Kurama was already waiting for them by the time they returned, mutually grumpy and tired, that afternoon. He stood outside leaning against the side of the building with his hands in his pockets, and if it hadn't been for the muscle working in his jaw he would have looked completely at-ease.

Yusuke had a moment to praise himself for learning to read his lover so well, but quickly suppressed the urge to gloat. The town had Kurama uneasy; Yusuke attentions needed to be focused on the mission so they could get his lover back to the human world as quickly as possible.

At a closer look, Kurama appeared absolutely…

Vulnerable.

Hiei must have noticed it, too. Of course, Hiei had probably noticed long before Yusuke himself had. One moment they were walking down the street, the next Hiei had left his side and "appeared" before Kurama, already in conversation with him. He put his arms around Kurama and the fox actually fell into the embrace so that Yusuke was nearly fully convinced that Hiei was all that was holding him up.

He wasn't injured…or wasn't physically injured. No doubt the events of the day had left him with deep hurts of the type nothing and no one could heal.

No one, perhaps, but a cherished loved one…

One tired, deeply green eye peeked up from Hiei's shoulder to look at Yusuke just as the human finally reached them. Pushing down a thin stream of jealousy, Yusuke decided to leave the two alone and turned to go into the inn alone.

A hand fisted in his shirt and pulled him to them, and he would never know which one of the demons had pulled him over because both of them were putting arms around him and pulling him into the embrace and there was Kurama, giving a great shudder as he buried his nose in Yusuke's neck, Hiei pressed between them, both Yusuke and Hiei giving their strength to Kurama, both Yusuke and Hiei feeding off of Kurama's need of them.

Yusuke was lost as to what to do as Kurama clung to him and Hiei, so he did nothing. The only kind of comfort he had ever received in his memory had come from the very man in his arms; all he knew to do was be there to hold on to, to hide the sudden moment of weakness from the prying eyes of anyone who happened down the street.

The wetness of tears in his neck. The strength of Hiei's arm around his waist. The power in Kurama's arm around his shoulders.

The steady, comforting feel of Kurama in his arms and Hiei pressed so close. The strangely soothing sound of Hiei's voice, quietly promising his lover that it would only be a short time longer and then they could leave, that he would not allow anything to happen to him.

He had never heard anything so…human…from the fierce little demon, never dreamed to hear anything so caring spill from the lips of the man who spent his days ensuring everyone and everything around him knew how much disdain he felt for them.

One of Yusuke's arms left Kurama to encircle Hiei, pull him even closer to Kurama.

It only lasted a few more moments. When Kurama pulled back, he was dry-eyed and steady and reliable as ever. If not for the very slight redness of his eyes, and the fine tremble still in his limbs, Yusuke would have thought he had imagined the tears.

Kurama drew back and looked at them both, gratitude in his eyes.

He blinked at them, thankfulness fading away. His lips began to twitch.

"Why?" He asked, laughter breaking through any weakness his voice may have held.

"Don't." Hiei growled.

"But…"

"Just don't." Yusuke agreed.

"But I must know!" Laughter broke through his voice, that wonderful sound so bright and startling. "Why ever are you two dressed as women?"

Hiei's eyes narrowed into the all-too-familiar I-really-wish-you-would-curl-up-and-die glare and he crossed his arms, looking away. His scowl certainly looked very strange on his lipstick-smeared mouth, just as his aggressive stance seemed much too alien in the floor-sweeping dress he was wearing.

"One of the people on our list was staying in some church or something." Yusuke answered with a shrug, taking too much delight in the dual pleasures of Kurama's mirth and Hiei's embarrassment to feel any real discomfort himself.

"Temple of the all-seeing goddess." Hiei supplied grumpily.

"Yeah. Hiei said they don't let men in, and they wouldn't call the woman out to talk to us, and then we decided it was better not to cause any trouble that might keep us here longer than necessary, so…"

"Charming." Kurama laughed. "And did it work?"

"No." Hiei groused.

Yusuke was proud that he had the grace to seem embarrassed at last. Not being bothered by the situation would have been…worrisome.

"We were almost past the front gates when my left boob fell out." Yusuke informed him, indicating where one of the strange spherical fruit he had stuffed into his shirt to give him the appearance of breasts had fallen out.

"A shame, too." Hiei decided, pushing past them and into the inn. "He had a nice rack."

Laughing, Kurama held out an arm to prevent the human boy from following after.

