Wow, I got quite a few reviews for the last chapter. Thank you for all of your support!

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Words Once Spoken: Chapter 2

Hiei had finally turned his back to Kurama. A foolish move, he realized as he felt Kurama's arms encircle him from behind. He's so warm. Kurama had a sudden urge to begin purring. Hiei tried to shrug Kurama off of him, but the redhead wouldn't budge. At last he spoke up "Release me Kurama!" he snapped, irritation apparent in his voice.

"Why should I?" Kurama replied as a ghost of a smile touched his lips. His emerald eyes shone in the dark, a mixture of lust and amusement. Yusuke was just staring at the two of them, especially Kurama, with no understanding of what was happening.

Anger, or at least fear growing, Hiei struggled against Kurama's grip. In response, he held on tighter and put his face against Hiei's neck. He breathed softly as he nuzzled against Hiei's skin. The angry demon was growing frantic. Kurama was petting him! One hand ran uncomfortably low on his back, and the other remained around his shoulders. Then finally Yusuke spoke up. "Uh, Kurama? I think you should let go now." he said hesitantly, afraid of how his unstable friend would respond.

Kurama simply released Hiei and sat up again. As soon as he was released, Hiei fled into a nearby tree, but for some reason stayed near them. Yusuke turned questioningly to Kurama. Kurama was simply smiling as if nothing had happened. Yusuke gulped and decided to take a risk and speak up. "Hey Kurama, are you gay?" Kurama barely managed to keep his face emotionless when Yusuke put it so bluntly. How dare he demean us with that ningen term!

His internal struggle invisible to the others, Kurama simply replied, "Of course not Yusuke. Why do you ask?" Yusuke gave him an incredulous look and tried a different tactic.

"Because you are so obviously hitting on Hiei." He replied. "Why are you doing that anyway?" Kurama let a slightly longing expression come over his face. Hiei was still watching them from a safe distance.

Preparing an answer, he leaned back against Hiei's tree and pulled his knees into his chest. That made him look smaller and innocent. He had given himself the look of a young pre-teen with a first crush. His words belied his appearance though. "It's simple really. I want him to rip off my clothes and take me." Yusuke panicked a bit and Hiei leaned forward. Make him know we want his body. "I want to feel him press against me and touch every inch of my body. I want him to take my breath with his lips. I want his unrestrained passion. I want him to make me scream out his name." He looked up at Hiei. "I want him. I couldn't consider it when you kissed me before, Hiei, but I want you to do exactly what you threatened to."

There was a furious red tint covering Yusuke's whole face by the time he had finished. "What's gotten into you Kurama?" The detective practically screeched. "You've never acted like this before! Why would you think that Hiei... wait, did you say he kissed you?" Kurama simply gave one short nod of his head, grinning widely as he did so.

Above them, Hiei was watching. He had blushed a little at Kurama's explanation, but now he was just thoughtful. He could tell the tricky fox didn't love him, he wouldn't have openly talked like that if he did. He would have tried to be more subtle. But this... Hiei wasn't oblivious to Kurama's love affairs in the Ningenkai, he knew more than Kurama thought. So it seemed that the insatiable spirit fox was growing tired of these humans. How he could allow those vile creatures to touch him was beyond Hiei's understanding. If Kurama merely wanted a parter for bed though, that was something to consider. The fox was clearly giving control of the situation over to himself. And he had desired the Kitsune once.

Kurama refused to say anything about the kiss other than that it had been when he was still Youko. Yusuke seemed to understand that Kurama had said all that he would, so he didn't question any more. It had gotten late though, and they had a long day ahead of them tomorrow. So they drifted off to sleep, two on the ground and the other barely asleep in a tree nearby.

The next day they were off again with no mention of the previous night. Not one word was uttered between them before noon. They made a quick stop to eat some food that Kurama had brought with him. They ate quickly and without even looking at each other, Yusuke because he felt awkward after last night, Kurama because he was deep in thought, and Hiei was just being Hiei. Hiei hadn't made an appearance all day, leaving the other two to eat alone.

The heavy silence was at last broken when Yusuke asked, "Can you tell us more about where we are going?" He looked up at Kurama, clearly ill at ease, though it went against his nature. "I mean, we should know more about the place before we get there."

