You Just Might Get It
By Yami Yue
I watched Hiei as he moved through each of his exercises with the smoothness and grace only an experienced swordsman could achieve. I enjoyed watching my mate practicing with his sword, even after all these years. Hiei made one final swing with his katana before sheathing it. I quickly averted my eyes to the book I was holding. "You don't have to pretend you aren't watching." Hiei said as he walked toward me. "I don't mind." I looked up at him, blushing. I closed the book and set it aside. "How did you . . . ?" I began. "You haven't turned a page in the last fifteen minutes." He answered before I could finish the question. "I'm glad you don't mind me watching." I said as my mate stood in front of me. "Why?" he asks as a smirk spreads across his lips. "You see something you like?" "Yeah, a sexy swordsman with a big sword." I answer. " …who also happens to have another large weapon hidden away." I added as I glanced downward. Hiei followed my gaze and blushed when he realized what I meant. "Henti fox." He muttered. "Yeah, but I'm yours." I responded as I reached up and pulled my mate to me for a kiss.
A soft clearing of the throat took my attention away from my mate. I looked up to see our son Ryou leaning against the tree a few feet away. A moment later his twin Kenji was at his side. "Shall we come back later?" Ryou asked, a teasing smile upon his lips. " . . .it looks like we caught you at a bad time." Kenji continued with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. I released Hiei and gave him a look that promised more later. I smiled and shook my head. "Did you get the groceries like I asked?" I questioned. "Yes Papa." Ryou answered. "Good, you can help your father cook." I said. Kenji's eyes widened. "Dad's cooking tonight?" Kenji asked. "Yes, I cooked last night because he had to stay longer at work, remember?" I responded. "What's all the fuss about Kenji?" Ryou asked. "Dad's a good cook." "Did you forget this morning?" Kenji responded. Ryou laughed. "Oh come on it wasn't that bad." He chided his twin. ". . . besides he wouldn't have scorched the food if you hadn't distracted him." "If you don't like my cooking Kenji, you can cook." Hiei said. Ryou's eyes widened in horror. "Dad, please..." Ryou pleaded. " ...anything but that." Kenji frowned at his twin and I couldn't help but laugh. Kenji's cooking left a lot to be desired. Hiei sighed, but there was no mistaking the amusement in his eyes. "Alright, come on let's give your papa some quiet." He said. Ryou sighed in relief at not having to eat his brother's cooking and followed Hiei. Kenji followed without a word.
I stood and brushed myself off. I decided I might as well help start dinner so Hiei could get cleaned up. I picked up my book and followed my family into the house. I found my sons in the kitchen starting preparation for dinner. I heard the water running in the bathroom and knew Hiei was cleaning up. I watched Ryou and Kenji from the entrance of the kitchen, once more marveling at how much they were a perfect blend of my mate and I. Kenji, the firstborn had black hair just like his father complete with a sliver starburst, but it was long like mine. Set in that dark crown of hair were two white fox ears. His face was of my features and Hiei's a trait his brother also shared. Both had eyes that were a coppery red color, apparently a mix of Hiei's ruby orbs and my gold ones. Both had also inherited a silver fox's tail to go with their ears. In appearance Ryou differed little from his elder twin. Instead of his father's raven hair he'd inherited my silver locks. I thanked Inari for that, without that difference it would've been hard for anyone to tell them apart.
After watching them for a few moments I decided they didn't need my help. Judging by what vegetables and herbs were being cut up I figured Hiei was going to turn tonight's meal into a cooking lesson for our teenage twins. I gave a silent prayer of thanks to Inari that Hiei hadn't made good on his threat to make Kenji cook. I loved my firstborn dearly, but Ryou clearly was the chef of the two. Even as a kit he always wanted to help in the kitchen. Whoever he decided to marry would be very lucky indeed. Though Kenji was far from skilled in the kitchen he was improving. Perhaps I could ask the twins to cook dinner together more often, It would improve Kenji's skills and dismiss them both from a chore in exchange. I turned away deciding to discuss it with them and my mate later.
