AN: Here's another chapter for you all. I hope you enjoy it. A big hug and thank you to all you reviewers and readers. I read each and every review eve if I don't get the chance to reply to them, so thank you all.

Chapter 4

Hiei was staring moodily up at the ceiling. Though he had just bathed and dressed he did not feel refreshed at all. His heart was heavy for what had occurred between him and Kurama was still fresh in his mind. His cheek still burned where Kurama had struck him. The look in his eyes had frightened him more than anything. The fox had been absolutely livid. Hiei vowed that he would never again anger Kurama that greatly should the fox ever forgive him.

Hiei was completely confused. He was sure he had read the signs right. Kurama had responded when he'd kissed him. The fox did not make a move at all to stop him when they had made love to the sound of the rainstorm. Had he mistaken love for lust? "I must have," he thought glumly. "Why else would he have looked so horrified this morning when he realized what we had done?" he mused.

A rustling at the window caught his attention and immediately Hiei was on his feet with his sword drawn. He watched with surprise as a great white fox leapt through the open window and dropped a piece of parchment at his feet. He realized that the letter must be from Kurama. Hiei quickly sheathed his sword and picked up the letter. "Is he still angry with me Makino?" he asked. "No, but what did you do to make him so angry that he struck you? I know Kurama is much too gentle hearted to strike a friend unless he was provoked to such anger that he lost his head," She replied. Hiei sat down with a heavy sigh. "I got angry and said something I shouldn't have," Hiei told her. "What was it?" Makino inquired. "I called him a whore," Hiei replied abashedly.

Maknino shook her head. "Dear one, do you know that is the worst possible thing you could have said to him?" she questioned. "He has known no one in that manner. He has never allowed anyone that close," she continued. "Until last night," he amended. "He was the first I ever went to bed with and will certainly be the last," He vowed. "Do not make rash vows dear one, that is what started this whole mess in the first place," Makino warned. "What do you mean?" Hiei asked. "I shall tell you later, or better yet perhaps I can convince Kurama to tell you. At the moment however, I believe it is more important that you read that letter," Makino answered.

Hiei had forgotten the letter as he had talked with Makino. Now that it was called to his attention again he quickly unfolded it, steeled himself for whatever it might say and began to read.

My Dearest Hiei,

If you ever truly loved me, please read this letter in it's entirety. I'm sorry for the pain that I have caused you. I never meant to hurt you. You must know that. I was afraid and hesitated to tell you what I should have.

You see, on the night I was cast out of my village I met a thief named Kuronue. In time we grew close just as you and I did. We eventually fell in love. Sadly, we only had a short time together. Kuronue was murdered by a bounty hunter right before my eyes. I was lucky enough to escape with my own life, but my beloved Kuronue was gone and my heart was shattered. That night I vowed never to fall in love with anyone ever again.

I was afraid of my heart being broken once more by the loss of one I hold dear. It was that fear and that vow that silenced me and caused me to anger you so. The moment you were gone I realized that vow was meaningless for I had already broken it. I fell in love with you. I should have told you the truth and confessed that I loved you when I had the chance. Now I fear like everyone else dear to me you will be gone from my life as well.

I hope you can forgive me for my foolishness and that you still have love for me left in your heart. If not, please tell Makino that I am not to come the party Mukuro is throwing in your honor and I will not trouble you any longer.

- Kurama

When Hiei looked up from reading, Makino was watching him expectantly. The dark haired apparition folded the letter carefully. "The party isn't until tomorrow night," Hiei thought glumly to himself. Hiei wanted to see the fox right away. "Tell Kurama I will be looking for him at the party," Hiei said softly. Hiei got the impression that Makino would be smiling if she were not a fox. "I will be glad to do that dear one," Makino said, then vanished as suddenly as she came. Hiei looked down at his bed. For the first time he noticed three dark round orbs. Anyone in the human world might have mistaken them for magnificent black pearls, but in reality they were tear gems. An idea quickly came to mind for what he wanted to do with them. Hiei quickly pocked them as he laid back down intending to get some rest before setting his plan into motion.

Kurama was up pacing the floor when Makino returned. Makino shook her head in exasperation. "You should be resting dearheart," she scolded. She noted with amusement that he had straitened his room completely and changed the bed linen. "I was too nervous to rest Kino," Kurama responded. "Obviously," Makino thought with a sigh as she took in the spotless state of Kurama's room.

