AN: I'm so sorry you guys had to wait so long for the next chapter. I didn't get the chance to edit this chapter before I went on vacation, but now I'm back and here's the next chapter. Enjoy.
Chapter 2
Kurama glanced out the window as he set the table for himself and Kuronue. It had been several years since they'd met and he'd began his training as a thief. Just as Kuronue had predicted Kurama had indeed become a great thief. They had become close friends over time. Eventually, something happened that neither one would have ever thought would happen. They fell in love.
Kurama bit his lip in an unconscious nervous gesture. Had he still possessed his tail it would be swishing in silent agitation. Kuronue had been gone most of the day. For the past few days the dark haired thief had been watching the castle of a wealthy minor lord who was rumored to possess great treasure. Kurama couldn't phantom why his beloved wanted it so much. It was hardly a safe haul, but then again the life of a thief was anything but safe. Kurama wished that Kuronue would give up on this great treasure the dark haired apparition had apparently gotten wind of, but to no avail. No amount of persuasion could change Kuronue's mind now that it was set.
From the start Kurama had a bad feeling about the heist his beloved planned. The heist alone would be dangerous enough. It was also much too soon after their last heist to attempt another. Kuronue had not been the most careful these days either. The excitement of the new heist had gotten into him and was starting to make him a bit careless.
That worried Kurama most of all. He didn't know what he'd do if something happened to his beloved. The yoko decided to try again to dissuade his beloved from this new heist. If Kuronue's uncharacteristic carelessness didn't get him killed the bounty hunters would.
There were several bounties on Kuronue's head and any bounty hunter would be hungry to collect the large sum for bringing the dark haired thief in, and would prefer to bring him in dead rather than alive.
That thought made Kurama shudder and glad that he himself had remained in the shadows. No one knew that Kuronue had a partner in crime. Kurama preferred it that way. He did not have to worry about bounties on his head. At least not yet.
He sighed with relief as he felt Kuronue's energy. A moment later the dark haired apparition entered the small den they shared. "How did it go?" Kurama asked. "I think I can make my move tonight," Kuronue answered. Kurama's eyes widened. "So soon?" he asked. Kuronue nodded. Kurama's brow crinkled with worry. He had a bad feeling about this. That feeling he knew he could not ignore. The yoko was sure it was foreshadowing. Kurama just didn't know what to do about it.
Kuronue smiled then leaned forward and gently kissed Kurama's lips. "Don't worry Red, I'll be in and out and back home before you know it," Kuronue said. Despite his assurance, Kurama did not feel any better about it. In fact, he wanted nothing more than for Kuronue to forget about this so called treasure that was rumored to be held in this particular minor lord's castle. The yoko in disguise remained quiet during dinner, his mind feverishly trying to figure out a way to keep Kuronue from going out again. Kurama had a horrible feeling that if Kuronue left tonight, he would not return.
Once dinner was over, Kurama cleared away the dishes. Idly he noted that all the food had been eaten up. He was glad of that. It made clean up a lot faster. Kuronue helped with the dishes, watching his lover out of the corner of his eye. He knew Kurama didn't like the idea of him going after this treasure, but if he pulled it off they would have enough money to last them a lifetime and he could finally feel right asking Kurama to be his mate.
"Kuro, why don't you stay home tonight?" Kurama asked softly once they were done with the dishes. He turned and slid his arms around his dark haired lover's waist. Kurama leaned close and kissed his beloved. Kuronue shivered at the redhead's touch as Kurama began to lovingly caress his body. "Please Kuro, stay home tonight and make love to me," Kurama pleaded.
Kuronue blinked at his beloved in surprise. He hadn't expected Kurama to ask that of him. Sure they cuddled quite a bit and making out had become quite hot and heavy of late but they had not gone any father than those caresses and searing kisses. Kuronue shivered at the thought of his beautiful beloved moaning and writhing beneath him in ecstasy as they made love for the first time. Oh how he wanted that, but the siren's song of the promise of great treasure was too alluring for him to ignore. Kuronue felt he needed to do this last heist.
"As much as I'd like to, I won't get a second chance at this if I don't go tonight," Kuronue said. Kurama pulled away, his mind frantically trying to think of something, anything that he could say or do to keep Kuronue from going out but in the end nothing came.
