Hey everyone, I know this chapter has taken me longer than usual but my husband surprised me with a trip to Seaworld in San Diego last weekend so I didn't get to write much. I just love Seaworld.

Okay, I know Hiei and Kurama both seem OOC. Hiei's had to adjust because Shuuichi is all human and doesn't know he's a demon. Shuuichi on the other hand doesn't have Kurama's strength or memories affecting his personality. I hope I'm not doing too bad with them though.

Thank you all so much for the great reviews. I love hearing from everyone and you know I love reading new profiles and stories when I have a new reviewer. Please keep them coming and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

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

REMEMBERING LOVE

Chapter 5

Walking home from work Shuuichi tried to figure out how probably the best day of his life had, over night, become one of the worst.

Yesterday had been incredible, he had spent the day with Hiei laughing, playing and making new friends. That night, when Hiei held him by the fire, the alien concept of being held by another man had quickly given way to being held in his best friend's loving embrace. He'd never felt so safe and content as he had in Hiei's arms.

This morning he woke in a tangle of arms and legs to a sensual kiss that stirred new feelings in Shuuichi. Never before had he felt love, longing or desire for another being. Then somehow, before he'd even opened his eyes, he'd hurt Hiei.

Even now he could see and feel the pain in Hiei's ruby eyes before he'd run off. Shuuichi had been left bereft and alone to cope with the turmoil in his heart. Uncertain of where he stood with Hiei and his own confused feelings, Shuuichi had gone home alone.

He'd thought a hot shower before work would ease his mind, he'd been wrong. As he allowed the water to run over his naked body all he could think of was how it felt to wake in Hiei's arms. Almost before he realized what he was doing Shuuichi was crying out Hiei's name as he pleasured himself.

With everything that had happened that morning, combined with his troubled thoughts after finding his release to memories of the desire he felt waking in Hiei's arms, Shuuichi had been late for work. Then the bookstore had been so busy the redhead skipped lunch and had to work late when all he wanted to do was find Hiei.

The sun was beginning to set as Shuuichi entered his apartment. Hanging his jacket by the door his heart skipped a beat at the sight of Hiei's cloak hanging there. He paused only a moment as he fingered the sleeve before putting it to his nose to breathe in Hiei's scent. With a frustrated sigh he dropped the sleeve and went to his room. As soon as he changed he had to find Hiei.

Without turning on the light he stripped off his shirt. As he turned toward his closet something outside the window caught his eye. Moving closer he was surprised to see Hiei asleep in the tree outside his window.

With a smile he quietly flipped open the lock and slid the window open. Gently, Shuuichi caressed Hiei's cheek with the back of his fingers. Shuuichi didn't even have time to gasp his surprise before Hiei sprang at him through the window, tackled him and pinned him to the floor. He was shocked to see the murderous glare in Hiei's red eyes before recognition dawned.

Shuuichi watched silently as Hiei blinked several times before the hands holding his wrist beside his head loosened their hold. The redhead blushed when the knees clasping his sides relaxed and Hiei settled more comfortably over him.

Seeing the look of pained uncertainty in the red eyes above him Shuuichi didn't stop to question his actions before leaning up to take Hiei's lips in a gentle kiss. The hands around his wrists tightened momentarily before one of them moved to tangle in his hair. Shuuichi didn't wait for Hiei's tongue to ask for entrance but willingly opened his mouth allowing Hiei to deepen the kiss.

Not wanting Shuuichi to feel trapped Hiei pulled him up then shifted until he sat straddling the redhead's lap. Holding each other tightly Hiei groaned when he felt Shuuichi's growing arousal press against him. He knew the moment Shuuichi became aware of it when the redhead's little mews of pleasure became a loud moan.

Knowing they should slow down but not wanting to bring Shuuichi down too quickly from his pleasure high, Hiei gently pulled away from the hungry kiss and nibbled his way down to the redhead's neck. He knew when he found the sensitive spot he sought when the hands on his back clenched and Shuuichi moaned. "Hiei!"

Smiling, Hiei nibbled behind a sensitive ear and whispered. "It's alright Baby, I'm right here with you."

Slowly Hiei's lips moved to less sensitive areas and he felt Shuuichi begin to relax against him. When he finally pulled away he saw Shuuichi blush before hiding his face against Hiei's neck. The fire demon just smirked as he ran his hands soothingly across Shuuichi's back, giving him a moment to gather himself.

After a little while Hiei felt the same caress along his back and heard Shuuichi murmur. "Thank you for not rushing me Hiei."