"A fight in this place will surely land us sleeping on the streets." He stated, amusement warm in his voice as he pulled Yusuke to his chest in something that was partially a hug and partially a restraint. "We would awaken in the morning missing all sorts of body parts, I would wager, and find that various objectionable things had been stuffed into a rather creative range of orifices. Most unpleasant, if you ask me."

"You disturb the hell out of me sometimes, Kurama, you know that?"

He laughed again, and Yusuke knew that the sudden good mood was to compensate for his earlier show of weakness. Another hug and he released Yusuke.

Staying in a bed (no matter how lumpy) in an inn (no matter how grimy) was considerably better than sleeping on the ground outdoors. Still, Yusuke was beginning to long for their tents.

One room between the four of them meant no privacy whatsoever, and even if he and Hiei had been able to come to some sort of agreement (stand in the corner and plug your ears?) Kuwabara refused to cooperate. If he knew that anyone was planning on having any sort of sex anywhere in the inn, then he most promptly made it is most sacred duty to prevent said sex from happening.

Two weeks in Dai'shaal had resulted in nothing more than one very sexually frustrated spirit detective.

"I don't see how you're taking this so well." He hissed at Kurama, casting a quick glance at the door. Kuwabara had left for the (urgh) common bathroom to get ready for bed, but he would undoubtedly hurry back. Somehow he seemed to think that by keeping Yusuke from getting any sex he could somehow "rescue" his friend from the demon who had "turned" him. If the oaf even caught them talking about sex he would throw a fit. Yusuke was only thankful he hadn't tried to keep them from sleeping in the same bed. "Aren't you supposed to be the nympho?"

Kurama, busy mending one of Hiei's cloaks, cast him an amused smile over his shoulder, but it was Hiei who answered.

"Because he's still getting sex – just not from you." The small demon answered smugly.

"Look, for the last time, I ain't doing anything with Kuwabara in the room – and I sure as hell ain't doing it with you in the same bed!"

Dark eyebrows rose mockingly.

"Afraid it will escalate in an orgy? I knew you wanted me, detective, but I must say that your feelings for the oaf come as quite the surprise."

Despite himself, Yusuke felt his cheeks begin to burn.

"Just shut the hell up, Hiei. I wasn't talking to you, anyway!" He crossed his arms and turned away. He would not (could not) look at the little demon any longer without doing something…something…well, he wasn't sure what he would do, just that it would be drastic. "Why should I be the one to be punished just because you two are friggin exhibitionists? I am sick and tired of being woken up at two in the morning by you two going at it."

Hiei snorted. "Is it my fault you're a light sleeper?"

"This would all be so much easier if you would only agree to join us, Yusuke." Kurama sighed.

Yusuke grew very still, embarrassment growing even hotter even as he felt a thin thrill of arousal strike chills down his spine. Kurama had been trying to convince him and Hiei to agree to become a threesome since only a short time after his relationship with Yusuke had begun, but he had been bringing up the topic more often – and with more detail – since their arrival in the demon world.

It was very…uncomfortable. Yusuke wasn't exactly used to the idea of sleeping with other men yet, though he more than enjoyed himself with Kurama. Added was the fact that he did, indeed, find Hiei attractive. Amazingly attractive.

But despite the trials and tribulations of Yusuke Urameshi's life, there was one thing he believed and that was that sex was important. Though he trusted Hiei with his life, he didn't trust him enough to ever sleep with him and he certainly didn't trust him enough to let him into his relationship with Kurama.

And from some of the things Kurama had told him, sleeping with Hiei would have to involve a great deal of trust.

"He's too loud to do it here, anyway."

"H…How the hell would you know?"

A dry look. "We share a wall back home, detective. A wall that is not too terribly thick. And you are…how shall I put this? Loud. Especially when you're on the bottom."

"There's no way you could tell when I - !"

"I prefer to think of him as enthusiastic." Kurama stated innocently.

Yusuke groaned.

"Can we just quit talking about sex? I can't handle much more of this."

"You are the one who started it."

Kurama smiled wickedly. "I am certain Hiei would be more than willing to help you if you are having problems, my dear."

Despite himself, Yusuke found himself glancing over at the small demon sitting in the window. Hiei was staring at him with the intensity that only Hiei possessed, eyes holding something strange. Despite all the teasing, he had never really expected to see anything like lust in his small companion's eyes.

Kurama rose and he barely noticed, even when the fox placed a hand on his shoulder. Kuwabara entered the room, shot them all suspicious looks, and plopped down on the couch and still Hiei and Yusuke continued to stare at each other.

Kurama leaned down, breath brushing Yusuke's ear like a caress.

"He's much more gentle than you would think." He whispered. "You would enjoy it. And I would be there the entire time."

