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Chapter 12

Getting to Hiei's place only took about ten minutes, but by that time, Kurama was shivering from the chill.

Hiei had put the top up on the Sprite and was running the heat, but he could still hear the red head's teeth chattering. "We're here." He said as he pulled into what appeared to be carport, making a motion sensor light activate.

As they got out, Hiei handed Kurama a key, saying. "Go on in, I need to cover the car." Before going to the front of the car and picking up a car cover.

"I'll help." Kurama said and grabbed the other end.

"Go on in, you're freezing." Hiei said, but the red head didn't let go and together they covered the car and secured the straps.

Keying in, Hiei began turning on lights. "Let's get you out of those wet clothes and I'll start a fire." He said, walking away and heading to what must be a bedroom.

Kurama just stood by the door and took in the place. It was a basic square wooden house. The living room was small and had a black futon couch with matching chair facing a small, red brick, wood burning fireplace. There was a black coffee table and a couple of floor lamps and that was it. He could see two bar stools at a counter that separated the kitchen from the living room. The kitchen had a two burner stove, a small frig, tiny sink, microwave and a few cabinets on the one wall. Looking over to his left he saw a small 'hallway'. Well, what could be considered one, as all it was, was a small area before three doors. One had to be a bathroom and the other two were probably bedrooms.

Hiei came back out wearing a pair of black cotton pants and a blue t-shirt and was carrying another set of clothes. "Here, these should fit you." He said.

"Um…thanks." Kurama said, taking the clothes.

"The bathroom's the middle door." Hiei said, pointing. "I'll start the fire and then make us some ramen." He added, walking over to the fireplace.

Kurama headed to the bathroom and Hiei had just gotten the fire going when he heard the bathroom door open. Seeing the red head just standing there, he couldn't help but let a small smile come to his lips. The blue t-shirt he had given the man was two sizes to big and the pair of cotton black pull-string pants, that seem to fit him in the waist, came just below his knees in length.

"I can believe the pants are yours, but the shirt." Kurama said, looking down at the EMT logo on it.

"It's one of Kuwabara's. I don't have a washer or dryer so Yukina does my laundry. I used to go to the laundry mat, but finally gave in and let her do it. She's known to throw in one of his shirts and even his pants on occasion." Hiei said as he headed towards the kitchen to start the noodles.

Kurama just shook his head and took a seat on one of the barstools. "I left the clothes hanging in the shower."

"That's fine." Hiei said.

Kurama then complemented. "This is a nice little place you got here."

"It serves its purpose." Hiei said.

"I need to see it during the day. I bet the views are spectacular." The red head said, looking over the black haired's shoulder at the back door, which was just a wooden door with a plate glass window in it and no curtain to block the darkness beyond.

"They are. I have a wrap around porch on three sides. I enjoy being able to step out from the bedroom and watch the sunrise and sunsets." Hiei commented, dishing out the noodles and placing two bowls on the counter. He then went and grabbed two bottles of water from the small frig and joined the red head.

They ate in silence and when they were done, Hiei quickly washed the dishes and placed them in the drying rack as Kurama took a seat on the hearth to watch the fire.

Hiei left the man sitting there as he went back into the bedroom and bathroom, only to walk back out carrying a drying rack and their wet clothes. Setting it up in the kitchen, he draped the clothes over it and then walked back into the living room.

"They should be dry in the morning." He said.

"I'm sorry to be such I pain." Kurama said, still watching the fire.

"You're not….I haven't had a sleepover in years." He said, the last part being a little white lie.

"Well in that case, all we need is the popcorn and some B-rated horror movies." Kurama smiled back.

"I think I can find the popcorn, but as far as the movies…I'm afraid all I have is a portable DVD player and some training videos." Hiei said.

"I think I'll pass thank you." The red head said, turning back to the fire.

'This is starting to get a little awkward.' Hiei thought. 'Maybe I should just offer to take him home.' He hadn't noticed Kurama had slid to the other end of the hearth.

"Is this Mahjong?" The red head asked, seeing a bamboo box with Chinese characters on it tuck in the corner on the floor.

"You've heard of it." Hiei said, coming out of his thoughts.

"I used to play it in High School, but I haven't been able to play much since then." Kurama said and then huffed. "I tried to teach Kuro how to play it many times, but he could never get the hang of it." Then seem to say as an after thought. "Or didn't want to get the hang of it."

"My Sensei taught me." Hiei said, walking over and picking up the box. Sitting it on the coffee table, he lifted the lid, revealing a series of well worn bone tiles painted with different characters, what looked like poker chips and a set of dice. "He used to always say. 'The strong man may be able to move a boulder, but the wise man can move a mountain'."

Kurama nodded his head. "My…mother taught me. Do you play often?" He asked, lightly brushing his fingers across the tiles. Remembering his lessons from his mother and the times he tried to teach Kuronue. His own set was a more modern one, not real bone and stored in an oak box, stained cherry. It was currently at home, the home he was raised in that is.

"Not so much anymore. My Sensei died a few years ago and this was his. I don't keep in touch with anyone from the classes." Hiei shrugged. "I tried to teach Jin, but had the same results as you, he just didn't get it. I tried teaching Kuwabara once, but you won't see me making that mistake twice."

Kurama smiled, but then said. "Jin…..he was the one killed in the fire."

"Um….yeah, he was the last person…I…I was close to." Hiei said, mentally cursing himself for saying the name. "You wanna play?" He said, changing the subject.

"Sure." Kurama said, taking the hint.

Together they set up the game with both agreeing to keep minimal scoring since neither one had played in awhile. After a couple of games, each having a win, they called it quits.

Their conversation during the games had been kept to a minimal as well and each didn't seem to mind the quiet that had taken over the room, just seeming to enjoy having the other there with them.

Now the two were sitting on the couch after Hiei had put some more logs on the fire.