"What did he say?" He inquired. "He will be looking for you at the party," she answered. "Do you think this means he will give me a second chance?" Kurama asked. "You know I cannot read his mind, except for what he wishes me to know," Makino responded. "However, I believe that he will. He seemed to feel really badly about angering you," she said. Kurama sighed with relief. "I hope he does forgive me. I'd hate to think I screwed this up before it really began," he said.

Makino had hoped to convince Kurama to get some rest now that she had delivered the message that he'd been anxiously awaiting. She had no such luck. Kurama was filled with nervous energy. Knowing he wouldn't settle down since he was so wound up, Makino had suggested that he go into town and have a new outfit made for the upcoming party. It was a good idea. It kept Kurama's mind off meeting Hiei again.

Kurama was excited and yet anxious all the same. He prayed that Hiei would forgive him and that they would be happy together just as he was with Kuronue before he died. Kurama did not harbor any illusions, he knew that there was still a chance that Hiei would end their relationship even if he did forgive him. Still, he hoped for the best.

Kurama's seamstress worked miracles for the yoko. Instead of creating a completely new outfit from scratch, she tailored an outfit that he had commissioned her to make weeks ago to fit the occasion. Even with the matter of clothing taken care of Kurama was still agitated when he returned home. He did all he could to distract himself and ended up cleaning the whole temple till it shone. Only then was he tired enough to fall into a dreamless sleep.

The night of the party couldn't come too soon for the fox. He was both ecstatic and anxious when it finally arrived. Kurama dressed with great care that evening, wanting to look his best for Hiei. Makino watched with amusement as Kurama brushed out his long red hair till it shone and pulled it back in a loose ponytail. "You look wonderful dear," Makino complemented. Kurama smiled. "Thank you, I just hope Hiei thinks so too," Kurama responded. "If he doesn't there is something seriously wrong with that young man of yours," Makino responded.

Kurama held back a laugh at his companion's comment as he stood and studied himself in the full length mirror. He was dressed in a dark brown shirt and pants. Red boots adorned his feet and a matching wine red cloak lay across the chair. With a silent prayer that all would go well for him and his lover that night, Kurama adorned his cloak. "Wish me luck Makino," he requested softly. "Good luck dear, but something tells me you may not need it," the white fox replied.

Kurama made his way to Mukuro's palace in good time. The party had just begun when he arrived. He looked for Hiei immediately but did not see him. He did see Yomi seated at one of the tables as well as Yusuke and his wife. Kurama was surprised when the servant that saw him in began to lead him to the head table where Mukuro was sitting during the last party. Though Hiei had invited him he had not expected to be sitting at the same table with him and Mukuro. He did not allow his face to show his surprise.

Everyone stood to their feet as Mukuro and Hiei entered the room. The servants pulled out the seats for Mukuro, Hiei and Kurama. Kurama waited until Mukuro and Hiei had sat down before sitting down at the table. Though Hiei's face was impassive a gentle squeeze of his hand assured him that he was glad to see the redhead. Kurama squeezed Hiei's hand in response, assuring his friend that he was happy to see him too.

Mukuro then stood again and gave a short speech. Kurama wasn't paying much attention, he was too busy studying the handsome fire apparition sitting beside him. Suddenly, Hiei stood gently letting his hand slip from Kurama's as he did so. The yoko realized that Mukuro had stopped speaking and cursed himself for not paying better attention to what had been said. Kurama watched as Mukuro took a thin circlet from the cushion one of the servants was carrying and placed it upon Hiei's bowed head.

A cheer rose from the crowd as Hiei was officially named Mukuro's heir and the party began. When the dancing began Hiei was whisked away by some of the ladies of the court. Kurama too was quickly seized by the ladies to dance. After dinner was served and another round of dancing began, Hiei motioned for Kurama to meet him outside. Kurama waited a few moments after Hiei had risen from the table and gone out to the terrace to follow.

