Part Three: Uncommon Valour.

As first kisses go, Kurama and Yuusuke's had been fairly simple. Not that that made it any less special. Yuusuke had been leaving little hints to the fox-demon for a while, with small smiles and soft touches that were more than just friendly. Kurama could see that Yuusuke wanted him; he could almost taste it on his tongue whenever Yuusuke looked at him with heated eyes. He knew, however, that Yuusuke would go no further, so Kurama had decided to take matters into his own hands.

"Don't do it if you're not going to follow through," he'd said, and that had been all the prodding Yuusuke needed. He'd nodded once, as if accepting a challenge, and pulled Kurama towards him. Whenever he thought about it, it brought a smile to Kurama's face. He wasn't used to initiating a relationship, back in the Makai demons would seek him out to be his lover and he'd accept those who interested him. But in the Ningenkai, he'd quickly found that humans simply didn't interest him in that way.

Sometimes he'd see someone good looking and his human body would react. When this happened he'd be vaguely amused, but wouldn't act on it. There was nothing these humans could do that he couldn't with his own hands, so it had never bothered him. And then Hiei had come and ignited a part of him that had lain dormant for fifteen years.

Hiei's mere touch would set his skin aflame, leaving Kurama sweating, gasping, and wanting more. Then as suddenly as they'd started, Hiei decided he didn't want it any more. Emotional hurt aside, suddenly going from sexually active to celibate was something he knew would take a while to get used to.

Kurama doubted he would have kissed Yuusuke back that day if it weren't for Hiei's actions. In the beginning, Kurama was only attracted to the half-demon physically. Being able to touch someone so powerful was exhilarating. Yuusuke was no normal human, even without his demon side. Kurama had always admired Yuusuke's ability to trust, and also his single-mindedness in protecting those he cared for. It touched Kurama, and was the foundations upon which his feelings for Yuusuke had grown.

It didn't hurt that Yuusuke had the tendency to walk around shirtless, either.

-

When Hiei arrived at Yuusuke's house the next day (through the window in Yuusuke's room, this time), he immediately spotted Kurama and their host. The red head was leaning against the opposite wall, Yuusuke straddling his thighs and kissing him. Hiei rolled his eyes before throwing a shoe he found on the floor at Yuusuke's back.

"Oi, you could have just coughed or something," Yuusuke grumbled, moving from Kurama's embrace and rubbing his back. Hiei hadn't exactly thrown it softly.

Hiei smirked in return, showing Yuusuke that he clearly thought his way was far more amusing.

"Hello, Hiei," Kurama said, smiling at his friend. His lips were red, no doubt he'd been kissing Yuusuke for a while, and half the buttons on his green shirt were open. "We started without you-"

"So I can see."

"-but we didn't think you'd mind," Kurama finished, ignoring the fact that Hiei had spoke over him. He threw a bottle from by his side to Hiei, who caught it with one swift movement. "Come and sit down with us."

When Hiei sat himself down, Yuusuke eyed what he was wearing. "Why are you wearing human clothes?" Hiei had on a black short sleeved shirt and dark blue jeans with his normal boots. He looks nice, Yuusuke thought.

"No reason," Hiei replied, taking a swig from his bottle.

"Uh-huh. So why do I think you guys are keeping something from me?"

"Would you prefer if I was naked?" Hiei asked, deflecting the question.

"Ask me later."

Kurama laughed. "Yuusuke, drink your liquor."

"And now you're trying to get me drunk.

"That's generally the reason for drinking alcohol."

Yuusuke sighed, picking up his bottle and pretending to be put out. "Fine. But whatever it is can only end in badness."

Half an hour later he was considerably less wary, but he'd blame that later on the effects of the alcohol. Makai liquor was far more potent that the stuff his mom bought and it didn't take much to get him drunk. Kurama and Hiei, who had more of a stomach for the alcohol, were only pleasantly buzzed.

"And there was that demon. What was he called again?" Yuusuke clicked his fingers as he tried to remember. "It's on the tip of my tongue … Oh yeah, Karasu! I remember now. He so wanted you," he told Kurama.

"Who doesn't?" Kurama replied, managing to look completely serious.

Hiei snorted and Yuusuke laughed. "There's this thing called vanity, you know. It's one of the seven deadly sins. You should probably look it up some time."

