Love, everlasting
Part 4: Some Secrets Can't be Kept
By Yami Yue
The phone rang waking me from my peaceful slumber. I glared at the loathsome human device, annoyed that it had awakened me. Kurama sighed and sat up to answer it. "Hello?" he said into the receiver. "Hello mother," he said after listening for a moment. I watched as his brows knitted together for a heartbeat, a slight frown tugging at his lips. "I'll ask him when he wakes up," he said softly. "Yes, I'll be there," he said. A smile graced his lips. "I love you too, tell Father I said hello," he said before hanging up the phone.
He glanced over at me and kissed my lips. "Sleep well love?" he asked. I nodded. "Your mother checking up on you?" I inquired. "Yes, she wanted to know if you would join us for dinner Sunday evening," he told me. I looked at him in surprise. He had to be kidding. He leaned in and kissed my lips gently . "Please, Mother wants so much for you to come," he said and kissed me again. "It would mean a lot to me as well," he continued.
I sighed. "Alright," I agreed. A brilliant smile lit up my fox's face and I couldn't help but smile back. "Thank you for agreeing to have dinner with my family," he said. "There's no need to thank me..." I began. " I know but it means a lot to me and mother too," he said. He closed the distance between us and gently kissed my lips in thanks. "Aren't you glad you decided to move in with me?" he asked once he had broken the kiss. I smirked. "It does have it's benefits," I agreed. He smiled and stretched. "I guess I'd better get my shower before I'm late for work," he sighed. I laid back and closed my eyes.
I was pleased with my newfound good fortune. Yet, I was afraid that it would not last. In the past, whenever something good happened to me, it didn't last. I was afraid that even though Kurama loved me, I would eventually loose him.
That Sunday evening, just as Kurama had promised his mother, we joined his human family for dinner. Things were going well, and we were enjoying the meal when Shiori turned the conversation to a dangerous topic.
I have never seen you so happy Shuichi," Shiori said "Is there some young lady I should know about?" she asked. Kurama nearly choked on his food. " What?" he sputtered. "Your mother's right, you look like a man in love," his stepfather agreed. Kurama's cheeks reddened and he looked away from the both of them. "I assure you there is no young lady in my life," Kurama said. Shiori sighed softly. "You work too hard sweetheart, it would do you some good to find some nice young lady to spend some time with," she said. Kurama sighed. "I know you mean well Mother, but I couldn't be happier with my life right now," Kurama said gently. " Shiori, Shuichi will find someone in good time," her husband said. "Let the boy eat in peace," he teased. Kurama gave his stepfather a grateful smile and the conversation was steered toward a less dangerous topic.
Once the meal was over Kurama and I cleared the table, despite his mother's protests. Shiori and her husband remained at the table, leaving Kurama alone with me for the moment. I watched him as he washed the dishes. It was no wonder his mother and stepfather knew he was lovestruck. Joy practically radiated from him. Still, there was a little sorrow as well. He hated the fact that we had to hide our true relationship. He had said so on more than one occasion. He especially hated hiding it from his human family, but feared they would disown him if they knew the truth.
"You wanted to tell her, didn't you?" I asked once we had finished the dishes. Kurama sighed. "Yes," he said. "I can't though. There's no telling how they'd react," he continued softly. "You will still have me," I said. Before I could stop him, Kurama's lips were on mine in a loving kiss. "Sorry, I couldn't resist," he said sheepishly as he pulled away. He was probably expecting me to be angry, but I couldn't be. In fact, I had been aching to feel his lips against mine all evening. "I know, just be more careful, your mother or stepfather could have seen us," I replied. He lifted his eyes and suddenly paled. "Too late," he murmured. I turned and saw Kurama's mother and stepfather standing in the doorway staring at us in shock.
"How long has this been going on?" she asked. Kurama swallowed hard. He pulled me close to him, weather it was a possessive gesture or an attempt to be comforted by my presence I didn't know. "Six months," Kurama answered. "You were right. I am in love, but not with a young woman, but with a wonderful young man," he said softly. Shiori was at a loss for words, but it was clear from the expression on her face that she wasn't just shocked by her son's admission, she was grief stricken. "Excuse us," Kurama said quietly. Shiori and her husband moved aside to let us pass. Kurama took me by the hand and led me out of the kitchen. He didn't let go of my hand until we reached the front door. We hurriedly slipped on our shoes and got into Kurama's car. Without a word he drove off.
The ride home was silent and tense. Kurama's face was unreadable; his eyes stared strait ahead at the road ahead. It wasn't until we were in our apartment with the door firmly shut behind us that Kurama dropped his impassive mask. He slumped down onto the couch covering his face with his hands. I sat down beside him and put my arms around him. "I've lost them," he whispered. My heart ached for him. I knew exactly what he was feeling. Though they had not cast him out there and then, Kurama was sure that his family had abandoned him, just as the band of thieves that had raised me and had been my family had abandoned me.
"What if we ended this now, would they once again accept you?" I asked. "So, you will turn your back on me too?" he hissed. He lifted his head and met my gaze with his own. His eyes were feral, wild and filled with pain and anger. He grasped my wrists tightly. "Don't you dare leave me now," he growled. " I swear I will spend every waking moment tracking you down until I have you back," he said. There was no doubt in my mind he was serious and would indeed do as he said. "Relax Fox, I don't want to leave you, but if we have to wait until you return to the Makai for good ..." I said, trying to soothe him.
My words seemed to sink in and he relaxed in my arms. I thought for sure it was over between us. Kurama loved his family dearly. If ending our relationship would make things right again wouldn't he do so? "Do you want to stay with me?" he asked softly. "You know I do," I said. "Really? It sounds as if you're trying to find a reason to leave," He responded. I stared at him dumbfounded.
I narrowed my eyes at him in anger. "If I didn't want to be with you ,I would not have stayed here with you for the past six months, nor gone with you to your mother's for those family dinners we've been attending every Sunday since I've been here. I love you and though it would kill me to wait for you in the Makai for who knows how many years I would do so if it helped makes things right with your family," I growled.