"Shuichi," Kuronue said softly as he reached for his lover's hand. He clasped Kurama's wrist gently and leaned in to kiss his lips softly. "You've never been so upset over one of my jobs before. Why don't you come with me?" he suggested. Kurama shook his head, sending his red hair flying around his head. "No, I just have a real bad feeling about this Kuro," Kurama whispered. "Please, don't go tonight," he pleaded. "There will be others," "I have to Red, for us," Kuronue said softly. The dark haired apparition removed his necklace and placed it around Kurama's neck.
"When I get back, I'll draw us up a nice warm bath, and make love to you until dawn if that is what you wish," Kuronue promised. Inside, Kurama was panicking. The yoko was screaming in frustration within his own mind. He knew that when Kuronue had his mind set on something it was near impossible to persuade him otherwise. It frustrated Kurama to no end that he could not sway his lover to change his mind.
"One kiss for good luck, I'm after quite a prize tonight," Kuronue requested. Kurama could not deny his love that one request. He kissed Kuronue lovingly, trying to convey his love for the other in that one kiss. Kuronue kissed him back with just as much emotion. The two parted. "Don't worry Red, I'll be home soon," Kuronue said, then turned and headed out into the night.
Kurama paced the floor. He was too wound up and worried to relax. He was filled with nervousness and fear for his beloved. Finally he could stand it no longer and headed out into the night. He followed his lover's trail easily, relying on Kuonue's scent to guide him. His heart leapt when he realized that Kuronue was near. A few moments later he spotted him. Kurama tensed to run to him but a second figure in the darkness caught his eye. The dark haired figure landed in front of Kuronue, his pale skin stark white in the moonlight.
Kurama crept a bit closer. Even from the distance he was at, he could see the stranger's pale face. It was cold, emotionless. The stranger's eyes were hard and cruel. A mask covered the stranger's nose and mouth. "What do you want?" Kuonue demanded. "Your death," the stranger replied. A heartbeat later, the stranger leapt into the air sending long spikes that looked exactly like bamboo toward Kuronue. The spikes landed around the bat winged apparition trapping him inside a small cage. Kuronue cried out in pain as one very sharp spike sliced through his foot, pinning him to the ground. The dark haired stranger then landed near Kuronue, a wicked glee in his eyes. Several balls of glowing lights surrounded Kuronue. One by one they began to explode making the winged apparition scream in pain.
Kurama could only stare, horrified at the scene before him. He was frozen to his spot, unable to move, unable to find his voice. In the end, that was what saved him. There was no doubt that if the stranger had noticed him, he would have been killed as well. The stranger repeated the process again. Kuronue's screams rang in Kurama's ears. Blood pooled on the ground from Kuronue's numerous wounds. Seemingly satisfied with his work, the stranger turned and headed off into the forest.
Kurama finally found the ability to move again and ran to his injured beloved. "Hold on Kuro, I'll get you out of here," Kurama said as he reached for one of the spikes. "No, leave me," Kuronue rasped. "That bastard is bound to be back any moment and I don't want him to see you," Kurama stared at his beloved in disbelief. "Even if you could get me out of here in time, I'm not going to last much longer. I've lost too much blood," Kuronue rasped, speaking with obvious effort. Kurama felt his heart drop. He knew Kuronue was right. Already the scent of death was upon him. Kurama could smell it clearly now and it was getting stronger by the moment. He felt tears well up in his eyes but refused to shed them just yet. "I love you," Kurama said, not knowing what else to say. "And I you, now go, save yourself. I don't want him to catch you too," Kuronue replied as they both sensed the stranger returning.
Kurama dashed off into the forest, praying to Inari that he hadn't been spotted. He was just glad he kept his spirit energy masked or the stranger would have sensed him at once. Kurama continued running. A loud explosion rocked the forest and Kurama could feel his lover's energy no more. Kurama fell to the ground then, tears streaming from his eyes.
A rustling in the bushes caught his attention. Kurama's heart pounded in his chest. Had Kuronue's murderer found him? A familiar white form met his eyes instead and relief flooded through his body. Kurama flung his arms around Makino's neck, crying into her soft snow white fur. "He's gone Makino," he cried. "I know dear," Makino replied telepathically. "Come with me, the forest is no place for you to be tonight. It is much too dangerous with such a predator about," she said. Kurama managed to get onto his feet and follow Makino to a small cave a short distance away. "Rest and grieve now dear, tomorrow I'll take you to a place I hope you'll want to call home," Makino said as she curled herself around Kurama. Kurama's tears began anew and Makino comforted him as best should could, letting him cry . "Is this my punishment for becoming a thief?" he asked quietly. "No, dearheart," Makino replied. "It was simply the end of Kuronue's season," she said softly. He spoke no more and continued to mourn his beloved. As Kurama cried himself to sleep, he promised that he would never let anyone get as close to him as Kuronue had. He would never again fall in love.