Kurama was pleasantly surprised to see that the terrace was empty save for Hiei. No one had yet to come out for fresh air. Hiei was waiting for him. Suddenly Kurama caught a familiar scent in the air. He rushed to Hiei and tackled him to the hard stone floor. A heartbeat later there was an explosion. Kurama looked up and even in the dark he could see a figure not very far away. He didn't need to see Hiei's attacker closely to know it was the same demon that had killed Kuronue.

Rage overcame the yoko. He wanted to avenge Kuronue's death. He wanted to punish the one who had taken his cherished Kuronue from him and dared to try and harm his beloved Hiei. Without hesitation Kurama gave chase with the assassin as his prey. As Kurama pursued the assassin into the surrounding forest his human form began to give way to his true form.

With his aura he called to the forest to aid him in his hunt. The yoko refused to be denied his vengeance this night. The forest responded quickly. The trees sought to block the assassin's path. The brambles and bushes sought to trap him. At the same time they moved from Kurama's path letting him run unhindered. At last, Kurama cornered his prey. The assassin turned to face him, his cold eyes widening slightly in surprise. "My, you're a lovely one," the assassin said. "I don't think I shall kill you right away. It would be a tremendous shame not to indulge in that beautiful body of yours first," Kurama's anger grew.

Suddenly Kurama could smell a strange scent in the air. He knew at once that it was the bombs that the assassin had created. With an astonishing show of agility Kurama leapt out of the way as the bomb exploded. He did not escape unscathed. He got a nasty wound across his abdomen. The yoko didn't feel it. He was too focused on his hunt, too intent on taking out his enemy.

Kurama landed crouched on the ground. He smirked when he caught sight of a particular plant. With his golden eyes focused on the assassin Kurama unleashed his energy, feeding the plant he wanted, making it grow and multiply. The assassin leapt to get out of the way as he saw the forest of bamboo rushing toward him. However, he did not know that there was another wall of bamboo just as thick coming at him from behind. In the end the assassin was trapped between them.

Kurama seemed to glide toward him like a vengeful forest god. His golden eyes were hardened, the fires of anger and rage burning within them. In his hand was a single red rose. The shade of red would have unnerved the assassin if he could see it clearly in the moonlight, for it was blood red. The stem had grown long and the thorns sharper, forming a wicked looking blade. The assassin tried to blow himself free of the bamboo, but it only grew back as swiftly as he could destroy it with his bombs. All his efforts were for naught. He never made it an inch further.

"You dared to make an attempt on the life of Lord Hiei, for that you will pay," Kurama said in a low cold voice. "…and for murdering Kuronue, I will take your life," he thought icily. Before the assassin could reply Kurama had plunged the rose blade into the assassin's chest. With the other hand the yoko dropped a seed at his victim's feet. The moment he withdrew the blade the plant within that seed sprang to life growing to it's maturity in a heartbeat. A moment later it latched onto the wound that Kurama had made and began to drain the assassin dry. Kurama slashed at the assassin again creating another wound. The plant latched onto that wound and began it's work there.

Try as he might the assassin couldn't move, for the plant not only drained the victim of blood but injected a poison that paralyzed the victim as it did so. Kurama sank the rose blade into the assassin's leg making a deep wound as he moved it upward to make room for the plant to strike once more. This time he did not remove the blade and the plant latched on just above it. Kurama watched as the plant drained the assassin dry before moving in to devour him.

Unknown to the yoko, Hiei had seen the whole thing. The fire apparition was awed at the power Kurama had displayed. It unnerved him that the fox could be so cold and vicious. He had never seen that side of him. What was to stop the fox from doing the same to him?

Kurama slumped to the ground and in an instant all thoughts were on the fox's well being and not the horrific display of power he had just witnessed. In the blink of an eye he was at the fox's side. Hiei caught his beloved in his strong arms. Kurama was unconscious. "Quick, get him home before the others see him," Makino cried as she appeared out of nowhere.

Hiei gathered Kurama up in his arms and ran with all his speed to Kurama's home. Upon his arrival there he laid Kurama down upon his bed. "You need to clean that wound before it gets infected. Come, I will tell you what you need to do," she said.

Hiei worked furiously under Makino's instruction. He cleaned Kurama's wound and had made a salve to put on it before covering it with a clean dressing. Exhausted and feeling drained now that the adrenaline was wearing off, he laid down to sleep beside the injured fox. He hoped that when he awakened Kurama would be alright.