After receiving Mukuro's missive, Hiei settled on the couch next to Kurama, with Kurama curling up and leaning heavily into Hiei's chest. He felt worn down, closing his eyes to focus on Hiei's heat and heartbeat. His body relaxed immediately, something Kurama only felt when they touched. He could feel the stress catching up to him and simultaneously rolling off him in waves. Hiei wrapped his arms loosely around Kurama, taking a deep breath and placing a kiss on top of Kurama's head, his brows furrowed. The knowledge of their inevitable separation weighed on them, and they both felt the need to be with each other as much as possible. They sat in silence for a long moment before Kurama spoke.

"Genkai said that Miss Khana has already contacted her," Kurama muttered.

"That was quick. What did Genkai say?" Hiei responded with a bit of surprise in his voice.

"Indeed. I wasn't expecting to hear anything so soon. Genkai said that Miss Khana would be paying a visit to her temple tomorrow to deliver the remedy," Kurama continued, nuzzling Hiei's chest more comfortably and placing his hand there. He started feeling himself lulled to sleep.

"I suppose we'll be heading there ourselves," Hiei mused, absentmindedly running a hand up and down Kurama's arm, listening to Kurama's even breathing as he drifted off. Kurama hummed in confirmation before quickly falling into an exhausted slumber.

Hiei gripped Kurama's waist firmly, dreading being parted from his fox. He was still working on sorting himself out and untangling the mess of feelings he had experienced over the past few days. It hadn't been long since he was first bombarded with this new outlook on his relationship with Kurama, starting with Yuusuke's wedding and being made more complicated by that Mizuki girl who had wanted to take his fox away from him. His grip on Kurama's waist tightened, pulling him in closer as a low growl rumbled in his chest. He felt Kurama's hand caress him instinctively in his sleep before his fingers settled on Hiei's Hiruiseki stone, gently soothing Hiei's worries. He breathed out and loosened his grip but didn't let go.

'I'll never let go,' Hiei resolved to himself as he planted another kiss on the top of Kurama's head. He wanted to possess this man so completely that he didn't know what to do with himself, didn't know what he would do if Kurama was ever lost to him. Hiei's conversations with others in the past few days swirled inside his mind, notions of commitment and devotion having been buried deep into his subconscious. And love. That word had also wedged itself into his head after he had been confronted with it. It was still a foreign concept to him, but he wasn't denying himself the possibility either. It simultaneously made him feel vulnerable and like he could take on the world, so long as Kurama was by his side. At that moment, he came to a decision, but he would have to wait to act on it until this mess with Kurama's illness was resolved. With that in mind, Hiei closed his eyes and fell asleep with Kurama firmly against him.


They left the apartment hand-in-hand the following day in somber silence as they made their way to the train station. Kurama dressed in a more neo-traditional Chinese Cheongsam while Hiei had donned his usual clothes and cloak, his sword firmly strapped to his back, ready to head back to the Makai directly from Genkai's home. Though it hadn't been said aloud, they both knew that Mukuro's command was absolute, and she had expected him back by now. Hiei was pushing it by not leaving that night and was sure to get chewed out on his return. He would deal with that when he had to; Kurama was more important.

Hiei's grip on Kurama's hand tightened as they reached the turnstile of the train station, not wanting to let go of Kurama's hand for even a moment. His own honesty still surprised him almost as much as the ferocity of it. Kurama gave him a soft smile and released his hold, passing through first. Hiei passed shortly after, taking a moment to remember how the damned contraption worked, and instantly reclaimed Kurama's hand in his once he was through. They received many mixed looks - some strange, some dismissive, and some endearing as they boarded the train and got to their seats.

'I'm sure we must look like quite the pair,' Kurama laughed to himself.

"Something amusing?" Hiei looked at him questioningly as he took the seat by the window.

"I'm simply making an observation," Kurama responded as he settled himself next to Hiei, leaning over to give him a peck on the cheek, reaping the benefits of allowing themselves to be more affectionate in public. He was rewarded by Hiei's blush and smile, which were barely visible but still present.

"Get some sleep on the way," Hiei murmured, turning his head to look outside. He felt Kurama rest his head on his shoulder and nod, hearing a sigh as Kurama settled into sleep. It hadn't taken much effort for Kurama to completely pass out lately, which worried him further. Kurama was always alert, even while sleeping, so the fact that he was this exhausted was evidence of the extent of the damage that woman had caused.

'I'll wring her neck next time I see her,' Hiei thought, feeling his anger rise along with his concern. He felt Kurama's thumb rub slowly against his hand, again attempting to soothe him in his sleep. Hiei turned to him with a look of amazement, affection, and concern; he was always awed by how Kurama seemed to be tuned in to what he felt, even in his state. Hiei turned to look through the window as the train started to rumble out of the station. With Kurama's warmth against him and the train rocking, he was tempted to fall asleep but refused to leave Kurama unguarded while they were out in the open. This would also give him time to think and sort things out.

'Alright, from the beginning,' Hiei filtered through all the last few days' events, starting with the wedding. He thought about Yuusuke's flustered state, which only happened when it concerned Keiko, but Hiei felt that he could understand it better now. Being willing to go through so much anxiety and worry for a single person and choosing to commit your entire life to theirs didn't seem like such an insane notion anymore. That lifetime devotion also seemed more appealing now, realizing he didn't want to remember the time before he met Kurama. That was an entirely different person, a different life. Kurama had firmly and deeply woven himself as a part of his life as it was now; that wasn't something he wanted to ever undo, physical intimacy aside. Hiei turned to look at Kurama again, reaching over to brush away the hair from his face. He saw a small smile form on Kurama's lips and felt warmth blossom in his chest.

