Chapter Three

Over the next few days Kurama, Hiei, Tomoyo, Sata and Makino traveled through the dense Makai forest, heading for the deepest part where the yoko lived. Makino would lead them to a temple where they could bathe and rest each night. Each temple was fully stocked with food as well, which was good because they did not have to take with them large amounts of food that would have weighed them down. They only needed to carry enough to eat for the midday meal and perhaps a bit extra for another meal if they could not reach the next shelter before it was too dark to travel.

Kurama was glad when they finally reached his childhood home. It had been a long journey and he was eager to rest from it. He was also eager to see his friends and parents again. After being away from them for so long he could hardly wait to be reunited with them. Kurama was also eager to introduce his fiancé to his parents. He prayed to Inari the whole way that they would accept Hiei and come to love him. Kurama intended to be Hiei's mate whether or not his parents approved. It would just be better for everyone if they had his parent's blessing.

It was night when the reached the village Kurama had grown up in. It was a cool evening so there was no one outdoors to spot them. It wouldn't have mattered anyway. One would have only seen Tomoyo and Sakura walking with two cloaked figures.

They made their way quickly to Yutaro and Ruia's home. The door opened as they came up the walkway to the house. Yutaro stepped outside and closed the door behind him. He greeted his daughter with a hug and kiss on the cheek. His golden eyes were wary as he watched the two cloaked figures come up the walkway as well with Tomoyo behind them. Sata smiled and kissed her father's cheek. "Don't worry about them Father, they mean us no harm. Let's go inside. I have a surprise for you," she assured him.

Casting a wary glance over his shoulder Yutaro led the way into the house. Ruia entered the living room from the kitchen. She caught sight of Sata and hugged her daughter, relief emanating from her in waves. Ruia looked up with confusion when she saw the two cloaked figures in the room, their faces obscured by their hoods that were drawn over their heads.

Sata smiled encouragingly at the cloaked figures. A pale hand emerged from beneath the cloak and pulled back the hood. Ruia and Yutaro stared in shock as they looked upon their son for the first time in many years. "Is that really you my son?" Ruia asked softly as though she were afraid that her words would make him vanish. Kurama smiled and approached her with open arms. "Yes mother, It's really me. I'm home," He said. Ruia hugged her son as tears of joy ran down her cheeks.

Tears of joy slid down Kurama's cheeks as well. He was never in his life so happy to be home. He kissed his mother's cheeks and hugged her tightly. He turned his attention to his father next, catching the older male off guard by swiftly wrapping his arms about him in warm embrace. Yutaro laughed with joy hugging his son back just as enthusiastically. Kurama was hugged again by his mother and kissed on the cheeks repeatedly. Kurama laughed merrily.

When they had calmed some Kurama then turned to Hiei and the fire apparition drew back his hood as well. Kurama wasn't sure how to introduce him really. He was unsure of springing the news on his parents that he was engaged to the raven haired swordsman so suddenly, but he did want to tell them right away. Hiei knew this. They had discussed the matter through telepathy many nights on their way to the village. Finally they decided it best that Kurama just tell his story just as he had done for Sata and Tomoyo. It would explain everything including their relationship and engagement. They both agreed it was the easiest and perhaps the best way of delivering the news.

Hiei stepped forward and bowed. "My name is Hiei," He said softly, his deep voice easily penetrating the still room. "It is a pleasure to meet you Yutaro-dono, Ruia-dono," He continued, hoping he'd used the correct addresses. Ruia smiled. "It is good to meet you as well. You must be very close to my son to venture this deep into the forests," she said. Hiei smiled. "Yes ma'am I am," he replied. "I'm glad to see that my son has at least found one good friend during his exile," she said.

Kurama took his mother's hand gently. "Let's sit down. I'll tell you what became of me since we last set eyes upon one another," he said. The six of them settled on the couches where the warmth of the fire reached them wonderfully. Kurama retold his tale for his parents who listened intently until the end. Kurama had held back some information as he had when he'd told it to Sata and Tomoyo, like the fact that he had been a thief and that he and Hiei had been intimate, though it was only the one time. (Neither had wanted to repeat the mistake of the first time and had decided not to try that again until their wedding night or until both were really ready for it, whichever came first.)

