Learning to Love, Chapter 2

It was three days later. Kurama was sitting at his desk, trying to do his homework. More and more often his thoughts flickered back to his conversation with Hiei. He was at a loss. How do you teach someone to love you? More and more he was convinced that he would soon end up as a yoko once again. Hearing someone curse and hit his window with what seemed like a rock, Kurama quickly got up and opened it. Hiei dropped the small pebble he was holding and sat on Kurama's bed, closing the window behind him.

"Hey, Hiei" Kurama kept his distance.

"Kurama. I want to know something. Why do you love me?"

Kurama closed his eyes before answering, "Because..because you make me happy Hiei. You're strong and witty. You're a great fighter and an even better friend. You know me better than a lot of people do, and you accept me." ((corny, I know, but still..))

Kurama couldn't help himself. He sat down beside Hiei. "Hiei, can I...can I touch you?"

Hiei simply nodded, seemingly deep in thought. Kurama scooted back to sit behind Hiei. He let his hands finally explore Hiei's back, fingers pressing over the muscle. When he was done with his back, he pressed Hiei against his chest and explored his stomach and chest. Hiei leaned his head to rest against Kurama's shoulder, eyes closed, while Kurama's wrapped his arms around his waist.

"How do you know you really love me? How can you tell?" Hiei asked.

"I know I love you Hiei. It's not just the butterflies in my stomach every time I see you. I always want to be by your side. I mourn when you're away on Mukuro's orders, and I rejoice when you always come back. I would die to see you happy Hiei.." Kurama answered quietly.

Hiei was silent. No one had ever cared for him this much. Everyone else would have rather him die then be hurt at all themselves. Kurama waited anxiously for Hiei to respond, and smiled when Hiei lifted his arm to stroke Kurama's cheek before burying it in his hair.

"H..Hiei.."

Hiei turned around and wrapped both his arms around Kurama's neck, hugging him close.

"Hiei..do you love me?"

"What is love, fox?"

"Love is giving yourself completely to another person. Being there for them no matter what. Love is enjoying someone's company, being happy to be around them, in any circumstances. When you love someone, you're willing to do anything for them." ((tear..))

Hiei thought for a few moments before answering, "No, Kurama, I don't love you." he nuzzled Kurama's neck before whispering, "but don't give up."

"Would you like to stay here tonight?"

Hiei nodded casually

"You take the bed, I'll sleep on the floor."

Kurama made a pallet on the floor for himself and lay down facing the bed. Untroubled by dreams and thoughts, he heard the object of his affection fall asleep. Kurama was granted no such luxury. He lay awake for hours, replaying the conversation that had taken place. He was just to the part, for the sixteenth time, where Hiei told Kurama he didn't love him, when he heard Hiei gasp. Immediately he went to go check on him. Hiei was buried deep in the covers, shaking. He shook Hiei a bit to wake him up. Hiei, as soon as he saw it was Kurama standing over him with that concerned look, and Kurama that had awoken him from his dreams, he pulled Kurama down on top of him and started kissing him furiously. Kurama moaned, and depend the kiss before hastily pulling back.

"Hiei, this can't happen."

"Why?"

"Because you don't love me...it's not right." Kurama's feeble attempts died on his lips when he saw the look Hiei was shooting him.

"Kurama, you don't have to love someone to kiss them...And that was all it was."

Kurama nodded, and headed back towards his pallet when Hiei grabbed him by the wrist.

"Stay up here."

"I don't think that's such a good idea."

Hiei growled, "Kurama, I wouldn't hurt you. Whatever else, you are my friend. Stay up here." Kurama smiled weakly and settled down into the bed. When Hiei had turned to face his back to Kurama, he hesitantly wrapped one arm around Hiei, and truly smiled when Hiei didn't protest.

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That's the end of this one! I know Hiei was kind of OOC...but it wouldn't have worked any other way. Review, flame, whatever. Hope you enjoyed.