Wow, I think this is the longest chapter of the story. I hope it's good and doesn't just ramble.

Thanks to all who read and review. I love the guesses as to how Hiei will get his soul back. You'll have to wait and see if you're right.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho.

IN THE ARMS OF LOVE

Chapter 11

After spending an enjoyable hour at the beach talking with Hiei, Kurama reluctantly returned to the temple. As he approached he could almost feel Hiei's withdrawal. Therefore he wasn't surprised to suddenly find the reason for the fire demon's mood change throw herself into his arms. "Camille."

In his head Kurama heard Hiei growl.

"Oh Shuuichi, I almost feel like I owe you an apology."

"For breathing?"

"Hiei!"

Oblivious to the telepathic conversation going on before her Camille continued. "I was angry with you for not calling me but now your friends have told me about poor little Hiei being ill and I feel awful for what I thought. Hiei's so lucky to have such good friends but Darling you shouldn't be missing so much school."

"Yes DARLING, what about school?"

It took all of Kurama's control not to visibly show his irritation. "School is fine Cami. I've been in touch with my professors through e-mail and am able to keep up with my studies from here."

"Hn, take that bitch. My Fox can take care of 'poor little Hiei' and school without you just fine woman."

"Will Hiei be alright? I'd like to say hello while I'm here if it's alright." At Camille's request, Kurama gave Hiei a wicked laugh.

"Kurama, don't you dare!"

"Then cut it out Hiei!"

Kurama took Camille's arm and lead her outside. "I don't think that's such a good idea Cami. Hiei's having a really bad day today and it's about to get much worse."

Camille looked questioningly at his last statement but allowed him to escort her to her car. Before climbing in she leaned up for a kiss. Tactfully Kurama diverted and kissed her cheek.

Hiei groaned loudly. The sneer in Kurama's voice was quite obvious. "What's the matter Hiei, jealous?"

"Hn!"

Without missing a beat Kurama spoke sweetly to Camille. "I'm sorry you worried Cami. I didn't mean to upset you. Unfortunately Hiei and school take up so much of my time right now I may not get to call you for a few days."

Camille reached out the car window to caress his cheek. "That's alright Shuuichi dear, you just take care of Hiei and don't worry about me."

Climbing the temple steps Kurama waved as Camille drove away. When he reached the temple Kurama's tightly held control on his temper snapped. "Damn it Hiei, what the hell was that all about?"

The redhead had been so absorbed in trying to control a verbal conversation with Camille and a telepathic one with Hiei he didn't even notice his friends were watching and listening to the whole thing. A small noise, he thought from Yukina, caught his attention.

Turning he saw Yukina and Keiko with their arms around each other, each had her head buried in the others shoulder. At first glance it appeared they were crying. Their giggles suddenly told him otherwise. Looking around he found Yusuke on the floor by the sofa and Kuwabara in the corner. Both had hands over their mouths and tears running down their faces as they tried to hide their laughter.

Not sure what was going on Kurama allowed his anger at Hiei to be projected onto them. "What the hell's so damn funny?"

Realizing they were caught, all four of his friends began to laugh out loud. Yusuke, unable to rise and walk, crawled over to Kurama and, still laughing, reached up to grab his shirt. "Dear gods Kurama! How the hell can you have a straight face? That was the funniest damn thing I've ever heard."

Kuwabara was almost panting as he tried to regain some composure. "Yeah Kurama, I've never heard you and the shrimp go at it like that. Camille being totally clueless made it even funnier."

"Fox, did they just say they could hear me?"

When Yukina came running at Kurama he held out his arms to catch her in them. "Oh Hiei! I've missed you so much. Yes brother, we can all hear you. Everyone except Keiko that is, I've been filling her in."

Yusuke, finally able to get up, slapped Kurama on the back. "Isn't it great Kurama? I hope this means we can hear and talk to Hiei all the time and not just because you were both so mad."

Releasing Yukina, Kurama gave Yusuke a glare that would have made Hiei proud. "I'm glad everyone enjoyed themselves at my expense once again. If you all want Hiei that bad you can have him. I've had it with the little bastard! Damn it Hiei you had no right to do what you did! I wish you'd get the hell out of my head and leave me alone!"

Everyone stared as Kurama stalked to his room and slammed the door.

Leaning back against the door Kurama realized he was so mad he was shaking. Noticing Hiei's lifeless form lying on the bed, guilt caused most of Kurama's anger to evaporate. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, held it a moment, then released it in a big sigh.

"Hiei?"