Kurama stared at me for a moment, completely dumbfounded. For a moment, he did not speak, but a soft smile played upon his lips for a brief moment. "I'm sorry love," Kurama said softly. "I didn't mean what I said. I'm just so angry, hurt and afraid right now I lashed out at you," he said. Kurama sighed, his eyes welling with tears. I held him tight to me. He rested his head on my chest and let his tears flow.
It seemed like forever before they stopped, but in actuality it had been mere hours. "There's no sense in us staying here any longer," Kurama said sadly. "Let's go back to the Makai, for good this time," he suggested. "What about your mother, your stepfather and your stepbrother? You intend to just leave them behind and never see them again?" I asked. "What good would it do me to stay Hiei? Now that they know about us they won't want anything to do with us," he answered. "You don't know that. Give them some time and they may come around," I said. Kurama gave me a skeptical look but said nothing for a moment. "Alright, we'll give it some time," he agreed.
Kurama closed his eyes reddened and swollen from weeping. "Let's go to bed," I suggested. He silently agreed and we went into our bedroom changed into our sleepwear and climbed into bed. Kurama kissed me softly as he did each night. I returned the gesture and relaxed as he put his arms around me. "I'm sorry to have caused so much trouble love," he whispered. "They would have discovered the truth sooner or later," I replied. "Inari, I don't want to face my stepfather at work in the morning," he groaned. "Then don't go," I replied. "I used up all my vacation time while we were on that mission for Koemna, so I can't ask for more, but I could call in sick," he said. "Maybe I should just quit altogether," he sighed. "Don't decide that now, get some sleep and let's make our plans for the future tomorrow," I said. I received no answer, the fox had fallen asleep.
The next morning Kurama had called in sick for the week. In a way it was the truth. He was brokenhearted, as if his family had disowned him, though in truth they had not yet done so. He was hurting and completely convinced that his family had turned their backs on him and no longer wanted him. I tried my best to lift his spirits and ebb some of his pain but I could not.
As the days passed his sadness grew. Before long I had to coax him to eat and even then he would eat very little. He tossed and turned at night, getting very little sleep.
By the middle of the week I was at my wit's end. He refused to eat at all despite all my efforts to convince him to do so. He'd even stopped caring about his appearance, leaving his silky red locks uncombed. I began brushing his ruby mane for him, which seemed to soothe him. The fox's depressed mood was starting to honestly scare me. If it went on any longer he would let himself waste away. Frustrated and at my wit's end I decided to go to the ones that could help me end this madness, Shiori and her husband.
One evening while Kurama was napping I slipped out of the apartment and went to his mother's house. I took a deep breath and knocked on the front door hoping that I would be allowed inside. Shiori opened the door. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw me. "Hiei, what brings you here?" she asked. "We need to talk," I said. "Come in," she said. I entered the house and she shut the door behind me. Her husband who was sitting in the living room was as surprised to see me as Shiori had been.
Shiori took a seat beside her husband on the couch, and motioned for me to sit down as well. "What did you come to speak to us about?" Shiori asked as I took a seat opposite them. "Your son," I answered. Their expressions were fearful. "Is he alright?" Kurama's stepfather asked. "He called in sick this week, but I thought he was just angry with us," he said. "He is angry more at himself than he is at you," I told them. "He's depressed, and I might have made things worse by suggesting he not go to work," I sighed. "He's miserable and I don't know what to do anymore. Nothing I've tried seems to work. He hardly eaten anything since yesterday and last night I'm sure he didn't sleep at all," I told them. Shiori looked as though she was going to cry. "I should have said something to him. I was so shocked at seeing him kiss you my mind froze. I should have stopped him from going out that door. My poor baby is hurt because of my thoughtlessness," she said. Her husband put his arm around her to comfort her. "You were taught that a relationship like mine with your son is wrong, correct?" I asked. They both nodded. "Yet you still love him?" I inquired. "Of course," Shiori said. "Good, you need to let him know that," I said. "This rift between you has lasted long enough. Don't let your beliefs tear apart your family," I said.
"Is that what happened with your family?" Shiori asked. I nodded slowly. It was exactly what had happened with my family. The elders had believed that my mother's love for me and my father were forbidden. They also believed that I should not have been born and had tried to rectify that and failed. As a result my mother ended up dying believing that I was dead, and though I knew nothing of my father, it would not have surprised me a bit to learn that he too had perished. "Yes," I answered. A pained look must have crossed my face for a brief moment, for Shiori gently squeezed my hand.
"You really do love my son don't you?" she asked. I smiled softly and nodded. "Very much," I assured her. She seemed to think about it for a moment as she studied me intently. "I should be getting back to him," I said as I stood. "We could give you a ride," Kurama's stepfather offered. I was going to reject the offer but this whole ordeal had left me feeling drained. Besides, if I could get them all together maybe this foolishness could be put to rest. I nodded my consent
I went up to the apartment first, eager to make sure Kurama was alright. He was not on the sofa where I'd left him. I heard shuffling around in the bedroom. Kurama was standing in front of his bookshelf. He took one book from the shelf and then another and added them to a small pile of belongings on the bed. More confusing than what he was doing was the fact he was in his true form, his tail lashing to and fro in obvious agitation. "What are you doing?" I asked him. He turned to look at me. "We're leaving," He said. "Not before you talk to your family," I responded. His energy was erratic and I realized that was the reason his form had shifted. His emotional state had raised the level of his energy. "I woke up earlier and you were gone. Where were you?" he demanded, changing the subject. "Doesn't matter," I replied. "What do you mean it doesn't matter?" he asked coolly. "Just what I said," I replied.
A gasp shifted our attention from our pointless squabbling. Shiori and her husband were standing in the doorway with their mouths agape. "Mother?" Kurama cried in surprise. He turned to me, his golden eyes hard with accusation. "You brought them here didn't you?" he asked. "You three need to talk," I replied. Kurama narrowed his eyes at me. "Why are you meddling in this. This is none of your concern," he hissed. I narrowed my eyes back at him, feeling my temper flare. "It involves you which makes it my concern," I hissed back. "Stop it you two," Shiori commanded. We both turned to look at her. Her expression was pained and she looked as though she would cry at any moment.
