Sorry for the long wait but I got tangled. Thank you all gor your patience and reviews.

Ladyasile: Thank you, that is indeed a compliment as I wanted all those elements to be shown.

Tearless: It will all become clear in the later chapters but if you are still confused over something, ask over it and I'll be happy to answer. TY for the review.

Time on my hands: I positively glow when I read your reviews. That song was actually what inspired this fic though it was only going to be a one-shot. I thought it would be good to show what sort of relationship they had developed over the long (at least 12) years together.

Chaseha Wing: Kurama is strong and we (because I have before in my other stories) belittle his strength. Yusuke might have but I wanted it to be Hiei to add to the intimacy of their relationship. An insightful Hiei if you will.

x-aiden-x: Thank you. Hope to hear more from you.

SanguineFox: Why thank you! It is hard to keep them in character but I try my best, though sometimes I think I undermine one or the other. I appreciate your review.

Disclaimer: Of course I own this anime which is why I am now writing fanfics instead of adding this to the series… Not.

Hiei woke up to quiet murmurings but his eyes remained closed and his breathing even. His first priority was to asses the situation with out giving anything away. When he realized he was alone he opened his eyes and jumped up. He quickly scanned the sparsely decorated room.

He looked around but nothing jumped out at him, no memories or enemies. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath trying to center himself, his temper was hot and used to get the best of him, not to mention the fuel added by his heritage but he had learned at a high cost that rushing into a fight with a hot temper could be lethal, and almost always deadly.

Smirking he recognized Kurama's scent as well as Yukinas. Walking out quietly he knew it was no use to hide his ki as they were keeping a close eye on him. Following the voices he retained that small pleasure of anticipating a fight. Even if he did not rush there was nothing wrong with going into it enthusiastically or taking great joy in defeating his challenger.

Turning the corner he spotted his prey and it took restrain, a hell of a lot of restraint to keep himself from killing the over grown fool.

Kuwabara was leaning over Yukina to help pick up the tray when he felt danger. Before he could react something whistled across the room and he let out a strangled gasp when he found himself pinned against the wall by a wicked looking dirk. The black knife was buried to the hilt a hair breath away from his skin, the edge burning his arm from the speed and force.

A quiet voice floated over the silent room "If you wish to stay in one piece I suggest you be careful what you touch."

Hiei walked slowly into the room his emotions hidden, his demeanor as cool and disdainful as ever. Kurama pushed away from the table slightly his gaze hiding the worry that threatened to consume him. Had Hiei regressed in his sleep?

"Hiei?" he asked cautiously

Cat eyes turned his way coolly taking in everything before he turned and examined everyone in the room. The fox was standing a few shy feet away from Hiei his stance clearly one of an experienced fighter seemingly unconcerned but ready to take action in a heartbeat whether it be in offense or defense.

At the table sat what appeared to be a young ningen punk. His demeanor was rough with many openings but the air around him told a tale of its own. He might look like a helpless human but whoever was stupid enough to believe that would not live to regret it.

Near the counter was his sister. She seemed unconcerned for her safety, indeed comfortable in the presence of the males but her obvious concern for his well being shined from eyes nearly identical to his own except for the shape.

And pinned to the wall was a ridicules orange haired human. Strong spiritual power emanated from him but nothing he was overly concerned with. He was harmless really, to all but his nerves.

His mind shut down when he tried to follow that thought. Annoyed he grunted and walked pass the eccentric group, Kurama and his sister were comfortable enough to be in the presence of the half human and human but it was too much for the fire apparition.

Walking out he ran into the forest his mind carefully blank as he allowed his feet to take him down a well tread path by him through the trees.

Jumping he claimed his habitual spot and stared out into the ocean his body finding the comfortable nook his mind had hidden away. He closed his eyes until only slits of ruby shone and leaned his head against the trunk anger and confusion running through his system fueling his rage.

He knew his memories and mind were fragmented and it infuriated him. He had no idea how that had happened and that only served as fuel to his already rapidly raging fire. Someone was responsible for this and whoever it was would rue the day they crossed him. First lesson in the Makai was to make sure your enemy was down and would stay down.

