Okay, so this story decided to change direction on me while I was writing but it still all fits in with the ideas that I have. I'm not sure at this point how long the story will be but I'm nowhere close to being done. This chapter actually came out a page and a half longer than expected; hopefully I can make the other chapters this long too.
Oh, and I realized that my line breakers weren't working so I opted out for 'XXXX' instead.
Chapter Two
The next morning Hiei awoke at the crack of dawn. Looking over at Kurama he could see the lines on his cheek were his friends tried to clean him up. Hopping down from the window Hiei went to the connecting bathroom.
Two months lying in bed was a long time to go without a proper bath. Running the water into the tub Hiei made sure the temperature was just warm enough for Kurama. Returning to the room Hiei could tell that no one else was awake yet. Kneeling beside Kurama he pulled he sheet back about an inch.
Curious as to why he could see bandages on Kurama he finished removing the sheet. Carefully Hiei began removing the bandages.
He shuddered when he could still see the marks from where some of the deepest wounds were. That could only mean that Kurama was much closer to death then Hiei thought.
Unable to look any longer Hiei got up to check the water in the tub. That was the first time he really got a look at the damage done to Kurama. Thinking of the marks made Hiei move to the small cabinet in the bathroom. Opening one side he looked at the contents hoping there was something he could use.
Seeing nothing but first aid items he almost gave up. Two small bottles caught his eye however. They were special healing oils Kurama made. He always kept some with him so it was no surprised to really see them. With the bottles in hard Hiei turned for the tub Hiei poured a half a bottle of each into the water and waited a moment.
Seeing the water start turning a yellow tint he knew the oils were working. Turning off the water he reached for two towels on the stand by the tub and looked to make sure everything was set.
There was shampoo and soap and clean washcloths by the tub. Checking the water temperature one last time Hiei stood.
Knowing he should probably get some help Hiei walked straight over to Kurama and knelt to pick him up.
Seeing the marks on Kurama's again once more Hiei was glad that he found the bottles to help treat them. Surprised at how light Kurama felt as he picked him up Hiei slowly moved towards the bathroom.
Leaving the door open Hiei went to place Kurama in the tub. Using one of the towels he grabbed Hiei used it to place Kurama against. As he supported him Hiei couldn't resist the urge to touch Kurama's hair.
"Hiei are you in here?" He heard Yukina call from in the bedroom. Pulling his hand away from Kurama's hair Hiei turned to the open bathroom door. Yukina stood there watching him.
'Oh, there you are. I was just coming to see how Kurama was doing. A bath is an excellent idea. Just call if you need any help." Yukina left as quickly as she came.
Blushing Hiei focused back on Kurama. Grabbing the washcloth and soap he proceeded to wash Kurama. Once Kurama was washed Hiei pulled the plug and watched as the water drained.
As Kurama's body was exposed to the air Hiei raised his energy to keep Kurama warm. Hiei stood up and grabbed the shower head out of its stand. Letting it hang down into the tub Hiei took the other towel and put it over the edge of the tub.
Lifting Kurama from the tub Hiei set him on the edge of the tub with his feet outside the tub. As he reached to turn the water back on Hiei found himself leaning into Kurama. Showing a small amount of weakness Hiei closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.
"Hey there buddy need a hand?" Yusuke asked from the bathroom doorway. Surprised at the sudden voice Hiei jerked back with a gasp letting go of Kurama. Yusuke rushed forward and grabbed Kurama's arm before he fell into the tub.
"What the hell do you want?" Hiei glared angry that he was caught off guard so easily. Hiei helped Yusuke sit Kurama back up on the edge of the tub. Yusuke understood the fire demons anger; what made it funny to Yusuke, however, was that he understood it better than Hiei did himself.
Looking at Kurama there was a pause that lasted for only a moment. "Yukina said that you were bathing Kurama and I thought you could use some help." Grunting Hiei made no real comment but Yusuke knew he was grateful.
