A White Christmas

-Yukina-

Yukina woke up slowly, gradually adjusting to the darkness, being able to see what was what around her. It was the fourth time she'd woken up that night. She sat up and bent her knees up, holding herself around the legs. She looked at the floor. Kurama was twitching again.

"Kurama?" Yukina spoke out softly. She looked over at Hiei, who was sitting in the window wide awake and staring down at Kurama. "Hiei, what's the matter with him?" she asked. Hiei came from the window and kneeled next to Kurama. He took one hand in his and then stroked Kurama's hair. Kurama's movements slowed down. He was covered in sweat.

"Hi...ei..." he gasped lowly, sounding hoarse. Yukina cast worried eyes towards the two after looking away for just a bit.

"It's alright, Kurama...I'm here."

"Why won't it stop...?" Hiei shushed him. Yukina took the covers from off of her and slid forward towards the edge of the bed. She stepped down gently onto the carpeted floor and stood above them.

"I'll go run some hot water," she said, and left the bedroom. She went into the kitchen, her step so light, her movements were barely heard. She ran the hot water and then climbed up on the counter to get a bowl from the cabinet.

She glanced at it for a moment before climbing back down and reaching to pour some water inside. She had to stand on her toes slightly to be able to do that task. She turned the water off and carried the bowl carefully back to the room, though tripping a little as the nightgown Kurama gave her to wear was too big for her.

"I'm so sorry, Yukina," Kurama murmured, attempting to sit up.

"Baka, what are you doing?" Hiei scolded. "Lay back down." Kurama did as he was told. Yukina didn't say anything as she slipped from the room again, this time going into the bathroom for a few towels.

She grabbed a big one and then two smaller ones. She returned to the room and kneeled next to Kurama and in front of the bowl. She wet one of the smaller towels and wrung it out. She folded it into a rectangle and placed it on his forehead. She placed her hands on his cheeks and closed her eyes. Her hands began to glow with a soft, pale light.

"He's not sick," she said to Hiei, letting him go. She continued to care for him as if he was, though.

"No," Hiei said. "It's not that." Yukina looked up at Hiei, wanting him to tell her what was wrong with Kurama. But Hiei didn't say anything else. Yukina sat next to Kurama, watching over him with Hiei. He did fall back to sleep, and when he did, Hiei's whole body relaxed. Yukina hadn't noticed how tense he was until then. She placed her hand on the hand that held Kurama's. "Get some sleep," Hiei told her, his voice mild. She complied, but only after replacing Kurama's towel.

"Switch it when it gets too cool, Hiei," she said and then yawned. She fell asleep watching the two, Kurama resting uneasily and Hiei watching over him with heart-wrenchingly somber eyes. She slept through the rest of the night, waking up to sunshine and the morning melodies of the birds.

-Kurama-

Kurama was sitting at his kitchen table, trying hard to get his mind off of the horrible dreams he'd experienced that night and the searing pain that left him sore. He really couldn't understand it, but it was to be expected. He'd overdone it energy-wise and now he was paying the price for his anger. He just wished it didn't mean ruining Yukina's stay.

Hiei was watching television, sitting on the couch with his eyes glued on the screen. Kurama figured he was trying to distract himself from whatever he might have been feeling and Kurama didn't blame him. If he could, he would, too.

He laid his head down and looked towards the cinder blocks that made up the corner of the dining area. He couldn't see out of them but he looked at them as if he could. He sighed and then perked up. Hiei was sitting in the dining chair next to him.

"Cheer up, you're driving me nuts with this." Kurama sighed again.

"If I could change the way things happened at the house, Hiei, I would. But..."

"You can't. So get over it."

"I can't just get over it, Hiei," Kurama said, slumping down and resting his hands in his lap.

"Isn't Christmas today?" Yukina asked from the hall. Kurama couldn't see her from where he sat, but Hiei turned to her.

"Yeah," he said, getting off of the chair. Kurama continued to look down. He could hear Yukina and Hiei talking about something, but they were speaking too lowly. He didn't waste the effort of tuning into their conversation even though he could have, easily. He stood up and went into the kitchenette.

