I'm so glad you've all liked this story. Thank you all so much for the great reviews. The next chapter will probably be the end. This one is a little bit shorter but I couldn't leave you with all the answers before the ending.
If you've been waiting for a little citrus, well pucker up. If you've read my other stories you know I don't put to much pulp in my lemonade but this one is a bit more tart than some of my others. I also added an extra flavor, so you'll have to let me know if you like the taste. I hope you enjoy.
Oh yeah, I think I wrote Yoko a bit too accepting and not as wicked as he might be without twenty odd years of Shuuichi and Shiori's influence. I didn't want this to go on too long because that conflict would have kept our lovers apart longer.
Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho. Full disclaimer in my profile.
REMEMBERING LOVE
Chapter 7
After getting off the bus Shuuichi couldn't bring himself to go back to his empty apartment. After three nights sleeping in Hiei's arms he didn't think he could sleep alone in his bed tonight.
Standing outside the bookstore he wasn't sure how he was going to face Mr. Lee. On the door was a sign that said they would be closed for repairs. Peeking through the window he could see the devastation caused by the men who had kidnapped him.
Worried that Mr. Lee might have been seriously injured or even killed he hurried around to the back of the store and up the stairs to where the Lee's apartment was. Almost as soon as he knocked Mrs. Lee opened the door. He was surprised when she pulled him into her arms. "Oh Shuuichi! I'm so happy to see that you're all right. Please come in, my husband will be happy to see you. We've been so worried."
Stepping inside the apartment he was relieved to see Mr. Lee come out of the kitchen apparently unharmed. "Shuuichi, son are you alright?"
Shuuichi gave him a weak smile. "Yes Mr. Lee, I'm fine, thank you. How are you? Did they hurt you?"
Waving a hand Mr. Lee shook his head. "No, no, I'm fine. Nothing my lovely wife's TLC couldn't cure."
Bowing deeply Shuuichi apologized. "I am so sorry for what happened. You shouldn't have been hurt because of me. I'll find a way to take care of the repairs to the store as well."
Taking his arm Mr. Lee made him stand and follow him to the sofa. Once they were seated he smiled at Shuuichi. "Don't worry about the store. With Kuwabara's help they declared it a gas explosion and I have insurance that will take care of everything. As for the rest, it's one of the dangers we face trying to escape our past."
When Shuuichi looked at him uncertainly Mr. Lee smiled. "Since your wounds appear to have all been healed I'm assuming you've seen Miss Yukina."
Startled, Shuuichi looked at him wide eyed. "You know about Yukina? What about the others? About… me?"
Mrs. Lee smiled. "I'll make some tea. It sounds like you have a few questions that need answering."
When she had gone into the kitchen Mr. Lee addressed Shuuichi. "Yes, we know about Yukina, Yusuke and Hiei being demons. My wife and I are also demons. With Master Genkai's help we came to live here in the Ningenkai over eight years ago."
Pausing, he gave Shuuichi a moment to absorb his words. "For a number of years now the caretakers at Genkai's temple have helped peaceful demons relocate to the Ningenkai. When Master Genkai died she left the temple, and the responsibility of helping demons like us, to her friends. Yukina, Kuwabara, Yusuke and Keiko as well as… others have continued her legacy since her death."
Shuuichi nodded. "You mean me. Why don't I remember any of this? I've figured some of it out on my own. I've figured out that I am Hiei's dead lover Kurama. I just don't know how he could have died and yet I'm not dead. I also know I'm somehow connected some one named Yoko Kurama but I'm not sure how. Can you explain any of that to me?"
Mrs. Lee came back with the tea. She and her husband shared a look. When she smiled Mr. Lee nodded. "Yes, I can help you with that. After Kurama… you… tried to kill yourself you asked for your memories of demons to be erased. That included your memories of Hiei and all of your friends."
Shuuichi looked shocked. "Why would I do that?"
It was Mrs. Lee who answered him. "You took the breakup with Hiei very hard. That combined with your mother's death sent you into a deep depression."
Silently Shuuichi accepted the tea Mrs. Lee offered as her husband spoke. "As for Yoko Kurama, when he was killed twenty six years ago his soul traveled to the Ningenkai and entered Shiori's womb merging with the child she carried. When you had your memory erased, Yoko's was also erased and he was made dormant for the remainder of your human life."
"Shuuichi, ask why my powers are bound."
Shuuichi drew a deep breath. "When I was in the demon world I started hearing a voice in my head. The voice of Yoko Kurama. He wants to know why his powers are bound?"
