uckily for Hiei, he had a ready-made excuse for his sour mood when he walked in the door that evening; like the rest of the town, Yukina already knew full-well about Kurama's shop going out of business, and she didn't question Hiei at all when he stumbled through the door, kicked off his shoes, and muttered vaguely about going to bed early.

And it was true, he did go to bed, but he didn't sleep. He couldn't sleep. How on Earth could he possibly have thought Kurama would agree to that? Dressed in everything but his suit jacket, which he flung haphazardly on the floor, Hiei sat on the edge of the bed, his chin in his hands.

"Hiei?"

At the sound of his sister's voice, Hiei looked up. She was alone in the doorway, using crutches for support.

"Yukina," said Hiei, getting up. "Here, let me help you."

"Thanks," she said gratefully as he helped her walk to the bed (she was heavier than he expected, but he knew better than to say that). When they were sitting beside each other, Yukina asked, "Hiei, are you okay?"

"What do you mean?" Hiei mumbled, looking down at the ground. "Of course I am. I'm not the one who has to file for bankruptcy."

"But…but I mean…" Yukina frowned. "If he's your boyfriend, naturally you'd be worried."

"My boyfriend?" Hiei gave a stale laugh. "Who said he was my boyfriend?"

"Well, nobody, but I just thought—"

"It doesn't serve anyone well to think things, Yukina," Hiei said quietly. "I thought a lot of things today, and none of them were correct."

"Hiei…" Yukina sighed. "This isn't just about the business, is it?"

"I never could keep anything from you." Hiei gave her a weak smile, then looked down again, shaking his head. "But yeah…I really messed things up with him."

"What happened?"

"Everything was going well." Hiei looked up at the ceiling then, hands on his thighs. "Maybe not for the business, but at least for…for us. But I'd never seen him like that, Yukina. He wasn't just unhappy, he was…he was lost. And that just wasn't the man I…" Hiei swallowed. "That wasn't the man I…I fell in love with."

Yukina gave a small gasp, which she quickly stifled with her hand. "You mean it?"

"But it doesn't matter," said Hiei. "I tried to save his company with an investment, which I thought would work…but he didn't like that I did it without asking him first."

"And, as I seem to recall, he said he didn't want anyone to invest in his business anyway," Yukina added. "But still, didn't he recognize that you were just trying to help him?"

"No, he said I had helped quite enough today, and I got angry," Hiei recalled. "I acted like a real asshole to him, just because he wouldn't sign the investment…I-I mean, I was just trying to get him out of his own way, you know? He thinks some Christmas miracle is going to come along and save him, and I…" Hiei looked at Yukina again. "I still don't believe in Christmas miracles. I guess I haven't changed a bit."

"You have changed, Hiei," Yukina insisted. "For the better, too. These past few days you've been in love with Kurama, I've never seen you so happy."

"But I blew it! I really blew it." Hiei's voice cracked as he looked down at the floor, at those two wretched hands that had caused nothing but trouble, once again. "That's what I always do! I don't start or work on relationships. I only destroy them. Maybe I really don't deserve love."

"Don't say that, it's not true!"

"It is true." Hiei buried his face in his hands. "Kurama should go find a boyfriend who's not a complete asshole. Someone more like that Kuronue, who he still seems to be in love with."

"I heard about that, but it happened before Kazuma and I moved here," said Yukina. "I don't know much about it."

"All you need to know is that Kuronue died before they were supposed to get married," said Hiei, "and that Kurama is probably just clinging so hard to the old store because he hasn't gotten over him yet. How could I have ever been with him anyway, if I'll be expected to live up to whatever this guy was?"

"Kurama doesn't want you to be like Kuronue," said Yukina. "He likes who you are already."

"He doesn't like me at all," said Hiei. What he didn't say was, How could anyone like me for me, anyway?

"You need to talk to him, not me." Yukina straightened up, to the best of her ability, and gave Hiei an unusually stern look. "I'm sure if you just apologize, it will all work out. You two are meant to be together. I can always tell."

"I don't believe people are meant to be together, Yukina." Hiei stood up and held out his hand to help her up again, because he just wanted some time alone. "Love seems to be about being in the right place at the right time, and don't tell me I was both. I was neither."

