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"Is everyone ok?"

A cough and a groan came from Kuwabara and Yusuke who were sitting up slowly. They waved a dismissive hand as they grumbled and moved next to the red head.

"Hiei! Where are you?"

Kurama caught a movement from the corner of his eye and spun around. He sighed in quiet relief when he saw Hiei walking towards them and visibly relaxed as he waited for his partner to reach his side, hoping the little sigh had gone unnoticed.

It hadn't been.

Yusuke looked back and forth between the two and a slow grin began to overtake his face. Luckily he did not have to explain anything as Kuwabara exploded next to him.

"Damn it Shrimp! You could have blown us along with the idiot blob. And the other creepy guy got away!"

"Really? Because I still see an idiot blob in front of me. I guess I should work on my aim."

Kurama stepped between the two as Kuwabara pulled back a fist; everyone knew it would end up with the carrot top eating dirt and an even more pissed of fire apparition.

"Are there any injuries?" he asked in general but his green eyes were focused on his partner. Kurama could have sworn he saw something connect with Hiei's back but there was no blood on the light blue tank.

"No but I do have a question. What was that last move shrimp? I've never seen you use it before."

Yusuke jumped up minutes after he had collapsed on the floor "Yea it almost looked like Kuramas Rose Whip Thorn Wheel but with fire."

Hiei put his cloak on and ignored them addressing Kurama "I need to check on Yukina, Fox."

Kuramam nodded and with out another word Hiei disappeared.

"Well isn't he full of cheer and good will" muttered Yusuke irritated at being completely blown off.

"He's Hiei" was all Kurama said as he turned and began walking away. Yusuke shook his head, yup Hiei was Hiei and Kurama was Kurama enigmas to the simple minded.

Bumping Kuwabara with his shoulder he followed Kurama, it was time to get some answers from the discreet and mysterious Kurama.

-.o.0.o-

Kurama sighed and wondered why he even bothered. Sure the boys were his companions but he knew Hiei would be furious when he came to his apartment and found the two 'idiots' in his room.

Opening the door to his room with his foot Kuramam put on a winning smile and tried to come up with a way to get rid of them before Hiei came. Setting the tray on his desk Kurama turned to Yusuke who was on the floor currently holding Kuwabara in a headlock.

A tapping caught every ones attention. Looking over they saw a large shadow on the window, the ki indicating it was Hiei and…Yukina?!

Yusuke released Kuwabara and watched closely as the man walked over to the window. He sighed in relief when he noticed the friendly smile towards the little half koorime girl instead of the goofy head over heels one Kuwabara had usually worn when ever he was near Yukina.

Yusuke knew Hiei had something to do with Kuwabara giving up on Yukina but neither had said a word over it. Yukina did not seem concerned at all and for all their sakes the group had been relieved when Yukina and Kuwabara had stayed friends.

Hiei stepped through the window his sister still cradled against his chest. "Hiei" Yukina said in warning before she was tossed on the bed. She bounced once and fell back, the blankets in previous disarray thanks to the boys horse play wrapped around her slight form.

No one knew who was more shocked at Yukinas treatment. Yusuke moved towards Hiei and Kuwabara from behind. With out looking at them Hiei pushed Yusuke behind him carelessly. Yusuke slammed into Kuwabara with enough force the send them tumbling against the window.

Kuwabara in a frantic effort to untangle himself somehow ended up tripping over Yusuke and he pitched backwards with what could only be described as a high pitched scream as he tumbled out of the window.

Yusuke quickly grabbed Kuwabaras legs to keep the man from falling to at the very least a slight comma.

Kurama watched all this from his place at the door. He thought nothing could shock him anymore but Hiei's somewhat rough treatment of his sister gave him pause.

Enough to somehow end up pressed against his door with a very hot fire demon plastered to him.

Kurama didn't know how to react and was saved the trouble of thinking when Hiei yanked his head down and closed the scant inches that separated their lips.

Yusuke managed to pull Kuwabara back to safety only to become petrified at the sight that greeted him.

Hiei had Kurama pushed against the door and he could see Kuramas green eyes widen in shock that soon hazed over by pleasure when Hiei nipped his bottom lip. Moaning Kurama's eyes rolled back when Yusuke, much to his horror, saw something pink slip between Kuramas parted lips, the fox obviously enjoying it as his arms wrapped tightly around the slightly smaller form.

