Chapter 2

"Hiei"… Chills ran down Hiei's spine at the soft way Kurama almost moaned his name. It seemed Hiei wasn't the only one having trouble hiding his feelings. He had known for some time of Kurama's attraction to him. If that attraction was only physical or went deeper he didn't know, and he had no intention of finding out. They were friends, and it was more than Hiei thought he could ever hope for. He had only had true friendship once in his life and lost it. He would never again risk such a precious thing as his fox's friendship for physical pleasure, or even love.

As Hiei removed his cloak, boots and katana, Kurama's eyes automatically began to search every inch of his love's slim, muscular form for sign of injury. "I'm not injured Fox". Kurama smiled and blushed as he realized that this statement was made without Hiei actually being witness to Kurama's close appraisal.

"No, but I'll bet you're hungry. Come on, I have some leftovers in the fridge." Kurama took Hiei by the hand and pulled the reluctant fire demon into the kitchen. Hiei sat at the small table in the corner to await whatever his fox may have to eat. Kurama, knowing Hiei might come tonight, had worked hard to make something special in hopes Hiei would join him for dinner. Sadly Kurama had eaten alone. 'Oh well, leftovers would have to do' he thought. Kurama, placing a hand on Hiei's shoulder, leaned close over Hiei to place the plate in front of him saying softly in his ear "It's one of your favorites Hiei, stir fried rice with chicken and lots of vegetables made just the way you like them". Hiei's breath caught at the thrill of Kurama's breath caressing his neck. "Hn" was the only reply Kurama got, but was gratified to see Hiei clean his plate and help himself to seconds.

After Hiei had finished dinner Kurama served him a large bowl of ice cream, or sweet snow as Hiei always called it.

Frowning, Hiei asked, "What are these lumps in my snow Fox?"

Kurama grinned and reached over into the bowl of ice cream to steel one of the offending lumps. "It's cookie dough Hiei. It's chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. Here try it, it's really good." Holding the lump of cookie dough between his fingers, Kurama held it up to Hiei's lips. Hiei's eyes widened for a moment. Then, it was Kurama's eyes that widened and his breath that caught, as Hiei not only took the offered treat but also the fox's fingers into his warm mouth and suckled them clean. "You're right Fox, that was good" he said in a low voice. His red eyes fixed on the fox's. Kurama blushed and quickly turned to finish the dishes. Hiei smirked thinking, 'two can play this game my fox'.

-

In the bedroom Kurama nervously prepared for bed. He glanced at Hiei occasionally as he sat on the windowsill polishing his katana. Why was he so nervous? They had done this little routine dozens, if not hundreds of times in the past. It was a little different now that Kurama had his own apartment. At his mother's house he had slept on the narrow bed while Hiei had slept on a mat on the floor. Now Kurama's bed was big enough for two and they had shared it many times in the last year and a half. Tonight was different though, Kurama could feel it. Something was happening between them, and as much as he wanted to see where that something would lead, he wasn't sure he was willing to risk their friendship to find out.

"No homework Fox?" Hiei inquired, putting down his katana and automatically picking up Kurama's hairbrush..

"Not really, just a report due next week" Kurama replied, moving to sit in front of the fire demon.

"Good, I won't have to sleep with the light on tonight." Hiei began brushing his fox's hair.

This was another routine they had done many times over the years. Kurama had been wounded on a mission two years ago and Hiei had cared for him. Brushing his hair had soothed the wounded fox and somehow, even after Kurama had healed, Hiei made it part of their regular evening ritual. Both bit their lips to hide their pleasure, while each quietly enjoyed the torture of touching and being touched by the one they loved. When he couldn't stand it any longer Kurama took the brush from Hiei and set it aside. Together they got in the bed, Hiei near the window as always, and they turned out the lights. Both lay quiet for some minutes before the fox gave in to his curiosity.

"Hiei?"

"Hn?"

"Can I kiss you goodnight?"

Silence. Kurama turned to Hiei, leaning up on his elbow to see his love bathed in moonlight.

"Why?"

"Because, it's a nice way to end a nice evening with someone you're close to" the fox answered choosing his words with care.

"Hn."

Taking that as a yes Kurama leaned in, closing his eyes, and gently placed his lips over his fire demon's. 'Heaven!' was the thought they both shared. A small moan escaped Kurama as he gently moved his lips on Hiei's. Hiei reached a hand into his fox's soft hair and pulled him deeper into the kiss. One moment Kurama was in control, the next he found himself on his back, pressed into the mattress with a very warm tongue demanding entrance to his mouth. Opening himself to Hiei, Kurama found himself the recipient of absolutely the best kiss he had ever had, as a human or Youko. 'Wow!' When his brain could function again and his power of speech returned he would have to ask that sexy fire demon just who had taught him how to kiss like that.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing heard, Hiei gently brushed the hair from Kurama's eyes and whispered "Goodnight Fox". Then he turned over and went to sleep.