…

Yukina, to Hiei's great relief, didn't nag him about talking to Kurama, and she didn't mention it in front of Kuwabara. Usually she told her husband everything, but she seemed to have decided—correctly—that it wasn't her story to tell. And as for Hiei, as much as he would have liked to set things right, he just didn't think Kurama would listen to him. Why would he?

The next morning, the first thing Hiei did was compulsively look at his phone to see if Kurama had called him. He hadn't, but Hiei did see that it was the twenty-third of December. Good. As soon as Christmas was over, he would be taking the first flight back to Tokyo. He'd be back to see the babies in January, of course, but he wasn't going to stay in Kosetsu a minute longer than he had to, and when he was here in January, he would simply ignore Kurama's existence.

Yomi, however, would be trickier to avoid, because when Hiei opened his wallet to buy some hot chocolate at the local coffee shop later that day, he realized to his dismay that he would need to withdraw more cash to last him until he got back to Tokyo. There wasn't even enough left to tip a taxi driver at this point. As it was going on five, there would be just enough time to make it to the bank.

I hope that jerk doesn't show himself, Hiei thought to himself as he walked there. He was glad that it was almost dark and there were no other people around.But I really wish they had an ATM…

But he stopped short when he heard a familiar voice around the corner, behind the building.

"Please—we started this together. I just need a little more time."

Kurama?

Making sure not to let himself be seen, Hiei crept around the corner and saw the two of them. Kurama was backed up against the building, with Yomi facing him. Yomi was standing up straight, his arms folded across his chest in a commanding position, while Kurama had the unfortunate look of someone who was desperate and clearly not in control.

"You already owe a lot of money to the bank, Kurama," Yomi said back, in an annoyingly smug way. "You're lucky I gave you until Christmas to pay it back. But tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and you are almost out of time."

"I can't get it to you by Christmas," Kurama insisted. "But I'll get it to you eventually. I swear."

Jeez, Kurama, stand up for yourself! Hiei thought irritably. After all, he was going out of business anyway; why not give Yomi a piece of his mind?

"That's not good enough, Kurama." Yomi again. "We've been more than generous to you. And I need not remind you that you owe the bank over four million yen."

Hiei's eyebrows raised. That was twice what his company had offered, and for 70-30, too.

"I simply haven't got that much." Kurama looked down at the ground. "There's nothing I can do?"

"Now, let's not go too far." Yomi's demeanor suddenly seemed a lot airier. "Very well, Kurama. I'll extend your deadline, and maybe even give you a few loans."

"You…you will?"

"Yes." Yomi's eyes flashed. "There will just be some stipulations—quid pro quo, you could say."

"Stipulations?" said Kurama, his eyes narrowing. "Like what, Yomi?"

"Kurama…" Yomi lowered his voice, and he went to stand directly opposite Kurama, leaning forward, one elbow on the wall against which Kurama was standing. "I want you to give me a chance."

"What?!" said Kurama in disbelief, staring up into Yomi's face. "I would never agree to that!"

"Oh, you wouldn't?" Yomi, as Hiei noticed, had positioned his taller, broader frame in such a fashion that Kurama wouldn't be able to escape. The same technique had been used on him, many times (to no avail, of course, but Hiei wasn't so sure the case would be the same for Kurama). "I heard you were making out with that big-shot Tokyo business executive at the Christmas Ball. If you'll sleep with him to get the money, why wouldn't you do the same with me?"

"Yomi, you are out of bounds." Kurama's teeth were gritted. "How dare you insinuate that I would perform intimate acts with Hiei in exchange for money. We haven't gotten that far yet."

The world seemed to go quiet. Kurama, seeming to realize what had slipped out, covered his mouth with one hand, eyes wide, cheeks pink. Yomi's hands were balled up into fists, and his jaw was clenched tight. Only one quiet word escaped from his mouth, manifesting itself in a low, jealous growl.

"…Yet?"

Kurama looked frightened for a moment, but then he stood up taller. His green eyes betrayed determination and defiance.

"You heard what I said," he told Yomi. "Yet. Because I'm not just fooling around with Hiei. I love him."

Hiei was too shocked to say a single word; he felt frozen in place. But unfortunately, that was all it took for Yomi to snap. Hiei felt himself flare up with shock and fury as Yomi pushed Kurama against the wall.