Mr. Lee nodded. "So that's how you knew about him. For you to live a normal human life you couldn't have demon powers. When your human life ends the Youko will return to Makai with his powers restored but no memory of you or anything that has happened since his death. Shuuichi, may I ask about Yusuke and Hiei?"
Shuuichi gave a little smile. "They're fine. They are at the temple being tended by Yukina. You both seem to know so much about me, why is that?"
Mrs. Lee smiled at him. "Please don't be upset Shuuichi. After your memories were erased Yusuke took it upon himself to keep an eye on you even though you chose to erase him from your life. Since he couldn't watch you all the time he asked for our help."
Shuuichi nodded. "Thank you both for all you've done for me."
Mrs. Lee stood then. "Shuuichi, this has been a lot for you to absorb in one day. I'm going to fix you something to eat then you are going to stay here tonight. I refuse to allow you to be alone."
Even though he had learned they were demons he still felt safe with them. He was also grateful that he didn't have to go to his apartment right now. "Thank you Mrs. Lee."
"Thank you Mr. Lee. He's been through so much today I'm glad he's not alone." Yusuke spoke to Mr. Lee a moment longer before hanging up the phone.
All eyes were on him when he joined the others. "Shuuichi's fine. He went to the Lee's. Mrs. Lee is mothering him and they are keeping him tonight."
Yukina smiled. "We'll have to keep an eye on Hiei because he'll run off after Shuuichi the minute he wakes up."
Kuwabara stood. "I'll take the first watch, you get some sleep Urameshi."
Though Hiei usually woke slowly from his hibernating sleep after using the dragon, today that wasn't the case. Shooting straight up in the bed he called out. "Shuuichi!"
From a chair in the corner Yusuke laughed. "Good morning Hiei, or at least I think it's almost morning."
Annoyed Hiei growled. "Where's Shuuichi?"
Yusuke flipped on the light. "Relax Hiei, he's fine. He spent the night with Mr. and Mrs. Lee. He's pretty confused right now. I think we need to give him a little time to adjust."
On the table by the bed Hiei spotted the clean clothes his sister must have left him and reached for them. "I'll be patient Detective but I won't leave him alone."
Nodding Yusuke rose and went to the door. "Alright Hiei. Let me know if you need anything. I'm going to join Keiko in bed and get some sleep."
Yusuke hadn't even crawled in bed with Keiko before Hiei flitted out of the temple.
Startled awake Shuuichi sighed. His dreams that night had been much more vivid than before. This time however he knew who and what most of the creatures were. "Damn you have some interesting dreams Shuuichi. How long have you been dreaming about demons?"
Not wanting to wake the Lee's Shuuichi answered with his mind. "Since right after I met Hiei. I recognized Yusuke, Yomi and Mukuro this time. I'm also guessing that the silver fox was you but who are the others? The two men with the long black hair appear a lot in my dreams. I like the handsome one with the pretty black wings but the one with the mask creeps me out."
The Youko laughed. "I don't know about the creepy one but he sure was hot, I wish I'd met him before."
Shuuichi's brow creased when Yoko's voice changed suddenly. "As for the other one, his name was Kuronue and he was my lover."
Gently Shuuichi prodded him to continue. "You mentioned having many lovers but this one sounds special."
There was silence for a moment before Yoko spoke again. "He was special. I loved him. I've never loved anyone before or since Kuro. We were best friends, partners and lovers for many years. You probably don't know this but I am known as Makai's greatest thief. One day we were on a heist and… he was killed."
Shuuichi squeezed his eyes shut, feeling Yoko's pain as if it were his own. "Yoko, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
It was weird but Shuuichi could tell the Youko was smirking. "It's alright Shuuichi, it was nice seeing him in your dream. Now maybe you can understand why I was upset yesterday when you walked out on Hiei. I can feel how much you love him. Having lost the only man I have ever loved I don't understand how you could leave the man you love when he was wounded. I would give anything to hold Kuro in my arms one more time."
Shuuichi rose and began dressing. "You're right, I shouldn't have left him but I'm so confused by everything that's happened, I don't know what to do."
He felt Yoko smile. "I think the decision's been made for you. Hiei's been outside for a couple of hours now."
At Yoko's words Shuuichi's heart began racing. As politely as he could he thanked the Lee's and left. Once outside he headed in the direction of his apartment but didn't see Hiei. "Yoko, where is he?"
"Following you in the trees."
Walking to his apartment he quickly let himself in and went straight to his bedroom window. Pulling it open he leaned out and called. "Hiei! Please come inside."
Stepping back he waited. A moment later saw Hiei land in the tree. After a brief hesitation the fire demon hopped through the window. Hiei didn't say anything but watched Shuuichi anxiously.
Suddenly nervous Shuuichi motioned to the other room. "I haven't had breakfast yet, would you like some?"
