You, Me, and Hiei

Springtime is in full bloom in the Hokkaido region of Japan. Along the outer banks of the mountains, two people are making their way to a secret hideout spot. The first is Kurama and with him is his girlfriend, Kiyoni. Kurama has made plans to use the weekend to celebrate their fifth-year anniversary in a secluded area of the island. He's confident that this weekend will go off without a hitch. Meanwhile, Kiyoni is both excited…and annoyed. She starts the conversation with a heavy sigh, "How much longer until we get there, Suu'chi?" "We're almost there, Kiyoni. Be patient," Kurama replies.

Kiyoni sighs again while crossing her arms and legs, "…You said that ten minutes ago."

"Kiyoni, please try to relax."

"Relax?! How can I relax when we have that…stowaway with us?"

The "stowaway" in question is Hiei and he is riding comfortably on top of the rented Range Rover that Kurama is driving. He decided to join the couple at the last minute much to Kiyoni's chagrin.

"Remind me why he's with us again," she asks.

"If I knew, you would know," Kurama answers. He never really informed anyone of this trip except his parents, "Think of it this way. Hiei is more of a solitary person than I am. With any luck, he'll leave us alone the moment we're settled."

"…I hope so."


A couple of minutes later, the couple arrive at their destination, a small ryokan just enough for two. "This is the place," Kurama announces.

Kiyoni marvels at the little inn as she gets out of the car, "This is where we're staying for the weekend?"

"That's right," Kurama answers as he walks around the car to meet her, "My parents have a friend who owns this place. It came highly recommended the moment I mentioned this trip."

Hiei hops from the roof of the car to get a closer look, "This is where you'll be staying? Hm."

"Hm? What's that supposed to mean," Kiyoni inquires still annoyed.

"Nothing, princess," he walks towards the door, "I was just stating an opinion, that's all."

"Oooooooooooh," Kiyoni attempts to grab Hiei by the throat, but Kurama stops her.

"Kiyoni, calm down. I'm sure he's just joking," he promises.

"Minamino…I swear…"

Kurama places his hands on her shoulders, "Relax. This weekend is about us, remember? I'm sure Hiei understands what's going on here."

"Shuuichi, if he messes up just one thing while we're here, not only am I kicking his ass, but I'm kicking yours twice for bringing him here."

Kurama leads her to the trunk of the car, "Don't worry, he won't bother us. My plans are sure of that," he opens the trunk to grab their things, "It is our anniversary weekend, so we'll make the most of it, alright?"

"Are you sure," she whines.

"Yes," he replies as he grabs her suitcase, "If anything, outside (or to Hiei) I'm 'Kurama', inside I'm 'Shuuichi'. Your 'Shuuichi'."

"I get to see my sweet Shuuichi this weekend?" She displays an interested smile.

Kurama pulls her closer to him by her waist, "Yes, you'll see your sweet Shuuichi." They share a kiss. Within a moment, their kissing intensifies. Kurama slowly moves his hands down to her rear as Kiyoni tightens her embrace. With his hands in position, Kurama lifts his paramour and sits her in the back of the vehicle. She giggles at the gesture before kissing him again. As they enjoy their romantic moment, a telepathic conversation begins.

"I brought something for you," Kiyoni implies.

"What's that," Kurama asks.

"Remember the fashion show we had? The one where we exchanged outfits?"

Kurama breaks away from kissing, "You mean those lingerie outfits?"

"Mm-hmm. That one. Turns out I'm can still fit them all."

"Please say you brought all three."

Kiyoni laughs a little, "Just one. I'm wearing it right now."

"Which one?! The babydoll? The teddy with the thong? The lacy bralette?"

Kiyoni laughs some more as she scoots out of the car and walks towards the ryokan, "I'm not saying. You'll have to see for yourself."

"Aw, come on, Kiyoni. Don't tease me."

Kiyoni gets closer to the door as Hiei walks towards him, "You better get a move on with those bags, Minamino." She gets inside.

"Awwww," Kurama sulks for a moment before grabbing their bags. Hiei stares at him the entire time. "I can feel you looking at me, Hiei. Is something the matter," Kurama asks, "Better yet, you never did explain why you decided to come along."

Hiei walks towards the trees in front, "I have my reasons." He leaps away, disappearing along the brush.

