Koenma had been giving Shuichi a lot of days off so that he could concentrate on his undercover work. He wasn't used to having so much time off. This day happened to coincide with Yusuke's day off and the black haired man had woken him up with an early phone call and promptly informed him that they'd be spending the day together. From the tone of Yusuke's voice, Shuichi knew that he didn't have any choice in the matter.
Rather confusingly, Yusuke had told him to dress comfortably. Shuichi wondered what Yusuke had arranged as he met the other man outside his apartment block. Yusuke was idly kicking an empty can around on the sidewalk. He looked up as Shuichi approached him.
"Hey, Shuichi," he said, abandoning the can.
Despite how badly their lunch at the cafe had ended, Shuichi didn't really feel any ill will towards Yusuke. Once he'd had some time to cool off, he'd realised that Yusuke was only concerned for his welfare, as any friend would be. The two of them had many such confrontations over the years that they'd been friends but they had always worked it out.
"Hello, Yusuke," Shuichi responded. "Where are we going today?"
"You'll see," Yusuke told him breezily.
Shuichi frowned at him but Yusuke only grinned devilishly. He was well aware that Shuichi hated surprises. He was the kind of person who planned everything. Yusuke, on the other hand, never planned anything. Except today.
Shuichi was very confused when they arrived at a dojo.
"Yusuke?" he asked. He knew that Yusuke was interested in fighting but Yusuke's style was self-taught and learned through experience rather than any kind of structured teaching. Shuichi used to take martial arts as a child but hadn't attended any classes for a long time.
Yusuke shoved him through the door of the dojo. "You need to learn this shit," he told Shuichi.
"But I can already defend myself," Shuichi protested. His job required it.
"Humour me," Yusuke said. "I don't like the idea of you being in that club without backup. This will make me feel better about it."
And there was the real reason, Shuichi thought. Yusuke must really be worried about him for him to go out of his way and arrange something like this.
Yusuke strode up to the front desk and spoke to the middle-aged woman sitting behind it while Shuichi looked around the room he was in. It was just a reception area. There were a few chairs against a wall and some trophies in a cabinet on another wall. He was about to go over and have a closer look at them when the sound of a door opening caught his attention.
He looked up, and was stunned to see Hiei entering the room. Hiei was obviously as surprised as he was. His crimson eyes widened and his steps faltered. He recovered quickly, striding over to Shuichi.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, confused.
At that moment, they were interrupted. "Hiei, these two are in your next class," the receptionist informed him as she walked up to him with Yusuke beside her. "They're new so look after them."
Hiei stared at Yusuke for a moment, then his gaze returned to Shuichi. "You're taking lessons?" he asked.
"Apparently," Shuichi said, glancing sideways at Yusuke.
"You two know each other?" Yusuke asked, looking from one to the other curiously.
"Yes," Shuichi said curtly, hoping that Hiei would keep his mouth shut. Hiei had enough sense to do just that. He got straight down to business, not giving Yusuke a chance to ask any more questions.
-0-
Shuichi's reprieve only lasted until after they left the dojo. Shuichi had really enjoyed the class. He was a bit rusty but he knew that he'd pick things up quickly. Yusuke had difficulty with the rules and structure but was trying his best. Shuichi suspected that he would only stay in the class long enough to be sure that Shuichi wouldn't quit, though.
"So, you and that guy…" Yusuke said as they walked to the train station.
"Yusuke," Shuichi said warningly.
"Oh, come on, man. I thought I knew all your friends," Yusuke whined. "Where'd you meet this guy and why didn't you tell me about him?"
"I don't really know him that well," SHuichi hedged. "We've only met in passing a few times." It was a lie and he could tell by Yusuke's expression that he didn't completely buy it. He knew that Shuichi wasn't telling him everything and was debating with himself about just how far he could push Shuichi before Shuichi became angry and stormed off again.
It seemed that he wasn't willing to push it at all today, much to Shuichi's relief. He let the topic drop, simply saying, "Invite him to lunch one day, okay? You know I gotta approve your friends."
