It's 230am and I want to go to bed so I'm only adding a quick thank you to my reviewers. There were an awesome 15 for the last chapter, several of which were new reviewers and i love new reviewers. I hope everyone likes this chapter as much as the last. Thanks again.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho.

LONELY HEARTS

Chapter 9

"Damn it Kurama, can't you hurry up? Why do you have to do this now?" Hiei was leaning against a boulder at the edge of a pond. His heart was beating fast as he pretended not to watch the naked Youko bathe.

Gracefully Kurama stepped from the water. Hiei stifled a groan, Kurama's muscles flexed as he reached back to wring the water from his long silver hair. "Hiei, you know this is the last fresh water before we enter Mukuro's desolate territory and I wanted a real bath. Even you don't like it when we're forced to bathe in that ningen shower at the apartment. Besides, judging from the bulge in the front of your pants, you were enjoying the view and I would never deny you even the slightest pleasure."

Hiei just huffed and looked away as Kurama lounged back on a warm rock to sun himself dry. Ignoring Kurama wasn't easy when he was only an arms length away and still quite naked. "Don't act like that Fire-Fly. We could have a lot of fun, the two of us alone on a mission."

Hiei tried to convince himself that he only looked back at Kurama to talk to him but his traitorous eyes kept drifting along the muscled planes of his partner's sexy body. "Stupid pervert! Once that black cat's in Reikai custody you're on your own. Till then keep your distance."

Hiei had known Kurama long enough to know he should never dare the Youko. Before he knew it he was grabbed and dragged between Kurama's outstretched legs. Kurama wrapped both arms around him bringing Hiei tight against the length of his body. "Sorry Hiei, but keeping my distance from you isn't in my plans. I happen to want you right here in my arms."

When Kurama's hands cupped his behind bringing him closer and causing their arousals to rub together Hiei couldn't hide his response. With a moan his arms went around the Youko's neck of their own accord. Nose to nose Kurama moaned himself. "Gods Fire-Baby, I missed you so much."

Not waiting for permission Kurama tipped his head and claimed Hiei's mouth in a passionate kiss. It was several minutes before Hiei gained enough control to push Kurama away. His voice was husky when he spoke. "Try to control yourself Fox. I'm not here for your amusement."

Before Kurama could respond both demon sensed someone approaching and drew their weapons. Seeing Kurama armed but naked Hiei grabbed his clothes and threw them in his lap. "Stupid fox, put your clothes on or do you want to be raped?"

Just then Botan landed on her oar. "Oh good, I found you. You forgot your communicators so you can call me when… oh my… Kurama!"

Seeing her gaze fall hungrily on a barely covered Kurama, Hiei stepped between them blocking her view. "Stupid woman! Give me the damn things and get the hell out of here!"

He could hear Kurama laugh. Whether it was at Botan's reaction or the fire demon's protective gesture he wasn't sure. Botan giggled as she gave him the communicators. "Sorry Hiei. I didn't realize I was… um… interrupting anything."

Quickly she took flight before he could advance on her. From the air she called down to them. "Have fun you two, but not too much, you are on a mission after all."

Kurama was dressed now but still laughing as he heard Hiei swear under his breath. From behind he slid his hands over Hiei's shoulders to caress his chest. Behind him Hiei could feel that Kurama was still partially aroused. "Relax Hiei. Our friends are bound to see us in an intimate position from time to time."

Kurama was slightly taken back when Hiei turned on him and glared. "Not likely Kurama. I trusted you before and all you did was use me. I won't be foolish enough to make that mistake again."

Sadness filled Kurama. "I know I hurt you Fire-Fly and I'm sorry. I truly never meant to but I'll make it up to you I swear. I promise…."

"Save it Kurama! I don't want to hear any more of your lies! I just want to get this damn mission over with so that I can get the hell away from you!" With that Hiei stormed off in the direction of Mukuro's territory.

Kurama's heart ached as he slowly followed his partner. He had hoped that in Youko form he would be strong enough to break through Hiei's defenses. Now he just hoped he was strong enough to get through the mission without breaking down in front of Hiei.

