Sundays…not quite as nice as Saturdays. Last day of the weekend, back to the grind tomorrow and all that. And it was raining, creating a hypnotic noise against the window. This is important. Also, it wasn't really morning anymore, noon having just past. Our boys were still asleep. Though, not for long. Let's take a moment too look at how they're sleeping and then…well, you'll understand in a moment and I'm sure you're more interested in what's going on than my commentary about it. Kurama is sleeping on his back, his hands, palm up, down by his side. Yes, this is relevant, you'll see in a moment. Yusuke and Hiei were each draped over a leg, their fingers interlaced. Again, relevant. You'd like to know how? Shall I just tell you? Okay, then, I'll get to it…without further ado. Yusuke's and Hiei's hands happened to be right over Kurama's, ummm…shall we say…morning issue?...and their issues were in Kurama's hands. And all three were moving in such a way as to relieve those issues. And all three were still asleep, kept there mostly by that hypnotic noise of rain against glass. But not for much longer. Kurama's issue reached resolution first, causing his hands to tighten around the other two's issues, resolving them, and in the process, waking all three. Now that we've finished with the ridiculous euphemisms, let's move on.

Blearily, Kurama opened his eyes, his ears taking in the groans of the other two when the strange sensation of something moving in his hands and a sudden warmth around his wrists pulled him completely awake. He also became aware of warmth on his abdomen. Quickly, pieces fell into place, and he stared wide eyed at the ceiling. "Oh, my gods," he murmured quietly.

Yusuke and Hiei lifted their heads at this sound. "Shit" "Fuck"…I'll leave it to you to figure out who said what. Let's remember we're dealing with punks here…punks who've had sex with each other and want to have sex with the redhead. Remember? Okay…

Yusuke backed away from Kurama, his face as red as any beets, and maybe redder, "I'm so sorry, Kurama…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…"

Hiei was doing about the same thing. Both boys were wide eyed in horror and red faced in embarrassment.

Slowly, Kurama sat up, looking at his hands, his soiled pajamas, Yusuke's soiled pajamas, Hiei's soiled pajamas, his hands…you get the idea. Anyways, Kurama finally spoke up. "You were asleep, right?" He was looking at the bed between his legs.

"Yeah," the two answered, their voices full of shame and remorse.

"So was I," Kurama murmured, still looking at the bed. After a moment, he looked up, smiling at the very nervous punks. "I'll let it slide this time." He was flung to the bed as two sets of arms when around his neck and many words of appreciation fell on his ears. Laughing, he said, "Get off me or I'll change my mind!"

Laughing the three sat up again. It felt good to laugh. Yusuke brushed his hand against Kurama's cheek, "I love your laugh." His expression became serious, remembering his conversation with Hiei in the bathroom, but, before he could say anything, the door opened.

Koenma walked in the room, followed by a tall man carrying a small pile of clothing. "We need to leave in a little over an hour. George," he gestured at the man following him, "will bring you breakfast in an hour and we'll leave after that to go to the hospital. Your mother is doing fine, Shuichi, and I know you want to see her." He turned to Hiei, "Itsuki is fine as well, and is looking forward to seeing you." He gestured at the pile of clothes George had set on the dresser in the room, "We brought you clothes from your houses. Yusuke, you and I will talk while they visit. Sakyo is still on the loose, so you three are going to return here. We'll be at the hospital for about an hour." With that, he turned and left, George trailing after him and pulling the door closed.

Remember how I said life was conspiring against them? This is where we start working at finding the answers to the questions I asked way back at the beginning of this tale. They've been through a lot, haven't they? Also, remember how I said Kurama didn't function well before a shower? Shock, first thing in the morning, does a lot to remedy that.

Yusuke glared at the door, "He couldn't wait, could he?"

Kurama moved to get out of bed. He really wanted a shower. A hand on his arm stopped him. He looked back and saw Hiei holding him. "You should laugh more," he said, a little awkwardly, as if that wasn't really what he wanted to say.

Kurama smiled, "I'll try…" Hiei let go of his arm and he slid off the bed.

