckled. "Anyhow, when did you know about your brother’s secret?" Shuuichi blinked. "You really want to know?" he asked. Shiori nodded.

______Shuuichi shrugged. "It was before the summer holidays…"

______Kurama put on his jacket and saw his brother coming down the stairs. "Doko ikun dai?" asked the boy. Kurama pulled out his hair from inside the jacket and smiled. "The park. Wanna come?" he asked. Shuuichi got excited. They just became step-siblings for about 2 weeks and his step-brother was one heck of a cool guy. Of course he wanted to go. "Sure!" he smiled.

______Attired only in shorts and T-shirt, he followed his brother out to the park. "Meeting friends?" asked Shuuichi. Kurama nodded. "Yeah," Shuuichi smiled. "Girlfriend?" he asked mischievously. Kurama chuckled. "No, just friends. There are also girls. Cause if there isn’t, I don’t think the other boys would bring their own food," Kurama joked. "So, we’re going to a picnic?" Shuuichi asked. "You can say that," Kurama smiled.

______Shuuichi looked at his new brother. He was wonderful. He’s brilliant, VERY good looking, polite, and rich. What else would you want from a guy?

______They entered the park and Shuuichi spotted a group by the lake, about 3 boys and 3 girls. "Kurama!" a boy with slick dark hair with a slight greenish tint waved his hand. "Yuusuke!" Kurama greeted them. "Kurama?" Shuuichi asked. "Well, they have a weird way of calling me, ne?" Kurama smiled and ran towards them.

______"Minna, I bought my new brother as well," Kurama smiled putting a hand on Shuuichi’s shoulder. "Hi Shuuichi, have a seat. I’m Kuwabara," a guy with orange hair greeted the boy. Shuuichi nodded and sat near him. "It’ll be just a few minutes after we finish spreading these sandwiches," Keiko smiled at Shuuichi. "Yeah. Girls are VERY slow," Yuusuke joked. "What did you say, Yuusuke?" Keiko already had her punch set right on Yuusuke’s jaw. "Nan de mo nai," Yuusuke rubbed his sore jaw.

______Shuuichi looked around as his brother disappeared. "Um, where is my brother?" he asked. Yuusuke pointed at a tree about 200 yards away. Shuuichi blinked. "What’s he doing under the tree?" he asked. Kuwabara laughed. "Probably looking at birds," he told the boy as he slapped him playfully on the back.

______"Kurama-san is talking to Hiei-san," Yukina told Shuuichi, a sweet smile on her face. "YES! Yes, Kurama is talking to Hiei," Kuwabara said, repeating what Yukina said.

______"Hiei?" Shuuichi echoed. "Yeah, the asshole of the group," Kuwabara said. "Kuwabara! That’s not very nice of you," Botan pouted. "Well he is, isn’t he?" Kuwabara asked. "If he’s and asshole, you’re an overgrown zit," Yuusuke laughed. Kuwabara rolled his eyes.

______Shuuichi kept his eyes on his brother. He seemed to look up at the tree and talking to it. "Is Hiei a tree?" Shuuichi suddenly asked. Crackes of laughter began to erupt from the group. "I’m in seventh heaven if he is," Kuwabara grinned. "Nah, you’ll see when he comes here," Koenma smiled, a guy with dark brown hair.

______"How have you been?" asked the redhead. Hiei looked down and saw the youko talking to him. His heart was beating faster by this time. "Fine," was his short answer. "How is Mukuro?" he asked. "She’s alive," he uttered, trying to hide the shake in his voice.

______Kurama smiled. "Care to come down and join us?" he asked. No answer. "Well, I’ve brought my new brother to meet you," Kurama smiled. "Why would you think that I want to meet him?" Hiei asked. Kurama shrugged. "Because you’re not as arrogant as you would want me to think," Kurama reasoned. Hiei looked down and saw a beautiful face smiling meaningfully at him.

______Hiei jumped down the tree. Kurama reached out to pull a piece of leaf out of Hiei’s hair. "You have some leaves on your hair," Kurama chuckled. Hiei stopped as Kurama ran his slender fingers through his hair, rubbing gently on his scalp. Hiei bare the need to just hug the beautiful human and give him a deep kiss. He reached out to hold Kurama’s hand. :… If only I could kiss you …: Hiei said silently as he looked into Kurama’s emerald depths.

______"Come Hiei, let’s go," Kurama pulled Hiei slightly but Hiei let go of his grip on Kurama. The redhead was a bit disappointed but he knew he was supposed to be contented with the affection Hiei showed to no one but him.

