Then he gazed around, inspecting with a very keen eye his orchard and his carefully cultivated vineyard. All the trees were heavy with fruit, spreading the sweet aroma in the air. The fragrance was softly carried by the breeze, and the appetizing smell coming from the ripe apples, pears and peaches flowed all over his wide, bountiful fields.

Kurama stepped forward, careful not to tread the strawbery patches. He didn't want to ruin his crop even more than it already was.

There was something very weird going on in that orchard. Something, or someone had managed to find a narrow way in through his hedge of youkai-eating plants, and invade his estate. It was something or someone with no consideration for the beauty of his orchard. This disgusting trespasser had smashed the strawberry clusters as he or she passed by.

Whoever it was, it left a trail of  squished grapes and trodden clusters, half-eaten strawberries and rejected, green blackberries behind. Kurama narrowed his eyes, watching the surroundings. Then he sniffed the air, searching for a clue.

He had unwanted visitors. The invader probably had taken the opportunity during the days he had been away with Hiei, so they could rescue Kinno. The invader had probably been lured by the irresistible odor of the fruitful trees.

He liked everything tidy and in order. It had been like this when he was Shuuichi Minamino, and such need for organization and arrangement continued even though he had changed aspects. The mess that invader had made in his crop fields was making him very, very mad...

He could feel a very slight trace of you-ki. It was a strange ki-signature, apparently not very high. However, it didn't mean much - Some youko and youkai could be very tricky while trying to camouflage their energy levels.

With an infuriated expression, the youko started to follow the trail. He was already prepared for battle. A Makai Parasite plant seed already held by his fingers as walked through the fields and elbowed the blackberry bushes aside, forcing passage into the woods that surrounded the orchard.

Whatever it was, he seemed to have eaten all he could - It was easy to assume that due the quantity of uneaten, squished leavings forming the trail.

He marched on, with decisive but very light steps. Kurama was careful so as not to call any attention to himself. He didn't follow any path. He just merged into the woods, pushing bushes and branches to the sides as the high grass covered his steps.

The Silver Youko hid himself behind a tree trunk, knowing the trespasser was just around the bushes, right within his reach. His long-nailed fingers clasped the air when he flitted around the trunk to catch the offender...

Then the youko was halted, put out of action by the incredible, astonishing encounter. Wide-eyed, paralyzed, Kurama could just allow a silly, broad grin to alter his face.

What a CUTE little thing!!!!!

The tall youko fell sitting down, sinking into the high grass, totally held by the delicious surprise. He gave the sweet youko kit he had before his eyes a nutty, fervently loving stare. It was then the youko realized he was lost; he became totally crazy for that kit...

He could not let go of his beam, as he looked at the little fluffy thing with chubby, pinkish cheeks. The cub wore ragged clothes, and was barefoot. He had spiky, entangled whitish hair, and big almond shaped red eyes, and the most delicious sharp-witted expression he had ever seen on a youko baby.

Kurama giggled, delighted with the kid.

He crouched, slowly trying to move closer to the pretty albino whelp. He knew he had to take lots of care; youko at that young age were too edgy and timid. He did not want to upset the baby.

"Oh... You're such a cutie baby... Do you have a name, puppy?"

The small thing roared. Alert, the kit just grabbed a bunch of strawberries he had collected. He held the fruit tightly, confronting Kurama with a greedy, irate look. He snarled loud then at the huge adult that was bothering him.

The youko smiled again to the cub. Then he looked at one side and the other, sniffing the air in a reflex. He was pretty sure there were no strange youko for miles and miles around. It could only mean that kit was lost and alone. He might have stepped into his territory lured by the sweet smell coming from his orchard. Ningen world fruits like apples and pears were a delicacy in the Makai.

That pretty puppy was so small that his guardian youkai-eating plants did not detect or attack him.

Kurama was too happy. He could not wait to see Hiei's reaction when he brought that pretty cub home. His youkai would love the news! He would be crazy for that cub at first sight, Kurama was sure!

He was so yummy!

Kurama reached forward to try to hold the baby in his arms.

