I hope everyone found 'Missing' by Dragonflyr. If you didn't read it I highly recommend you do. It is an absolutely fabulous songfic about Hiei's feelings after finding out Kurama erased Hiei from his memory. Thanks to all that read and sent her a review.

Sorry the last chapter was so short but I wanted it up quickly to tell everyone about 'Missing'. I'll try to make this longer.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho. Full disclaimer in my profile.

REMEMBERING LOVE

Chapter 3

A small moan crossed Shuuichi's lips as he tossed in his bed. The lover in his dreams was doing wonderful things to his body and he was only moments away from his release. He couldn't make out his lover's features nor did he know if he was being loved by a male or female. He was only aware that it was piercing red eyes that held his gaze as he was thrown over the edge and he cried out his pleasure.

Shuuichi didn't have more than a moment to try to catch his breath before the door to his room was thrown open. As he sat up he was very grateful for the sheet that covered the evidence of the sensual dream he had just woken from when Hiei's red eyes met his across the room. "I heard you cry out. Are you okay?"

Drawing a deep breath in an attempt to calm his racing heart Shuuichi nodded. "Yeah, I just had a… bad dream."

Hiei nodded before withdrawing from the room. On the other side of the closed door the fire demon smirked. Even if he hadn't smelled the proof of his fox's pleasure the passion induced haze in his green eyes would have told him that Shuuichi's dream was far from a bad one.

As he headed for the kitchen to look for something he could make for breakfast Hiei couldn't help but wonder if he might be the lover in Shuuichi's dream.

In the bedroom Shuuichi hung his head, mortified that Hiei had heard him cry out his pleasure from the first wet dream he remembered having since he was a teenager. Once he was sure Hiei wouldn't return the redhead jumped from the bed and ran for the shower.

As he allowed the hot water to run over his naked body and wash away the sticky remains of his passion it did nothing clear the dream from his mind. As hard as he tried to remember, his dream lover remained allusive.

Over the last few years he'd had many dreams that had left him hard and wanting. He'd been forced to relive himself in more than one occasion. This morning however something in those red eyes had sent him hurtling into the most incredible orgasm he could remember.

His thoughts only lingered on the red eyes from his dream for a moment and already he could feel himself hardening again. Frustrated, Shuuichi flipped the faucet to cold and reached for his shampoo.

Half an hour later Shuuichi emerged from his bedroom. When he entered the kitchen it was to find Hiei attempting to make breakfast. Shuuichi had been afraid to face Hiei after what happened this morning. Now looking at his houseguest covered in flour the redhead could only laugh. "Um... Hiei, what are you doing?"

Shuuichi couldn't keep from blushing as big red eyes looked at him from under dark bangs. "Oh, uh.. I made breakfast for you."

Looking beyond the mess Shuuichi saw a plate with a sloppy pile of pancakes. Shaking his head he found he couldn't be mad at Hiei. "Thank you, that's really sweet of you."

Picking up a dishtowel Shuuichi began dusting some of the flour off Hiei. The fire demon's heart raced as the redhead showered attention on him. As if he were suddenly aware of their close proximity Shuuichi blushed and almost jumped away from Hiei. "Sorry… I… um… I'll pour us some orange juice."

Hiei smirked as Shuuichi hurriedly turned away. Together they went to the kitchen table and quietly ate. When they were finished Shuuichi picked up their plates. "Your pancakes were delicious Hiei. Where did you learn to make them?"

Hiei held Shuuichi's gaze a moment before he answered. "My best friend taught me to make them. It's been a while though, sorry about the mess."

Shuuichi smiled. "That's okay because you're going to help me clean it up."

After the kitchen was clean Shuuichi went to get the first aid kit. "We need to change your bandages before I go to work."

Hiei's heart sank knowing his time with his fox was about to be cut short. Pulling the shirt Shuuichi had lent him the night before over his head he didn't miss the redhead's little gasp of appreciation as Hiei exposed his muscular chest to him.

Wanting his fox close Hiei made no move to remove the bandages himself. Shuuichi was unable to meet the red eyes that watched him as he began removing the bandages. As he peeled them away he was amazed at how much the wounds had healed. "I can't believe this. The burns are almost healed and the gashes are little more than angry red scratches now."