______Shuuichi was eyeing his brother from the very beginning. Those intimate touching and small talks were very different from his brother’s usual self. Who is this guy who has such an influence on his brother. "That’s Hiei?" Shuuichi asked Kuwabara. The orange hair guy nodded. "Is he the same age as me?" Shuuichi asked. Kuwabara chuckled. "He’s much older… trust me," the guy patted Shuuichi’s back. "He’s cute, isn’t he?" Botan chuckled. Shuuichi nodded. Kuwabara snorted. "I bet you, you are going to hate him in no time," Kuwabara said. "KUWABARA!" al of them shouted. "Oh! Hehehehe," he grinned. Yukina smiled as the fire demon came closer to them. "What ever did Kurama-san said to have Hiei-san here with us?" she asked Keiko. Keiko gave her a pleasant smile. "It’s the power of love Yukina," the ice maiden nodded. As if she knows what was it, but everyone kept talking about this thing called ‘the-power-of-love’ so she supposed it’s a good thing.

______"Yo, shrimp! Got any birds up there on the tree?" Kuwabara teased the fire demon just as they came towards the group. Hiei just ignored the big guy and rolled his eyes. "I bet the bird ran away just as they saw your ugly face," Kuwabara laughed. For all he know, he felt something cold touching his neck. "Talk and I’ll slice your throat off," Hiei said. "Jyodan deshou!!" Kuwabara pushed away the katana and kept laughing.

______Shuuichi was surprised. Not only by the boy’s low voice, but by his violent behaviour as to carry a long katana around with him. And the weird attire. Shuuichi frowned at Hiei. Kuwabara is a nice guy why in the hell did he want to kill him for?

______Kurama reached out and touched Hiei’s hand. He took the katana away and whispered something to Hiei resulting in Hiei rolling his eyes and sat furthest to the other side next to Kurama.

______When the girls gave the sandwiches around, everyone took it except Hiei. Yukina gave one to Shuuichi and smiled sweetly at him. Shuuichi gulped. He never knew someone so nice and beautiful as this existed. Shuuichi turned when he heard his brother chuckling about something. "… you’re hungry, come. It’s very tasty. Yukina, Botan and Keiko cooks the best food," Kurama coaxed the fire demon.

______Shuuichi frowned. Who was that Hiei guy to get such attention from his brother?

______"Kurama-kun! These are all canned food. Your cooking is the best," Keiko smiled. Kurama blushed. "Well… anyway, won’t you try even one?" Kurama was still showing Hiei a piece of sandwich. Their eyes were locked and telling secret stories silently. Hiei slowly reached out to take the sandwich.

______"What about next time, we ask Kurama to cook and we’ll all enjoy it?" suggested Botan. Cheers were heard.

______Silently, Shuuichi eyed this peculiar boy. This weird boy that holds such a special place in his brother’s heart. Then he blinked. His brother may not have a girlfriend, but what about a boyfriend? He smiled to himself.

______Shiori laughed. "Are you sure he’s that weird? Carrying a katana around?" Shuuichi nodded. "Just be careful. He’s not that bad," Shuuichi grinned. "Anyway, he’s cute. Could pass as a girl as well if you ask me. Same type as oniisan, the beautiful human being type. Just in case you want him to wear a dress," Shuuichi shrugged, trying to put his joke on a serious face. Shiori giggled. "He has long hair as well?" Shiori asked. Shuuichi shook his head. "Nah, very stylish spiky dark blue hair," he told his step-mother. "I think if anyway, your oniisan would be the one wearing a skirt," she smiled.

______Kurama smiled satisfactorily. They had made the table and cleaned the house. He was now sitting on his bed eyeing Hiei. "I think you should go down like this," he smiled. Hiei gritted his teeth. "Yeah, the next thing you know your mum would chase me out because she thinks that I’m some kind of a lunatic coming to people’s house naked," Hiei answered sarcastically. Kurama laughed. "But you look cute like this," he smiled.

______"You want cute? I’ll give you cute," he jumped on Kurama and pinned the redhead down. Those emerald crystals blinked once in a while at Hiei making his blood rush. Maybe this is love. The warmth and love that no one had ever gave him was now showered freely to him. Kurama’s unconditional love, was now his. He smiled a little to his lover and leaned down to close the space between their lips. Kurama returned the kiss and his hands reached down to touch Hiei’s soft bare ass.

