I am so sorry for the delay with this. I threw a huge surprise party for my sister's birthday. Besides the cleaning, cooking and shopping I then had forty (mostly drunk) friends and family to deal with.

This isn't quite over yet. I still haven't resolved where they will live once Kurama's out of school. I'm going to try to wrap this up in one or two more chapters though. I did something with this chapter I've never done before. I've edited the lemon on the version I posted here. I'm sorry, it was just a little more than what this sight would probably allow (but still not too graphic). If you're old enough you could read it on AFF dot net I'll be posting the full version there.

Thank you so much for the reviews. I hope you'll keep them coming.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho. Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters are property of Yoshihiro Togashi, Fugi TV, Shueisha, Jump Comics and Studio Pierrot. The only thing I own is a love for Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters.

LOOKING FOR LOVE

Chapter 8

Hiei couldn't believe his eyes. Kurama had just walked out on Shiori after telling her he was a demon. Looking at the human Hiei saw her bury her face in her hands and begin to cry. Not knowing what else to do he turned to leave. Her quiet sobs however tore at his heart and he turned back.

Walking around the sofa he stood in front of her a moment before hesitantly reaching out to pat her shoulder in an effort to comfort her. Startled she looked up at him with a gasp. The two stared at each other a moment before Shiori flung her arms around his waist, pressing her face into his stomach.

Hiei stiffened and started to pull away but again her sobs stopped him. Sighing in frustration Hiei loosened her hold enough to sit beside her. With her arms around him and her tear streaked face tucked against his chest Hiei still didn't know what to do. Once again he tried to comfort her by patting her back.

Outside Kurama hadn't even made it to the sidewalk before stopping. Reluctantly he went back toward the house. Knowing he couldn't leave but afraid to go back inside he sat on the porch steps for several minutes as he tried to collect his thoughts. He'd just given his beloved mother the shock of her life and then walked out on her. He'd been so sure she would reject him that he hadn't even given her a chance to accept him.

Another reason he hesitated to go back inside was Hiei. Even though Hiei had kept the status of their bond a secret the fire demon deserved a chance to explain but Kurama had been too angry to listen. No, angry was the wrong word. Kurama was hurt that Hiei would lie to him. Sighing, Kurama knew he wouldn't resolve any of his problems sitting on the porch. Rising, he went back inside.

Just inside the door Kurama froze. On the sofa Hiei held his mother as she cried. The redhead almost cringed when Hiei looked up and glared at him. "You selfish bastard! Even I'm not cruel enough to make a woman cry then walk out on her. Especially not one you profess to love as much as you do Shiori."

At Hiei's words Shiori lifted her head to look at her son. If Hiei's words weren't enough to make him feel bad then Shiori's tear filled eyes were. Before Kurama could respond Hiei continued. "Damn it Fox, just because you're mad at me does not give you the right to take it out on her."

Feeling properly chastised Kurama nodded before bowing deeply. "You are right of course Hiei. Mother, please accept my apology. I should not have left the way I did. If you want me to leave I'll understand although I hope you'll give me a chance to answer any questions you might have and I pray that somehow you can accept me once you know who and what I really am."

Still in the security of Hiei's arms Shiori looked at Kurama tearfully. "I already know who and what you are Shuuichi. You are my son and I love you. No matter what else you tell me, nothing will change that."

Hearing her words Kurama had to close his eyes and take several deep breaths as he tried to control his emotions. He opened his eyes to find his mother standing before him. When she slipped her arms around him he buried his face in her hair and returned her hug.

Kurama looked up when he sensed Hiei move. Seeing that his mate was about to leave Kurama called out to him. "Hiei, please don't go. I'd really like you to be with me while I talk to Mother."

When Hiei nodded Kurama gave him a little smile. Kurama's smiles always made Hiei happy and the fire demon smiled back. When Kurama guided Shiori toward the sofa she stopped him. "Why don't we go in the kitchen to talk? I think we could all use a cup of tea."

Moving out of her son's arms Shiori went into the kitchen leaving Hiei and Kurama alone. Taking a few steps closer Kurama looked nervously at Hiei. "Thank you for taking care of my mother Hiei. It means a lot to me that you stayed with her."

Hiei shrugged. "She's been good to me Kurama. I couldn't leave."

Kurama gave Hiei a hopeful smile as he hesitantly reached for the fire demon's hand. When Hiei didn't pull away Kurama's smile grew. "That's how I feel every time I think of us moving to Makai."

Squeezing Kurama's hand Hiei pulled him toward the kitchen. "Let's deal with Shiori first Fox. We'll talk when we get home."

Hand in hand they walked into the kitchen.

Hiei and Kurama sat with Shiori for almost two hours telling her about their lives as demons. Luckily Shuuichi had baseball practice after school giving them plenty of time to talk. When her step-son came in Shiori sent him to his room to do his homework. Once he was out of earshot Shiori turned to Kurama. "I don't think telling your father or Shu-Chan would be a good idea right now, if ever. I wish we could talk some more though, I'm sure there's a lot you haven't told me."

