Hey everyone, thanks so much for the great reviews. I'm not sure this is turning out the way everyone wanted but I hope you're enjoying it anyway. I don't think this will be a long one but it will be a few more chapters and I'll try to add some excitement to it soon.

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

REMEMBERING LOVE

Chapter 4

Shuuichi was dusting shelves at work when his boss came up to him. "Shuuichi is everything alright? You haven't been yourself the last few days."

Looking up at Mr. Lee he tried to smile. "I'm sorry Mr. Lee, I didn't know it was effecting my work. I had a fight with a friend and I haven't been able to reach him to fix things and I'm a little worried."

The older man nodded. "It's not that it's effecting your work Shuuichi, I was just concerned. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

Shuuichi bowed his head. "Thank you Mr. Lee."

Shuuichi went back to his dusting with a sigh. Behind him he heard a laugh. "That was a really big sigh Shuuichi. Only Hiei can make someone sigh like that. What's he done now?"

Turning Shuuichi smiled. "Mr. Ura… sorry, I meant Yusuke. Oh, I'm so glad to see you."

Yusuke's eyebrow rose in surprise. "Really? So what can I do for you?"

He smiled when Shuuichi bit his lip before he spoke. "I was wondering if you knew where I could find Hiei? We… um… had a fight and I'd really need to talk to him."

Yusuke nodded. "Sounds like Hiei. He tends to pout when he doesn't get his way. Did you try calling him?"

Red hair swayed as Shuuichi shook his head. "No, he never gave me his number."

Laughing, Yusuke smiled. "Typical. We got him the cell phone so you'd be able to call him then he didn't give you the number. Have you got a pen, I'll give it to you."

Shuuichi handed Yusuke a pen and watched as he wrote the number down. "Could you give me his address too? I'm afraid he won't talk to me if I just call."

Hesitating Yusuke handed him the phone number. "Hiei doesn't exactly have an address."

Shuuichi looked confused. "Then where does he live? I didn't think he'd stay with his sister, he said he and his brother-in-law didn't get along."

Laughing Yusuke shook his head. "No, you're right, Hiei wouldn't stay there unless he were unconscious and didn't have a choice. I don't know what else to tell you. Call him, if he doesn't talk to you then maybe try the park over by your mom's old house, he likes to hang out there."

Confused, Shuuichi just nodded. After Yusuke left he looked at Hiei's number, it was written on the back of Yusuke's card. After a moment it dawned on him, how did Yusuke know where his mother used to live? He hadn't met Yusuke until after she had died. Sprinting out of the bookstore Shuuichi looked for Yusuke but he was already gone.

As he went back to work he thought back to the first time he had met Hiei. Like Yusuke, he too had mentioned knowing his mother, he'd even called her by name. Putting his mind back on work he decided he'd just have to ask them about it later.

The rest of the work day seemed to take forever. Throughout the afternoon Shuuichi checked his pocket repeatedly to make sure he still had Hiei's phone number. For the first time he wished he had a cell phone so he could call Hiei on his break or the minute he got off work.

When he left work his first inclination had been to rush home and call Hiei. A few blocks from the bookstore though he changed his mind and turned towards the park. As he walked the path through the park Shuuichi had a strange sense of de ja vous. Thinking it was from being in the park where he had played as a child he pushed the feeling aside.

He saw lots of people in the park and his heart raced every time he saw someone in black but each time he was disappointed. His spirits sank when he left the park without finding Hiei. What he hadn't seen were the red eyes that flitted from tree to tree, following him from the moment he entered the park until he made his way home.

Once in his apartment he went straight to the phone and dialed Hiei. He was about to hang up when on the seventh ring Hiei answered. "Hn."

Just the sound of his voice made Shuuichi smile. "Hiei! Please don't hang up. I miss you and I was hoping we could talk."

It was silent so long that Shuuichi thought he might have hung up. Just when he was going to give up though Hiei spoke. "I miss you too."

Plucking the dragon from the shelf Shuuichi hugged it to him as he curled up on the sofa. "Hiei, I'm sorry. I didn't handle things very well the other night. I never meant to hurt you."