When Kurama was done recounting what had happened to him during his exile, Yutaro realized the late hour and wisely decided that any questions would have to wait until morning. He suggested to Ruia that she and Sata show Tomoyo to the guest room. Kurama left as well to see if there was anything he could do to help before going to bed himself, leaving Yutaro alone with Hiei.

"Kurama told me that it was a custom in your clan to ask the father's blessing before asking one to be your mate," Hiei stated. Yutaro nodded letting the fire apparition know that he was correct. "I'm sorry I was unable to do Kurama that honor, but I do ask now for your blessing in asking your son's hand in marriage," Hiei said. I can see that my son loves you very much and that you love him in return. Kurama has already accepted your proposal and has given you his vow of fidelity. It would be foolish of me to refuse," Yutaro responded. "You have my blessing Hiei. I look forward to getting to know you as time passes," he said. Hiei gave a slight nod. "And I you," he replied as he stood and bowed. He left the room then in search of his fiancé. He didn't have to search long. A pair of strong arms were soon around his waist and a pair of petal soft lips were pressed against his cheek.

"You were eavesdropping weren't you?" Hiei asked. "I overheard your conversation with my father, Yes," Kurama admitted. "I came to get you after making sure Tomoyo-sensei was settled in and I overheard the two of you speaking," he said. "Come, let's go to bed. It's late and we've had a long journey," Kurama suggested as he released Hiei from his loving embrace.

They went into Kurama's bedroom. Hiei noticed that his fiancé looked rather thoughtful. "Something troubling you fox?" he asked. Kurama shook his head. "Not really," He replied. "There is a matter I wish to discuss with you," he added as he sat down on the bed and motioned for Hiei to do the same. "Tomoyo – sensei made it quite clear to me that if I wish to resume my training with her, I may at any time," Kurama informed his fiancé. "However, I had only begun my training when I left and it may take a few years for me to finish and actually become a healer," he continued. "Kurama, you've told me before that you would have liked to have finished your training and become a healer," Hiei said. "It is still what you desire right?" he asked. Kurama nodded. "Then finish your training," Hiei responded.

Kurama smiled softly at his fiancé. "You do realize that it would mean I would be away from you for long months at a time," Kurama said. Hiei nodded. "I know," he said softly. "It would be no different than when Mukuro sends me off on long missions for her," he reasoned. "I'll come home for the winter of course, and our anniversary," Kurama said. Hiei gave him a confused look. "Isn't this your home Fox?" Hiei asked. Kurama's soft smile became even more stunning. "My home is with you, my love," he said softly before kissing his fiancé lovingly.

"I'll wait until the fall. I want to spend as much time with you as possible before I resume my training," Kurama said once they had broken the kiss. "That's fine by me," Hiei said, then stood and began to undress for bed. Kurama blushed and averted his eyes. Hiei's deep chuckle brought Kurama's attention back to him. "Fox, you can look if you want. It doesn't bother me," Hiei said.

Kurama wasn't surprised at that. Hiei was very bold. It was one of the things he loved most about the fire apparition. He knew that if he watched Hiei undress he would be tempted to seduce his fiancé into another intimate encounter. He wasn't sure if he was ready to take that next step, knowing that it could lead to another mistake like the one that nearly ended their relationship before it even began. It could also strengthen their bond, and they could slowly take the time to get to know each other's bodies before they became truly intimate on their wedding night. Kurama wasn't sure what he wanted to do. Did he want to try making love with Hiei again? Was he ready to take that next step?

Hiei's gentle touch broke Kurama from his revere. Kurama's eyes met his fiancé's concerned ruby orbs. "You know that could lead to something further right?" Kurama asked, referring to Hiei's earlier statement. The fire apparition gave a slight nod. "I only said you could look if you wanted to. There's no need to do so if you're not ready for that," Hiei replied. Kurama closed the distance between them and caressed Hiei's cheek lovingly. "If you are ready for what may follow, then so am I, but I think it best if we take things slowly," Kurama said softly. Hiei nodded in agreement.