"You goddamn slut!" Yomi barked. "All these years after Kuronue's death, you haven't so much as given me a call, yet you'll fall for some little shrimp you've known for less than a month? What's he got that I haven't, huh?"

Kurama didn't speak. He didn't look so defiant anymore.

"You'll see, Kurama, we'd be great together." Yomi was still holding Kurama in place with one arm, though Kurama was struggling valiantly; to Hiei's horror, Yomi's other hand moved down, down, and unzipped Kurama's pants. "Why don't you be good now and pull these off? I may not be your first, but you'll be mine."

Yomi had his hand over Kurama's mouth, but Kurama grabbed Yomi's wrist, yanking it down.

"Have you lost your senses completely, Yomi?" he said in disgust. "I owe you nothing. And I don't think your bosses at corporate will be very happy to hear about this."

"I think they'll believe my story," said Yomi with a sinister grin. "After all, can a man even harass another man? The flailing small business owner slept with the bank branch manager for money, and now he's feeling bad about it and claims I did something without his consent." Yomi pinned Kurama once more. "And who's to refute it when the only proof is your word? No cameras, no signs of assault, no witnesses—"

"You might want to check that last one."

Hiei stepped into sight then, staring directly into Yomi's eyes. He could feel himself shaking with rage, his small form radiating utter lividness. He quickly made his way over to Kurama and stepped right in front of him, separating him from Yomi.

"Just what do you think you're doing here?" Yomi spat. Kurama quickly zipped up his pants.

Hiei was already throwing off his suit jacket and rolling up his sleeves, squaring up to Yomi, making it quite clear what he was about to do. He had learned long ago that beating the crap out of people whenever he felt angry would get him nowhere in life, but he right now didn't care. All he cared about now was giving Yomi something to think about on the way to the emergency room. He couldn't see anything past the fury that was consuming him.

"Take a wild-ass guess, loverboy," he said in a low growl, his hands clenched in two deadly fists. "You got any last words?"

"Don't, Hiei!" said Kurama. "Don't fight him."

"I saw what he just did to you, Kurama!" Hiei snapped. "What, you don't think I can take this piece of shit?"

"I'm sure you can, but…" Kurama's voice had taken on a pleading note. "This isn't how adults settle things. I don't want you getting in trouble just because of him. We can report him to HR, but fighting isn't going to solve anything."

Hiei breathed out slowly, clenching his jaw, and finally relaxed. As much as he wanted to solve this with his fists, he knew Kurama was right.

"Fine," said Hiei, glaring at Yomi. "You're lucky Kurama was here, but I hope you don't think you're getting away with this. We're going to tell HR all about this, and if you ask me, we should press criminal cha—"

But Hiei's words were cut off by a swift left hook to the face, one that was admittedly strong enough to send him falling backwards (luckily, the snow cushioned his fall).

"Hiei!" said Kurama.

"Don't worry, I'm just fine." Hiei was in some slight pain, and he knew he'd be getting a bruise. But when he straightened up, he only shot Yomi a grin.

Good. I was hoping you'd do that.

Hiei didn't know what he would have expected, but he did know that giving Yomi a good, old-fashioned ass-beating was more gratifying than he ever could have imagined, especially since Kurama now didn't seem so vehemently against it. But that was how Yomi would learn to stay away from Kurama. When Hiei was thirteen, some guy he beat up had asked him if he had a ball of lead in his fist; he didn't, but he made sure to leave that impression on Yomi's pain gland.

"And that's for being a bitter—ass—pathetic—whiny—little—bitch!" Hiei shouted, punching Yomi after every word he said. "And nobody—and I mean nobody—messes with MY MAN!"

At this point, Hiei was holding up Yomi by the shirt, about to give his bloodied face another serious blow, when he felt Kurama grab his shoulder with a laugh.

"I think you've taught him a lesson quite well today, Hiei," said Kurama. "But if you kill him, we won't be able to fire him or arrest him, will we?"

"Good point." Hiei let Yomi go, and the humiliated bank branch manager fell unceremoniously to the ground. "But sorry, my knowledge stops here. What do we do now?"

"We should start by calling the cops," said Kurama, taking out his phone. But before he could dial, Hiei held up one hand to stop him.

