Author's Notes:

1. This is a sequel to my previous fic "The Gift." You can read this story without reading that one and still understand what's going on, but for the full emotional connection I do recommend reading "The Gift" first. Just please ignore the numerous errors, I haven't gone back to edit it yet.

2. I know, I know, I have two other stories. But I REALLY wanted to write an Xmas fic, and giving these two loveable idiots a solid conclusion seemed like a good idea. And this is only going to be 2 chapters, so it won't take up too much time.

3. If Hiei seems a little OOC, remember that this isn't based in the actual show/manga, so a lot of those formative events didn't happen so...yeah. He'll obviously be a little OOC.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Ch. 1: It's Been a Long Year

It was past midnight when Hiei finally pulled himself away from his computer. He'd been working for almost four hours straight, and he was aching and more than a little exhausted, but satisfied. His newest book was finally finished and just about ready to go to print. It had taken months of hard work, numerous phone calls listening to his editor threatening to take his own life (or Hiei's), and an obscene amount of coffee, but it was done. His editor just needed to give it one more going over before he could officially submit it to the publisher.

Hiei leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms high over his head, groaning in relief when he heard a few pops from the direction of his back. He'd definitely been sitting down for too long. He made sure to save his work and back it up, then shut the computer down and walked out of his office. He shivered when cold air hit him, only now remembering it was winter, and the heat in the empty living room had been turned off to save on electricity. He ducked back into the office and grabbed the hoodie lying over the back of the computer chair. He could feel his eyes soften as he looked at it. The material was a light green, not Hiei's usual color choice and it was obviously too big. Which made sense, given that Yusuke had lent it to him earlier.

"I'm gonna let you work in peace," the younger man had said when he'd handed it over, "but that doesn't mean I'm going to let you forget about me completely."

Yusuke had come by for one of their at-home dates. However, not long after dinner, in the middle of their chosen movie, he'd begun to lean more heavily until he had somehow ended up with his head pillowed on Hiei's lap. Hiei had woken him up and told him to go sleep in a bed, but only after gently tracing his features with his fingers.

His pulse sped up as he remembered he wasn't alone tonight. In truth, this was the first time Yusuke had ever slept over in the year they'd been dating. Usually, when Yusuke was feeling sleepy he'd just go back to Genkai's temple. But Hiei hadn't been able to bring himself to send the man away, not when his eyes had been that soft and he was so obviously tired. Yusuke had clearly been shocked by Hiei's suggestion that he stay, but he'd also been happy. The very thorough kiss he'd given had shown just how happy.

Hiei quietly wandered upstairs after making sure all the lights were off, making a quick stop in the bathroom to use the toilet and brush his teeth. His heart was pounding with nerves and trepidation when he finally walked to the bedroom. He'd worked on his novel primarily so he could put this off. No one else had slept in his bed with him except Kurama, and Hiei wasn't entirely sure how he was going to react to it. Now it was time to find out. He couldn't keep putting this off if he was serious about Yusuke, and if he'd learned anything over the past year it's that he was serious. So much so that it was getting harder and harder to hold himself back when he was alone with the man.

Taking a breath to steady himself, he gently pushed the cracked door open. The lamp on the dresser had been left on; undoubtedly so Hiei wouldn't trip when he came to bed. It filled the room with a golden glow, and illuminated the man on the bed. The room was warm from the heater, but Hiei felt it grow even warmer as he looked at Yusuke sprawled shirtless on the bed with the sheets pushed down to his waist. He'd clearly washed his hair, the dark strands splaying over the pillow and falling into his eyes. It wasn't the first time Hiei had seen Yusuke shirtless, but he was still riveted by the sight. He leaned in the doorway, enjoying the view and the desire it awoke in him.

Yet underneath the pleasant heat of that desire, he felt the sharp stab of pain he'd been expecting. He'd been feeling it a lot this year as he adjusted to allowing someone else in his life; someone who wasn't Kurama.