Hiei grunted. "Maybe next time, if you're ready, Kurama will tell you the really important things. Like saving you, winning the dark tournament and helping to create peace between the three worlds."

When Shiori's eyes grew big with excitement Kurama gave Hiei a little glare. "We'll see about that. There is still a lot more to tell though Mother. I know Father usually goes to Shu-Chan's game on Wednesdays. Why don't you come over about four? We'll have dinner and talk some more."

Shiori nodded then suddenly looked serious. "Shuuichi, have I really been close enough to your demon life that you've had to save me?"

When Kurama hesitated Hiei answered for him. "More than once Shiori. Believe me when I say Kurama loves you enough to risk anything to protect you."

Kurama was surprised when his mother giggled. "I know I should be shocked or even afraid but this is kind of exciting. I never realized how dull my life really was until I heard yours. I can't wait to hear more."

Amazed at his mother's ability to accept the things she'd heard Kurama just shook his head. He surprised her when he swept her into a big hug. "You are the most wonderful mother I could have ever asked for. I love you."

Thrilled with his unusually exuberant display of affection Shiori laughed and hugged him tight. "I love you too Son."

When he put her down Shiori turned to Hiei. "Now Hiei, since you and Shuuichi are mated that makes you one of my sons too. From now on I expect you to call me Mother."

Her words, though issued as an order, came from her heart making Hiei blush. "Yes Mother."

Kurama took his mate's hand as they went to the door. After kissing them both Shiori looked at them seriously. "I hope you boys are going home to talk. If you need anything just call, I can be there in ten minutes."

They promised to call if they needed her then waved goodbye. At first they didn't talk as they walked to their apartment. A few minutes later Kurama finally broke the silence. "Hiei, I hope Mother didn't embarrass you. If you're not comfortable calling her Mother I'm sure she'll understand."

Hiei was quiet for a minute before he answered. "Shiori is the closest thing I've ever had to a mother Kurama. No matter what we did over the years she has always treated me like one of her own children. I'm honored that she wants to be my mother."

Smiling at Hiei's words Kurama leaned over to kiss his cheek. The words he whispered in Hiei's ear caused the fire demon to blush again. "Welcome to the family Koi."

The rest of the walk home was spent in silence. When they entered the apartment Kurama went first to put his school things away. When he returned he found Hiei standing just inside the door where he'd left him. Not sure where they should start Kurama was about to suggest they sit when Hiei's stomach growled loudly. After a moment they both laughed.

Heading to the kitchen Kurama called to Hiei. "I guess that means we should have dinner before we talk. You at least had lunch with Yukina today. I don't remember eating anything however."

Following his mate Hiei hopped up to his usual spot on the far counter to watch Kurama cook. "I didn't eat with Yukina Fox. I spent the morning being lectured on honesty and how fragile our newfound relationship was."

Kurama couldn't help but chuckle at the embarrassment in Hiei's voice. "I guess we can skip that part of our talk then. Since I know we both missed breakfast I'll make chicken and rice. That should fill us up."

The conversation lulled as Kurama grilled chicken and cut vegetables before adding rice and allowing it all to simmer. Deciding it might be a good way to get on Kurama's good side Hiei hopped down and began setting the table. When he was done Hiei noticed Kurama's distracted expression and realized he hadn't noticed Hiei's effort. "Kurama?"

Shaking his head to clear it Kurama looked at Hiei. "Sorry Hiei. I was just thinking about Mother's reaction today. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine she would be happy to find out we were demons."

As Kurama served the food Hiei poured them each a glass of wine. "She's surprised you before Fox. As I recall she wasn't upset that you chose a male lover over a female."

Remembering that conversation with Shiori Kurama laughed. "I never told you what she said when I told her I already had a man in mind. She said she 'hoped it was that adorable Hiei'. When I told her I'd love that but that I didn't think you'd be receptive of my advances she asked if I'd ever seen the way you look at me. She said that I was already in your heart."

Reaching out Hiei squeezed Kurama's hand. "She was right. You've been creeping into my heart since the day we met Fox."

Kurama smiled. "It was the same for me Hiei."

As they ate they talked more about Shiori and what they should tell her on Wednesday. After they'd cleaned up they sat together on the sofa. They sat cross legged facing each other. Wanting a connection with his mate Kurama reached out for Hiei's hands before he spoke. "I want you to know I'm not mad Hiei. While I sat on Mother's porch thinking, I realized the reason I was so upset was that I was hurt. You said you trusted me but then you didn't tell me that the bond was strong enough for us to be apart. It felt like you didn't trust me enough to let go of my leash even for a little while."

Shaking his head Hiei's thumbs stroked the backs of Kurama's hands. "You have it all wrong Kurama. It wasn't that I didn't trust you to be away from me, it was that I didn't want you to be away from me. Every time you check to see how far the bond will let you go it feels like you're trying to escape from me."