"Yes, I suppose you should." Kurama replied smoothly. "It is a village of butterfly demons. They are a fairly reclusive race, mainly due to the fact that they live in forests away from other demons. They are a very intelligent species who place great importance in the young children, especially those who have yet to transform." he thought about it for a second. "They are very kind hearted and giving, they would probably be willing to select a few children to go to human world." he smiled a bit. Yes, but you know what they'll make you do first.

"They are actually a very beautiful race, especially when they dance. I have an acquaintance in the village who keeps trying to make me join them. I chose them because they are so easy to like and able to adapt. Like the ice maidens, they aren't really fighters, but they do have their powers. The society though, is very tribal. They welcome visitors, but if we want to talk about taking children you must observe their dance. They won't force you to stay up all night, but it would help." We'll have to preform it, there's no choice about it. Kurama fell silent once more. Yusuke muttered something about not being caught dead watching dancing, it sounded like he mentioned Keiko as well. They still had hours to walk yet, and most likely a long silence during that time.

A very slim crescent moon cast an eerie light on the village of luminescent demons. When they arrived at the village, they were greeted by two demons that had Yusuke gawking. One was a very slight young creature. She was about as tall as Hiei, maybe an inch shorter, and was so delicate it was almost surreal. She wore a fringed violet dress that went down to her knees, but nothing other than that. Her skin was a light blue, and her eyes colorless. She had long, golden hair as fine as Youko's hair that hung down below her butt. All over her face and arms were dark blue markings that sometimes seemed too move if you looked at them too hard. She also had a translucent pair of incredibly thin wings that were blue rimmed with gold and magenta designs swirling within them. Her two long antennae were the same golden color as her hair.

The other was just as elegant, though in a different sense. He stood eye to eye with Kurama, his foggy green skin making him appear taller. He had straight blue hair hanging halfway down his back and his eyes were also colorless. He was very thin and moved with a rhythmic grace. He wore what appeared to be a violet toga, and had markings similar to the other demon, except they were dark green and seemed less mystic. His wings were green fringed with blue and black designs covering them. His antennae were also the color of his hair.

They came to a stop in front of their guests. The male opened his mouth to speak,
"Welcome to our homeland, may the dance support you in times of need." He gave a sweeping bow and looked to Kurama, seeming to await a response. At last, an elegant race.

"May the dance protect all of its children in the homeland for eternity." he replied in the customary way of the butterfly demons. Though he already knew them, he introduced himself according to custom. "I am Kurama, a friend of the dancers in times of need. This is Yusuke, a guardian of life in need, and Hiei, wise in knowledge of the dangers of the spirits. They know nothing of your ways, and will follow your guidance in the ways of the dance."

Then the small girl spoke up, her sweet voice the sound of pure bells. "I am Cho, the pathfinder of the dancers, and this is Kiyoshi, guardian of the homeland. I am joyful that you have come back to us Kurama, maybe the way of the dance still has a purpose for you." He smiled at her as if to say she might be right.

Hiei was wise enough to stay quiet, but Yusuke spoke up. "So can we get on with it now Kurama?" he asked in a hushed tone, his awe at the butterflies apparent in his voice. Foolish...

Kurama practically hissed at him, "Silence Yusuke, there is a custom for everything in this village. Just stay quiet unless spoken to." Yusuke glowered but did as he was told. The two demons quietly gestured for them to follow them to the center of the village. They all stood in a circle to speak. "It is time to begin bridging the gap between humans and demons. I would like it very much if the dancers would select a few children to prepare for a long visit to human world. Would this be possible?" Kurama asked them.

The two demons stood silently for almost a minute before they answered. Before Kiyoshi could respond, Cho had spoken. "Clever to ask for the dancers to select them. Our children are very important to us, but so is the dance. You know I would never turn down an opportunity to see you dance again, so that is your best chance at getting what you ask. Youko, dance with us this night, and make the flowers sing once more."

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F.Y.I.-this whole situation has little to do with the actual story, unless you want it to, let me know.

Well I already showed that they aren't in love, but what about afterwards. It can be one of three ways, or other ideas.

1) Hiei doesn't care when they are no longer together

2) Hiei is angry and holds a grudge that will eventually be resolved

3) Hiei becomes more withdrawn and their friendship is never the same

It's up to you, just tell me what you want. I will incorporate it into the storyline. If you have other ideas just let me know. Also if you choose the 2nd one, please let me know how you would like it done.