Kurama's eyelids fluttered open as the morning sun flitted in through the window. The final tears he had shed during his sleep slid from his eyes and down his cheeks. Kurama now fully awake, sighed longingly. He turned to lay on his side and opened the drawer of the bedside table. He reached into the drawer and retrieved Kuonue's necklace, holding it gently in his hand.
Though it had been years since Kuronue's death, Kurama felt the pain as though it was yesterday every year on the anniversary of his beloved's death. Fresh tears spilled down the yoko's cheeks as the memory of Kuronue's death replayed itself once again in his mind's eye.
Kurama lay there clutching Kuronue's necklace to him, still mourning his lost love. Makino padded into the room, her silvery eyes taking in the scene before her with pity and sadness. Every year it was the same. Kurama would awaken only to cry himself to sleep. If she didn't drag him out of bed he would stay there all day. He would not eat or drink anything the whole day. Even after all this time, it seemed Kurama's broken heart hadn't even begun to mend.
Makino leapt onto the bed, brushing away a few tears from her friend's eyes with one of her seven tails. "Come now dearheart, I know you miss him, but it would hurt Kuronue to see you like this," she said. "I know Kino, but I can't help it. I miss him," Kurama whispered. Makino laid upon him gently. "Still, you can't lie here and mourn him like you do every year. He wouldn't have wanted that," she said. Kurama reached out and gently stroked the large fox's white fur. "You're right," Kurama sighed. Makino chuckled. "Of course I am dear," she teased. "Now get up and get dressed, You've got a long day ahead of you," she reminded him.
"Yes mother," he teased. Maikno good naturedly nipped his hand. "Alright, I'm going, I'm going," Kurama said as he slid out from under the large white fox. He headed into the bathroom first to go through his morning routine. He dressed in comfortable loose fitting clothing before heading into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. To his surprise, he found a large strawberry plant lying on the counter. Despite the sadness he felt, Kurama couldn't help but smile. Makino knew just the thing to cheer him up, even just for the moment.
Kurama took the plant and headed outside to the garden to plant it in the ground. He then gave it some of his energy. Kurama watched with a warm smile as the plant flourished with his gentle touch, producing many more of the sweet berries he so enjoyed. He headed back inside for a basket and quietly began picking the berries. He then took the full basket down to the river where he washed his hands and enough of the berries for him to eat to his fill.
Makino came to sit beside him just as he finished washing the berries. "I see you found the gift I left you," she said. Kurama smiled. "Yes, thank you," He replied. "You're welcome dear, I know strawberries are your favorite and I figured you could use something to lift your spirits today. After all, you are performing for Mukuro tonight," Makino said. "It wouldn't do for you to be so melancholy on such a grand occasion," she added. Kurama held out one of the strawberries to Makino who took it gratefully. Truth be told he was a bit nervous about performing in front of Mukuro, ruler of a third of the demon world. Still, he was excited. If he did well, it would definitely boost Kurama's career.
After Kuonue's death, Kurama had lost all interest in thieving. After spotting one of the dancers performing at a festival, he decided to try his hand at it. One of the more popular courtesans had seen him dance in one of the villages and approached him, offering to train him to be a courtesan. He had balked at the idea at first, knowing that some courtesans sold more to their customers than their company and talent, they also sold their bodies. Miyuki had laughed and assured him that only the untalented and unsuccessful courtesans ever sold themselves. The talented and successful courtesan never sold more than their time or talent. It ended up being the first thing he learned from her. In time Kurama became a courtesan of the Makai, a performer skilled in both dance and playing instruments. Now, he was quite popular himself and glad that Makino had chosen an abandoned temple well away from the villages and cities as a shelter.
He enjoyed his new home. It had been in remarkably good shape. All it had needed were a few furnishings. Kurama had planted a spectacular garden, replacing the bare flowerbeds and more. Planting the garden and fixing up his new home along with training with Miyuki had helped to ease Kurama's grief some. It gave him something to live for, something to look forward to. Dancing, gardening and Makino's company still helped greatly these days. Sometimes Kurama felt that if it weren't for those things he would loose what sanity he still possessed.