The first time he and Yusuke had really kissed. The first time he'd admitted to one of the townspeople they were dating. The first time he'd fallen asleep in Yusuke's arms. The time he'd allowed Yusuke to use Kurama's favorite cup. The time he'd finally packed up Kurama's old clothes and donated them. The pain had been there each and every time, creating a new tear in his heart. But Yusuke had been there every time as well to help begin the healing process.

He'd brought his own mug to keep at Hiei's house even though Hiei had never told him how it had pained him. He'd allowed their relationship to move at Hiei's pace, slow and careful, without pushing or complaining. He'd held Hiei gently when he had broken down packing the old clothes, and hadn't said a word. During that first kiss, he'd allowed Hiei to sort out his feelings, and then had kissed him so deeply and thoroughly it had left them both breathless.

No matter the pain his own memories caused, Hiei was thankful Yusuke was in his life to help create new ones. And, somehow, he knew that Kurama approved.

"Quit starin'," Yusuke said, interrupting his thoughts, his voice deep and rough from sleep. He'd turned on his side, one arm curled under his head and the other on the bed in front of him.

"Just enjoying the view," Hiei replied. He smirked as Yusuke rolled his eyes and his cheeks grew red. He did enjoy how easy it was to get a reaction.

"This view's not too bad either."

He held back a shudder as Yusuke looked him over in appreciation, a possessive light in his eyes. It might have concerned Hiei if he hadn't seen the soft, warm smile playing at Yusuke's lips. The shudder turned into delightful shivers as Yusuke didn't even bother to hide how much he liked what it saw, and the feeling left Hiei so open that when Yusuke held up a hand, Hiei moved closer to take it and allowed himself to be pulled down onto the bed and into his arms. They ended up with Hiei tucked snugly against Yusuke's body, back to chest, with one of Yusuke's arms acting as a pillow under Hiei's neck and his other wrapped around Hiei's waist.

"This okay?" Yusuke whispered against Hiei's ear, his arm tightening as Hiei shivered again at the feeling.

"Yeah," Hiei replied. He linked his hand with the one on his waist. "It's okay."

It was more than okay. Yusuke was delightfully hot and solid behind him, and Hiei could feel how affected the man was by their closeness. He relaxed completely in Yusuke's hold, swallowing around a dry throat as they were pressed impossibly closer. It meant more than he could say that Yusuke was that hard, but continued to keep his touches respectful. He felt his body responding in kind; after all, he wanted to go slow, but he wasn't blind or unfeeling. He'd found Yusuke physically attractive from the beginning, and the more time they spent together, the more attractive he became. His kindness and consideration only added to it.

Chapped lips pressed a kiss just under Hiei's ear, and he let out a small, strangled sound. Yusuke knew exactly what that spot did to Hiei and (with Hiei's permission) enjoyed teasing it. At least it was a double-edged sword. Yusuke released a sound of his own as Hiei's movement caused him to press back against the man's hard cock.

"G'night, Hiei," Yusuke whispered huskily when they had both settled down.

"Get some sleep, Yusuke, or Genkai will have my head."

Wrapped so tightly in Yusuke's heat and scent, Hiei fell asleep faster than he thought he would, feeling warm, safe, and loved.

X X X

Hiei woke wrapped snug and warm in his blanket, not the arms he'd fallen asleep in. A frown formed before he'd even opened his eyes. It only deepened when he did open them and confirmed the other side of the bed was empty. His heart clenched and he reached out to where Yusuke had lain. It was cold to his touch. He closed his eyes and curled up a little more tightly beneath the blanket, holding in a sigh. He'd been looking forward to waking up to Yusuke's face. Logically, though, he knew the man probably had morning training with Genkai, and the old woman would kill both of them if Yusuke was late. The knowledge did nothing to curb his disappointment.

However, before he could feel too much, he heard footsteps in the hall. Soon after, the door was pushed open. Yusuke peeked around the door, grinning brightly when he saw Hiei was awake. His hair was still loose (Hiei never allowed him to keep a tub of hair gel in the house) and very obviously mussed from sleep, and he'd put on the green sweater he'd worn yesterday. Hiei eyed the piece of clothing fondly; it was the same one Yusuke had worn the very first time he'd entered Hiei's house, and it still looked good on the other man.