Kurama's agitated expression seemed to melt and he genuinely looked ashamed. He sat down on the bed and leaned forward slightly resting his elbows on his thigh, his head lowered and face covered by his hands. "Shuichi, is that really you?" his stepfather asked. A weary sigh escaped the fox's lips. "Yes," he whispered. Shiori sat down beside Kurama and slowly put her arms around him. The fox lifted his head and looked at her in surprise. "Sweetheart, don't be angry with Hiei, he just wanted to help," she said softly. "I know," he sighed and lowered his eyes refusing to look at her. "Why did you come?" he asked. "Hiei was concerned about you sweetheart, and frankly now we are too," Shiori replied. " After what happened the other night, I thought you wouldn't want anything to do with me," he said. Both Shiori and her husband looked stricken at his remark.
Cautiously, Kurama's stepfather sat down next to him on the bed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Shuichi, your mother and I may not agree with your decision, but we have to accept the fact that it is your decision to make," Kurama's stepfather said. "Sweetheart, we were shocked to learn that you have a boyfriend but we wouldn't shut you out because of it. We love you and nothing has changed that," Shiori said softly.
It took a moment for the words to sink in, but sink in they did. Kurama smiled for the first time in days and hugged his mother tightly. She smiled as well and kissed his forehead. It was clear that all was forgiven. "Now that we've gotten that settled, I really should apologize for not trying to talk to you before today. You left so quickly I thought you were angry with us," Shiori said. "I should apologize as well for thinking the worst of you when I should have tried to speak with you as well," Kurama said. "I know you were shocked to discover your son had a boyfriend," "I was even more shocked at your appearance when we arrived," She countered. "About that..." Kurama began. "Later sweetheart," Shiori said. "I'll go make some tea and we can talk about it," she said. She then took her husband by the hand and led him out of the room, leaving us alone.
Kurama looked over at me and held his hand out to me. I took it and he pulled me close. "I'm sorry about the way I've been acting lately," he said. I kissed his lips gently, relieved that they had managed to talk things out. "I'm just glad that things are back to normal," I said. "Well, not quite, but close enough," Kurama said. "At least I won't have to hide the truth from them anymore. I just hope they can accept the truth about who and what I am," he said. "I will be with you," I reminded him.
For a moment he was silent, just holding me close to him. He breathed a sigh of relief and nuzzled me affectionately. "Thank you," he said. "For what?" I asked. "For taking care of me, for being here for me, for keeping me from making a mistake I would have regretted for the rest of my life," he said. "I had to do something, I don't like seeing you so miserable," I replied. A brilliant smile lit up his face and he threw his arms around me and kissed me lovingly.
"I just hope they can accept what we truly are as well," he said with a sigh. "If they don't, you will still have me," I replied. Kurama smiled. "Yes and for that I am grateful," he said. "Come on, let's get this over with," he added. We stood and headed into the kitchen ready to face whatever reactions Kurama's mother and stepfather would have about our true nature together.
Chapter Two
After Kurama's mother and stepfather learned the truth about us, we decided to let Yusuke and the others in on our secret as well. To our relief, they were actually glad that we were now a couple. Oddly, Kuwabara didn't seem surprised. In fact, it was as if he was expecting the news. "He probably noticed there was a change in us," Kurama had said when I mentioned it to him.
After Kurama's ordeal with his family, I began to wonder if I should tell Yukina that I was the brother she had been searching for. When I began living with Kurama, I knew it would be a matter of time before she discovered the truth, or someone let it slip. I decided it was better that she hear the news from me. The only thing holding me back was my own fear. Yes, fear. I was afraid that my own sister would reject me, that she would hate me for not telling her the truth, that she wouldn't want me to be her brother. I was afraid that I would be a disappointment to her. Little did I realize how much it would mean to my sister to find the brother she so desperately sought.
Kurama smiled over his shoulder at me as he turned on the shower. "Why don't you join me Hiei?" he asked. He stood and gave me a wicked smile as he turned and stepped toward me. I watched as he slowly slipped the boxers he had worn to bed down his hips, revealing his nude form in all its glory. He held out his hand, beckoning me to him. "Come join me," he purred as the other hand slowly began to explore his well-crafted body.
A soft thud jolted me out of my very pleasant dream. I opened my eyes sleepily and looked around the room. Kurama was not in bed next to me. I could hear the shower running in the bathroom. "He must have dropped something in the shower," I thought absently. The mental image of Kurama nude, bending over came unbidden to my mind. I blushed as I shook my head. "I'm going to need a cold shower when he gets out," I thought ruefully.
I yawned and stretched. I stared at nothing in particular, trying to calm my body. I didn't even hear the shower shut off but when the door to the bathroom opened and Kurama emerged I turned to face him. My eyes widened. The towel he had around his waist was barely enough to properly cover him. If he bent over I would see his backside. I bit my lip trying not to moan over that mental image. This was definitely not helping matters.
Kurama bid me good morning as he toweled his hair dry. "Are you alright Hiei?" he asked. "Why are wearing next to nothing?" I blurted out. "My wearing a towel hasn't bothered you before," he responded, raising an eyebrow. "Fox what you're drying your hair with is a towel, that scrap of cloth around your waist is not," I said. Kurama was visibly holding back laughter as he tied the larger towel around his waist. He gave me a look as if to say "There, is that better?"
"Would you give me a hand with my hair ?" he asked. I motioned for him to sit on the floor in front of the bed. He grabbed his hairbrush off the dresser and handed it to me as he sat down on the floor in front of me. I raised my energy a bit as I ran the brush through his hair. I channeled a little heat into the brush, drying his hair as I brushed it. Kurama's eyes slid shut a soft smile upon his lips. "This is nice," he murmured. "I hope you're not expecting to make this a daily ritual," I said, knowing I didn't mean a word of it. "I'm not. I'm just enjoying it while it lasts," he replied, a soft smile on his lips. I wasn't fooling him. He knew I would brush his hair for him if he asked me to.