"C'me here, babyee... I'm gonna give you tons of fruit... "

He bent over to hold the baby. His movement was careful and slow, and the hands he extended showed care and tenderness, not menace.

But Kurama yelled out with a sudden pain and jumped back, piqued and angry .

"Damned brat! You bit me!"

Kurama pulled back, affronted. He stuck his hurt finger in his mouth to alleviate the sharp pain. He grimaced while he tasted the salty blood coating his tongue. What an ill-mannered little youko! But Kurama had just made up his mind - He would not give up!

After all, how could he leave such deliciously cute whelp abandoned around, on his own, without anyone to care for him?

He stood up, still sucking his finger, and looked around, very worriedly. The baby had taken the opportunity to disappear into the forest.

Shimatta!

"Hn. Kitty, you should have known better; no one spurns Youko Kurama." He declared firmly. His fine sense of smell was already called for to distinguish the kit youko's trail down the hill. It was a very clear track to follow... "I'm gonna be your papa, you'll see... You're too cute for me to give up the idea!"
 
Kurama hurried after the little youko, aware he would have a hard time trying to chase him. A small youko like that could run like a roadrunner!

"Poor baby; he must be too frightened... Or how could he reject such a nice daddy like me?"
 

The big youko was bad. He was a bore. He was a bandit. The small albino youko stayed there, hidden, silent, but his mouth was open, and his fangs and sharp small teeth were ready to bite more. That ugly youko was very bad; he just wanted to eat the sweet, red fruit. He did not want to eat seeds and rats; they did not taste good. All the fruit there was so sweet he wanted to eat more and more, but the ugly, big fox was a dirty villain. He didn't want him near; he just wanted fruit.

Then he looked around. The smell of fruit was so strong now; he could not resist... And he was still hungry...

He had to hide from the bad youko, but the fruit smelled so tasty...

He looked around, smelling the air. He ate a lot, but he was still hungry. The small, round fruit he ate were so good that he wanted much more. He never ate so much good fruit before.

There was a piece of juicy, perfumed fruit on the floor, just a little way away from him. Its scent was just the same of the apples and peaches he had tried to reach in vain. The trees they hung from were too tall for him to climb. The smell was spread all around now; better than honey.

He blinked. He knew it was a trick of that big bad youko that wanted to catch him. He had to be careful with that big bad youko.

Afraid but hungry, he left his shelter, looking all around. He crawled out  forward, examining the area with careful, keen wide eyes. The ugly youko was not around. He could go and get more fruit...

He crawled to the sweet dainty left on the ground. He grabbed it curiously, sniffing and licking it. It was one big, succulent slice of apple. The odor was thick around him, and the taste was pure honey...

He sucked, licked and chewed the piece, quickly finishing it.

Then he spotted another piece of apple, just a bit down the slope...

He stood up and walked to get it. He grabbed the bit tight and stuffed his mouth with the big slice all at once, chewing it noisily. The little youko's tail waggled animatedly behind him as he devoured the delicious apple serving. Then he licked his lips and cleaned his mouth with the back of his hand, whiffing the air and already looking for more apple bits.

It was very good to chew and suck that juicy dainty. His big, expressive eyes flitted all over, examining the ground for more scattered pieces of apple. He stepped forward when his eyes found another big slice of apple just a little way off...

Then he was caught.

He squirmed, tried to bite and scratch, kicking the big youko away, Kurama held him firm. He closed one arm around the kit, while with the other he held down his arms. The small youko child roared, kicked, and protested, twisting and wriggling inside that bad youko's arms. He yelled and yelped; "No, no, no, lemme go!" he cried and writhed, nervously.

However, Kurama was not touched. He just held the baby youko tighter.

"Baby... Don't be afraid of me, I wanna help..."

The kid whimpered, jiggling in Kurama's arms, struggling to set himself free. He roared louder then, to try to scare that big bad fox.

"If you want more apple you just need to be quiet, baby..."

He insisted on trying to set himself free with one last annoyed pull. The youko didn't relent his grasp.

Kurama made the baby sit on his lap, facing him. His broads hands clinched around his little body, pinning him in place. And the youko was careful enough to keep himself at a safer distance from his gnashing teeth... The kit was cute, but he bit too hard!

