A good chunk of this story has been rewritten, so please feel free to go back and read from the beginning!*
The sun shone bright in the early morning as Hiei and Kurama stirred from their slumber. After a long and tumultuous weekend, Kurama had almost forgotten that it was the start of a new week. He bolted up in a rush, ignoring the swimming feeling in his head, as he went to call his workplace to let them know he would not be making it. Kurama, of course, was an exemplary employee at his stepfather's company, and his call was met with much concern and well wishes, even offering to take as much time as he needed to recover, which he agreed to. He was starting to feel concerned about not having fully recovered yet. As he hung up, he turned around to see Hiei leaning against the doorframe of their room, still entirely naked, and realized that he was still nude as well.
"Not going today?" Hiei asked, somewhat concerned. He knew Kurama had never missed a shift, being an essential individual in the hierarchy of the institution he worked for. He took in Kurama's appearance, for as gorgeous as his naked body was, Hiei was more concerned with the pallor of his skin and the sullen darkness under his eyes. He was not used to seeing Kurama anything other than perfect, even in combat. While he could handle Kurama being injured, he didn't know how to deal with him being ill.
"No, I am still feeling somewhat unwell," He said as he returned to the bedroom. "Truth be told, I am starting to grow concerned. Yukina asked me to check if my environment had changed recently before this. Has there been anything different that you can recall?" Kurama asked as he moved to the closet to find clothes for them to wear. He could feel his breathing was a bit more labored. Hiei stood silently, deep in thought, searching his mind for anything different from their usual routine. He caught the clothes that Kurama tossed at him, a pair of distressed black jeans and a band shirt. He glanced at the band t-shirt Kurama had picked: a bright blue and blood-red BABYMETAL graphic tee with the words "Give Me Chocolate!" printed toward the top. Hiei stared at the shirt, and Kurama could practically see the gears turning in his head. "What is it, Hiei?"
"Chocolate." Hiei looked up at Kurama, realization dawning in his eyes. "You brought a box of chocolates from your work at some point," Kurama's eyes widened as he remembered the incident.
"Yes, they were sent to me at my office with no return address or mention of who they were from. Just a note saying they were 'from an admirer.' I thought it was strange, but after a bit of merciless teasing from my peers, I forgot about them entirely," Kurama mused as he got dressed, having picked out a plain blue t-shirt for himself paired with crisp black jeans. He put on a dark blue blazer over the t-shirt and put on some slip-on canvas shoes.
Hiei was also fully dressed, sitting on the bed to tie on the high-top Converse that Kurama had recently gotten him. "You brought them home and ate them yourself," Hiei grumbled, struggling a bit with the laces. Kurama chuckled and went over to help him.
"Only because you said you didn't like sweets," he replied, looking at Hiei in a way that let him know he knew that was a lie. "I was more than happy to share. Though, now that I think about it, I'm not sure I finished them all," Kurama said pensively.
"It would be worth checking. Perhaps even taking them to Genkai," Hiei suggested. Kurama nodded in agreement.
"I'll call Botan and see if she can help us by delivering them," Kurama said as he finished with Hiei's shoes. He smiled, always finding it amusing that he had so much trouble with laces, just like a kid. Stepping back and letting his gaze wander, however, it was obvious he was no child. Though he was still smaller in stature, his muscular build was highlighted by his clothes, conforming to his every curve just right. His perpetual scowl and intense eyes betrayed his youthful features. Those same eyes could ignite a fire within him like nothing else could, just as they were now.
Hiei shifted and turned to face Kurama. He leaned forward, casually crossing his legs as he grinned. "While I don't mind you staring, I was under the impression that you were going to contact Botan," Hiei said with a smirk. Kurama flinched and blushed, not realizing he had been staring intently.
"Oh, you're right! Excuse me," Kurama muttered as he scurried off to make the call.
Hiei laughed to himself, always delighted when he could fluster Kurama like this. He lay down on the bed, arms crossed behind his head, thinking about all that had happened as he listened to Kurama talking on the phone. He's becoming more comfortable with more affection, he surmises. Not just receiving but giving, as well. He feels a strange compulsion to share everything with Kurama, which is not something he would have considered a mere month ago.