"Mornin'," Yusuke greeted. He entered the room fully and sat down on the bed close to Hiei's feet. His gaze was soft as he watched Hiei sit up and allow the blanket to fall to his waist. "You look good in my clothes," he teased.

Hiei couldn't stop his cheeks from flushing. "I thought you'd be training with Genkai."

Yusuke shook his head, the grin never disappearing. "Oh, I didn't tell you? She's given me two weeks of freedom, starting today. Hell if I know why, but I ain't gonna look a gift horse in the mouth."

Something inside Hiei relaxed, and he smirked. "So you're going to bother me now instead?"

"Maybe."

Brown eyes took on a mischievous gleam as Yusuke reached out to gently cup the back of Hiei's neck and pull him into a kiss. It was far too easy for Hiei to melt into it, using one hand to support himself and the other to grip Yusuke's bicep. Sparks flared as their lips brushed over and over again, spreading heat throughout Hiei's body. Yusuke's fingers kneaded the muscles beneath them, and Hiei shuddered as pure want unfurled in his gut. He loved Yusuke's hands; rough with callouses, but strong and sturdy. A fighter's hands.

"Is that a problem?" Yusuke murmured against Hiei's lips, letting out a huff of laughter when Hiei pulled away to glare at the interruption.

"Shut up."

He grabbed Yusuke's shoulders and pulled him into another kiss, one much less chaste than the first. He used his tongue to lick his way into that smart mouth, shuddering at how easily Yusuke opened for him. Then Yusuke moaned, and it sent a thrill down Hiei's spine. He felt his cock stir in his pants, and he shifted, torn between wanting to stop and wanting more. His desire won out. As their tongues danced, Hiei leaned back, bringing Yusuke with him until he was laying down and Yusuke's body covered his own. He was so hot, and the sounds Yusuke was making only added fuel to the fire. His hands glided easily from strong shoulders and up into soft hair as he slowly pulled out of the kiss, sucking on Yusuke's lower lip before they fully separated.

Hiei's hips jolted as he looked at the other man. His cheeks were flushed, lips red and wet, and his usually light brown eyes had darkened to mahogany with desire. He was propped over Hiei on his elbows, one on either side of Hiei's head. Hiei's eyes tracked Yusuke's tongue as it came out and wet his lips, so focused he was surprised by Yusuke rolling his hips down, putting pressure where Hiei needed it most. They both moaned, Hiei tightening his fingers in Yusuke's hair. He growled and untangled his hands to shimmy the thick blanket down. He didn't know which of them released the gasps and moans as their bodies rocked against each other in the process, and he didn't care.

Finally the blanket was out of the way, and Hiei relaxed under Yusuke again, tangling their legs together. He shuddered under the intensity of Yusuke's stare but managed to give him another smirk.

"It was in the way," he murmured, shocked at how dry and husky his voice had gotten. But he felt a little better when Yusuke's eyes darkened while he nodded absently.

Gods how I want him.

Slowly, purposefully, Hiei slid his hands up Yusuke's clothed chest. He trailed his fingers over the soft skin of his neck, thumbs pressing lightly on the hinges of his jaw before one moved to trace kiss-swollen lips. Heat turned to fire as Yusuke parted his lips and sucked in Hiei's thumb, laving it with his tongue without breaking their eye contact. Hiei groaned and rolled his hips up, gasping when his aroused length pressed against Yusuke's strong thigh. Yusuke released the thumb with one last lick, a small but wicked smile forming.

"Are you sure, Hiei?" he asked, leaning down to place a kiss on Hiei's jaw even as he shifted his thigh to give Hiei more of that delicious pressure.

"Yes!" Hiei gasped. His gut tightened and he rutted upwards. "Not-not everything," he added. "But this-this is okay."

His heart soared as Yusuke's smile turned so warm it threatened to set Hiei on fire. That Yusuke cared enough to ask in the first place somehow made him even more turned on than he had been before. He couldn't stop this now even if he wanted to, and he did not want it to stop. But this was the first time he and Yusuke had gone this far; he wanted to make it more memorable than this.