"You know I would never have guessed you had a twin." Kurama said, breaking the silence and looking to the black haired.

"We're fraternal." Hiei said.

"She's completely opposite of you." Kurama said, scooting closer. "She's got bluish hair and large red eyes, where yours are small and your hair is……" He reached out with a hand and began fingering the white star burst part just above the black haired's forehead. After a moment, he began brushing it back with his palm. "Soft….it doesn't look it." He whispered, not stopping as small red eyes closed.

When he felt the fingers brush his hair, Hiei immediately sighed. If he was a cat, he would no doubt be purring for he'd never had someone do this to him and he found himself liking it very much. It was a strange, tingling, sensation that was quite…soothing.

"Hiei." He heard his name called softly.

He muttered. "What."

"Hiei I…." He heard a little closer, feeling a breath on his face, followed by something just barely brushing his lips.

The touch caught him by surprise as he was apparently drifting off and his eyes flew open at the same time he said. "What."

Kurama pulled away like he had been caught with his hand over the burner and was now on the far end of the futon putting as much distance as he could between them. Green eyes looked to the fire and he said. "It's getting late."

"I'll get you a blanket and pillow." Hiei offered, getting up to retrieve them while giving him self a mental curse for his reaction.

"Thank you." Kurama muttered, pulling his knees up to his chest, hugging them and still looking at the fire.

When Hiei came back with the items, he said. "I usually let the fire die out during the night, but if you're still cold, there're a few logs left."

"Okay." Kurama muttered, holding a hand out to take the blanket.

Tossing the pillow on the futon, Hiei said. "You need anything, just get it."

"Thanks." Kurama muttered.

Hiei left the man sitting there and went off to bed. He didn't sleep very well, but didn't feel like going out on the porch or disturbing the red head on his couch. This was the first time anyone had stayed the night at his place. He'd never brought anyone he met at the bars here and Jin never wanted to stay, so he was use to being alone, but for some reason he was very content with the red head being here.

a)a)a)a

He must have fallen asleep, for he woke with a start as he heard the screen door open, then close, in the kitchen. Looking at the clock, he noted it was a little after nine a.m.

Getting up, Hiei went to the bathroom first before stepping in the kitchen to see the back door open, the screen door letting in a light breeze. Walking over, he could make out Kurama sitting in one of the lawn chairs with the blanket wrapped around his shoulders.

"Morning." He said, stepping out to join the red head. He walked to the railing, taking in the morning and the smell of salty air.

"I didn't wake you did I?" Kurama said standing and joining the shorter figure at the rail. The deck was about ten feet off the ground with nothing but sand visible for about forty feet till it merged with the water.

"No." Was all Hiei said.

"I looked out and found myself opening the door." Kurama said as a way of offering an apology.

"You hungry?" Hiei asked.

Kurama seem to think about it for a moment before saying. "Yeah."

"I have some oatmeal." Hiei said, heading back in.

"Sounds good." Kurama stood looking out at the sea for a few more minutes before coming in and closing the door.

"It's instant, is that okay." Hiei said, digging in one of the few cabinets in the kitchen.

"That's fine." Kurama said, dropping the blanket back on the couch and taking a seat on a stool.

"I have maple/ brown sugar or apple/cinnamon." Hiei offered, sitting the boxes on the counter.

"Apple please." Kurama said and watched as the black haired made it.

They ate in silence again and when the dishes were done, they took a seat on the couch.

"Don't let me ruin your morning routine." Kurama said after a few more minutes of silence.

"I have the day off and I really don't have any plans." Hiei said, well, he was supposed to go to Kuwabara's and help with the party. He really didn't want to do it, so….. "You have any." He asked.

"Oh…well, I had planned to go car shopping." Kurama said and went to get up to retrieve his clothes. However, as he went to stand, he ended up wincing as his back popped.

"You okay?" Hiei asked, standing to offer help.

"Yes, but I'm afraid….my back's going to have problems….for quite awhile." Kurama breathed out as he leaned back, trying to relieve the discomfort.

Hiei watched as the red head tried to do some stretching, but with the furniture in the way, he was not able to move very freely.

"Come with me." Hiei said, wrapping an arm around the lean waist and guiding him to one of the bedrooms.

"I'm fine." Kurama said, tensing up as they neared the door.

Hiei didn't say anything as he opened the door and lightly shoved Kurama in. The room was small and looked like it had been decorated to mirror a martial art's dojo. There were several floor to ceiling mirrors on the wall to his left and the floor was hardwood, with several mats of various sizes laying about. The back wall had several posters and the door leading to the deck. The other, on his right, had a closet and there were plagues, ribbons and trophies covering the rest of that wall. There were also several staffs and wooden swords on racks. The remaining wall, where the main door was, had a small shrine set up on a low dark wood table, complete with swords on a stand and a Buddha statue.

"Nice." Kurama said, taking it all in.

"I like it." Hiei said, stepping away to pull a mat over and lay it in the center of the room. "Lay down."

"Excuse me." Kurama blinked at the order.

"I know Keiko showed you a few exercises to help your back." Hiei said going ahead and sitting cross-legged on the floor near the mat.

Kurama didn't question how the black haired knew that and the man didn't offer the answer either, so he sat down and began his routine.

Hiei didn't say anything as he watched and assisted the red head in doing some stretches and flexing of his muscles. Not saying or doing anything different when he saw the red head flinch or tense as he messaged and stretched his legs like he had in the hospital. When Kurama was done with his routine, the black haired sat there cross-legged and placing his hand on his knees, closed his eyes and began taking in deep cleansing breaths.

Kurama sat cross-legged as well and watched the small figure. After a few minutes, a red eye cracked open to see green ones staring right at him.

Green eyes diverted their stare and Hiei smirked at the action. "Yes." He said.