______Kurama started to moan as Hiei left his mouth and his kiss travelled down to his neck. But then…

______‘KNOCK KNOCK’

______Kurama ignored the knocking but Hiei stopped. "Someone’s at the door," he said softly. Kurama smiled, disappointment was clearly showed in his eyes. Hiei smiled at his lover, he reached out to touch Kurama’s slightly parted lips. "I promise to finish it tonight," he smiled and got up.

______Kurama smiled and gave Hiei a peck on the cheek, he got up to open the door. "Cover yourself with the comforter," he said as he twisted the door knob open. He smiled as his brother’s face was smiling at him. "Oniisan!!" he pushed himself in and closed the door before Kurama could say anything.

______"So, is Hiei-san here ye… Oh, Hi!" Shuuichi grinned as he saw Hiei on Kurama’s bed. The redhead had a big sweat-drop on his head. "Hn," Hiei nodded. "Say," Shuuichi started when he realised that Hiei was most probably naked under the comforter. "What were you two doing?" he asked mischievously.

______"Trying on some clothes," both said simultaneously. Shuuichi nodded. "Sou desu ne," Shuuichi nodded. "What? You think we’re doing something else?" Kurama frowned. "Oh, no…no…no… Hehehe," Shuuichi chuckled. "Just that kaasan had already started cooking downstairs," he said. "So I thought I might talk to oniisan about you," he pointed at Hiei. "But then you’re already here," Shuuichi smiled.

______Kurama walked back to his bed and took a seat. "So, it’s you who told kaasan, ne?" Kurama asked. Shuuichi shrugged. "Well, she seems happy about it," Shuuichi answered. Kurama blinked. "Sou?" he asked.

______"Honto ni! Look, if kaasan was not happy about this, why on earth would she be so excited to invite Hiei-san here for dinner? And I got her to get us pudding too," he smiled. Hiei’s brow raised at the mention of pudding. "Oh, you like that, don’t you Hiei-san?" he asked, a bright smile on his face. Kurama frowned. "Now how did you know about that?" he asked. Shuuichi shrugged. "Every boy in Japan likes pudding! Even me! You may have outgrown it, niisan. But not us, right Hiei-san?" he looked at Hiei for support. But then, Hiei was quite offended. "I am not a boy," he growled.

______Kurama chuckled and put an arm around Hiei’s waist. Shuuichi laughed. "Okay, you guys better get ready. I’ll be helping kaasan downstairs," he grinned widely as he made his way downstairs, closing the door behind him.

______Hiei looked at Kurama. The redhead smiled. "We have to get you ready," he got up and threw Hiei the clothes he had for Hiei, which he put on the table just now.

______The smell of fish travelled through Shuuichi’s nostrils as he made his way to the kitchen. "Nice smell, kaasan," he commented. Shiori smiled at the boy. "When is Shuu-san’s sepcial boy coming?" she asked, her hands still busy with her cooking.

______"Oh, he’s already here. In niisan’s bedroom now," Shuuichi smiled then exclaimed in pain as he was hit on the back. "Who’s in Shuu-san’s bedroom?" asked Kazuya Hatanaka. "Tousan, you really wanna kill me, ne?" he asked. Kazuya laughed. "You’re not that weak to die that easily, are you?"

______Shuuchi snorted and smiled as he remembered his father’s question. "Niisan’s boyfriend is already here," he announced. Kazuya blinked. "Is he already? Call him down then," he smiled. "I’ll be waiting in the living room. With tea, of course!"

______"Okay," Shuuichi went upstairs again. Kazuya turned and made his way to the living-room. He took the tea set and set it on the table. Then he blinked. :… If I wasn’t mistaken, Shuuichi did say ‘boyfriend’ did he? Or was it that my hearing’s bad? Well… whatever …: he sat the tea cups on the table.

______Hiei got into the clothes and ran his fingers through his hair to make sure there were no tangles. So it looked spikier. "Nice hair Hiei, Maybe I’ll get you some kind of conditioner next time," Kurama smiled. "Talking about yourself?" Hiei rolled his eyes and reached out his hand. "I’m hungry," he laughed.

______Just as Kurama reached out to put Hiei’s hand in his, the door was knocked again. "Hairu yo!" Kurama said. The door opened and Shuuichi’s head popped in. "Ne, oniisan… tousan asked you two to come to the living-room," he smiled, then disappeared.

______Kurama frowned. "Something wrong?" Hiei asked. Kurama shrugged. "I dunno, let’s go and check it out," he pulled Hiei with him.

______The two figures came down the stairs and saw Mr. Hatanaka waiting for them in the living room. "Here boys," he smiled. Both Kurama and Hiei walked their way to Mr. Hatanaka awkwardly. They took their seat as Mr. Hatanaka poured some tea in their tea-cups. :… Definitely a boy …: Mr. Hatanaka thought.