So he once more buried his fingers in Yusuke's hair, caressing more than gripping, and slowly pulled his head down. When their lips met this time, Hiei parted his own in an invitation Yusuke readily accepted. But instead of the hunger that had filled the kiss before, Hiei kept this one slow and gentle. Every movement of lips and tongue was deliberate, allowing both of them to really feel and focus on the sensations. He moaned into the kiss as Yusuke's tongue pressed and smoothed over the roof of his mouth at the same time that the other man pressed his thigh gently but firmly against Hiei's groin.

Soon Yusuke had to pull away, both of them taking in the air they'd missed, and there was so much in Yusuke's eyes now Hiei had to close his own or risk saying something he wasn't prepared for at this moment. But he didn't stop rocking against Yusuke's thigh, or shifting his own to press against the man's own erection to release more of those sounds that were making the pleasure inside him curl tighter and tighter. He groaned when Yusuke leaned down, pressing breathless kisses to his cheek and jaw before moving to his ear and sucking the fleshy lobe inside his mouth. His hips moved faster, and the pleasure coiled tighter and tighter.

"I love the way you kiss," Yusuke whispered heatedly in his ear.

And the words were so close to something else, so full of meaning, that Hiei couldn't hold on anymore. He thrust up one more time and came with Yusuke's name on his lips as his mind blanked out. He was vaguely aware of Yusuke cursing, and had just enough mental capacity left to keep his leg in place as the other man rutted against him and to focus on his face as Yusuke's body stiffened and he reached his own climax, groaning Hiei's name in a way that would have made him hard again if he were capable of it.

Yusuke collapsed on top of him, but quickly rolled to the side so his weight wouldn't smother Hiei, and Hiei himself went willingly into the arms that wrapped around him. They were both sweaty, and he knew the mess in their clothes would feel uncomfortable soon, but right now he wanted to enjoy the relaxed peacefulness between them.

"That's gonna star in my dreams for a while," Yusuke muttered eventually.

He was trailing one hand up and down Hiei's back in a way that made him want to purr. It was warm, and comfortable, and Hiei felt so content that he couldn't help admitting, "It's already been in mine."

It was worth it to see how Yusuke's eyes widened and his face turned a bright red, and for the eager kiss he received.

"Thank you," he whispered against Hiei's lips, and maybe it would sound strange to someone else, but Hiei knew what Yusuke was really saying: Thank you for trusting me.

He gave Yusuke his own kiss, nipping at his lips, before sighing in discontent. "As nice as this is, we really should clean up."

Yusuke grimaced. "And I need to go re-heat breakfast."

"Breakfast?" he questioned with a raised brow.

"Uh, yeah. I woke up earlier than you and got hungry and decided to make us something to eat. It's why I came up here in the first place, to wake you up so you could eat."

His heart quickened its pace, and he couldn't resist one more slow, thorough kiss. "Then let's get cleaned up and eat."

If Yusuke appeared a little dazed when he nodded his head, well, Hiei wasn't about to disapprove.

X X X

Hiei allowed Yusuke to clean up first while he went to find something for the other man to wear. Underwear wasn't a problem (as long as he did not think about Yusuke wearing them), but pants were another issue given how much taller he was. In the end, Hiei chose a pair of sweatpants that were too long on him. They might still be a little too short for Yusuke, but they would cover him until he made it back to the temple. He gave the clean clothes to Yusuke when he was finished in the bathroom, and slipped inside before he could give in to the urge to get Yusuke dirty again.

He turned on the water, and stepped under the spray when it reached the temperature he wanted. He was shivering, and not from the cold, but from the memory of what they had done. It had been so long since he'd been touched like that, kissed like that. It had been wonderful even with their layers of clothes. But it had also been just slightly terrifying.

I haven't been with anyone since Kurama.