Yukina had finally extracted herself from the bed covers and cried out in alarm when she saw Hiei. The boys sweat dropped and looked at each other their sluggish minds trying to think of a way to explain this to the little apparition.

She shocked them more than the passionate kiss. "Hiei, you let go of Kurama this instance you hear me!" she chastised her 'older' brother.

It did nothing for Hiei who either did not hear or did not care but Kurama heard. His red coloring had nothing to do with the fire rampant in his blood anymore. Snapping his eyes open Kurama saw Yukina standing a few feet away her feet planted apart and her tiny fist against her waist.

However it was the disapproving look that rivaled his mothers that urged him to push Hiei back. To his delight and horror Hiei merely growled and held him tighter.

"Hiei stop." Kurama cried in alarm, his body betraying his words as his arms tightened convulsively around Hiei.

Sensing Kurama's struggle Hiei threw Kurama on the ground and pounced on him forcing his tongue into the warm recesses of the one beneath him growling softly when he felt Kurama's tongue come to dual for dominance.

Kurama lost the will of battles as soon as he felt Hieis compact body directly over his. Everything else flew out of his mind; he no longer cared that Yukina and the guys were watching, or even that his mother might walk in.

No, all he wanted was all the heat, the passion and that heavenly smell. Gods he hadn't smelled a demon in heat for years, and none smelled better than Hiei.

Heat, heat! Kurama's eyes popped open and he pushed Hiei away scrambling backwards away from the startled and disgruntled fire apparition.

"What the hell is going on here!?" yelled Yusuke tossing a limp Kuwabara on the bed not even turning when he heard a solid thump as the carrot top hit the floor.

Kurama managed to get on his hands and knees ready to spring away when he realized his fatal mistake in his hazy mind. The red head heard more than felt the tearing of his shirt, that did not concern him, no some other time he would have found that extremely erotic but with Hiei's arm clamped around his shoulder dragging him back to the drugging scent of heat, the outcome was sketchy at best.

"Hiei don't" cried out Yukina in warning

Kurama tried getting away in earnest despite his body and mind telling him to stay and accept it. His heart however had a different voice. If he let Hiei take him they would be bound.

Kurama was working his way there with Hiei but he did not want it to be when Hiei was blinded with need. When he got his mind back he would surely hate Kurama and the very thought of being bound to the one he loved while he was hated was enough to make him fight.

Hiei was beginning to be irritated; his sibling was nagging at him and his mate was resisting him for some reason. His muddled mind could feel and smell the way the youkos body wanted him yet he resisted. Maybe the youko was playing hard to get.

Hiei growled at the thought. He was in no mood for games. Dragging his resisting chosen to him he clamped his teeth where his mark would soon be, not enough to tear through the skin but with enough force to make the body beneath him stop moving.

Kurama froze when he felt Hiei's teeth clamp on his neck, knowing very well one wrong move could ruin everything. What he couldn't understand was why Hiei was so…animalistic about it. Sure heat hit hard to many demons especially fire apparitions but it shouldn't be strong enough to control him completely.

He couldn't help but to feel a little hurt. They had not actually discussed whether markings would take place but he had hoped Hiei would agree that there was no need of it.

The red head felt vibration on his back and bit his lip to contain the moan that wanted to escape. Apparently holding still pleased Hiei, or maybe it was that wicked hand that was playing with his nipple.

If the situation wasn't so dire he would have died of embarrassment. As it was he knew Hiei would blow a vessel, if not half the city, when he realized what had happened.

Yusuke instinctively knew what was going on as soon as he saw Hiei's teeth clamped over Kuramas shoulder. In his years in the Makai he had heard of the rare mating and even witnessed one, after a fashion, and he knew if it was not consensual it would destroy the two involved.

What Yusuke did not understand was why Hiei did not perceive Kuwabara and himself as a potential rivals for Kurama. Normally a demon would attack and either kill or scare of any demon that was a possible threat.

Shaking his head he inched his way towards Yukina who was looking at the two with alarm. He spoke softly not wanting to draw attention to himself in case Hiei decided he was trying to intervene in the situation.