I headed into the bedroom I shared with my mate to put away the book I'd been pretending to read. I heard the bathroom door open and a few moments later Hiei entered the room, closing the door behind him. I didn't turn to face him while I replaced the book. I moved to step back from the bookshelf and a photo album caught my eye. As I began pulling it from the shelf I felt my mate's strong arms encircle my waist. I smiled, loving the feel of his body against mine. "The twins will be wondering what's taking you so long." I murmured as one hand slowly slid up my stomach. "I'm sure they'll figure it out." He replied. "They're more than old enough to and their hearing is as sharp as yours." I leaned into his touch as his hands roamed upward, gently caressing my sides and chest. I gently brushed my tail against his thigh, earning a soft sound of approval from my mate. Noises from the kitchen made us both flinch and effectively killed the sensual mood. "On second thought, I've got tomorrow off." Hiei said. "I say we get the twins out of the house and enjoy ourselves for a while." I smiled. "Sounds good to me." I agreed. "You'd better get in there before that fight gets worse." He released me and quickly dressed, then headed into the kitchen. I ignored the sounds that followed as I pulled the photo album from the shelf. I took it into the living room where I sat and looked through it until dinner was ready.
After dinner I cleared the table with Ryou's help and the two of us did the dishes. We had just finished when Kenji entered the kitchen, confusion evident in his copper orbs. "What is it Kenji?" I asked. My son held up a photo from the album I left in the living room. "Who's this?" he asked pointing to a woman in the picture. I took the picture from him and looked at it. I motioned for them to follow me. I went to the living room and sat down on the couch. "She's our mother isn't she?" Kenji asked softly. Ryou's eyes widened. "Sit down, both of you." I said softly. My sons quickly did as I requested. "Do you remember when you asked me why you didn't have a mother?" I asked. Both nodded. "You said that you were the closest thing we had to a mother." Ryou answered. " . . . but you never said why." I flipped the pages ahead and Ryou gasped. "She is our mother isn't she?" he asked. " . . . but who is that woman?" Kenji asked. I smiled. "Don't you know?" I asked looking at the photo of a red haired woman holding two small kits. Both shook their heads. I flipped the pages ahead to a photo of me in my human form and the twins as toddlers. "Look closely." I told them. "Inari, it's you." Ryou exclaimed flipping the pages back and then forth again. "That's right." I said. "But how?" Kenji asked. I replaced the photo Kenji had taken out of the album and smiled at the memory. "I don't know why I never told you the circumstances of your birth." I said. "After all you've been old enough to understand for quite some time." My sons remained silent, watching me expectantly. I slowly flipped the pages back feeling as though I was turning back time itself as I did so. . I stopped when I came across a snapshot of Yusuke with his arm around Kieko who was holding a small bundle in her arms. "That's the day it began." I said as I tapped the photo with my fingernail. "Hard to believe it was sixteen years ago . . ."
I sat on one of the thick branches just off the balcony of our bedroom. I stared up at the night sky, for once not noticing the beauty of the full moon or the twinkling of the stars. For the first time since I'd been with Hiei my heart was heavy. The birth of Yusuke and Keiko's first child made me realize that I had a regret about my relationship with my beloved fire apparition. We could never have a child of our own; I would never be a father to a child of my own flesh and blood. Even if relationships with past lovers and flings had resulted in a child, it was much too late now for me to be a father to that child. That realization had nagged at me the whole day and left me in an introspective mood. I was sure Hiei had noticed though he hadn't said anything to me yet.
I felt my mate's strong arms around my shoulders and was glad for his company. "What's wrong Fox? You haven't been yourself since we left Yusuke and Keiko at the hospital." He murmured softly against my ear. "Do you regret being with me fire baby?" I asked softly. "No." he answered. "Do you?" "I only regret the fact that we can't have children of our own." I confessed. "We could always adopt." He reminded me. "Does this mean you want children?" I asked. "Actually I never really thought about it until I overheard you and your mother discussing the matter." He answered. "…and now?" I asked. "I think I might enjoy the challenge." He answered. I sighed and leaned back into his embrace. " I wish that we could have a child of our own flesh and blood." I said. Hiei smiled and kissed my cheek. "Be careful what you wish for Fox." He teased. " . . . you just might get it." I smiled back. "Come on, let's go back to bed." He suggested. I nodded in agreement and he released me from his embrace. I stood and looked up at the full moon. With a sigh I turned and headed back into the house to join my mate in bed.