He shut his eyes tightly as they began to burn and took a deep breath. He was fine. He was. It was just a little overwhelming, and he thanked the gods he'd been sensible enough to ignore his body and not take it too far. If they had really had sex, he might have fallen under the weight of his sadness and guilt. As it was, the emotions were light enough that he could work through them now before it finally happened. He was honest with himself to admit that he wanted Yusuke too much to let their relationship remain chaste.

Besides, Kurama would castrate me himself if he thought I was holding back because of him.

A wet chuckle escaped at the thought. Kurama had treated sex almost as a necessity for life, having it as often as Hiei was willing and enjoying it as thoroughly as possible. He'd gone at Hiei's pace, but Hiei had found him relieving himself one too many times to think Kurama's sex drive had been as low as his own. They had discussed it once, when Hiei had admitted he'd felt like he was neglecting Kurama.

"Sex is something you should want to do," Kurama had told him. "When you want it, and your partner is willing, then you can enjoy it. If either of you don't want it, it's fine. A partner who truly cares about you will wait."

Thinking back on it now, Kurama hadn't used his own name in the advice. Of course, it had been early in their relationship, before they had realized how serious they were about one another, so Kurama could simply have been holding back to not scare Hiei away. But he had always had more than one reason behind his words and actions; it was entirely possible he had been giving Hiei advice for a time when, maybe, Kurama wasn't with him for one reason or another. And Hiei had no doubt that, if communication with the dead were possible, Kurama would approve of his relationship with Yusuke, and of the man himself. Knowing all of that helped to ease the guilt.

Hiei finished washing up before the water turned cold. When he dressed, he hesitated only briefly before pulling Yusuke's hoodie back on. He liked the way Yusuke looked at him when he wore it. He wasn't planning on going anywhere today, so he simply towel-dried his hair so it wasn't dripping wet. Then he went downstairs, feeling lighter inside.

Yusuke was in the kitchen, sitting at the table while he typed away at his phone. Hiei was still trying to convince him to save up for a smartphone, but the man was too stubborn. When he looked up, Hiei had to smirk at the way his eyes darkened and trailed over him.

"You can keep that if you want," Yusuke said, his tone only half-joking.

"I just might."

He looked away from that tempting gaze before he could do (or say) something he wasn't sure he'd regret, and eyed the food on the table. Miso soup that definitely looked fresh and not from a packet, freshly cooked rice, grilled salmon, a small salad, and green tea. He knew the food hadn't come from his own cabinets and refrigerator, and suddenly remembered the large bag Yusuke had brought inside the night before. His throat tightened and it took him a moment to speak.

"I didn't know you could cook," he finally said as he sat down.

"A little. I wouldn't have had much to eat growing up if I didn't learn. Ma wasn't exactly the greatest at cooking. And, well, when she drank, she kinda forgot I needed food."

There was so much old pain in his expression that Hiei didn't hesitate to reach out and grip his hand. They had talked several times about Yusuke's complicated relationship with his mother, and he knew it hadn't been easy for Yusuke. His actions earned him a slightly strained smile.

"She was better about that stuff when I was too little to help," he continued, squeezing Hiei's hand. "I think it was around junior high school when I really had to do something. I woulda' burned the house down if it weren't for Keiko's dad. He taught me basic cooking skills, and I helped out in his shop to pay him back."

It took Hiei a few seconds to remember the name, but he soon matched it with the memory of the woman who had come to visit Yusuke over the summer. He hadn't known what to expect from the man's first (and only) significant other, as he and Kuwabara had very different descriptions of her. But she'd been smart, beautiful, and confident. He might have worried if she'd been single, but she and her husband had clearly been in love. Besides, Yusuke had spent so much of his time looking at or casually touching him that Hiei had had no time to feel worried or jealous. He had only spoken privately with Keiko once, during a dinner at Yukina's house. They had ended up alone in the kitchen cleaning the dishes together.

"Take care of him," she'd said. "And if he ever needs a good smack, just give me a call."

It was only later that he'd realized she'd never given him any of the talk he would have expected from Yusuke's oldest friend. That, more than anything, told him she'd approved.

"Thank you for this," Hiei said, giving Yusuke's hand a squeeze of his own before he released it. "I usually don't eat breakfast."