When there was no response he tried again. "Hiei, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I was just angry."

Still getting no response Kurama went to sit on the bed. "Hiei, if your reaction has anything to do with the unresolved issues we're dealing with then maybe we should talk about them now."

When Hiei spoke he was so quiet and calm it made Kurama nervous. "You made your position very clear Kurama, there's no reason for us discuss it further. As far as the issues, I lied and manipulated you but I swear it wasn't for anyone's amusement. I'm sorry. As requested, I'll leave you alone now."

Kurama sighed and rolled his eyes. "Don't do this Hiei. Not two hours ago we both promised nothing would ever come between our friendship."

Again he got no response. "Fine you won't talk to me, well then you'll just have to listen to me."

Pulling out his book bag Kurama dug around until he found what he was looking for. Climbing on the bed he repositioned Hiei then snuggled under the fire demon's arm, against his side, resting his head on his partner's strong shoulder. "There, isn't this cozy? I found this great manga at the book store, it's called 'Fake'. I think you'll like it. It's about these two cops, Dee and Ryo. Dee is bisexual and has the hots for his sexy new partner Ryo. Ryo's a little confused about his feelings for Dee, but he sure seems to enjoy it when his horny partner puts the moves on him."

This time Kurama didn't wait for a response but began reading the book. Before turning each page he gave Hiei a detailed description of each illustration. Hiei made no comment until about half way through the book. On an assignment Dee gets Ryo's attention with a really hot, no holds barred kiss. Suddenly Kurama heard a soft voice. "Dee just kissed his partner? That Ryo guy doesn't even seem to like Dee like that."

Kurama smiled. "He seems to like the kiss well enough. The picture shows him opening his mouth for Dee's tongue."

Hiei got quiet again until near the end of the book when Ryo kisses Dee a second time. "That Dee just doesn't give up does he?"

With a little laugh Kurama agreed. "No he doesn't. He knows what he wants and he's going after it."

Five minutes later when Kurama announced the end and closed the book he heard from Hiei again. "That's it? What happens with them? Does Dee ever get Ryo?"

Kurama turned to look at Hiei with a grin. "Yes Hiei that's it… for book one. This is actually a seven book series. Quit pouting and talk to me and maybe I'll read you book two tomorrow."

"I'm not pouting. You said you'd had enough of me and to leave you alone. I just did what you wanted."

Putting the book away he got out book two and set it on the bedside table. "I told you I didn't mean it. Life's not perfect Hiei, we're bound to fight sometimes, especially when you behave like an ass but we can't let things like that come between us."

When Hiei didn't speak right away Kurama thought he was giving him the silent treatment again. "Fox, I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier. You were right, I was… jealous. I like having you all to myself and I didn't want to share you with that woman."

Hiei confession made him blush. "You don't have to ever be jealous Fire-Fly. You will always be my best friend and no one will ever take your place in my heart."

"You have a special place in my heart too Fox." Hiei's spoke so softly Kurama barely heard him.

Kurama didn't quite understand why but at Hiei's words his blush deepened. Hiei had opened up to him and Kurama felt the need to return the gesture. "Hiei, you're not the only one that got jealous. For absolutely no good reason I hated Yoji the moment I saw you together. I know that's stupid, I mean I was at the party with Camille and yet… I didn't want anyone taking care of you but me. It felt like he was trying to take my place."

"Never! No one could ever take your place. Kurama, will you let me explain about Yoji now?"

The sincerity in Hiei's voice touched something inside Kurama. Shyly he crawled on the bed and snuggled back into Hiei resting his head on his shoulder, surprised at how right it felt. "I'd like that Fire-Fly."

Slowly Hiei started his story. "Remember the mission in the swamp and bathing in the pond? Gods you were so beautiful that day. I had always been attracted to you… even a little in love with you, but watching as you played naked in the water did something to me. I began wishing for more than your friendship."

Kurama wasn't sure what he expected Hiei to say but a confession of love wasn't it. "Go on Hiei, I'm listening."

"Problem was you were already dating tha… Camille. Even after you admitted to wanting a dominant male demon for your lover I hesitated. Then somehow the detective and the oaf convinced me that I could take you away from her. After that the girls got involved in their little matchmaking scheme and the next thing I knew I as on a fake date with that human trying to make you jealous."

Kurama couldn't help but smile at the contempt in Hiei's voice at having to pretend to date Yoji. "I see. Things didn't exactly go the way you planned now did they Fire-Fly?"