Hiei leaned back forcing green eyes to meet his. "I would never willingly hurt you Shuuichi. Anything that goes on between us will only happen if and when you are ready for it. Okay?"

Shuuichi gave him a little smile and nodded. Suddenly unsure his smile faded. "I thought you were mad about this morning."

Hiei couldn't resist stealing a little kiss. "I wasn't mad at you Baby, but at myself for pushing you. You looked so beautiful lying in my arms I just had to kiss you awake."

Shuuichi misunderstood the brief flash of pain in the red eyes as Hiei remembered how much Kurama used to love being kissed awake. "Hiei, I didn't mean to tense up when you kissed me this morning. Even though I grew up believing a relationship between two men wasn't normal I'm not homophobic. I just never thought I'd find myself attracted to another man. Now, I'm more than attracted Hiei… I think I'm falling in love with you. Be patient though, it may take me a little time to get used to all this."

Hiei's heart nearly stopped when his fox said that he loved him. Now his heart was racing as he looked into his love's green eyes. "I'm not known for my patience Shuuichi. I'll only wait the rest of my life for you if I have to."

Shuuichi gave him a beautiful smile and threw his arms around his neck. "I think that will be plenty of time Hiei."

"It's not nearly long enough for me Sweetheart, because I'll love you until the end of time." Hiei pulled Shuuichi closer and claimed his lips in a passionate kiss.

This time it was Shuuichi that slowed things down. After a few minutes he pulled back to shyly suggest that they fix dinner.

Hiei sat on the counter watching Shuuichi cook. When Hiei didn't help, Shuuichi gave him a smile. "I'm guessing that pancakes are the only thing Kurama taught you to cook."

This time Shuuichi didn't miss the sadness that entered Hiei's eyes at the mention of Kurama. "Hiei, will you tell me about Kurama?"

When Hiei hesitated Shuuichi looked upset. "Hiei, I don't want to hurt you but I don't want him to come between us either. I know I remind you of him. I'm also a little afraid that maybe I'm just a substitute for him."

Hiei hopped down from the counter to stand before Shuuichi. At first he didn't say anything he just leaned over and gave him a kiss. "You're not a substitute Shuuichi. At first I was drawn to you because you do look like him. Later, after spending time with you, getting to know you, I had to admit I was attracted to just you not the memory of Kurama."

Shuuichi gave Hiei a little smile before turning back to serve their food. "Hiei, how long were you together? What happened that you're not with him anymore?"

Following Shuuichi to the table Hiei drew a deep breath. He didn't want to talk about this but he wanted to ease Shuuichi's mind. "We met and became friends about fifteen years ago. A few years later we were partners doing… detective work with Yusuke and Kuwabara for a while. During that time we got closer and eventually became lovers."

He paused waiting for Shuuichi to absorb his words. "I wondered yesterday if your friends knew him. Sometimes I got the feeling they were saying things they thought I should know about then tried to cover it up. They also accepted us together so easily. I must really look a lot like him."

Hiei shrugged. "He had long red hair like you do."

Shuuichi nodded as Hiei continued quietly. "Things in our lives changed a few years ago and my work took me away from… here. Kurama refused to leave his family and I stubbornly insisted on going. We had a huge fight, we said a lot of things we would later regret and we broke up."

Shuuichi could tell Hiei was upset by the way he poked at his food but they had come this far and might as well finish. "What happened to him? All you ever said was that he was gone. Did he die?"

Hiei took Shuuichi's wrist in his hand, gently rubbing his thumb across the scar there. His voice was barely a whisper when he answered. "Yusuke said that he got depressed and two years ago… he slashed his wrists."

Shuuichi's eyes widened. "Oh Hiei, I'm so sorry. That's why you were so upset when you saw me that first day in the bookstore. Hiei I swear that's not what happened to me, I promise I'd never do anything like that. I had an accident a couple of years ago. I can't tell you much more than that because I really don't remember. It caused me to lose part of my memory of the last several years, I'm not even sure how much."

Hiei gave Shuuichi a little smile. "I know you'll never do anything like that because I'll never leave you the way I left him."

Reaching out Hiei drew Shuuichi into his arms. Closing his eyes Hiei made a silent vow to Kurama. 'I'll never allow you to hurt yourself again My Fox because I'll never leave you alone again.'

After that Shuuichi changed the subject and was rewarded when Hiei finally ate. Together they cleaned up then put in the fourth 'Lethal Weapon' movie. This time they didn't see much of the movie because they were cuddled up together talking and kissing. When the movie ended the both looked disappointed.