Before the wedding, before Kurama fell ill, before Kurama's confession, before facing the fear of losing him completely, he was perfectly content with just satisfying each other physically whenever necessary. It had been this way for years. He sat up with a start. 'How long has Kurama felt this way?' He couldn't imagine holding onto these feelings in silence for so long was pleasant. He turned his head toward the open bedroom door and listened as Kurama rummaged through the kitchen, most likely looking for the chocolates.
Kurama showed up at the door with a small box in his hand. "Botan said she could meet with us briefly today. She'll be in the area for work," Kurama stated. He went around collecting a few things as Hiei stood. "Ready to go? We can get breakfast while we're out," Kurama offered his hand. Hiei half-shrugged and interlaced his fingers with Kurama's before stepping out.
Hiei and Kurama took the subway on their way into the heart of the city, where the shopping centers were. Given the time, it wasn't as crowded as usual, so they could stand side-by-side but still close enough to touch. Kurama's hand brushed against Hiei's arm, and Hiei shifted his stance to brace his foot against Kurama's, effectively supporting each other. Kurama had mentioned that he would like to replace the furniture they had broken the other night with what his mother had requested. After speaking with his brother and getting a few more details, he knew what to look for. Apparently, his mother had said that the bed just collapsed when she sat down to rest. Kurama felt relieved to know that his mother hadn't said anything, though he knew she wouldn't, but it was nice to have confirmation.
Upon exiting, they searched for a place to eat, eventually trying a cozy cafe that had just opened, and opted to sit outdoors so that Botan could find them more easily. They received their drinks, tea for Kurama and water for Hiei, placed their order, and were content to sit and enjoy themselves while they waited. However, it turned out that Botan wasn't the only one looking for them. Hiei sensed her approach before he saw her, noticing that it took Kurama a bit longer to react. 'It seems that he's still not fully recovered,' Hiei thought with concern, immediately feeling protective. A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Helloooo!" Botan chirped as she approached them. She was as perky as always, bouncing up to them with boundless energy. "Good morning, you two! Kurama, how are you feeling?"
"Good morning, Botan. I am still not fully recovered, but I feel fine enough to be out and about for a short while. Would you like to join us?" Kurama gestured to an empty seat.
"Oh, no, thank you. I'm afraid I don't have much time today," Botan said apologetically.
"Hn. Suit yourself," Hiei replied, crossing his arms and looking away, attempting to figure out who else was watching them. Kurama smiled and handed Botan the box containing the chocolates.
"I'm sorry you had to come out of your way for this errand," Kurama said. "I greatly appreciate your help," He smiled.
"It's no problem at all! I just wish we knew what was going on. If this is how I can help, then I'm happy to!" Botan exclaimed, putting the box in a messenger bag that she was carrying.
"Perhaps I can assist with that," A familiar voice said as she stood before their table. They all turned toward the woman before them, recognizing the same dark hair and eyes from the wedding.
"Miss Khana," Kurama welcomed. "It is a pleasure to see you again. How is it that you seem to know about our predicament?" His words were nothing but polite, but they had a razor-sharp edge. Given his usual disposition, forgetting how dangerous Kurama could be was an easy and often fatal mistake. That tone of voice always sent a delightful shiver down Hiei's spine.
"May I sit? I believe we have a bit to discuss," She asked. Both Hiei and Kurama nodded silently, watching her with caution and interest. "Miss Botan, I know you're in a hurry, so I'll go ahead and confirm that Mr. Minamino's illness is, in fact, due to the contents of the box," Khana turned to Botan with a sweet smile but utmost seriousness. Kurama could tell that she was trying to be considerate in her own way. "Unfortunately, I don't know exactly how, so that's all I can offer to help your current endeavor." Botan was a bit flabbergasted but uttered her thanks and rushed off, ducking into a nearby alley to fly off undetected. Khana turned back to the pair, who were still waiting.
"Tell us what you know," Hiei spoke first, an unspoken threat lacing his words. Khana smiled at him and winked, raising her hand to a passing waitress to order a drink.
