I'm sorry for the late update. I'll just say a quick thank you to The Forbidden Fox (yes, yes, a family portrait would be awesome), LadyRainrin, Jasmemini (extra thanks for the nice words on TFF's beautiful fan art) , Dragon Tamer103088, KyoHana (welcome back), Hiei obsessor and Kitsune Bandit for the great reviews and to everyone who reads.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho.

Chapter 25

"Hiei you don't have to stay if you don't want to. I'm sure the family's planning to turn this into a party and I know you're not always comfortable with that." Kurama was sitting on the bed nestled between Hiei's legs while his lover brushed out his long silver hair.

They had just returned from bathing. Kyba played on the floor while Yukiko sat in Kurama's lap as he brushed her hair. Kurama couldn't believe how long her silver hair had grown in just three months. Except for the gravity defying bangs with the black starburst it was just like his, silver and silky, soft. Kyba's black hair was more like Shuuichi's. It was thicker but also had gravity defying bangs only his starburst was red thus making it a bit harder to see. When Yukiko's wings began to flutter Kurama knew she was done so he helped her to the floor where she crawled over to join her brother.

Hiei pulled Kurama back against his chest as they watched their children play. "I'll stay for a while Foxie. I'd like to see Yukina. Let's get the kits dressed, everyone will be here soon."

When they came down from the tree house Hiro was there to greet them with kisses and hugs. When enough loving had been shared he took Kyba from Kurama and sat playing with him in the grass. When Shina came out of the den she and Hiei placed Kuryn and Yukiko in the grass to play too.

When Hiei turned back to his mate the jagon was glowing. "Brace yourself Sweetheart, the family's here."

A moment later the family entered the compound and there were several excited shouts of "Kurama!" Surprisingly though the one that pushed past the others and rushed forward was Yukina. When Kurama saw her running toward him with her arms out he went down on one knee to take the little Koorime in his arms. "Welcome home my brother."

"I know I just saw you a few days ago little sister but it feels different now. It's good to be back. Yukina, thank you so much for taking care of me and my kits when we needed you." He leaned down to kiss her cheek.

Yukina blushed and giggled. "I'll always be here whenever one of my brothers needs me."

Keiko and Boton were behind Yukina, each with a hand on her shoulder. "Alright Yukina, Keiko and I want to welcome that sexy Youko home too you know."

When Yukina reluctantly stepped back Kurama suddenly found Keiko and Boton in his arms. Holding them he looked between them and gave his friends a wicked grin. "This is fun. I may have to go away more often."

Strong fingers wound in his hair pulling his head back. Since he was still kneeling he found himself looking up at Hiei. "Mine!"

The girls giggled as they were each pulled out of his arms by their husbands. Yusuke could barely contain his laughter. "Yeah, you big pervert! Mine!"

As Hiei's fingers loosened Kurama stood, kissing his mate before turning to be fondly greeted by Yusuke, Kuwabara and Koenma.

Kuwabara clapped him on the shoulder. "At least I don't have to worry about you being a pervert. You think of my Yukina like a little sister."

With mischief in his eyes Kurama smiled at him. "Actually Kuwabara, I think of all of your lovely ladies as my little sisters, that doesn't mean they are. Never forget I have an appitite for tasty little Koorime's."

Hiei growled and blushed. Yusuke and Koenma both laughed as Kuwabara considered what their friend implied. It took him a moment to recover and realize everyone was teasing him. "My luck and you're probably bisexual like those two demons you're mated to."

There was a wistful look in Kurama's eye. "Actually, yes I am, and I'm a little jealous that they've had something I haven't had in more years than I can count. Don't growl Hiei-Koi. I'm just teasing. You and Kuro are the only lovers I will ever need."

Koenma had a curious look on his face. "You know Kurama, I've been wondering why you did it. You know there is another way for you and Hiei to have children."

Kurama looked nervous at the question in Hiei's eye. "Yes, Koenma there is another way, but I would never ask that of Hiei. Our rolls as parents were decided when we found Shina and as hard as it is to admit, I am our children's mother."

Hiei grabbed one of Kurama's forelocks and pulled him down to his eye level. "What the hell's he talking about Fox?"

At Kurama's glare Koenma backed up putting some distance between himself and his two powerful friends. "Sorry Kurama, I thought he knew."

"Hiei-Koi, wouldn't you rather talk about this later, you know, when we're alone?" Kurama purred into Hiei's ear, rubbing his chest as a distraction.

Capturing his mate's wandering hand Hiei just glared. With a sigh Kurama relented. "Fine, just remember, I tried to put this off until we were alone."

"Years ago, when you first pursued me, before we were partners or mated, I investigated you. Don't look at me like that. The partnership you wanted and later our mating was closer than anyone had ever been to me, even Kuro. I had to know what I was getting into. When I discovered that you were… you know I hate this term…the forbidden child of the Koorime, I discovered some very interesting things about you. As the child of a Koorime, even though you're a male, you are capable of conceiving and bearing children." Kurama paused waiting for Hiei's reaction.

Seeing the shock on their friend's face the others wisely remained silent. Hiei drew a calming breath before he spoke. "Why didn't you ever tell me? Are you sure this is true? How is it after all these years as lovers I've never conceived a child with you? Especially after we talked about having children of our own."

Kurama silently prayed that Hiei's apparent calm meant he wasn't angry. "In the past, you quickly established your roll as the dominant mate. Besides, I didn't think you would ever want children. Later, after we had Shina and we had established our rolls as parents, I didn't think you would want to switch and be the mother. As to why you never got pregnant, well… that was my doing. I regularly give you an herb that prevents conception. Add to that the fact that you don't often give me dominance in bed it really isn't that hard. Hiei-Koi, please tell me you're not mad."

Quietly Hiei shook his head. "No Foxie, I'm not mad. Everything you said is true. In the past I wouldn't have wanted children and now I wouldn't want to be their mother. I just wish you would have told me so we could have at least discussed it before you went off the deep end and became a female."

Kurama sighed his relief that he wasn't in trouble for keeping such a secret from his mate. "You're right Hiei and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kept it from you. I should have let you make your own decisions. I guess I was just protecting you from something I thought would upset you."

Hiei pulled Kurama into his arms. "As always Kurama you know me as well as I know myself, maybe better. It's actually a good thing you never told me. If I had known giving you dominance could get me pregnant I'd never let you be semi. At least this way I know your little herb works."

Deciding it was safe to join the conversation Yusuke couldn't resist asking a question. "So Kurama, how is it you know so much about female birth control? Sorry Hiei, no offense."

Kurama laughed. "You already know I'm bisexual. How do you think I lived for over four hundred years and never became a father?"

Yukina giggled. "Alright everyone, I think it's time to move on. Kurama thank you for looking after Hiei. Now how about you let us welcome Shuuichi back then we'll get the party started."

Kurama kissed Hiei then changed forms. The redhead held his lover tightly. "Hiei are you really alright with this? I was only protecting you."

"I know Kitten and I'm not mad. Now kiss me so Kuro can come out for the party." Hiei gently kissed his mate then would have changed forms but Kurama stopped him.

"Hiei wait. Please don't change yet. Stay with me a while longer so I know your all right." Kurama tucked his face into Hiei's neck.

Stroking soft red hair Hiei knew he couldn't deny his mate's wishes. "Anything you want Kitten."

Kurama smiled and stole a quick kiss before turning back to the family with a grin, his arms outstretched. "Alright ladies, I'm all yours."

Once again Yukina rushed by the others to be the first to welcome him back. Kurama laughed as he swept her up and spun her around. "Not quite as good as the welcome Hiei and Kuro gave me but sweet non the less."