Kurama laughed. "Escape? Not a chance. I wish the bond could always keep us together. It's you I'm worried about Hiei. I don't want you to feel trapped. I know how much you hate it here. As much as I don't want you to leave me I know you'd be happier if you could go to Makai during the week."

Green eyes widened when Hiei growled. "There is no way I'm going to be away from you that long unless I'm forced to Kurama."

Leaning forward Kurama threw his arms around Hiei and kissed him. Only when they needed air did Kurama tuck his face into Hiei's neck. Kurama almost giggled at the words Hiei whispered in his ear. "Is this when we get the great makeup sex Fox?"

Sitting back Kurama began unbuttoning his shirt. "Yes Koi, this is exactly the right time for makeup sex."

Hiei licked his lips as his gaze traveled down Kurama's now bare chest. At the fire demons next words Kurama's body was instantly hard. "Good because I owe you for that wicked plant you used on me. Now strip!"

Kurama's body shivered with excitement as he removed his clothes. Hiei however removed only his shirt then sat watching his lover. When Kurama knelt before him naked Hiei's gaze once again traveled the redhead's body. "You mentioned toys not long ago. I'm guessing you meant sex toys. Get them!"

Some time later Kurama lay sated in Hiei's arms. Hiei had never seen some of the things in Kurama's toy box but if his lover's reaction to the few they tried tonight were any indication of the pleasure they could have he intended to play with them often. Holding Kurama close Hiei stroked his hair. "Kurama, are you alright? I didn't go too far did I?"

Against his shoulder Hiei felt Kurama smile. "Damn, I thought I was the master of sex play. I think you just stole my crown. So many times I stroked myself imagining it was your mouth. Then I'd add the vibrator fantasizing about you taking me. As a true master of sex play you just brought my favorite fantasy to life. Thank you Hiei."

Kurama's even breathing indicated that if he wasn't already asleep, he was about to be. Hiei pulled the covers over them and held him even closer. "It was my pleasure Kurama."

Daydreaming out the window Kurama wondered why he'd even bothered coming to class. Somehow he'd managed to make it through all of his classes but for the life of him he couldn't remember learning a thing. As the clock ticked down the last minutes Kurama once again scanned the trees in the quad for his mate. Disappointed he gathered his things.

As he made his way from the building a tug on his sleeve caught his attention. Turning he saw Maya grinning at him. "Shuuichi, didn't you hear me calling? You seem distracted. Is some thing wrong?"

Kurama shrugged and shook his head. "I'm sorry Maya. Maybe I am distracted today. Hiei's gone on business and I guess I just miss him."

Looking passed his shoulder Maya grinned. "Looks like he's back."

Red hair flew as Kurama whipped his head around to see Hiei waiting for him in the grass. Dropping his bag Kurama vaulted down the steps and ran to Hiei. Not caring who saw he threw himself at Hiei. The fire demon was almost knocked from his feet as he was pounced by his mate. Opening his mouth to scold Kurama Hiei found his lips claimed in a passionate kiss.

Everything else was forgotten as the lovers kissed. They only remembered where they were when they heard giggling. Reluctantly releasing Hiei's mouth Kurama blushed when he turned to see Maya and her friends watching with big grins on their faces. "Hiei's a lucky man. I wish my boyfriend greeted me like that."

When Maya held out his book bag Kurama was forced to take one arm from around Hiei to retrieve it. "Thank you. If you will excuse us we're anxious to get home."

Amid choruses of "I'll bet" and "I would be too" Kurama waved to his friends as he led Hiei away.

When they left the university campus Kurama removed his arm from around Hiei. At the loss of his mate's touch Hiei growled. "This is one of the reasons we belong in Makai and not here Fox. You wouldn't have let me go at home."

Kurama couldn't meet Hiei's eyes. "I know Koi, but it's only for a while."

Shoving his hands in his cloak Hiei grunted. "Hn. The problem is, we disagree on how long 'a while' is."

The rest of the walk home was spent in silence. When they entered the apartment Kurama once again dropped his bag to take Hiei in his arms. "I missed you so much Hiei. This has felt like the longest day of my life."

With a smirk Hiei pushed Kurama down on the sofa then sat on his lap. "It has been for me too Fox. I can't believe that bitch made me stay an extra day since we were a day late getting there."

Pulling Hiei against him Kurama settled back on the sofa. "As much as I don't like skipping class I wish I had stayed with you instead of coming back last night. I spent a miserable night alone in our bed and I couldn't concentrate in class because I kept looking for you. I didn't realize the bond would make me feel so lost without you."

Cuddled against Kurama Hiei sighed contentedly. "I didn't get much accomplished either. I'm pretty sure when the bond gets stronger we won't notice it so much. It doesn't matter though, next time I'm telling Mukuro to go to hell. Unless it's absolutely necessary I won't be separated from you again."

Leaning down Kurama kissed Hiei. When the redhead picked him up Hiei wrapped his arms around Kurama's neck. Hiei was about to find out that welcome home sex was just as good as makeup sex.