Here they are the long awaited return of Yusuke, Kuwabara and the rest of the gang. Enjoy.
Standard disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.
Chapter 12
"Kuro-Baby?"
"Hn?"
"How long?"
"Not much longer."
Kurama nodded his acceptance.
The reunited lovers were lying naked in the grass allowing the morning sun to dry them after sharing a very enjoyable bath. The only contact between them was their intertwined fingers. They had not slept, neither wanting to lose even a minute of the precious time they had together. They had laughed, played, talked and loved the entire night. Now, as their time together grew short, they lay quiet, not knowing how to say good-bye.
"Foxie?"
"Yes Baby?"
"Any regrets?"
"No Kuro-Baby, not one."
"Good. That's what Hiei wanted."
Together they dressed and brushed out each other's long hair. They knew the time had come and moved into each other's arms one last time.
They were about to kiss when Kuronue pulled back. "Someone's coming."
Kurama turned his head and smiled. "It's alright. It's only Yusuke."
As he spoke Yusuke came running into the clearing. Absently he saw the embracing lovers but stopped and bent over, resting his hands on his knees to catch his breath. "Hey guys. How'd it go yesterday? Any prob... ?"
Yusuke looked up. Kurama smiled at his expression. "Yusuke, welcome. I'd like you to meet Kuronue, my... "
The Youko looked on in disbelief then amusement at Yusuke's shocked expression. Yusuke was pointing at Kuronue. "Kurama! What's HE doing here? Where's Hiei?"
"Hiei's…" Kurama tried to explain but the former spirit detective was on a roll.
"How could you do this to Hiei after everything he went through to prove his love to you? I don't care how much you cared for this guy, Hiei's your mate! He's your best friend and teammate! He deserves your loyalty! You of all people should know how hard it was for him to give you his heart and you…"
Yusuke's tirade was abruptly cut off. Before he could blink he was wrapped from chest to knees in vines and suspended from the trees. He tried to protest but was cut off again when a large sticky leaf was clamped over his mouth.
Kurama and Kuronue could only laugh as Yusuke struggled in vain to escape his leafy prison. "Foxie, thanks for reminding me of why I often let you win our fights."
Kurama called up to his dangling friend. "Yusuke, after all these years you should know better than to jump to conclusions, especially with me."
Kuronue pulled his lover back into his arms. "How long will you leave him there?"
The fox nuzzled his face into his mate's neck. "At least long enough for Hiei to have a little fun."
The squirming detective was forgotten as Kurama and Kuronue held each other for the last time. Knowing to prolong their good-bye would only make it harder, they kissed, whispered I love you and I'll miss you then Kuronue stepped back and became Hiei once again.
The Youko looked shyly at Hiei, moving slowly towards him. "Hiei-koi, are you alright?"
Hiei pulled his mate into his arms. "I'm fine Fox. Are you going to be okay?"
Adjusting to cuddle into his shorter mate's embrace Kurama reassured him. "I have everything I need right here in my arms. Koibito, how will I ever thank you for what you have given me?"
The fire demon pulled his love back by the scruff to look him in the eyes. "No regrets. That's all the thanks I want."
Knowing no other words were necessary the two shared a long, passionate kiss.
The two were so wrapped up in each other they had forgotten Yusuke until they heard the voices of the rest of the family as they approached.
Keiko, undisturbed at finding her husband hanging from a tree, was the first to make her presence known. "YUSUKE YOU JERK! You could have waited for us!"
"You know Yusuke, I think a red face and bulging eyes might look even better on you than me." Koenma couldn't resist teasing his former Tente.
Boton giggled. "I don't know Koenma, he looks more purple to me."
Kuwabara was on the ground laughing. "Hey Urameshi, what'd you do to piss off Kurama?"
Hiei smirked. "Hn. The fool should know better than to doubt my Fox."
Yukina heard Hiei and rushed forward. "Oh Hiei, I'm so glad you're alright. Not that I doubted Kurama of course but after what Yusuke told us we just had to come see that you were both alright."
Hiei drew his katana and approached Yusuke. "I should kill you Detective, for making my sister worry."
With one slice of the katana Yusuke landed hard on the ground. Kurama rushed over concerned. "Hiei! My plants!"
With a sheepish look Hiei sheathed his katana. "Sorry Foxie."
Yusuke had removed the leaf from his mouth and was pulling sticky stuff out of his hair. "Kurama what is this shit, it tastes like crap!"
Everyone laughed. Keiko took pity on him and went with him to the stream to clean up. The ever-curious Boton was the first to broach the subject everyone wanted to know. "Well, are you going to tell us what happened?"
Kurama looked shyly at Hiei before answering. "Maybe later."
Everyone was disappointed but respected their friend's privacy. Hiei and Kurama were all right, that was all that really mattered.