While Kurama was grabbing his clothes, Yusuke wrapped his arms around him. "Can we join you, please? Nothing will happen, it's just…we…" his voice trailed off and he leaned his cheek against the back of Kurama's neck.

Hiei wrapped his arms around the duo, "We want to talk…"

Kurama was torn. He was in no way ready to have a physical relationship with the two. Waking up with…issues being resolved in his hands was weird enough. He also hadn't missed the looks the other two had given him. He didn't want to push them away, but he didn't know if he could cope with what they were going to say. He also liked how it felt to have them near, how it felt to be held. Relenting, "If you try anything, I'm shoving you out." Well…maybe not completely relenting. Arms tightened around him briefly before he was released and the other two picked up their clothes, following him into the bathroom.

Detail, right? That's what you want? You also want to know if Yusuke and Hiei do try anything, don't you? And you want to know how Kurama reacts, don't you? I did promise detail when it mattered, didn't I? You'd like me to move on now, wouldn't you? I could draw this out just to…no…I won't…

Hiei followed Kurama into the bathroom, Yusuke behind him, pulling the door closed behind them and locking it, not trusting Koenma to stay away. Kurama was feeling nervous as the other two removed their pajamas mater-of-factly while he hesitated.

"We won't try anything," Yusuke reiterated.

"I know…" Kurama muttered, looking at the counter, finding the marbling extremely fascinating.

"It's not like you haven't showered with other guys before," Hiei added, knowing how things worked after track. That was something he had missed…but I digress again.

"I know…" Kurama repeated, still looking at the sink. "But…this is different," he added, the words barely understandable.

Yusuke paused, his hands on the waist band of his pants, "If you don't wanna…"

"We can talk later," Hiei added. It's funny how they keep finishing each other's statements, isn't it? They weren't doing it on purpose…it's that they were nervous and thinking the same thing, and when one trailed off, the other would pick up, because it was their thought being voiced.

Kurama looked into the mirror, seeing the nearly identical expressions in red and brown eyes. He saw sincerity and need. There was more, too, something he recognized but couldn't identify at the moment. Should I tell you? Do you want me to? I'm not going to. There's a reason, keep reading. To this, Kurama responded, his defenses going down. "No, it's okay. We can talk now." He gave the other two a small smile as relief swept their features and pulled off his pajama top.

While his shirt was over his head, the other two shoved off their pants. Now…I'm sure you remember that Hiei likes colder showers and Yusuke hates them and Kurama likes hot water, at least, right? So, how do we solve this problem? Okay, not we…they…anyways, point is, there's a preference problem, y'know. Well, Hiei set the water temperature higher than he prefers and stepped in, Yusuke following him. They both waited for Kurama, who, blushing deeply, pushed his pants off and stepped in the tub as well, pulling the curtain behind him as Hiei turned on the shower. I bet you're wondering how three boys managed to fit into a tub. I bet you have images of naked bodies rubbing up against each other in innocent and not so innocent ways. It's one of those soaking tubs. It's big. There is air around each body. Sorry.

Nervously, Yusuke licked his lips, "Kurama…" he began, faltering when green eyes in a red face turn to him. "I…I…uh…I…wanna wash your hair." Well, that was out of left field, wasn't it? Kurama thought so too…as did Hiei.

Kurama blinked, "Wash my hair?"

Red faced, Yusuke mumbled, "Yeah…"

Nonplussed, Kurama couldn't think of a reason to object to the strange request. "Okay…"

Awkwardly, Yusuke grinned as Kurama wet his head under the flowing water, turning his back to Yusuke when it was soaked. "No," Yusuke said. Kurama looked over his shoulder, confused. Are you too? "I…I wanna see your face," the brunet murmured, grabbing the shampoo bottle and squeezing a generous portion into his hand. Bemused, Kurama turned around and faced Yusuke, not really understanding, but accepting whatever it was. Yusuke rubbed his hands together, "I want to see your face," Yusuke repeated, running his fingers though the hair at Kurama's temples, "because what I have to say is important."