Kurama closes the trunk of the car and heads inside, bags in his hands, "I hate to say it, but I pray that you stay out of our way."

Over the course of the holiday, Hiei silently observes the couple as they enjoy their time together. From their outdoor lunch near Cape Shirakami to the cherry blossom festival and the Matsumae Castle excursion in Matsumae. With a few hiking trips and visits to nearby parks in between. At night, the couple relax by the fire inside the ryokan. It is then they reestablish their physical and emotional intimacy. Something both Kurama and Kiyoni needed. With Kurama involved with work and Kiyoni preparing for medical school, they virtually had no time to themselves. This vacation is a welcome reprieve. Hiei stands outside the window watching their every move. The purpose of his attendance is to understand Kurama's infatuation with Kiyoni. It was one thing to comprehend Yusuke's relationship with Keiko, but to see the legendary spirit fox in love is something entirely new and surprising.


Rain falls over Hokkaido as a new day begins. Even though Hiei is perched among the trees outside, he can still see the couple inside. Kurama admirably watches Kiyoni as she is lulled away by the sounds of the rain. They had made love not too long ago. Kurama adores her baby-like face as she sleeps comfortably on her stomach. Her silk headscarf frames her face perfectly as it's shaped in a bun on the top of her head. He inches closer to her, brushing his shoulder length hair back along the way. He lightly caresses her back, tracing a finger along her wings. The sensation near her spine awakens her, "Mm, Suu'chi?"

"Hey," he responds.

"What time is it?"

Kurama looks out the window, "I don't know, exactly. I think it's safe to say that it's morning."

"How long have we been up?"

"I don't know and I don't care. Neither did you at one point."

Kiyoni smiles as she thinks about why, "You're right, I didn't." Kurama kisses her on the cheek. Hiei adjusts his position on one of the branches. "So what's on the agenda, today," she asks.

Kurama returns to his original spot and position, "Since it's raining at the moment, why don't we stay in?"

"Sounds good to me."


For the next few hours, the couple converse among themselves. Recalling old memories, discussing Kurama's work environment, and Kiyoni's school life. They're amazed at how much they think alike, a true reflection of their friendship. Hiei can clearly hear the laughter coming from the inn.

Realizing that neither one of them has eaten yet, Kurama makes a declaration, "I'm going to the kitchen."

"No, don't do that," Kiyoni exclaims.

"Don't do what," Kurama looks back at her.

"Don't go in there with clothes on," she answers, "Why do you need to put on pants when it's just us?"

Humored, Kurama dismisses her question as he slips on a pair of pants, "In case Hiei makes an appearance, I guess." Kurama leaves the room as Kiyoni watches. She sighs as she looks out the window to watch the rain. In her mind, she's grateful to do something like this with the one she loves.

As she continues to watch the rain, Kurama (fully dressed) actually makes his way to the car, out of her eyesight. Once inside, he contemplates his next move. Meanwhile, Hiei takes advantage of the situation. After figuring out a way to enter the ryokan, Hiei surprises Kiyoni. A creak in the floor makes his presence known. "Hiei," she exclaims hoisting the blanket over her chest, "What the hell? How did you get inside?"

"That doesn't matter," he responds in a low but serious tone, "What matters is you."

"What's that supposed to mean," she asks.

"You wanted to know why I'm here. It's because of you."

"Could you be more specific?"

"Even since you walked into Kurama's life, I've wondered why he's so taken with you. Even after you keeping secrets from him."

"That was so long ago, Hiei. He's forgiven me since. Everyone has. Why are you bringing that up?"

"For as long as I've known Kurama, he has never fully trusted anyone. It was one of the reasons why I looked up to him."

"Are you saying that last part literally or figuratively?"

Hiei ignores her joke, "Tell me. Why is he so taken with you? What is it about you that changed him?"

"'Changed him'? I didn't 'change' him. He did that on his own. Being a demon raised in the human world can do that to someone like him."

"I'm asking you."