Once his hair was dry I set aside the brush. He stood with a sigh and gave me a kiss as thanks. He nuzzled my neck affectionately. "You're aroused," he murmured. "How could I not be with you wearing almost nothing," I replied. A soft smile tugged at his lips. His hand slipped beneath the covers and caressed the bulge forming in my boxers. "I can do something about this if you'd like," he said softly. I was a bit shocked at his offer. He'd been my boyfriend for several months, and this was the first time he'd made such a blatant offer or touched me in such a manner, and as good as Kurama's touch felt, I was nervous about accepting his offer. Still, I wanted to accept and feel more of that gentle touch.
"On second thought, maybe we shouldn't. I don't want the neighbors to overhear anything," he sighed. "Don't promise what you can't give Fox," I murmured. He smiled devilishly. "I didn't say I couldn't I just said that I shouldn't, not here anyway," he replied. He studied my face for a moment. "Are you saying you would have accepted my help ?" he asked. I answered his question by capturing his lips in a heated kiss, then slipped from his arms and headed for the bathroom for a cold shower.
Kurama was still smiling with satisfaction as he set my breakfast in front of me. "So, where would you like to go today?" he asked. It was Saturday, the one day of the week we usually spent the whole day alone with each other. Usually we went out for the day and spent the night relaxing at home. Today however, I wanted to do something different. "I want to finish what you started Fox," I murmured. Kurama's smile became devilish. "I know, but where?" he inquired. "Doesn't matter. You decide," I replied.
"It's such a nice day outside. I can make us a picnic lunch and we can spend the day in the forest outside town," he suggested. I nodded in agreement.
After we had finished our breakfast, I helped Kurama with the dishes then we made a picnic lunch of assorted cold foods which he packed in a cooler. When the food was all prepared and the mess cleaned up we headed out to Kurama's car and drove out of the city to a wooded area near Genkai's temple.
Kurama and I walked hand in hand through the forest until the fox spotted a clearing. Deciding it was a good place to set up our picnic, he laid out the blanket and set the cooler on it. "Shall we spar for a while?" Kurama asked. I nodded, the activity would definitely work up an appetite, and a workout was always welcome.
We walked a short distance away from the picnic blanket and faced one another. With only a glance and a slight nod we began. This was to be a hand to hand combat practice with neither of us using our abilities. Kurama moved swiftly, being used to my speed his had improved to keep up with me. He dodged most of my attacks with flips, twists and turns that would make a dancer green with envy. Suddenly, he lunged at me and the next thing I knew I was on my back with Kurama straddling my waist. I blinked up at him as he pinned my arms to the ground with his. He smiled down at me and leaned in closer. "Looks like I win this round," he panted. A smile slowly graced my lips. "So it does," I replied.
He was flushed from the exertion and his long red hair was windblown. His eyes were sparkling with triumph and his smile was genuine. I found it all irresistible and leaned my head up and pressed my lips to his in a soft kiss. Kurama deepened the kiss and his hands slid down my arms to my chest. He caressed my chest through the material of my shirt. At that moment I wanted it off. I wanted to feel his hands against my bare skin. I reached down to grab the hem of the offensive garment to pull it off, but Kurama grasped my hand and placed it back over my head. "If you want the shirt off Darkfire, just say so," he murmured. "You already know what I want, I don't need to say it," I replied. Kurama smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I just happened to make a good guess," he said. "Still, I want to hear it from your lips," "Just take off the shirt," I said. Kurama chuckled. "As you wish," he said.
He sat up and began unbuttoning his shirt. I watched transfixed as he slowly undid each button and sensuously parted the fabric before letting it slide down his arms. He tossed it aside. "Not what I meant Fox, but good idea," I murmured. "You didn't say which shirt you wanted off," he teased. I glared at him but it melted as he leaned forward and kissed my lips. His hands slid under the material of the shirt I was wearing and began sliding it up my abdomen. When he broke the kiss he removed the shirt entirely. "Better?" he asked. "Much," I replied. He leaned forward once again and began planting gentle kisses upon my now bare chest. A soft gasp of surprise escaped my lips as his warm tongue brushed against my nipple. He swirled his tongue around the sensitive flesh before covering it with his lips and gently sucking.
Using his lips and tongue he worked my nipple into a hardened peak. My eyes slid shut enjoying the pleasant sensations that coursed through me. It felt good, far better than I imagined. I moaned softly, encouraging him. He released the now hardened nub, much to my dismay, but when he gently blew upon it I shivered and slowly opened my eyes. His deep green eyes locked onto mine, love and lust shone clearest among all the swirling emotions I saw there. "More," I whispered, and that seemed to be all he was waiting for. He dipped his head and began his pleasurable torture on the other nipple making me writhe and moan beneath him as he worked it into a hardened nub. When he had completed his task, he released it from his lips and began trailing kisses down the rest of my chest, down my abdomen, stopping at the hem of my pants.
I realized that his eyes had not left my face, he'd been gauging my reactions to what he was doing, ensuring that I was enjoying what he was doing. His expression was completely serious now. "Do you want me to stop?" he asked. "I meant what I said when I told you that I would not go farther than what you are ready for," he said. "If I wanted you to stop, I would have said so," I replied. Kurama gave me a devious smile. "Good, because I don't think I could have resisted you much longer," he murmured huskily.
He sat back on his haunches to remove my shoes and socks. His nimble fingers made short work of my belt. As he unbuttoned my pants and slowly pulled the zipper down my heart was pounding in my ears. I hoped that I would not prove to be a disappointment to my fox. I lifted my hips as he pulled my pants down, and in a moment they were off and I was laid bare to him. His eyes slowly looked me up and down and, blushing I looked away. He gently caressed my cheek, causing me to look at him. "You're beautiful Hiei," he murmured. I could feel my cheeks heat even more, but there was no doubt that he was telling the truth. His eyes showed his love and pleasure.
He kissed me gently and trailed kisses down my neck, over my collarbones, down the center of my chest with a brief detour to lick at my nipples, down my abdomen and over my hipbones. I couldn't help but moan as his soft lips brushed against the heated flesh between my legs. His warm tongue gently caressed the underside of my manhood and I moaned as my eyes slid closed. "You like that?" Kurama's husky voice rang in my ears. "Yes," I groaned. Suddenly my sensitive flesh was encased in warmth. I gasped and my eyes flew open.