Again Shuuichi waited before Hiei answered. "It's not your fault Shuuichi. You told me how you felt and I guess I thought I could change your mind."

With a sigh Shuuichi rolled onto his back and perched the dragon on his chest. "Truthfully Hiei, I'm so confused right now I don't know what I'm feeling. I like you a lot and I want to be your friend more than anything. I'm just not sure I can give you what you want. I was raised to believe what happened the other night between us was wrong. Society tells us it's wrong. I do however support your right to love who you want. I'm just not sure it can be me."

Playing with the dragon's wings Shuuichi prayed that Hiei would understand. "It's alright Shuuichi, I'll settle for friends if that's all you'll give me."

Happily he hugged the dragon. "Oh Hiei, that would be wonderful."

At Hiei's next words Shuuichi could imagine his smirk. "Just promise you won't send me away again if I slip up though."

Shuuichi laughed. "I promise I won't. You know that if you had given me your phone number I could have called and made up with you sooner. Luckily Yusuke came in to the bookstore today. By the way, where do you live? Yusuke said you didn't exactly have an address."

Imaging Hiei's shrug Shuuichi smiled. "I don't stay in any one place very long."

The dragon was once again on his chest. "So that's why you had to get a cell phone. Well, since I can't come over to your place why don't you come by tomorrow and we'll do something together. I have the day off again."

Shuuichi didn't know it but once again he was being watched. Hiei smiled as he watched Shuuichi play with the dragon. "What should we do this time?"

Contentedly, Hiei let the soft alto voice he loved wash over him as Shuuichi laughed. "Oh no, I picked last time. This time you get to choose what we do."

There was a pause before Hiei answered. "I'll have to think about that and let you know tomorrow."

Again Shuuichi laughed. "Just don't wake me up at the crack of dawn this time."

Hiei smirked. "Here I thought you'd be a morning person. So, what time do you want me?"

Hiei watched as Shuuichi seemed to be talking to the dragon. "Hm. If you let me sleep until after the sun comes up, take a shower and do a few chores I should be ready by nine thirty."

Hiei grunted. "Are you sure that's late enough? You didn't schedule any time to do all that hair of yours."

Hiei could see Shuuichi's pout. "I thought you liked my hair. Isn't that why you love me?"

He knew Shuuichi was teasing so he played along. "Of course, because with your pretty long hair you look just like a girl."

Shuuichi gasped. "Hiei! I do not look like a girl! I'm glad you think my hair is pretty though."

Hiei rolled his eyes. "Stupid fo…"

Watching Shuuichi sit up and frown Hiei cursed himself for slipping. "Hiei what were you going to call me just now?"

Hiei sighed. "Just let it go Shuuichi. It's not something I want to talk about right now."

He knew Shuuichi was disappointed with his answer so Hiei changed the subject. "I think I know what we can do tomorrow."

Shuuichi's pout was real now. "Yea, what?"

Hiei tried to make Shuuichi smile. "I don't think I should tell you. I want it to be a surprise."

Hiei caught a hint of a smile on Shuuichi's lips. "A surprise huh?"

Shuuichi stood and put the dragon on the shelf. "Shuuichi, I have something to do so you take care of our dragon and I'll see you tomorrow at nine thirty."

When Shuuichi's head whipped around to the window Hiei smiled and flitted into the shadows across the street. He smiled as the redhead looked out the window before shaking his head. "Goodnight Hiei, I'll see you tomorrow."

When Shuuichi hung up and turned away from the window Hiei flitted off. He had a surprise to arrange for his fox.

Shuuichi was watering his plants when there was a knock on his door. Glancing at the clock he smiled, it was exactly nine thirty. He opened the door with a smile. "Good morning Hiei. Just let me finish watering my plants and I'll be ready."

Shuuichi turned away quickly, not wanting to analyze too closely the almost uncontrollable urge to hug his new friend. Dismissing it as loneliness he finished with his plants. "So, when do I get to know what you have planned for today?"