"Okay," Kurama murmured, "I'm listening." He held himself very still looked steadily into Yusuke's eyes.

Licking his lips nervously as his hands worked through the crimson strands that looked almost black wet. "Hiei and I were talking last night, after you went to sleep." Speaking of whom, I'm sure you're wondering what Hiei is doing…he's watching and listening. Sorry. "And, well, ummm….I'm not sure how to say this." Yusuke looked over at Hiei then back at Kurama, "Can he wash your back?" Again, left field here.

Now, Kurama was feeling a bit odd…very vulnerable, and he was sure he knew what Yusuke was going to say, and he wasn't completely sure he trusted the two not to try anything, but…he wanted to. "Okay," he answered softly.

Hiei moved behind Kurama, soaping his hands…now whether it's bar soap or gel is up to you, I think it's irrelevant, don't you…point is, he has soap on his hands, and lightly begins at Kurama's shoulders, rubbing gently in small circles, watching Yusuke as he continued to massage the red-black hair, creating a foamy cap on Kurama's head.

Yusuke began again, "Hiei and I were talking last night, and…well, some stuff came up that…well…"

"What he's trying to say," Hiei interrupted, "is that we've fallen for you and each other"

"Fallen?" Kurama asked, even though he knew what they meant.

"We love you," Yusuke answered, looking intently into the green eyes before him. "We both do, and we've also…we also love each other…and this is new to us…and…"

"We want to be with you," Hiei picked up the thread of the conversation, "even if…even if…"

"Even if you never want to have sex with us…" Yusuke whispered.

Kurama was floored. Remember that feather we've talked about a couple of times before. Well, it's Kurama's turn with it. "You don't want…"

Yusuke grinned a little, "I didn't say that…" Here, his grin faltered, "What we said was we want to be with you. We…we really do love you." Taking advantage of his hands in the soapy hair, Yusuke pulled Kurama's head forward, "We love you," he whispered as his lips touched the redhead's. Kurama's hand came up to Yusuke's chest to help him stay balanced and he could feel Hiei's arms wrap around him. You should be very proud of Hiei and Yusuke. The kiss, though very expressive, remained just a kiss, and Hiei's hands stayed above the waist. They did promise the redhead they wouldn't try anything, and they were going to keep that promise. Though, at the moment, Kurama wouldn't have protested, really. It's a bit overwhelming to be told not only does one person love you, but two do, and in a shower of all places, too. After a moment, too short, the two pulled back and resumed the more innocent activities of washing Kurama's hair and back.

Kurama was in a state of shock, kinda needless to say, and made no attempt to move under the water when Yusuke took his hands out of his hair and Hiei moved out from behind him. Gently, Yusuke took Kurama's shoulders and moved him under the water, understanding that he needed a minute or three to process what he'd just been told. Hell, Yusuke and Hiei had had the opportunity to sleep on it, after all. After making sure all the soap was out of the red locks, Yusuke moved the redhead to the side and quickly washed his own body and hair while Hiei did the same. When they looked over, Kurama has begun washing his own body, his expression still on the dazed side of life. Actually, his expression really didn't change through breakfast…lunch, rather, given the time, or the trip to the hospital.

"We'll pick you up in an hour," Koenma reminded the silent redheaded boy. He didn't understand the expression on Kurama's face, figuring that, given their behavior on the way to his home, for that's where they'd gone, the boys were in an established relationship. He didn't know they were just starting out on their path together. Had he known that, Kurama's expression and the covert glances Yusuke and Hiei kept giving the redhead would have made more sense.

"Shuichi, what's wrong?" Shiori asked when he entered her room, still looking dazed. Hatakama had gone his hotel room to shower and change when he knew what time Kurama would be coming to give them time together.

In the same daze, Kurama walked over to the bed, sitting on the edge. "They love me…" he muttered.

"I'm so happy, Shuichi!" Shiori said softly.

Green eyes came up, confused, "Mother?"

"How do you feel about them?" she asked.