"Yukina, how can we stop him. Something is wrong isn't it?"

Yukina turned to look at him worry clear in her ruby eyes "Hiei isn't really conscious of what he is doing. I think I can stop him but I'm afraid if I get near he'll take Kurama."

Yusuke thought for a moment. 'So Yukina needs to get to Hiei but anything we do at this point will trigger Hiei's anger and…That's it!"

"Yukina I'm going to distract him, Kurama can you hear me?"

Kurama heard his name but it sounded muffled, as if he where under water. He moaned his awareness and wiggled a finger. Hopefully Hiei would think he was enjoying himself.

And by the Gods was he enjoying Hiei, he would love a repeat of this event but perhaps in private and with Hiei fully with him.

"When Hiei moves grab him and don't let go."

He moaned again but was not sure if he could do it. His limbs felt heavy all that drugging heat and pleasure running through him made it difficult to fight the impulse. Now it was his human mind fighting Youko who was more than happy to mate, wanting it even insisting and wanting to change forms if 'Suichi' did not want it.

Yusuke crept towards Hiei praying every step of the way the little fire demon wouldn't suddenly turn and roast him or worse remove some very vital parts of his anatomy. As he was getting closer Hiei was getting more and more aggressive snarling over his hold on Kuramas shoulder. Yusuke stopped moving when he saw a thin line or red run down Kuramas shoulder.

Kurama stiffened when he felt teeth penetrate his skin. Hiei's teeth only broke the skin but it was enough to make Hiei lift his head and turn blazing eyes towards the fool that would dare challenge him.

Lifting an arm he began forming a fire ball to dissipate of the intruder when Kurama took the opportunity to turn around and clamp down on Hiei. He twisted his body and wrapped his arms around the fire demon and his legs wrapped around Hiei holding him in a lock hold.

Yukina took her chance and quickly stepped up to Hiei who was snarling like a wild animal. She screeched and pulled her hand back quickly when Hiei snapped his sharp fangs. Kurama took the opportunity with Hieis head twisted towards his sister and clamped his teeth on Hiei's neck in warning.

Hiei stilled completely for a few second and that was all Yukina needed. Reaching for the niche between his shoulder and neck she pinched the nerve and Hiei fell back limply against Kurama.

Nobody moved, nobody breathed.

Hiei shifted and everyone held their breath. Hiei wiggled around a slight frown on his face and Kurama tentatively loosened his hold. Hiei instantly turned and cuddled into Kuramas chest wriggling until he was finally satisfied, his body curled into a little ball and his head resting on Kuramas chest directly above his heart.

It was Yusuke who broke the silence. "Damn I've seen some pretty wild things in my life, rouge and nearly immortal former detectives, unbeatable once human creatures, grandma turning into a hottie, and was that a dozy .But a horny Hiei has got to top the list."

Kurama rolled his eyes but appreciated his friends efforts to break through the tension around them. Standing carefully he lifted Hiei up and walked the few feet to his bed where he placed Hiei down gently and held his breath hoping he wouldn't suddenly wake up and attack.

When nothing happened he sighed in relief and slumped to the floor. Looking up he saw Yusuke trying to hold in his laughter and Kuwabara had scrambled back and was now huddled in a corner, Yukina was red and her eyes were adverted.

Yusuke gave up and laughed out loud "We always knew you were happy to see Hiei, Kurama but do you think you could be more discrete?" he chuckled pointing down.

Kurama followed his gaze and his face exploded with color. Sure enough there was a tent that would house a whole family and their cousins in his pants. Looking around he looked for some covering and was further mortified when Yukina handed him a pillow she had snagged.

Snatching it he slammed it on his lap and bit back moaned at the friction it caused. Breathing deeply he tried to calm down but being so close to Hiei and his scent made it impossible. Giving up he just sat there with blazing cheeks.

Yusuke did not help as he was currently on the floor rolling around tears streaming down his face. Exasperated Kurama turned to Hiei's twin when something caught his attention. Stretching and arm he reached for the white paper on the floor. His fingers were about to close around them when Yukina cried out "Don't touch that!"