Hiei's head had leaned in to inhale Shuuichi's rose scent. When Hiei nodded, acknowledging his words Shuuichi felt his black hair tickle his neck. Green eyes widened when he realized what Hiei was doing. Nervous the redhead backed away. "Look, I… um… I think it's time for you to leave."

Hiei could almost smell Shuuichi's fear. "What about my wounds?"

Shuuichi pointed to Hiei's chest. "Your wounds are almost healed, I don't think they need to be bandaged anymore."

In an effort to put the redhead at ease Hiei put the shirt back on. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, it's just that you smell so good."

Shuuichi just stared at him. Not sure what else to say Hiei asked the question that had been plaguing him since he found out Kurama had chosen to forget him. "Shuuichi, are you seeing anyone?"

Green eyes widened and he swallowed hard before answering. "No, I'm not. Look Hiei I hope I'm not off base here but I don't want you to have the wrong impression. I'm not gay."

Not knowing how to respond Hiei just nodded before going to retrieve his cloak. When he turned back the redhead was wringing his hands nervously. With a sigh Hiei almost left without saying anything then changed his mind. "Thanks for patching me up. I won't bother you anymore."

Shuuichi's heart ached at the look of longing Hiei gave him before he turned to leave. Hiei had his hand on the doorknob before Shuuichi finally spoke, running to the door to stop him from leaving. "Hiei, wait! Just because I'm not… like that, doesn't mean we can't be friends. I don't have many friends. In fact I don't actually have any good friends. I really enjoyed spending time with you. I thought maybe we could get together some time and talk or go out or something."

Hiei stared into Shuuichi's beautiful green eyes for some time before he answered. "You were right yesterday when you said I could use a friend. Won't it bother you though knowing that I'm… attracted to you?"

Shuuichi blushed and smiled. "Maybe a little, but I think I'll manage."

Hiei smirked. Silently he thanked the gods that he was being given a second chance even if only to be his fox's friend. He could be patient. Kurama had been patient with him when they had first begun exploring a relationship beyond friendship. Now it was his turn. "I'll see you soon then."

As Hiei went out the door Shuuichi called him back again. "Wait! Let me give you my phone number so you can call me."

Leaving the door open Shuuichi turned away. A moment later he returned and handed Hiei a piece of paper. On it was his name and phone number. "Call me later, maybe we can do something tomorrow, it's my day off."

Hiei nodded slipping the paper in his pocket. Shuuichi smiled and waved before closing the door. Once inside he leaned back against the door with a sigh.

There were so many thoughts running through his head he didn't know what to think. Hiei had come right out and said he was attracted to him and yet Shuuichi still wanted to see him again. He had never had a reason to question his sexuality before and even now didn't know if he should.

He'd gone out on a few dates the last couple of years but never with the same girl twice. In fact looking back he couldn't even recall any of their names. Now suddenly this man had come into his life only a few days ago and he hadn't stopped thinking about him since. He refused to contemplate what it might mean that the eyes in his dream this morning had been red. The same as Hiei's red eyes.

Disturbed by that thought Shuuichi shoved it aside, reached for his keys and left for work. All the way there he kept trying to convince himself that he just wanted a friend and that Hiei needed one too.

Looking up at the sign over the ramen shop Hiei sighed before going inside. Almost immediately he was greeted by Yusuke. "Hey Hiei. Come on over and have a seat. I'm dying to know how it went last night. Did you get some?"

It took Keiko exactly three seconds before she came out of the kitchen and smacked him on the back of the head. "Yusuke! That was rude. Hiei just got here and that's all you can think to say to him? Hi Hiei, welcome back."

Never comfortable around Yusuke's woman Hiei gave his usual answer as he sat at the counter. "Hn."

Yusuke laughed. "That's our Hiei. So, tell us how it went with Kurama."

Hiei shrugged. "He patched me up, we had dinner, we talked and I slept on the sofa."

Keiko leaned on the counter. "Hey, that's not a bad start. How did you leave it? Are you going to see him again?"