Yusuke shivered, half turning to look at his lover, somehow surprised to find him so close. His lips were mere inches away, so soft and perfect for kissing.

"I better see some daylight between you two!" Kuwabara groused loudly.

"It's only going to get more difficult for you the longer we're here." Kurama whispered. Abruptly he pulled back, leaving Yusuke cold and alone. When he glanced back at Hiei, the small demon had his attention focused out the window once more.

It wasn't until hours later, in the darkness and stillness of the night, that Yusuke dared speak again. Kurama and Hiei had finished whatever it was they had chosen to do (Yusuke was not yet brave enough to sneak a peek) and settled in for sleep. Kuwabara's snores filled the air, heavy and loud.

"Kurama?" He asked, voice sounding very young and frightened in the night.

The arm around him tightened. "Still awake, my dear?"

"Tomorrow night…could we…try something?"

Startled silence.

"You and I or all three of us?"

"Whatever you want."

He could literally feel the smile in Kurama's voice as the fox answered.

"But of course."

"Goodnight, detective." Hiei sounded smug and…relieved.

Nevertheless, the decision made, Yusuke felt as if some weight had been lifted off his chest. Filled with an exciting nervousness, he finally allowed himself to close his eyes for sleep.

After the first few days, once it had become apparent that it would be difficult finding the information they needed, Hiei had insisted they split the group even farther.

"There's four of us." He had snapped at Kurama during one of the few arguments Yusuke had ever witnessed between the long-time lovers. "Two groups is nothing if not imbecilic. We could get twice the work done in the same amount of time."

"Humans alone in Dai'shaal?" Kurama had shot back hotly, for once his solid control broken. His eyes had flashed like twin emeralds struck by the sun, his anger making him somehow both more and less beautiful. More accessible, certainly. "Don't be a fool, Hiei, they wouldn't survive unscathed."

"These are not children, fox." Hiei hissed impatiently. "The detective is more than capable of taking care of himself, and I personally don't care what the hell happens to the other. By staying in groups you're only slowing us down and keeping us here in this horrid stink hole longer than strictly necessary!"

Arguments between the two demons were few, but of those Yusuke had witnessed, that one had been the worst. Kurama had been forced to relent when Yusuke had taken Hiei's side, and he later overheard the lovely fox ruefully comment to Hiei that it was a good thing indeed the small demon had not yet been able to trip Yusuke into his bed.

"Once that day comes, I fear I will never win another argument again!"

"You aren't too good at winning them now, fox." Hiei had answered, voice filled with the warmth and affection Yusuke only heard when the prickly little man didn't know he was eavesdropping.

So the next morning the four split up for yet another day of what was becoming the norm – harassing the unfortunate survivors who had chosen to stay in Dai'shaal.

Yusuke knew his list was shorter than the others'. Despite the fact that, even human, he was more than capable of taking care of himself, he knew that Kurama had only given him the names of people in the safer areas of the town.

Normally, this knowledge would have infuriated the young human, and caused him to confront Kurama for being so bold as to try to "protect" him.

However, one look at Kurama and even the most insensitive of jackasses would hesitate to pick a fight with him. He had been under stress to begin with, but having to relent to Hiei's demands that they split the team even more weight seemed to have been added to the lovely fox's shoulders. Yusuke could almost see the physical weight of the situation bearing down on his lover. His skin was pale, his hair limp and lifeless, his eyes tired.

Yusuke was truthfully afraid to do anything but agree with everything his fox asked of him and try his best not to cause trouble.

Hiei, he had seen, was the same way, though less obvious about it.

So, Yusuke had the short, "easy" list and thus was finished with his day's work by midafternoon. He had made little progress with any of the survivors, and it was beginning to bother him more and more. Each day that passed without any breakthroughs was another hurt to Kurama.

Hiei had told him, privately, that one of his "marks" was close to cracking. As Yusuke headed back for the inn, he could only pray that the small man was right. If Hiei could get them out of Dai'shaal, he would earn Yusuke's eternal gratitude.

The thought of the small man made Yusuke nearly stop in his tracks, a cold weight of fear in his gut. Had he really agreed to messing around with the two demons tonight? It had been far too long since he and Kurama had been together, but Kuwabara would be in the room with them and…

And Hiei would be involved.

This was not entirely bad news. Hiei was attractive, and Yusuke had certainly caught himself fantasizing about the demon on more than one occasion.

But reality was a different thing entirely than fantasy.

It was one thing to dream of those small, tight muscles moving over him or under him – either would do – that soft skin under his hands, the intense fire of those blood red eyes fixed on him, and only on him, as if he was the only other being in the universe.