"Are you saying you don't want me?" Kurama mock pouted.

"I could show you how much I wanted you …" Yuusuke replied, and had crawled half-way onto Kurama's lap when Hiei spoke up.

"I didn't know that watching you have sex was the evening's entertainment."

"Aww, don't get jealous 'cos you're not joining in, Hiei."

"Don't tease, Yuusuke," Kurama chided, looking at Hiei's amused face. He knew that the little fire-demon would have no problem at all watching. In fact, if that glint in his eyes was any indication, Kurama thought that Hiei would quite enjoy it. Interesting. "And on that note, I think it's time we go out."

"Go where?" Yuusuke asked, looking to Hiei to see if he knew. The fire demon gave no indication that he was even listening, never mind knew what Kurama was talking about.

"Just put a shirt and some jeans on," Kurama told him, clearing away the empty bottles of alcohol. "A white t-shirt," he suggested.

Yuusuke shrugged and pulled a shirt and a pair of jeans from his chest of drawers. He changed in front of his friends, seeing no need to leave the room. After all, it's not like either of them hadn't seen it all before. He smirked as he saw that Kurama had been watching him change, and wasn't bothering to hide it. He loved Kurama's forwardness. Yuusuke had come out of his shell a lot in his time as Kurama's boyfriend.

When Yuusuke finished putting on his boots and Kurama convinced him that no, it wouldn't be necessary to gel his hair, Kurama turned to Hiei who was finishing off the remainder of his alcohol. "What do you think, Hiei?" he asked, gesturing to Yuusuke.

Hiei eyed Yuusuke from head to toe, stopping a while where the shirt stretched across his chest. "He'll do," he said finally before standing and walking from the room.

"Did Hiei just check me out?" Yuusuke asked Kurama, watching Hiei walking.

"I believe he did."

"I don't know whether to be flattered or mortified."

"I'd go for the first one." Kurama told him, leading him outside where Hiei was waiting for them. He watched as Yuusuke made sure the door was locked. "Hiei rarely gives compliments. You should be honoured. Shouldn't he, Hiei?"

Hiei glared at the red-head. Everything had to be a game with him. "Let's just go, idiot."

"And now he's back to normal," Yuusuke commented as he and Kurama caught up with Hiei. "I kind of liked the other one," he admitted, winking at Kurama who chuckled in turn.

"Just wait till we get to Pier."

-

Yuusuke could hear the music long before he saw where they were going. "You're taking me to a club?" Not that he had any objections. It was a Friday night, so he didn't have to worry about getting up for school (not that it would have bothered him if it was a school night).

Kurama nodded and took hold of Yuusuke's hand. Hiei was on his left, walking a step ahead. The last time he'd walked down this road it was his hand Kurama held, not Yuusuke's. The thought was vaguely unsettling, but he pushed it aside when Yuusuke spoke again.

"Won't we need ID's?"

"Not if you know the owner," Kurama told him as they walked around the corner. The music was much louder here, and a line of people were queuing along the wall, waiting for admittance. Kurama led Yuusuke straight ahead to where the bouncers were and waved in greeting as two of them motioned him over.

"You coming in?" one of them asked, and Yuusuke could tell that although the man was bulky and could no doubt handle himself in a fight, he'd be an easy guy to get along with. It was all in his smile.

Kurama nodded and two bouncers stepped by to let the three of them past. "Thanks," he said, before following Hiei inside. He still had hold of Yuusuke's hand, making sure to keep his boyfriend close to him.

"Why do I feel like I'm being paraded as your property?" Yuusuke asked when he noticed that more than a few people were staring.

The red-head pulled him closer, navigating their way through the crowd. "That's basically what I'm doing," he admitted. "It's better this way," he added, hoping Yuusuke wouldn't take offence.

"Oh. Cool," he replied, not sure what to say. On the one hand, he was pleased that Kurama wanted people to know that they were together. But on the other, a small part of him bristled at being seen as someone else's. He decided to just focus on the good part. "Where's Hiei?" He hadn't seen the little fire demon since they'd walked in.

"He'll be around here somewhere."