-Yukina-

Hiei sat back down on the couch and Yukina sat down next to him. She watched Hiei as he watched the television; she wasn't interested on what was on herself. He looked different from the last time she'd seen him. Kurama did, too. She wondered what she missed while she was out of touch with them.

Kurama had gone into the kitchen, but Yukina didn't hear any noise and she didn't see him come out. Worried, she slid from the couch and went to the dining area, slowly peeking into the kitchen. Kurama was standing in the middle of the room with his back to her, facing the cabinets on the back wall. He wasn't moving, or speaking. Just standing.

"Kurama...?"

"Yes, Yukina?" Kurama answered, not moving from his spot.

"Why don't I make some tea," she offered. "We can talk."

"You can make tea if you'd like, but I am not in the mood to talk. I'm sorry...that you have to be subjected to this." She shook her head, her teal bangs moving about her forehead.

"It's alright, Kurama," she said. "I just wish you would talk to me."

"I'm sorry," he said again. She nodded and left the dining room area. Hiei was watching her. She went over to the window and looked out, a few die-hard birds landing on the sill. She turned to Hiei.

"Does he mind having all the windows open?" she asked him. Hiei shook his head.

"He's alright with it, Yukina," he said. She went back over to the couch.

"It's so sad," she said. "No one should have to go through that alone."

"No," Hiei said. "But when he's ready to talk, then that's when we'll see what's at the heart of this." Yukina softly brushed against Hiei's cheek and he stiffened. She smiled a little and turned away, lying down and curling up on the other side of the couch. Hiei folded his arms and continued to watch television.

-Hiei-

Kurama came out of the kitchen an hour later, still looking as exhausted as he did when he first woke up. He went through the living room and back into the bedroom. Hiei stood up and followed him.

He was remaking the bed. Hiei shook his head at him and went over to him. Kurama sat down halfway through it, sighing loudly.

"I'm just...not sure what to do," he said. Hiei stood in front of him, watching him closely. He looked so down, Hiei couldn't keep a stern face with him.

"We have a lot to do, today, kitsune. Don't let it ruin your night." Kurama nodded.

"You're right," he said, sitting up a little straighter. "I hope everyone can make it. Kuwabara and Yusuke had to work today." Hiei nodded.

"They'll be here," he said, even though he wasn't sure. He would say anything to get that look off Kurama's face. Kurama gave him a little tug of the lips, Hiei's interpretation of a smile. Hiei leaned over to him and kissed him gently on the forehead. "Go shower and everything. Yukina and I will stay out of your hair while you prepare." Kurama nodded and stood up.

"I might need some help, though," he said.

"We'll be in the living room," Hiei said, turning and walking out of the room. Kurama went through his morning preparations for the day.

-Yukina-

By that evening, Kurama's demeanor changed dramatically. He was running about the apartment in preparation for their Christmas dinner talking excitedly to Hiei and Yukina about dinner and gifts and things of that nature. Yusuke, Botan, Keiko and Kuwabara would be arriving soon and Kurama wanted to make sure everything was perfect.

He didn't want Yukina to busy herself with his work because she was a guest. But she insisted, so Kurama, after leaving them an example of what each place setting should look like, had her and Hiei set the table.

"At least his mind is off of it," Yukina said suddenly, slipping a napkin through a napkin ring. Hiei was setting down the place mats.

"I still think the kitsune's mad," he said. Yukina giggled.

"Not mad, just...busy." Hiei shrugged and began to give each setting a plate. Kurama came rushing from his bedroom and into the kitchen.

"I basted it already, if that's what you're checking," Hiei said. Kurama gave him a smile.

"Of course you did," he said. He went over to the table and began to help them.

"It will be nice to see everyone again," Yukina said, placing the ringed napkins in the center of the table.

"I can't wait," Kurama said. "It's such a nice present, having you here." Yukina smiled sweetly.

"Arigatou," she said. It was nice of him to say. Modesty was one of Yukina's strongest suits. She didn't think they would miss her that much, but knowing that they did made her feel better inside.

She followed Hiei around the table, setting down the silverware next to each plate after he put down the napkins. Everything was silver and blue, a perfect representation of winter, Yukina thought. They reminded her of home.