"Sorry….I should get going." Kurama said, quickly getting up and heading out. He was trying not to blush at being caught staring and wondering why he was becoming interested in this man. 'Why do I feel so content with this guy? I even found myself wanting to kiss him last night, but I pulled back…was I really that afraid?' He hadn't felt content with anyone since Kuro and not even Karasu made him feel the way he did now even though he was starting to panic.

"I'll take you home." Hiei said, following.

"I can call a cab." Kurama said, seeing his cell phone on the counter.

"I'm afraid a cab doesn't come out this far." Hiei informed.

"Oh." Kurama had opened his phone to make the call, so he instead scrolled through his missed calls, seeing Karasu's cell number, three times. No doubt there was a voice mail message for each one.

"Let me take a shower and get dressed and I'll drop you off anywhere you want." Hiei said, heading to the bedroom to get clothes.

Kurama just stood there wanting to beat his head off the counter a few times. Why was he so panicky now? Didn't he just spend the night here? Nothing happened. Hiei was a perfect gentleman and those hands helping him stretch. The black haired's touches were helpful, not sexual in anyway, unlike when Karasu touched him. Yet he was internally tingling at the touch, welcoming it even when he flinched at the feel of having someone else's hands touching him. Looking at his cell phone, he had no doubt Karasu was worried about him for not calling, but did he really care about that right now? Would Karasu accuse him of cheating on him? Were the two of them really a couple, or still just consoling each other? 'It's been a year for god's sake. I need to move on with my life.' He berated himself. Kuronue had apparently told Karasu to take care of him, but was that true and just what type of 'care' did Kuro mean? Did it involve promoting him to personal assistant soon after his death? Karasu had seemed interested in him the first day they'd met. The day he had found out Kuro was the boss's younger brother. There's no guarantee that Hiei wouldn't stray like Kuro had and he knew Karasu was cheating on him. Was it a chance he was willing to take? Did he want to build up his hopes and pour all his heart and soul into someone that might just up and walk away or worse…die? Jin had died on Hiei and what Hiei had said that time at his apartment. The relationship had been a 'big joke'. Had Jin been cheating on Hiei, but the most important thing was, could he himself survive another possible betrayal?

He stood there for several more minutes until deciding he should get dressed. Hiei was still in the bathroom and not wanting to go in the man's bedroom or the dojo room. He just shrugged and began stripping there in the kitchen, knowing no one could see him from the ocean.

Hiei turned off the water and quickly dried off before hurrying into his clothes. He knew something was bothering the red head and that things were still awkward between them, so he wasn't going to leave the man waiting too long. He had enjoyed having the red head over, even when they just sat there and said nothing and he hoped this wasn't the one and only time it happened. The man didn't seem to be like Jin or the countless others he had met at the bars who just wanted sex and didn't care about anything else. He told himself he would do anything to keep the red head as a friend even if nothing else happen, just having someone to play Mahjong with was worth that alone, he jokingly smiled.

Opening the bathroom door, he stepped out into the 'small' hallway only to immediately step back out of sight.

Was Kurama stripping in the middle of his kitchen?!

With his mind quickly telling him to let the man have his privacy, his eyes didn't listen. He found himself glancing around the doorframe and watched as pants went down long toned legs. Kurama had already taken the t-shirt off and was now completely naked as he reached for his underwear on the drying rack.

Crimson eyes took in the lean, yet muscular figure as he watched the firm rear disappear behind the underwear.

'Damn….what is wrong with me?' He said, mentally slapping himself for watching. Closing his eyes, he stepped back into the bathroom and countered to ten slowly….very…slowly before looking and seeing the red head dressed, tucking in his shirt before buttoning the pants.

Taking a few deep breaths first, the black haired walked out like nothing was wrong and said. "You want to take a shower."

Kurama pivoted and had that moment of 'a deer caught in the headlights' look before composing himself and saying. "No thank you." And reached out to grab his wallet, keys and cell phone from where Hiei had left them on the counter as the clothes dried. He then went to the front door where he had placed his shoes and slipping them on, said. "Shall we?"

"You said you were going car shopping." Hiei said as he put his boots on and found his keys.

"Yeah….I think it's time I get another car." Kurama said, opening the front door when Hiei joined him.

"Have a particular place in mind." Hiei asked as they uncovered the car. "I'll take you there."

"Actually I have no idea what I want." Kurama said, getting in.

"How about I take you around, I know a little about cars and I have nothing better to do." Hiei suggested as he started the car and slowly backed up.

Kurama looked out the back window as the Sprite eased slowly out of the carport. Hiei then cut sharply to the left and backed up a small, man made, embankment just off the carport. Putting the car in gear, they began crawling up a graveled, barely a lane and a half wide, road for a half mile or so before hitting pavement.

Kurama turned to look back out the window, noting the gravel road appeared to head down past the house, probably to another house. "That's some driveway." He said when they hit the pavement and Hiei was able to pick up speed.

"And that's the way I like it." Hiei said, checking his side mirror before changing lanes and ascending the on ramp to the freeway. When the red head didn't say anything, he added. "If I don't like the company, I can always show them the express route over the cliff."

Kurama smiled and looking at his watch said. "Do you mind going to my place first? I would like to change clothes and I need to get something."

"Sure." Hiei said.

a)a)a)a

"You sure you don't want to come up?" Kurama asked as the Sprite pulled into the drop off circle.

"No thanks. I have a few phone calls to make." Hiei politely declined as the red head got out.

"I'll try not to be to long then." Kurama said. Shutting the door and sprinting up the steps as he noticed Bui holding the door open for him. The red head took note of the tiny headphone in the man's ear, no doubt going to listen to the game. "Just ask him to move if you need him too." He said as he passed.

"Not a problem sir." Bui said with a nod.

When Kurama disappeared behind the door, Hiei pulled out his cell phone. He didn't need to make any really important calls. He just didn't feel comfortable going up to the apartment.

Putting down the top on the car, he decided to call work and tell them to call him on his cell if he was needed. After he hung up, he noted he had two voice mail messages.

