Last time on The Infection

The group agrees to try a risky medication that contains mercury. Hiei has admitted his feelings to himself and even more shocking…to Yusuke. But will he get the chance to tell his Kazuma? His heart has stopped!

"KAZUMA!" both Shizuru and Hiei cried out. The only difference was that Shizuru screamed and all Hiei could manage was a strangled gasp, his chest was on fire and tightening.

Kurama managed to catch Shizuru before she fell and Yusuke grabbed Hiei.

"Hiei!" Yusuke was shouting in his face. "Breathe! Breathe man!" But Hiei couldn't; his chest had tightened so much that he couldn't force air in and out. He felt himself losing consciousness.

Yusuke pounded on his chest. With the last hit, Hiei felt his chest unclench. He involuntarily forced air into his starved lungs and began coughing. His whole body was shaking all over. He lurched forward; but Yusuke had him firmly by the waist. Was it really true? Has he lost his beloved? Was he really….

"Hiei," Yusuke said a little unsteadily, "look at me." Hiei turned his ruby eyes up to the detective. Tears were stinging in his eyes, threatening to fall. "They can save him, they will save him." Silent tears were falling down Yusuke's face.

"H-how? They said...his...heart…" he was cut off by a strangled sob that had caught in his throat.

"They have these machines…they can do it…and Kuwabara is too stubborn…he almost died…twice and he can make it…he won't…."

Hiei hugged the detective tight. He didn't know what else to do. Shizuru was sobbing in Kurama's arms. Kurama looked stricken as he held her and stroked her hair.

Kazuma! Hiei screamed in his mind. Don't give up, fight! You are too strong to let some…drug take you out. Please, don't leave me! You can't go! I LOVE YOU! He mentally screamed out in desperation.

Don't worry Shorty…I'm not…gone…just tired.

"Kazuma?" he said softly struggling to choke back his tears.

Shorty, don't cry. Tell them I'm not gone…just…tired…can't talk right now…

Of course! Get some rest, and I…love you.

I love…you…too

"Hiei?" Yusuke was waving his hand in front of his face.

"Yusuke, don't bother him! He's talking to him! He's talking to Kazuma!" Shizuru exclaimed.

"He is? Whoa, that's so cool! What's he saying?"

"Yusuke, shush!" Kurama admonished.

"No, it's OK," Hiei spoke up. "He said he's OK, just tired."

"Thank goodness," Kurama said softly.

"SEE, I TOLD YOU! I TOLD YOU HE WAS TOO STUBBORN! I KNEW HE WOULD MAKE IT!" Yusuke was yelling and had Hiei gripped in a bear hug.

"Let go, idiot!" Hiei struggled to break free of Yusuke vice-like grip.

Shizuru was drying her tears. "Thank you, Hiei."

Hiei looked surprised. "I didn't do anything."

"You communicated with him. You told us he was OK."

Nurse Aoi was running up to them. "I have wonderful news! We have revived Kuwabara! But I suspect you already know that."

"What makes you think that?" Hiei asked her.

"Well, Hiei" she smiled, looking at him. "He said your name when we revived him. His exact words were 'Hiei, I'm OK'." They all looked at Hiei, astonished by his strong connection with Kuwabara.

"But the doctor sent me to ask you to stop communicating with him. Mr. Kuwabara needs his energy to recover. He is extremely weak and still critical."

"Of course." Hiei responded. He didn't need to communicate with Kazuma now. All that mattered was that his beloved was going to recover and that they could be…together.

He's going to make it! That's great! What does the future hold for Hiei and his Kazuma? Is Hiei really ready for a commitment? Find out as The Infection clears up!

Note: Yeah, Yeah, I know this chapter is really short! But I felt it should stand on its own! Next chapter will be up soon…very soon!