Nodding, Hiei pulled out the paper with Shuuichi's phone number. "I'm supposed to call him. He wants to be friends."

Yusuke slapped him on the shoulder. "Hot damn Hiei, you're half way home. Now all you need is a phone. You could use ours but I think it would be better if you could give him your number so he can reach you too. Keiko I'm going to take Hiei out to get a cell phone. I'll be back in a little while."

Yusuke planted a sloppy kiss on her before hopping over the counter and dragging Hiei away. Behind them Keiko hollered. "Yusuke, you'd better be back before the lunch rush!"

Walking down the street Yusuke nudged Hiei on the shoulder. "So, what aren't you telling me? I can tell something's on your mind."

Surprised at Yusuke's perception Hiei glanced at him before answering. "Shuuichi's not gay."

Yusuke stopped in his tracks. "Wow, you really laid it all on the table didn't you? How did that come out so quick?"

Hiei shrugged. "I've been away from him a long time, I guess I didn't hide my feelings very well. When he figured it out he told me he wasn't gay. He just wants to be friends."

Yusuke laughed. "Hiei, when a straight man finds out another man is gay and attracted to him he feels threatened. The last thing he wants is to be friends."

Hiei looked at him confused. "I don't remember you or Kuwabara feeling threatened when you found out about me and Kurama."

Yusuke smiled. "That's because you two were attracted to each other, not us. If Shuuichi wasn't at least curious he'd have told you to get out and not come back."

Hiei remained silent as he thought about Yusuke's words. With a smirk he decided Yusuke was right, maybe he was halfway home. Home for Hiei was being wrapped in Kurama's arms.

Hiei rested comfortably in his favorite tree wondering when he should call Shuuichi. Snug in his pocket was the new cell phone Yusuke had helped him get and then spent an hour showing him how to use. After that he had gone to the temple and spent the afternoon with Yukina. They had lunch and visited until Kuwabara got home. After that he came to the park and slept as he waited until it was time to make his call.

Hiei reached in his pocket for the phone. The little numbers on the screen indicated it was almost eight o'clock. Not able to wait another minute he dialed the numbers the way Yusuke showed him and pressed send. The phone only rang twice before an anxious alto voice answered. "Hello, Minamino residence."

Hiei's heart fluttered. "It's me."

He could almost hear the redhead's smile. "Hiei, hi. I wasn't sure you'd call."

Hiei closed his eyes and tried to imagine he was with his fox. "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't call?"

Shuuichi hesitated. "That sounded nice, to hear you say we're friends."

The two talked for over two hours, surprising Hiei that he could even talk that much. They talked about anything and everything including what Shuuichi had done at work that day and Hiei's visit with his sister.

Shuuichi laughed accusingly. "So you did have someone to call yesterday besides Yusuke."

Hiei smiled. "Not really, I'd only call there as a last resort. Yukina's husband is an idiot. Kuwabara and I always fight."

Shuuichi sounded surprised. "Yukina Kuwabara is your sister? I've met her and her husband, they come into the bookstore sometimes. How can that sweet little thing be your sister?"

Hiei shouldn't have been surprised to hear that not only Yusuke but also Kuwabara had kept an eye on his fox even after he'd had them erased from his memory. When he answered he pretended to be insulted. "Are you saying I'm not sweet?"

Delighted laughter came through the phone. "Oh Hiei, you are too cute. It's getting late. If we're going to do something tomorrow we'd better make our plans and get some sleep."

Reluctantly Hiei agreed. "I'll just come by your apartment in the morning and you can decide what we'll do."

Hiei could almost see the sparkle in his fox's green eyes. "Hm, you're awfully trusting. What if I want to do something you don't like?"

Hiei grinned. "Then I'll just have to turn on my sweet charm and convince you to do something else."

Shuuichi laughed. "Oh Hiei. Alright Sweet Thing, you get some sleep and I'll see you in the morning."

Thinking two could play that game Hiei replied in a sexy voice. "Sweet dreams Shuuichi."

Hiei knew Shuuichi was blushing. "Goodnight Hiei."

Once they hung up Hiei pulled his cloak tighter around him, pretending he was in Kurama's arms.