Calling voice mail, he heard Kuwabara's voice. "Man I hope you get this, I tried you at the house, but you weren't there. Man you're still coming right, I need you partner, I know in my heart you won't leave me hanging…okay, see yeah soon."

The second voice mail was also from the orange haired. "Hey, it's me again…Yukina said you left with Kurama yesterday, but you said you'd help." His voice dropped to a whisper. "But hey, I hope everything worked out, but you can't leave me high and dry man, bring him with you if you want, I don't mi….uh oh…" His voice then yelled out. "I know, coming…." Then a rushed "Call me." And the line went dead.

He called Kuwabara, telling him he should make it, but something came up and he may be a little late, while at the same time, mentally thanking Kurama for the excuse. Kuwabara had just assumed he was going to help with the party, he had not flat out asked.

a)a)a)a

Kurama stepped out of the elevator and went to key in, only to note the door was unlocked. Knowing it probably wasn't a burglar, the red head opened the door to see Karasu sitting on the couch, looking haunted as he stared at the blank TV.

"Something wrong?" Kurama asked, trying to stay neutral as he tossed his keys on a nearby table.

"Shuiichi, where have you been?" Karasu asked as he got up and hurried over, noting the red head had the same clothes on when he saw him yesterday morning and how wrinkled they were now. "I came to see how it went at that event and you weren't here."

"I was with a friend and lost track of time." Kurama said, making to move around his boss and head to the bedroom.

"All night?" Karasu questioned, eyebrows rising as he turned to follow him down the hall. "You could have called."

"Sorry….forgot…..did you try to call me?" Kurama asked, stripping out of his clothes. He really wanted to take a shower, but didn't want Hiei to have to wait that long. Walking into a walk-in-closet, he started pulling out clothes as Karasu followed, stopping in the doorway.

"Yes." Karasu said, watching the red head strip and then walk naked, except for the ruby pendant around his neck, across the room to the closet. Following the lean toned man and watching his every move, he stopped in the doorway, saying. "Like I said, I wanted to know how the event went and when you didn't answer. I came over to see if you were alright. You weren't here and I got worried." He said softly, while looking at his nails. "I was afraid you might have been in another accident."

"The battery must have died. Everything went fine." Kurama said, but really thinking. 'Geez, called three times, I'm honored. You weren't that worried when I had my first one, so why are you all of a sudden concerned now?' "I decided to go car shopping today, so I need to go." He said, slipping into another pair of underwear and jeans before putting on a solid green dress shirt. He then reached into a drawer and took out something which he shoved into a burnt orange jacket that he'd grabbed off a hanger. Walking out, he slipped his feet back into the same shoes and headed back down the hall, tucking his shirt in as he went.

"If you still insist on getting another car, then I'll go with you, I have no interest in the game. My driver can take us anywhere you want to go and if you don't find what you like or want here, we can always take the jet and……" Karasu said, following again down the hall.

"Thanks for the offer, but I already have a ride waiting. I grabbed the charger for the cell phone if you need me." Kurama grabbed his keys and stopped with a hand on the door, sighing a, 'please don't call though' look over his shoulder.

"Shuiichi." Karasu said softly. "I really do enjoy spending time with you." The lean black haired moved to stand right in front of the red head, placing his hand over the one that was already on the doorknob.

"I….like spending time with you too." Kurama muttered, fighting the urge to jerk his hand away, for some reason not wanting the man to touch him right now.

"You know, it will be a year next Sunday. I was thinking about going to Hawaii for the week to celebrate his life…..just the two of us….together, on the beach, soaking up the sun." Karasu's voice had dropped to a whisper as he ran his other hand up the red head's shirt, toying with the buttons before cupping his cheek.

"I miss him too." Kurama said softly, closing his eyes and for some reason leaning into the touch.

"I'm worried about you. You've been so distant lately and these little outings you keep taking are not something you usually do." The man said. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to avoid me."

"I just need some time alone." Kurama muttered as he felt a thumb caress his cheek a few times.

"You know he would have wanted us to continue without him." Karasu said taking his hand from the doorknob and unbuttoning several buttons on the green shirt so he could slip his hand inside. His fingers began lightly rubbing circles on the pale chest, brushing over a nipple ever few swirls. The hand that had been caressing the red head's cheek snaked around under the red hair to cup his neck and brushing his own lips across quivering ones, pulled them together in a kiss.

'So Kuro said.' Kurama thought, letting the kiss happen, but didn't further it. Karasu tried slipping his tongue in a couple of time, but he didn't let him.

"You might not want to believe it." Karasu said, finally pulling back. "But I keep telling you you don't need a car and after what happened….. I care for you, so let my driver take you where you need to go."

Hearing the word 'car' and 'driver' made Kurama snap out of it and he stepped back, remembering Hiei was outside waiting for him. "Sorry, but I have someone waiting." He whispered while maneuvering to get out the door.

"Don't be too late, I expect you home tonight. I want to fly out before it gets too late." Karasu said. "I'll stay here and wait for you." He watched the red head step into the elevator and added. "Don't keep me waiting too long."

Kurama hit the door just as it was opened for him. "Thanks Bui." He muttered as he jogged down the steps and headed to the Sprite.

Hiei saw Kurama heading towards the car, but then watched as green eyes looked back just as he went to reach for the door handle.

Seeing the blank look on the red head's face, Hiei asked. "Everything alright?" Starting the car as the man got in.

"Fine." Kurama said, still looking back at the building, but now biting his bottom lip.

"Where to?" Hiei asked, pulling out onto the street.

"Don't care…let's just play it by ear." Kurama said, still not looking at him.

Hiei saw Kurama look down at his shirt and then quickly button a few buttons. He didn't say anything and headed north.

They drove around to various lots, only pulling into a few, with no luck. Finally they came to a dealer that looked promising. 'Kaitou/ Nissan Dealer' the sign read.

