Frowning at the mirror, Hiei looked at his reflection and could hardly recognize himself. While he was still dressed in black and white from head to toe, the tuxedo he wore felt foreign, and his slicked-back hair looked strange. He ran his fingers through it, making it look more disheveled, but now he thought it looked like Yuusuke's.
"Kurama, remind me how the hell I got dragged into this?" Hiei asked, annoyed. Long, strong arms dressed in black surrounded Hiei's shoulders as slender hands approached Hiei's neck to fix his bowtie. Kurama's face appeared in the mirror a hair's width away from Hiei's, and his emerald eyes met Hiei's ruby-red gaze in the reflection.
"Because Yuusuke has asked us to be a part of his wedding, and we agreed because we are his friends," Kurama explained.
Hiei rolled his eyes. "Okay. That's your excuse. But you fail to answer my question. How the hell did I get dragged into this?" Hiei asked again.
"Because if you don't go," Kurama started, lowering his head toward Hiei's neck. He pulled down the collar of the suit and suckled Hiei's neck until he left a dark mark. Kurama placed a hand on Hiei's head, burying his fingers into the soft hair, and Hiei leaned in instinctively, exposing the flesh of his neck more openly. Kurama pulled away then, pulling the collar back up to hide the evidence, and went to Hiei's ear. "…I won't do what I promised later on." Kurama teased.
Hiei had closed his eyes, and his mouth was slightly agape. When he opened his eyes again, Kurama saw they were clouded with an almost animalistic lust. He couldn't help but smile smugly at this, always reveling in being able to elicit this sort of reaction from the small demon. Hiei's expression then changed to something akin to annoyance, surrendering to Kurama's reasoning. Kurama finished fixing Hiei's bowtie and un-wrapped his arms from around Hiei's shoulders, making sure to move slowly and deliberately, his fingers lingering at Hiei's neck, before turning his attention elsewhere. Hiei immediately turned around and caught Kurama's wrist.
"Indulge me now, and you can assure yourself I will attend," Hiei stated thoughtfully. The way he was feeling now, he would do anything for his fox if it meant that Kurama's hands wouldn't leave his skin.
Kurama looked at him and smiled. "We still have to finish getting ready, Hiei," Kurama argued as he gently pulled his wrist away.
"We have been fretting over ridiculous garments and hair for the past few hours! I am finished with these preparations!" Hiei complained in an exasperated tone. Truthfully, it only took Hiei about five minutes to put on the suit. After the two hours it took Kurama to get Hiei to stand still long enough to put it on, that is. Kurama, on the other hand, was a different story. He cared very much about his appearance, especially regarding formal events. "When does the damn thing start anyway?" Hiei asked, bothered that Kurama had denied him. He hated feeling pent up.
"In about forty-five minutes. The temple is only five minutes from Mother's house. We should be departing shortly." Kurama answered and coughed a bit. Hiei went to lie on the bed. Once situated, he crossed his legs at the ankles and put his arms behind his head, staring pointedly at Kurama. Kurama glanced at him and rushed to take him off the bed. "Hiei, what are you doing? You're going to wrinkle the suit!" Kurama exclaimed.
He approached Hiei and gently lifted him by his arm, pulling him up to stand. Hiei gave him a what-the-fuck-does-it-matter look and went to sulk in a shadowy corner of the room, sitting in a chair there instead. He continued to stare at Kurama with a fervor in his eyes. Their eyes met momentarily, and Kurama quickly turned and went to the bathroom, the hint of flushed cheeks barely visible. Hiei closed his eyes and tilted his head back, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
'So he isn't entirely unaffected after all.' He opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling, seemingly praying for mercy."How many times will you stare at yourself in that thing?" Hiei called out.
In reality, Kurama hadn't gone to check his reflection. He had just needed to escape Hiei's heated stare. Seeing that look on Hie's face was agonizing, sultry and wanting, and unable to act on it. He gripped the edges of the sink, breathing slowly and trying to calm himself. After a good five minutes, he exited the bathroom. "How about we go check on the girls downstairs?" Kurama suggested.