Not far away Shuuichi snuggled into his covers only to dream about his red eyed lover again.

Barely an hour after dawn Hiei knocked on Shuuichi's door. A couple minutes later sleepy green eyes peered around the door at him. "Hiei, what are you doing up so early?"

Hiei shrugged. "The sun woke me over an hour ago."

Shuuichi laughed opening the door for Hiei to enter. "Then you need to get better curtains. Come on in. Let me get dressed and we'll go out and get some breakfast."

Hiei watched longingly as Shuuichi, clad in sleep pants and a t-shirt, went into his room. Through the open bedroom door Shuuichi called to him. "The fair is in town this week, I thought it would be fun to go today."

Hiei slowly wandered closer. "Whatever you want is fine."

Hiei was now leaning on the bedroom door frame as Shuuichi walked out of his bathroom wearing just a pair of jeans. "I can't even remember the last time I went to the fair Hiei. It's not something you want to do alone. It will be fun to go together."

Hiei watched as the redhead grabbed a shirt from his closet. Before he could slip it on though something caught Hiei's eye. Shuuichi looked a little surprised when Hiei stepped into his room and reached for the pendant he wore. "Where did you get this?"

Green eyes widened at his tone as his new friend stood before him looking at the pendant in his hand. "I don't remember. I found it in the bottom of my treasure box a couple of years ago. It's kind of funny, it makes me feel good when I wear it. I've taken it off a couple of times but I miss it and have to put it back on."

Shuuichi didn't understand the sad look in the wide red eyes that met his before Hiei let the pendant lay against his chest again and walked out of the room. When Shuuichi finished dressing and went to join him he found Hiei by with window. Sensing that Hiei needed a moment he quietly waited.

When Hiei finally turned he went straight to Shuuichi. The redhead didn't flinch when Hiei reached into his shirt and pulled out the pendant. "It looks good on you, you shouldn't hide it."

Hiei allowed his hands to linger a moment as he adjusted the blood red tear gem to his satisfaction before turning away. "I think you promised me breakfast."

Shuuichi shook his head and laughed at the sudden change in his friend though he couldn't prevent his fingers from touching the pendant. "Alright my friend, shall we go?"

With such an early start Hiei and Shuuichi had a leisurely breakfast before walking to the fair. Once there Hiei looked around at all the people trying to hide his disgust. Shuuichi put a hand on his shoulder and big red eyes looked at him. "Have you ever been to the fair Hiei?"

Looking away Hiei nodded. "Once, a long time ago."

Shuuichi looked at him curiously. "Kurama brought you didn't he?"

When Hiei remained silent Shuuichi continued. "He was the best friend who taught you to make pancakes too. Hiei, can I ask you something personal? Were you and Kurama… lovers?"

Hiei looked deep into green eyes. "You're quite perceptive."

Shuuichi shrugged. "Your voice, your body language and especially your eyes all change when you talk about him, even when you don't want me to know it's about him. What I don't understand is why you had that same look when you held my pendant."

Hiei's eyes traveled down to the tear gem momentarily. "It's a long story, maybe I'll tell you about it some time but not today. Today we're going to the fair."

At Hiei's words Shuuichi gave him a beautiful smile. "Alright my friend, let's go have some fun."

Shuuichi grabbed Hiei's hand and dragged him towards the rides.

Several hours later Hiei had to admit he was having a good time. He still hated all the noise and the ningens but the fox at his side made it all worth it.

Hiei discovered at the first ride that if he hesitated Shuuichi would pull him along then hold his hand as if he would escape. If Shuuichi thought a ride might scare the reluctant Hiei the redhead would even put his arm around his shoulder. Hiei's favorite though had been the haunted house. Hiei of course had been bored stiff but when a plastic demon roared from the shadows Shuuichi had practically jumped into his arms and clung to him the entire way through.

It was almost dark as they walked home. Hiei tried not to smile as Shuuichi cuddled the stuffed dragon he held. "Oh Hiei, I had so much fun today. Thank you for winning my dragon for me. I can't believe you almost got in a fight with that guy over it."

Hiei shrugged. "You wanted the dragon not that ugly pig he tried to give you."