The bright sunshine awakened me the next morning. With a sigh I opened my eyes and looked over at my still sleeping mate. I climbed out of bed. My clothes hung more loosely on me than usual. I frowned; they hadn't felt a size too big yesterday. I headed into the bathroom, deciding to take a shower and then change into some better fitting clothes. As soon as I entered I came face to face with a girl who could be my twin. My eyes widened, and I stepped back. With horror I realized I hadn't been looking at another person, but my own reflection. I stared at the mirror in shock as I walked toward it. I touched my fingers to the glass as if to feel the reflection of my face. My features had become feminine. I quickly removed the overly large clothing. There was no doubt about it I was clearly female. My once finely chiseled male body was gone replaced with soft feminine curves. "Inari no." I whispered as I backed away. "Fox?" Hiei questioned from the bedroom. My eyes widened. In my shock I'd forgotten about my mate in the next room. There was no telling how he'd react. I had no time to do anything. In the next moment Hiei was standing in the bathroom door. I whirled around, facing him. I gulped and back up a step. He blinked in disbelief. "Kurama?" he asked. I nodded. "Yes, Hiei it's me." I replied, thankful that my voice although a few octaves higher wasn't that different from what was normal for my human form. He stepped forward and touched my face. He stood an arm's length away and studied my nude form with shock. "How?" he asked. "I don't know." I replied. "Perhaps we could ask Genkai, she might know." He suggested. "Good idea." I agreed. "We'll go as soon as I find something that fits."
"I'm sorry Kurama there's nothing I can do." Genkai said sadly. " This was done by magic and without knowing what spell changed you I can't reverse it." "Kurama's stuck like this?" Hiei asked. "I'm afraid so." Genkai answered. " For how long?" I asked. "I don't know. At the moment there's no way in telling if this is temporary or permanent." Genkai responded. "I'll see what I can do to help you, but right now that's not much." I nodded. "Thank you anyway Genkai." I said softly. I could feel Hiei's frustration through our bond. I took his hand in mine and held it. I could hear voices as footsteps approached the entrance of the room. I ignored them. "How are we going to explain this to everyone?" I asked softly as Genkai rose to greet her visitors. "We tell them the truth." Hiei said. "Unless you'd rather not tell them." "Hiei, what are you doing here?" Yusuke asked. "Too late for the second option." I murmured softly enough so only my mate would hear. ". . . and who's the pretty girl?" Kuwabara asked. "You're not cheating on Kurama are you?" Hiei snorted and rolled his eyes. "She is Kurama." Sata cried. "Kurama?" I turned to face Yusuke and the others. Their eyes widened as they took in my new form. I nodded. Sata moved to my side. "What happened Kura?" she asked. I shook my head. "I have no idea. When I woke up this morning I was like this." I informed her. "Genkai thinks it's some sort of spell, but without knowing what kind of spell it was she can't break it." "Well, since you seem to be stuck in that form for a while, why don't we go out and get you some new clothes?" she suggested. "Think of it as bonding time." "Go with her Fox." Hiei encouraged. "I'm going to ask Mukuro for some time off." He didn't have to say anything more. I understood immediately that he wanted to help. "We'll get through this Fox." He said softly. "We always do." I nodded in agreement. He kissed me lovingly, I returned the kiss then stood to my feet.