They made their way to the bar and Yuusuke still hadn't spotted their stray friend. He wasn't worried, no one here would be able to harass Hiei if he didn't want them to, but Yuusuke had no idea what Hiei would be like around this many people. Hiei seemed to shy away from crowds and he guessed it was because the fire demon just didn't like humans. Being in a room full with drunk, dancing humans just didn't seem like something Hiei would willingly do.

"Ah, there he is," Kurama told him, leaning close to his ear so Yuusuke could hear him over the music. He pointed to the side and Yuusuke looked over. What he saw made him do a double-take, since he simply couldn't believe what he was seeing was true.

"Hiei dances?" he asked, needing confirmation. To his alcohol muddled state, what he was seeing just didn't add up. Hiei, his hands on some woman's hips, moving along with her to the fast beat of the dance music. And he looked good, too.

"Mm," Kurama chuckled, pulling Yuusuke into his arms and embracing him from behind. "It's not so surprising once you know his nature, though I'll admit I was shocked when I first saw it, too."

"Huh," was all Yuusuke could say, his eyes still fixed on his friend across the dance floor. "I think I need a drink."

Kurama laughed and motioned a bartender over. "I think shots are in order."

Yuusuke nodded. "Make mine a vodka."

In less than a minute the bartender was back and handed them each a shot. Yuusuke downed his before Kurama had even paid the man. "Oh come on, Yuusuke," Kurama said once the bartender had moved to serve someone else. "It isn't that hard to believe. Think of his nature."

Yuusuke did. "But he hates people!"

"That's where being drunk comes in handy," Kurama grinned. "You won't really understand it until you see it, but Hiei is as much a sensual creature as you and I. To him, dancing is like a prelude to sex."

"And that's why they're grinding together like that?"

Kurama laughed. "No, I actually think Hiei has his sights set on someone else tonight. The woman he's dancing with is an acquaintance of ours. All they ever do is dance," he told him. "That's her girlfriend, over there."

Yuusuke looked to where Kurama was pointing, but there were so many women watching the two that he didn't try to figure out which one. A thought occurred to him. "Are we in a gay bar?"

"Does that bother you?"

"Considering that I'm kinda gay myself? No. Just never been to one, is all."

"There's a first time for everything," Kurama told him, before downing his own shot. "Why don't you go dance with Hiei?"

"Huh? You serious?" Kurama nodded. "I don't dance."

"Are you scared?"

"No, I just don't know how to dance like that."

"Everyone knows how to dance," Kurama told him. "Hiei will lead. Or is that what you're afraid of?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Kurama leaned further forward, his lips ghosting over Yuusuke's ear as he spoke and sending shivers down his spine. "I saw the way you were looking at him just now. You wanted him, admit it." When Yuusuke was about to protest, Kurama gently bit his ear to quiet him. "Don't be ashamed, I don't mind. I think you'd look wonderful dancing together."

Yuusuke shivered and pulled away to look his lover in the eyes. He could see the lust there, and wondered whether Kurama was hinting at something more than dancing. "Are you sure?"

"Positive," Kurama confirmed, pulling Yuusuke forward to seal his lips with a kiss. Yuusuke kissed back, pulling Kurama closer to his body. When they finally broke apart he had to take a few seconds to breathe properly. Kurama had a very talented tongue. "Now go, I'll be watching."

Yuusuke nodded, leaning over for another quick kiss before walking to where he last saw Hiei. He couldn't help but sway a little to the beat, and at one point he could have sworn someone tried but feel his butt.

When he neared Hiei he saw the fire demon say something to his dancing partner who nodded and glanced Yuusuke's way. He saw her wink at Hiei and say something before turning and walking into the crowd.

"Did Kurama send you over?" Hiei asked, eyeing Yuusuke consideringly.

"Well, yeah," Yuusuke admitted, a little sheepish. "But that doesn't mean I don't want to."

Hiei glanced over to where Kurama sat at the bar and nodded once, a silent conversation between the two that Yuusuke didn't catch. Whatever went on, Hiei seemed to have accepted it, because he placed one hand on Yuusuke's hip and pulled him closer.

Yuusuke blushed but draped his arms around Hiei's shoulders. He'd never been this close to the fire demon before, and noticed that Hiei was only a head shorter than himself. When Hiei placed a leg between Yuusuke's he was a little shocked, and it took him a minute to get used to the beat that Hiei was leading them to.

