Disclaimer: see previous chapters.

A/N – Yoko is back and causing some trouble. You knew it had to happen, right? Oh! And just to warn everyone: "The Queen-Mother of dirty words" is uttered in this chapter.

Comforting Heat

Chapter 17

"Has anyone seen him since the funeral?" Kurama sipped at his tea as he tried to keep the worry out of his voice. He'd always considered Hiei a friend and every once in awhile he couldn't help but wonder if they could have been closer if he didn't have Yoko.

"He came here one night a month ago and slept in the tree."

"You mean he stumbled into the courtyard stinking drunk and passed out on the ground leaning against a tree because he couldn't actually balance himself on the tree limb."

Genkai's stern eyes fixed on the Koorime and they were met with uncharacteristically hard crimson eyes. The normally quiet and sweet voice held the dangerous and cold tone which the Koorime were known for.

"That's what I said."

Koenma cleared his throat at the awkward and tense silence between the two women and leaned in to pour himself some more tea.

"I've been keeping an eye on him for the past three months and I've gotta say, if we don't do something soon, I'm afraid my father's prediction will come true."

"What's he been up to?"

Koenma's gaze flickered to Yukina before meeting the stern eyes of Genkai.

"Oh, uh, well, he's been, uh…."

"It's ok, Koenma. I appreciate you trying to hide my brother's activities but I'm not fooling myself. It's ok, please, continue."

Koenma sighed and hung his head.

"He's increasingly violent. He'll kill someone just for looking at him. Obviously he's been drinking. A lot. And we're not talking pretty blue drinks with umbrellas in them. I'm talking dangerous demon liquor. Some of which has been outlawed because it's so toxic it causes many to die of blood poisoning after just two drinks."

"Anything else?"

Koenma looked up at the quiet voice and met the crimson eyes of a very concerned sister.

"He's doesn't seem to have any regard for his life. It's almost as if he's trying to destroy himself. A week ago I watched him start a fight with an S-class demon. He barely made it out alive."

"One of us should speak to him and make him realize what he's doing."

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea, Kurama. I wouldn't put it past Hiei to kill you right now."

"I'll go." All eyes turned to Yukina whose determined face and glittering eyes would have done her brother proud. "He won't hurt me."

"Yukina, I'm not sure----"

"She's right. Hiei would rather die himself than harm Yukina."

"Kurama, I don't think you understand----"

"Just do what she asks, Junior. He's her brother and she's right."

Koenma hung his head in defeat. "Fine. You win. I'll notify you when an opportunity arises."

"Thank you, Koenma."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Do you really think the ice princess has a chance of talking him off the ledge?

Kurama paced the length of his bedroom as he continued his inner dialogue with Yoko.

"Yes, I do. But I'm not sure we can afford to wait for Koenma's supposed 'opportunity'."

You want to find him yourself?

"Koenma won't tell me and I'm not certain of Genkai's feelings on the subject so I don't want to ask her."

I'll help you.

Kurama stopped in his tracks, green eyes wide with surprise.

"You'll help me? But why?"

I have my reasons.

"Yoko, I'm not going to find him so you can make a pass at him and get us killed. Have you no shame?"

Oh please. He's no good to me in his current state. But if his good friend Kurama helped him to regain his former self…..

"Shut up, Yoko! I will not let you—Ugh!" Kurama grabbed his head and fell to his knees. "Yoko! Stop it, please!"

The pain subsided and Kurama was now on all fours, panting and blinking the stars from his vision. Inside his head, the silky voice of Yoko soothed and apologized, trying to placate his host, but it only succeeded in sending a shiver down Kurama's spine.

I'm sorry, Shuichi. Why won't you just let me help you? We both want Hiei back, so let's go find him.

Kurama sat on the floor and leaned back against his bed, staring up at the ceiling. I have no choice. I'll never be able to find Hiei without his help.

"Alright, Yoko. We'll set out tonight after dinner."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Kurama had allowed Yoko to take control in order for his senses to be at their sharpest. After a lengthy debate, Yoko had convinced Kurama to wear something a little appropriate for city nightlife.

If you have to go into a bar or club, you at least have to look like you belong.

"I can't get into bars. I'm underage."

You just let me handle that.