Kurama shared the strawberries with Makino until the two had devoured them all. "I don't suppose I can convince you to eat more than just strawberries this morning?" Makino asked as Kurama stood and stretched. "I'm much too full to eat anything else, besides I don't have time, I have to go into town for rehearsal and the tailor is supposed to have my outfit for tonight ready today," "Honestly Kurama, I don't know why you don't let Miyuki handle some things for you or at least hire an assistant or something. It would make things much easier for you," Makino said. "Really Makino, Miyuki handles enough for me as it is. She helps me schedule my performances, my rehearsals in town and Inari knows what else," Kurama replied as he headed back inside with the white fox on his heels. "You mean deal with all the gifts from your admirers?" she teased. Kurama's cheeks turned nearly as red as his hair. "Yes, that too," he admitted. Makino chuckled. "You'd better get going dear, or you're going to be late," she said. Kurama quickly grabbed his bag to carry his clothes back home in and patted Makino affectionately. "Shall I bring you something back for a late dinner?" he asked. "No dear, you're sweet for asking but you know very well that I can fend for myself," Makino answered. Kurama smiled. "Yes, and for me too at times," he replied before heading out the door and making his way through the dense forest to the bustling city beyond.
The day passed quickly for Kurama. He had rehearsed with the musicians that were to play that night for several hours. Afterward he picked up his completed outfit from the tailor and rested at Miyuki's home the rest of the evening. Miyuki awakened Kurama from his nap in plenty of time for him to bathe dress and eat before heading off to Mukuro's palace.
Kurama was awed at the sight of the massive castle in front of him. Beyond it was the mobile fortress he'd heard so much about. It was shaped like a massive bug. Kurama thought it a bid odd. He vaguely wondered what it looked like inside. The palace, Mukuro's permanent home however, didn't look much out of the ordinary from the outside. To Kurama it looked like every other wealthy apparition's home only on a much larger scale.
Two guards were standing at the front gates, eyeing him as he approached. "What business do you have here?" One of the guards demanded once he was before them. "I've been asked to perform tonight," Kurama replied stepping into the dim light of the torches on the gate's walls. The other guard's eyes sparkled with recognition. "You're the dancer right?" he asked. Kurama nodded. The other guard suddenly seemed to recognize him as well. "Yeah, I've seen you before. You're that courtesan, Shuichi, right?" he asked. "Yes, Lord Mukuro has asked me to perform tonight," Kurama answered.
The guards opened the gates, moving aside to let him in. "Hey, after you're done here, do you think you could give us a private performance," one of the guards asked suggestively. Kurama didn't like what the other was implying. Kurama sold himself to no one. "Sorry, but I have another engagement," he replied and continued on his way. "Not that either of you could afford me anyway," he thought with a smirk as a servant approached him. "You are Shuichi, correct?" the servant asked. Kurama nodded. "Come this way please," he requested.
Kurama followed the servant through a side door into the palace. Inside he could hear music and the commotion of a large group of people gathered together. He was led to an open doorway, where the servant motioned for him to wait. From the arched doorway he could see into the room. Inside there was a large crowd gathered. Kurama recognized some of them as being some of the higher ranking lords and ladies of the Makai, most of which had been his clients at some point or another. There was a large table on a raised platform. Two figures sat at the table. One a woman of average height with short red hair. On one side of her face was a cloth like mask that covered her eye and part of that side of her face, the other side was left completely uncovered. He thought her quite pretty once you got past the mask. Sitting at her right was a younger apparition. At first glance Kurama thought him a child, but the build of his body and the stony look upon his handsome face told him otherwise.
There were two more tables on platforms just a bit lower than the one that Lord or rather Lady Mukuro was sitting at with her stony faced companion. At one sat the ruler of Gandara, Lord Yomi and his son Shura. Kurama recognized them both immediately. That particular Lord had fallen victim to Kuronue, who had rather enjoyed telling Kurama about that particular heist. Kuama had seen the pair himself as he traveled through their realm a few years ago.
At the second table was Yusuke, the new leader of the realm once ruled by Raizen. Beside him was his lovely wife Keiko. Kurama couldn't help but notice they made a nice pair. Kurama glanced at the performance going on. A female apparition was singing. She had a lovely voice, but the song she had chosen to perform was indeed quite dull. Kurama was glad he had chosen a lively dance to perform. At least half the room wouldn't be lulled to sleep.