After circling the lot, Hiei pulled up next to a row of cars and cut the engine. Looking to Kurama, he said. "Well."

"Why not." Kurama shrugged, getting out. The others places they had just drove through, not seeing anything worth getting out for.

They began walking the rows upon rows of cars, trucks and SUVs. Hiei didn't know what Kurama was looking for, though he remembered the man's other car being a Honda Civic and he had to admit, that car didn't seem to fit the red head's persona.

After about ten minutes of walking and stopping to look at a few cars, did a salesman finally appear.

"May I help you?" His nasal, up tight voice said.

Kurama turned and looked at the man whose short, curly, dark brown hair was slicked back and had brown eyes, which were peering through a pair a wire rimmed glasses. His face was covered with freckles, making him appear younger than he was.

"Yuu." Kurama said.

"Yes." The man answered, using his index and middle finger to push the glasses back up the bridge of his nose.

"See you're still working for your father." Kurama said, smiling and offering his hand to shake.

The man now known as Yuu shook the hand. "Well, if it isn't Shuiichi Minamino." He said with a little curtness. "Still working a low desk at K Inc?

"More or less." Kurama answered and made introductions. "Hiei, this is Yuu Kaitou, we went to high school together……Yuu this is Hiei, he's helping me select a new car."

"Is that your Sprite then?" Yuu asked, not offering his hand to the black haired, but placing them behind his back instead.

"Yes." Hiei said, already getting the feeling he wasn't going to like this man.

"Nice car." Was all Yuu said, before addressing Kurama. "So you said you need a new car, anything in particular or……" He motioned with his arm to the lot.

"No, nothing in particular, though I do think I would like a convertible." Kurama said, smiling down at Hiei.

"We have a selection of sedans….are we talking new models or pre-owned?" Yuu asked as he turned and started walking towards a row of cars.

"New." Kurama answered, following with Hiei right beside him.

They stopped in front of a row of Altima and Sentra models. "These are well priced and get good gas mileage." Yuu said.

"But they don't come in convertible." Hiei said crossing his arms and watching the man bristle in his business suit at the remark.

Kurama saw this and began looking at the stickers. "I don't know…they're not bad." He said, walking in and out of the cars.

Hiei huffed and started looking around when his eye caught a white car on display in the glass enclosed building.

"Hey Kurama." He called out, getting the red head's attention.

Yuu looked back and forth between the two, raising an eyebrow at the name, but didn't say anything.

"Yeah." Kurama hollered out and maneuvered his way back towards the smaller frame.

"There's a convertible over there." Hiei pointed.

"Oh." Kurama saw where he was pointing and began walking towards it.

"That car is a very special model and……" Yuu started to say as he followed the two.

"What is it?" Kurama asked, taking in the sport details and shimmering white color.

"It's a 350z Grand Touring Roadster." Hiei grinned, taking in the car as well.

Nodding his head, Kurama said softly. "Nice."

"Yes, well, he is correct on the model." Yuu said, catching up to them. He straightened his tie and fixed his glasses, again, before clearing his throat and stating. "You are looking at a 2007 Nissan Grand Touring Roadster. The color is called Pikes Peak, Pearl White. This one has 306 horses, that's 6800 rpms from a 3.5 liter, 24 valve, V6 engine. It has a high quality Brembo braking system and 6 speed close ratio manual transmission and comes with a Bose audio system, 6 disc CD changer with MP3/WMA CD capability."

Hiei smirked at the man for he sounded like a walking/talking owner's manual, but then he saw the 'kid in a candy shop' look Kurama was giving the car, seems the red head knew a thing or two about cars as well.

"It also has five cup holders." Yuu added.

"Geez, you think that's enough?" Hiei asked, getting Kurama to look at him.

"Should be." The red head nodded in all seriousness.

"Gentlemen, this car has a sticker price of forty thousand, two, five, zero and is the lowest we can offer. Taxes, tags and title are all extra." Yuu said and watched as Shuiichi's face fell at the mention of the price. He and Shuiichi had been high school rivals and though the red head didn't seem to hold a grudge, Yuu did, surely this car was well beyond a low level desk job means, even if he were to get a loan.

"Can you give us a minute?" Hiei said, grabbing Kurama by the arm and pulling him a short distance away.

"Sorry." Hiei muttered to the red head.

"For what?" Kurama blinked at him.

"He seemed to enjoy watching your face fall at the mention of the price." Hiei commented, looking casually at the dealer who was watching them with a smirk on his face.

"I can afford it, I just don't know if it's….me." Kurama said softly with a shrug.

"Oh it's you, by the way, what made you choose that Civic anyways?" Hiei asked.

"It was economical." Kurama said, blinking at the question.

"You're kidding." Hiei said, but Kurama remained blank faced. "Anyways, I think you'd look good in that." He motioned with his head towards the car. "But I don't want to force you."

"You think so?" Kurama said, looking over at the car and then back to crimson eyes.

Hiei raised an eyebrow, basically saying with his face, 'you have to ask', while biting back the words. 'No, just forget it, your red hair and that white would clash.'

"It would show him, wouldn't it?" Kurama smirked, looking at Yuu who was still smirking as he rocked back and forth on his heels, waiting patiently.

"Yes." Hiei said. "But are you sure you can afford it?" He asked, not wanting the man to go bankrupt just to prove a point.

Kurama turned his back towards Yuu and pulled a white envelope out of his jacket pocket. "Well, I brought forty-five grand with me." He said making sure the smaller figure saw the envelope from his angle.

Hiei's eyebrows rose half way up his forehead. The man was carrying more money on him then he'd make in a year, after taxes.

"But I can always talk him down." Kurama said with smug smile, pulling five grand out of the envelope and pocketing it in his jeans. "You talked me into it." He added with a whisper, giving Hiei a kiss on top of the head while squeezing a hand.