So Kurama found himself taking the backseat in his own body as they wandered the streets of downtown, trying to ignore the appreciative stares he was receiving. It wasn't that his outfit was too revealing. It was a simple pair of black jeans and a button up shirt. But the pants were so snug they left nothing to the imagination and the shirt was unbuttoned to just below his collarbone and the last two buttons were undone offering glimpses of his stomach.

They left home after dinner and had been searching for almost three hours when Yoko picked up on Hiei's ki. He raced towards the beacon the fire demon was allowing to announce his presence.

"He must be pretty drunk if he's allowing his ki to seep out."

Yoko ran, closing in on Hiei, until he was left standing in front of a club, the marquee displaying the name The Furnace in blue neon.

Why would Hiei come here?

Yoko smiled at the naïve voice within his head. "This is just where Hiei belongs. Can't you smell it, little kit? The air reeks of demons. It must be operated by a demon. And what does a club run by demons have?"

Demon liquor.

"You always were the smart one, Kurama. Alright, let's go find our fire demon."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hiei stared down at the half empty mug of demon liquor. The syrup-like liquid was a rich amber color and reminded him too much of a certain pair of eyes. My one true weakness. He raised the mug to his lips and drank deeply, emptying its contents and placing it back on the bar, gesturing to the bartender for another. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the slow burn coursing down his esophagus and into his stomach. He knew he would pay for drinking the powerful alcohol, but he needed the comfort it offered. The burning, numbing comfort of oblivion.

He tried to ignore his surroundings as much as possible, but no matter how hard he tried his instinct to watch for attack from anywhere remained, which was why he knew the moment Kurama set foot in the bar. He looked up, his shock evident as he watched the young red-haired ningen approach, a shy smile on his face. But there's something different about him. It's as if….

"It's you."

The shy smile morphed into a wicked vulpine smile as he took the empty stool next to Hiei. "How is it you can always tell when I'm in control and not Kurama?"

"The eyes. His are warm and deep green. Yours are cold emeralds."

"How poetic."

Hiei turned to face front again and stare at the image of the background reflected in the mirror that spanned the bar

Yoko slid closer so they were now shoulder to shoulder, his body practically quivering with excitement being so close to the fire demon he'd coveted for so long. He met the hard glare of Hiei in the mirror before them.

"Are you still mourning the toushin?"

Crimson eyes narrowed in warning. He was still hurting from his last fight and came to the Ningenkai for some peace and quiet. He'd become a glaring target n the Makai due to his recent violent spree. He'd made many enemies very quickly. But he was certain that Yoko wouldn't leave him be without a fight. So be it. The damn kitsune has had it coming for years.

"If you want to drown in your sorrow that's fine, but I'd like to join you. Even depressed and drunk you're more fun than Shuichi and his little koibito."

Yoko rolled his eyes at the last word then threw back the last of his drink, ignoring the rant in his head and the burning in his throat as the unaccustomed ningen body tried to cope with demon liquor.

"How did you get in here? Isn't Kurama too young?"

"Heh. Only by a year. And the bouncer was willing to overlook that fact after a little special attention."

Hiei's head whipped around to face the smug redhead. "You didn't---"

"Oh relax, it was just a blow job. And it's not like little Shuichi really did anything. I did all the work."

"You sick fuck."

Yoko just chuckled as he signaled for another drink. He knew he had to tread lightly around the volatile fire demon, but the fact that Hiei hadn't tried to kill him yet was a good sign that he had a shot of getting him back to Kurama's house.

Let me out this instant! Hiei doesn't want to talk to you! You'll ruin everything, Yoko!

Yoko ignored Kurama's demands. This had been his plan all along. Get Kurama to switch places with him so he could find Hiei, and then keep him suppressed so he could have some fun.

"Go away before I kill you."

"C'mon, Hiei, you wouldn't kill me. You would kill Shuichi as well and I know you wouldn't dare hurt someone you care for."

"You overestimate the kid's worth."

Yoko could feel the sadness radiating from Kurama as he listened to Hiei's careless words, but he wasn't so quick to believe Hiei's comment. In fat, he was quit certain Hiei felt just the opposite about Kurama.

"You can't convince me you haven't thought about what it would feel like to have this body squirming under you, moaning your name as you---"

Hiei pulled Yoko up by his shirt collar until their faces were so close they shared the same air. His body was shaking with anger that normally he would have no problem unleashing. But the kitsune was right. He wouldn't kill Kurama. But not for the reason he thinks. Kurama, you were my first friend outside of the Makai.