"What's your name, baby?"

The whelp fidgeted and struggled a little more. Kurama was all smiles.

"Tell me your name, puppy... I'm not going to hurt you..."

"Hyoko!" The albino kid shouted, at the same time frenziedly kicking his feet against Kurama's belly. But Kurama managed to pull backwards in time not to be hit.

The silver fox smiled with tenderness then.

"D'you have a mama?"

The small youko shook his head, frantically.

"And where's your papa? Do you have a papa?"

Kurama was given another irritated negative. The little youko stuck his tongue out, provoking the wicked adult that had captured him.

"You invaded my home, do you know? What are you doing here?"

"Eating fruit."

"Poor baby... You just wanted fruit? You must be very, very hungry then... But I'm gonna give you all the fruit you want."

The little youko showed Kurama a very angry stare. And he tried to bite him again.

"Can I be your new papa?"

Kurama smiled. And to prove his  kindness, he loosened his hold around the cub's waist.

"I can be a very good papa..."

The little youko glared at Kurama in a real disobedient, brave manner. He looked Kurama in the eye. His ears stood very erect and alert, and he showed his fangs, growling.

"I don't need any papa!!"

Kurama smiled, but then he had to jump back and release the kid when the baby released his arms and aimed very sharp, angry nails at his face.

"Ahhhh! Naughty child!" Kurama yelped, jumping back in such a haste the kid managed to slip out of his grasp. "Wild brat!" Kurama exclaimed louder.

The kid just took one second to affront the grown up with a sneer. Then he gave him the finger.

The Silver Youko was horrified. Now he was sure that pretty, small kid really needed someone to teach him better manners.  He watched the nimble albino blur disappear amidst the bushes. Then he sighed deeply, bringing his fingers to his face, just to reassure himself he had not been cut.

"Ah... That puppy is not easy; he really likes to make a fuss... " The youko stood up then in a slow pull, aware he would go through a lot till he managed to tame that cub. "I always wanted a little baby like that... And he's a sweet tooth just like Hiei!"

Kurama hated to be rejected that way, but he was ready to chase the kit again. He was a pest, but irresistibly cute. Besides, that baby looked like a perfect match of him and Hiei...

How could he let him go? No, never...

"Babieeee! Hyoko!!! C'me here, babieeee!!" Kurama screamed, going after the kit again...
 

The youkai,  who was lying along a thick branch of a tree, opened just one eye, lazily. He yawned then, slowly turning onto his side. How come the youko wanted more of him? So soon?

He preferred to pretend to be asleep deep enough not to hear.

Yawning again, he gave his back to the direction of the youko's shout, in an indolent and drowsy mood.

Kurama called again, reaching closer. But this time Hiei didn't even shudder at his voice.

It was Kinno who looked up. His pointed fox-ears twitched at his father's voice, in a curious glee.

His face showed a bright, gratified smile. Every time he looked around him to that beautiful forest, and whenever he had his father and his uncle around him, he felt he was so happy he could cry. It was indeed so good to be back.

He was sitting amidst perfumed clusters of forget-me-nots, marigolds and daisies. Slowly and carefully he spread with circular movements the herbal cream his father had prepared him on his many bruises and wounds. He was eager to be able to show himself in Gandara, but he wanted to be healed from the cuts and scars on his pale, soft skin.

He wanted to see Shura again so badly!

He faced his father in joyful esteem. Their life together was almost all he had dreamed of now...

Then, he realized Kurama was bringing something in his arms. He held it with care, but his grasp was tight around it, as if it could skip him and run away.

It must be an animal then, or a low-class youkai.

"Did you bring dinner, daddy? Want me to cook it for you and Ji-chan?"

Kurama was in such a good mood... He stopped for a while to give a bit of attention to his son. He looked at the golden youko with a slant, mischievous glint in the eye. Then he smiled at him.

"This is not dinner, Kinno. This is your younger brother!" Kurama declared, proud of his capture.

