Chapter 4

'Get a grip Youko!' Kurama was in trouble and he knew it. Yusuke sensed it when they met to study yesterday, plaguing him with endless questions. Even Shiori felt it when they had lunch two days ago. Memories of that lunch made him uneasy. Kurama was beginning to think his mother knew of his feelings for Hiei, but discreetly avoided asking him directly. Upset by her son's tired appearance and the dark circles under his eyes, Shiori asked him lots of questions, and a number of them involved Hiei. But he couldn't worry about that right now. He had to figure out what was happening to him.

Kurama was in his room getting ready for another of Yusuke's parties. He didn't really feel up to a party, but he was hoping to have a chance to talk to Genkai since the party was at her temple. With the psychic's vast experience maybe she would be able to provide a clue as to what was happening to him.

Ever since the day he and Hiei had talked the fox had been having nightmares. No, actually it went back to the night of the kiss. At first they were just odd dreams that he couldn't really remember. Gradually they had grown into full-fledged nightmares where Kurama wakes trembling and frightened, but of what he doesn't know. The only thing he knows for sure is they involve Hiei. He still wakes with no memory of the events in the dream, just the sense that Hiei plays a major roll in whatever he is afraid of. Whatever was going on he needed answers, more importantly, he needed sleep. But how do you fight an enemy from within? How do you fight your dreams?

As he prepared to leave only one thought was on his mind. 'I wonder if Hiei will be there?'

Dreams of the past were haunting Hiei's nights. Memories of the past and more recently, his last encounter with Kurama were haunting his days. He had not seen his fox since that day almost two weeks ago, and he missed him. He needed to see him, and Yusuke's party was the perfect opportunity. He knew he was playing with fire seeing Kurama again. Ever since the kiss he knew he might not be able to keep his vow, to be no more than his beloved fox's friend, but he couldn't help himself. Spending even one more day without his beautiful fox would be like living a nightmare. He didn't know if having Kurama in his life would take the nightmares away, but he intended to find out, tonight.

Hiei quietly approached Genkai's temple and immediately followed Kurama's ki to a small garden. Surprised, he found the fox under a tree fast asleep.

Hiei turned as he felt Yusuke come up beside him. "Is he okay?"

"Not really. He's not been sleeping well. Nightmares I think" came the taller boy's reply.

The fire demon frowned, "Nightmares?"

Just then Kurama stirred restlessly, murmuring something in his sleep. Yusuke gestured to Hiei's jagon. "Maybe you can help him." Then he went back inside.

Hiei approached Kurama and sat down close to him. Reaching up, he ran his thumb across the fox's worried brow, smoothing the creases there. Using the jagon, he spoke soothing words to Kurama's mind. The fox immediately relaxed and turned into the fire demons soft caress. Inching closer, Hiei gently placed his arms around his fox and was rewarded when Kurama snuggled into them with a sigh.

Some time later shrill feminine laughter could be heard from inside the temple. Kurama sleepily stirred and opened his eyes. "Hiei" he sighed softly when he recognized his fire demon's embrace.

"Stupid females. Go back to sleep Fox." Annoyed, Hiei tried to settle Kurama back in his arms.

"I'm fine Hiei. I haven't slept so well in weeks. How long was I asleep?" Kurama turned to face Hiei but stayed in his fire demons warm embrace.

"Almost two hours."

The fox smiled, "Thank you Hiei". They sat quietly for some time, neither wanting to break the spell they were under. After a while they started to talk softly.

"Hiei, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you the other day. I know what you told me hurt you, but I'm glad you trusted me. Please tell me that we're still friends. Even if you never let me be anything more, I need your friendship." Not daring to met Hiei's eyes, his hand absently played across the muscles on Hiei's chest.

"Hn. Stupid fox, of course we're still friends." Hiei's fingers softly caressing his fox's hair.

"I know you loved your mate, but do you think you could ever love again? Or at least want another lover some day?" Instinctively Kurama turned his head into the fire demons caress.

"Don't know. What I want and what I will allow may not always be the same thing Kurama. Who knows, maybe someday." Silently Hiei wished he would allow today to be that day.

"Hiei? Will you come home with me tonight? Hold me and help me sleep like you did earlier?" The fox's face nuzzled his loves neck.

"Hn. Let's go home fox." Standing, he held a hand out to help his fox up.

Kurama dragged Hiei inside to say their goodbyes. Then they walked to the fox's apartment where they spent the night in a dreamless sleep, nestled in each others arms.