Turning on the water Hiei grabbed the shower head to test the water. When it was warm enough Yusuke tipped Kurama back so his hair hung into the tub. As the warm water wet Kurama's hair he let out a small moan. Hiei and Yusuke both looked to Kurama and were surprised to see a painful look on his face.
Hiei moved the shower head off his hair and he relaxed. Thinking the water might be too warm Hiei cooled it off and tried again. It happened again. Wondering what was wrong Hiei gentle massaged Kurama's scalp. Hiei found the problem.
There were a couple bumps of what felt like dried blood. "I can feel some dried blood. There must still be some cuts underneath if he's moaning." Hiei looked at Yusuke before looking at Kurama. They were both thinking the same thing; Kurama's body must have shut down healing and all. He was only alive by some miracle.
As Yusuke held Kurama, Hiei moved the shower head back over Kurama's hair. With a whispered, "I'm sorry Fox" Hiei started to clean off the dried blood. Yusuke was amazed as to how much was coming off. He could feel Hiei healing the wounds as he worked.
After making sure there were no more cuts Hiei reached for the shampoo and poured a generous amount into his hand. As he worked it into Kurama's hair he was amazed at how soft it was. Wishing that Kurama could really feel his hands Hiei started to get angry again.
As the smell of lavender and jasmine assaulted his senses he realized that along with the anger he always felt a painful pull on his heart. This was the same pain he had when thinking about Kurama in Makai the day before.
Not sure what it all meant he reached for the shower head to rinse Kurama's hair. The whole time Yusuke watched Hiei realizing that he was struggling with his new found feelings. Once he was done Hiei shut the water off and grabbed another towel to dry Kurama's hair.
Yusuke kept a hold of Kurama and helped Hiei move him back into the bedroom. Seeing the futon Hiei looked at Yusuke. "We should change the cover before laying him back on there."
Hiei took Kurama as Yusuke laid out a temporary place to lay Kurama. Hiei took this time to look over Kurama's body and was glad to see the oils were working and the marks were fading. Within a couple hours they should disappear completely.
There was a small knock on the door before Yukina poked her head in. "I'm just letting you know that breakfast is ready. Don't rush though, there's plenty for everyone." She closed the door once they both nodded.
Hiei placed Kurama on the temporary bed and he and Yusuke changed the cover on the futon. Once that was done they moved Kurama over to the clean futon. Seeing the brush in Hiei's hand Yusuke realized Hiei must have grabbed it on the way out the bathroom.
Yusuke sat next to Kurama and started to sit him up. Hiei looked at Yusuke questionably, "What are you doing detective?"
"Go ahead; you can brush his hair unless you plan on walking around all day with that death grip on the brush." Yusuke nodded to Hiei's hand that held the brush. With a "Hn" Hiei sat behind Kurama to brush his hair.
XXXX
Kuwabara looked at Yukina as she stared at her food. There was something obviously on her mind because she never was so quiet at meal time nor did she ever not eat. "Yukina, is everything okay?"
Her husband's gentle voice brought her out of her thoughts. "I'm sorry Kazuma, was there something you needed? More rice perhaps?"
Kuwabara glanced at Yusuke and Hiei's empty seats before focusing back on Yukina. "I was just making sure you're alright. I know you're worried about Kurama but Yusuke and Hiei are taking good care of him."
Yukina smiled at him, "I'm alright Darling. I was just thinking how much better things would be if Kurama would just wake up. Even if he was unable to do much on his own we could all breath better knowing that he was awake."
Yusuke came in then followed by Hiei. They both sat down at the table and Yusuke started to eat. "How is Kurama?" Keiko asked looking to Yusuke who was stuffing his face.
Yusuke started to talk with a mouth full of food, "Hiss dufing muf batter. Guf calar." Keiko rolled her eyes as Yusuke swallowed and took a sip of tea.
"He's doing much better. His color is returning too." Yusuke looked at Hiei who was just staring at his plate in deep thought.