Their hips ground together, and Yuusuke was struck by how intimate it was. Their dance wouldn't look out of place in a bedroom, he knew, and he suddenly understood what Kurama meant about Hiei's sensuality. Hiei was warm against him, his body heat seeping through their clothes and making Yuusuke hot. He could almost feel Hiei's hand on his hip as though there were no jeans separating it from his skin.

Song after song passed, Yuusuke not knowing when one ended and another began, and he was so caught up in just moving that he didn't notice just how aroused he was. He was about to pull away and apologise when he noticed that Hiei was in the same state, his erection pressed against Yuusuke's thigh. It felt so good, feeling the friction on his length and Hiei's heat burning him up that he couldn't help but moan in pleasure. As soon as he did, a stray thought popped into his head. What the hell am I doing?

As if hearing Yuusuke's thoughts, Hiei pulled away and looked over to the bar. Kurama was making his way over, his eyes never leaving Yuusuke's flushed face. "Come, I found a table for us," he told them as he reached their side. Taking Yuusuke's hand he turned and offered Hiei the other. "Are you coming?"

Hiei glanced at his hand as if weighing his options, then looked into Kurama's eyes. Yuusuke could see that they were doing the silent conversation thing again, but decided not to comment. He had enough trouble trying to control his hormones. Hiei shrugged and took Kurama's hand and they all walked through the dance floor, Hiei leading the way. He seemed to know where they were going.

"I feel like your pimp," Kurama told them as they sat down. He had to raise his voice a little for them to hear over the music. "People kept coming to me, asking if they could dance with you both."

"I'm not your whore," Yuusuke replied, pretending to be angry.

"No, but you both looked good out there. Very sexy," he added, grinning over at Hiei.

"Ignore him, Yuusuke, he's permanently in heat."

Kurama laughed. "Maybe, but I could also say the same of you both."

Yuusuke blushed, muttering something about demons and their sex drives. Kurama decided not to mention that Yuusuke was part demon himself, but settled for leering at him. "Did you enjoy dancing, Yuusuke?"

"Obviously." Yuusuke sighed when Kurama glanced down at his lap purposely. "What are you getting at, Kurama? I know I'm drunk, but I was bound to notice at some point that you're practically throwing me at Hiei."

Hiei, who had been watching the dancers turned to look at Kurama, obviously wanting to see how the fox answered this.

"You can't deny that you want him, Yuusuke. If I hadn't came over a minute ago you would have went a lot further than dancing. So tell me, are you just flirting or do you want to take it further?"

"What?" Yuusuke shouted, looking back and forth between Hiei and Kurama. "You can't just ask me something like that!" Kurama, his boyfriend, was asking him if he wanted to have sex with another man. There was something about it that just didn't add up.

Kurama chuckled. "It's called a threesome, Yuusuke." When Yuusuke did nothing but stare at him, Kurama sighed and took hold of one of his hands, rubbing his thumb over Yuusuke's palm. "I'm not going to think any less of you if you admit it, I'll be right there with you. Think about it, Hiei beneath you, naked and moaning your name, and me behind, making you scream…"

Yuusuke shivered. Sex with both of them? His body was behind the idea, and making it known quite forcefully. His mind had shut down as soon as Kurama told him how he wanted it. He had no more complaints. "Okay, I'm in. Hiei?" he asked, holding his hand out to his friend and soon to be lover.

Hiei accepted, twining his fingers with Yuusuke's and pulling the half-demon towards him. "Just for tonight," he said, before covering Yuusuke's lips with a kiss.

Kurama watched as they kissed, his face devoid of all emotion. Just for tonight, he thought. One last time…

To Be Continued.

Here's how it should have went:

Kurama: Go have sex on the dance floor with my ex lover in-front of this large group of sweaty humans so I don't feel guilty about dumping you later, bitch.

Yuusuke: No.

Kurama: Do it, human!

Hiei: Human's smell. Take one step closer and I'll fry you.

Yuusuke: Wanna dance?

Hiei: No.

Yuusuke: Cool.

Kurama: Hiei and I are so obviously not over each other, so do you mind if I fuck him on the side?

Yuusuke: You ever heard the word 'monogamy'?

Kurama: I suppose you could join in.

Hiei: Humans. Smell.

Yuusuke: Dude, who do I punch first?