His eyes went back to the dark haired apparition sitting at Mukuro's side. A bored expression adorned his handsome, childlike face. Cute was the first thing that came to the yoko's mind, though he doubted the apparition would appreciate being called so. Kurama was fascinated by his eyes. A rich ruby color that at first glance appeared brown perhaps. There was fire in those eyes, a gleam that clearly said that he was not one to be trifled with. Kurama found it strangely alluring.
Soon the song ended and the audience politely applauded. It wasn't soon enough for Hiei. He hated these parties. The food, drink and entertainment weren't that bad. In fact, those were the only good things about being stuck at one of these parties. Hiei loathed being in such a large crowd. Even worse still, he had to endure such a crowd for several hours. In truth he would rather be outside in the fresh air training than in this stuffy large room full of wealthy apparitions. Besides, he was starting to become rather bored.
He watched lazily as the singer bowed and left the room. Hiei was definitely not sorry to see her go. A shock of red took his attention away from the singer's retreating form. At first Hiei couldn't tell if the red haired figure was male or female, but after a moment of careful observation he knew the newcomer was definitely male. He was very handsome, with the most alluring green eyes he'd ever seen. Though he looked human Hiei could tell by his aura that he was definitely not so. Still, Hiei had no idea what type of apparition he might be.
He watched as the red haired male stepped forward and bowed gracefully to him and Mukuro. Mukuro gave a slight nod and the redhead straitened to his full height. He then turned to the musicians and gave a single nod of his head. The musicians began to play as Kurama moved slowly into place, closing his eyes. The song began slow, but it would not stay that way. His body tensed waiting for the moment he would begin his dance. There was a pause in the music, and Kurama took a deep breath. Now!
Hiei watched as the redhead slipped into a stance and closed his eyes. For a moment, he was motionless as a slow song began to play. He had a feeling something was about to happen. Suddenly the melody ended, both the musicians and the redhead stood tense, ready to move at any moment. The pause lasted only a heartbeat and the musicians struck up a lively tune. Kurama moved with the music beginning exactly on the first note. Hiei was at once impressed with the redhead's agility as he danced to the spirited music. He moved as though he and the music were one and the same.
Hiei was spellbound. His eyes never left Kurama as he danced. He was amazed, the redhead moved with a grace that no male seemed to possess and an agility that anyone would envy. Hiei's breath actually caught in his throat as Kurama leapt forward toward the dais and actually twirling as he landed on his feet. His eyes opened and locked with Hiei's. A ghost of a smile spread across the dancer's lips and on impulse Kurama playfully winked at the amazed Hiei. Hiei started when the dancer winked at him. No one had ever dared to do such a thing before. His shock quickly turned to amusement. He had no idea where Mukuro had found him, but Hiei knew that no party would ever be dull so long as this feisty redhead was invited.
Kurama had the whole room under his spell as he danced to the swift and beautiful music. The sadness of the day had lifted from him. For in that moment there was nothing but him and the music. The music lightened his heart and made him feel his usual playful self. He was laughing inwardly at the startled look on Hiei's face when he'd winked at him. Kurama was enjoying the dance immensely, however the music was building to its crescendo and would soon end. The music reached it's climax and Kurama swiftly came out of a complicated step and was on his knees, bowing before the dais with his arms outstretched, his handsome face nearly touching the floor the moment music reached it's end.
The crowd roared with applause, but Kurama remained still, motionless as he awaited Mukuro's signal to stand. Mukruro rose to her feet motioning for the room to fall silent. In a heartbeat it was completely quiet. "Rise now," Mukuro said to Kurama. Kurama rose to his feet in a single fluid motion, bowing before the dais once again with a courtly bow. "I hope my performance was to your satisfaction M'lady, m'lord," Kurama said softly, his heart thudding in his chest. Mukuro smiled. "You more than exceeded my expectations dancer, I believe my general enjoyed it as well, didn't you Hiei?" she responded. Hiei gave a slight nod, his cheeks tinting red. Mukuro's eye twinkled mischievously as she dismissed Kurama with a gesture. Hiei watched the redhead go, feeling oddly disappointed to see him leave. He wanted to see more of his dancing.
Kurama left the great hall retrieved his bag from one of the servants and collected his pay, noting that there was a hefty bonus there as well. Now that the euphoria of the dance had lifted from him his heart was beginning to get heavy again. He spotted a door leading out onto a balcony. He decided to get some air, hoping it would help. He rested his arms on the cool stone as he gazed up at the moon. He sighed. Years ago he and Kuronue would sit for hours and stargaze on nights like this. Kurama wished that Kuronue were here with him, looking up at the stars as well.