______"Hello there young man, what’s your name?" he asked as he put down the teapot. "Hiei," he answered shortly. :… Inari-sama! He’s so rude! …: Kurama sighed. "Sou, douzo yoroshiku, Hiei-kun. Ore wa Shuuichi no tousan, Hatanaka desu," Mr. Hatanaka sipped his tea. Hiei nodded. "Wakarimashita," he nodded.

______"Why are you both so tensed up?" Mr. Hatanaka asked. Both shook their head. Mr. Hatanaka, sensing that this Hiei wasn’t that much of a chatter decided not to probe more into him. He looks quite decent and nice. Except for that weird hairstyle. "Nice hairstyle, Hiei-kun," he commented. Hiei smiled. "Thank you sir," he uttered.

______Mr. Hatanaka smiled back. The little boy’s smile was so sincere that he looked kind of cute. Maybe Shuuichi deserved such a beautiful little creature as a life partner. Although he was a boy, it makes no difference if they were the same gender as long as they stay together with a bond named love.

______"I don’t know why… but I seem to have this feeling that you are better than any girls for Shuuichi-kun. Even though he brought none home," Mr. Hatanaka smiled. Hiei took a sip of his tea and smiled. "Thank you," he uttered again. Mr. Hatanaka nodded. :… So sweet, so innocent, so pure …: Then it hit him.

______"Ne, Shuu-kun," he gestured the boy closer. Kurama leaned closer so that he could hear what his stepfather has to say. "Are you sure he’s big enough to get involved with you?" he whispered. Kurama smiled. "Trust me, tousan. He is older than what you think," Kurama nodded in assurance.

______Mr. Hatanaka nodded. "Okay then, I suppose dinner would be ready in a few more minutes. Let’s more on to the dining room," he stood up.

______Shiori’s eyes were fixed on Hiei since he first sat on the dining table. The boy was quiet and was acting quite normally considering the soft noise of his eating utensils clicking onto his plate a few times. Kurama was sweatdropping. Hiei made too much noise.

______Hiei suddenly felt as if he was being watched. He slowly looked up into Shiori’s brown eyes and blinked. A smile spread slowly across his face as to be polite. "You’re cute," Shioiri chuckled. "Just as what Shuu-chan told me," she commented.

______Kurama turned to Shuuichi. "What else did you tell kaasan?" he whispered. Shuuichi chuckled. "A lot… a lot," he gulped down his water and stood up. "I’m going to my friend’s house to play some games," he announced. "Ja!"

______After a few moments, Mr. Hatana stopped eating. He pitied the little boy and smiled at Hiei. "Hiei-kun, please don’t be so tensed up," he smiled. Shiori nodded. "I invited you to dinner just so that I can see who is this special guy Shuu-kun was keeping a secret from us," she smiled. "Kaasan, I didn’t mean to. I mean… I wasn’t sure that…," Kurama paused, he was lost in words. Shiori smiled. "That we would reject him? That’s nonsense," the lady smiled.

______Hiei was silent. "I love him, sir," suddenly he blurted out. Kurama frowned. He was so surprised. He would never thought that Hiei would so such a thing. Both Mr. Hatanaka and Mrs. Hatanaka smiled. "That’s good enough for us to hear, Hiei-kun," she nodded.

______Kurama looked up to the starry sky. "I’d never thought you’d say that in public," suddenly Kurama said. Hiei turned to look at the redhead’s pale face, shone slightly by the moonlight. But then, he said nothing.

______"Hiei…" Kurama called out as he turned to face the fire demon. Hiei faced him with a blank look. "I love you so," he reached out to touch Hiei’s cheek. Slowly they closed the space between their lips and embraced themselves in each other’s arms. Hiei opened his eyes slightly as he felt something cold rolling onto his face. :… Tears? …:

______Hiei didn’t have to ask. He knew what it was for. Kurama was happy, so was he. He parted themselves and smiled as a drop of tear rolled off his big almond eyes. "We would be together, no matter what happens. Forever, Fornever."

______Owari… ^_^

______Another piece of ficcie! Didn’t knew it would turn out this long! Wah! Grumble grumble, I got a very good place in class this year and I’m very proud of it. Thankies a bunch to everyone who supported me mentally and physically!

______Hope you all will have a great time as well!

Bulma Briefs
bulma_v_briefs@hotmail.com
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http://members.tripod.com/~Bulma_Briefs/manga_mansion.html
And the official owner of Kurama’s and Hiei’s love for each other ^_^;