"Hn." Was all Hiei could answer as he followed Kurama outside of the room, standing close enough to touch. He looked down at Kurama's hands and flexed his own, suppressing the urge to reach out and caress the delicate fingertips. Any further contact would just make the urges more difficult to resist, and Kurama seemed intent on attending this ceremony without incident.
The downstairs of Kurama's mother's home was a myriad of high-pitched voices. Though she was unaware of all the supernatural aspects of Kurama's life, he kept her appraised with his personal one now that he lived separately. He had introduced her to his friends and involved her as much as possible. His stepfather was often away on business, and his younger brother was now constantly occupied with his various school activities and his own friends, so his mother was often alone. Having met Keiko, they became fast friends and occasionally went out together, so she was naturally also invited to the wedding. After discovering that the location was a very short distance from her home, Shiori offered to let the ladies spend the night before and get ready there, which Keiko gladly accepted.
Kurama had brought Hiei over earlier that morning to prepare them both, knowing that his younger brother's smaller stature would be about the right size for Hiei. He was close about the length but didn't consider how much more muscular Hiei was. The formal suit ended up being a bit tight on him, which Hiei complained restricted his movement. Kurama, on the other hand, thought it was perfect. The clothes hugged every curve just right, looking like he would rip through the fabric if he flexed enough. Kurama was somewhat glad that Hiei had fallen into step behind him; otherwise, it would have been very obvious to anyone who saw him how intensely he devoured Hiei with his gaze.
When Hiei and Kurama entered the room, they were the center of attention, especially Hiei, given his attire. It only lasted briefly before the girls went back to giggling and gossiping. Hiei and Kurama shared a look, Kurama smiling warmly and Hiei seemingly disinterested but a bit flushed at the attention before turning their eyes back to the scene. Keiko, Botan, Yukina, and Shizuru had spent the night with Shiori, with Atsuko and Genkai arriving earlier that day.
They were all piled into the small living room, all fussing about each other's hair, make-up, and dresses, especially Keiko's. Kurama glanced over at his mother, who was conversing with Yukina. All this liveliness was good for her. Her happiness was radiant, and Kurama felt a warmth swell up in his chest, smiling fondly. Hiei and Kurama headed over to the farthest couch, where Genkai sat, contentedly watching the people around her. She wore her traditional clothing style, which was obviously reserved for special occasions.
"It seems they are all quite busy," Kurama observed with amusement and coughed.
Genkai smiled slightly and sipped the tea she held in her hands. "It makes me wonder how they can have so much energy. But I suppose I was like them once before, just not so… peppy." Genkai commented, and Kurama chuckled.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door. All the girls cried, "Come in" in unison, making Hiei flinch slightly. The sudden exclamation made him wish that he was allowed to carry a weapon, though Kurama argued that he was enough of a weapon and didn't need to take anything. The memory of the praise made him smile smugly. Kuwabara opened the door and stepped in, Koenma following behind him, appearing like a young man. Kuwabara and Koenma were both dressed to the nines wearing black tuxedos.
"Well, doesn't this look like a happy scene?" Koenma said as he let his gaze roam over the gaggle of ladies.
"Oh, Koenma, sir! Isn't this all just wonderful!" Botan exclaimed excitedly, lunging forward, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears, to embrace the prince, who was visibly flustered and turned a shade of crimson. All the girls giggled a bit as Koenma composed himself, Shizuru giving Koenma a sly smile and returning to what they were doing. Clearing his throat, Koenma and Kuwabara sauntered to where Kurama, Hiei, and Genkai were.
"Where's Yuusuke?" Kurama asked after greeting them.
"We just dropped him off at the temple." Koenma supplied.
"Why so early?" Genkai asked.
"The guy's a nervous wreck. We left him there so that he can get over it." Kuwabara answered, rubbing the back of his neck in a concerned gesture.
"Aren't you afraid that he'll run away?" Hiei put in. He had sat on the couch, arms and legs crossed, eyes closed as if he was napping.
"He won't if he knows what's good for him!" Kuwabara stated with fierce determination.
"Besides, we left him with company," Koenma said with a hint of mischief in his voice.
"Company?" Kurama inquired.
"Some old friends that have been eager to see everyone. Jin, Touya, Chuu, Rinku, Shishi, and Suzuka are with him. They'll ensure he doesn't get 'cold feet.'" Koenma said.
"They all came over to go to Yuusuke's wedding…? That must have been quite the hassle." Genkai mused with a slight smile. "Let's hope they don't break anything."
"Yes, they did. An exception was made for a single night due to good behavior and because I will also be in attendance." Koenma stated. At this, Yukina came over, her curiosity piqued.
"Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear. Did you mention that Touya and everyone were here?" Yukina inquired expectantly. Kurama smiled softly after hearing her mention Touya's name. He knew Yakima always yearned to socialize with other ice apparitions like herself. He glanced over at Kuwabara.
"Yukina!" Kuwabara exclaimed and placed himself awkwardly in between her and Koenma. "You look beautiful enough to be a bride yourself! Y'know, I was thinking, if you catch the bouquet, then maybe it'll be our turn nex-" Kuwabara didn't get to finish his sentence as an empty glass bottle hit his face, courtesy of Shizuru. Hiei looked at Kuwabara with contempt for a second, then focused on his sister. Koenma side-stepped Kuwabara and tried to get to Yukina to address her question but wasn't quite successful in getting there.
"Yes, they're there. They are very much looking forward to this gathering. I believe that Touya asked if you would also be here. He seems to be looking forward to speaking with you," Koenma answered her, smiling softly. He looked at Kurama with a bit of concern. "Shouldn't you do something about that cough?" He asked.
Kurama realized that he meant him. "I apologize; I didn't realize that I had been coughing. I'm sure that it's nothing." Kurama reassured him and Hiei simultaneously, who had been looking at him a bit worriedly.
From somewhere in the mass of girls, Keiko called out. "Is everybody ready?"
All the girls stepped aside so that she could be seen. She wore the most beautiful white gown, accenting her natural curves. The tips of her arm-length gloves delicately covered her dainty fingertips. Her hair was up in an elaborate style, with a few tresses curling around her delicate neck. The diamond necklace and earring set made her face glow and look like an angel. Kurama went toward her, clasped Keiko's gloved hand, and kissed the knuckles tenderly.
"You make a most beautiful bride. Yuusuke is a lucky man." Kurama stated and was rewarded by Keiko's blushing face.
"Can we get going already?" Hiei remarked as he stood.
All the girls stared coldly at him, making him take a few steps back. The look of aggravation in their eyes would make the strongest demon want to turn tail.
"Hiei is right, girls. If we don't get going soon, we'll be late." Koenma put in, noticing how the girls were staring at Hiei. He glanced over at Hiei, and if he hadn't known better, he could have sworn that Hiei had just sent him a grateful look. Well, if he hadn't known better. With that, everyone started parading out the door.
When everyone arrived at the temple, the guys went in first to ensure that Yuusuke was far from the entrance so the girls could sneak Keiko in, not letting Yuusuke take a peek at his blushing bride. After the girls took Keiko to the assigned room, the guys searched for Yuusuke. They found him and the rest of the guys in a room far apart from Keiko's. He was pacing the floor nervously. When they walked in, Yuusuke took one good look at Hiei and burst out in hysterical laughter.
"Gods Hiei! I didn't think that you would come through! You don't look bad in a suit! Hey Kurama, what did you have to do to get him to come? Bribe him or something?" Yuusuke exclaimed.
Hiei scowled and looked away, hiding the fact that he was blushing slightly. Kurama just smiled.
"It's about time you blokes got 'ere! This one's about to wear an 'ole in the floor!" Chuu exclaimed, going over and draping a heavy arm around Kurama in a side hug and giving Hiei a firm pat on the back that would have knocked the wind out of most.
"Damn bloody right! I was wonderin' when y'all were going to get 'ere! I've been real eager for the weddin' to start. My ears have been wigglin' non-stop!" Jin put in, brushing aside his hair that had been styled to hide his ears. Everyone else voiced their excitement as well.
"We would have gotten here sooner if the girls would have just stopped fussing over Keiko's…" Hiei started grudgingly, but his sentence was cut short as Yuusuke grabbed his arms suddenly, his grip tight and shaking slightly.
"Keiko? How is she? Is she okay? How does she look? Is she nervous? What…" Yuusuke blurted out all at once.
"Whoa! Hold on there, Casanova!" Kuwabara said as he pulled Yuusuke off of Hiei, who looked like he was about to make this wedding into a funeral.
"She's fine, Yuusuke. She's with the girls. They got here at the same time we did." Koenma stated calmly.
"She looks ravishing, Yuusuke." Kurama put in.
"I want to go see her!" Yuusuke said as he started walking out the door.
"No can do, bloke!" Chuu said as he grabbed Yuusuke by the waist and sat him on a couch. Yuusuke struggled but to no avail.
"Hiei and I can go check on her if you like." Kurama offered and coughed a bit.
"Please…" Yuusuke said in a way very much unlike himself, sending them a look of gratitude.
Hiei turned promptly on his heel and went out the door, Kurama following closely. "We'll be back soon," Kurama called over his shoulder as the door closed behind him.
They walked down the hallway side-by-side toward the bridal suite. "I have never seen Yuusuke like this. Keiko truly is an incredible woman." Kurama commented in an amused tone. Hiei nodded in agreement, silently wondering if he had changed as much because of a single person. He glanced at Kurama as they reached their destination. Kurama knocked sharply, announcing themselves and asking permission to enter. In a few short moments, Yukina opened the door, her adorable features barely peeking out. She looked around secretively, earning a warm chuckle from Kurama. Hiei, as always, floundered when he was in proximity to her. After confirming that the groom was nowhere in sight, Yukina smiled warmly and allowed them to enter.
Checking in on the girls took little time. They were sitting there, talking and laughing, waiting until it was time for Keiko to walk down the aisle. Keiko's mother had joined the group, tears of joy tumbling from her eyes as much as the pearls of laughter. As soon as they were sure that everything was okay, and giving Keiko an update on her groom, Hiei and Kurama headed back. Right before they turned the corner to go into Yuusuke's room, Kurama spied a restroom. A thought sprung into his head.
"Hiei, wait!" Kurama said.
"What is it now, fox?" Hiei asked. Kurama retraced his steps and peeked around the corner. Then he went past Hiei and did the same, ensuring no one was there. After he made sure, Kurama grabbed Hiei's wrist and quickly pulled him into the restroom. Before Hiei could protest, Kurama had pushed him into one of the small stalls, both facing the back wall. "Kurama, what are you…?" Hiei tried to ask before Kurama clamped his hand over Hiei's mouth.
"Shhh. I made a promise to you, didn't I?" Kurama said, taking his hand off Hiei's mouth. Kurama wrapped his arms around Hiei's waist and searched for the belt buckle, taking it apart. He untucked Hiei's shirt and ran his hands under the shirt and over Hiei's chest. Hiei shivered at the touch.
"Kurama…do you think...we should be doing this… here…" Hiei protested weakly, his hands wandering behind him to caress Kurama's muscularly sculpted legs. But even as he said the words, his body reacted to Kurama's touch as Kurama started to put his hand down Hiei's pants.
"I don't think that I can wait until this is over. That could be hours from now." Kurama supplied. Hiei said nothing. That was enough for Kurama to know that Hiei had given in. Kurama unbuttoned Hiei's pants and let them fall to his ankles. He grabbed Hiei's throbbing member and played with the tip for a bit, marveling at how erect he already was.