It was another thing entirely to know that not only was all of that possible, but that it would be happening in only a matter of hours.

Stranger still was the knowledge that not only did his current lover approve of this, but had been pushing for it for weeks. The entire reason for Yusuke's fantasies about the smallest member of their party was that Kurama had given him a little too much information about their relationship so that Yusuke couldn't help but to think about it and think about it often. Think about it much more than was probably healthy.

He wasn't sure if he was looking forward to nightfall –

Or dreading it.

It was with the assistance of every curse he knew that Hiei trudged through the crowded city streets back to the inn, mood blacker than the lowest pits of the underworld. Five of the stupid, ungrateful so-called victims he had been interviewing had today told him on no uncertain terms that not only did they not want to speak to him, but that they would not speak to him. Ever.

Whatever had them frightened was beginning to get on his nerves.

It was with multitudes of happiness that Hiei would have resorted to other measures to get the information he wanted from the victims, however, Kurama had expressively forbidden him to do so. Despite his hatred of Dai'shaal, Kurama wanted to hold off on torture for as long as possible.

It had been very difficult for Hiei to keep himself from reminding the fox that not only was his reticence holding back their investigation so that it was taking probably three times the amount of time that it should have, but that there had been a time not too long ago when the fox would not have been so weak.

As hard as the mission was on Kurama, it would have been beyond cruel to remind him of the magnificent creature he once had been. Kurama had trouble enough believing Hiei was content with his human form under normal circumstances – making him doubt himself in Dai'shaal would surely break him.

Hiei stopped short upon reaching the inn room he shared with the rest of the group, surprised to find it occupied.

Yusuke lay reclined on the bed, propped up against the headboard with all the pillows they had reading a book he had undoubtedly found in Kurama's pack (the fox tended to sneak one or two to all of their missions, afraid of boredom during the rare spare minute.) His face was scrunched in in an adorable show of concentration as he tried to make sense of what he was reading. Yusuke Urameshi was not a stupid person, whatever he pretended. Hiei had no doubt the human's intelligence was somewhere near Kurama's own – just so well hidden that Yusuke himself probably didn't even know of its existence.

A thin light seeped past the curtains to land on the human boy in the bed, caressing him as if the light itself knew and appreciated the beauty before it. Because of the very force of his personality it was sometimes difficult to remember just how lovely the human boy really was. He was stunning in battle, but if it came down to that, then it wasn't his looks you were thinking about. Any other time he was always on guard, so busy protecting himself with bravado that, again, it was difficult to remember how pretty he was.

But at rest…ah, at rest. Yusuke was a spectacular thing to behold.

And it would not be long until Hiei could partake of that beauty himself. A few short hours – as soon as Kurama returned and Kuwabara went to sleep…

The light caressing the boy on the bed made his hair shine with highlights of blues and purples, made his skin seem almost luminous – soft and creamy. As Hiei watched, Yusuke turned the page, frowning slightly, pink tongue darting out between his lips.

"Enjoying yourself?" Hiei demanded, deciding he would not be ignored by the boy any longer. Yusuke actually jumped, rolling over so he could see Hiei in the doorway.

"Shit, man!" He said crossly. "Make a little noise when you walk, why don't you?"

Hiei entered the room, closing the door after himself, and crossed to sit on the bed, wondering at the look in Yusuke's eyes as the human watched him approach.

"Why would I want to do that?" Hiei demanded. "I've spent most of my life learning silence. You should learn to be more aware of your surroundings."

Yusuke turned his attention back to the book for a moment before marking the page and closing it, setting it on the nightstand.

"I don't know how his head doesn't explode, reading this shit."

Hiei kept himself from commenting that he was certain Yusuke had understood a great deal of what he had been reading. He was enjoying the awkward way in which Yusuke was trying not to look at him.

Feeling himself smirk, Hiei leaned back on his elbows so that he could watch the human better.

"So uncomfortable today, detective." He taunted. "If I didn't know better, I would have guessed that our plans for tonight have you feeling a little uneasy."

"Bastard." He hissed, glare shooting back to Hiei like magic.

"Are you going to claim that your agreement was only to make Kurama happy?" He asked. "We both know that that would be a lie."

"I should have known that you were going to make this harder than it has to be." He glowered.

"It helps for things to be hard, detective. I thought our fox would have taught you that, at the very least."

The glare intensified. "Bastard." He said again.

Hiei leaned a little closer, and Yusuke leaned back.