Kurama had constructed a centerpiece for the table. It was a wicker basket filled with blue and white flowers. Sticking up from them were card holders and a card for each guest, each connected to a flower and each with its own bow. In the middle were two silver candle sticks with long blue candles. Yukina was in love with it. "That's a very pretty centerpiece you made, Kurama."

"You really think so?" he asked, his face lighting up. Yukina nodded.

"It's very pretty. You're very good at things like these."

"Thank you," he said, beginning to blush. She could tell he liked compliments. Well, he deserved them. He was such a hard working young man, Yukina felt, and he should some how be rewarded.

-Hiei-

"Can I sit down now?" Hiei asked, sticking his hands in his pockets.

"No," Kurama said, looking over at him. "You can go change and then you can sit down."

"Change...into what, kitsune?"

"It's on the bed. I hope you like it. It's one of your Christmas presents from me."

"I'm wearing mine," Yukina said, showing Hiei her dress. It was a white kimono with blue hems tied together with a large, blue, satin sash around her middle. Hiei thought she looked very...pretty, very appropriate. Well, the kitsune had done a good job with her. He wondered what he'd gotten for him.

Hiei nodded at them and went into the bedroom. On the bed were droopy black pants and a short sleeved blue shirt. Beside it was a white and blue tunic that looked like Yukina's kimono. Hiei blinked a few times and went over to it. The pants and the shirt were just fine with him, but the tunic... It was something Hiei wouldn't wear normally.

He took off his clothes and dressed in the clothing Kurama had given him. They smelled good, like flowers, and that bothered Hiei a little. That fox wasn't trying to change him, was he? Nah, he probably just put them in that machine. Kurama's clothes always smelled good coming out of that machine.

Hiei reached for the tunic, letting it go as quickly as he grabbed it. The fabric was so soft... He didn't want to touch it. And it was white? Did Kurama know what Hiei did everyday of his life? That thing wouldn't hold up for more than a second.

Well, Kurama had given it to him for a reason, and he did a good job with picking the pants and shirt. Perhaps the kitsune knew what he was doing after all. The clothing underneath were for everyday and to make Hiei feel comfortable, while the tunic was for times like tonight.

He put the thing on and then slipped his boots back on. He strapped them up and then stood up. He looked down at himself. He felt ridiculous. It was just...too...pretty, like Yukina's dress. What was he doing wearing something pretty? Damn kitsune. Hiei would get him back for this...wait...

Baka kitsune! Why did he make Hiei's outfit look so much like Yukina's. Now she would suspect something, she would probably figure it out. Hiei was about to pull the thing off when Kurama poked his head in the room.

"Hey...oh, you look so handsome," he said smiling widely. Hiei rolled his eyes and folded his arms. "Yukina come see." No! Hiei thought. Don't bring the girl in here too... It was too late. Yukina poked her head in beneath Kurama's. She looked so elated, Hiei couldn't complain. Seeing the both of them smiling at him like that was, on the surface, annoying, but down deep very pleasing to him. Hiei folded his arms again, not about to let them see that.

"You owe me, Kurama," he said lowly. "You owe me big." Kurama chuckled.

"Don't be silly," he said coming into the room and going over to Hiei. He kissed him on the forehead, causing Hiei to blush.

"Get away. I'm staying in here."

"No, Hiei, come join us. Kazuma and Yusuke and Keiko-chan are on their way up. They say they have lots of presents for everyone. Including you."

"Great," Hiei said sarcastically. He glared up at Kurama. "They'll know you put me up to this."

"Yes," Kurama said. "And therefore you have absolutely nothing to worry about." The three heard knocks at the door. Yukina clapped her hands together and Kurama hurried to answer. Hiei hesitated for a moment before leaving the room.

-Keiko-

As soon as Kurama opened the door, Yusuke and Kuwabara began to sing a Christmas carol in horribly loud, croaky voices. Keiko covered her ears to drown out the crooning and followed them inside.

"Oh, how perfect, you all could make it!" Kurama said. Keiko hugged him tightly.

"I wouldn't miss this for anything, Kurama," she said. He kissed her cheek. Yusuke and Kuwabara were holding all the gifts and so they made their way to the tree. "I like being here," Keiko said looking around. "It always smells nice." Kurama smiled at her.

"Hello, Keiko..." Yukina said, peeking out from behind Kurama.

