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Standard disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho (I wish)

Chapter 10

Greeting the day with a smile, and a quick peek at the ring on his left hand, Kurama eagerly dressed and went shopping. He needed fresh vegetables for the pasta salad he was taking to the picnic. He chose it because it was good and would travel well to the park. It didn't hurt that Hiei liked it too, but then the Koorime liked almost anything with lots of vegetables in it.

Suddenly, the fox was angry. Why was he trying so hard to please Hiei. With a sigh he admitted to himself, 'Because you still love him you idiot, no matter what he's done'. With salad in hand he set off for the park with a hopeful heart.

At the park Yusuke and Kuwabara waved and called "Hey Kurama!" as they tossed a frisbee. Keiko and Yukina greeted him with smiles and warm hugs. As he passed her the salad Yukina noticed the ring on his hand.

"Kurama, what a lovely ring."

Hesitating only slightly, Kurama replied, "Thank you Yukina, it was a gift from Hiei." If that stubborn fire demon wanted their relationship kept a secret from his sister, or anyone else for that matter, well tough, he was through with secrets. Both girls admired the ring. It's significance lost on the ice apparition, but Keiko smiled knowingly.

He had not seen Hiei yet and refused to ask if he was there. Then he felt it, Hiei's ki. His heart started pounding. Kurama didn't turn to him though. 'If he wants me he'll have to come to me.' He did. Intercepted momentarily by Yukina's welcome hug, Hiei made his way to Kurama's side.

"Hello Fox."

"Hello Hiei."

Both seemed a little uncomfortable. Finally, Hiei took Kurama's left hand in his, running his thumb over the ring. "I'm glad you wore it."

Kurama blushed, "Thank you for the ring and the flowers Hiei, it was very thoughtful."

Still holding the fox's hand Hiei asked "Can we take a walk?" Kurama nodded and allowed himself to be led toward the lake.

The frisbee was suddenly forgotten. Kuwabara, gaping, asked "Hey Urameshi, am I seeing things or is the shrimp holding hands with Kurama?"

Yusuke had on a big smile, "Yea, isn't it great?"

Frowning and shaking his head the carrot top replied "No, actually it's kinda weird."

Still smiling, Yusuke slapped his friend on the back "Well, I think it's really sweet, and you will too or I'm gonna have beat the crap out of you."

They walked over to join the girls. "Why am I always the last one to know these things?"

"What are you the last to know Kazuma?" Yukina asked.

Keiko answered. "Why that Kurama and Hiei are in love of course. You saw Kurama's ring didn't you?"

Kuwabara looked shocked, "Ring? Kurama's wearing Hiei's ring? How come I don't know about the ring?"

Yusuke laughed, "That's what you get for missing staff meetings idiot."

Kuwabara started chasing Yusuke. "Staff meetings? Since when do we have staff meetings? Why am I always the last one to know about these things?"

The girls laughed at both of their idiots as they started setting out the food.

-

Hand in hand Kurama and Hiei walked through the park. Neither spoke as they found a secluded area overlooking the lake. Still holding hands, they sat watching some children feed the ducks for a while before Hiei spoke.

"Fox, I … um… I'm…"

With a sad smile Kurama stopped him. "It's alright Hiei, I heard the apology in your gifts. You don't need to do it again."

Hiei nodded, brushing his thumb across Kurama's palm. "Kurama, you once said that if we loved each other we could get through this. Do you still think that?"

Looking down at their joined hands Kurama replied sadly. "I don't know Hiei. I know things now I didn't know then and I'm really confused about how I feel. I do love you, I'm just not sure that it's enough. I wish it were, but I'm afraid. You betrayed my trust, and I don't think I can be with you if I can't trust you. Do I love you enough to trust you again? Do you love me enough this time to deserve that trust? I don't know." Kurama pulled his hand from Hiei's and turned to watch the children again.

Hiei sighed, saddened that his fox pulled away from him. "I understand, we'll take it slow. I need to know something though, would you still trust me in battle?"

Startled Kurama looked up at him. "With my life Hiei."

Nodding, Hiei continued. "Are we friends again Fox?"

Kurama sighed, "Yes Hiei, always."

Relieved, Hiei got more confident. "So, you trust me with your life and your friendship but not with your heart…yet. It's a start. I can work with that, if you'll let me. Will you give me a chance to earn your trust back Kurama? Let me prove that I have always loved you enough, maybe too much."

Kurama smiled then, that beautiful smile he saved only for his fire demon. "Yes Hiei, I'd like that."

Encouraged by the brilliant smile his love bestowed on him, Hiei carefully leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on his fox's lips. Shyly, Kurama enjoyed the sweet feel of the lips caressing his, but when Hiei tried to deepen the kiss the fox turned his face away with a cry, "No!"

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath to hide his disappointment Hiei muttered a quick "Sorry. Guess I'm going too fast."

Unable to meet Hiei's eyes Kurama whispered, "It's okay, I love your kisses, it's just too soon Hiei."

After a few awkward moments Hiei spoke. "Kurama, there's something I need to tell you. The ring you're wearing isn't just a ring. The Claddaugh is an Irish wedding ring, and Yusuke says a wedding ring is the way ningen's mark their mates. Since you wouldn't let me mark you last week, I don't want you upset if you found out later that I had deceived you about marking you now."

Kurama was still unable to meet Hiei's eyes but gave him a small smile and laugh. "I wondered if that's what you were doing. So you've been getting romance advice from Yusuke?"

With a sheepish grin Hiei confessed. "Well, he already knew about us, and I figured he gets in trouble with Keiko enough that he might actually know what he's talking about." Then they both laughed.

Together they walked back to where the others were having lunch. Everyone looked a little concerned that they were not holding hands. Of course Yusuke was the only one brave enough to ask about it.

"What the hell happened? Why aren't you holding hands now? I thought you two made up."

Smiling Kurama replied, "We're working on it. It's going to take a little time though." Then he fixed himself and Hiei a plate and they sat together, slightly away from the others, talking while they ate.

Kuwabara whispered, "Why are they making up? When did they break up?"

Shaking his head Yusuke answered, "Don't tell me you've been missing the memos too."

"Oh no, not meetings and memos!"

After the picnic Hiei walked Kurama back to his apartment. He declined the fox's shy invitation to come in but did brave a quick kiss on the fox's cheek before leaving.

-

The would be lovers spent most of the next few days together. They didn't do anything special, just spent time together, at the apartment, the roman shop, the park, the movies, even the mall. They held hands wherever they went, they talked a lot, and ate most of their meals together. Basically they were dating. Kurama was happy, even beginning to allow Hiei to kiss him. Not deep passionate kisses, just sweet good night kisses, but as Hiei had said, it was a start.