"No. All I accomplished was getting you mad at me and making you distrust me. To top it off, after all that you're still going to marry that woman." Hiei couldn't keep the sadness from his voice.

There was a long pause as Kurama considered what Hiei said. "I can't tell you what's going to happen with us Hiei but you've given me a lot to think about. As for Camille, I was angry when I said I was going to marry her. Actually she's been annoying the crap out of me since the night of the party. I think maybe I need to stop saying I'm by and just admit I'm gay."

In his head he heard Hiei give a whoop of excitement. "Yes! Call her now Fox, and dump her ass!"

Shaking his head Kurama laughed. "No Hiei. Breaking up with a ningen female is not done over the phone. I'll take care of it just as soon as you're better. I refuse to have a repeat of today with you mouthing off in my head while I break her heart."

Before Hiei could answer there was a knock at the door and Yukina peeked in. Seeing Kurama's smile as he lay nestled against Hiei she turned and called behind her. "It's okay everyone, they made up."

Suddenly everyone rushed into the room. Yukina sat on the bed beside Hiei, with Keiko at the foot as Yusuke and Kuwabara stood beside the bed. Yusuke had a big grin. "So, this looks promising."

Embarrassed by the intimate position they were in Kurama blushed and nervously pushed off of the fire demon's chest sitting up. Noticing his friend's discomfort Kuwabara let the redhead off the hook. "It's about time you two came to your senses. I didn't realize it'd be that hard to get you together."

Kurama raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Not seeing the look in Kurama have his partner Yusuke concurred. "Yeah man, it's so obvious you and Hiei belong together. It's about time you realized it Kurama, now all you have to do is get rid of Camille and live happily ever after."

Kurama raised an eyebrow but before he spoke Hiei interrupted. "Idiots! The only thing you got right is that Kurama's dumping that woman."

Shaking his head Kurama addressed his friends firmly. "You guys are a piece of work. What delusions are you suffering from that you think you know who I should be with? Camille is lovely, pleasant young woman that I could have had a perfectly normal life with but you sabotaged any chance we might have had because you thought you knew better than I what was best for me."

When no one spoke Kurama continued. "For your information, Hiei and I are not together."

Four sheepish faces suddenly turned to shock and they all seemed to speak at once.

"That can't be."

"You and Hiei are perfect for each other."

"We saw you all cuddled up together."

"Damn it Kurama, what will it take to get through to you?"

Hiei's voice silenced them all. "Shut up! Enough of this! You are all going to stay out of our relationship from here on out. If Kurama and I are supposed to be together we'll work it out ourselves. If any of you interfere again you'll answer to my katana."

No one had to tell Keiko what was said this time. Knowing he could be heard Hiei made sure even the human got the message. Nervously all four of them agreed. Kurama sighed his relief. "Good, now that's settled I will say this, Hiei's given me a lot to think about. Even though I've been attracted to Hiei, I never considered that he might be interested in me as more than a friend. Now that I know he's at least interested, we'll have to see what happens. The first order of business though is to get Hiei out of my head and back into that sexy body of his."

With a sly grin Kurama laughed at their shocked expressions. Finally Yusuke grinned. "I always knew you were a pervert at heart. While you're thinking about a possible relationship with Hiei remember something. When we were bathing in that pond in Makai you described a strong, dominant, male, demon lover that you could love and take care of. It was obvious to everyone but you apparently, that demon is Hiei."

After their friends left, Kurama looked shyly at Hiei before slowly snuggling back down beside him. "You got awfully quiet Fire-Fly."

"I think my awareness is growing. I can tell when you're touching me now."

Grinning, Kurama ran his hand across Hiei's chest. "Do you mind?"

"No Fox, not at all. Kurama, are you really considering being with me, even after everything that's happened?"

Closing his eyes, it was easy for Kurama to imagine the two of them lying in bed together, maybe after making love, having an intimate conversation. "I can't deny that in every way I can think of you truly could be the lover I've dreamed of. Add to that the fact that you are my best friend and my partner. Hiei I'd be stupid not to give us a chance."

Hiei couldn't recall even one moment in his entire life better than this one. "Then hurry up and get me out of here Kurama because once you do I intend to fight for and claim what's mine. Just so we're clear, you will be mine."

Kurama shivered at the passion he heard in Hiei's words. "Any thing you say Hiei. Now, how about a bath? This could be interesting since now you're not just my friend but hopefully my future lover."

"You just want to see my sexy body you pervert!"

Lifting Hiei from the bed Kurama laughed. "That's me baby, and don't you forget it."