Before Hiei could protest, Kurama yelled out. "I'll take it."

"You…..you will…." Yuu squeaked out. Clearing his throat, he said. "Well, if you'll follow me, I need to do a credit check and set up your monthly payments." He turned to hold the door open.

Kurama and Hiei didn't say anything as the two followed the man to the car.

"Would you like to look it over while I get the paperwork started?" Yuu asked, opening the driver's side door. "I'm afraid I'm not allowed to let you take it for a test drive." He remarked, hoping Shuiichi's credit was bad or have him say he wouldn't be able to afford the payments so he could see the man turn red with embarrassment for looking at such a car. "Do you have a trade in, or a down payment?"

"No on both I'm afraid." Kurama said, getting in behind the wheel and motioning for Hiei to take the passenger seat. Neither one saw the glint in the dealer's eyes at that remark.

"I'll return in a moment." Yuu said and began to walk off, only to add. "Please avoid leaving marks with your shoes and playing with the buttons."

"You're going to make him go through all that paperwork and credit check sh…crap before you tell him you'll be paying cash." Hiei noted, checking out the dash.

"Oh, is that what he's going off to do, my bad." Kurama said, cocking his head towards the black haired and then chuckling at the look he was getting.

Hiei just shook his head and began pushing and turning a few buttons and knobs.

After a few minutes alone with the car, an older gentleman approached them. "Hello, can I help you boys?"

"Yes, I'm interested in this car." Kurama said, offering his hand as he stepped out.

"Well that's a fine car that it is…names Yuu Kaitou Sr." The man said, returning the hand shake. "Now do you have a down payment and or a trade in?"

"No sir, but I'm willing to offer cash and I see the price……" Kurama went to point at the sticker.

"Now…..now…we can always negotiate….follow me to my office boys." The man's face had lit up at the mention of the word 'cash' and he shuffled them into a small corner office.

"Is tax, tags and title included?" Kurama asked as he took one of the two chairs.

"No, they are extra." Yuu Sr. said, taking his seat behind a cluttered desk and motioning for Hiei to take the other chair, but the black haired refused and leaned against the doorway instead.

"Oh, well in that case….." Kurama went to get up.

"Now hold on just a minute there, you mentioned cash, so what are we talking….the list price is forty, two, five, zero and that is the best I can do, but you caught me on a good day and I'm feeling generous. I'll throw in tax, tags and title for that price." Yuu Sr. said with a smile. "Completely cash that is." He added, leaning back in his chair.

"I'm sure you've been sitting on that car for quite awhile, so how about thirty-five, with all the extras." Kurama countered.

"What…..no way, I haven't had that car very long and I already have two people interested, both willing to pay full price." Yuu Sr. said, holding up two fingers before putting his hands behind his head.

Hiei tried not to smirk and kept his mouth shut. This was Kurama's deal and he was going to stay out of it, even if the man was bullshitting them.

Kurama seemed to know it was a lie as well and countered. "Forty even, with all taxes, tags and title."

"I'll have to sit on a check for 7 business days and I don't take credit cards." Yuu Sr. said, leaning forward and placing his arms on the desk. "The banks are closed until tomorrow and I can't put a hold on the car."

Kurama pulled the envelope out of his jacket pocket. "Like I said, I have cash, so…do we have a deal?" He smiled softly, waving the bulging paper wrap.

The man's eyes practically popped out of his head at the sight of the thick envelope. "I have the key right here. Would you like to hold it while I write up the sales agreement?" He suggested as he reached over to a peg board and pulled off a key.

The two swapped items and the man quickly counted the money. "Now let me just get a few things from you…." He started, reaching over to pull a long slip of carbon copy papers from a drawer.

"What all will you need from me?" Kurama asked.

"Just the standards….name, address….driver's license number…." Yuu Sr. said already filling out the form.

Kurama handed over his driver license and the man ran it through the copy machine behind him. When the red head got his card back, he said. "Would this have everything else you need?" And handed over a business card.

The man took it and his eyes couldn't get any bigger as he was still eyeing the cash. Reading the card and the reference to being Mr. Karasu's personal assistant, the man gulped and said. "So if I have any questions or problems, all I have to do is call this number."

"Yes, you can reach me at that number." Kurama said.

"This should have everything I need. I assume you have car insurance…um Mr. Minamino?" Yuu said, noting the name on the business card.

Kurama handed over his insurance card, which was also photo copied.

"If you just wait outside that bay door on the right there, I'll have the car pulled out for you." Yuu grabbed one more key and called over the speaker box. Within a few minutes a young man walked in and took the key.

Kurama shook hands with Mr. Kaitou Sr. before walking out with Hiei right behind him.

"I'll go get my car and meet you in front of the building." Hiei said, walking away.

Kurama headed outside towards the bay door and watched as it rolled up. The sound of an engine starting up was heard before the car came into view, moving slowly down the ramp.

The man left the car running as he got out. "Sir, you have the other key." The man asked as he held the door open for the red head to get in, in his hand he held a cleaning cloth and he began wiping down the door handle, while the other hand pulled the clear plastic protector cover off the seat. The other had apparently been removed inside as well as the paper floor mats.

"Yes, thank you." Kurama said, flashing the key and getting in the car.

"A copy of your invoice will be mailed to you along with your title and tags. You can remove the sticker price just don't remove the temp tag until you get the real ones, your manuals are in the glove compartment and if you don't mind….." The man then proceeded to give Kurama a quick run down of the dash board, showing him how to adjust the seats, steering wheel, mirrors, stereo and put the roof up.

"Thank you, but I would prefer it down." Kurama said after the top came up and he pushed for it to go back down.

"Good choice, have a nice day Sir." The man stepped back as the red head gunned the engine and pulled away.

"Hey, where's he going?" Yuu shouted out as he ran over to the open bay door, watching the white car disappear around the corner.

"That gentleman just bought the Z." The guy said.