It was only then that Kinno grasped what it really was that his father was holding so dearly in his arms. With an inquisitive stare, the young youko kneeled up, sniffing the air to catch the strange pet's smell. Then he beheld the whitish mane and the furry, pointed ears that showed up in between his father's gripping arms. Then he looked down at the small, soft tail which hanged from the creature's bottom.

"Huh! Daddy, did you have a baby?"

Kurama offered Kinno a direct, very severe grimace. He held the pet closer to him, as if to protect him from that creature's absurdities. To his delight, that cub was very clever indeed; or he would not need to waste the whole morning and half the afternoon chasing him.

"Kinno! For Inari, please, try to think just a little bit!" Kurama sighed in then, begging the Gods for patience. "How could I possibly have a baby?"

The golden youko shuddered.

"I dunno, daddy... It must hurt a lot..."

Kurama shook his head, in a slow, soft hopelessness. Kinno must be some kind of punishment from the heavens...

"Go get some veggies and cook us a stew. I need to talk to Hiei alone..." Kurama proposed, already walking on, leaving Kinno and his permanent mental confusion behind.

Kurama did not need to look over his shoulder to understand how promptly Kinno had followed his orders. At least the kid was obedient.

He smiled, looking at the baby's sleeping face. He could not say the same for that puppy. He needed to chase him madly, to run after him till he fell down, sleepy and exhausted in the bottom of an uninhabited mole hole he had chosen as a den.

The cub was so worn out he had not moved one single inch all the while as Kurama carried him.

Kurama had run like crazy after the kid. Hyoko was not that fast, but being small, he could slip in through and amidst the bushes and shrubs, crawl around the rocks, slip into the cracks and narrow openings amidst the green and disappear from sight too easily.

Kurama even tried it as a fox. The kid continued to fool his perception even then.

He was tired, his white clothes were dirty and crumpled. He even had to sneak into a muddy ravine down the apple tree's plantation to hunt the pest!

He was very aware he had lost hours there, trying to chase that cute thing. He had even thought about making a grass cage grow around the small youko, but being restless like he seemed, he didn't want to risk having him hurt. Besides, he was so damn small... A small little cub... Kurama was sure in fox form that kid was small enough to fit his hand; in youko form he was like a two, three year old kid.

But he could run like the devil!

Kurama smiled to himself. Then he let the tip of his fingers run along the baby's chubby thighs, in a light caress. He was sure Hiei would love that zippy little cub.

He kept on walking across the flowering field, looking up whenever he passed under a tree, to locate his pet youkai. While he looked for Hiei, stepping forward in a slow, contented pace, he rocked the sleeping baby in his arms, with lots of care.

After a while he met his youkai lover, perched on a blossomed pear tree.

Kurama stopped right below the bough his lover was on. Then he called his name with a tender, low voice.

"Hiei. I brought you a surprise..."

Hiei mumbled something, in a bad mood. Then he looked over his shoulder, giving Kurama an annoyed sideways glance. Then he made an attempt to air a grievance, but he kept still, hanged at the sight.

When his eyes met the kit Kurama held in his arms, he smiled. Then he sat up across the bough.

"Hey, Kurama. What's going on? When did you kidnap that little youko?"

The silvery demon chuckled in a lighthearted manner, tilting his head, hiding his contented eyes beneath his falling hair.

"Isn't he cute? We're gonna raise him."

Hiei laughed. His youko was really a crazy guy.

"Who did you steal that baby from?" The youkai insisted.

All Kurama did was to smile back at his lover, watching him jump off the tree to stand before him.

"I found him eating my strawberries. He loves them, just like a short spiky-haired youkai I know..." Kurama commented then, with a fancy expression. "He can run like  crazy!"

Hiei came closer to the youko. Then he held the small, sweetly fat arm which hung from Kurama's grasp. He played with the tiny hand, counting and fondling his fingers.

"What kind of youko is he?"

Kurama sat down in the grass, careful not to alarm the baby. Hiei accompanied him, leaning forward to take a better look at that charming sight - Kurama and a baby! He would never have imagined it...

Kurama winked one eye, offering his partner a teasing, and at the same time, affectionate glance.

"He's got red eyes; just like you. Together with his white hair, it indicates he must be albino. It is a very rare thing among us youko."