Yusuke snorted. "I figured, with how empty your shelves are. If you didn't keep up with kendo, you'd either be a stick, or fat from all that processed food you eat."

They traded smirks. Each of them pressed their hands together in front of them and said, "Itadakimasu." The food was simple, but delicious, and Hiei could practically feel another piece of his heart open up to the man. He was dangerously close to losing all of it, and that scared him as much as it excited him. At least he was in good company, judging by Yusuke's own behavior and words.

"You said you have two weeks of no training?" Hiei asked after a few moments.

Yusuke grinned. "Yeah, so she says. I'll have to disappear, though, if I want her to remember. Maybe I can ask Chu for some extra hours…"

It took no effort to keep his expression neutral; not when Hiei had spent years perfecting the exercise. "Or you could go to an onsen resort with me this weekend."

"Huh?"

He couldn't look at Yusuke right now, or he would ruin his own efforts by laughing. That one word was filled with all the confusion the man had to be feeling. So he took another bite of fish, chewed it carefully, and swallowed. Only when he finished did he catch Yusuke's questioning gaze.

"I was planning to get away this weekend," he said. "To celebrate finally finishing that damn book. I was going to go by myself, but if you have time off…."

"You want me to go on a trip with you? An overnight trip?" Yusuke questioned slowly, his eyes wide with disbelief. If Hiei weren't so amused, he'd be insulted by the implications in that question.

"Or not," he replied, shrugging. "I just thought you might want to make sure Genkai can't reach you for a few days, but I can always stick to my original plan. It would be more peaceful by myself anyway."

"No, no, no!" Yusuke said quickly. Confusion had been replaced with excitement, his eyes sparkling now, and if he'd had a tail it would be wagging enthusiastically. "I want to go! I just, you know, didn't expect you to ask."

Of course he didn't. They had been growing closer, but Hiei had been very careful about letting the other man in slowly. He hadn't wanted to rush and overwhelm himself, so their pace had slowed to a snail's crawl until last night and this morning. But Yusuke had endured the slowness with cheerfulness and accepted everything Hiei could give him without pushing. That, more than anything, made Hiei feel comfortable about asking him to go with him. But he did have another reason.

"This weekend is also Christmas," Hiei said, putting just enough warmth in his voice to let Yusuke hear it. "I thought it would be nice to do something together."

The result was instantaneous, Yusuke's cheeks flushing as red as Santa's suit and his mouth opening just slightly in shock. But it closed quickly and formed one of the most beautiful smiles Hiei had seen from him yet, and he carefully catalogued it in his memory.

"I'd really like that," Yusuke said softly, breathlessly. He cleared his throat and, in a stronger voice, added, "I'll have to ask Chu and Mr. Yamaguchi if I can have some time off, though."

"Then ask them and let me know your answer tonight, so I can make sure the resort knows."

"You got it."

Hiei, finished with his meal, stacked up the dishes and took them over to the sink. It wasn't long before a pair of arms wrapped securely around his waist, and he was pulled back into a warm, strong body. He went willingly, leaning into the embrace, as Yusuke's rough lips were pressed to his cheek.

"Thanks, Hiei. I can't wait."

He felt Yusuke's heart beating rapidly in his chest, and allowed a small smile to grace his face as he turned, leaned onto his toes, and gave the man the softest, warmest kiss they'd shared that morning.

"Neither can I."

If you enjoyed, please leave a review~

Cultural/Story Notes:

-Heaters in Japan: Okay, so, in Japan most houses/apartments (like almost all of them, I think) don't have central heating. They use kotatsu tables, space heaters, or the air conditioning unit. Usually the family will choose which rooms need the heater/air con and install it only in that space; primarily bedrooms and the living room.

-Itadakimasu: I'm pretty sure you all know the MANY different translations of this. I chose to use the original Japanese because the available English translations just really don't do a great job of conveying the meaning.

-Breakfast: Typical Japanese breakfasts are VERY different from Western ones. When they actually cook them, the meals are similar to what Yusuke made here. Otherwise they may just have coffee, bread...Some people even eat ramen.