"But….but I just got the paperwork started, how….?" Yuu sputtered.

"Son." Yuu Sr. said, coming over to see what the commotion was all about.

"Father, did that man just buy the Z?" He asked.

"Yes he did…paid cash up front."

"But how…"

"Seems he's the personal assistant to Mr. Karasu and he had cold hard cash……"

Yuu let out a frustrating growl as he started tearing the paperwork into confetti, throwing it in the air in pure rage.

On the other side of the building, Kurama pulled his new (Peaks pike) Pearl white 350z so he was driver's side to driver's side with Hiei's Sprite.

"Well, what now?" Kurama said, smiling like a kid who just got what he wanted for Christmas or maybe it was the look of someone who'd stolen candy from a baby and had gotten away with it.

"How about an early dinner…on me? I know someone who makes a mean stir fry and the place is quiet, by the beach….you remember how to get there? Hiei smiled.

"Shay Hiei's." Kurama said, licking his lips, knowing exactly where the black haired was talking about. "Sounds delicious."

"Wanna follow me?" Hiei said.

Kurama let out a mocking laugh and gunned the engine. Peeling out, he zipped across the lot towards the exit.

"Oh….that's how it's going to be….what have I done?" The black haired muttered, slamming the Sprite into gear to give chase.

Kurama slowed slightly as he approached the street. 'Don't want to have that happen again.' He thought, looking both ways before squealing out onto the road and stopping at the light. He saw Hiei right behind him as he reached over to hit the radio.

"This one goes out to all those poor saps who are missing the big game. Hope this gets your blood pumping." The DJ said, followed by a hard beat song pumping through the speakers.

(Where do I take this pain of mine)

(I run, but it stays right by my side)

"Yeah, this will do." Hiei said, adjusting the volume before slamming into third gear to pull beside the red head. "You sure you know how to drive that thing…don't have it stuck in second do you?" He shouted, mashing the gas petal to the floor, zipping ahead of the white car when the light turned green.

(So tear me open, pour me out)

(There's things inside that scream and shout)

(And the pain still hates me)

(So hold me, until is sleeps)

"Oh, I don't think so." Kurama said with a glint in his eye as he down shifted and gunned the gas, making the 350z leap after the Sprite, rapidly closing the distance.

(Just like the curse, just like the stray)

(You feed it once, and now it stays)

A quarter of a mile later and Kurama was side by side with Hiei. Glancing at the black haired, Kurama let a sly smile play across his face before gunning ahead and yelling. "Maybe you should have built a real car!"

"He just did not say that." Hiei growled, shifting.

(Now it stays)

Kurama kept slowly pulling away from Hiei as the powerful 306HP engine purred like a kitten. The red head swiftly down shifted to fourth to take the upcoming right turn (on red) causing the tires to scream as he veered all the way into the left lane as he cleared the corner.

Suddenly Hiei was on his right, the nimble Sprite having taken the turn easily. He saw the man nod his head and heard. "This ain't England you know." And watched as the car powered on past the Z, giving Kurama no choice but to slow and duck in behind to avoid an oncoming station wagon.

(So tear me open, but beware)

(There's things inside without a care)

(And the dirt still stains me)

(So wash me, until I'm clean)

Kurama's glint turned mischief as he fought to keep up with the Sprite as it zipped through three successive left/right/left turns.

(It grips you, so hold me)

"Damn, that thing corners like its on rails." He muttered, admiring the work the black haired must have put in it.

(It stains you, so hold me)

They came out onto the four lane Main Street, with Hiei a good 20 feet ahead. But it was a long straight run from here and Kurama was willing to test what the Z had under the hood. He pulled right behind Hiei's bumper before swinging out into the left lane to try and pass. Only to have the black haired man jerk the little Sprite to block him and saw a hand appear with the 'one-finger' salute.

(It hates you, so hold me)

"Oh no, you just didn't." Kurama said, power shifting the Z. The tachometer leaped up into the red as he did the unexpected and veered left again into the oncoming lanes, passing yet again.

(It holds you, so hold me)

Hiei heard a high pitched laugh, as the Z roared past on the left, as he himself was prepared to zip right to block him. "Damn what is it with red heads…?" He cursed as he gave the Sprite all it had, trying to keep pace with the stronger car.

He cursed again as the Z slowly pulled steadily away, but his Sprite was doing all that he was 'willing' to make it do.

Both had to stop at the light just before the freeway on ramp. Hiei taking the left lane as Kurama had taken the right and he noted the same song playing from Kurama's speakers.

(Until it sleeps…until it sleeps…until it sleeps……..until it sleeps….sshh)

"Nice song, what station you on?" He called out.

Kurama looked at him quizzically as he could hear the same song coming from Hiei's car and watched as the smaller figure smiled, give him the Boy Scout salute and then was gone.

(So tell me why you've chosen me)

(Don't want your crap, don't want your greed)

"You little devil you." Kurama mused, as he noted the ploy. The light had turned green and Hiei had distracted him to get a head start. Grabbing gear, he raced after the Sprite and swore he could hear Hiei laugh as he ascended the on ramp.

(I don't want it)

Both drivers hit the freeway at over eighty and while traffic was light, both still had to weave in and out of cars. At one point, a caravan cut Hiei off in the fast lane to get around another car and he was forced to slow. He flashed his lights in frustration, as he saw Kurama go whizzing by in the far outer lane.

(So tear me open, make it gone)

(No longer will you hurt anyone)

(And the pain still shakes me)

(So hold me, until it sleeps)

"Shouldn't you be home watching the game!!" Hiei shouted as he finally got past the van.

(It grips you, so hold me)

Kurama felt his pulse race as he saw the slower lane open. Taking the opportunity to gun into the lead, he swerved around a car and floored the petal. 'Two miles to the exit.' He thought. Then cut all the way back over into the fast lane.