Shuuichi laughed. "My hero! Did you have fun today Hiei? You don't show a lot of emotions so it's hard for me to tell sometimes."

Hiei watched as Shuuichi took out his keys. "I wouldn't have stayed otherwise."

Allowing Hiei to enter first Shuuichi laughed again. "No you don't strike me as someone who would do anything if you didn't want to. Did you want to do something else or should we call it a day?"

Hiei smiled at the reluctance in Shuuichi's voice. "I've got nothing else to do."

Hiei watched as Shuuichi smiled. He then took the dragon and made him a home on one of the shelves. "There, now every time I look at him I can remember how much fun we had today. So what should we do now? How about we order a pizza and watch a movie?"

With a gleam in his eyes Hiei smirked. "Make it a really scary one."

Shuuichi shook his head with a grin. "Not a chance. I already screamed like a girl and landed in your arms once today."

Hiei grinned back. "You didn't hear me complain."

Shuuichi reached for the phone. "Brat! Just for that I'm picking what goes on the pizza."

A few hours later there was an empty pizza box and a half eaten bowl of popcorn on the table as they watched their third movie. After Hiei vetoed anything with romance, girls, kids or cartoons Shuuichi settled on 'Lethal Weapon'. They were now over half way through part three.

They had started the night sitting stiffly beside each other on the sofa. Now they were lounged back, feet on the coffee table with Hiei leaning against Shuuichi's side. "Hiei, would you like some ice cream?"

"Sweet snow?" Shuuichi giggled at the sweet little face that looked up at him excitedly. "Sweet snow, that's cute. I'll take that as a yes."

He laughed even more when he brought back two big bowls of fudge swirl ice cream and Hiei took them both from him. "Aren't you having any?"

Shuuichi playfully snatched his bowl back before sitting beside him. "Hey, this one's mine! You really like ice cream don't you?"

Hiei nodded but didn't stop eating. Shuuichi was having so much fun watching him enjoy his ice cream that Hiei had finished his and was eyeing the other before he could eat half of it. With an exaggerated sigh Shuuichi handed his bowl over to Hiei. "Oh alright, if you want it that much you can have mine too."

The movie was just finishing as Shuuichi took their bowls into the kitchen. "It's getting late, do you think we're up for the last movie?"

Though he didn't want the night to end Hiei just shrugged. "It's up to you."

For some reason the look in Hiei's eyes made him blush. "Maybe we should save it for next time, it really is getting late."

Slowly Hiei rose from the sofa. "This was nice, spending the day with you."

Standing at the door they both felt a bit awkward. "Hiei, I can't remember ever enjoying myself more than I did with you today."

Staring into Hiei's eyes Shuuichi didn't know at first that one of them had moved. He had only a moment to realize that Hiei had slipped a hand under his hair and pulled him closer before his lips were claimed in a gentle kiss. His eyes fluttered shut as he melted into the kiss.

Shuuichi had no idea how long they stood there kissing before he felt Hiei's warm tongue brush across his lips asking for entrance. As if his brain suddenly registered what was happening green eyes popped open and he pulled away.

Both of them were breathing hard as they stared at each other. "Hiei… you shouldn't have done that, it's wrong."

A look of confusion crossed Hiei's face. "Why is it wrong? We had a good time together, there's nothing wrong with kissing you goodbye."

Shuuichi sighed frustrated. "We're both men Hiei. It just isn't right."

Now Hiei was getting annoyed. "Why, because we're men? That's ridiculous. Men are allowed to have feelings for each other. Shuuichi, I haven't hidden the fact that I'm attracted to you. If you were honest with yourself, I think you're attracted to me too."

Green eyes widened in shock. "Hiei, I think you should leave."

Already he wished he could take the words back but Hiei had picked up his cloak and opened the door. The hurt Shuuichi saw in Hiei's eyes sliced at his heart. "Goodbye Shuuichi."

When the door had closed Shuuichi was surprised to find tears falling from his eyes. Looking around as if lost his green eyes landed on the dragon. Taking it from it's place on the shelf Shuuichi hugged it to him as he sat on the sofa. "Oh Hiei, what have I done?"