Hiei would enjoy teaching him why.

What's more Hiei could not tell his enemy from his ally if he had any. The fox had proven to be an ally, someone he trusted to a degree. He knew his memories had not been tampered with or his jagan would have either protested or killed the idiot who tried. That still did not ease his mind.

Enemies were many and all around for Hiei it was his way of life, his solitary life but the images he had seen said other wise. When Hiei tried to concentrate and force the webs to clear a hellish throbbing began to pound an angry beat at the ends of his temple the jagan shifted restlessly.

An instant later Hiei stood and leaned against the tree a dagger at hand and his body motionless, his breathing nearly non existent. A few minutes later a flash of red caught the sun as the fox spirit walked slowly towards Hiei's hiding place. Kurama stopped a few feet away from the majestic tree and looked up.

The fox spirit couldn't see Hiei. The only reason he knew where to look, not that it helped, was the trees whispering their secrets to him. Slowly a small smile curved his lips, Hiei had not changed in the years they had spent together.

At least not now that his memory was jumbled. Kurama waited silently patiently for acknowledgment that he was welcome. Even if he wasn't it wasn't beneath Kurama persuading the small abrasive fire demon to join him.

The silence stretched and Kurama sighed. Walking to the tree he sat, his back against the trunk and he closed his eyes. Hiei had always been a difficult demon but never a hardship. As demons that was almost impossible. Sure they formed packs but they never committed fully it was relatively unheard of outside of specific breed of demons.

Kurama let his head fall back. He had, had that as Yoko with Kuronon and it had been magnificent. They had not been mates because he had chosen not to; he had arrogantly thought they had all the time in the world. Shadows flashed though Kurama's dark green eye's as he thought back. It had been arrogance and something else. Something he wasn't ready to acknowledge.

His thoughts were interrupted when a rough impatient voice called down at him "Are you just going to sit there all day or tell me what you came for?

Kurama looked up trying to find Hiei and he could have asked the trees to part but thought it safer to let Hiei take the lead, or at least feel like he was. "It's a nice day."

Hiei waited for Kurama to elaborate. Snorting he jumped down until he was on the branch directly above the fox spirit. Mirroring Kurama's position Hiei settled down, his intense emotions were being soothed around the edges by the fox calm presence and it baffled Hiei as much as it angered him.

"What did you come here for?"

"I wanted to be with you."

Hiei remained silent, slowly digesting that simple answer. It evoked warring feelings within him. He heard the sincerity and it brought a flush of…well warmth. His stomach was fluttering and he frowned at it as he considered punching it to quiet it down.

He also felt…threatened. There was something underneath those simple words something Hiei had avoided for as long as he had lived. The intimacy of belonging; of wanting something substantial. It was why he had kept Yukina's twin brother a secret.

Hiei frowned. It wasn't a secret anymore. Hiei cursed quietly, he couldn't remember! Kurama quietly watched the inner battle being waged through the unguarded ruby eyes and it solidified his resolve.

He slowly turned sideways so he could better see Hiei, or better yet give Hiei a clear target to aim for, although his human side wholly believed Hiei would not harm him Youko wasn't too sure. The fox wanted to believe in Hiei but too many years in the Makai had taught him to guard himself carefully and thoroughly.

A dark shadowed flickered through his eyes 'Maybe that is why I never mated with Kuronou. I couldn't let go of that last barrier.'

In a quick reflexive move Kurama stood and faced Hiei when the small fire apparition jumped down to face him. "If you're going to say something say it or else back off"

Kurama smiled fleetingly at the manner in which Hiei spoke. Brisk and nearly bored but in his own way concerned. It was Hiei's version of asking what was wrong. Slowly Kurama took a step forward and waited until Hiei locked gazes with him.

"I know how to get some of your memories back."

Surprise flared in Hiei's eyes briefly followed by suspicion until his cool mask fell back into place. He cocked an imperious brow and said nothing. Kurama nearly smiled the gesture as familiar as the sneer he knew was to follow.

Sitting down Kurama motioned to Hiei to follow. After a few tense silent minutes Hiei snorted and rolling his eyes plopped on the floor, the movement gracefully executed. It was not Hiei's style, or so he had always said but Kurama could see the fluid mobility something powerful and always alert ready to move in any direction needed.

"It won't give you all of your memories back but enough that are not fragmented and in chronological order."

Again Hiei snorted "And how do you propose I do that?"

Kurama brushed a single finger tip gently across the hidden jagan. Hiei's eyes widened fractionally.

"Are you stupid or a just a masochist?" he growled oddly infuriated that Kurama would cause himself intentional harm for his sake. His stubborn side argued that it was so he would be indebted to the fox but a more persistent if annoying voice insisted there were no strings attached.

"It's the most sensible answer and the quickest. A few minutes of pain is a small price to pay."

"A price you are willing to pay from the generosity of your heart?" Hiei sneered.

Something odd flickered across Kuramas eyes. It appeared to be irritation and hurt but Hiei convinced himself he had imagined it.

Instead of arguing or waiting for an answer Kurama moved quickly and ripped off the ward, knowing the jagan had been awakened from the light touch. Hiei cursed and attempted to take control of the jagan. The other entity within was furious and had been looking for a target. The stupid fox had provided one.

A scream was torn out of Kurama as an angry and powerful force slammed into him and tore through him. He had known it would be painful but wasn't prepared for the brutality of the invasion however welcomed it was. The burning pain raced through his mind as the jagan attempted to tear through him and Kurama slumped forward breathless and attempting to submit to the jagan as he fought the control the furious youko.

Suddenly the burning eased and a new presence made itself know. Instinctively Kurama moved towards the hot red ember that glowed knowing instinctively it was Hiei. He was met with minimal resistance and soon he reached the flame and stopped short, awed at its grace and power. It was a bright red, burning fiercely but it had a dark hue, not black but more a blue-black, like twilight. Kurama tentatively wrapped his spirit around it and gave a little corporal sigh and relaxed, pliant against Hiei.

Hiei flinched and something within him cried in protest when Kurama screamed and his green eyes darkened with pain. When the fox slumped forward Hiei caught the red head and brought him close to him, imitating the tender way Kurama had cradled him the night before. In his mind he could feel and see the way his jagan relished in the pain he caused his victim. Infuriated Hiei pitted his will against the jagan, fighting to regain control.

Hiei fought an intense war with the jagan although part of him, it was also a separate entity and Hiei growled his challenge. His unyielding will had been forged before the jagan and he used every ounce of it to claim and contain the jagans own powerful will. The stubborn and malicious force soon realized his master was seeing this being with respect and affection. As one they turned to the mind that had been offered freely and they ventured within.

Hiei was surprised how readily the fox gave up to him, welcoming and even embracing him. It shook him down to the core, the wall he though impenetrable was cracked and about to crumble. The jagan had given up their silent war and Hiei hesitated slightly, knowing there would be no going back and in doing this he would be irrevocably bound to Kurama in ways that could never be undone.

This kind of trust only came from one person, the willingness and semi-submission reserved solely for something almost mythical in the Makai. A true bonded mate.

Kurama took the choice out of his hands. Soon Hiei could see and feel Kurama's memories the night they met and fought. How he lost and Kurama took him home, cared for him. Soon a pattern appeared. Years went by quickly and the friendship survived battles, betrayals, heated arguments and months of loneliness.

Hiei was shocked at the power, the bond that had grown between them. He was an heir to Alaric, and S class demon and now possessed the Dark Dragon.

He was Kurama's chosen.

Slowly he started to fade out of Kurama's mind, his own brimming with information, memories. He was nearly overwhelmed with emotions nearly drowning in them and that pissed him off. He was always in control. Hiei was about to leave when a fleeting impression of sorrow streamed by.

Startled he tried to follow and he was slightly shocked at Kurama's panic and hastily shield. Confused he pushed against the weak barrier and felt it crumble. He hesitated slightly as he heard Kurama's cry of denial and panic.

Entering he was bombarded by feelings and painful images. Kuramas pain, his regret his loneliness. At being the only demon, of loving someone who he thought would never love him. Hiei. Pleasure at seeing him; sorrow at watching him leave. Pain at being seen as only a partner; a means to an end. The worst was the loneliness in Kurama's heart, the almost utter defeat.

And under it all a strong current of love deeply entwined with fear.

Kurama tried jerking away his body following his minds command and a low moan escaped when he couldn't. Physical pain as he tried to run away from the jagan and emotional pain at having thrust his emotions on Hiei the fear of rejection was stark.

Slowly Hiei commanded the jagan to release Kurama and the red head slumped against Hiei panting as if he had run for miles, his body trembling.

"Hiei" Kurama croaked "That wasn't what I wanted you to see."

Hiei took hold of the anger that was swirling around it was safer more familiar than all the other emotions crowding him. "And you were going to keep it from me? I thought the point was to show me." He bit out yet his arms were gentle as he held him.

Kurama sat up slowly his eyes ablaze meeting Hiei's ruby ones. "The point was to show you your memories not my feelings. It was supposed to be pure fact not tinged with emotions."

He was not ashamed of his feelings, there was no need but what he told Hiei was the truth. The plan had been for the trip to be unbiased and admittedly it was embarrassing to have Hiei know how he coveted him, mourning for him.

Kurama stood on shaky feet his head aching in time with his heart beat. "I trust you have what you want. If you will excuse me I have things I need to attend to." Mainly his aching body.

"Kurama"

Slowly Kurama turned back his back straight his gaze unflinching. But the rigidness bled out of him when he saw the fire apparition. His eyes were troubled and his hands were clenched into tight fists.

"I…I didn't ask for this!"

"I know Hiei"

"You. Damn it ,fox!"

Kurama walked back slowly to Hiei. "Do you remember everything now?"

Hiei nodded "Then what more is there than to move on?" Hiei nodded again. Kurama frowned and jerked back when Hiei growled and leaned forward.

His eyes widened the same instant Hiei jumped back. They eyed each other warily. Hiei was still in heat, although his koorime heritage helped him suppress it, standing so close to Kurama, scenting him and even having him in his arms was enough to trigger his fire demon legacy.

Before either of them could say anything they felt a breach in the net. Without a word they sprinted towards the source feeling Yusuke and Kuwabara heading in the same direction. The youkai was heading straight for them.

Oddly enough the two parties entered the clearing at the same time. Immediately the single demon brought his arm across his chest and dipped his head "Lord Hiei"

Hiei vaguely remembered the reptilian demon from Makuro's army. Grunting he nodded his head in acknowledgment. The demon took that as permission and approached his gaze flicked over to Kurama but quickly dismissed him his yellow eyes focused solely on Hiei.

"Lady Makuro was concerned over your whereabouts and has sent me to inform you, if found, that you must report back as you left with out word."

Hiei snorted "Sure she did. You can tell her I'll go back when I'm good and ready. I had some leave coming to me and I'm taking it."

The lizard demon bowed slightly "Sir my orders were to accompany you back to Alaric."

"I am not going back until I am ready. I am reassigning you to return to Alaric and inform that Bi… Lady Makuro, that I will be staying here."

Kurama growled and Hiei turned to him in surprise. Kurama's red hair was slightly puffed and his green eyes had golden flecks. Slowly Kurama stalked forward and stood at Hiei's back close enough that Hiei could feel his body heat.

"With no disrespect sir, Lady Makuro will be upset." The demon hedge his eyes now locked with Kurama's openly challenging the red head. Kurama's growls grew deeper and he hissed out a warning like the fox spirit he was.

"Kurama?"

Instead of answering Kurama hissed "He is not yours nor will he ever be. You have your orders now leave before Makuro is down one officer."

Hiei's eyes widened slightly, Kurama was staking his claim, warning off the interested party. His eyes turned hard "Dismissed." He ordered curtly his tone promising certain death if not obeyed.

The demon bowed once more but did not fail to rake a hungry glance over Hiei before running back the way he had come. With out missing a beat Hiei turned on Kurama "What the hell was that? Now the idiot will report to Makuro that you are after me!"

Kurama's demeanor did not change. "Good" he bit out before turning on his heels. It took Hiei a second to regain mobility. He spun Kurama around

"What do you mean good? I am not a possession and certainly do not belong to any one but myself." he growled

"It means I will not stand for any one to ogle you while I am present. I'm not claiming you but damned if I'll let a sleaze like that get near you during your heat."

Hiei was furious "Are you even listening to yourself? Stupid fox. I can handle myself perfectly fine have been all my life. You think it matters to me what others think? I already agreed to your terms and I am not one to break my word."

Kurama's hair settled and his eyes lost some of their rage. "I know but, it makes me crazy thinking about it."

"Hn. Stupid fox. Let's go back."

As one they turned and were greeted with the sight of Yusuke leaning against a tree trunk not 10 feet away and Kuwabara panting at his feet from the dash from the temple to the clearing. The trek was nothing really, to a demon that is, that Kuwabara's body could run the distance and sustain was quite a feat, though none mentioned it.

Yusuke casually pushed away from the tree and walked slowly to the standing pair. Suddenly a grin broke out and he threw his head back and laughed as he clapped Hiei on the shoulder hard enough to make the small fire apparition lurch forward "Well I'll be damned boys and girls. The great mighty Hiei is being chased once more for his …"

The rest of the sentence was muffled as Yusuke's face got up close and personal with Hiei's admittedly small yet unyielding boot. "One more word, Detective, and I will have to make your human a widow before a bride."

Yusuke fell to the floor a trickle of blood from his nose making a strange contrast with the wide grin stretching his face. He shifted his brown eyes to the silent red head "And you have him as your Chosen?"

"Ghaaa! Enough of this!" screamed Kuwabara dashing over to tower over the group. "What the hell is this about Chosens? I'm tired of always being out of the loop!"

"That is none of your business, Oaf."

Yusuke jumped up from his place on the floor. "I didn't know Fire apparitions were a mating breed."

Hiei looked at Kurama and noticed the slight trembling. He cursed inwardly he needed to get Kurama out of here and somewhere he could rest. Despite offering freely to the jagan it still took a tremendous toll out of him. Hiei also knew Kurama had a better chance recuperating in the outdoors, after all it was his element.

Resigned he walked to the nearest tree knowing Kurama would instinctively follow. With an irritated snort he dropped to the floor and closed his eyes pretending to ignore all of them but did not flinch away when he felt Kurama sit next to him with only a hands length of distance between them.

"They aren't"

Yusuke looked from the indifferent fire apparition to Kurama. "I know for sure fox demons aren't. So then that means…"

Kurama nodded his head slowly confirming Yusuke's silent statement. He was grateful he could sit, his body was aching and he had the mother of all headaches. What he needed was some peace and quiet. Thankfully the tree Hiei had chosen was old and provided plenty of shade and peaceful energy the way only the strong and aged could.

Kurama took comfort in the oak's strength to weather so much and the wisdom in its roots. He let the soothing echoes of its life force ebb the pain and calm his yoki, pushing everything out of his mind. All the while thanking Hiei for the rear treat and show of affection, so soon none the less.

Yusuke could sense something, an undercurrent between the silent demons. He had very little respect for people or demons in general and very few warranted the title friend in his book and more importantly even fewer in his two companions. Sure he was brash and tactless but he wasn't stupid nor was he callous.

He could see Kurama was exhausted and more than likely in pain. Hiei .. well he couldn't actually read the demon but since he had not flitted off at the first sight of them or even skewered them, it meant he had remembered them somewhat and it was clear that he was as protective of Kurama as Kurama was of him.

When Kuwabara would have gone into another one of his obnoxious and rather pointless rants Yusuke closed lined the carrot top and watched in satisfaction as the man toppled down. Before Kuwabara could rage like a petulant child he plopped down much like Hiei had and slapped his hand over the ever present and ever annoying one.

