Sorry again for the long update time. I've been super busy with midterms rolling around and everything. As promised Hiei goes to Makai in this chapter (about time, I know!). Also, the new characters in this chapter are Mukuro (obviously) and Koenma. Just a warning: I am not a fan of Mukuro's character at all so she will come off as a bit of a bitch in this story. I apologize if you like her. Alright, well enough of that...on with the chapter!

WARNINGS: Sexual content (Hiei has some fun time in Kurama's shower)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of its characters.

Hiei stood in the shower. He had made the decision; today was the day he would leave for Makai. He had waited long enough, it was time. Truthfully, he didn't even want to leave Ningenkai. In the past he had always been so relieved to be leaving the humans and returning to the demon world where he belonged. But now things were different, over the past few weeks the human world had become a sort of home for him, a part of him felt as though he now belonged there. All of him knew he belonged with Kurama. His bare cock twitched at the thought of his lover. Another reason he knew it was time to go. It was becoming exceedingly difficult to spend time with the fox without imagining fucking him. In the beginning he had retreated from the fox's bed to follow Shiori's orders, but now he had to for fear that he would lose his senses and give in to his demonic desires. Even now as he bathed, preparing himself for his arrival in Makai, thoughts of Kurama consumed him. He tried to focus his thoughts on what he planned to say to Mukuro, how he would convince her to grant his request, but as the water rushed over his taut skin, making him ever aware of his body, he couldn't help but think what the fox would look like in the same situation. Covered and slick with the warm water, his vibrant red hair clinging to his moist flesh. Hiei shook his head trying to push the image from his mind. He ran his soapy hands over his body trying to clean himself quickly so he could get on with his day. The nerves throughout his body were on high alert. They had been for days. He had to get out of this house, away from Kurama. Another involuntary twitch in his groin. He closed his eyes and breathed slowly. He had to stop thinking about him or he would drive himself mad.

His hands worked their way over his abdomen then down to his cock which had grown hard from thoughts of his love. He hesitated for a moment before brushing a soap covered hand over the sensitive flesh. He shuddered. With just one touch his body was electrified. His mind immediately filled with images of Kurama. Images he had so desperately tried to keep away. Those green eyes staring at him full of lust, begging the fire demon to stop resisting his urges and just take him. Hiei's hand began pumping violently at his erection. He had tried so hard to avoid these feelings, but he couldn't anymore. As his free hand grasped at the wet shower wall he imagined how it would feel to dig his fingers into the flesh of the redhead's hip as he bent him over. The imaginary fox gave a breathless moan as Hiei clawed at him. His grip on his erection tightened as he pictured himself thrusting into the tight warmth of the fox's virgin hole. He palmed his cock harder at the cries he could practically hear pouring from Kurama's throat.

"Kurama…" Hiei moaned quietly. He bit his lower lip, not wanting his fiancé or any of his family to hear him. Not wanting anyone to know the act he had given himself over to in their shower. His head fell backward as his thoughts intensified along with the force with which he pumped himself. He knew that when he finally had Kurama he couldn't fuck him like this, couldn't pound himself into him as hard as he pleased. Kurama had said that it would be painful for him the first time, but in Hiei's mind there was nothing but pleasure for the fox as he rammed into him. He could feel his orgasm building within him as he imagined Kurama grinding harshly against him and screaming his name. Even though it was only in his mind the sound of his lover crying out was the most erotic sound Hiei could imagine. His hand now clutched at the wall for balance as he struggled to stay standing as he jerked himself off. His legs were shaking as the image of him fucking the fox grew more vivid. Kurama begged him to go harder, as hard as he could and Hiei complied into his own hand, fisting the hard flesh with all his strength. He cried out as the orgasm rushed over him and his seed spilled over his hand.

He stood panting for a moment, trying to steady himself. When his body had calmed and the water had washed the evidence from his hand he stepped out of the shower. He looked at himself in the fogged mirror. His eyes were lazy, but he could see that his body was exhausted. All that pent up desire for Kurama had finally been released, but he knew it wouldn't hold him over for long. He had to go to Makai.

There was a knock at the bathroom door. "Hiei? Are you in there?"

Hiei instantly recognized the fox's voice. He wrapped a towel loosely around his waist as he opened the door. "Do you need something, Fox?" he asked. Kurama's eyes were magnetized to the sight in front of him. The fire demon's muscles were still covered with droplets of water and the slate towel was wrapped just above his privates leaving Kurama's mind to wander. "Fox, if you don't need anything I've just showered and I'm trying to get dressed."

"Well I wish you had told me you were going to shower," Kurama said leaning down to kiss the fire demon. "I would have offered to join you." The redhead's hand moved to Hiei's manhood. He pawed at it, but found that it did not respond to his touch. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Hiei said.

"Oh," Kurama's hand lingered for a moment trying to work Hiei to hardness, but found that it was useless. He moved into the bathroom and closed the door behind him. "My family's not home, we have the whole house to ourselves." Kurama spoke seductively before kissing his lover again.

Hiei opened his mouth accepting the kiss. As their tongues moved against each other Hiei pushed Kurama back against the door. They rarely had free reign of the house and were always confined to Kurama's bedroom. The fire demon's cock hardened at the thought of fucking Kurama all over his home. "Stop," Hiei said breaking the kiss.

"What's wrong?" Kurama asked. He didn't understand Hiei's behavior. First, nothing happened when he touched him and now he didn't want to kiss him or take advantage of his family's absence.

"I'm going to Makai today," Hiei said.

"Oh," Kurama said. He was confused. He had thought Hiei would want him more if he was leaving.

"I could use some time away," Hiei admitted.

"Time away?" Kurama repeated. Now he was concerned. After everything that had happened with Setsu he didn't want Hiei to withdraw from him. "Away from me?"

"I think the time apart would do us some good," Hiei said. The fire demon didn't look at his lover. He wasn't sure how to explain his desire to be away. He didn't want to admit to the thoughts that just moments ago had overtaken him.

"Hiei please," Kurama said. "I thought…if this has anything to do with Setsu...I thought we had talked about this."

"It's not about her," Hiei said. "I don't care about any of that."

"Then why do you want to leave me?" Kurama asked. "Is there something I've done?"

Hiei's eyes closed as he shook his head. He didn't want Kurama to take blame for this, didn't want him feeling guilty for something he hadn't done. "It's not you, Fox," Hiei said. "I just…I can't be around you." Hiei could feel the sadness of Kurama's eyes staring at him. The guilt he had been trying to avoid. "Believe me, Fox, you've done nothing wrong."

"Hiei, please…" Kurama's soft emerald eyes pleaded with the fire demon.

"I can't trust myself around you," Hiei said. "Every time I see you I imagine doing horrible things to you."

"Hiei…?" Kurama couldn't imagine what horrible acts Hiei could be referring to.

"I look at you or I touch you and I just want to throw you down and fuck you," Hiei admitted.

Kurama's cock throbbed at the thought of Hiei being so rough with him. Maybe they could use the time apart. "But Hiei, I've told you that it is the same for me," Kurama said. "You don't think when we touch I immediately wish you were buried deep inside of me?"

"It's not the same," Hiei said. "If you falter it will have been your choice to break your vow, but if I am the one to slip then I will have forcibly taken a gift you were not yet ready to give. I can't do that to you, Fox. I won't."

Kurama could see the struggle in Hiei's ruby eyes. He could see that Hiei didn't want to hurt him, but that he wasn't sure he would be able to fight it if the urge took him over. "I know you would never do anything to hurt me, Hiei," Kurama said gently. "If you think that going to Makai will help you keep your desires at bay then I support you. You know I've wanted you to go since you first proposed."

Hiei nodded. "I love you, Fox," he said. "I'm sorry I can't be stronger with this."

"You're plenty strong, Hiei," Kurama said. "You're just used to being able to take what you want when you want it. I've kept you waiting for quite some time. Longer than I'm sure you would have liked."

"I will wait as long as you want," Hiei said. "That's why I have to leave. I don't want to do anything to damage you."

Kurama smiled, unsure if Hiei was referring to physical or emotional damage. "Do you think she'll keep you very long?"

"I'm sure she'll keep me longer than necessary," Hiei said. "Mukuro's quite fond of playing games with me." Kurama scoffed. He knew all too well the type of games Mukuro would have liked to play with the fire demon, knew that she desperately wanted him for herself. "But know that however long it takes, I will come back to you. Regardless of her answer."

"I know," Kurama nodded. "You're leaving right away?"

"Yes," Hiei said. "I was just getting ready." He pulled the towel from his hips and proceeded to pat away the few remaining drops of water.

Kurama stared in awe at his lover's naked body. No matter how many times he saw him he was always equally aroused at the sight. "I wish you could stay for a while," Kurama said more seductively than he had intended. His cock ached in his pants as he wished that he could allow Hiei to take him then and there.

"You know I can't," Hiei said. His own member had recovered to full responsiveness again and stood fully erect. "As much as I'd like to." Their eyes locked onto each other for a silent moment before Hiei pushed Kurama against the door once more in a rough kiss. The redhead moaned against Hiei's mouth as the fire demon gripped tightly at his hips rubbing their hard cocks against each other. Hiei knew he shouldn't be doing this, knew that the way his mind was spinning things could easily get out of hand, but he kissed and grinded against the fox anyway and Kurama definitely wasn't complaining.

"Oh, Hiei…" Kurama moaned reaching between them to grab Hiei's erection firmly eliciting a sensual growl from the dark haired demon. Kurama pumped strongly at the hard flesh in his hand and watched as Hiei's eyes filled with desire. "So sure you have to leave right now?"

"Fox, I…" Hiei started.

"Shuichi!" they heard Kurama's mother call from the front of the house.

Kurama sighed. "You're in luck Hiei," he released the smaller man's erection. "My mother's home."

"Shuichi, you have a visitor," Shiori called again.

"Are you expecting someone?" Hiei asked.

"Probably just Kayko eager to get some more planning done," Kurama said. "Still, I should go."

"I won't be leaving through the door," Hiei said. "I don't want to have to say goodbye to your mother."

Kurama nodded. "I'll miss you," he said kissing his fiancé roughly one last time. "Goodbye." He opened the door to exit the bathroom.

"Goodbye," Hiei said as he watched Kurama leave and went back to preparing for the trip to Makai.

Kurama walked down the stairs and into his living room. "Mother, you said I had a visitor?" As he entered the room he saw his mother standing at the doorway with a young man. "Koenma?"

"Hello Shuichi," Koenma said. "How have you been? Your mother and I have just been discussing your upcoming nuptials."

"Yes, well we're very excited," Kurama said. "Mother, may Koenma and I speak alone? It's been so long since we've seen each other."

"Of course, dear," Shiori said. "It was lovely to meet you Mr. Koenma."

"You as well," Koenma said.

Shiori moved to leave them. "Oh, also Hiei won't be joining us for dinner tonight," Kurama said. "He has to go away for little while to get some things in order before the wedding. He's not quite sure yet when he'll return, but he asks that I apologize for his sudden absence." Shiori smiled and nodded before leaving.

"Well that was an excellent lie," Koenma said once Shiori was gone.

"It wasn't a lie," Kurama said. "Hiei has gone to Makai to tell Mukuro of our engagement."

"I'm afraid word has spread," Koenma said. "She's probably already heard it from someone else."

"Well good," Kurama said. "Then she'll be prepared for the news." Koenma said nothing. "Would you like to have a seat?" Kurama motioned to the couch. Koenma nodded before he and Kurama sat on the couch. "What did you come here for?"

"To ask you about the wedding," Koenma said. "Ever since Yusuke's been out of my control I've felt very out of the loop with the four of you. Having to watch you in secret from my office."

"I'm sorry," Kurama apologized. "You're more than welcome to attend. It's going to be a couple of months from now."

"I'm sure I can find a way to be there," Koenma said nonchalantly. "How has Hiei been fairing here in Ningenkai?"

"Very well," Kurama stated. "Surprisingly so."

"I'll say it's surprising," Koenma said. "It wasn't long ago that Hiei wanted to enslave and destroy the entire human race. Now he's living among them normally."

"Yes well those days are far behind him," Kurama said. "I dare to say he's even grown somewhat fond of the human world and a handful of the humans in it."

"You've had quite an effect on him," Koenma said. "You realize you're probably the best thing that ever happened to him. For his sake and your family's."

"I've hardly done anything," Kurama said. "Just shown him kindness and acceptance." Kurama thought of how simple this had truly been. How if someone had done this years earlier Hiei could have been very different, could have avoided years of suffering. It was sad that the fire demon had gone so long so full of anger and hatred before he found someone willing to love him.

"Well that was enough for him," Koenma said. "He's truly a changed man."

"Yes," Kurama said. "Well hopefully Mukuro believes I've been as important of an influence as you do."

"You don't think she'll take the news well?" Koenma asked.

"Please, you don't see the way she looks at him?" Kurama asked. "The way she talks to him? It would be clear to even the least clever of eyes that she's in love with him. Everything she does screams desperation."

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you're threatened by her," Koenma said.

Kurama scoffed before speaking proudly, "Threatened by what? Every night she spends dreaming that she could be with Hiei, he spends longing to be with me in my bed."

"I'm sorry, obviously you have no issues with her at all," Koenma said sarcastically.

"Oh I have my share of issues with her," Kurama admitted. "They just don't stem from jealousy. I know Hiei has no feelings for her, that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. What I don't know is what he'll do if she doesn't accept this. I don't expect she'll easily part with the dream that they can somehow be together."

"I don't see what it matters," Koenma said. "You two are consenting adults. Why's he even asking her? No one thought to ask me."

"Whether I like it or not Mukuro plays a crucial role in Hiei's life," Kurama said. "The two have a connection that I can't possibly deny."

"And that bothers you?" Koenma suggested.

"No," Kurama shook his head. "I'm glad Hiei has been able to forge a bond so strong with someone other than myself. Mukuro and he are far more alike than he and I. Hiei is constantly feeling guilty about his past, feeling as if it's something that no one could ever overlook, but with Mukuro that past doesn't matter. They've both been through terrible things and as a result have done things that most would see as unforgiveable."

"But you're not proud of your own past," Koenma said. "In your human life you've taken every possible step to change it."

"It's not the same," Kurama admitted. "My wrongful acts were born of boredom. Everything Mukuro and Hiei did they did out of necessity. Necessity to survive."

"So he's requesting her permission to marry you because of their friendship?" Koenma asked confused.

"Well although Hiei doesn't believe them to be friends, I'm sure that Hiei does feel a responsibility to let her know due to their alliance, but the main reason is that she controls his work schedule," Kurama explained. "Sometimes she'll have him working for a month and only allow him a day to see me before he has to leave again. It's a rather difficult way to live. Hiei seems to think that if we're married she'll honor the relationship and give him more time to spend with me."

"You don't think so?" Koenma asked.

"I can't be sure," Kurama said. Even Hiei wasn't absolutely sure. "I just can't help but feel it won't be as simple as Hiei expects it to be. She won't give him up that easily."

xxxxx

Hiei arrived at the gates of Mukuro's fortress. He had rushed to get there as fast as possible, but now as he stood before his goal he felt frozen. He had never quite prepared what he was going to say, but hoped that he would be able to get his point across to Mukuro and return home to Kurama as quickly as possible. He entered the fortress and walked down a long, dim hallway to Mukuro's chamber. As he arrived outside the door he hesitated again. It was important that he get this right. If she didn't agree to his terms he wasn't sure what he would do. Slowly, he pushed the door open.