"Yukina-chan!" Keiko exclaimed, throwing her arms around the Ice Apparition. It was so nice to see her again.

"Yukina!" Kuwabara said also, coming over to them quickly and hugging Yukina tightly. It was then that Keiko noticed Hiei, sharply dressed, standing in the hall and away from the others. She waved to him. He nodded to her. She smiled and went over to the tree.

"How cool!" she said, beaming brightly. "I want my own tree..." Her eyes trailed to the dining table. "Cool!" she said again. "Everything looks so nice, Kurama. You went through a lot, ne?"

"Yukina and Hiei were big helps," Kurama said, not one to take all the credit. He couldn't stop smiling though, Keiko noticed. His smile made her keep her own.

"Hiei helped?" Yusuke asked, sniffing the air. "Something smells good...tell me he didn't touch the food." Kurama chuckled and went towards the kitchen.

"Oh, Yusuke," he said. "Now, I know it's a little cramped... We can seat six comfortably..."

"I'll eat here," Hiei said pointing at the coffee table. Kurama, Yukina and Keiko protested.

"You're eating at the table, Hiei," Keiko said, looking down at the table. "See here... Look. But wait, there are only six chairs."

"Don't you have a stool, Kurama?" Kuwabara asked. Kurama nodded.

"I'll use the stool," he said, going over to the closet. Hiei, who was still standing near the tiny hall, held up his hand to stop him.

"No. I'll use it."

"Are you sure?" Kurama asked. Hiei nodded.

"Yeah." There was something about the way they looked at each other, and spoke to each other, Keiko thought. Well, there was always something different about the two. They were the only youkai she'd personally known...maybe that's why they were so private. Yusuke put his hand on Keiko's shoulder.

"So where's Botan?" he asked looking around at everyone.

"I'm sure she's on her way," Kuwabara said. "Then we can eat right?"

"Right," Kurama said going towards the kitchen. He stepped inside. There was a knock at the door. Hiei went over to it and opened it. Botan smiled at him holding several shopping bags.

"Merry Christmas, Hiei!" she said as she came in. "The gang's all here...oh! Yukina!" Yukina smiled back at her while Yusuke and Kuwabara took the bags from her. The small tree was soon dwarfed by the amount of presents around. Botan went around hugging everyone, and Kurama came out of the kitchen with some cherry colored drinks.

"Ooo..." Kuwabara said, rubbing his hands together. "Those look great."

"They look alcoholic," Yusuke said, grabbing one from the tray.

"They are," Kurama said.

"Kurama, this room is full of minors," Botan said, taking one for herself.

"Quiet, Botan," Yusuke said, taking a big gulp. "What's it to you, anyway, Reikai Princess. Let us ningens do what we must."

"The levels are quite low," Kurama said with a chuckle. "Just a slight buzz and that will be all." There were three left on the tray. Looking down, Keiko saw that Yukina and Hiei hadn't taken theirs. "You two are sure you don't want any?" Kurama asked. Yukina nodded. Hiei shrugged.

"I get theirs!" Yusuke said. Keiko shook her head.

"And who'll carry you home, you lush?" she teased.

"Oh, come on, Hiei," Kuwabara said, holding his drink up. "It tastes like a fruit slushee or something." Kurama held the tray out to Hiei. He took one and sipped it. He appeared to like it.

"Cool," Kuwabara said. "Now, since Yukina's the object of my affection, it's only fitting that I take her share." Yusuke held up both his hands to stop him, pausing to take another drink.

"I already claimed it," he said.

"Before anyone else had the chance!" Kuwabara shot back.

"Stupid, that's the point!" Yusuke said. Were they seriously fighting over alcohol?

"Lushes," Keiko murmured shaking her head.

"Why don't you two just hold off for a while," Kurama said, coming back into the kitchen with his glass. "There's more to come."

"We knew there was something more to you, Kurama," Yusuke said. "You get us all alone and you're in charge of the refreshments...? Get us all drunk. Sounds like a plan."

"You know, Urameshi?" Kuwabara began. "Why does it sound like you've already had one too many?" Botan giggled.