Hungry green eyes studied the fire demon before him and he kept pushing, his desire overriding his normally sharp perception.

"You're trembling, Hiei. You want him. Admit it."

A pink tongue shot out and licked the tip of Hiei's nose, causing his eyes to get impossibly big as his cheeks became warm. Yoko let a low, sexy chuckle come between them as he met the crimson eyes. I'm so close, I can taste it.

"You can't lie to me, Hiei. I can sense your arousal. Your pheromones give you away."

Hiei stood there, still holding Yoko close to him, as he pondered his situation. He couldn't fight in here. There were ki dampening wards everywhere and he was weak enough already. He could take Yoko outside but then he would be inflicting pain upon his friend. Hiei was pulled from his thoughts when Yoko suddenly flinched and let out a small growl.

"No! I won't let you!"

Kurama's trying to take control and Yoko won't let him. I knew this would happen! The kitsune has gotten too powerful. As these thoughts plagued him, a plan crystallized so suddenly within Hiei's mind, he didn't even bother to stop and consider whether it was right or not.

"Y-you're right."

Green eyes gazed upon him in wonder. They marveled as they watched the fire demon's transformation. The hate was gone from the crimson eyes, replaced with a different kind of burning flame. Lust. Yoko swallowed hard as Hiei licked his lips, and then closed the minute gap between them, bringing their lips together for a bruising kiss.

Yoko brought his arms up and wrapped them around Hiei's waist as the fire demon spoke against his lips.

"Not here……outside….now. Right now."

The pair stumbled outside, never losing contact with each other as greedy hands traveled all over. Their lips were hungry and demanding as they pressed against each other, each driven by their own desires. Yoko shoved Hiei against the wall and moaned into the deep kiss. Even tainted with alcohol, the fire demon tasted as good as he imagined.

"I've waited so long for you to come to your senses, Hiei."

Yoko began to kiss and nip down Hiei's neck as he yanked the black leather jacket from the fire demon's body, revealing a recently tattered tank top which left his arms, neck and collarbone exposed.

"Your taste is intoxicating."

Yoko licked at Hiei's ear as his throaty whisper sent chills down the fire demon's spine. He could feel Hiei shiver and it caused a smile to break out on the kitsune's lips.

"Shut up and fuck me."

Yoko gasped as a wave of heat washed over them and suddenly their clothes turned to ashes and fell to the ground.

"As you wish."

Yoko reached down and cupped Hiei's ass, hoisting him up allowing the fire demon to wrap his legs around his waist. Hiei clung to the redhead desperately, growling as he sucked at the invading tongue in his mouth. And when Yoko entered him he threw his head back and cried out, exposing his neck which the kitsune took full advantage of, sinking his teeth into the base of Hiei's neck.

"You're mine now, Hiei."

Hiei brought his head back to look into the lustful green eyes. I can't do it if I have to see Kurama. When he found his voice and spoke, his deep voice was choked with emotion.

"Forget about Kurama, I want to see you. The real you. Kurama, let Yoko come out."

Hiei watched as the red hair gave way to long silver locks and the green eyes became the cold, gleaming gold he remembered.

"Better, my pet?"

"Now…I will give you…all of me."

Hiei attacked Yoko's mouth and he felt the kitsune's growl of pleasure vibrate down his own throat. As he let his passion build, he let his ki flow freely. He felt Yoko trying to pull away, but Hiei held fast, crushing the kitsune within his arms and legs. Forgive me, Kurama….

Hiei knew the kitsune wouldn't be able to withstand the assault much longer. Yoko may be getting strong enough to suppress Kurama, but he was still relatively weak, even compared to an injured Hiei. He was surprised that Yoko was able to struggle for as long as he did though. And just as he felt the kitsune slipping away, a sharp pain pierced his chest. Hiei choked and his eyes became impossibly wide as he pulled back from the death kiss to see a small, knowing smile on the kitsune's face.

"I'm….taking you….with…. me…..pet."

Hiei let Yoko fall, watching in horror as the charred, dead kitsune fell to the ground, Hiei's heart in his hand. Hiei fell to his knees, then flat on his face.

To be concluded….