Hiei smiled when Shuuichi gave a little pout. "I wish I didn't have to work tomorrow, then you could stay longer and we could spend the day together."

When Hiei stood and would have gone to get his cloak Shuuichi stopped him. "Hiei, you've never told me where you live.

Hiei shrugged. "Where ever I can. I don't really have a home anymore."

The look in Shuuichi's eyes told Hiei he wasn't satisfied with his answer. "Okay, tell me this then, where are you going to sleep tonight?"

Hiei sighed and looked into Shuuichi's green eyes. "I don't know yet. I was going to sleep in the tree outside your window but since you caught me there I'll probably go to the park."

Shuuichi stared at him in shock. "You sleep in my tree? What did you mean, you don't have a home anymore?"

Shuuichi didn't know why but Hiei looked angry. "The work that took me away from Kurama included a place to live. I recently found out that my boss withheld the messages Yusuke sent that Kurama needed me. The wounds you patched up were the result of what my boss thought about me quitting my job."

Shuuichi was shocked. "Hiei, how horrible. If you had got Yusuke's message maybe things would have turned out differently."

Hiei nodded. "I can't change the past but I won't ever allow it to be repeated."

Shuuichi gave him a little smile. "I wish you would have told me you had no where to go. I never would have let you sleep in a tree. You're going to stay here now. I'll just get your pillow and a blanket."

Before he could walk away Hiei reached out and took his hand. Pulling him around Shuuichi found himself in Hiei's arms. He shivered when Hiei purred into his ear. "I'll sleep on the sofa if that's what you want, but I'd rather sleep with you."

Blushing Shuuichi pulled back and looked into Hiei's eyes. Hiei grinned at the innocent look. "Baby, we already slept together last night on the beach. Would it be so different if we slept together in your bed?"

Shuuichi's blush deepened and he bit his lip before responding shyly. "I guess not, after all you are my… boy…boyfriend now."

Hiei gave him a gentle kiss. "I promise, we'll do nothing but sleep together until you're ready."

Shuuichi looked so nervous as they went to his room Hiei had a hard time hiding his grin. He wondered what the redhead would think if he knew he was a far more experienced lover than Hiei. "Shuuichi relax. I don't bite… hard. Go get ready for bed, I can take care of myself."

Laughing at Hiei's tease Shuuichi grabbed his sleep pants and a t-shirt before going into the bathroom. Hiei stripped down to his boxers then waited by the window for Shuuichi.

Emerging from the bathroom Shuuichi blushed yet again when he saw Hiei in just boxers. "I… uh… left you a toothbrush on the counter."

Nodding, Hiei went into the bathroom. Shuuichi barely had time to turn the covers down and close the curtains before Hiei returned. Turning he gave Hiei a hesitant smile. "Which side of the b… bed would you like?"

Going to where Shuuichi stood by the window Hiei took his hand and led him to the bed. "Climb in Baby. I'll claim the window side but plan to share the middle of the bed with you."

Before Shuuichi could object he was in the middle of the bed wrapped tightly in Hiei's arms. "Now give me a kiss Sweetheart and go to sleep. You have to work tomorrow."

He was blushing madly when Hiei claimed his lips. Within seconds he forgot his nervousness as he was overwhelmed by the feeling of being safe and loved. "Feel better Baby?"

Dreamy green eyes looked into red. "Mmm yes. I'm sorry, I've been acting like blushing virgin."

With a grin Hiei raised an eyebrow and Shuuichi laughed. "Well, to the best of my knowledge I guess that's what I am. There's a lot I don't remember but I hope I wouldn't forget something like that."

Hiei grin faded slightly. "Don't worry Sweetheart, if you did then when you're ready I'll give you new memories."

Shuuichi didn't miss the look in Hiei's eyes. "When I see how much your memories hurt you I'm kind of glad the only one's I'll have will be with you. Goodnight Hiei."

Hiei smiled when Shuuichi snuggled into him tucking his face into the fire demon's neck. "Goodnight Shuuichi."

In the morning Hiei woke when he heard his name being moaned beside him. With a smile he watched the dreaming redhead beside him wither in pleasure. Wanting to be part of Shuuichi's dream Hiei pulled him closer and began nibbling on the sensitive spots on his neck.

Shuuichi immediately turned into Hiei's embrace, pressing himself against Hiei's body. Hiei's heart raced as his hands skimmed down Shuuichi's back to cup his behind. He was rewarded when Shuuichi rubbed his arousal against Hiei's. The erection he felt rubbing against his, accompanied by Shuuichi's moans told him the redhead was close to release.

