Wow it worked. One little mention about the shortage of updates and suddenly there were e-mail alerts that many of the stories I'm reading had new updates. Aren't story alerts wonderful? If you don't know about them click the drop down at the lower left hand corner of this page. You can put a story or an author on your alert list and get an email when there's an update or new story. Try it it's awesome. Thank you all for the quick response, I was starting to have withdrawals.

I'm glad you're all enjoying this. I love all the great reviews. I think I know where this story is going now I'm just not sure how long it will take to get there. Keep giving me the great ideas with your reviews, I think there's another story in there for sure.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho.

Lonely Hearts

Chapter 2

Hiei huddled in the entryway to Kurama's apartment building trying to stay dry. The rain that sprinkled the city was a welcome relief from the heat, welcome to everyone except a very wet fire demon. He had escaped the afternoon storm by visiting Yukina, leaving as soon as the rain stopped and before Kuwabara could return. Now it was almost midnight and the storms had returned.

He knew Kurama would welcome him with a smile and a warm bed but Hiei hesitated. He was very confused after his last visit with the fox. Long ago Hiei had resigned himself that he would spend his life alone, watching over his sister. Now, with just six little words Kurama had turned his life upside down.

'You trust me like that Hiei.' The more he thought about it he realized that Kurama spoke the truth. It seemed that's all he had done for the last two weeks was think about the fox and the implication of those six words.

The memory of Kurama's breath whispering across his ear sent chills down his spine. Those words and the other things the fox said that night had him thinking things he had never considered before. Could it mean Kurama might be interested in being with him? If so, did the fox want a relationship or just sex? He was a Youko after all and not just any Youko but the legendary Yoko Kurama.

Then there was another question. If Kurama did want him, did he want Kurama? This question plagued him more than any other. The more he thought about it the more confused he got. Flitting out into the rain he knew the answers were upstairs waiting for him.

Kurama lay in his bed watching the rain. He couldn't help but wonder if his last conversation with Hiei was keeping his stubborn friend away. Hiei always came when it rained, usually before the first drop fell since he hated to get wet. Now it was pouring and there was no sign of Hiei. The window was unlocked just in case Hiei came after he fell asleep.

Just as he was about to give up, a familiar tingle crept up his neck. Jumping from the bed he pushed the window open just in time for Hiei to flit through. Grabbing the towel he had waiting he tossed it over Hiei's head and reached for the clasp on his cloak. "Oh Hiei you're soaked. Let's get you out of these wet clothes and into bed."

Hiei reached for the towel as he silently watched Kurama strip his wet cloak away. With it gone Kurama knelt before him to remove his boots. Hiei seemed frozen in place at the sight of his long time friend and partner kneeling at his feet.

Hearing laughter, Hiei saw mischief in the green eyes watching him. "You'd better get to work on those belts Hiei unless you have a great desire for me to take your pants off too."

Hiei's eyes widened as he reached for his belts. When his boots were set aside Kurama stood reluctantly and allowed Hiei to remove his wet pants. Under his clothes his tank top and boxers were dry. Gathering the clothes Kurama called over his shoulder as he left the room. "Finish drying off Hiei then hang the towel in the bathroom while I get these in the dryer."

As Hiei came out of the bathroom he paused to watch as Kurama crawled across the bed on his hands and knees. Kurama moved slowly and sensually as if he knew Hiei were watching. The sight of silk boxers pulled taught across Kurama's firm behind had Hiei thinking and feeling things that he never had before. Hiei's heart skipped several beats when Kurama settled on his side of the bed then turned to Hiei and patted the spot beside him. In a sexy voice Kurama called to him. "It's late, come to bed Fire-fly."

If Hiei had been wearing more than just a tank top and boxers he might have continued past the bed and right out the window into the rain. Tentatively he climbed into bed and allowed Kurama to pull the sheet over them. After the light was turned off the demon's lay facing each other in the dark. "Kurama, why did you call me Fire-fly?"

Kurama smiled. "It's just a nickname Hiei, like when you call me Fox. You're a fire demon and you're always flitting from place to place like a little fire-fly. I thought it suited you, I hope you don't mind."

Hiei shrugged. "Whatever Fox, just don't do it in front of anyone else or I'll have to kill you."

With a soft chuckle Kurama reached out to squeeze Hiei's hand that lay between them on the bed. "Alright Fire-fly, it will be my special name for you when we're alone. I'm glad you came tonight Hiei, I missed you. Goodnight my little Fire-fly."

So quickly Hiei didn't have time to react Kurama leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on his temple before cuddling into his pillow and closing his eyes. Hiei's eyes were wide as he waited for Kurama to release him but the fox continued to hold his hand as he fell asleep.

As Hiei watched Kurama sleep he realized he still didn't have any answers. In fact ,watching Kurama's fingers caress the hand he held even in sleep, Hiei had even more questions.

Thinking that breaking the contact between them might allow him to sleep Hiei gently tried to pull his hand away. Kurama's fingers immediately tightened on his and he frowned, whispering in his sleep. "No Hiei, please don't leave me again."

It would be a long time before Hiei would be able to sleep. Just as Hiei began to drift off to sleep he whispered into the dark. "You trust me like that too don't you my Fox?"

As Hiei was lost to sleep dreaming about a playful silver fox he didn't see Kurama smile as he watched Hiei sleep.