Kurama's name fell from my lips in a long moan. He used his lips tongue and teeth to drive me to pleasure induced madness and I loved every moment. His gentle caresses upon my body with his hands and the way he made love to me with his mouth was like nothing I'd ever felt before. I was as close to heaven as I ever hoped to get. I was completely under Kurama's control and I loved it.
I could feel my climax coming and with a loud cry of Kurama's name I came violently. I was panting heavily, trying to catch my breath. I could feel Kurama's tongue gently licking my oversensitive sex. He smiled at me and licked his lips, looking like the cat that had just eaten a particularly delicious canary. He laid down next to me and kissed my cheek. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time," he purred. "It was well worth the wait," he sighed. It was then I noticed that he was still wearing his pants and shoes. "You're still clothed Fox," I said. I reached out and touched the obvious bulge in his pants. "You're still hard too," I noted. Kurama bucked into my hand. "Sounds as though you want to do something about it," he said huskily. "I'd like to try," I replied.
I did not have the experience that the fox had when it came to sex, but I was willing to try and give him pleasure. After all it wouldn't be fair for me not to at least try when he had given me such mind numbing bliss. Kurama smiled and kissed me hungrily. He then sat up and removed his socks and shoes. He stood and began walking toward the blanket he had laid out. He stopped just short of the blanket. With his back turned to me he slowly slid his pants down his hips, revealing his wonderfully sculpted backside. He stepped out of his pants and boxers and laid down on the blanket. He slowly spread his long legs in a very sexy invitation. "Come, do what you wish," he beckoned.
I rose and joined him on the blanket. Our lips met in a passionate kiss. I ran my hand slowly over his well built chest. Gently I caressed the sensitive nipples making him moan softly into the kiss. When we parted I planted soft kisses upon his neck nipping at his throat. He moaned softly and arched his neck, exposing it further to me. It was clear that he liked the gentle nip and I made sure to remember that for the future.
I mimicked what he had done to me kissing my way down his neck, over his collarbones, and down the center of his chest. I stopped to lick, nip and suck at his nipples. He bucked into me brushing his hardened manhood against my body. "Hiei, please," He pleaded. Given the tone of his plea, I guessed he must be close to his own climax and decided to give him what he wanted.
I knelt between his legs and gently grasped the hardened flesh before me. I slipped my lips over the tip, caressing it with my tongue. Kurama moaned softly, encouraging me. Slowly I took him into my mouth and began caressing his chest. His moans grew louder as I worshipped his body with my hands, lips, and tongue. The erotic sounds of his pleasured moans and cries were making me hard all over again.
"Turn that sexy body of yours around," Kurama purred mentally. I blushed at his words but complied, releasing him long enough to turn my body around so that my backside was facing him. "Like this?" I asked. "Yes," Kurama murmured. I didn't know why he wanted me to turn this way, but soon after I slipped my lips around his manhood again I found out. His lips enveloped my manhood and I moaned around his as he began to pleasure me once again. He in turn moaned as well, causing vibrations to go up my shaft adding to my pleasure. I continued to mimic Kurama's actions, nipping licking and sucking until I felt his manhood twitch in my mouth before his seed erupted from him. A moment later, my own climax reached me and I came for a second time.
We lay beside one another panting, as we came down from our pleasure induced high. Kurama changed his position so that we were face to face. "I don't know weather to be extremely pleased or jealous," he said. "That was incredible, where did you learn to do that?" he asked. "I was only doing what you did," I replied. Kurama smiled. "You're a fast learner, I'll have to teach you a few more of my tricks," he said. I smiled. "I look forward to that," I said. He wrapped an arm around me and pulled me close. I relaxed in my beloved's arms and closed my eyes. We lay lazily in the sun soaking up it's warm rays like two contented cats.
After a while, Kurama nuzzled me affectionately. "You know, you're quite vocal in bed," he murmured. "We're going to need to get another place, with no nosy neighbors around so I can make you moan and scream as much as I want," he purred. The tone of his voice sent shivers down my spine. There was no mistaking the undertone of desire.
I voiced my agreement with a soft sound and he smiled. "We can start looking once we've finished lunch. After a workout like that, I think we deserve a little something to eat," he said I gave a murmur of agreement. I got up and gathered our clothes as Kurama began unpacking the picnic lunch he had packed. We dressed and then sat down to eat.
Kurama held one of the delicious looking morsels to my lips and I opened my mouth , allowing him to feed me. I did the same, feeding him some of the delicious food. Kurama smiled and took the food from my hand giving my fingers a mischievous lick as he pulled back. He gave me a flirtatious wink and smiled. I had a feeling life with him was going to be more interesting from now on.
Several days after my intimate encounter with Kurama, I began to feel strange. Unsure of what might be causing it I decided to pay Yukina a visit to see if she could discover the cause. Yukina was inside having tea when I arrived. "Hello, Hiei-san," she greeted cheerfully.
Suddenly I began to feel lightheaded. The room seemed to spin. "Are you alright Hiei-san?" Yukina asked. I didn't get a chance to reply. I began to fall to the floor as unconsciousness swiftly overtook me.
When I awoke, I was lying on a soft bed. Yukina was sitting beside the bed, a worried expression upon her pretty face. "Are you alright Hiei-san?" she asked. "I think so," I replied She looked relieved. "Kurama-san is on his way," she said. I sighed, now the fox would fret over me all evening.
"Hiei-san, why didn't you tell me you are my brother?" I looked at her in shock. She gently reached out and touched the two tear gems that hung from my neck. "I thought you would be better off not knowing the truth," I said. Yukina sighed and smiled softly. "You're the only family I have left. I'm glad to know that the brother I've been searching for is alive and that not all my family is gone," She replied. I closed my eyes. I hadn't thought of it that way. She hadn't known if I was alive or not all these years. She must have felt alone in the world not sure if she even had any family left. I felt guilty. Even if she wasn't glad to know that I was her brother, at least she would have known her brother was alive and well, and that the last of her family was not lost to her. "There are many reasons why I didn't tell you who I really was," I told her. Yukina touched my hand gently and my eyes fluttered open. "I'm just glad my search is over," she said softly then kissed my cheek.