'Kurama is much more important than just business and pleasure,' Hiei thought affectionately. He always wanted to see a smile on Kurama's lips and would do whatever it took to keep it there. Seeing him devoid of color, covered in cold sweat, and his breathing labored was almost too much for him. Hiei had seen Kurama physically injured and downright battered and had been right by his side through the worst of it, but this was entirely different. He felt like he would lose his mind at that moment, all because of the meddling of a single person who wanted to possess his fox. He blinked. That intense jealousy was also somewhat new. Hiei had always felt a small degree of discomfort when anyone approached Kurama in a flirtatious way. He never entirely understood why he felt something akin to territorial in those situations, so he had dismissed it as a fluke despite it happening every time.

'How foolish. Was I truly so deep in denial?' Hiei questioned himself, feeling a strange mix of frustration and embarrassment. He hadn't even considered that those interactions hadn't ever gone beyond light flirting because he had always acted on the impulse to stand next to Kurama and make himself known whenever it happened, effectively chasing the offender away. But then Kurama had to go and usher him away, leaving himself wide open to bolder advances from the person who had ultimately formulated this entire ordeal. Seeing that woman attempting to drape herself over Kurama incensed him in a way he had never felt before, but it also served to jolt him out of whatever cycle of negation he had found himself in. Hiei groaned internally; he didn't want to feel he owed that woman anything.

'No, I'll ensure that she knows, that everyone knows, that he's mine,' Hiei resolved once more, feeling determined and eager to arrive. 'But how? I'll have to speak with Genkai privately,' he pondered, his hand touching his Hiruiseki stone. This was all new to him, and he had no idea how to proceed or what Kurama would think or want. Hiei sighed, trying to refocus. Making sure Kurama was entirely healthy again was his primary goal. He could be selfish later.


Hiei gently nudged Kurama awake when their train arrived at their destination a couple of hours later. They waited patiently while Kurama rubbed the grogginess away, being the last to disembark. Still holding hands, they walked out of the station and hailed a taxi to take them the rest of the way. They slid into the back seat with Hiei's sword across their laps. Kurama immediately slumped against Hiei after giving the driver directions, looking too relieved to be sitting after their short walk. As they drove away from the train station, Hiei took hold of his chin, tilting Kurama's face toward him so that he could take a better look. His brows furrowed with concern as he noted that Kurama had become slightly pale. Kurama gave him an exhausted smile and touched the hand on his face.

"That flight of stairs leaving the train station must have taken more out of me than I thought," Kurama chuckled, but it didn't ease any of Hiei's tension. Hiei caressed Kurama's cheek before letting go of his chin and grasping his delicate fingers. He stared into Kurama's emerald eyes as he brought Kurama's hand to his lips, kissing the knuckles tenderly and earning a strangled cough from the driver.

"You will be better soon," Hiei said, as much to Kurama as to himself. "She will make right her wrongs, or I won't stop until I end her," he threatened, the mood in the vehicle becoming more tense with Hiei's simmering rage and making the driver speed up slightly.

"No need for those extremes," Kurama laughed softly, leaning into Hiei again and making himself comfortable. His eyes immediately shut, and he fell asleep briefly before waking himself up. Kurama gave his head a slight shake, trying to stay awake. "Excuse me, how long until we arrive?" Kurama asked.

"It should be another few minutes. Thankfully, there isn't much traffic right now," the driver responded. He looked at the couple in the back seat through the rearview mirror. Wouldn't you rather go to a hospital?" he asked. Hiei shot him a glare to mind his own business, but Kurama just smiled.

"No, thank you. I appreciate the concern, but this is where we need to be," Kurama replied as they pulled up to the edge of Genkai's estate. Kurama pulled out his wallet to pay the man while Hiei exited and walked around to open Kurama's door and help him out. "Thank you for your hard work," Kurama told the driver before shutting the door and waving as the man drove away. Turning around, Kurama looks at the seemingly infinite staircase, his head tilting back as he follows it up. Closing his eyes, Kurama sighs and resigns himself to the exhausting climb. When Kurama opened his eyes again, he saw Hiei kneeling on one knee, facing away with his back facing him.

"Climb on," Hiei says with a no-nonsense tone. Although Kurama wants to argue to save his dignity, he instantly discards that notion in favor of the relief he feels washing over him, knowing he won't have to climb. Kurama gripped Hiei's shoulders, settling himself on his back as Hiei stood, then shifting his arms to wrap around Hiei. "Hold this," Hiei says, handing Kurama his sword so that he can firmly hook his arms around Kurama's legs. Kurama holds Hiei and his sword tight as Hiei hoists him up more comfortably and starts to climb up the stairs.

"Thank you," Kurama murmured against Hiei's neck, softly kissing the strong pulse. Hiei grunted in response, briefly leaning his head affectionately against Kurama's. With that, Hiei swiftly bounded up the steps, making sure not to jostle Kurama too much, just in case. Crossing the threshold of her estate, Hiei walked out into the open with Kurama still on his back.

"Yukina! Genkai!" