Warnings:
1, This story is yaoi – Youko Kurama x Hiei
2, The strange behaviour of characters is a part of the plot. The characters may reflect upon it sooner or later; or there will be hints throughout the story explaining what caused them to behave the way they did. In any case; to play safe, I better switch to OOC mode.

Standard disclaimer applied. Go to my profile.

AN: I have probably dug my grave with this chapter. But I was having so much fun writing it like this! Maybe Ill be forgiven. Who knows...-
Mari

Makai Rumours

2 Life Is A Bitch

It was there.
It perceived the void.
There wasnt any sense of self-awareness or time; just a queer feeling of lost, not awaken possibilities. Being there, it perceived the blackness. No one knows for how long.

It caught a sight of something dissimilar to the space around. Like a choppy pond, the nothingness rippled, eliciting wavelets and currents. And instead of a thrown stone, there were two golden points defying the void.
It was mesmerized. In an instant, it focused its concentration on these dots. It felt like coming nearer and the nearer it was, the warmer it felt. It was content, for the first time in its existence, without even realizing it.

A strong pain pierced its body; and it was the first time it was aware of its own form. And the two points were still there, staring. A flow of bizarre but somehow familiar pictures filled its mind – its memory was fumbling for the rightful owner. The pain grew unbearable. But as he, since it was male, concentrated once again on the strange points, the hurting seemed to cease.
And he was stunned, for never in his life had he savoured so much gentleness, care and concern for him. And he was stunned, for never in his life had he seen such captivating golden eyes. He desired to merge with the being these eyes belonged to; so he could touch and taste that tender soul forever. Then the darkness overtook him again.

--------------------

Hiei was awake; but he did not like the crawling numbness he was feeling. He was not able to open his eyes or move; so he concluded that hed been captured and tied.

"You bastards," the fire demon growled, "What do you want? Who are you?"

"What an unfriendly and fractious mood have you got, kid! Or is it a part of your nature?"

Hiei scowled: 'The voice…' "Kuronue…?"

"Yeah kid, youve got it. Im happy you pulled through."

"Why have you tied me? What have you done to my eyes?"

"Nothing Hiei, and you are not tied. It may be painful at first, but take a look yourself." Kuro chuckled.

"Whats so funny?" Hiei felt more than irritated.

"You, of course," came the thiefs answer.

The fire demon got incensed. He forced his eyes open in one of his often-shown and perfectly functioning glares and was staring at the near by sitting chimera who was giving him an amused, wide smile.

"Dammit; why are you grinning at me like an idiot?"

"Well kid, its not just you being funny; its the whole arrangement." Kuronue pointed his finger at Hieis body with a loud laugh.

As Hieis gaze was travelling down his own frame, his eyes reflected changes of several emotions ranging from surprise to utter horror: "What the hell is this?!" There was a hint of panic in his voice.

"Meet Youko Kurama, kid. You know, you should be more careful about who you choose to sleep with; you should at least make an effort to learn their names. I would have bet you had good manners; guess I was wrong."

Hieis face seem to lose all the blood. Kurama was lying on side, with his right palm rested on Hieis chest. The silver-white tail was tightly wrapped around the smaller demons waist, and one of the kitsunes legs was entangled in the fire youkais.

"Move him. Now!"

"You see, now he is willing to share your bed too!"

Kuronue guffawed, but stopped as soon as he noticed the expression in the hiyoukais eyes.

"You really mean it, dont you?" Kuro shook his head, sighed and stood up to move Kurama. The thief had never seen reaction like this while being Kuramas partner. Everybody else would die of bliss to wake up and see the Makais most famous youko sleeping in such a protective position. The puzzled chimera mused upon what might have happened to the young youkai to make him distaste closeness so much, but he forced himself to stop thinking about it. Kuronue had never felt pleasure from the misfortune of others; 'and it wasnt a pleasant thing for sure, what happened to Hiei.' He thought. Life in Makai could be such a bitch sometimes…

Kuro decided to stare at Kuramas frame instead of Hiei: "You must have had a lonely life, kid."

Now it was Hieis turn to look confused: "At least Im still having a life to live," he said as a light smug smile appeared, bareing his fangs:"That cant be said about those idiots who picked a fight by approaching me. Except Mukuro, that is."

"You fought with Mukuro and are still alive?! Hiei, you…"

Kuronues voice trailed off as he finally realized who was lying in front of him.