"I'm actually trying to help, detective." Hiei informed him. Moving faster than the unprepared human could catch, his hand lashed out to catch hold of his chin, keeping him from moving further away. "We could go ahead and start without Kurama. He would be so very proud."

"Leave. Me. Alone."

Hiei leaned closer until their foreheads were touching, breath mingling.

"You already agreed to this, detective."

"I didn't agree to letting you molest me." He answered, glare full of challenge.

Hiei laughed and pulled away, lying back on the bed and staring at the ceiling, pleased with himself.

"How small and unimportant your attempts are."

"What attempts?"

"Attempts to explain to yourself how you've gotten into such a situation. You still think you can control it, don't you?"

Yusuke shifted and suddenly he appeared within Hiei's field of vision, leaning over him. He only hesitated a moment more and he was completely above him, sitting on the small demon's hips, hands on his forearms.

"I think I'm in a pretty good position for control right now."

"So?" Hiei raised his eyebrows. "Then do something."

Yusuke hesitated a moment too long. The door slammed open before he had made his decision and Kuwabara came barging in, throwing his jacket down on the couch. He had gone to the mini fridge and taken out a soda before he even noticed the two on the bed. When he did notice them, he proceeded to yell and complain and just generally throw a fit until Yusuke got off the bed completely. Hiei sat up, but did not otherwise move. Instead he crossed his arms and glared furiously at the human who dared interrupt his fun.

"What are you even doing back so soon?" He demanded once Yusuke's argument with the oaf died down.

"I did my work!" The oaf protested. "But no one wanted to talk to me. At least I wasn't skipping out like you freakos."

"We weren't – "

"So where's the fox, then? Huh? Is he hiding under the bad? Taking a bathroom break? Can't you people wait?"

And thus proceeded another fight between the oaf and the detective.

"He must have found someone who cracked." Yusuke said, words ringing hollow in his own ears. Dark had fallen, it was getting late, and still there was no sign of Kurama. The three boys had played cards until Kuwabara finally fell asleep on the couch, and now Yusuke found himself in bed with Hiei, fighting to fall asleep despite his worry. After all, Kurama could take care of himself, and worry would solve nothing.

It was too late in the night for any of the things the three had planned for the night; the best thing he could do was try to get some sleep so that he wasn't useless tomorrow.

Make that today. Yusuke corrected himself, checking his watch and finding that it was much later – or earlier – than he had thought.

Hiei didn't answer, but Yusuke knew he wasn't asleep, either. He was too worried to sleep, too worried to cause trouble.

And Yusuke was too worried to protest as Hiei shifted closer and put an arm around him. For one of the few times in his life the young human allowed himself to be vulnerable, to pull Hiei close like a stuffed animal and take comfort from holding him.

Morning and Kurama still had not returned. Afternoon and there was still no sign of him.

Evening and they contacted Botan.

"Maybe he got a lead and went to follow it without you." Botan suggested. "He was fairly independent as a youko and we tend to forget that because he works so well in a group, but you did tell us that he was wanting to get out of Dai'shaal whatever the cost."

"No!" Hiei was more furious than Yusuke had ever seen him, and something else too. Panicked. "He wouldn't just leave." He said fiercely. "Not without me."

Botan backed up, nervous in the face of the small demon's rage.

"He's not in Dai'shaal." She stated, voice only shaking a little.

To Be Continued

This chapter was difficult to finish. I hope the pacing is okay. The first half, however, was really fun to write! I adore the interplay between the three - especially Hiei and Yusuke!

Well, I know I promised a longer chapter, and this is a little longer than usual, but circumstances during the holidays prevented me from giving my writing the attention I had planned. Let's just say that on a scale of one to ten, ten being the best, my holidays scored a 2.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and don't forget to review! Happy New Year, everyone!

As a final note: I currently have three "active" fics I'm working on, and I'm expecting to have a very busy semester. So rather than play favorites, like I did last semester, I'm thinking or rotating the fics – meaning each story is updated once every three weeks. I know that sounds like a long time, but it's better than nothing, and it's the best I can come up with. Anyway, I'm not even sure it'll work, but we'll give it a shot!

Response to Unsigned Reviews:

hanahana-chan - thankies!

kit-kit - so simple and yet so flattering. Hope you like this new one!

roku - the "my dear" is only plausible if you're "hearing" his English voice. I stand by my decision. There is no other phrase that suits him more. Thanks for reading!

cryptic.kitsune - Hope your essay went well! This isn't nearly as long as I had planned for it to be, however, as I said earlier, it's been a rough couple of months for me. Anyway, it's a little longer. Hope you like it!

Abi - enjoy!