"I see..."

"I'm sure he's gonna be very powerful when he grows up. It must be a sign..." Kurama sighed in, while staring at his partner in a sweet, seductive way. "He must be a good luck charm for us, love... He looks like you and me. He could be our son, if such things were possible."

Hiei snorted, good-humored.

"I hope he's not another crazy youko."

"He's very clever! I ran after him for hours!"

"Yeah, you're really a mess..." Hiei added, examining with a sly look the muddy clothes, dirty slippers and the entangled hair of his lover.

"He must have been abandoned. Stray youko are very common in the Makai. Kids are left behind once they're able to provide for themselves. If we can look after that blond calamity, we can raise this tiny fluffy youko, can't we?"

Hiei crawled closer to Kurama. He brought his bandaged hand up till he touched the baby, stroking his head very tenderly.

"Youko; did you ask the cub if he wants to stay with us?"

Kurama said nothing in reply. He just held the baby tighter, unwilling to even think about the possibility of having to let him go.

Hiei's caress, the warmth and the proximity of the two powerful demons ended up by startling the little youko. He woke, opening his eyes wide. Then he tossed and turned, roaring, shoving Hiei's hand off him.

He started to cry very loudly. He cried an insistent, nervous chant; "lemme go, lemme go, lemme go!" He whimpered, vehemently.

Kurama constrained the kid pulling him against his bosom, immobilizing his arms not to let him attack with his little but very sharp nails. Then he smiled back to Hiei, vexed, excusing himself for the baby's rebellion.

Hiei shook his head; he had already understood... Kurama had indeed kidnapped the kit.

"Release the little youko, Kurama."

The silvery demon showed a touching, distressed expression.

"No... Oh, please Hiei... I want to keep him..."

Hiei snorted. Poor baby... He must indeed be too exhausted; that's why the youko managed to capture him. Hiei knew by his own experience how annoying and narrow-minded Kurama could be while chasing someone.

"What's your name, kiddie?"

The baby held still for a while. He turned very curious eyes towards Hiei, attracted by the soft, and yet deep tone of his voice. He blinked, and his ears twitched in a reflex. Then he stopped to wiggle against Kurama's clinch.

"Hyoko."

Hiei brought his hand up to caress the baby, very slowly.

"Be careful, Hiei; he bites!" Kurama warned his lover.

Hiei murmured something so softly that only the kit was able to hear. Kurama could just realize it was something very sweet and comforting by the loving tone which covered Hiei's eyes.

The youkai came close enough to fondle the child's cheek with the tip of his fingers. And much to Kurama's surprise, he was not attacked.

"Oh, Hiei! You really have a way with kids..."Kurama exclaimed, marveled.

Hiei nodded. But then he stared very directly at his lover. His expression became grave and intense.

"Let him go, Kurama. He has to decide if he wants to stay or not; a baby like him can't be forced this way."

Hyoko looked at one adult and the other, intelligently following their conversation. He cried and whimpered no more, curious enough to just observe, with his thumb stuck up in his mouth.

"But he's too small; we have to protect him!"

"He will stay around if he thinks he needs our protection."

"Hiei..."

Hiei smiled. The youko was really unyielding. Couldn't he realize the more he tried to force the kid, the more resistant he would become?

"He seems very smart. If he survived this far he can keep on his own." Hiei gave the puppy a peevish half smile then.

And Hyoko smiled back, in the same playful manner.

"But he's just a baby!"

The youkai stared at Kurama, amused with his confusion. Then he just winked one eye to him.

"Kurama, you would never have me if you had forced me..."

The silver youko realized it then. He lowered his head in a quiet agreement. Then he observed the pretty cub. He seemed too intrigued with Hiei. He stared at the bandages wrapping the youkai's arm and his half-closed Jagan very curiously.

"Release him, Kurama, and let's see what happens." Hiei proposed. "If he likes us and our place, he is going to stay."

Kurama hesitated a little. He knew Hiei was right, but he did not want to risk losing such a cute baby to the wilderness of the Makai. However he trusted Hiei had managed to pacify the baby's fears enough for him not to run away as if his life were in danger. Hyoko looked so sweet and calm by then.

