Chapter Nine: A Rainy Day Picnic

Kurama rolled his shoulders as we entered our apartment later that night. "You know, you're really good with your hands," he said. "I'd like to reward you for that wonderful massage," "What'd you have in mind?" I asked. "I'd like to something special for you," he answered. "…just the two of us," "Isn't that what humans call a date?" I questioned. "Yes, I suppose it could be considered a date," he responded as he sat down on the couch. I sat down beside him, curiosity getting the best of me. "Just what exactly do humans do on a date?" I asked. "Spend time together mostly," Kurama answered. "Usually they go to the movies, a restaurant for dinner, a club for a long night of dancing, or just take long walks just enjoying each other's company. Of course every couple is different and there's so many different things that can be done," "…and what will we be doing?" I asked. Kurama smiled. "That I'd like to keep a surprise," he said then leaned forward. I captured his lips with mine, just as he had the first time he'd kissed me. The fox moaned softly, looking at me with wide eyes once I had pulled away. "I've been dying to do that all night," I murmured.

Kurama's amazement quickly turned to a feral smile. "Oh?" he queried. "I must confess I've wanted that as well," I chuckled. "Sounds to me like you're the one excited now," I teased. "You don't know the half of it," he murmured huskily. I felt a shiver run up my spine at the tone of his voice. It had been so heavy with desire, yet smooth and velvety. If he could make me shiver with just his voice, what could he do to me with the rest of him? Kurama's eyes were filled with longing and desire, yet also love and patience. He broke eye contact with me; his emerald green orbs glancing down to my lips then back up again to my eyes. He captured my lips with his in a loving, but fiery kiss. He was holding back somewhat, I wasn't sure why though. Once we broke the kiss he wished me good night, then rose from the couch and headed to the bathroom. As I watched him leave the room I couldn't help but think that this was one human custom I wasn't going to mind at all.

The next day it poured down rain. I scowled as I watched the sheet of water pouring down the window. There was no way we were going out in this weather. Thankfully Yusuke had called earlier to cancel rehearsal, since it didn't look like the rain would let up until the next day. I sat at the counter in the flower shop tapping my fingers against the hard surface. I was bored out of my skull, but Kurama had forbidden me from returning to the apartment upstairs. I guessed he was planning to surprise me with something, but I had no idea what. I'd heard noises from above that sounded like furniture being moved, and the smell of food wafted through the air making my stomach growl. The noise reminded me that I hadn't eaten since midday when my fox had brought me lunch. That had been several hours ago.

Finally, I heard Kurama's footsteps on the stairwell. "Are you ready Hiei?" he asked as he entered the shop. "For what?" I asked. "Our date of course," the fox replied with smile. "Don't tell me you forgot," I shook my head. "I didn't forget," I replied. "You're not seriously thinking of going out in that are you?" "That was the original plan, Yes… but since this storm doesn't seem to be letting up in the least I thought it best if we just stayed in," he answered as he walked over to the shop door and locked it. He changed the sign from open to closed, then turned to face me with his hand extended. "Shall we?" he asked. I nodded and placed my hand in his.

"Close your eyes," He said. I started to protest, but didn't. Obviously, my fox had gone through a lot of trouble to surprise me with something he didn't want to reveal yet. Far be it from me to spoil his fun. I did as he asked and allowed him to lead me upstairs to our apartment. "Can I open them yet?" I ask once I know we've stepped past the threshold. Kurama chuckled, his soft laughter was like music to my ears. It was good to hear him laugh again, he did it so rarely since his mother's death. "Yes, you may open your eyes," he answered. I opened my eyes and the widened in surprise as I took in the scene before me. The living room had been transformed into a tropical forest of some kind. It looked as though Kurama had used his spirit energy into every plant in the house and probably a few from the shop as well. Even I had to admit it was beautiful. In the center lay a large blanket with several dishes laid out upon it, laden with food.

"I had planned on bringing you to one of my old dens and having the picnic there," Kurama said from behind me, his voice now the deeper tones of the youko. "Unfortunately, the storm prevented me from doing that, so I tried to create the next best thing. I hope it is to your liking," I turned to face him and sure enough Kurama had abandoned his human form once again. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble for me," I said. Kurama leaned down and caressed my cheek with his lips. "I wanted to," he whispered. "…besides you're worth it," I blinked at him curiously at that last remark. Kurama smiled. "Let's eat," he suggested. My stomach growled again reminding me of the scrumptious spread set out on the blanket. Kurama chuckled and took my hand. I allowed him to lead me to the blanket and we sat down beside each other.

"When did you get all this?" I asked as I began dishing food onto a plate. "When you went to visit Yukina a few days ago," he answered. I smirked. "Confident I would accept your invitation were you?" I teased. Color tinted the fox's cheeks. "Actually, no," he confessed. "I was still afraid you'd reject me when I asked, but I was also hoping you'd accept," I handed him his plate and began dishing my own. His eyes widened slightly as he looked down at his plate. He'd obviously noticed I'd only served him his favorites. "I don't think I could have refused," I said. " …not now anyway," Kurama smiled and his long silvery tail swished in obvious joy.

We sat for the next few hours just eating and talking. It was a while before either of us noticed that it was getting darker. "The sun must be setting," Kurama commented. "Shall I get us some light before it becomes completely dark?" I nodded. The streetlight had gone out last night, and there was no sense in us sitting in complete darkness. He reached into his long silver hair and tossed some seeds into the surrounding greenery. Within moments several Lamp Weeds illuminated the living room, adding to the illusion that we were somewhere other than our apartment in the human world. I closed my eyes and leaned against his chest. I lay still with my ear against his well built chest and listened to his heartbeat. I raised my head after a moment and looked up at my fox. He looked down at me, then lowered his head and lovingly captured my lips with his. I returned the kiss eagerly. The kisses became more heated as we exchanged them and I found myself wanting more.

I reached down and untied the belt of his tunic. "You look rather warm in that," I said as I opened the tunic, exposing his god like upper body. Kurama leaned back slightly, resting his weight on his arms, allowing the tunic to slide free of his body. My eyes wandered over his finely chiseled chest and abdomen, and his strong arms. It's no wonder the fox had so many lovers and admirers. The ancient Greeks may have had Aphrodite but the Makai had Youko Kurama.

I placed my hand upon his smooth chest and gently ran it over the soft skin, exploring his upper body with my touch. Kurama's golden eyes slowly closed. I got to my knees and gently began trailing kisses along his neck. A soft moan escaped his lips as I nipped at his throat. I smirked. I found something he liked. I continued my trail downward, covering his chest with kisses. More moans escaped my love's lips as I continued on to his smooth belly. He whispered something in a language I'd never heard. He repeated it over and over again until I reached the waistband of his thin white pants. His eyes slowly opened again as he placed his hand upon my shoulder.

I looked up at him. His face was flushed and he was panting heavily. "If you keep doing that I assure you I won't be able to control myself," he warned gently. I nodded. He pulled me into his lap and held me close. "You sure you never had a lover before?" he asked. "You seemed to know what you were doing?" "Seeming to know and actually knowing are two different things Fox," I said. "I just watched your reactions carefully," Kurama raised his eyebrows. He murmured something in that unknown language. He noticed my inquisitive expression and smiled. "I can tell that once we've advanced further in our relationship I'm going to have a lot of trouble resisting you," he said. I chuckled. "Then don't," I suggested as I leaned upward and claimed his lips.

A/N: Thank you to all of my readers and my reviewers. Nite Nite I hope you're feeling better.