"You are THAT Hiei?! Hiei in Mukuros service and Makais youngest general?" Kuros expression gave away his daze, as he tried to digest the piece of information.

'So much to the plan,' thought Hiei wryly. 'That should teach me to keep my trap shut when my brain isnt in its place. If Kurama recognized me…to hell with this stupid mission!'

"Hiei, I dont understand anything anymore. Why did you save me? And why in Inaris name were you interested in my relation to Kurama?" Kuronue was trying hard to make sense of it.

Then it struck him. He remembered the successful heist to Mukuros vault. It must had been a part of some plan…"I suppose youre after us because of the jewels weve stolen from your lords castle, but-"

"Thats none of your damned business! And could you already move your ass and put that furry lover of yours aside? I wanna be able to move NOW."

At that moment, the thief didnt know whether to feel embarrased, confused or amused: "Ive got a lover, but she is certainly not Kurama. You know kid; the fox is very grateful you saved me. He fell asleep while giving you energy. This is a protective position he is sleeping in; he doesn't need to take advantages like this. If you know what I mean, that is."

Kuronue started to disentangle Kuramas limbs from the fuming fire demon. He made quite a progress with freeing Hieis legs, but the tail and the hand were a story of their own. Still, it took him longer than it should, and the poor fire youkai lost his patience:"Wake up you stupid fluffy-tailed hentai fake of a demon! GET OFF OF ME!"

Thanks to the commotion, Kurama began to stir. As more similar things were shouted, Kurama opened his eyes to look at the source of the fuss. Hiei had already closed his eyes to prepare a trademark death-glare and took a deep breath in order to communicate some thoughts straight from his rightfully annoyed mind to the half-sleeping kitsune…

…and the next second, he was looking into the strangely familiar amber eyes.

Feelings of gentleness and care hit him in a wave; for the second time that day. With threats and curse words strangely forgotten, Hiei felt suddenly peaceful.

On the other hand, Kurama felt everything but peaceful. He was staring into the fiery red eyes of the person he was trying to heal. Unlike Kuronue whose senses and mind simply shut down when the enigmatic attack hit him and opened when he was given youki and in safety again; this little demons mind functioned differently. The powerful technique had sucked his energy and his consciousness could not operate his body anymore – the two systems were almost completely separated when Kurama got to him. It was necessary to channel youki into him as well as to make a beacon to enable his severed consciousness find its way back.

Kurama succeeded in restoring the youkais awareness; but was shaken by the reaction of his own mind. A strong link had been created and that made the youko feel… trapped and bound; the injured demon could read him, see through him and feel his emotions. But at the very instant as he opened his mind in attempt to help the stranger; the unconsciouss youkais emotions flooded him as well. At first there had been emptyness; then curiosity and interest. Then he had felt a wave of the demons pain but it was soon replaced by gratefulness and…'Oh Sweet Inari!'

As the recollection of the last emotion he felt during the connection became clear, Kurama was looking at Hiei in utter shock.

But the injured demon seemed to be surprised as well; he kept staring at Kurama like he would have all the time of the world for just that.

In order to calm himself down a little, the youko took his time to check on the smaller youkai and to study his features thoroughly. He hadnt had the time for that before; he barely kept them all alive.

The demon had almond-shaped red eyes and a third eye on his forehead. Kurama would have bet it was a jagan and not the natural one. Black hair with a streak of white framed still somewhat paler face. The young demon was definitely not as tall as Kurama, but they were still lying, so he couldnt tell exactly. A good sign was that his temperature seemed to rise. His face gave away enervation, but his expression was completely focused on Kurama; even if dazed, he was alive, safe and sound.

The silver fox thief became suddenly aware of his surroundings. He withdrew his tail and hand from Hiei as if burnt, sat up and addressed Kuronue:

"How long…?" His voice sounded too weak to his own ears; he wasnt even able to continue the question. It didnt matter anyway, because his black-winged partner understood immediately:

"Almost four hours," came Kuros reply. "You have depleted your youki. Rest a bit."

Kurama slowly nodded and looked at Hiei, forcing more strenght to his voice: "You were in a desperate need of youki. As you probably know, the strongest energy flow can be achieved by placing hands on the core of an injured demon. That was the reason I was touching you. Im sorry."

The youko didnt exactly know why he apologized; but somewhere deep inside, he felt turmoil of sensations that urged him to do so.

'Maybe there is some lingering mind link or something similar…' Foxs feeling of uneasiness was growing immensely. It was like the demon could sense his healers true self; and for Kurama, who loved spreading rumours to mystify his personality, it was…disturbing.
Without any reason, Kurama was about to think he was a real goof; getting himself trapped in a link like that so easily.

The black-haired thief was watching the scene unfolding in front of him, yet couldnt believe his own eyes. Something was happening with his partner; he had never experienced him unconfident like this. 'To heal us both must have been quite challenging, I guess. And the kids reactions are a bit funny as well…'
Instead of worthless musing, he decided to fill the probable information gaps, to help the situation progress farther. And with Hiei looking at Kurama like that, he had got the feeling it was going to be very, very interesting.

"Kurama, this is Hiei, Mukuros general. I met him yesterday in that stupid tavern. He wanted to make a kind of aaa…deal," he gave Hiei a wink, "but then the dolts came and we had to flee. I remember something tried to take my youki and I fell down; then I sensed Hiei coming back for me. When I came to, I was on the ground within your energy shield and you were trying to get the kid inside."

Hiei managed to get his stare off Kurama when the chimera started to speak; only to shoot an exasperated glimpse at him:

"It seemed like they targeted me or the bat. Im not sure, coz there was probably nobody who would teach THIS FLY how to flee." Hiei used an utterly insulting tone, hoping it was enough to divert thievesattention from how helpless he in reality was.

Kuronue however didnt seem to be offended: "Why, Hiei, you were soooo amusing, back in that inn; and I wanted to hear more about that deal. I could not part ways." Kuro was obviously content to make fun of his savior instead of giving him praises.

"Hn. Im starting to think that everything you can do is grinning like an idiot." With that the irritated fire demon turned to Kurama: "Honestly, Kurama. Is he your jester? I dont understand why you keep him. If he was mine, Id kill him for being such a poor fool. It would be a good deed for worlds sake."

Kuramas lips twitched in a fraction of a smile: "He is playing a fool sometimes, I agree. But he knows me. And I do trust him. Therefore, I will not allow you to kill him - surely not after you saved him."

The foxs expression turned serious again. "Hiei, I dont know what your intentions were, but you saved my best friend. Im in your debt." Now it was Kuramas turn to regard Hiei intently.

The young demon looked at him in puzzlement. "You could have left me die out there, but you havent. I know nothing about your intentions either, but I think there are no debts between us."

Hiei appeared not to notice, but this simple sentence caused Kurama hard times to hold back a heaving wave of something terribly close to respect.

--------------------

As Kuronue and Hiei, whose muscles finally appeared to be freed from the numbness, were gathering the scraps of events from the previous evening to figure out something about the new and perhaps common enemy; the kitsune turned unusually silent. He was sure he had heard Hieis voice before; but he was also sure he hadnt met him. Thus, he began gleaning the pieces of what he knew:

'Kuro said Hiei wanted to make a deal with him. What could a general working for Mukuro need? Mukuro…there were those three jewels we stole two months ago...Could it be possible the mind link in tavern...the voice said we have stolen something and he wanted it back…the jewels. The voice also said he was bound to obey just one person. It could be Hiei, he follows Mukuros orders.'

'He also said he didnt want to harm us, just to challenge me, to get those things back. I refused; so he probably needed Kuro to get closer to us. They were probably talking about the deal when the attackers came, thats why they were escaping together. Saving Kuro was Hieis purpose; his opportunity to get closer to the jewels...'

Kuramas eyes narrowed in anger, as he imagined Hiei paying some filthy youkais to mount the attack that destroyed a part of his favourite forest and cost him his entire youki due to attempt to make a big-enough barrier, and heal Kuro and his rescuer…

'Now hold a second, youko. His injury isnt a fake. And there is no way he could have known about me being able to create a barrier. This is becoming too knotty…'he told to himself, as he was trying to understand why he didnt believe Hiei would plan it.

Kurama remembered their mind-to-mind talk and how different it felt; and he suddenly knew why. He was able to sense the demons emotions along with hearing his thoughts. It had happened to him never before; and he could just guess the reason. 'Maybe its his jagan. Or maybe hes an empath. Those could be the reasons to explain the strength of the link I created to heal him as well. And why it still feels like we were connected.'

At that moment, the thief understood there were not many possibilities left. It felt natural to save the unknown demon after he saved Kuro. But he didnt count on the fact that his own spirit would open up so easily while healing the young apparition. Now, he knew Hiei was after the stolen items, but the situation made his survival dependent on thieves will. In return, Kurama was fighting back the unfounded feelings of trust and respect which had rooted and were growing inside of him in result of the connection. It was a mess.

"Drop it Kuro. Hiei listens to only one person, and you are not the person," Kurama told absentmindedly, when he became distantly aware of the arguing voices in the background. He wished they would be quiet at least for a minute. He let out a deep sigh; still musing upon above-mentioned thoughts.
Thus, he didnt notice the dumbfounded looks his companions gave him:

"Kurama, what have you just said?"

"What?" Kurama, still deep in thought, didnt pay much attention. "Why?"

"Kurama, how do you know that? You dont know each other, do you?" Kuronue remembered he had to introduce them just a little while ago. So if they did not know each other…It felt like being a victim of a conspiracy. "What the hell is going on here? Whats wrong with the two of you?" His eyes skipped from Kurama to Hiei and back.

"Calm down, Kuro. Nothings wrong. It was just a conclusion of mine. As you said; Hiei is Mukuros general. He is used to obey Mukuro, but its him who gives orders to everybody else. So why do you think he would make an exception for you?"

"…"

This explanation might have been enough for Kuronue, but Hiei was not fooled at all. These were almost the same words he used yesterday in the telepathic talk to Kurama. He knew Kurama recognized him; he used the words to let him know without arousing Kuronues attention.

'This is exactly what Ive been waiting for. It cant be more perfect.' He thought sarcastically. He was opened to suggestions from any deity willing to help him get out of the messy course of events. 'My life is such a bitch!' He frowned, wondering how his mission could turn out like this.

"All right, Im gonna get something to eat." Kurama stood up, feeling still a little dizzy. "Dont kill each other; wait with the fun until Im back!" he told them with a wink before he walked out of the den, leaving amazed Kuro and sulking Hiei alone.

He needed to think in silence.
However, he didnt walk further than ten steps, when Kuronue came after him.

"Wait, Kurama, we need to talk."
"What do you wish to talk about?" Kurama stopped walking.
"You are acting differently. Whats bothering you? And dont lie its nothing, because I know that face youre making." Kuronue put his arm around his partners shoulders.
"Observant as ever..." Kurama gave him a strained smile. He wished to avoid speaking about the assault, the jewels and all the way too disturbing things he was sensing.
"Oh cmon, dont change topic. I think its the kids presence what makes you so scared. I can tie him up for you, if thats what you want." Kuro grinned.
"I would be glad if that helped to solve any of my problems."
"Then, whats up?"
"I wish I knew. Its …" Kurama quivered, for the unease was slowly creeping back to his system. In order to evade speaking about Hiei, he decided to tell Kuro about premonitions he had been experiencing for several months. "…Its like a foreboding. Ive been sensing it for some time now. I think my lifes about to meet some sweeping changes."

Kuro was never one to underestimate Kuramas intuition; if he did, he would be dead on more than one occasion.
"What do you mean with 'sweeping changes'?"
"I dont know. Something is changing. I can smell it. And its not only due to your contemplations about changing your life."

Kurama then finally resolved to utter his most unnerving thoughts concerning the small demon: "When I was healing Hiei, there was a need to establish a mind-to-mind connection to lead his consciousness back. I knew what I felt. It awakened a part of me that should be left dormant. What I was feeling was very near to anxiety. I dont like to be trapped like that. I really dont."

Kuronue shot him a worried look. His partner had never been this gloomy. He wasnt sure what to say, he didnt have the slightest idea what that meant. Or why was Kurama rambling in confusion about the healing connection with that injured youth.

Even though that brat lying in their den was powerful, he -in his current condition- was much weaker than the thieves. Kurama could take care of him anytime he turned nasty. However, when Kuro remembered how Hieis expression changed when he looked Kurama in the eye and how nervous his partner turned while being regarded…He smiled, thinking how similar it was to the first time when he met Luan.

He might not know how to help Kurama fight against his own shadows; but he was sure about one thing: as long as this Hiei was around, the fox could experience some exciting surprises. And not necessarily unpleasant ones.

"I know whats happening. I saw how you were looking at each other."

"What? What in Inaris name are you talking about?" Kuramas stare was still unfocused and full of doubts.

"You fell in love with that kid…uh, sorry, general Hiei, am I right?"