Shuichi rolled his eyes. "Yes, Dad," he muttered. Yusuke grinned at him.
"So, you'll stick with the class?" he asked. "Because I've already paid and everything…"
"I'll stick with the class," Shuichi assured him, laughing softly.
"Good, because that money isn't refundable," Yusuke told him.
"Aren't you supposed to be saving up for a ring for Keiko?" Shuichi asked.
"Yeah. I know that's what I said but…" Yusuke trailed off, causing Shuichi to give him a concerned look.
"She's been acting a little weird lately," Yusuke confessed. "She goes out and won't tell me where she's going. I think she might be seeing someone else."
"Yusuke, that can't be right," Shuichi told him. He had known Keiko as long as he'd known Yusuke. Yusuke and Keiko had been childhood friends before they'd begun dating during high school. He had thought that their relationship was solid. "Perhaps there is some other explanation?" he suggested.
"Like what?" Yusuke asked, scowling down at the ground.
"I don't know," Shuichi admitted. The two of them lapsed into silence as they continued walking.
Yusuke left Shuichi at his apartment block, after giving him the schedule for his classes.
As he cooked his dinner that night he thought about meeting Hiei outside of the club. It had been unexpected and extremely coincidental. Hiei had treated him just like any of his other students, maintaining a professional distance between them. But Shuichi had caught Hiei staring at him with an intense gaze that both aroused and unnerved him. He wondered how their next meeting at the club would go.
-0-
Hiei was a little surprised that Kurama showed up for their arranged meeting at the club. After the trouble they'd had last time, he'd been wondering if Kurama would stand him up. He had seemed okay at the martial arts lesson. He hadn't been unfriendly in any way so Hiei hoped that he was over it.
Shuichi, Hiei thought with a frown as he made his way over to the redhead seated at the bar, relieved to see that he was sitting alone. He had learned Kurama's real name but had decided to continue calling him Kurama in the club.
Hiei was careful not to be late this time. He didn't want to give Karasu another chance to charm Kurama. Something about that man set off alarms in Hiei's mind.
Kurama had his back to him as he approached so Hiei touched his shoulder to get his attention. Kurama had been sipping at a drink. Hiei hoped it was water. From the look of it, it might be. Kurama looked up at him and smiled, a little uncertainly.
"Hello, Hiei," he said.
"You ready?" Hiei asked him.
"Yes," Kurama said, sliding off the stool. Hiei took hold of his arm, holding him close against him as he moved through the crowd. Kurama looked a little puzzled but offered no resistance.
From across the room a dark figure watched them with suspicious eyes.
-0-
Hiei waited for the redhead to finish his shower. He usually took a lot longer than Hiei. Hiei was now fully dressed and seated on a chair, idly tapping a finger on the arm of the chair as he waited.
The bathroom door opened, emitting a cloud of steam into the room and Kurama emerged from it, fully dressed in his dress shirt and slacks. He moved a little stiffly, Hiei noticed, but other than that he seemed fine. He caught Hiei checking him over and gave him a reassuring smile.
"I'm fine," he said, answering Hiei's unspoken question.
Hiei wondered if now would be a good time to raise the subject of moving their trysts elsewhere. Kurama had been resistant so far, but Hiei hoped that he was beginning to trust him.
"Kurama," he said, his serious tone making Kurama pause and stare at him. "I'd like to meet you outside of this place," he said quietly.
"Outside?" Kurama asked, not quite understanding what Hiei was asking.
"I know you feel safe here but…" Hiei trailed off.
Kurama's face paled and his eyes slid away from Hiei's. He began to tug nervously on the cuff of his shirt sleeve.
"I…" he said uncertainly. "Maybe we could just meet for coffee or something?" he suggested hopefully. "To start with?"
Hiei frowned. It seemed like a step back in their relationship from Hiei's point of view, but Kurama was looking skittish again. And he decided that he would like to spend more time with Kurama, even if that time didn't involve sex.
"All right," he agreed. Kurama looked relieved. He walked over and touched Hiei's shoulder lightly, smiling down at him.