Nodding, Hiei followed the redhead to the kitchen. As usual Hiei hopped up on the kitchen counter to watch Shuuichi cook.
Shyly, Shuuichi's green eyes kept traveling to his companion. "Hiei, you are alright aren't you? I was so frightened when they brought you in. I don't really understand what happened. You have a third eye Hiei, that's not natural. Then there's the dragon on your arm, I saw it move."
Hiei watched him carefully as he explained. "I'm fine, Yukina healed all my wounds. No, the jagan eye is not natural, I had it surgically implanted to make me stronger so I could protect my sister. As to the dragon, it isn't just a tattoo Shuuichi but a very powerful creature from the depths of the spirit world. It took many years to become it's master and I use it now to protect the one's I love."
Nervously Shuuichi nodded. "What happened to Mukuro?"
Hiei waited for Shuuichi to meet his gaze before answering. "She's dead, as will be anyone who threatens you, ever."
Though Shuuichi was unsure what to think of the things Hiei told him that wasn't the case with Yoko. In his head the Youko almost purred. "Mmm, I just love a powerful demon. Not only is he really hot but it's really sexy how protective he is."
Curious, Hiei watched Shuuichi's expressions change and smiled. Kurama had often looked like that when he and the Youko spoke. Not sure that he'd be welcome Hiei didn't enter Shuuichi's mind.
"Shuuichi, what the hell are you doing cooking when that cute little demon is right there. Why haven't you jumped him yet?"
When Shuuichi blushed Hiei smiled. Obviously the perverted Youko was teasing the redhead. "Fine, if that's the way you want it then let me talk to him. His jagan eye must give him the ability to speak telepathically. He did say he loved me after all. I think I should find out what he means by that."
Shuuichi stiffened, jealous of what the Youko's words implied. For the second time that day he felt Yoko smirk. With a sigh he relented. "Hiei, Yoko wants to talk to you."
Hiei waited until Shuuichi turned to look at him. "I won't enter your mind without your permission Shuuichi."
Slowly Shuuichi nodded, noticing the headband was back in it's usual place on Hiei's forehead. "It's alright, I get the feeling there's still a lot we both need to know."
Shuuichi was glad he'd finished with the eggs he was making because hearing Hiei speak in just his mind was a bit unnerving. "Hello Fox, I've missed you."
As Shuuichi put the eggs on plates he heard Yoko respond. "Hn, it would be nice if I… we… could remember you too. Shuuichi and I have figured out quite a bit and Mr. Lee filled in a few blanks but there are still some gaps. Can you tell us about our past and your relationship with us before our memory was erased?"
As they ate Hiei told them about how they and his fight with Shuuichi fifteen years ago. He also told them about their brief alliance as thieves when they stole the Reikai artifacts and their later association on probation as Reikai Tantei with Yusuke and Kuwabara. Thinking it would upset Shuuichi he left out the part about using one of the artifacts to save Shiori all those years ago.
When they finished eating and had cleaned up they moved to sit on the sofa. Hiei hid his disappointment when Shuuichi didn't sit beside him but sat stiffly on the other end of the sofa. Continuing, Hiei told them about fighting in the dark tournament and later in the Makai tournament.
Through most of this Shuuichi had said very little but now he had a question. "Hiei, in the dreams I told you about I still don't know who the dark haired man with the mask was. Do you know him?"
After making sure that Yoko could still hear him if he spoke he nodded grimly. "His name was Karasu. He was one of your opponents in the dark tournament. Even after fighting him in both your Youko and human forms he almost killed you. Thankfully, in the end it was him that died."
Yoko must have sensed something in Hiei's voice. "That's when your relationship with us changed isn't it?"
Hiei waited until Shuuichi's eyes met his. "Yes, after almost losing each other we finally admitted our feelings and became lovers. At first with Shuuichi and later, when you could transform at will, with Yoko as well. I meant it when I said I loved you both. To me you are the same, you are both my Kurama."
Yoko felt Hiei withdraw from Shuuichi's mind as he walked to the window and looked out. "Damn it Shuuichi! Can't you feel how much this is hurting him? I know you love him! Go to him!"
Shuuichi closed his eyes blocking out Hiei's image. "What about you? This concerns us both now."
There was silence for a moment before Yoko spoke softly. "I've had my love, it's your turn."
Looking out the window Hiei tried to regain control of his emotions. He had come so far in winning Shuuichi's affections and now there was a chance he could lose both him and Yoko again.
He didn't realize Shuuichi had moved until he felt soft hands slip around his waste. Hiei stood frozen as he felt the arms around him tighten and Shuuichi press against his back, his face nuzzling into his neck. He shivered at the warm breath that caressed the back of his neck as Shuuichi whispered. "I love you Hiei."