Kurama's fingers instantly retreated and he shot an inquisitive look over at Yukina. That also managed to capture Yusukes and Kuwabaras attention.

Yukina spotted Kuramas chair and went to sit on it chewing her lip while she contemplated how much was safe to say. She knew her brother trusted Kurama but only Kurama and even then only to the extent he allowed.

"Has Hiei told you anything that might…happen?"

Kurama seemed to hesitate in answering. Yusuke knew it was because of them and part of him understood that Hiei wanted his privacy and for the most part he was ok with that. But other times Hiei wasn't just being private he was paranoid.

Although in all honesty with the live he's lived it was no wonder. But this time it was different. Hiei should know by now that they could be trusted.

"Look Kurama, you might as well spill it because we're not leaving and obviously something is wrong. You can't really expect us to just turn a blind eye on a friend in trouble."

Kurama sighed. Yusuke, after all had his heart in the right place despite his rather…tactlessness' and nonchalant attitude. Turning to Yukina he saw her nod slightly and he hoped Hiei would not hate him after this. Besides Hiei could always erase the guys memories…if he didn't kill them all first.

"He warned me heat might hit him soon and not to take it personal. Obviously I had strong objectives to that but we managed to come to…an agreement of a sort." He finally answered

"It seems he has come to a conclusion, or at least his subconscious has." he murmured more to himself than the others as his eyes wandered to Hiei's still form on his bed. A glimmer of happiness and excitement brightened his green eyes making them shine like precious stones.

Yusuke grinned briefly as his suspicion was confirmed with the warm soft smile Kurama was un-doubtly unaware of as he gazed at the somewhat childish looking fire apparition.

Yukinas eyebrows drew together in a slight frown "An agreement?"

Kurama just nodded. He wasn't about to tell them that after their much heated discussion Hiei had agreed to let Kurama court him in hopes of someday becoming mates. Hiei had been adverse to the idea for multiple reasons but Kurama had a logical if not …emotional, for lack of better words counter to any and all of Hiei insecurities.

In the end it had been the least expected comment that had convinced Hiei. He had been arguing, rather heatedly (and at one point he had drawn his sword) about how he didn't need a relationship and they were stupid and a weakness.

Kurama, despite the obvious hurt he felt when Hiei accused him and disregarded his feelings, had a good idea of why Hiei was denying it. It was his way of covering insecurities; this was all new territory for him, something Hiei had never even considered to be in his life.

Not to say Kurama had few experiences in this form but with the help of a willing, maybe even over-willing youko, he had a fairly good idea. Youko had explained in detail how mating was usually forever with no out clause and would destroy them both if something should go wrong in the future but his human side could feel the longing in the youko.

In the end after countless hours of arguing, literally, (oh and not to forget the near fatal, if necessary, insult delivered to Hiei of being a coward to make him stay) Hiei had asked what was really in his mind not just superficial excuses, or arguments.

"Alright Fox, say I do allow you to court me, what then? Obviously you want sex and I can give you that while I'm in heat."

Kurama was about ready to tear his hair out by the roots "Hiei I don't just want sex! If that's all I was interested in I would have seduced you long ago or gone out and found somebody who was willing."

"Then what do you want Kurama? Commitment? You have it; we are partners. Friendship? We already have that. What more do you think I can give you?"

Kurama paused in mid stride. Turning slowly he saw Hiei looking out the window but his face was reflected off the window. The rivulets of rain giving an illusion of tears that seemed to agree with the deeply hidden ache in Hiei's voice.

Kurama walked over slowly to the bed and sank down on it. He would have called Hiei over to him but he knew it was taking everything in Hiei to stay here and not bolt. Hiei was no coward by any means but this was out of his element and this was not something he could fight with his sword or fist.

But Kurama had come to understand more of the fire apparition over the years since the day they had met, especially during the hardest moments of his life here in the Ningnekai that ironically had only been a few moths ago although at times it felt like a lifetime, but at times like this it was as if it had happened yesterday.

"I want everything you can give me Hiei, nothing more and nothing less. I know you believe that this is all you can give me but I believe there is more, if you just let yourself, if you trust me and yourself."