XXXX
That afternoon Yukina and Keiko were making lunch and Hiei had gone outside for some fresh air. Hiei hadn't said a word since coming out of Kurama's room this morning and he had barely touched his food. Not wanting him to run off they left him alone to train on his own.
As lunch drew near Yusuke went out to see if Hiei planned on joining them. When he got out front he was surprised to see Shiori standing in front of Hiei and the two of them talking.
"Oh Hiei, that's wonderful news. I'm so glad that Shuichi is feeling better. Hopefully soon he'll wake up so we can see him smile again." Shiori's smile lit up her face.
Shiori turned towards the temple so she didn't see the pained expression on Hiei's face as she talked about Kurama's recovery. Yusuke did see it and he wondered why it was there. Shiori saw Yusuke and smiled at him. "Hiei tells me that Shuichi is doing better today. I brought some clothes for him as well as some pajamas."
Yusuke took the bag Shiori held out that had the clothes in it. "Did Hiei also tell you he bathed Shuichi this morning? He even brushed his hair and made him a clean bed." Shiori grinned up at Yusuke, "Well no wonder Shuichi is doing better. With all of you taking such good care of him he should recover quickly."
As they disappeared into the temple Hiei didn't miss the grin on Yusuke's face. Hiei huffed and went back to training as the others visited with Shiori. He didn't want to tell Shiori how they couldn't say for sure if Kurama would wake up.
In his present state he is unable to become Yoko Kurama so they have no way of healing the Yoko. They decided that they should do everything they could to make sure Shuichi woke up. So far it's working and Kurama is much better than before.
Shiori went into her sons' room and looked around. She could see that the room had been cleaned up since she was last there. Looking to her son she was relieved at how healthy he looked now. She could feel the tears collecting in the corners of her eyes. She was just so happy that he was doing better.
Hiei landed outside the window to Kurama's room. He was hoping that he could see Kurama alone before his human mother got there. He could easily feel Shiori's energy as he peeked into the room. The light coming in the window was enough to see around the room.
Though he could see that Kurama's condition hadn't changed he fought the urge to enter the room to check his energy. Seeing the slight shake of Shiori's shoulders had Hiei flying into the room to see what was wrong. He could smell the tears that the human woman cried and he wondered if maybe he was mistaken about Kurama looking the same.
Without even thinking what he was doing Hiei yanked the ward off the jagan and let the eye open into Kurama's mind. Shiori gasped when Hiei suddenly appeared next to her; it quickly became a scream when she saw the jagan open and focus on her son.
Yusuke, Kuwabara, Yukina and Keiko came running when they heard Shiori scream. They feared that a demon got passed the wards and got to Kurama. They all came to a halt at the doorway when they saw Hiei standing over Kurama with the purple grow of the jagan emanating around his face and Shiori's terrified look as she backed away from him.
Kuwabara reacted first reaching for Shiori, "Come on Shiori, it's not safe here." He took her hand and pulled her back out of the room. She started to struggle when she lost sight of Kurama. "Get me go! I have to get back to Shuichi!" When it was apparent that Kuwabara was not going to let go she screamed out, "SHUUICHI!"
Inside the room Yusuke was the only one who could get to Hiei without feeling the effects of the jagan. When he looked at Hiei's face it was apparent what he was trying to do. "Hiei, can you hear me? You have to stop this!"
"You'll break his mind Hiei! You'll both be lost forever! Is that what you want Hiei? Do you never want to see him again?" Yusuke was yelling at this point hoping that Hiei would hear him. It seemed to be working. He could feel the jagan losing its hold.
Fearing that he wasn't going to get through to him Yusuke prepared to find a way to knock him out even if that meant firing his spirit gun at Hiei. "PLEASE HIEI, STOP THIS!" Yukina's voice echoed through the room as she threw herself at him. Yusuke watched as they both tumbled to the floor.
As soon as Hiei became aware of his surroundings he looked at his sister in his arms. Feeling the jagan finished closing Hiei carefully moved to replace the ward. Yukina's sobs were the only noise you could hear. Hiei looked at Yusuke wondering what happened.