Turning, Hiei gathered Shuuichi into his arms and claimed his lips in a passionate kiss. For the first time since waking in Hiei's arms yesterday Shuuichi felt the safety and love he had grown to crave. In that moment he knew nothing else mattered so long as he never lost that feeling. So long as he never lost Hiei again.
Neither was aware of the emotions running through the Youko. Yoko hadn't realized that he would share Shuuichi's feelings. It was as if Hiei were holding him. He had felt what Shuuichi was feeling before but this was more intense. This was the same love and security he had felt being in Kuronue's embrace.
Allowing the feeling to wash over him it was a moment before the Youko heard the voice that invaded his thoughts. "I love you Kurama. All of you."
When Shuuichi heard Hiei's words whispered in his mind he held him tighter. He knew the words were addressed to Yoko and was surprised to feel what they meant to him. He wasn't sure how but he knew they were drawing Yoko into their embrace and neither of them resisted it.
Shuuichi almost giggled at the next words he heard. "Shuuichi, if you don't take that sexy demon to bed you're a fool."
In their mind they both heard Hiei growl. "He doesn't have a choice anymore. I intend to claim what is mine."
Shuuichi yelped when he was scooped up in Hiei's arms and carried to the bedroom. Once there Hiei set him on his feet and with Shuuichi's help began removing their clothes. The lips that had been on his now traveled to the sensitive spots on Shuuichi's neck and he moaned.
As more of the redhead's flesh was bared Hiei's lips found other sensitive places to kiss and nibble. When Hiei's teeth grazed his nipple and a warm hand stroked his arousal Shuuichi threw his head back and moaned loudly. Hiei growled when Yoko groaned. "Damn, he's good."
Easing the redhead back on the bed Hiei grinned at what he was about to do knowing first hand how much the Youko loved having it done to him. Sliding down the withering body beneath him Hiei settled between Shuuichi's legs.
Blushing madly Shuuichi tried to cover himself when he realized what Hiei was about to do. Pinning his hands by his side Hiei grinned at the treat before him. "Don't ever hide from me Baby, you're beautiful. I just want to love you Sweetheart."
When Hiei took Shuuichi in his mouth both human and Youko cried out. After a moment Hiei no longer needed to hold Shuuichi's hands as they were now clutching the sheets. Hiei was rewarded with loud moans coming from his lover as he pleasured him.
When Hiei bent Shuuichi's knees and began touching him more intimately the redhead stiffened. Sensing his unease Yoko purred. "Relax little one. Hiei's just making sure you're ready for him to love you. He won't hurt you."
Doing as he was told Shuuichi began to relax only a moment later to cry out when the strange new touches became almost too pleasurable to bare. "Hiei, please!"
Sensing that the redhead had had enough Hiei released him and moved up to cover his body with his own. As gently as he could Hiei claimed Shuuichi's body. After a moment instinct took over and Shuuichi's body let Hiei know he wanted more.
Moving together Hiei loved hearing both Shuuichi and Yoko's moans of pleasure. Using his mind Hiei did his best to draw the Youko into their lovemaking. "Inari, you are a wicked little demon aren't you?"
Without neglecting Shuuichi's needs Hiei continued to torment the Youko's senses.
Shuuichi felt wicked knowing that he and Hiei weren't alone as they made love. He was shocked to realize his own pleasure was intensified when the Youko's moans filled his mind.
Shuuichi felt their pleasure rising and Hiei increased it by reached between their bodies to stroke his aching need making him cry out in pleasure. When Hiei nuzzled his neck he tossed his head aside giving his lover better access.
Drowning in the pleasure Hiei gave him Shuuichi didn't have the ability to question Yoko's cry. "Hiei?"
Shuuichi was too far gone now to comprehend as Hiei growled in his mind. "Now you are both mine, always!"
Shuuichi cried out in pleasure and pain as Hiei sank his fangs into his neck. He didn't understand why but his pleasure seemed to intensify even as he felt a moment's fear. Once again the Youko's voice was there to soothe him. "It's alright Shuuichi. Hiei's a demon claiming his mate. Just love him little one."
Wrapping his legs around Hiei, Shuuichi held Hiei's head tighter against his neck. A moment later the room as well as Shuuichi's mind was filled with their cries as they found their release.
Riding the waves of their pleasure to the end they took a moment to catch their breath before Hiei pulled back to look at his lover.
With their minds still linked Hiei felt their pain just before both Shuuichi and Yoko screamed in pain then he watched in horror as Shuuichi lost consciousness.