Kiyoni sighs out of frustration, "I didn't do anything, Hiei. Shuuichi and I have known each other since we were six years old. Next to family, there's no one else I trust more than him. There's no one else I love more than him," Kurama enters through the front door as Kiyoni goes on. He overhears the conversation along the way. "I guess you can say that the main reason why we get along so well is because we complement each other. Especially up to this point. Throughout these last five years, we've really grown up. Graduating high school, participating in the demon world tournament, getting used to adult life, it's been a real experience watching our love mature. Something, I hope will continue from here on out. You've seen it for yourself, Hiei. Kurama can still be the Youko of old, he just has a new purpose with his ways. Something you should accept," she suggests with a smile, "If you're so concerned about him, why don't you ask him yourself?"

"Yes, Hiei. Why don't you ask me yourself," Kurama surprises them both by entering the room.

"I thought you were in the kitchen," Kiyoni states, "I am hungry. And how did you get dressed so fast?"

"Later, love," he promises as she pouts. Kurama looks back at Hiei, "Is this the reason why you tagged along?"

"…You've changed, Kurama. I wanted to know why," Hiei responds dismissively. "Kiyoni is correct. I'm still the same coldhearted demon you once knew, just with a new direction," Kurama confirms, "I don't fight for material possessions or for the thrill of it anymore," he looks at Kiyoni, "I fight for protection. I fight for the people I care for. It's no different than you defending Yukina." Kiyoni smiles at the thought. "Kiyoni is also right about another thing. We do complement each other well," he reaches inside his pants pocket, "A trait that I hope will continue from here on out as well."

He walks towards her. "What do you think you're doing," Hiei asks.

"Something that I had planned on doing for the last six months," Kurama responds as he kneels next to Kiyoni.

"The last six months? What do you mean the last six months," she inquires wrapping the blanket around her body.

"Kiyoni, I have spent the last six months meticulously planning this holiday. I didn't want to just simply acknowledge the fact that we've been together this long. I wanted to make this moment memorable. It's the reason why we went through so much. The extra hours at work, my distance from you to the point that you wanted to end our relationship, it's all led up to this point," he pulls out a small box from his pocket, "I had wanted to do this a little later, but Hiei kind of sped up the process. Kiyoni, your words about us meant a lot to me. It made me realize that I've made the right choice…in selecting you."

Kiyoni anticipates his next move, "Suu'chi, is that what I think it is?"

Kurama opens the box, revealing a rose shaped rose quartz on a gold ring, "Kiyoni, I'm willing to spend the rest of my life with you. Please say you'll accept this ring as well as the honor of becoming my wife."

Surprised, Kiyoni covers her face with her hands while trying to hold back tears as Hiei watches the events unfold. "Are you serious, Suu'chi," she cries.

"Absolutely, I love you and I want to make you my bride. Will you accept," Kurama urges.

With her face still covered, Kiyoni nods her head, "Yes. Yes, I will," she reaches for her fiancé, tears flowing down her face, "Oh, Suu'chi. I love you so much." Kurama later slips the ring on her finger. "Oh, it's beautiful," Kiyoni sniffles a couple of times, "And it's so you, Suu'chi."

"Hm. I guess…" Hiei attempts to leave.

Kurama stops him, "I remember that question you asked me."

"What question," Hiei looks back at Kurama.

"A few years ago, you asked me if Kiyoni is worth it. Seeing her reaction just now, the answer is 'yes'. She is worth it," Kurama embraces his new fiancée. After coming to her aid the night Kiyoni faced her brother, Kurama has thought numerous times about Hiei's question. He's now satisfied with the answer.

Realizing how happy Kurama is, Hiei takes his leave, "Whatever you do from here on out, don't mess things up. That goes for the both of you."

"Honestly, what the hell is wrong with that guy," Kiyoni questions.

Kurama lets it go by waving a hand, "You'll get a headache trying to figure him out. Trust me."

Kiyoni looks back at her ring as she lays her head on Kurama's shoulder, "I love you, Suu'chi."

Kurama kisses the top of her head, "I love you, too. Always and forever."

Hiei leaps from tree to tree as the rain dies down, "Glad to know you're happy…Kurama."


An anonymous yyhfanfiction on tumblr follower suggested the following idea: While staying at an inn for the weekend, Kurama notices that Hiei has a lot on his mind so he consoles him with what's under his yukata.

Yeah, I couldn't really figure out how to go the yaoi route so I did something different. At least we got a sweet proposal out of it. I hear wedding bells lol. I hope you all like it and keep the comments coming!