Hiei stood like a statue and the silence between them elongated. It wasn't comfortable but neither was it unbearable. Finally Hiei turned around, his expression bland except for his eyes, they where alive with turmoil and Kuram knew Hiei was at his tethers end if such emotions where so blatantly displayed.

"I don't understand you fox. You can have anyone you desire and yet you want me." He said slowly his head tilting to one side like a curious bird and something in Kurama lightened. "I'm sure you can give me reasons, although only you would believe them, but as we both know words are just that, words. They do not hold us, not to something like this."

Kurama said nothing. Hiei was right but the fire apparition was not done.

"If I accept this...courting" he chocked over the word "you say you expect everything I can give and this includes a sexual relationship. Say I can give you this, say you …show me how to, what makes you think it will last? What guarantee can you give me it all won't turn to hell?"

Kurama looked Hiei in the eye and rose slowly moving steadily until he was only a few feet away. "I have none Hiei. I can't promise you, you will love what I do, and I can't know how you will feel."

Hiei nodded accepting this. He began turning back to the window when a light hand stopped him. Looking up he focused on Kuramas passionate eyes that almost made him take a step back.

"But I do know I want to pursue this. I know that I can make you happy if you allow me for as long as you let me. I can't hold you to me Hiei, but you can choose to stay with me as I have chosen to stay with you no matter what. If it is a contract or a sign you wish from me, that I can not give. Not until you accept me as a mate"

They stared at each other for a long time, trying to read each other and then finally something broke free within Kurama.

Hiei slowly nodded his head once before fleeting out the window.

And now heat had hit Hiei and everything was wrong.

"First heat hits koorime women around the age of 100. But since we breed asexually" there was a slight pause as her gaze slid to Kuwabara before focusing back on Kurama. "we don't necessarily have an urge to mate. However Hiei being the only male with Koorime blood we weren't sure how he would react"

"But that was seven years ago. When we first met you."

"Well yes, but you have to remember the fire demons blood runs stronger in Hiei and by nature they are very passionate and highly sexual. They begin their heat when their bodies mature and I belie that was some years ago correct Kurama?"

Kurama shook his head as everything began to fall into place "Of course! That explains why Hiei has never been in heat before. I thought it strange before because a few years after we met his body finally caught up to his mentality but there was no heat."

Kurama sprang to his feet in his excitement. Puzzles always made him feel excited, it brought back memories and similar feelings to those he had when he was a thief in the Makai and he had to plan elaborate skims and such.

"I never put much stock in it. His Koorime heritage must have suppressed his fire bloodline until his 100th birthday, and only now he is beginning to feel it. What I don't understand is how it controlled him to this extent. Hiei isn't one to relinquish control over anything and he was fine earlier. It has to do with that note. It is why you didn't let me touch it."

Kurama made it a statement but Yukina nodded anyways.

"Yes according to Hiei, he received it today while he was training his troops. It is from you."

Kurama shook his head slowly, something unfamiliar creeping up his spine. Walking over to the harmless looking paper he took a seed out of his hair and feed it a little bit of his ki making the sapling wrap carefully around the note.

"Yusuke get a piece of paper and put it on my desk please"

With out question Yusuke did as Kurama asked. Stepping back he watched Kuramas now cool eyes as he placed the folded paper over his covered desk. "What's bothering you Yukina?"

Yukina went to sit at her brothers side before she answered. "Hiei came to check in on me as he usually did when I noticed something…different."

Kurama waited patiently, he was in his tracking mode now and nothing would faze him. Not that anything ever did really.

"He was acting…edgy. Hiei usually just sits near me but today he couldn't stop moving, he was restless. I tried to distract him so I asked him what he did. That's when he told me about the note and that he had felt strange for a few hours now. I insisted on checking him and had to resort to tears before he allowed me near him"

A faint smile appeared on her lips. They all knew Hiei would do anything for his sister especially if those eyes included a sheen of tears. It never failed to work on Hiei nor did it ever fail to amuse those around him.

As quickly as the smile had appeared it vanished. "There was something ..strange in his system. His temperature was higher than normal and I could detect something but I simply attributed it to his oncoming heat."

Kurama was silent. He had not sent a missive to Hiei, in truth he never had and most likely never would. So why did Hiei accept it? A better question; what does the note contain.