"I-I just wanted to ask, first…" Hiei was amazed that he could be so confident when teaching Yomi a lesson, but still so flustered when talking to Kurama. "I-I just wanted to know if you were okay. Wasn't that harassment?"

"Yes, it was, and thank you for asking, Hiei," said Kurama. "I've been better, but I'm going to be fine, especially if he gets his comeuppance. They're probably going to run an investigation on this, but the bank policy is that during the investigation, he isn't allowed to come to work, because then the company can be held liable if he hurts anyone else."

"All right then." Hiei smiled. "Call the cops on his ass. My work here is done."

...

The cops arrived not long after they were called, along with some paramedics, who took Yomi to the hospital, since he would have to be treated before he could be interviewed. Meanwhile, the police interviewed Hiei and Kurama in separate police cars. Hiei told the truth for the most part; he felt he was stretching it a bit when he said his Yomi-beating was completely self-defense, but the bruise on his cheek was enough to convince the police that it was warranted. The paramedics also gave Hiei an ice pack to put on his bruise, and it hurt less after that.

It also turned out that although there were no cameras on the bank building, there was one on the opposite building, and that camera had caught everything. The police spoke with the owner and took the footage down to the station to watch it. After Yomi woke up and was able to talk, the investigation could begin.

After the cop cars drove away, Hiei and Kurama met outside the bank building. Kurama breathed heavily out of his nose.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Hiei asked.

"Don't worry, Hiei," Kurama reassured him. "I'll be fine. What's important is that Yomi is brought to justice."

"I know, but that must have been hard," said Hiei. "I mean, that was just…I knew he was a jerk, but I didn't know…"

"Thank you for your concern," said Kurama, setting one hand on Hiei's shoulder. "I appreciate it. We can also be glad that Yomi will be removed from his position during the investigation, and, with any luck, forever."

"So now, maybe they can extend your deadline," Hiei said hopefully. "I know that if they give you enough time, you'll be able to pay it all off."

"Actually, Hiei…" Kurama gave Hiei a small smile. "I've been thinking about it, and I was wrong. Finding an investor is a smart thing to do, and I should have been more open to the idea."

Hiei felt his eyes widen. "Does that mean…?"

"Not completely," said Kurama. "I'm not going to sign the contract as it is now, because I still believe the terms are a bit unfair. But I'm willing to negotiate, and you can call your boss and tell her so."

"Wow," said Hiei, scarcely able to believe his ears. Kurama reached out his hands, and Hiei held them, two pairs of gloved hands meeting halfway. Hiei looked up into Kurama's eyes, knowing he could never get enough of that beautiful emerald-green gaze, the smell, the warmth, the feeling of safety and acceptance that was so foreign, yet so welcome. He didn't have to fight his way into Kurama's heart, because it was already open. "Can I ask you something, Kurama?"

"Of course."

"Did you…did you really mean it when you told Yomi you loved me?"

"Oh, yes, you heard that." Kurama's cheeks turned a bit pink, and he scratched the back of his neck. "I did, Hiei. I must admit, I wasn't happy that he thought I was sleeping with you for money, but I meant what I said."

"Well…" Hiei smiled. "I should have told you earlier, but I didn't know you felt the same way. I love you, too. And I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"Don't be." Kurama gave a small laugh. "I needed a little push."

"I never thought I'd say it, but I really wish I could stay in Kosetsu," Hiei said wistfully, reaching out and holding Kurama's hands again. "But after Christmas is over, I have to get back to my job."

"As much as I wish you could stay, too, I understand," Kurama said, softly running his finger over Hiei's bruised cheek, a soft look in his eyes. "But we can visit each other. You'll be here in January to see the babies, right? And I know Yukina and Kuwabara visit you every summer in Tokyo."

"You're right." Hiei sighed. It still didn't seem like enough time, but he knew he had to take what he could get. "Let's call Mukuro."

Hiei took out his phone and dialed his boss, and he tried his best to sound cheery when she picked up. He didn't want her asking any awkward questions. Hiei put her on speakerphone, since the call concerned Kurama.

"Hello?" said Mukuro.

"This is Hiei, in Kosetsu," he said. "I have good news for you! Remember that contract we wrote?"

"Ah, yes, I was waiting for a status update from you on that," she said. "He signed it?"

"Well, not exactly," said Hiei. "You see, he thought your terms were a bit unfair. But he says he's willing to negotiate."