"You do realize that you cannot let those frigid women know that you have found me when you go back," I said. Yukina looked at me in surprise. "Didn't Kurama-san tell you?" she asked. "Tell me what?" I inquired. "I'm not going back. I decided I'd rather stay here with Genkai and be with my friends," she replied. "and now that I know my brother is here there's no way I would want to leave," she added with a smile.
I sat up and the reason for my passing out was suddenly all too clear to me. I cursed under my breath. "It's happened again," I hissed. "What's happened again?" she asked. "Something that happened on our last mission. I think that vixen put some sort of spell on me or something," I told her. Before I could stop her she put a hand to my chest and firmly pushed me back to lie down. With a frown she pressed once again and a blush colored her fair face.
"That's no spell," she said, looking sheepish as she pulled her hand away from my chest . "Do you know the secret of the ice maidens, brother? The reason they don't need a man to bear daughters?" she asked. "No," I answered honestly. "During the night of the full moon some are able to become male, at least until sunrise. In your case however it seems to be the opposite," she told me. "But why did it start now?" I asked her. "It might be because of your relationship with Kurama. The two of you are getting quite serious now aren't you?" she replied. I nodded, understanding what she was getting at. The physical part of my relationship with my fox might be the trigger of my gender change
"Yukina, is this going to happen every time Kurama and I get close?" I asked her. She blushed, picking up on what I was asking right away. "I'm not sure, but tonight is the full moon. Perhaps, this is the true beginning of your cycle. After all, you've come to view Kurama-san as a potential mate by now right?" she replied. "If he wanted me as his mate I would gladly accept," I responded. "Normally this only happens to couples who have been mates for years, or who become mates after being in a very close relationship, like yours with Kurama," she informed me. It sounded as good an explanation as any. I just wondered how Kurama would take the fact that I would sometimes become female. He seemed to not mind back in Kiyoshi, but now that it seemed that the change would be regular occurrence I hoped he would still feel that way.
I laid back and met her gaze. "You're not angry?" I asked. "Angry that you didn't tell me the truth, that you are my brother?" she inquired. "Yes," I replied. "No, I'm not angry. Whatever your reasons, I'm sure you had good intentions. But, now that I do know must you still keep it a secret?" she responded. "Yukina, if word should get out that you are my sister, someone may come after you just to get at me. I don't want to risk you getting hurt because of me," I told her. She sighed and nodded in understanding. "What of our friends? Surely, we can tell them," she inquired. "Yusuke and Kurama already know. Koenma told them and Botan knows as well. The others I'm not sure if they know or have guessed already but I don't see any harm in telling them," I replied. "But why didn't they tell me?" she asked. "I asked them not to. I wanted to be the one to tell you," I replied. Yukina nodded in understanding then kissed my cheek before leaving me to rest. I closed my eyes and soon drifted into slumber.
When I awoke, I was no longer in Genkai's temple. I was in my bed, the one I shared with Kurama. The fox was not in the room, but I could hear sounds coming from the kitchen, and the smell of food wafted through the air reminding me that I had not eaten since breakfast. I got up and left the bedroom. Kurama saw me leave the room due to the fact that the kitchen and dining room were only separated by a half wall, with no separation at all between the living room and dining room.
"Are you feeling better love?" he asked. "I'm fine," I assured him as I sat down at the dining table. "You passed out, I'd hardly say that you were fine," Kurama said as he brought two plates to the table. "What happened to me in Kiyoshi has happened again," I told him. Kurama thought about my words for a moment before his eyes widened. "You're female again?" he asked. I nodded. "Apparently, an ability I inherited from my mother's side," I told him. "How did you find that out?" he inquired, genuinely curious now. "Yukina told me," I said as he set my plate in front of me. "Apparently it's the secret way the ice maidens reproduce without men," I continued. He sat down and set his plate in front of him. "So then she knows that you're her brother?" he asked. I nodded and began eating. He smiled. "And you couldn't be happier," he smirked. I glared at him half heartedly. He'd been telling me for years to just tell Yukina the truth, that she would not reject me. This was his way of saying "I told you so," without actually saying it.
After dinner, I helped Kurama with the dinner dishes and went to take a shower. When I was done I began rifling though the drawers for something to wear for the night that would properly cover my female form. Finding nothing, I went into the living room where Kurama had been studying for one of his college classes to ask him for one of his shirts to wear to bed. With one towel wrapped securely around my body, I continued toweling my hair dry as I entered the room.
"Woah, Kurama who's the babe?" I heard Yusuke ask. "Won't Hiei be pissed at you for having a girl here?" he questioned. I smirked, knowing that the towel I was drying my hair with had hidden my face, though the towel around my body did not hide my new feminine curves. I let go of the towel I was drying my hair with to let it fall over my shoulders. "Urameshi, that is Hiei!" Kuwabara exclaimed from his seat next to Yusuke. Yusuke jumped and his eyes widened in shock . Both the detective and the oaf were completely speechless. That alone would be worth the explanation and the teasing to come.
"How the hell did that happen?" Yusuke asked. "It's an ability I just recently discovered I have," I replied. " So, that's how you defeated Leiko," Kuwabara said. "Is it permanent?" the tall carrot top wanted to know. I shook my head. "I should be back to normal tomorrow," I answered. "Too bad man, you look good as a girl," Yusuke commented. I raised my eyebrow. I gave Kurama a mischievous glance. His lips lifted in the tiniest of smiles, a sure sign that he was ready to help me out in whatever mischief I planned against Yusuke. "I'm flattered by your complement detective, but I doubt my boyfriend would appreciate you flirting with me," I responded. Kurama put a possessive arm around me. Yusuke's eyes widened at the serious expression on my fox's face. Yusuke held up his hands. "I'm not after Hiei man, I'm married to Keiko remember," he said. Kurama chuckled, his eyes shining with mirth. "Relax Yusuke, I'm well aware that you're not after what's mine," he said. "You needed me to watch Kimi so you can take Keiko out for dinner right?" he asked. "Yeah, I'll go bring her up," Yusuke replied. Kuwabara stood. He looked at me for a moment. For a heartbeat, a look of shock passed over his face. He shook his head, obviously in disbelief. "Is something wrong Kuwabara?" Kurama asked. "No, I just thought I saw something. Must have been a trick of the light," Kuwabara replied. He smiled softly. "Must be studying too much, I'm starting to see things," he said then headed for the door. "I'll see you guys later," he said. Yusuke left as well. "Do you get the feeling there's something he's not telling us?" I asked. "Perhaps he did see something but didn't realize it," Kurama said. I shrugged. "Come on, let's find you something to wear," he said and led me into the bedroom.
As he began looking through the dresser drawers, I sat on the bed watching him intently. He turned back toward me with one of his longer t-shirts in hand. "Here, you can wear this with your shorts," he suggested as he handed it to me. I took it and studied him for a moment. "Is something on your mind?" Kurama asked. "Does it bother you that this isn't just a one time thing?" I asked gesturing toward my female form. "Why should it? You're still you no matter which gender you are," he replied. He smiled softly and kissed my lips. I did not hesitate to return the kiss, glad that he was fine with my strange new ability. He smiled at me. "In fact, I'm looking forward to exploring this new form of yours," he said with a seductive purr. I felt my cheeks redden. Kurama just gave me a quick peck on the lips and retuned to the living room.
A warm gentle kiss was placed upon my cheek, then another upon my lips. My eyes fluttered open. Kurama smiled at me and kissed my lips again. "Good morning Darkfire," he greeted. "Morning Fox," I replied. "Happy Anniversary," he purred softly. I smiled, a year ago to the day we had began our courtship and it had been the happiest year of my life. I kissed him lovingly and murmured "Happy Anniversary," "It looks like we'll be spending our special day with our friends, it's moving day you know," Kurama said. I hadn't forgotten. We had bought a home in a quieter part of town. It was a rather large home on a spacious lot that had no neighbors directly to either side of us. Perfect for our needs. Though I didn't mind that we would be spending the day of our anniversary moving into our new home with our friends I hoped that we would be spending the evening alone.
Kurama glanced at the clock. "We'd better get up and pack up the last of our things before the others arrive," he said. We got out of bed and removed the bedding packing it away to be washed when we had the chance. We showered and dressed next before having a quick breakfast and packing up the last of our things. By the time we had finished Yusuke and the others arrived. Soon after our friends had arrived the moving men we'd hired showed up as well and the move began.
As the last of our things went out the door I took one last look around the apartment we had called home for a year. Though I would miss the place, I looked forward to my new home with my fox. Once sure we had left nothing behind, I shut the door for the last time, ready to move on.
While the moving men set up the furniture in the various rooms under Kurama's direction, I helped Yusuke and Kuwabara lug in the boxes of items we had packed. The girls sorted out some of the items in the boxes, placing them in the logical places. By the time our friends bid us goodbye, everything but our clothing and more personal items had been unpacked and put away for us. I started to open one of those boxes, which had been all carried into the bedroom, but Kurama placed a gentle hand on my arm, stopping me. "You've done enough for today love. Why don't you take a nice hot shower while I unpack these. Then we can have a nice dinner," he suggested. I agreed to his suggestion heading into the adjoining bathroom. I was glad to see he had already unpacked and put away the toiletries, towels and washcloths. I gathered what I needed and began my shower. The spray of hot water felt good against my tired muscles. I closed my eyes enjoying the sensation. A moment later, Kurama tapped at the door and then entered with some clothing. I opened my eyes and he smiled, taking a quick glance at my nude form. "Mind if I join you?" he asked. "You know I don't," I replied. Kurama's smile grew even wider. He stripped and joined me, taking the washcloth from me to bathe me. I let him, secretly enjoying it when he did things like this. I had expected him to begin his sensual kisses and caresses, but surprisingly he did not. He simply washed my hair and bathed my body. Apparently, he had other plans. Taking a cue from him, I washed his hair and bathed him without teasing touches. When we had finished our shower I dried us off using my energy. Kurama dressed, a smile upon his lips. "I ordered dinner from that restaurant you like," he informed me. "We'd better hurry before it gets cold," he said. I quickly dressed and followed him downstairs to the dining room.
The table was set much like it had been on our first date and I smiled, recalling the memory of that wonderful night. Kurama directed me to sit as he hurried over to the oven where he had apparently placed the food on his good plates. He brought two plates laden with food to the table. He set one in front of me and the other in his place across from me. The meals were the same we'd had on our first date. Kurama smiled at me, knowing I had realized this.
We ate our dinner without much chatter, feeding each other morsels of our meals. Soft music played on the stereo in the living room, adding to the romantic atmosphere the candlelight provided. When the meal was over Kurama gave me a devilish smile as he took our plates into the kitchen. When he returned he held out his hand to me. I took it and he pulled me to my feet. His lips met mine in a loving and passionate kiss. I eagerly responded, loving the feeling he gave me when he kissed me like that. Our kisses became more heated as we exchanged them, the passion between us already ignited and beginning to blaze with an all encompassing heat that would not be denied. We broke off our kisses. Kurama took my hand and together we headed to our new bedroom.
We christened our new bed as we worshipped one another's bodies with kisses and caresses. Our moans and sighs of pleasure rang throughout our home as we brought pleasure to one another and received pleasure from one another. When at last our desire was sated Kurama held me close to him, a smile upon his handsome face.
I decided it was time to give him my gift. I slipped out of his embrace and padded over to my discarded pants and pulled a small black box from my pocket. I returned to the bed and held it out to my beloved. Kurama's eyes widened. "Happy anniversary fox," I said. He took the box from my hand and opened it. He gasped in surprise. "Hiei, this is beautiful," He murmured. I smiled, glad that he was pleased with my gift. It was a gold necklace, it's pendant one of my tear gems. Around the gem was a fox with a rose in it's mouth on the right and on the left, a dragon. Kurama caressed the two figures then leaned forward and captured my lips in a loving kiss. "Put it on me, please?" he requested. I took the box from him and slipped the necklace out of it as he turned his back. I slipped the golden chain around his neck, making sure the pendant was flat against his chest and fastened the clasp. "Thank you," he said as he turned to face me once again. He gave me another tender kiss and smiled.