By that night Kurama had made no more progress with Hiei. The fire demon barely spoke to him. He traveled at a pace that kept him several yards ahead of the Youko. When darkness began to fall Kurama found them shelter in a cave but Hiei refused to stay in it leaving Kurama to spend the night alone.

The next morning they arrived in the town where Syrus's was believed to be holding up. After only two hours of inquiries they located him at a bar on the edge of town. The primary goal of the mission however was to find the Reikai artifact, arresting Syrus was secondary.

Making their way into the rather crowded bar Kurama looked around for their target. "Hiei why don't you get us drinks while I find us a table?"

Without answering Hiei walked away. Kurama slowly made his way between the tables trying not to attract too much attention. Luck was on his side when he saw Syrus at a table by the window flirting witha waitress. Making sure Syrus could see him Kurama made his way closer. "Kurama, is that you?"

Hiding a smirk Kurama turned curious eyes to the speaker. Kurama stopped by the table and pretended sudden recognition. "Simon isn't it?"

The demon tried not to look insulted. "Syrus actually but that's okay it's been a couple of hundred years. Pull up a chair."

Grabbing an empty chair from a nearby table Kurama sat down. Just as he did Hiei set two drinks on the table in front of him. Kurama couldn't resist the opportunity to have Hiei close and snaked an arm around the fire demon pulling him down to sit in his lap. With a wicked smile he practically purred as he held Hiei securely with one hand and petted him with the other. "Thank you lover. I'm glad it's crowded in here, this way I get to have you right where I want you. Syrus, this sexy demon here is my lover, Hiei. Koibito, this is Syrus. He was a member of my gang a couple of hundred years ago."

Hiei picked up the act with a wicked smile of his own. "That would be back when you liked to be the dominant partner with your lovers wouldn't it Fox? You see Syrus, Kurama's changed a lot in his old age. He's gotten quite submissive since he became my pet. He's just too sexy when he begs for my attention."

The demon across from them didn't seem to notice Kurama's jaw clench behind his smile. He couldn't believe Hiei had just made him a submissive, old, needy pet in just three sentences. Some of his anger left him when he realized Hiei was settled comfortably in his lap with an arm around his neck.

Deciding it might be fun to play Hiei's game he licked the sensitive area behind the fire demon's ear making him shiver. The long clawed fingers caressing Hiei's chest slid down to cup his crotch. "First he makes me beg, then he makes me scream. If I'm going to give a lover dominance he'd have to be able to make me scream."

Syrus seemed a little confused by the direction of the conversation but having been Kurama's lover once he had hoped when he saw the Youko that he might be again. "I don't recall you having a reputation for being a screamer Kurama. That would be a beautiful sight to behold."

Hiei picked up on the lust in the demon's eyes. Lifting Kurama's hand off his crotch Hiei kissed it's palm before addressing Syrus. "Perhaps you can. If you had someplace more… private, where no one would hear him scream we might be able to have a little fun with him."

Kurama's eyes widened. "Hiei! You want to share me? You know the only one I allow to touch me is you."

Hiei ignored him and looked at Syrus questioningly. Syrus couldn't believe his luck. "Sure, I have a place not far from here and it's fairly secluded. The question is, can you make Kurama go along with it?"

Hopping off Kurama's lap Hiei nodded. "I told you, he's my pet. He'll do anything I tell him and beg for the privilege before I'm done."

Pulling Kurama by the hand Hiei followed Syrus out of the bar. Kurama was fairly sure Hiei was bluffing but since they were fighting he wouldn't put it past his feisty little demon to leave him with Syrus while he searched for the artifact. "Hiei!"

Hiei didn't stop. "Shut up Fox and do as your told. If you're a good pet I'll reward you later with anything you want."

Kurama hesitated then smiled. "You promise Hiei? Anything I want?"

"I promise Fox." At Hiei's words Kurama went willingly. He knew Hiei made the promise as part of their game. What Hiei didn't know was that Kurama would hold him too it later.