"Thank you," he said.
-0-
They met at a small cafe near where Hiei worked. It seemed that Kurama had been here before as he had suggested the place. He was, as Hiei had expected, already seated and waiting for him when Hiei arrived.
However, he wasn't alone and he looked distinctly uncomfortable. Sitting across from him was a man about Kurama's age with short brown hair. He wore a suit and a briefcase sat on the floor beside him. Hiei didn't like the way he was looking at Kurama. He quickened his steps as he made his way over to the table.
Kurama saw Hiei and graced him with a relieved smile.
"Good morning, Hiei," he said. He turned his green eyes back to the other man. "I'm sorry," he told him. "My friend is here." He didn't say that the other man would have to leave now but Shuichi's companion got the message nonetheless. He rose from the chair and picked up his briefcase.
"It was great to see you again, Shuichi," he told the redhead. "We'll have to catch up sometime."
"Yes," Kurama said, his tone politely pleasant.
Hiei glared at the stranger as he hovered behind Kurama. He rested his hand on Kurama's shoulder. He felt Kurama shift a little under his hand but the redhead made no objection to the contact.
The man's eyes lingered on Hiei's hand, then moved to Kurama's face. His mouth turned down in a frown.
"I'll see you around," he said, his voice a little cooler than before. He left the cafe and Hiei heard Kurama sigh in relief.
"I'm sorry," he said to Hiei. "That was… someone I used to know."
Ex-boyfriend, Hiei guessed.
He sat down opposite Kurama. "What's good here?" He asked, choosing not to address the ex-boyfriend issue. It wasn't the right time.
Kurama pushed a menu over to him and Hiei looked through it.
"Most of the teas, I guess," Kurama said.
"I don't like tea," Hiei responded. "I prefer coffee."
Kurama looked surprised and a little sheepish. "We don't really know each other very well, do we?" He asked. "Outside of… you know."
That was true, Hiei thought. He knew absolutely nothing about the redhead except what little he'd gained from watching his reactions during their sessions.
"Is that why you wanted this?" Hiei questioned curiously.
Kurama looked surprised, as if he hadn't considered that possibility. "I guess so," he said finally.
Hiei wondered what that meant for their relationship. Did Kurama want more from him than just sex? Did he want that? He wasn't sure of the answer.
The waitress came by and they ordered their drinks. Kurama also ordered a salad while Hiei ordered a small cake.
Kurama raised his eyebrows when he heard Hiei's order. "Cake?" He asked as the waitress departed.
Hiei glared at him, daring him to object. "I like cake, okay?" He said, a little defensively.
Smiling, Kurama raised his hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not judging," he said. "I just didn't think you were that sort of person."
"Sort of person?" Hiei inquired.
"To like cake," Kurama said. "Sweet cake." His smile was broadening. He was obviously trying to clarify his statement but Hiei's expression didn't shift from his confused frown. He had a sense that Kurama was inwardly laughing at him. In that moment he wanted to wipe that smirk off the redhead's face with a hard spanking but the setting was hardly appropriate for that.
Kurama's expression sobered and he waved his hand in the air, as if brushing away smoke. "Forget about it," he said.
Hiei eyed him but said nothing more on the subject. He shifted the topic to their martial arts class and asked Kurama about his previous experience. It was obvious from the redhead's performance in Hiei's class that he had taken martial arts before and Hiei was curious about his history.
The rest of the lunch date went smoothly. Hiei enjoyed Kurama's company and Kurama seemed to be enjoying himself as well. His facial features and his posture were relaxed and he seemed less guarded than he did at the club. Hiei was glad that he'd accepted Kurama's suggestion. It had been a good idea.
-0-
Hiei was stunned when he received a request from the owner of the club, Sekyo, to meet with him. He'd never met the man and didn't think he even knew Hiei existed. Why the hell would he want to talk to him?
Sekyo's office was furnished with dark wood. The desk was large and looked old and very well cared for. Perhaps it was a family heirloom? Hiei felt distinctly out of place standing in front of the suited man. He couldn't stop his eyes from focusing on the scar on one side of Sekyo's face, though he knew it was rude. The scar was simply too distracting.
"Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Jaganshi," Sekyo said smoothly.
"Is there some kind of a problem?" Hiei asked bluntly, not wanting to be here any longer than he had to. He had no patience for people like Sekyo. People with too much money and not enough morals.
"Nothing that can't be sorted out, I'm sure," Sekyo said.
Hiei raised one dark eyebrow at him questioningly, not bothering to hide his irritation.
"The young man you've been seeing," Sekyo said, leaning back in his chair.
Hiei's posture stiffened, his muscles tensing. "What about him?" he asked suspiciously. He had a feeling that he wasn't going to like where this conversation was going.
"Shuichi Minamino," Sekyo continued.
Minamino. Hiei filed that little tidbit of information away. He now had Kurama's full name.
"A very interesting man," Sekyo went on. "Did you know that he is a police officer?"
"No," Hiei admitted. "I never asked about his profession. I don't see how it's relevant."
Sekyo studied him for several seconds, though Hiei refused to show how uncomfortable it made him feel. He would never give the other man the satisfaction.
"One of my employees has taken an interest in him," Sekyo informed him.
"I'm aware of that," Hiei said with a scowl. "But I don't see the issue."
"The issue is that Mr. Minamino seems quite fixed on you," Sekyo told him.
"Not my problem," Hiei returned. "If Ku-Shuichi wants to see Karasu, I can't stop him."
"But he won't. Not as long as you're in the picture," Sekyo said.
And now we come to it, Hiei thought sourly. "You want me to break up with him?" he asked. "Break the contract so that your man can get his hooks into him?" He balled his hands into fists at his side. He couldn't believe the arrogance and audacity of this man.
"Exactly," Sekyo said, looking satisfied.
"No fucking way," Hiei told him. He'd had enough of this stupid conversation and turned towards the door, but Sekyo's voice stopped him.
"You have a sister, don't you?" he asked, his tone bland as if he were asking about the weather.
Hiei felt his back go rigid. "Had," he said quietly, without turning around. How did Sekyo know about that? Stupid question, Hiei thought. Rich people had their ways of getting information. And it probably hadn't even been that hard. There were police reports and newspaper articles from that time about what had happened.
"Do you want to see her again?" Sekyo asked. Hiei could practically hear the smirk in his voice.
Hiei felt sick. He'd been looking for his sister for years, ever since she'd disappeared. He'd found nothing. Did this man know something? Hiei had a strong urge to beat it out of him.
"If you break up with Mr. Minamino and tell him nothing of this discussion I will bring your sister to you," Sekyo offered. "Of course, you also can't interfere in whatever occurs between Karasu and Mr. Minamino."
His sister. With him. Home, where she belonged. All he had to do was throw Kurama to the wolf. Hiei's chest tightened. She was his sister. He barely knew Kurama. the man had never even told him his real name. Hiei had to pry every last bit of information out of him. It was like pulling teeth. What did he owe Kurama, anyway? It wasn't like he was handing him over to Karasu or anything. He was only releasing Kurama from the contract. Whatever the redhead did after that was up to him. And, as a cop, he should be able to take care of himself.
On the other hand, he had no way of knowing what his sister had been through in the years she'd been missing. What if she was stuck in an awful situation, one she couldn't escape on her own? He knew he couldn't turn down this opportunity. If there was even a small chance of finding his sister he had to take it.
With a heavy heart he turned back to Sekyo. "Fine," he said quietly. "I'll do it."
Sekyo's face split into a smile. "Wonderful," he said. "Karasu will be pleased."
Hiei scowled. He hoped Kurama used the martial arts moves that he was learning in Hiei's class to break Karasu's nose. He found the mental image that conjured up very satisfying.
A surge of inspiration hit him. Perhaps he couldn't stop Karasu from charming Kurama into his bed, but he could damn well make sure Kurama could protect himself if he decided that he didn't like where things were going. He smiled to himself, pleased with the idea.