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Chapter 11

It was Saturday night and they had spent the day together ending with dinner and a movie at the apartment. Hiei's arm was around his fox, Kurama's head on his fire demon's shoulder as they sat on the sofa watching Rush Hour. Hiei didn't like the fake martial arts but laughed at Jackie Chan's antics.

Smiling happily Kurama asked, "Hiei, will you do something special with me tomorrow?"

Hiei's fingers played in soft red hair. "Anything Fox."

Kurama smiled, turning his head into the caress. "Even having brunch with me and my mother?"

The hand in his hair stilled. "I said anything Fox. Are you sure it's a good idea though? You told her what happened between us, she may not want me there."

Strong fingers began stroking his hair again. "It was her idea Hiei. She knows we're trying to work things out and she wants to get to know you better. She hasn't even seen you in over a year and has never seen us as a couple. You don't have to go, I'll understand."

Firmly the fingers in the fox's hair tightened, pulling the redhead back to look at the fire demon. "Anything includes brunch with your mother Kurama."

With a huge smile Kurama threw his arms around Hiei, planting kisses across his face. "Oh, thank you Hiei. It won't be so bad, you'll see." Surprised by the sudden display of affection, Hiei took advantage of the fox's mood and kissed him. It started as one of their sweet kisses but this time, his hand still buried in Kurama's hair, Hiei deepened the kiss.

When he felt Hiei's tongue caress his lips Kurama knew he wanted this and opened himself to the pleasure Hiei offered. They held each other and kissed for some time, missing most of the movie. When Hiei finally pulled back, kissing Kurama's forehead, allowing them both to catch their breath, Kurama was settled in Hiei's lap. "Fox, I think we need to slow this down before it gets out of control."

Nuzzling and kissing his neck, Kurama purred, "Out of control is good."

With a growl Hiei agreed, "Yes it is, but it's still too soon Kurama. I think maybe I'd better go."

Hiei firmly set the fox back on the sofa and rose to leave. "Hiei, where do you go when you leave here?" Kurama had taken his hand to keep him from leaving.

"Sometimes the park, or the forest over near Genkai's, but I usually sleep in the tree across the street. I shower and change at Genkai's."

Not letting go of his hand Kurama rose. "Hiei, this is crazy. You have clothes here. You're here most of the time anyway, there's no reason you can't stay here. It's not like you haven't slept here before."

Though pleased at the fox's invitation he still couldn't accept. "It's different now Kurama. Until you're ready to accept me as your mate again it wouldn't be right."

Smiling at his chivalry, Kurama tried again. "I could make you a bed on the sofa, that would be alright wouldn't it?"

Hiei was wavering. Sensing victory the fox tipped his head down so his hair fell over his eyes then looked up through his lashes and pleaded, "Please Hiei, for me?"

Hiei was lost. Brushing the hair from his fox's eyes, "Anything for you my Fox."

The two demons slept well that night, happy in knowing the other was so close.

With a dreamy smile Kurama woke wrapped in the warmth of Hiei's ki. 'He must be sleeping really deep to drop his guard like this.' Slipping out of bed, he was drawn to the living room to watch Hiei sleep. 'He still looks just as young and innocent when he sleeps as he did fifty years ago.'

Kneeling next to the sofa Kurama leaned over to wake him with a kiss. Hiei responded immediately with a sly chuckle behind the kiss. Pulling back in mock indignation Kurama accused, "You little demon! You were awake the whole time!"

Hiei smiled playfully. "You're slipping Fox. It took you two whole minutes from the time I dropped my guard until you kissed me." Then he pulled Kurama down to finish the kiss.

Breathless and more than a little aroused the two demons finally broke apart. "What time is brunch Fox?" Hiei asked as Kurama went to the kitchen to make his hot chocolate.

"We'll meet her at the restaurant at ten. I'll make you some toast so you don't parish from starvation by then."

Shaking his head, Hiei replied, "Starvation my foot! I'm getting fat with you feeding me so much."

Handing him a mug of chocolate Kurama laughed. "Okay porky, how about after brunch we walk to Genkai's to train? I could call Yusuke and Kuwabara to meet us there."

Hiei nodded his approval. "Sounds good Fox."

Kurama talked nonstop all the way to the restaurant. He was so happy that he would spend the morning with the two people he loved most in the three worlds that he could hardly contain himself.

Hiei hid his grin at his fox's excitement. He himself was a bit nervous. Shiori had always treated him with kindness in the past, but today was different. She knew about their past now, how Hiei had hurt her precious son. How could he defend himself against Kurama's mother without hurting his fox even more? Whatever happened he would take it, because making Kurama happy came first right now.

Shiori greeted her son with a hug then turned to Hiei. "Hiei-chan, it's good to see you again." The old endearment from Kurama's childhood slipping from her tongue naturally. She had never quite believed her son's "Hiei's my age mother". He still looked like a boy, not the man she knew him to be.

Relaxing a little at the greeting Hiei accepted her hug a bit awkwardly. "Thank you Shiori-san."

The trio ordered their food and sat talking about what they had all been doing lately. Shiori told them about work and things she had done with her friends. Kurama eagerly told his mother about the time he and Hiei had been spending together. He also told her about his classes for the upcoming semester. Hiei as usual listened unless one of them spoke to him directly.

When their food came and things quieted Shiori looked at them seriously. "Alright boys, it's time to tell me what's really going on between you two? Have you worked out all your problems yet?"

Though she addressed the questions to both of them, clearly it was to Hiei that she looked to for the answers. After a moments thought Hiei replied in a deep voice.

"Shiori-san, I love Kura…uh…Shuuichi, and I want him as my mate again. I think he feels the same. I did hurt him though, and right now he doesn't completely trust me. I give you my word, I will never hurt him again, and Shiori-san, I never break my word. Kura …Shuuichi says we're dating, getting to know each other again, learning to trust again. He will trust me again and this time he'll be mine forever. Right now I know he needs to be near you, but some day, when he's ready, I intend to take him back to the Makai, permanently."

Shiori seemed pleased with Hiei's answer. "Good, my Shuu-chan deserves to be loved forever, no matter where you live."

Kurama didn't think he could be happier than he was at that moment. He reached under the table to squeeze Hiei's thigh and mouthed I love you for his eyes only, and Hiei smiled.

The rest of their brunch with Kurama's mother went smoothly. Shiori complemented the ring on her son's finger. Kurama beamed, telling her that it was a gift from Hiei. Shiori smiled, not commenting on the significance of it's place on his left hand.

Before parting Shiori kissed and hugged her son. "I love you mother." She smiled kissing him again. "I love you too son."

She turned to Hiei then offering him a warm hug and whispered in his ear. "I'm trusting you with my baby's heart Hiei. Don't let us down."

Pulling back surprised, he nodded. "I won't Shiori-san, you have my word."

She waved to them as they headed for Genkai's, smiling as she noticed their joined hands.