Hiei took off his cloak. Carefully, so Shuuichi wouldn't see, he tucked his sword inside it and hung it by the door. "Soon. Shuuichi, I need to get something from your room for your surprise but I don't want you to know what it is. Will you let me?"

Shuuichi was momentarily distracted by the sight of the shirt he lent Hiei the other day stretched tight across his muscular chest as he hung up his cloak. Shaking his head to clear it he looked at Hiei suspiciously. "Alright, if you promise not to do anything weird."

Hiei smirked as he walked to the bedroom. "Hn."

While he waited for Hiei Shuuichi finished watering his plants. A few moments later Hiei walked out with Shuuichi's backpack. "I'll also need a large knife."

Startled green eyes met red. "A knife? Okay… help yourself."

Shuuichi held a hand out indicating for Hiei to go into the kitchen. The redhead smiled as he heard Hiei going through the kitchen drawers. A minute later he came out brandishing a large carving knife like a sword. "This will do. Are you ready to go?"

Shuuichi nodded and laughed. "Just let me get something to put around that. You'll get arrested if you walk around with it like that."

Going into the kitchen Shuuichi returned with a dishtowel. Taking the knife from Hiei he wrapped it in the towel before handing it back to be put in the backpack. "Alright, where to now?"

The words Hiei threw over his shoulder as he opened the door had Shuuichi even more confused. "The market."

An hour later Shuuichi wasn't any more enlightened as he stepped off a bus holding a watermelon. Just up the road was the temple of the psychic, Genkai. Though he led them in the direction of the temple Hiei veered off the path and led them through the woods.

Still carrying the watermelon Shuuichi followed. "Hiei, I don't think we're supposed to be here. This property belongs to the temple."

Hiei kept walking. "I know." Hiei wondered what the redhead would think if he knew that he was one of the people the temple hand been left in trust to when Genkai died a few years ago.

They walked for some time before the trees thinned and the ocean came into view. Hiei smiled when Shuuichi gasped. "Hiei, it's beautiful."

After a moment Shuuichi turned to Hiei with a big smile. "Is this my surprise?"

Hiei smirked. "Almost. Come with me."

Shuuichi followed as they walked down to the beach. From down the beach someone called. "Hiei, Shuuichi, over here!"

Looking toward the voice Shuuichi saw Yusuke with a group of people. He shivered when warm breath whispered across his ear. "Surprise."

Turning to Hiei Shuuichi smiled and blushed. Before he could say anything Hiei grabbed his free hand and led him toward the others.

Shuuichi's eyes widened when an attractive young woman rushed forward to hug Hiei. Shuuichi's blushed again when Hiei didn't release his hand and only returned the hug with his free arm. The redhead didn't know why but he relaxed when the woman spoke. "Big brother! What a wonderful way welcome Shuuichi."

A large man with orange hair joined them reaching out to take the watermelon from him. "Hey Shuuichi, remember me? We met at the bookstore. I'm Kuwabara and the beautiful lady with the shrimp is my wife Yukina."

Behind him Yusuke smacked him on the head. "Kuwabara, I told you not to call him that anymore. He's as tall as me now. Unless you're calling me a shrimp too, then I'll have to kick your ass."

All of a sudden a pretty brunet stepped between them. "If you boys are going to fight at least give me the watermelon first. Hello Shuuichi, I'm Keiko. I'm Yusuke's keeper."

The moment Keiko stepped aside Yusuke tackled Kuwabara. Hiei smiled when Shuuichi moved closer as if for protection. The redhead didn't protest when Hiei released his hand and put an arm around him. "Ignore them Shuuichi, they're idiots."

Once he realized they weren't going to hurt each other they made him laugh. Their fight was over when their wives began to scold them.

From the other direction Shuuichi saw another man and woman approaching. Everyone so far had been so friendly he was surprised that the man seemed to be frowning. He was even more surprised when he heard Hiei growl.

Turning his attention back to the new comers Shuuichi heard Yusuke call out to them. "Koenma, Botan, I'm glad you could make it. Come say hi to Shuuichi."

Introductions were made but still Koenma appeared to be angry. Kuwabara lightened the mood by suggesting a swim. "I hope you brought trunks Hiei, you'll look pretty funny when I dunk you in your clothes."

