Epilouge

The sun shone brightly through the window, penetrating the drapes with it's shining rays. The change in light woke Hiei from his peaceful slumber. He was glad to see Kurama lying beside him. He had been afraid that last night was some sort of dream, an illusion perhaps and that his mate was not truly here beside him, but still in his childhood home engrossed in his studies. But, it hadn't been a dream, the beautiful redhead was there lying beside him sleeping peacefully. Hiei was glad his mate was finally home for good.

Kurama's eyes began to flutter open. Hiei leaned in and kissed his beloved mate good morning. Kurama smiled into the kiss and returned it readily. Kurama pulled Hiei into his arms and held him close. Hiei slid his arms around Kurama's neck and stole another kiss, this one more heated than before making Kurama shiver. "Let's get out of here," Hiei whispered into Kurama's ear. The yoko blinked at his mate in surprise. "But I just got home," he protested. Hiei nibbled along Kurama's neck sending tendrils of pleasure through his body. "We haven't been alone together since you returned last. Much too long," Hiei murmured seductively as he caressed Kurama's bare chest lovingly.

Kurama leaned into his mate's sensual caresses. "What about your duties?" Kurama responded, trying to be the sensible one. Hiei couldn't just leave on a whim, he was Mukuro's heir after all and had responsibilities that came with that title. Hiei groaned. "Fox, if I don't get away from here soon Mukuro's advisors are going to either drive me to madness or murder," he murmured.

Kurama's face became serious. Seeing the look on his mate's face, Hiei ceased his caresses. "They're not trying to do me harm, if that's what you're thinking," Hiei informed him. He knew Kurama had a rather nasty vicious streak that reared it's ugly head when Hiei was threatened and did not want to unleash that upon Mukuro's advisors. "They know that Mukuro is going to hand the throne over to me in a few years and want me to start looking for an heir. Yusuke and Yomi already have heirs and they want me to do so as well in case something happens," Hiei explained. He scowled. "It's getting rather annoying," Kurama chuckled. "They all want to be your heir don't they?" Kurama questioned. "and yet none of them are fit for the position," Hiei finished.

Kurama just cuddled Hiei close. He sighed and leaned his head against Hiei's. "I wish we could have a child of our own," he murmured. "I do too Fox, it would silence the endless bickering and sucking up of those fools. Unfortunately, I take after my father too much to reproduce the way my mother's people do, or perhaps their secret is just lost to me," "I'm sure that we'll love any child we adopt as much as we would if it were of our own blood," Kurama said reassuringly. Hiei made a soft noise of agreement. Kurama smiled and kissed Hiei lovingly. " Let's save talk of heirs and children for another day. For now let's just concentrate on us.Go on and see if Mukuro will let you leave so we can get out of here for a while,"

Hiei kissed Kurama back then got out of bed. Kurama watched with adoring eyes as Hiei dressed and headed out of the bedroom to seek Mukuro. Kurama smiled and closed his eyes. It was good to be back with his mate again. "You should get a nap in while you're at it, that fiery mate of yours looks like he could take you on for several rolls in the hay," Makino teased. Kurama's eyes flew open and he turned to face her, his face not hiding the shock he felt at hearing her words.

Makino chuckled and hopped onto the bed. She curled up beside Kurama and placed her head in his lap. "I take it you're happy Dearheart," she murmured as Kurama got over his shock and gently caressed her snow white fur. "Very," Kurama agreed. "I suppose that means your wish was granted then," she said. "What do you mean?" Kurama asked. "I never made my wish," he pointed out. Makino gave him a canine grin. "Is this not the greatest desire of your heart, to find the one person who would love you like no other, who was meant for you?" she inquired. Kurama thought about it, the motion of his hand slowing as he pondered Makino's words. "I suppose it is, I never thought about it in those words exactly but, yes. One thing I have always wanted was to find a mate who I could love and who would love me as much as my parents love each other," Kurama replied. "You see, my dear the greatest desire of your heart has been granted," Makino said. "I never told you that until now. Didn't you say I had to ask for what I wanted?" Kurama questioned. "Dearheart, I only said you would know what to ask for when the time was right, I never said you would have to speak your desire aloud. Inari-sama knows what is in our hearts. It was your heart that asked this and your wish for true love was granted," Makino answered.

"Was my banishment for all those years simply to find Hiei?" Kurama inquired. Makino sighed. "Perhaps. You strongly desired not to marry Leiko when she tried to force you into doing so and were banished because of it. If Inari-sama had not granted you this wish you might have given in and have Leiko as your mate and not Hiei. Then again it could have been meant for you to be banished all along to end Raijuta's tyranny over your clan and Inari-sama directed you to dance at the party where you met Hiei. There are so many things that could have happened and only Inari-sama knows the answer to your question my dear. Why waste time wondering how the gift was brought to you when you could be enjoying the gift for what it is?" Makino replied. Kurama smiled and scratched Makino behind the ears. "You're right. I'm happy with Hiei and that's all that really matters," Kurama responded. "Of course I am dear. You'd better get ready for your trip before that fiery mate of yours gets back and catches you still in bed," Makino replied.

Kurama rolled his eyes good naturedly. "Yes, mother," he teased, then climbed out of bed. Kurama went to his wardrobe and pulled out some clothing to wear. As he headed into the bathing room for a nice hot bath the yoko hummed softly to himself. Makino was right. His wish had been granted. He had found true love and fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a healer. Kurama was happier than he had ever been in his life and he had no doubt in his heart that he would live happily ever after with his dark prince no matter what trials lay ahead.

The End

AN: This is the end of this tale folks. I'm working on another one for you, so keep an eye out for it.

Until next time I tresure all your reviews.

- Yami