Yusuke accompanied Sata and me to the mall, leaving Kuwabara to visit with Yukina. Although he said he was coming with us to buy Keiko a gift, I figured he was just coming along to watch over my sister and me. I didn't mind. I hadn't gotten used to my new form and wasn't sure if I could quickly enough to get us out of trouble should it arise. Then again if the threat wasn't large Sata could get us out of trouble. I'd seen her training with Genkai several times and she was nearly as skilled as me at manipulating plants, and her illusions were real enough to fool almost anyone. Her powers combined with some martial arts training from Hiei were shaping her into a strong fighter.
Our first stop was a department store, where Sata quickly began leading me to the part of the women's section labeled "intimates". By the amount of heat I felt in my face I knew I was blushing furiously. Yusuke pointed to a mannequin wearing red lingerie. "You think Hiei would like that?" he asked causally. I looked at the scantily clad mannequin. My eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in a perfect imitation of my mate's death glare. Yusuke raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I was just making a suggestion." He said. Sata giggled. "You go look for Kieko's gift." She suggested. "We'll meet you by the jewelry counter when we're done." Yusuke nodded. "Alright." He said then quickly headed off. Sata looked at the mannequin then back at me then back at the mannequin and burst into another fit of giggles. "It's a good thing you have me around." She said. "A very good thing." I agreed. "As if I'd wear such a ridiculous thing." I thought irritably. Sata giggled again at the expression on my face. "Come on, we've got to get you measured and then we can get some shopping done." She said. "Measured?" I asked as I followed her. She tapped her chest with the palm of her hand. I felt the blood drain from my face, then return again in full force. I was sure I was blushing as red as my hair. "Inari give me strength." I thought as I continued following her through the colorful rows of bras and panties.
An hour later I'd been measured and Sata had helped me pick out several items. While we had shopped she'd also explained several important points about being female. By the time we met up with Yusuke I had a whole new respect for females in general, and was happier to have my sister than I'd ever been. Without her I would have been completely clueless on so many things. I wasn't sure how I was going to survive this. I was also beginning to wonder if Hiei would be willing to deal with me in this form. I wasn't sure what I would do if not. "You ok Kurama?" Yusuke asked. "Not yet." I answered. "I'm sure Genkai will figure something out." He said comfortingly. I smiled at him in thanks as Sata put her arm around my shoulders. "No matter what Kura, we're here with you." she said soothingly. I don't know why but it made me feel better knowing I wasn't without help. No matter what I still had my friends and my sister.
By the time we returned from our shopping trip I was exhausted. Hiei was there to greet me at the door of the temple, with an inquisitive glance at the bags we were carrying. "Any news?" I asked as we followed him inside. He shook his head. "We weren't able to figure out what changed you, but Genkai said she'd keep looking." He said. "Let's go home then." I suggested. "If she finds anything I'm sure someone will be able to find us." I turned and hugged my sister. "Thank you Sata." I said. "It was my pleasure." She responded as she hugged me back. "Now go home and get some rest. You look tired." Hiei and I headed home in silence. I didn't attempt to make conversation, even if I were to try and ask Hiei if he could accept my new form I was afraid the words would come out wrong. I was also afraid of his reaction to such a question and what his answer might be. Still, I knew I had no reason to doubt him, yet I couldn't shake off the possibility and it was eating at me.
Once inside the house I put away my new clothes while Hiei cooked dinner. I looked up and paused in putting away the last of the items away to see him standing at the door watching me. "I'm curious to see what that looks like on you." he said nodding to the items in my hand. I looked at them and blushed when I realized they were a matching set of a black bra and panties. I sat down on the bed as he entered the room. He soon had his strong arms around me. "What if I'm stuck this way?" I whispered softly, finally voicing the thought that had plagued me all day. "We'll adapt." He said. "Just like we have before." He tenderly caressed my cheek with his hand. "You may have changed outwardly, but inwardly you are the same." He continued. "Are you trying to tell me your feelings haven't changed even though I have?" I asked. He nodded. Relief flooded through me and I smiled. He released me from his embrace and took my hand. "Let's eat now, and if you feel up to it, afterward you can show me what this stuff looks like on you." he suggested. I rose and set the underwear on the bed, then followed my mate out of the room.