A heartbeat later the smile faded and he actually looked nervous. Alarm bells went off in my head. What could he possibly be nervous about? He opened the drawer of his bedside table and pulled out a small black box. He held it out in front of me. "Hiei, I love you," he said softly. "I love you too fox," I replied. He smiled. "Will you be my mate?" he asked as he opened the box to reveal a beautiful gold ring, adorned with a single brilliant diamond. I stared at him in surprise. As Sakura, I was his mate, and now he wanted me to be his mate once again.
" I'm honored that you would choose me to be by your side, but are you sure you want me to be your mate?" I asked. "Yes," Kurama said. "I want no one else," he said earnestly. His eyes held no deceit. His eyes showed all his emotion. There was fear, and hope but love outshone them both. I knew that once I agreed I would be his completely, but it hardly seemed any different than before. I had given him my heart a year ago and shared my body with him moments ago. I felt I already belonged to the fox and he to me. I smiled softly. He had been afraid that I would reject his offer, but he needn't have been afraid. I loved him too much to live without him.
"I am already yours fox. If you wish to make it official then so do I," I agreed. Kurama took the ring from the box and slipped it upon my finger. He pressed his lips to mine in a loving kiss. I responded eagerly, kissing him with as much love and emotion as I could.
When we broke away we were both smiling.
"Hiei, would you mind if we had a wedding?" he asked. I raised my eyebrow, most demons didn't have a ceremony for taking a mate, so a wedding was not something that was often seen where we came from. I thought about it for a moment, it would make becoming Kurama's mate a special ordeal, and since I had very few memories of my past lives I did not know if we had had such a ceremony before. Besides, it was clear that Kurama greatly desired to have a wedding and I would not deny him that.
"When?" I asked. "How about a year from today?" he answered. I nodded in agreement. Kurama smiled. "That will give us time enough to make plans for the wedding and the honeymoon," he said. "Honeymoon?" I asked. His smile turned wicked. "A human tradition that sounds quite enjoyable. After the wedding the newly married couple go on a trip to be alone with each other and consummate their vows. Similar to what we just did," he replied . My cheeks warmed and I knew I was blushing. "We'll have to do this more often then," I murmured as I caressed my new fiancé intimately. "I want to learn what gives you pleasure most so that on our fist night as mates I can make you scream my name," I said huskily. Kurama's wicked smile turned absolutely devilish. "Oh, really? Well my love, now that we're out of that apartment, we'll be able to discover what pleases one another. There's a few things I'd like to try myself, if you're willing," he purred. "I look forward to it," I said, meaning every word.
Kurama pulled me close and put his arms around me. I relaxed in his embrace and held up my hand, looking at the ring upon my finger. I had promised Kurama that in a year, I would be his mate. It seemed surreal, as if some pleasant dream. I knew it wasn't and that old fear that I would lose the happiness I had found returned with a vengeance. Kurama's mother and stepfather had been understandably shocked when they discovered that we were dating. Fortunately, things turned out well. Shiori and her husband had come to look upon me as another of their sons, his stepbrother had even taken a liking to me as well. The fox's family had become my family too. Would all that end when Kurama told them about our engagement? Or would they come to accept it as they had our relationship?
The next day was Sunday. As usual Kurama and I headed to his family's home for dinner. Shiori greeted her son with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, which he returned. I received the same greeting and without hesitation returned it. "Would you boys give me a hand in the kitchen?" Shiori asked as Kurama and I removed our shoes at the door. "Of course Mother," Kurama said. We followed her into the kitchen where the wonderful scents of various foods was the strongest. "Shuichi, I need you to take that one into the dining room for me," she said motioning toward one of the larger serving dishes. "Hiei, dear, please take that one," she requested, motioning to the serving dish next to the one she asked Kurama to take.
As I reached out to pick it up I heard Shiori gasp softly. Fearing something was wrong I turned to look at her. "What's wrong Mother?" Kurama asked. "Hiei, is that an engagement ring?" Shiori asked. For a heartbeat I didn't know what she meant, but then with a sinking feeling, I realized that I'd forgotten to remove it before we'd arrived like I'd intended. I didn't want to cause any trouble and since Kurama hadn't mentioned telling his family about our engagement I thought it would be best if they didn't see the ring just yet.
"Yes, it is," I said softly. Kurama turned so that he was fully facing her. He gently grasped my hand and intertwined his fingers with mine. "I know this isn't what you envisioned when you thought of my getting married but Hiei is the one person I wish to spend the rest of my life with," Kurama said. Shiori smiled softly. "Shuichi, the one thing I've always wanted most was for you to be happy. True, I never envisioned you marrying another man, but Hiei has made you very happy and you he. Though, I may not be gaining a daughter in law, I will be gaining a wonderful son in law who I know will love you and cherish you as much as you love and cherish him and that makes me very happy," Shiori responded. She placed her hand upon my shoulder. "Now that you'll officially be part of the family, I hope you won't mind calling me Mother, like the rest of my boys from now on," she said.
I was relieved and yet shocked, that she approved of our impending marriage. I was even more shocked that she wanted me to call her mother. It was fitting. She had definitely treated me like one of her sons once she had gotten over the shock of discovering that Kurama and I were more than close friends. Somewhere, along the way I had come to regard her as a surrogate mother of sorts. Having lost my own mother, she had become the mother I wished I'd had. Now, in a way she was. I smiled gently. "I would be honored to," I said. Shiori smiled back and hugged me tight. Kurama smiled as I slipped my hand from his to embrace her. The worst of my fears had been put to rest. Kurama's family had actually been glad to hear the news. The warmth of my fiancé's arms enveloped me and a soft kiss upon my cheek made my smile widen. In all my wildest dreams I would have never believed that I of all people would have found love, nor would I have ever thought I would have friends or family and now I had all three. For the first time in my life I felt completely content. I leaned my head back and Kurama kissed my lips gently. Yes, my life couldn't be better and I wouldn't let anything ruin that happiness now that I had found it. I hoped that I would remain Kurama's mate throughout this life and into the next, in a love that was truly everlasting.