Even though they were baiting each other at every turn neither forgot for a moment they were on a mission. Both kept a sharp eye out for traps and enemies. Half amile from the bar Syrus took them down a secluded path leading to a small cabin. Inside it was only one room with a small table, two chairs, a dresser and a large bed.

Kurama carefully surveyed the interior looking for places to hide a treasure. Hiei however never took his eyes off Syrus who was eyeing Kurama hungrily. Feeling heat radiating from the fire demon Kurama knew their plan could go up in smoke if he didn't cool things down. "So Syrus, what have you been up to? Did you stay a thief?"

Syrus was pleased as he watched Kurama make his way around the cabin examining some of the objects he found. "Sure did. Got some great stuff too."

For the next few minutes Syrus showed Kurama some of his more valuable stolen pieces. Knowing Hiei was getting impatient Kurama got to the point. With a sexy flip of his long silver hair he leaned closer. "Damn this stuff still never fails to turn me on. I want to see more. I know, tell me about your biggest heist. What did you steal?"

Kurama had Syrus hooked. He was practically drooling by now. "Oh that's easy. In fact it was just a few days ago. I broke into one of the vaults in Reikai."

On cue Kurama moaned his appreciation. "Gods, Hiei and I did that once but that bastard Koenma sent a spirit detective after us and took back our new toys. This is too exciting, show me what you got."

Syrus looked hesitant until Kurama sensually ran a hand across his chest and abdomen then threw his head back as his hand moved lower to caress between his legs. "Damn Hiei why did you have to tell him I'd beg for my pleasure? Syrus, please stop teasing me and show me so we can have some fun."

That was all it took for Syrus to push aside a chair and open a hidden panel below. Withdrawing a velvet box he turned and handed it to Kurama just as Hiei's fist connected with his cheek knocking him to the floor. "It's about damn time! Idiot! If you'd been thinking with your brain and not your cock you wouldn't have just handed that artifact over to two of Koenma's spirit detectives."

Kurama used his vines to hold Syrus as they waited for Botan. Their hostage wasn't happy that his old boss had betrayed him. "Damn you Kurama! How could you become a traitor to one of your own? Are you really a spirit detective or do you just submit to anything that midget lover of yours tells you to do? Sex always was a big motivator for you."

Another fist to his jaw shut him up. "Fool! I wouldn't have that lying Youko as my lover! He's just my partner!"

Hearing Hiei's words hurt and instinctively Kurama hurt back. "I'm Yoko fucking Kurama! Do you really think I'd ever be submissive to him? I'm no demons pet and I am not old!"

Botan coming through the door surprised them both into silence. "Now boys, is that anyway to talk to your best friend? When I left you two were so cozy. What happened? I could hear you shouting before I even landed."

Botan went silent at the deadly glares she got from both demons. Hiei took her spirit cuffs and put them on Syrus then made sure he would be no threat to her by knocking him unconscious. Kurama used his vines and tied him to the back of her oar.

Their continued glares kept her silent until she left. From the air she called down to them. "Kurama, Hiei, you've been through too much together to be fighting like this. You should each apologize then kiss and make up."

Both were silent as she flew away. Their hearts were pounding. Each knew if they parted like this there would be no turning back.

Minutes passed and neither moved, nor did they look at each other. Hiei was unable to face Kurama as he finally spoke. "I guess this is goodbye Kurama."

Before he could leave Kurama's hand curled around his wrist. "Not so fast Hiei. You made me a promise and you're going to keep it."

Hiei glared, half heartedly pulling at his captured wrist. "I made no promises to you Fox."

Kurama's golden eyes sparkled as he purred.. "Yes you did Fire-Fly. You told me to be a good pet and do as I was told and you'd give me anything I wanted. You promised and you've never broken a promise to me."

Not even to himself would he admit he didn't want to leave Kurama. If Hiei believed in the gods he would be praying for Kurama to quit dancing around there relationship and just take what he wanted. Relenting, Hiei allowed Kurama to pull him back inside the cabin. Both anticipation and dread filled his heart wondering what his fox would ask of him.