"I thought he'd do anything to save that floundering business of his." Mukuro sounded shocked. "And he's got the gall to say I'm being unfair about it?"

"With all due respect, 70-30 for two million yen is a bit of a raw deal," Kurama said mildly. "But, as Hiei has informed you, I am willing to negotiate."

"Who's that?" said Mukuro. "Is that him?"

"Kurama Minamino, proud owner of Minamino's, the business you are about to invest in, at your service," Kurama said, in his most polite voice. Hiei couldn't help but grin.

"Right." Mukuro cleared her throat. "I'll be willing to meet after Christmas to negotiate this. Hiei says we won't regret it."

"I'm going to need about four million yen," Kurama told her. "But before we move forward, I must tell you that I require majority share."

"What do you propose?"

"20-80."

"40-60."

"30-70, my favor," said Kurama. "Take it or leave it."

Mukuro sighed. "I'll take it."

Hiei punched his fist in the air. "Yes!"

"I do have one more request, Hiei," said Mukuro. "It's a big thing to ask, so you can say no if you want, but I would really appreciate it if you at least considered it."

"What is it?" said Hiei curiously.

"It's just that this is a bit of a risky investment, especially because the business isn't currently doing very well." Mukuro sounded unusually nervous. "And until I can make sure my investment is worth it, Hiei, I was wondering if I could relocate you to Kosetsu—at least until the business starts doing better. You can come back to Tokyo any time you want, but I would really like to have a representative on location—along with a substantial pay raise, of course."

"Yes!" Hiei shouted excitedly, forgetting himself completely. Once he came to his senses again, he cleared his throat. "Um, I mean, yes. Yes, I accept."

"Again, we can meet after Christmas to discuss the terms," Mukuro repeated. "Merry Christmas, you two."

"Merry Christmas." Hiei couldn't stop grinning as he hung up the phone. Then he looked up at Kurama again. "I can't believe it! I'm staying in Kosetsu!"

"It seems Christmas miracles really do exist," said Kurama softly.

"Maybe," said Hiei. "And if they do…the best one was meeting you."

Kurama smiled, staring right down into Hiei's eyes, and Hiei squarely met his gaze. And before either of them could say anything more, they had leaned in, closed their eyes, and melted into the most beautiful, romantic kiss of either of their lives.

When they finally separated, Kurama still held Hiei close to him, Hiei soothed by the sensation of his steady heartbeat.

"Merry Christmas, Hiei," said Kurama. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Kurama." Hiei leaned his head on Kurama's chest and smiled. "Merry Christmas."

…

And it was a very merry Christmas indeed, not just for Hiei and Kurama (who quickly made their relationship official), but for Yukina, too. Hiei and Kurama rushed back to her house, eager to tell her the news.

"Merry Christmas, Yukina!" Hiei cried joyfully as he burst inside, quite reminiscent of Mister Scrooge on Christmas Day. "You'll never believe it!"

"You got back together with Kurama?" she guessed excitedly. As usual, she was sitting on the couch with her ankle propped up on the coffee table, but with a smile.

"That is correct," Kurama told her, smiling back as he headed into the house. "But there's more."

"Kurama accepted my investment, and we called Mukuro to tell her," said Hiei, barely able to contain himself. "So she relocated me to Kosetsu, and I accepted." Hiei grinned at her. "Yukina, I'm staying in Kosetsu."

The scream she let out seemed like something only dogs would have been able to hear, but it was all right, because Hiei knew she was happy. He headed over to the couch and held her in his arms as she sobbed hysterically into his shoulder. Kuwabara joined in the hug, as did Kurama, so that for several glorious moments, they were just one big pile of love, basking in the brightness of a new tomorrow.

Once Yukina had finally stopped crying and they all let go, Hiei sat down on the couch next to Yukina and held her hand, while Kurama sat on his other side, and they held hands, too. Kuwabara sat on the arm of the couch, stroking Yukina's hair.

"That's the best news I've heard all year, Hiei." Yukina sniffed and wiped her eyes. "And if you don't mind, Kurama, you're welcome to stay for Christmas Eve. Christmas Day, too."

"That would be lovely, Yukina," Kurama said warmly.

"I look forward to it," said Hiei, squeezing Kurama's hand, and Kurama gave him a kiss.