" Kurama could I?" Yusuke didn't even bother asking Hiei as the fire apparition would only ignore him outright. A wave of Kurama's deceptively delicate hand gave him the go ahead.

"There is basically only one form of bonding. A bonding happens between two demons who commit to each other completely. They share blood and ki."

Kuwabara rubbed his sore neck and glared but forgoed his indignation in favor of his curiosity. "So basically it's a marriage? That was the whole commotion?"

Hiei snorted and turned his head to the left his face nearly buried in Kurama's red hair. Startled Hiei opened his eyes to find Kurama leaning towards him at a rather uncomfortable angle. Snorting again he nudged the fox with his shoulder. With a secretive smile Kurama allowed his weight to pull him down onto Hiei.

Hiei looked down at the warm soft bundle on his lap with a mix of frustrated horror and well on anyone else it might have been labeled affection. "Alright, alright I get it Fox." And with a murderous look that promised excruciating pain if anyone talked about it, Hiei slid lower on the base of the tree and allowed the weary fox spirit to rest on him.

Deciding silence was the better part of valor Yusuke focused his attention back on Kuwabara who was currently gaping at the two resting demons. With a silent sigh he wondered as he often did why he never let Hiei just kill him.

"It is much more than a marriage. A human marriage can be annulled easily. Demons use their lifeblood and ki to bind each other when mated. It would mean, depending on how strong the couple are and what gift and or breed they are, they would always be able to sense one another on a certain level."

"There are some demons that have mating already in their genetic make up. The Junto for instance are a bird like demon; mating is natural for them once they find their partner. However for a fire demon and a fox demon it is different. Both races are highly sexual and both hate any kind of confinement."

Hiei was surprised at Yusuke knowledge in mating. He would have to ask him about it later, though he was still uncomfortable around them. Despite having his memories restored he knew pieces were still missing and it would take time to re adjust to them and go through what appeared to be several years worth of memories and even then some , mostly all, were not his own.

As it was his head was pounding with the information. He just hoped Kurama would feel better soon so they could leave. His life just kept getting better and better.

"If one of the chosen, or mated is unwilling at some point it will cause the other to suffer both physically and mentally. If one is stronger than the other it could control the other completely making the weaker one his slave."

Kuwabara remained silent. Really what was there to say to that? "It is why mating outside of specific breeds of demons are so rare. No demon wants to risk complete enslavement with no hope of escape"

Kurama suddenly stood. "Well I think Yusuke has it covered, don't you Hiei? Thank you for your insightful and most accurate explanation Yusuke."

Kuwabara jumped to his feet. "Wait so does this mean that you and that shrimp"

"Ahahah anytime Fox-boy anytime" Yusuke exclaimed rather loudly as he held Kuwabara in a headlock his hand firmly over the carrot tops mouth. Who consequently was turning a dangerous shade of blue from lack of air.

Hiei grunted as he stood and disappeared into the forest. Kurama slowly followed Hiei making their way to the temple until Hiei changed directions, going south instead of north.

"Hiei, where are we going?"

"Home, fox. Home."

Yusuke released Kuwabara once the two disappeared.

"What the hell Urameshi! Are you trying to kill me?"

"Something is happening here Kuwabara."

Kuwabara stopped mid yell and looked at his long time friend. Yusuke had a deadly calm look in his brown eyes, the one he had only seen a handful of times. And those times were when hell and mayhem had ruled the long days and nights, the fights for survival.

"Something is always happening around those two." He muttered half sullenly as he came to stand besides Yusuke his arms crossed over his chest.

"Yes but this time it's different and I have a feeling that this time we won't come of much use to the two."

It was times like this that Kuwabara remembered Yusuke was a half demon, a half Mazoku and extremely powerful at that.

"We'll be ready Urameshi, we always are."

"Unseen, Unknown. You will be mine. You were always mine"

The shadow rasped lightly as it walked slowly to the portal in it's hand an innocent note lay crumpled.

Hiei.

We need to talk at once.

I will wait for you but you must hurry.

Our time is running out.

Kurama

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