"Such kids," she said. They sat around the living room talking and polishing off their drinks. When Kurama went to take the dishes away, Botan stood and stretched. "Well, Kurama, I'm famished!"

"Yeah, let's eat," Kuwabara said. Kurama nodded.

"You may take your seats at the table. I'll just be a moment." He went into the kitchen. Keiko eagerly found her seat next to Yusuke. Yukina sat across from her and Kuwabara sat next to her. Botan sat at the end of the table and Hiei, who hesitantly went to get the stool, sat next to Yukina at the other end of the table where Kurama would sit. Kurama came out of the kitchen with the appetizer.

"This is bruschetta," he explained. It was pieces of toasted, oval shaped bread covered with melted cheese, diced tomatoes and something green, Keiko noticed. They passed it around and she took her share. She took a bit out of one of them and her face lit up.

"This is good, is what it is," she said, crunching away. Kurama smiled at her. Keiko couldn't wait to see the main course, which Kurama brought out in no time.

"Roasted chicken," he said, sitting a platter down on either side of the centerpiece. The chicken had been carved and was sitting atop roasted vegetables. The aroma was fragrant. Keiko's mouth began to water and Yusuke and Kuwabara were staring at the food with wide eyes. They eagerly dug in, savoring the rustic dish with a glass of white wine.

Kurama cleared the table and went into the kitchen. Keiko looked around at everyone, seeing their expressions of satisfaction. Then she looked at Hiei, who looked excited about something. She smiled at him, and instantly knew what he was thinking about. Dessert.

"Crème Brûlée," Kurama said with a big grin, entering with a tray. He set a ramekin down on each place setting. "I hope you all saved room."

"They're so small," Yusuke said with a pout. "I could eat five of these."

"They're very rich," Kurama said, nodding. He sat down and picked up his spoon. Hiei already had his spoon in hand, and began to tap the hard crust of the dish. Kurama smiled up at him and everyone else took his lead.

Keiko tapped the crust and it broke into large pieces. There was a custard underneath. She took up a spoon full and ate it, letting the custard sit in her mouth so that she could relish the taste of the dish. She crunched down on the sugary crust and eagerly ate some more.

-Kurama-

Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy Kurama's cooking and he couldn't have been happier. He was beaming during the entire dinner, appreciating the various sounds of satisfaction his guests made while eating.

After he cleared the table, he had them sit in a semi-circle around the tree and gifts. Hiei sat down on the coffee table. Botan stood up, however, making Kurama take her seat on the floor when he returned from the kitchen.

"I just want to thank Kurama for a lovely evening, and for such good food," she said excitedly. "Can't let him work the entire night, now can we? So, as your official gift-passer outer, we shall begin!" Teasingly, Kuwabara, Yusuke and Keiko cheered for her. She reached down and began grabbing gifts. "We have one for Kurama, and here's one for Yusuke. Kuwabara...Yukina. Keiko, and Hiei! All from me, of course." Everyone had their gifts in hand, looking at her as if waiting for permission. "Well, go on!" she said, cheesing at them. They each opened their gifts but Hiei, who was looking at it curiously. "Open it..." Botan said. He hesitantly did. It was...sword polish?

"Thank you..." he said slowly.

"Oh, how pretty," Yukina said, holding up her brand new bow to her head.

"Cool!" Yusuke and Kuwabara said, holding up memory cards for their game systems.

"Oh, Botan...you shouldn't have," Kurama said, standing up and holding a long blue tunic up to himself.

"Oh, it's too big," Botan said, saddened by that.

"No, it's perfect," Kurama reassured her. Keiko held up her gift, looking at Botan with grateful eyes.

"It's so pretty," she said. Botan leaned over to her and pinned on her golden brooch.

"There," she said. Keiko smiled, looking down at herself.

"I look so classy," she said. Botan nodded.

"Alright guys, it's Kuwabara's turn!" she said, and handed everyone their gifts from Kuwabara. They sat around oo-ing and ah-ing at their own gifts and at the gifts of others. They opened their gifts from Kurama last.

"Oh, Kurama!" Botan exclaimed, staring at her gift. "Keiko, look!" He'd given Botan an anklet, which she promptly put on. Keiko was pleased with her own gift as well: a two-day stay at a spa.