"I was worried and checked again, that's when I detected a ...substance of some sort. Hiei pulled back from me then and told me he had to go. I insisted he take me and had to threaten to walk over here if he did not take me with him. I wanted to talk to you about it but sometime during the trek here Hiei's aura changed. He jerked and nearly fell, when I tried to talk to him he only growled and I realized he had entered heat. But it isn't his heat is it?" she finished.

Kurama had stopped listening when Yukina mentioned a strange substance in Hiei's body. He had focused on the note entirely. Opening the last drawer on his desk he pulled out a small science kit and placed the paper beneath the telescope.

A low curse escaped Kurama as he jumped to his feet and walked the few feet to his bed. He placed a hand on Hiei's forehead and his cursing increased. Rushing to his closet he began to take boxes down and rifling through the smaller jars and boxes within.

Yukian watched with wide eyes the healer in her shadowed by her sisterly concern. "Kurama…what is it?" she asked her voice trembling at the focused expression on his face, indicating this was of utmost importance.

Kurama took out several seeds, a wooden bowl and a grinder. Walking with out answering he filled a cup of water in the bathroom and kneeled near the bed once more. Extracting a seed from his hair he feed it ki until he was holding a wicked looking thorn like branch. Taking hold of Hiei's arm he carefully pierced his arm until the thorn disappeared a good inch below the skin.

Ignoring the gasps behind him Kurama waited until a maroon color swept up the vine, removing it swiftly when the color reached his carefully placed thumb. Holding the thorn vertically Kurama bent down unconsciously and licked the tiny pinprick closed.

Returning where he had the seeds and other material ready he broke the stem and a rush of blood fell into the awaiting wooden bowl. Working quickly but efficiently he began to put powder, liquid and petals into the blood. Only when he was crushing them did he speak.

"Hiei's been poisoned with Malkias."

Yukina frowned. "I am unfamiliar with that plant" she muttered frustrated. She had been Genkais apprentice in the arts of natural healing before the old woman's time had been up.

Kurama finally finished and stood up. "It attacks the nervous system by making your bodies temperature to reach high limits. It enters through contact of your skin but is useless if one drinks or eats it. In a weak demon it would be fatal within a few minutes, a human would die instantaneously but I don't understand why they would give it to Hiei. He is a fire apparition and could manage extreme temperatures, it would cause him discomfort but little else. It's pointless"

"At least it shouldn't"

He muttered the last. Sitting on the bed he lifted Hiei carefully, before they would have seen it as a sign of friendship or caution as any wrong move would end up with his throat slit, but now, now they saw the tenderness the genuine affection one reserved solely for a lover.

Kurama gently shook Hiei. After a few minutes of gently coaxing the fire demon crimson eyes fluttered open. Hiei glared and struggle weakly away, frustrated he let out a serious of threatening growls as Kurama held him easily.

"Hiei, you have been poisoned and I need you to take this."

Hiei struggled against the cup and gentle yet firm hands. Slowly he focused on the concerned green orbs above him, a frown marring his face. He pushed the cup away with a weak hand and Kurama allowed it sensing Hiei was going to say something.

"Kr-ma. Itsssss burning."

Kurama was alarmed. His heart began to pound hard in his chest and he forced the contents down the now pliant lips. After the contents had been swallowed Hiei closed his eyes slowly.

A minute turned to five and then ten before Hiei's eyes fluttered once more. A small hiss escaped his lips. Opening his eyes Hiei looked around puzzled.

Looking up he saw Kurama and realized he was being held by the gentle red head. Slowly a shaky hand touched the petal soft skin "I- I know you." Before Hiei lost consciousness again.

Kurama slowly lowered Hiei down. He was deeply troubled, this was so out of character and what had Hiei meant by that last comment? Of course he knew him, they had been together for a little over a decade now.

"Kurama what's wrong with him?" asked Yukina her voice breaking slightly with fear. Unable to lie Kurama simply shook his head.

"I don't know Yukina. The anti-dote seems to be taking effect but…" he trailed off.

Turning to face his companions he noted the worried expressions in their faces and by the look of disbelief and even deeper concern he was sure his worry was leaking through.

Something was terribly wrong with Hiei and at the power level he was, if anything went wrong…they might not be able to stop him.

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