Kurama breathed in very deeply. Then he bent forward to place Hyoko before him. He made the little youko sit in the grass right between him and Hiei, at an arm's lenght from them both.

Then he released the grasp around his small body, gradually, diminishing the strength of his finger's hold, and then finally drawing his hands off him.

Kurama sat tight, not moving a muscle, all eyes to the reactions of the youko-kit. He did not even blink.

Hiei crossed his arms against his chest. His manners were stern, and he sat very erect, almost in an authoritative demeanor. However, a brilliant, encouraging sweet smile could be seen on his face.

The kid looked up at one adult and then the other. He kept quiet in the same place Kurama had put him, apparently confused. His eyes were alert and wide, and he huddled a little, being apprehensive somehow. But he did not run away.

"Do you wanna peachie, baby ?" Kurama asked him, with his sweetest smile, reaching in the pockets of his tunic and pants for the fruit he had hidden to use as baby-bait. "We want you to stay, kiddie... If you stay you're gonna have two papas to play with you..."

Hiei had to cover his laughter with his bandaged hand. It was funny to see Kurama trying to bargain that kid's affection.

"Are you gonna cajole him to stay with food? It is not fair!"

"I have to try everything I can..."

Kurama stretched very slowly so as not to alarm the kid, offering him the ripe, scented peaches he found in his pockets. Hyoko looked at the fruit, interestedly. He was very willing to take hold of the peaches, but at the same time concerned with the grown-ups encircling him.

He shook his head, refusing. Kurama insisted. Then, very cautiously he looked at Hiei and then at Kurama. Then he sprang forward to get the fruit.

"Yeah, baby! Don't worry, we're not gonna hurt ya!." Kurama burst out, happily trying to encourage the baby accept them.

The lovers watched the kid while he ate. Both Hiei and Kurama were unable to hide a little, affectionate smile, being entranced onlookers as the puppy nibbled the food, with an appetite too huge for his tiny size.

"Soon he will get used to us..."

Hiei looked up at his lover then, delighted to witness how elated Kurama was over such a small thing. He could never imagine a baby could alter his youko's disposition this way.

But he had to admit that cub was indeed a crazy little cute furry thing...

"Funny... He looks like you, Kurama."

The youko acquiesced, still fascinated with the kid, observing beauty and sweetness in every little gesture, in every little change of expression in his rosy, chubby face.

Kurama tossed his head, indicating the kid.

"This baby's got your eyes, Hiei! Isn't it fantastic?"

"His fur is almost the same tone as yours." The youkai declared, amazed with the coincidence.

"And he's skittish, just like you..."

"Hn."

"He's a small sweet thing!"

Hiei just laughed, agreeing with his youko's affirmation.

Hyoko's eyes flitted from the big youko to the small youkai as he gnashed, nibbled and chewed the peaches, one after the other, still fretful and edgy.

But he did not flee from the two demons; he remained there, sitting between the two, still confused, but apparently much more inquisitive than afraid.
 

The youko-cub had quieted. He sat next to them, playing with the peach stones. Even though the infant still kept a safe distance from the adults, he seemed much more appeased now. He acted as if neither the youko nor his partner were there, settled enought to be distracted with the play.

"I started to think a lot about how hard it is to be a child in the Makai after that golden disaster came to live with us."

Hiei took one brief, however curious sideways glance at his fox. Then he made his fingers start caressing the back of Kurama's hand, drawing light, tender caressing lines along the reliefs the veins and muscles formed on his skin.

"I know that." Hiei murmured against the warm curve of Kurama's shoulder.

Kurama gazed serenely at the small, tireless kid.

"It is good that you did not know me before my human existence, Hiei."

"Hn." Hiei snorted, just to assure his lover he was all ears to his story. It was not Kurama's habit to be willing to share his life-confessions.

"I was a slayer, much worse than you could ever be. I cheated, stole, betrayed my friends, lovers and associates. I killed whole families to steal treasures and magical secrets. I killed children and adults alike..."

"Well, youko... We all have our share of hidden sins."