Hesitating only a moment Hiei buried one hand in long red hair and claimed the panting mouth before him in a passionate kiss. When the lips under his parted in another moan Hiei deepened the kiss and moved his hand from Shuuichi's behind around to stroke him through his clothes.

Within seconds Shuuichi threw his head back with a loud cry. "HIEI!"

As the body in his arms tensed and then went lax Hiei removed his hand and began rubbing his back. It was a few moments before dazed green eyes were able to focus on the red ones watching him. Still trying to catch his breath Shuuichi's eyes widened in horror and he blushed almost as red as his hair.

Hiei smiled and kissed him gently. "Good morning Sweetheart. I loved hearing you cry out my name."

Full comprehension of what just happened left Shuuichi mortified. "I don't even know what to say. I've never done that… I mean… not with anyone…"

Hiei silenced him with a kiss. "There's nothing to be ashamed of Baby. Maybe next time I'll wake you and you can help me join you."

If possible the green eyes got even wider and the blush even redder as Shuuichi glanced down Hiei's body before returning to his eyes. "Hiei, I feel so selfish. I know you have needs too but I'm just not ready to… deal with them yet."

Hiei grinned. "I promised not to rush you and I won't. I can take care of it myself until you're ready. Now, you'd better go get a shower or you'll be late for work."

When Shuuichi turned to get out of bed but hesitated Hiei gave him a wicked grin. "If you're going to ask me to join you the answer's yes."

Knowing he was teasing Shuuichi laughed. "Then I really would be late. I just wanted to say thank you and get a kiss."

"Anything you want Sweetheart, I'm all yours." Strong finger buried them selves in red hair again as Hiei pulled Shuuichi in for a proper good morning kiss.

Shuuichi didn't realize his good mood showed until he noticed Mr. Lee grinning at him. Embarrassed, Shuuichi blushed. "Can I assume from all the smiling and humming you're doing today Shuuichi that you found your boyfriend and made up with him?"

Stunned by Mr. Lee's words Shuuichi stammered. "How did…? I mean… what…?"

Mr. Lee laughed. "Relax Shuuichi, this is the twenty-first century. I may be old but I'm not a prude. What you do outside of work and who you do it with is your own business."

Still nervous Shuuichi bowed. "Thank you Mr. Lee. Yes, I found Hiei and we… made up."

Nodding, Mr. Lee smiled. "I'm glad. It's nice to see a real smile on such a handsome face. Now, I came to tell you that the new shipment just came in."

Bowing again Shuuichi smiled. "Yes sir, I'll get right to it."

An hour later Shuuichi was setting up a display of the new manga that came in when Yusuke came up and put an arm around him. "Hey Shuuichi, how's it going?"

Looking at his friend Shuuichi smiled. "Hello Yusuke, everything is wonderful. How are you and Keiko?"

Yusuke reached for the new Rurouni Kenshin as they talked. "Oh, we're good. How are things going with Hiei?"

When Shuuichi just blushed and grinned, Yusuke laughed. "I'm glad to hear it. Both of you deserve a little happiness in your lives."

Shuuichi looked a little sad when he spoke. "I know Hiei deserves some happiness. Kurama's death has been really hard on him. It must be strange for all of you to see him with someone new especially since I look a little like Kurama."

Yusuke tried to hide his surprise. "So he told you about Kurama, I'm glad. How are you taking all of this?"

Shuuichi shrugged. "I'm fine. It's a little strange though. I never thought I'd be attracted to another man but when I'm with Hiei I know it's where I'm meant to be."

They talked a few minutes before Shuuichi remembered something. "Yusuke, I've been meaning to ask you. How did you know that the park was over by my mother's old house? I know we talked about her but I don't think I ever told you where she lived."

Yusuke shrugged handing him the book he held. "You must have, otherwise how else would I have known? Well, I've got to go, Keiko's waiting for me. Say hi to Hiei for me."

Before Shuuichi could protest Yusuke was gone. With a sigh he returned to work.

Shuuichi was amazed at the difference one day could make. Yesterday he was sad and lonely, missing Hiei. Today he was in love. Hiei met him after work and walked him home. They made dinner together, Hiei even cut up the vegetables. They watched TV and talked until bedtime.

They were cuddled in bed before Shuuichi remembered to ask Hiei about his mother. "Hiei, I've been meaning to ask you something. That first day, in the bookstore, how did you know about my mother?"

Hiei was glad Shuuichi couldn't see his face as he tried to think of what to say. "I… uh… thought I was talking to Kurama about his mother. Remember?"

Shuuichi pulled back to look at him. "Hiei you called her by name."