"For putting up with Yusuke," Kurama said with a chuckle. He'd bought Kuwabara a few CD's and a purple controller for his game system.

"Now you can play with us when you come over," Kuwabara told Kurama.

"Damn, Kurama, where did you find these...?" Yusuke said slowly, looking over a shrink wrapped set of cards. "I've been looking all over for these. They must have cost a fortune."

"It was the least I could do," Kurama said.

"They're just cards, Urameshi..." Kuwabara said. Yusuke looked at him as if he was nuts.

"They're not just cards, baka, these are mint condition, 1978 St—"

"No way!" Kuwabara said, realizing their importance and reaching for the cards. Yusuke pulled them away, holding them protectively to himself.

"You think I'm letting you touch these beauties?" Kuwabara moved away from him.

"Some friend you are." Hiei sat staring at his gift in deep concentration. Yukina went over to the coffee table and looked at it. He let her read it with him. They both looked up at Kurama at the same time. Yukina smiled and Hiei looked back down to read it again.

"I'm glad you like it, Hiei," Kurama said.

"Let me see," Botan said, coming over to them. Hiei shook his head and folded it. He opened his bag of chocolates that came with the card and began to eat them.

"What did it say, Kurama?" Kuwabara asked, looking at Hiei strangely. His mood changed by reading that card...he actually looked approachable. Kurama shook his head.

"I cannot say," he said.

Once everyone managed to leave, Kurama put away his new clothes, and CD's, other odds and ends his friends had given him. Yukina volunteered Hiei and herself to do the dishes and after that, Hiei saw her home. Kurama took a bath while he was gone, expecting him to stay with her for a while. But Hiei only stayed for a moment before returning.

-Hiei-

Hiei slid into the living room window, wondering where Kurama was. He could only see into the living room and bedroom from the tree. The kitchen window was on the other side of the building and there wasn't anything outside of it that Hiei could see into the apartment on. From the living room window, he could only see the refrigerator. He didn't see Kurama at all from outside.

He went to the kitchen and looked. No Kurama. He moved across the living room floor silently, making his way to the small hallway. He looked into Kurama's bedroom again, still not seeing him. Well, there was only one other place he could be if he was still in the apartment, unless he decided to hide himself in the closet for some reason. He turned the knob and stepped inside. Kurama was resting in the bathtub.

He opened his eyes slowly, turning his head to see who was there. He smiled, looking very relaxed. Hiei closed the door behind him and sat next to the tub, facing Kurama and watching him as he let his head turn back to where it was.

He looked so peaceful like that, surrounded by bubbles and steaming hot water. Hiei sat and watched him, wondering what he was thinking about for so long. He must have dunked himself under once or twice because his hair was drenched. It stretched down along Kurama's chest, floating near the surface of the water and making the bubbles above it appear reddish. Hiei took in a deep breath a few times, trying to regulate his breathing. But Kurama looked so heavenly laying there, it was hard for him to catch his breath.

-Kurama-

Kurama opened his eyes again and looked at Hiei. He still looked calmer than normal and still very handsome in the tunic. He looked...happy almost, like he was on the verge of smiling, and laughing. He was giving Kurama a very content stare, and that made Kurama even more comfortable. He sat up slowly, his hair trailing down his back and chest. It was so much longer now that it was straight.

-Hiei-

Hiei scooted closer to the tub and got on his knees. He leaned forward and kissed Kurama softly on the lips, feeling a spark within him ignite. It was different than kissing him on the cheek, and on the forehead. It felt much better and it made Hiei feel great about himself.

Kurama kissed him back a little harder, pulling away slowly and opening his eyes to see Hiei. Hiei's mouth curled curiously and he sat back down, although he did want to keep kissing Kurama. The sensation lingered even after they stopped kissing. Hiei could still feel Kurama lips on his and it made him blush even more than he already was. He leaned back against the sink's cabinet and watched Kurama again as he laid back. He was red, too, Hiei noticed and was smiling a little also. Hiei felt good again, and took out his chocolates, eating them slowly one at a time.

A little relief from the two previous chapters, no? Well, folks, September's in the home stretch and so things will be coming to a close pretty soon. I'm so sad about that! Darn college! Chapter eleven will be here before you know it! Please review!!

J3