"Trying to take after Kinno, or after a kid like this will help relieve my conscience."

Hiei placed a light, quick kiss on Kurama's shoulder. Then he rested his head back against him.

"I think I was so opposed to Kinno in the beginning because his presence made me come face to face with my own past. And I'd rather ignore all there is about my scoundrel days." Kurama sighed then. "I wish I could make up for my mistakes one day..."

The little youko sat up very tense then, attracting Hiei and Kurama's attention. He looked around with his keen red eyes. He sniffed the air, and his ears became erect and alert to any startling sound.

"Dinner's ready!" Kinno yelled out, calling them.

Kurama tried to detain the kid, but could not reach him in time.

Hiei smiled to himself, watching the child flit away, swiftly disappearing behind the foliage and the flowering shrubs. He vanished away in mere instants, like a quick, whitish motion blur.

"Damn! Kinno shooed the baby away!" The youko complained, standing up to try to run after the little youko again. "That loud, snappish voice of his! I should have gagged that walking scandal!"

Hiei just shook his head. He smiled then, amused with Kurama's childish grievance.

"Don't worry, maybe that kid will still be around."

Kurama seemed really pissed. He looked at his son with a very annoyed expression. Kinno had just reached them, happily swinging one of his beaded braids and singing something about someone's Hot Pants...

"Hey, where's my little brother?" He asked his father.

"When are you gonna learn to behave properly? You frightened him away with this whiny voice of yours!"

Kinno looked at his uncle, confused. But Hiei winked him one eye, and smiled.

"Don't worry, Kinno. You know Kurama doesn't really mean it."

Kinno turned to Kurama, who was diligently observing the surroundings, trying to detect a move, a rustling sound, a stirring among the bushes, anything which might help locating Hyoko.

"I'm sorry, daddy... The baby was so cute..." He said, taking some steps till he stayed by his father's side.

Hiei walked past both youko then.

"I'm sure you were a cute baby too, Kinno." He announced then, continuing across the field to their place, for dinner.

Kinno showed a big, beaming smile.

"Thanks Ji-chan!" Then the golden youko looked expectantly right into the eyes of his father.

Kurama snorted. Hiei set such traps for him once in a while - He was forced to agree... It was all part of his impish scheme for bringing he and Kinno closer, day after day.

"Yeah, Kinno. You must have been really cute then..." Kurama murmured. And even though he didn't let any emotion touch his face, he patted his son's head, affectionately.

"Thanks daddy!" Kinno exclaimed, happy with the attention. He followed his father then, as Kurama walked towards their tree house. "I made a delicious dinner, daddy, just the way you like..."

But Kurama did not answer. He just searched the terrain with eager, concerned golden eyes, trying to locate the baby. Hiei waited for him, and the three walked together to Hiei and Kurama's tree house. The youko had grown an arbor by its entrance, where passion flowers blossomed, and passion fruit filled the air with their intensely arousing perfume.

It all looked like a home now. The ceramic cauldron boiled in the fire, and Kinno had already arranged the earthenware plates, pots and cups on a low stone table where they gathered for every meal - all facilities courtesy of Kinno's skunk friend.

Then Hiei nudged at Kurama's side, pointing out to a fair, furry spot sitting by the table, watching the boiling cauldron with a hungry interest.

Kurama looked at the pet, wide-eyed, feeling his heart throb fast with the sudden contentment. The child still looked a little restless and fearful, but maybe with a little time he could start feeling at home.

"Hey, daddy! I bet he likes my cooking!" Kinno giggled.

They came closer yet, surrounding the kid, and even with the proximity, he did not run away. Not even when Kinno sat next to him, to serve him some of his stew.

Hiei and Kurama approached the younger youko then very carefully, charmed with his lively cuteness. Kurama's face was bright with the largest smile, as he beheld the small youko. He was much calmer now; he even allowed Kinno to start feeding him.

"I think he's a definite add-on to the family, youko..." Hiei declared, smiling in a witty way to his dearest.

The silver youko only acquiesced, softly, too touched to say something. Then both lovers encircled each other's arms, very fondly, coming to join their two sons.