Hiei went in search of Kurama, but as fast as he was, he needed to take his time to choose his words. His thoughts just made him feel like a bigger moron and he gave up.
He made it to the garden faster than he expected and his heart pounded against his chest. He was beginning to doubt Shizuru's words and didn't know if Kurama would take him back after what he said to him. Hiei found Kurama sleeping beside his favorite roses and took a seat next to him placing the other's head on his lap.
The fire demon stroked his fox's hair not wanting to be apart from him. "Fox, I'm an idiot and I'm sorry. What I said to you was said in fear and I shouldn't have tried to push you away. I spoke with the oaf's sister Shizuru; I'm surprised they're related. Anyway, the point is I don't want to leave you ever again because I know we complete each other."
Seconds passed before Hiei found himself flat on the ground and Kurama hovering above him. "Fox what are you doing?" "This," was the only thing said and Kurama crushed their lips together. Hiei felt something warm fall on his face and noticed tears forming in Kurama's eyes, "I'm just happy you didn't leave." "I'm sorry I made you cry." They stayed in each other's arms until the sun went down.
-x-x-x-x-x-
"Where have you two been? We've been looking all over for you?" Yukina rushed toward the couple but Shizuru assured her they needed the time alone.
"Have any of you seen Shin?" Touya answered, "We haven't seen him since yesterday."
Kurama was curious as to where Shin had disappeared, 'It must have been after he questioned me about Hiei.' He chose to dismiss the man's disappearance and joined his friends.
Kurama talked to no one in particular as he paced his room, "Will today be a good day for the ceremony or should I wait for tomorrow. Everything is done and Koenma did say to do it as soon as possible. Argh."
He heard a knock on the door, "Who is it?" "It's me Koenma."
Kurama rushed to open and let the prince inside. "Well Kurama, I've given it a lot of thought and I figured I'd tell you everything. Shin is a spy."
Kurama looked at Koenma as if he was crazy. "I don't think I heard you correctly. Shin has been a servant of mine for years, I would have noticed if he was a spy."
"The Shin that has been serving you is his twin brother. I still don't know who sent him, but his disappearance can be explained. Shin was murdered weeks after you took refuge in the human world. The Shin we've been communicating with has had contact with another source and Jin caught him. He left after being discovered."
Kurama was deep in thought, "What am I supposed to do?"
"Start the ceremony. Our imposter no doubt retreated to advance his attack. With you and Hiei formally bound you'll become stronger."
Koenma left and Kurama was even more frustrated. The ceremony was supposed to be a celebration not an obligation. He felt trapped, he loved Hiei and wanted to be with him but with the sudden events the ceremony felt too rushed and he didn't want that.
"What am I supposed to do!"
-x-x-x-x-x-
Kurama decided on waiting two days in order to relax. Hiei understood his reasons and it was all he needed. The ceremony was to take place in two days and everyone got to work.
Each person was assigned a task and was required to switch if needed.
Shizuru was placed on kitchen duty with her favorite person in the whole world. "Botan what the hell is up with these arrangements? why am I stuck with him?!" Botan looked over at Chu, "Well you see Shizuru he's the only one here that can actually cook. Both of you are perfect for the job."
"What about Keiko, her parents own a restaurant, doesn't that automatically make her qualified." "It might, but you've been working in one also as the head chef."
"How do you know about that?" "Oh would you look at the time, I've got to run."
Shizuru was pulled back from the waist before she could go after Botan. "Give the girl a break, we've got a feast to prepare."
-x-x-x-x-x-
Jin and Touya were bored; their task was finished and they wanted to go off somewhere to be alone but escaping without being noticed was difficult. They settled for helping the rest of their friends.
"Jin you are not helping me at all. You're taking away my job, what am I supposed to do?" "Sorry Urameshi, but I'm beyond bored. Why don't you go help Kuwabara?" "Touya took over his job." "Then I guess you're out of luck." Yusuke was defeated, he figured he'd go bother Keiko.
"Please." "Yusuke go away." "But Jin took my job away, can I please help you?"
Yukina smiled, "Keiko please let him help, I'm sure he won't be a problem." "Ok Yusuke you could help; keep in mind that if you mess anything up you are out of here."
Yusuke managed to survive the tasks of decorating tables until Kuwabara showed up. Keiko and Yukina kicked them out of the area.
-x-x-x-x-x-
Rinku was helping Kurama pick flowers. He didn't do much and he was glad. Kurama handed two flowers to Rinku one blood red the other a silvery white. "What are these for?"
"These are for Hiei and I to wear, I need you to take very good care of these Rinku."
Rinku reached for the two flowers careful as to not crush them.
Keiko was sent to cover Shizuru's shift being told "Chu might get torn to shreds." When Keiko reached the kitchen she found Shizuru covered in flour and laughing? "Umm…Shizuru, I came to take over for you." "It's alright, I'm good here," she patted Chu on the shoulder, "This guy's not so bad. You could help us if it's not too much trouble."
The three finished before Jin and Touya could take over the work of another group.