"I…I told them I loved them…" his voice hesitant.

"And, you meant it?"

"Yes…yes, I did…but…"

Shiori's hand came up to her boy's cheek, brushing his hair back, "But, what, Shuichi?"

He blushed, his cheeks matching his hair color. Yes, he could talk to his mother about anything, but there were some things that were down right embarrassing, no matter how open a relationship you have with your parent. But, let's remember, too, that Shiori has that heightened perception of being close to death and wanting her son taken care of, so when he didn't answer, she put two and two together and came up with, "But they love you as more than friends and you're not sure if that's what you want." Kurama's eyes flew wide and he gawked at her. "Don't give me that look, Shuichi," she reprimanded him gently, "I'm your mother, I know these things."

He stuttered, "It…it doesn't…doesn't bother you…?"

"They're nice boys, Shuichi. I like them."

Don't you feel badly for Kurama…now his mother, his own mother, is setting him up, encouraging him to date the two pervy punks he'd been through all of yesterday with…that he loved. He was confused and didn't think he could cope with anymore relationship things for the moment, so he changed the subject, "Have you eaten anything today?"

Shiori let him change the subject and they spent the rest of his visit discussing inconsequential matters such as school and track and the like. Her health came up, and she told him that the doctors were cautiously optimistic, which is more optimistic than they've been since her hospitalization. Just before their time was up, for Koenma had told her how long the boys would be around, she brought up the day before, "Shuichi, why did you tell them you loved them?"

He blushed, "I…at the time, I…I was a bit scared and…they'd been there for me…and it's how I felt…and…" his voice faded.

"Do you still mean it?"

Very softly, almost too softly to be heard, Kurama answered, "Yeah."

"Shuichi," Shiori said softly, "that is more important than anything else in the world." This from a woman who gave up an Olympic career for love.

"Even if…" his voice trailed off.

She caressed his cheek again, "What you do is up to you, Shuichi, but I trust you to be intelligent and use good judgment."

There was a knock on the door. Yusuke and Hiei were standing there with Koenma behind them. Shiori waved the boys over, and, after exchanging a glance and looking quickly at Koenma, they walked across the room. "I want you two to take care of my baby. If you hurt him, I'll make sure you hurt in return," her normally soft voice was hard.

Both Hiei and Yusuke blinked, surprised. Isn't real life depressingly short of sound effects? And what sounds would express utter confusion? "Yes…ma'am," they both managed to reply, almost in sync.

Shiori smiled, "Be good to each other." She laid back on the bed. She still didn't have a lot of extra energy. As I said, it's going to be a long time before she can think about leaving the hospital.

Yusuke spoke up, "I promised I'd take care of him, ma'am. I will."

Hiei added, "As will I."

Shiori smiled at the boys, "I'm glad. Don't take too much care of him, though, or he won't need his mother," she teased.

"I'll always need you!" Kurama protested.

"Not like you'll need them," she retorted, causing him to blush. Actually, Yusuke and Hiei blushed at this comment, as well.

Koenma cleared his throat at the door, much to the relief of the teased boys. None of them were expecting Shiori to be…so…contributing. But, she was feeling good, relief that her son was safe doing much to help her feel a little giddy. Or, maybe it was the new pain killer they'd given her that morning? Either way, she grinned at the boys as they left, feeling good…better than she'd felt in a long time.

A/N Euphemisms, showers and drugs...what more could you want? I don't really have anything else to say at the moment...and I'm short on working time today since I have to go to work early. Oh, I did want to add, while I was out yesterday (I took the day off work to go see Harry Potter...which felt like a 2 and a half hour preview), check out http / www. hrc. org It's the Human Rights Campaign's website. They're a group that is working for equal rights for gay and lesbian couples and individuals, such as marriage. Did you know, that dispite the Reciprocity of Public Documents, which makes birth, death, and marriage certificates of any state valid in all states, there are groups trying to amend the constitution to make homosexual marriage illegal? That's just wrong. Anyways, check it out.

Be kind and review :D Until tomorrow, my pretties :)