(It stains you, so hold me)

In his rearview, the red head saw Hiei finally clear the caravan and pour it on. "Too little too late, my friend." He muttered, only to curse as he realized he was rapidly approaching a Highlander that had pulled in front of him, to get around a large moving truck in the middle lane. 'To the slower lane it is.' He thought, zipping into the far right lane, only to see a Semi tractor trailer. Cursing loudly, he quickly downshifted, slowing to almost fifty and saw a blue Taurus pull in right behind him, blocking him in.

(It hates you, so hold me)

"No, no, no…nooo." He yelled like a two year old getting ready to throw a temper tantrum as he watched Hiei veer into the outer lane.

(It holds you, holds you…holds you, until it sleeps, until is sleeps……)

Hiei swerved around the Highlander and gunned it. "Oh I got him now." He smirked in musing as he pulled past the Highlander and the Semi when the moving truck moved back into the slower lane. Looking to his right, his jaw dropped as he saw a white blur on the far shoulder, peeking out ahead of the Semi.

(I don't want it…no don't want it…want it……nooooo)

"You crazy son of a ..." Hiei said in shock as Kurama gave him the Boy Scout salute before roaring on. The Semi was laying on the air horn, cursing the fool. The black haired shook his head, agreeing with the Semi, the red head was going to get into another accident if he kept doing stupid things like that. Just as he thought that, he saw the small white car swerved, as it hit debris, trying to cut back in front of the Semi. His heart was in his throat as he watched Kurama fight the wheel for a few seconds before finally gaining control and steering it back onto the lane, just before the exit ramp.

(So tear me open, but beware)

(There's things inside without a care)

(And the dirt still stains me)

(So wash me, till I'm clean)

They made it to the off ramp with Hiei's bumper riding Kurama's.

The 350z was riding the white line of the off ramp's 30 mph exit. "You're not cutting under me this time." Kurama muttered as he checked his rearview mirror.

Hiei tried not to growl as he saw Kurama fighting to hold the inside lane of the off ramp. Not seeing any cars on the by road in front of them, he hit 4th gear to pass the Z on the left, blowing his horn as he went by and waving for him to stay behind him. He wanted to get ahead to make sure the red head didn't do something crazy, like drive off the cliff near his house just to get around him.

(I'll tear me open, I'll make you gone)

(No longer will you hurt anyone)

(And the pain still shakes me)

(So hold me, until it sleeps)

The Sprite hit the gravel road to the house just seconds before the Z and slowed quickly to 20 mph. Looking in his rearview mirror, the black haired saw the red head slowing in an unspoken agreement.

'Don't want to kill anyone on this one lane death trap.' He thought as he saw Kurama pull back even more, seeming to have read his mind. He saw the top going up on the Z and decided to put his up as well. Keeping sand out of the car was bad enough as it was.

(Until it sleeps…until it sleeps…until it sleeps)

Hiei pulled into his short driveway and parked the Sprite under the carport. As he got out, he saw Kurama drive up the road some and then back into the drive, barely fitting bumper to bumper. When the car turned off, Kurama stepped out with a huge grin on his face.

"If you could have seen the look on your face….." He started to say, but before he could finish, a right cross came out of nowhere and he looked to see Hiei standing right in front of him.

Something in Hiei had snapped at seeing that cocky look on the red head's face and he wanted to wipe it away. "You idiot, what the hell was that….that little stunt. You could have gotten yourself killed, you listen here…..if this car is going to make you drive like that then…take it back and get your money back…." He was plain livid and his small hands were clenching and unclenching into fists at his side, his breathing turning heavy as he yelled at the red head.

Kurama swiped the back of his hand across his bottom lip, seeing and tasting blood from a small cut. "You seem to be having fun….." He went to say.

"I've had professional driving courses and I wasn't pushing my car further than necessary. Besides, everyone knows to avoid the shoulders, don't you know about all the shit there is on the shoulder. You could have blown a tire, flipped over the railing….and I don't play footsy with Semis."

"Sorry…..I guess I wasn't thinking." Kurama whispered, looking down.

"No I guess you weren't because you've already went over an embankment once pulling some stupid move, you think you have the sense to not want a repeat performance. Don't you care what other people think?" Hiei said, crossing his arms and staring at the man.

Kurama felt the blow to his chest. Why should he care what this man thinks? But for some reason, he did and he tried not to let his voice crack as he said. "You're right, I was being an idiot, lets add, careless, or better yet…. dork… boneheaded…. dense… nescient….thickheaded…witless…oh nitwitted is a good one."

Hiei just blinked as the red head rattled on and only when he saw the green eyes tearing up did he calm and finally note the bloody lip. "Ah hell." He cut the man off with a sigh. "Let's get some ice on that."

As they headed to the house, Kurama's cell phone began ringing. Fishing it out of his jacket pocket, he took note as to who it was and said. "I have to get this." Flipping it open he said. "Hello….yes…..I see….no, you did the right thing……no, you didn't interrupt anything." Giving the black haired a look before saying. "I'm on my way…thank you for calling." He hung up the phone and addressed Hiei. "I have to go." He said, heading back towards his car.

Hiei watched the man open the door and get in. "Kurama…" He called out, getting the man to stop before the door closed. "I'm…..I'm sorry…..that was a cheap shot, but I can't seem to help it, I……I'm starting to care about you." He managed to get out.

"I don't need anyone else caring about me. I get enough of that already." Kurama said, closing the door and starting the car.

Hiei stood there until the Z disappeared from view before going inside. There was a heavy pressure in his chest that he hadn't experienced before as he couldn't help getting that dreaded feeling that that was the last image of the red head he was ever going to see.

End Chapter 12

Lyrics to the song: Until it Sleeps – By: Metallica (off the S&M album/live version)

Well, we said we had reached the top of the cliff and now it was time to leap off…well we didn't say it was going to be smooth sailing on the way down, you always encounter some rocks and jagged edges along the way.