Hiei feigned surprise. "Your mother's name was Shiori too? What a coincidence." Hiei proceeded to successfully distract Shuuichi with a passionate kiss.

Though his movements were hesitant Shuuichi was becoming bolder when touching Hiei as they talked. When his fingers lightly grazed the dragon tattoo on Hiei's right arm they both shivered. "Your dragon is beautiful Hiei."

Hiei watched Shuuichi closely. "It doesn't bother you?"

Shuuichi grinned shyly. "I think it's… sexy."

Rewarded with a kiss Shuuichi smiled. "Okay, now tell me about the headband. I've never seen you take it off."

Shrugging Hiei responded casually. "I have a… scar there that I don't want anyone to see."

He smiled when Shuuichi pouted. "Even me?"

Stealing a kiss Hiei grinned. "Even you. Baby it's getting late, you need to get some sleep."

Hiei was surprised when Shuuichi wouldn't meet his eyes. "Shuuichi, what's wrong?"

Shuuichi shrugged. "It's nothing Hiei. I've been having these weird dreams the last week or so and I thought maybe if I was more tired they'd go away."

This peeked Hiei's interest since the timing coincided with his return. "What kind of dreams?"

Still reluctant to meet his gaze Shuuichi shrugged again. "Nothing in particular, just images really. At first I dreamt about your red eyes. Then there are random people, like you, Yusuke and some people I don't know. There's a tall man with long black hair that makes me feel happy and yet sad at the same time. He was cool, he had the most beautiful black wings. Sometimes there are these strange creatures too, like monsters. Oh, and this silver fox with golden eyes watches me. Like I said, it's all kind of weird."

He could tell from Shuuichi's body language that the dreams bothered him, Hiei just didn't know how much. "Do they frighten you?"

Biting his lip as he thought about it, Shuuichi shook his head. "Not really. Well maybe once. There was another tall, black haired man with a mask, he scared me but then you were there making me feel safe again."

Hiei couldn't help but wonder if the redhead dreaming about his past meant he was staring to remember. Not wanting him to worry Hiei pulled him close. "You will always be safe, right here in my arms Sweetheart. I'll never let anyone or anything hurt you, ever."

Smiling at the vow Hiei made him, Shuuichi cuddled closer into his warm embrace. "Thank you Koi. Your arms and your words make me feel so safe and so loved. I never thought anyone would ever make me feel like this. I love you Hiei."

Some of the pain that had been in Hiei's heart since he and Kurama broke up eased at Shuuichi's sweet words of love. "I love you too Sweetheart. Now get some sleep."

It would be a long time before Hiei slept as he held Shuuichi.

At work the next day Shuuichi smiled as he waved goodbye to one of his regular customers. His mind kept drifting back to Hiei. They'd spent a wonderful evening getting to know each other. He'd then spent the night sleeping peacefully in Hiei's arms. This morning he'd woken again to passionate kisses and caresses as he began learning to accept the physical side of their relationship.

He was pulled from his thoughts when two large men dressed in strange clothes entered the bookstore. He was about to greet them when Mr. Lee stepped in front of him and hissed under his breath. "Shuuichi, get in the back room! Now!"

He hesitated only a moment before turning to do as his boss ordered. Before he took two steps however he was brought up short when one of the men spoke in a deep voice. "What's your hurry Kurama? We came here just to see you."

Looking back, he saw Mr. Lee attempt to talk to them. "The one you seek no longer exists. Can't you feel this boy is human?"

Shuuichi gasped in horror when Mr. Lee was struck and flew back against the wall before falling to the floor dazed. He retreated slowly when the men turned their attention on him again. "Lady Mukuro sent us to bring Yoko Kurama to Alaric. Our orders are to bring you alive. She didn't say you had to arrive unharmed."

Turning to run, Shuuichi screamed when clawed hands grabbed him from behind.

Two miles away Hiei and Yusuke sat in the ramen shop talking. "Hiei, the dreams don't necessarily mean he's getting him memory back. What are you going to do if he never remembers."

Hiei glared at Yusuke. "I'm never leaving him again, even if I have to stay here until the end of his human life."

Yusuke nodded. "What about when he returns to Makai and his Youko life? Yoko Kurama won't remember you either."

The pained look in his friend's eyes made Yusuke regret his words. "I know winning my Youko's heart will be nearly impossible but I intend to try and if can't, I'll watch over him and protect him from afar."

When Yusuke would have spoken again he stopped when they both felt a powerful blast of demon energy. Hearts pounding both men ran from the ramen shop and raced faster than the human eye could see in the direction of the bookstore.