"He was right; you are a pathetic fool. You know as well as I do that my kind never falls in love like this. "

"How do you know? You would not recognize it even if it happened. What you experience day after day is mere lust, not love."

Kuro was content. Kurama seemed to let out all his anxiety in attempt to prove him wrong.

"Kuro, this is bizarre. Ive made myself the most desired demon of Makai, so I think I should be able to recognize the emotions I arouse. Its me whos playing with them, remember? Hence, its me who manipulates the others. I dont need you to tell me the differences."

"Of course you dont. So, what are you gonna do now? I mean- being in love for the first time in life can be confusing…"

"I am not in love."

Kuronue slapped Kuramas back: "But of course, Im so stupid. In your case, love is not needed. Dont worry Kurama, Im gonna see Luan now; I have to arrange a couple of things. The den is yours for tonight. Just please, let the kid rest a bit. You know, he has been injured." Kuronue gave his partner a sly smile and a mischievous wink.

In return, Kurama gave him an angry glare of such intensity that it would have made even Hiei proud of him; had he seen it. But the fire demon could not see it; he was resting on a branch of a near-by tree above the thieves; eavesdropping. He had missed the first sentences of their dialogue when he was lying in the den, so he quickly decided he needed fresh air. Thus, he heard every single taunt. And believe it or not, even an anti-social demon like Hiei understood what Kuronue meant.

"Why are you so frustrated when we - the easy-manipulated and helpless Makai demons are treating you according to the gossips? Its not me who is spreading the rumours about you being a sex-obsessed maniac, remember?"

Kuro was looking at Kurama with a challenging look. His teasing stopped being teasing but none of them wanted to admit it.

"Dont be stupid, you know the truth. Why would you want to act like you didnt know the difference?"

"Because, my dear friend, this happens when you are spreading lies. Soon, there is nobody to tell it apart. And soon there will be nobody willing to know the real you."

"And what about you?" Kurama looked totally perplexed.

"I dont wanna stay your backup forever. This is the right time for me to move on."

"This is ridiculous. YOU are ridiculous. Youve never spoken about 'moving on'. Whats that supposed to mean? Having a mate to tie you down; and a litter of cubs?" Anger was welling up in Kurama. But he was not the only one.

Kuronue gritted his teeth in a fit of pique; he didnt want to make the bad situation worse and offend Kurama, but he was seriously considering it.

"Kurama, the only one whos trying to tie me down is you, not Luan. Im not your child. Nor am I your mate. And Im not asking your permission to quit being a thief. I had told you about it in order to give you time to figure things out. And I had told you to quit that stupid rumour-nonsense. Itll be very difficult for you to find a trustworthy partner; if not impossible!"

"It wouldnt be necessary if you came to your senses! But I tell you what will happen. After a while of boring life, youll come back and beg me to take you back."

While stalking them, Hiei had never heard what they were talking about. He could just watch them without approaching, usually with jagan; otherwise the thieves would sense him.

Now he realized how wrong he was. He had mistaken Kuros quite physical way of interaction for making advances to his partner. And what made Kurama uneasy were Kuronues hints on splitting up.

Hiei understood they might have known and trusted each other for decades, yet their friendship was on decline.

He snorted. He had never let a person get close to him like they were, so he had never had to care about diverging opinions and interests. If somebody opposed, he didnt care; and when they were too persistent or demanding, it was easier to do away with them. Otherwise he would never have his peace.

"All right. Todays heist had to be cancelled. But the next heist we do is my last; so plan it carefully." Kuronue started to walk away.

"This is not the best time for trysts! Its a long way to go; not to speak about that a little too close encounter with death you experienced yesterday! The danger-" Kurama was cut off with the black-winged thiefs loss of patience.

"Ive already told you; Im not your kit! Think about a scheme worth your reputation and take good care of the kid; provided you decide not to kill him." With that very last sentence Kuronue left.

Kurama closed his eyes and took a series of deep breaths. Above all the nagging thoughts whirling through his head, there was one standing out: 'As much as I enjoy my life; it can be such a bitch at times!'

End of chapter 2

AN: Honestly, it would be a miracle if this chapter was flawless (this is the first attempt in my life to write a story; and its not even my mother tongue), but I think it worked the way I needed. I can only hope you were having as much fun reading it as I was while writing it.But if I succeeded to make you curious about what will happen next, I can tell just one thing. Next time, Ill be playful. And Ill make them blush - Bye, Mari