"I was wondering when you'd return, Hiei," Mukuro said coolly facing in the opposite direction staring out her window. "I believe I said you could have a four day leave. It's been over three weeks."

"Yes, well…"

"What could have possibly taken you so long?" Mukuro turned to look at him. "Having a little bit of fun with your fox?"

"Actually, that's why I'm here," Hiei admitted. "You see Kurama and I…well…" He hadn't expected he would be so anxious. He always felt rather at ease when speaking to her. Not the way he felt when speaking with Kurama, but somehow he felt safe. "We're going to be married. The first night of my leave I proposed and, well obviously, he accepted."

"And now you've come to ask for my blessing?" Mukuro asked. "A little late for that isn't it Hiei?" Hiei was silent. "You see I know all about your proposal and I don't see how it concerns me. Though I do wish you had told me before you made such an, as you would say, foolish decision."

"There's nothing foolish about it," Hiei said defensively without thinking. "Anyway, I'm not here for your blessing. The wedding is happening; I just wanted to inform you that it means things will have to change for me here."

"Is that so?" Mukuro asked. "And what sort of changes do you propose?"

"Only that I be given more time of leave," Hiei said. "One night won't do."

"More time to spend with your fox," Mukuro said. "How adorable. Honestly, I was sure one night was all you needed to get it out of your system."

Hiei scowled. He wasn't going to talk about Kurama like that with her. Kurama was something just for him, something he didn't have to discuss or share with anyone. "Is my request granted or not?"

"I'm afraid I'll have to give it some thought, Hiei," Mukuro said. "You've missed a great deal of work and things have been rather hectic in your absence. I have several demons I need tracked down and you know you're the best for the job. I'll need you to return to your duties here for some time before I can make my decision."

"How long?" Hiei asked.

"As long as it takes for me to feel you've made up for going missing for so long," Mukuro said. "You're a very important member of my staff, Hiei. We've all missed you."

Hiei scoffed, he knew what she meant was that she had missed him. No one else on her staff cared one way or the other where Hiei had gone. "Can I at least send a messenger to inform Kurama that I'll have to stay here while you decide?" Hiei asked.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Mukuro said. "With your extended absence the entire staff's been working overtime. There's simply no way anyone could take the time to inform your fox. Besides, he's used to not knowing where you are, used to waiting indefinitely for your return to his human home."

Hiei's hands were balled into fists at his sides. He knew he couldn't take any action against Mukuro, but he found her to be infuriating at this moment. It was obvious that she was toying with him, as he had expected her to. "Well if I'm so desperately needed I'll begin my duties immediately."

"Excellent," Mukuro said. "The sooner you catch up on your work the sooner you can see your precious fox." Mukuro held out a piece of paper. "Here is your first assignment. A violent demon gone rogue, you'd know all about that. You are to track him down and return him to my fortress."

"Alive?" Hiei asked.

"If you choose," Mukuro said.

Hiei smiled accepting the paper from her hand. As much as he had enjoyed his time in Ningenkai with Kurama it was nice to be back in Makai working for Mukuro. He was glad to be back where he belonged, tracking demons. Able to freely use violence whenever he deemed necessary. He looked down at his assignment before his expression ceased to be so joyful. It was a rather difficult assignment, though he was sure it wouldn't take him more than a matter of days he knew that there were many more to follow. How long would it be before he could be back with Kurama? What if he didn't make it back in time for the wedding? He pushed the thought from his mind. There was nothing that would keep him from marrying the fox, whatever he had to do, whatever Mukuro asked of him, he would do it. He nodded at Mukuro before leaving her chamber and heading out to find the rogue demon, the first challenge that stood between him and Mukuro's decision.

So as expected Mukuro's playing games with our poor Hiei and you'll have to wait until the next chapter to get her decision. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Again I apologize for the long wait time and I promise I will try to be better for next time, but with how crazy school's been getting I can't make any guarantees. Please leave a review and let me know what you thought. Flames always welcome!