Hiei glared at him. "You'd have to catch me first fool."

Yukina stopped Kuwabara's comeback with a hand on his arm. "Kazuma, why don't you go change?"

When Kuwabara ran into the trees with his suit Yukina winked at her brother. "Did you bring a swim suit Shuuichi?"

Smiling at her Shuuichi pointed at the backpack Hiei held. "I'm hoping that's what Hiei has hiding in there. He kept all of this a secret until we got here."

Taking Shuuichi by the hand Hiei led them in the opposite direction he'd seen Kuwabara go. "What else would I have gotten from your room? Let's go change."

Hiei took Shuuichi just out of sight of the others before stopping and opening the backpack. Inside were two bathing suits, one red and one black. Shuuichi frowned. "I didn't know I had a black one."

Hiei shrugged. "I found it with the red one. I grabbed it for me since I don't have one."

Without hesitation Hiei striped off his shirt and reached for his belt. When Shuuichi's fingers hovered over the buttons on his shirt Hiei noticed the redhead's blush. Hiding his disappointment he grabbed the black suit. "I'll go change over there. Call me when you're ready."

Shuuichi quickly changed before calling Hiei back. Folding their clothes Shuuichi put them in the backpack. Together they went to join the others. Yusuke and Kuwabara were playing in the waves as Yukina, Keiko and Botan splashed in the surf. Shuuichi couldn't hide his giggle at the sight of Koenma sitting under a big umbrella as if he were afraid of the sun.

When Shuuichi went to join the others Hiei hesitated. "Go on, I need to talk to Koenma."

Hiei watched Shuuichi speak to the girls before diving into the waves. Stepping closer the fire demon glared at the godling. "I know you are the one that granted his request. I want you to reverse it."

Koenma sighed. "I gave him my word that no matter what happened I wouldn't do that Hiei. In fact we all promised to stay away so he could live a normal life."

As angry as he was Hiei tried to maintain control with Shuuichi watching. "Damn it Koenma do you have any idea how lonely he's been? His mother's dead, his friends abandon him, even his stepfather moved away! Look at him, look how happy he is. Tell me he'd want to stay miserable and alone."

Koenma didn't respond. Hiei sighed. "Fine, I'll find another way to bring his memories back and if I can't, I'll give new ones."

Before Hiei could walk away Koenma spoke. "You know why he did this Hiei. If something goes wrong it really will destroy him this time."

Stopping but not turning back Hiei replied. "I know I'm the reason this happened, that's why I'm going to be the one to fix it. When I get my fox back, I'll never let him down again because I'll never let him go again."

Koenma watched as Hiei went to join a smiling Shuuichi. "I'm counting on you keeping that promise Hiei because if you find the loophole I left you, you'll get your wish."

The group swam and played games on the beach all afternoon. At sunset they made a bonfire and roasted hotdogs. Looking around Shuuichi smiled. Yusuke and Keiko were cuddled together under a blanket. Yukina sat happily in the circle of Kuwabara's arms. Even Koenma's mood had lightened as he held Botan close.

Hiei sat beside Shuuichi only occasionally touching if one of them moved. Shuuichi smiled as he watched Hiei's red eyes gaze at the fire. Blushing at what he was about to do Shuuichi shyly leaned closer and laid his head on Hiei's shoulder. Hiei shivered when Shuuichi's warm breath whispered against his neck. "Thank you for today Hiei, I had so much fun. Your friends have been really nice to me."

Hesitating only a moment Hiei slid his arm around the redhead, gently pulling him closer. "I'm glad, I want you to be happy Shuuichi."

After a moment Shuuichi relaxed against him. "I haven't been this happy in years, if ever. I think you are the best thing that's ever happened to me Hiei. I'm so glad I met you."

Hiei tightened his hold just a little. "Me too Baby."

Shuuichi didn't have time to be embarrassed about the endearment before Yusuke spoke up. "Isn't this great, all of us together like this? Let's try and do this more often. We haven't spent much time together the last couple of years."