"Kurama, if you are going to do this, I suggest you not toy with me." Hiei bit out through clenched teeth. Kurama didn't need further invitations. He picked Hiei up by the waist and knelt him on the toilet seat facing the wall. He quickly unbuckled his belt and let his pants fall around his thighs. Despite his urgency, he still didn't want his clothes to get dirty. He teased Hiei further by deliberately rubbing up against him. "Kurama…" Hiei hissed threateningly through his teeth.
Kurama grabbed Hiei's throbbing member once more and started pumping his hand in a slow, tantalizing motion. He felt Hiei push into his hand, urging him to go faster. He kept a slow rhythm for a while longer until he thought Hiei would explode in rage and need, then started going faster, knowing that they didn't have the luxury of time. He heard Hiei moan slightly and saw him tilt his head back. With that, Kurama stopped, feeling the pressure building inside himself. Hiei was about to protest but was silenced when Kurama put his hands on Hiei's hips and entered him with a harsh thrust. Hiei grunted sharply at the slight discomfort and put his hands against the wall to steady himself. Kurama dug his fingers into Hiei's hips and started thrusting and pumping his hand in a steady, fast-paced rhythm. He started going faster, in and out, feeling a sense of desperation, pumping his hand in the same steady beat as his hips. He felt Hiei wriggle underneath him, his hands searching for something to grab onto. It was clear to see that Hiei was about to climax. Kurama wasn't so far behind him, either.
Hiei didn't know how much longer he could take it. He was about to cum and was trying his hardest to hold it back, along with the cry that came with it. He couldn't hold it anymore. Hiei let out a deep groan and was about to let go when he and Kurama heard the door open. Kurama slowed down but didn't stop, moving more quietly.
"Why'd ya have to go and eat 'fore the thing started?" It was Chuu.
"I was hungry! And it's taking too long!" Rinku complained.
"It won't take much longer. We're just waitin' for Hiei and Kurama to return, and then we'll start." A pause. "You had to go an' get the suit dirty!" Chuu exclaimed.
"Sorry…" Rinku said apologetically.
There was a sound of running water and paper towels being used as Chuu and Rinku chatted. Kurama could feel Hiei start to shiver. If Hiei made a sound, it would blow their cover. But Kurama, for the love of him, couldn't stop. He felt like he was possessed. So, he did the first thing that came to mind. He put his index and middle finger into Hiei's mouth. Hiei moaned softly but not loud enough for Rinku and Chuu to hear over their conversation and the running water. Kurama felt Hiei start to suck on his fingers greedily. If there weren't other things pending, Kurama would have given him something else to suck on. He pulled his fingers slowly in and out of Hiei's mouth and kept up the same steady beat of his hips and his other hand. Kurama bent closer to Hiei's ear.
"Not much longer now, itoshii. Just be patient." Kurama crooned, trying to be reassuring. The only response was Hiei biting down on his fingers, indicating he didn't think he could wait much longer.
"There! All done." Chuu said, admiring his handiwork. "Now, no one will be able to tell the difference."
"Alright. Let's go then. Hiei and Kurama should be back by now." Rinku replied excitedly.
Hiei and Kurama heard the door open and close as Chuu and Rinku stepped out. Kurama waited a bit longer to take his fingers out of Hiei's mouth. Then he took his hand and returned it back to Hiei's hips and thrust with renewed vigor. Within a few relentless minutes, Hiei threw his head back and groaned loudly as he climaxed, Kurama following suit a few seconds later. Kurama felt the warm, sticky semen gush into his hand. He slowly uncurled his fingers and brought his hand to his lips, cleaning his fingers off one by one with gentle licks.
When he had finished, he saw that Hiei had turned his head around and was watching him intently, the look in his eyes saying that if he continued for much longer, it would be his turn to be on his knees. Kurama smiled and pulled out of Hiei slowly, too slowly and not slow enough, Hiei thought. After quickly cleaning up, Kurama bent down to pull his pants up and re-arranged his clothing to look presentable, doing the same for Hiei afterward. When he was done, Kurama suddenly took Hiei's face in his hands and kissed him passionately. Hiei returned the kiss, biting Kurama's lip and making it bleed. Their tongues soon met and helped deepen the kiss further. It wasn't long before they both had to stop for air.