Normally Kurama would have gone back inside and mingled with the party guests in hopes of getting new customers. He was in no mood to do so tonight. He hadn't the heart for it. Kurama was sure he wouldn't be very good company with his beloved's death so foremost in his mind. He decided instead to return home for a hot bath and some sleep.
The sound of footsteps approaching caught his attention. He turned to find Hiei stepping out onto the balcony. Kurama noted that the dark haired apparition seemed tired and careworn. He wasn't sure why but he felt drawn to him. If Hiei looked surprised to see him, the expression was gone before Kurama could clearly see it. He felt drawn to the redhead as well for some reason.
"Good evening m'lord, would you like some company?" Kurama greeted. Hiei raised an eyebrow in surprise. Kurama himself wasn't sure why he had done so but he felt he should and Kurama was never one to go against a gut feeling. "Are you suggesting something other than companionship?" Hiei asked. At first Kurama was quite offended at what Hiei was insinuating, but then he realized that Hiei must have been propositioned by lower courtesans in the past and no longer took offence. "As tempting as the idea is m'lord, I think you're more in need of a companion, than a lover," Kurama answered. "If peace and quiet is what you truly desire, I know of someplace that offers both where you can be alone if you wish," he offered. Hiei seemed to debate this for a moment but nodded his head in consent.
Kurama headed out of the palace without further word. Hiei followed silently as Kurama left the palace and quickly made his way through the city to the woodland beyond. Here, Hiei fell into step beside Kurama walking beside the yoko as he led the way through the forest. Soon, they came to the shores of a lake. Kurama sat down upon one of the large rocks. Hiei sat close by taking in the surroundings.
The lake was beautiful. In the pale light of the moon it's crystal waters looked like molten silver. Towering pines, oaks and other evergreens were all around them, but weren't imposing. They inspired a feeling of comfort and warmth. Surprisingly, Hiei felt calm and relaxed.
For a while neither of them spoke. Kurama was staring unfocused at the reflection of the moon in the lake. "For a companion, you don't speak very much," Hiei commented, breaking the silence. Kurama snapped out of his trance, his cheeks turning red with embarrassment. "Forgive me, I didn't realize I was under your employ," he responded as he removed his ocarina from his bag. "Shall I play something for you?" he asked. Hiei raised an eyebrow. "You play an instrument as well as dance?" he asked. Kurama smiled charmingly at his companion. "I play three instruments," he informed the other. "Play then, let's see if you play as well as you dance," Hiei responded.
Kurama happily obliged him and put the instrument to his lips. He began playing a soft, haunting melody. Hiei found it quite beautiful, even a bit melancholy. He enjoyed the song nonetheless and wanted to hear more when it ended. Kurama gazed at him expectantly as he lowered the instrument from his lips. "I've never heard that song before, who taught it to you?" Hiei asked. Kurama's eyes did not hide the sadness that he felt at that moment. Kuronue had taught him that song. "Someone who was very close to me," he answered.
Hiei could tell that something had happened to the person who had taught Kurama that song, so he did not pry. Instead he requested that the yoko play another song. Kurama did so without hesitation, this time playing a song Miyuki had taught him. Kurama played for Hiei for hours and the dark haired apparition did not tire of hearing the music at all. Hiei enjoyed it immensely and despite the late hour, wanted to hear more. Reluctantly, he decided to put an end to it, knowing that Mukuro would have a fit if he didn't return soon.
"What is your name courtesan?" Hiei asked, realizing that he had neglected to ask. Kurama smiled softly. "Shuichi, m'lord," he answered. "Can you meet me here tomorrow?" Hiei asked. Kurama nodded. "Then meet me here tomorrow afternoon," Hiei said as he motioned the exact position of the sun would be in when they met. "It will be my pleasure m'lord," Kurama said with an absolutely stunning smile. Hiei's cheeks turned red. He rose to his feet and tossed something to Kurama, who caught it effortlessly. In his hand rested two gold coins, much more than he would have asked for a few hours of playing. When he lifted his head to thank him, he found Hiei was already gone. With a smile he tucked the two coins among the others in his pouch and headed home for a hot bath and some much needed rest. Kurama had the feeling that this was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.