Kuwabara agreed. "Yeah, this has been fun. Maybe with the right incentive Hiei will stick around this time."

Hiei sighed in relief when Shuuichi didn't realize he was the incentive then growled at Kuwabara. "I'm not going anywhere so shut up fool."

Yukina laughed. "Shuuichi, it's been nice having you with us today. I hope you know you're part of the group now."

Shuuichi smiled. "Thank you Yukina and all of you for making me feel welcome. I was just telling Hiei how much I enjoyed spending the day with all of you."

They all talked a little longer. Shuuichi was a little embarrassed when one by one each couple dropped out of the conversation to cuddle or kiss.

Sensing the redhead's unease Hiei distracted him by reaching over to grab a stick so they could roast marshmallows. It worked and before long Shuuichi was giggling at Hiei's obvious pleasure at the treat. "Marshmallows and ice cream… oh excuse me, sweet snow. You sure do have a sweet tooth don't you Hiei?"

Hiei held a finger to his lips. "Shhh, you'll wreck my tough guy image."

Shuuichi laughed again but this time Hiei also saw him shiver. Getting up he put more wood on the fire before moving behind Shuuichi to sit with the redhead between his legs.

Shuuichi looked a bit alarmed when Hiei pulled him back against his chest. "Relax Baby, I'm just trying to keep you warm."

Blushing at the endearment and his close proximity to his friend Shuuichi tried to relax. "Hiei, why do you call me Baby?"

This time Shuuichi's shiver wasn't from the cold as Hiei's warm breath caressed his neck. "Because I didn't think you'd let me call you Sweetheart."

Shuuichi gave a little laugh. "Hiei, you know we shouldn't be sitting like this. The others will get the wrong impression."

When Shuuichi would have pulled away Hiei held him tighter. "First off, I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks. Second, look at them Shuuichi. They don't mind as long as we're happy."

Sure enough when Shuuichi looked around and occasionally made eye contact with one of the others they would just smile at him. After a few minutes the redhead turned in Hiei's arms to snuggle better into his warmth.

Hiei closed his eyes, savoring the feel and scent of his fox cuddled close in his arms.

Shuuichi burrowed closer to the warmth that surrounded him trying to evade the morning sun. He smiled sleepily as feather light kisses caressed his cheek. Turning slightly he allowed his lips to be claimed in a gentle kiss. The redhead moaned as strong arms pulled him closer.

Slowly Shuuichi began to fully waken. He was surprised to find himself half beneath Hiei as they kissed. They were laying in the sand with their arms were wrapped tightly around each other. Slowly drowning in the love he felt from Hiei it took Shuuichi a while to gain the willpower to pull away from the kiss.

Sensing Shuuichi's sudden reluctance Hiei lifted his head. Hurt mixed with passion in the red eyes that gazed down into green. "I'm sorry Shuuichi. Not for kissing you, but because I know you didn't want me to. I warned you I might slip."

Pain stabbed Shuuichi's heart when Hiei slowly pulled away and sat up. The pain in his heart increased when, sitting beside him, Shuuichi reached out but Hiei brushed him aside, stood up and walked away.

Looking around Shuuichi saw the others begin to stir. Not wanting them to see that he was upset he rose and began picking up their things. Discretely he tried to see where Hiei had gone but found no sign of him.

When the others rose good mornings were exchanged as everyone packed up. As they finished Yusuke came up to him. "Shuuichi, we're all heading up to the temple for breakfast. Afterwards I'll give you a ride home if you want."

Shuuichi couldn't meet Yusuke's eyes. "Thanks Yusuke but I really need to get home so I'm just going to go catch the bus. I'm supposed to be at work in a couple hours."

Yusuke sighed. "What happened with Hiei? I couldn't help but notice he's disappeared."

Shuuichi shrugged. "It's nothing. I need to get going, will you tell everyone goodbye for me?"

Nodding Yusuke gave him a reassuring smile. "Sure, no problem. I'll talk to you soon."

Shuuichi nodded before walking away. He didn't see the red eyes that followed him through the woods and watched him until the bus came.

Hiei watched as Shuuichi looked back sadly before boarding the bus.