"We have to go back. Everyone is waiting for us." Kurama stated, panting breathlessly. Hiei didn't answer. He only stared at Kurama. There was a look in Hiei's eyes, and Kurama couldn't quite place what it was. Then Hiei blinked, and it was gone.
"After you," Hiei said.
Kurama opened the stall door and looked around to ensure no one was there. After quickly washing his hands, he did the same with the door leading out into the hall. Once he was sure no one was around, he motioned for Hiei to come out. Then they headed to the groom's suite together, Kurama walking in before Hiei. Almost immediately, they were attacked by a very nervous groom.
"What took so long?! I was getting worried! Was there something wrong?! Please tell me she's okay!" Yuusuke blurted out.
"She's fine, Yuusuke. They all are. They're just talking, caught up in the merriment. Apologies that it took us so long. We got…distracted." Kurama said, his arms up in self-defense, coughing a bit. He glanced down at Hiei and saw that he was staring off in a different direction, looking nonchalant.
The officiant walked in then. "We're ready when you are." He advised. Everyone looked at Yuusuke.
"What are you all looking at me for? Let's get out there! Yeah! I'm getting married! . . . Fuck… I'm getting married…" Yuusuke exclaimed, the grin never leaving his face.
"You're just now realizing this?" Koenma asked sarcastically.
Before anything else happened, Chuu grabbed Yuusuke by the waist, carrying him like a sack of potatoes, exiting the room and heading for the altar, everyone else trailing behind. Hiei shot Kurama a nervous glance before they left the room, and Kurama smiled reassuringly. There was nothing to worry about after all. It was just the wedding of one of the most powerful demons and one of the most frightful women in the human realm. There was nothing to worry about—just a simple wedding, after all.
The entire ceremony went on without any disturbances. Kuwabara was the first to enter the room, Shizuru on his arm, Kurama escorting Botan, and last but not least was Hiei with Yukina at his side. Although it did not register on his face, Hiei was happy to be close to his dear sister. The couples split and went to their respective sides. Yuusuke entered with the biggest grin; his chest puffed out with pride and excitement as he marched down the aisle to the beat of his own drum. He took his place next to Kuwabara and looked expectantly toward the entrance.
The bridal march started, and Keiko was seen at the entrance, her arm tucked securely in her father's. She had the most beautiful, radiant smile on her face, unable to take her eyes off her husband-to-be. Before handing her over to Yuusuke, her father lifted her veil and kissed her on the cheek, tears shining in his eyes. He turned to Yuusuke, clasping his hand firmly and fighting back tears as he embraced his future son. Only emotions were exchanged. Taking his daughter's hand, he placed it in Yuusuke's and patted them affectionately before taking his seat. Keiko fought tears as the ceremony began. Ancient words were spoken, vows were exchanged, many tears fell, and at the end, the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
The couples left in the order that they entered, only this time, Keiko was on Yuusuke's arm, her smile even more radiant than before, and Yuusuke's smile was so broad that Hiei feared his jaw might snap.
"It was a beautiful wedding, don't you agree?" Yukina asked, interrupting Hiei's train of thought.
Hiei looked at her, and after a moment, he offered her a tiny smile. "Yes… I suppose it was." Hiei responded, feeling comfortable enough to share some of his sentimentality with his sister. He was rewarded with a beaming smile and a beautiful laugh.
"The reception is next, correct?" Yukina asked.
"Reception?" Hiei inquired.
"Yes. The after-party. You are going, aren't you? It'll be fun." Yukina asked, her eyes hopeful and slightly squeezing Hiei's arm.
Hiei could never say no to her, though she didn't know that. Hiei had still kept his secret. He nodded stiffly in agreement but grumbled to himself. He had wanted to go home with Kurama to finish what they had started in the restroom. 'This "reception" thing better end soon.' Hiei thought angrily as everyone made their way towards the reception hall.