"Don't be so tense, Hiei. I'm here to help. I promise I mean no harm," Khana said, smoothing her skirt and leaning back slightly into her chair. "Mr. Minamino. Shuuichi. Kurama. Yoko. You are a man of many names and mysteries. It's not wonder you were targeted," Khanah chuckled a bit as she noticed Hiei tense with her last word. "What would you like to be called?"
"Kurama will do just fine," he said leisurely, but there was a tension to his words.
"Kurama it is, then," Khana smiled, looking amused. "I'm actually here to help reverse the harm Mizuki caused," She sighed. "I suppose I should begin with who Mizuki and I are. We're what people would call 'witches,' 'enchantresses,' whatever you want to call it," Khana waved her hand dismissively like she had been called every misconception before and was tired of explaining. "To keep it simple, we work with many consumable or wearable potions, concoctions, and spells."
"An apothecary, of sorts?" Kurama asked.
"Something like that. We have been honing our craft for decades but, in actuality, are still apprentices ourselves," she said. She looked at both Hiei and Kurama head-on. "I have to preface that what Mizuki did is unacceptable, and our master would have never allowed her to create something like this for her own benefit. Our work is reputable, and I do not want it marred by the whims of a smitten fool," Khana practically growled, very obviously bothered. Hiei and Kurama glanced at each other, then back to Khana.
"Whims?" Hiei asked. Khana sighed.
"Yes. This all started when we saw your fights during the Dark Tournament. Clearly, your team was not the fan favorite, yet Mizuki latched onto Kurama as soon as she saw him." She accepted her drink from the waitress, who also placed plates of food on the table, and turned to Kurama. "She has been smitten with you ever since and has dedicated a considerable amount of her time to creating something that would have you fall in love with her. Mizuki even went as far as to befriend Keiko, so she would be invited to her wedding, knowing that you would be there and making it easier for her to activate her spell. Her determination is really something else," She stirred her tea thoughtfully.
"Fall in... love?" Hiei questioned, seeming a bit astonished. Beside him, Kurama was utterly speechless.
"Silly, isn't it? From what I understood, her spell would only work if Kurama was entirely unattached," Khana smiled but tried to hide it by sipping her tea. She looked over at Hiei, covering her mouth and putting her cup down, before letting a laugh burst from her chest. "Imagine her surprise when she found out the two of you were lovers!" She clutched the edge of the table to steady herself, still giggling. "She knew you two were close but never imagined that you would be romantically involved, much less that Kurama would be completely in love with you," She wiped tears from her eyes, looking over at Hiei. "I can't say I wasn't disappointed. I would have liked you for myself, Hiei, but I knew there was no chance with how you two looked at each other at the wedding. I'm surprised Mizuki didn't notice. Suffice it to say, she learned her lesson," Khana picked up her cup and took another sip.
"So I have been ill because her concoction backfired?" Kurama seemed to have found his voice, and it sounded incredulous.
"Yes, that seems to be the case. Unfortunately, Mizuki doesn't seem to be done sulking yet, so she hasn't given any useful information," Khana finished her tea, setting down the cup and pushing it away from her slightly. "I'm sorry that is all I can offer you, but it seems that you have the help of a very skilled healer for you to be out and about like this," Khana moved to stand. "I'll keep in touch with any updates."
"Wait, here," Kurama stopped her as he quickly scribbled on a piece of paper he pulled from his bag. "This is the contact information for Master Genkai. If you have any useful information, it would be best to tell her directly," Kurama reached out and offered her the paper. Khana took the note and looked at it before putting it in her purse.
"My, you do have friends in high places. I'll be sure to do that," Khana started walking away but turned to look at Hiei. "If you ever become available, come find me," she said with a wink. Kurama shifted and possessively draped an arm over Hiei's shoulders, pulling him in closer. Khana grinned mischievously and waved as she walked away. "Take care, you two!" Kurama let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. Hiei put a hand on his thigh comfortingly, and Kurama relaxed, starting to feel exhausted already.
"It's been quite an eventful morning," Kurama muttered. Hiei nodded, glancing down at the untouched food that had grown cold.
"You still need to eat," Hiei said, looking up. Kurama agreed, waving down their waitress and apologizing for having her reheat their food, though she didn't seem to mind. She returned shortly with their plates, noticing how they were still comfortably nestled together. She smiled, set their food down, and left them to their meal.