Chapter Two- Discoveries

"A vampire?" Karasu smirked, the tips of his fangs exposed. "Ah, how interesting and how perfect. Kurama and I will indeed be together forever."

"Yes and without one of his allies, the Spirit Detective will be unable to stop me from completing the tunnel."

Karasu looked over to the lake where a demon sat in a boat. Above him was an opening that seemed to gradually be getting bigger. "You plan to unleash demons on the Human World."

"Yes. I still need allies of my own, but I will first tell you about your new lifestyle. You will need to adjust before going after Kurama."

Karasu sank his fangs into the man's neck and drained him of his blood. He dropped the body and licked his lips of blood. He knew, as a vampire, that he needed blood to keep his body functioning and yet he disliked the notion- until now. He found he liked drinking blood and with everything Sensui had told him, he was pleased to be a vampire. This is a lifestyle I intend to give to Kurama. He will be like me and we will love each other for eternity. However, I need to adjust and practice my powers and abilities before turning Kurama.

Kurama smiled as he snuggled in his bed. He had just had a wonderful evening with Hiei. They hadn't gone anywhere, just stayed in his room where they first discussed when they realized their love for the other.

"I started to realize I felt more than friendship for you when I thought you had died in the finals," Hiei had said.

"I felt the same way when you went into your hibernation after your fight."

"Did you?" Hiei had cocked an eyebrow.

"Yes. You are attractive and peaceful when you are asleep."

Hiei had smirked. "I see." He had then tackled Kurama making him fall backwards on the bed where they had been sitting. He had straddled Kurama's waist before kissing the redhead and threading his fingers through his hair. Kurama had responded to the kisses eagerly and ran his fingers up Hiei's spiky hair. Hiei had eventually gotten up and headed for the window. "You need sleep, Fox. You have school tomorrow," he had said.

Kurama had stifled a yawn. "Yes, of course. Good night, Hiei."

"Good night." Hiei had leaped out the window and was gone.

Kurama looked forward to seeing Hiei again whenever that would be. He sensed the two of them were made for each other; they understood one another so well. He sighed softly as he drifted off to sleep.

Hiei sat perched in his favorite tree in the park. He had never thought he would love anyone aside from his sister. Clearly, he was wrong, but he was happy to be wrong. He used to view Kurama as a desirable ally, a worthy fighter. It wasn't until he was watching Kurama fight Karasu that he felt something for Kurama that went beyond friendship. He had intended to keep that realization to himself but Kurama could read him so well that keeping it secret wasn't an option.

It worked out fine, he thought. Turns out he loves me too. We both realized it at the same time and kept quiet about it for weeks. That's mostly on me as I didn't visit Kurama after the tournament until yesterday. He leaned back against the trunk, and closed his eyes, dreaming about a bright future with Kurama.

Kurama headed to school the next day, imagining a future with Hiei. I think it might be time to tell Mother the truth. I will be clear that I did not tell her before in order to protect her. I hope she accepts it and still loves me. If she does, I will tell her about Hiei. Naturally she would want to meet him; it is what a parent would do. Speaking of which, the man she is dating. He will be my stepfather when they marry. I will tell Mother about myself and assure her that she can tell her fiancée. He should know about his future stepson after all. He approached the school gate and paused before turning his head to see a flash of long black hair. He frowned; that wasn't Hiei. Someone else was watching him, but that wasn't a concern. He was popular among the girls for his looks, his grades, and his polite personality. It was probably just an admirer. He smiled as he passed the gates. The girls would be disappointed when they learned that 'Shuichi' was in a relationship; he just wouldn't say who, as it was no one's business but his and his mother's.

Karasu watched around a corner as Kurama headed toward school. The sunlight gleamed off his red hair which went well with his green eyes. He was so handsome and desired to have the boy in his arms. He saw Kurama pause and start to look his way. He pulled away, turned, and left aware that the ends of his hair probably showed briefly. Karasu wasn't concerned; he had no energy or scent as a vampire. It was one of the perks of giving up being a demon and taking on a more human form. He smiled as he leaped up onto a rooftop and raced away from the school. He still had much to learn about what he had become such as how often did he need to feed? He swatted a Makai insect out of the way. Hmm, a sign of the tunnel being made wider. Not that it is of any concern of mine.

"You plan to tell your mother the truth?" Hiei asked via telepathy as he followed Kurama from above.

"Yes. I feel the time has come to be honest with her. I have worked out how I am going to phrase it."

"Do you think she will believe it and accept it?"

"I hope she does. I will be able to provide proof, but only briefly."

"What proof?"

"I can take my demon form."

"What!? You never said that before."

"It is a recent development. I also hope to produce some roses for her."

"When do you plan to tell her?"

"Tonight as it is Friday."

"Hn, good luck Fox. I'll be nearby when you need me."

Kurama nodded as the link closed and he sensed Hiei had left. He wouldn't admit it to Hiei, but he was nervous about telling his mother the truth. He had hidden the truth from her for fifteen years in an effort to protect her. But with his involvement with Hiei coming into bloom, he felt now was a good time, particularly if she walks in to see a stranger keeping her son company.

He let out a slow breath. I will tell her after dinner. That would be best. He opened the door. "Hello, Mother," he called.

Shiori entered the hall, embracing her son. "Hi, Shuichi. How was school?"

"It was good as always." He returned the hug before both parted.

"Well help me prepare dinner once you've put your bag away."

"Yes, Mother." He headed upstairs and as he set his bag down, he got the feeling of being watched. It was a sensation he had felt this morning. He glanced at the window and, for a moment, he thought he saw purple eyes. He was at the window in a flash and threw it open, heart pounding. There was no one there. Easy, Kurama, he thought. You are just nervous about telling Mother the truth. He closed the window and left the room, shutting off the light. He was unaware of Karasu clinging to the roof tiles above his window, grinning. He wasn't ready to turn Kurama yet, but he was enjoying his stalking of his victim. I will continue to do so as I explore and learn of my abilities. I will be his mentor when I turn him. It will be fun to see him grow paranoid as I spy on him and quickly vanish when he catches a momentary glimpse of my hair or eyes.

Karasu looked around, saw no one, turned into a bat, and flew away. He was pleased that he could become a bat but limited it to night as bats were nocturnal mammals. This is an amazing ability. I can hardly wait to show it to Kurama when he becomes a vampire.