Kurama withdrew his hand and Hiei stepped away from him and continued undressing as he walked toward the bed. The fire apparition dawned nightclothes and climbed into bed. Kurama gave in to the temptation and watched his fiancé change. He had taken in as much detail of his fiancé's finely crafted body as he could during that brief moment. He definitely liked what he saw. Hiei had a body like a god, sculpted from years of training and discipline. With a little smile, Kurama vowed to himself that he would worship that body in as many ways as he could think of in the future. For now, he was content in just having him in bed beside him.

Kurama undressed and changed into nightclothes quickly and climbed into bed with his beloved fire apparition. The yoko put his arms around his fiancé who simply leaned into his embrace. Kurama kissed Hiei's lips in a warm good night kiss, and after receiving one in return, closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the days to come.

The next morning after a wonderful breakfast prepared by Sata and Ruia. Kurama and Hiei went outside to spend some time alone in the garden. Hiei leaned against Kurama as they sat upon one of the stone benches. He closed his eyes listening to the sound of the river rushing past. "I believe my family likes you itoshi," Kurama said softly. "They seem to approve of me," Hiei agreed. "I was thinking of talking to the head priestess at the temple today about marrying us. That quaint little temple near that breathtaking waterfall would be a perfect spot for the ceremony," Kurama suggested. "That one we used as a halfway mark between here and the palace, with that waterfall in the garden?" Hiei asked. "Yes, that's the one," Kurama replied. "That way Mukuro and my family can both attend and we won't have to plan two ceremonies," "Fine with me Fox," Hiei agreed. "How do propose we tell Mukuro your true nature?" he asked. We don't have to unless you want to tell her," Kurama replied. "I can cast an illusion so that she doesn't see my true form,"

Hiei thought about it for a moment. "Mukuro would keep your secret, It would be difficult to tell her though without being wary of eavesdroppers," Hiei said. "You could send Makino to lead her to one of the temples when we make our way home. I doubt anyone would be able to read her mind," Kurama suggested. "or you could send her to Mukuro to tell her your story just as you've told it to the others," Hiei proposed. Kurama nodded. "Yes, she would not have to leave the safety of her palace then," he agreed. "We just have to wait until Makino shows herself," he said.

"…and what if I decided I did not want to show myself until your wedding day?" Makino teased as she strode into the garden. Kurama smiled. "We would have to figure out a way around that wouldn't we?" He responded teasingly. "I'll go deliver your message dearheart," she assured him. "The priestess from the temple should be here soon,'" she informed them. Kurama smiled at her. "Thank you," he said. "You're welcome dear," Maknino said, then dashed off.

Kurama stood and stretched. "Let's go see if mother needs any help," he suggested. "It looked as though she was planning something when we came out here," he said. Hiei stood, giving his consent without words. Silently he followed Kurama inside. As soon as they entered the kitchen it was clear what Ruia was up to. She was busily preparing what looked like a very large meal. "Would you like some help mother?" Kurama offered. Ruia looked up from the vegetables she was cutting and smiled. "Thank you dear," she said. "You can season the meat for me," "What can I do?" Hiei asked. "You can finish these for me. I need to get started on the bread," she answered. "Where's Sata?" Kurama asked. "I sent her to get Sachi and the twins," she answered. "I know you and they were close. The girls missed you a great deal while you were gone," Kurama smiled softly. "It will be good to see them again. Is Sakuya still a spitfire?" he commented. Ruia chuckled. "Yes, she's as fiery as ever," she answered.

There was a knock on the door just as they were finishing up in the kitchen. "Would you get that Darkfire?" Kurama requested. Hiei set down the knife he was using to chop vegetables and went into the living room. He opened the front door. On the other side was a breathtakingly beautiful yoko vixen with long dark hair. She stared at Hiei in surprise. "Who are you?" Hiei inquired. "I'm the betrothed of the son of this family, Who are you?" she demanded. "Who is it Darkfire?" Kurama asked from the other room. "Your betrothed," Hiei replied. "What?" Kurama asked as he entered the room, drying his hands on a small towel. The vixen's eyes widened and lit up. "Sweetie!" she exclaimed happily as she barreled toward Kurama, knocking Hiei aside. The icy expression on Kurama's face however stopped her dead in her tracks. "What's wrong Sweetie? Aren't you happy to see me?" she asked.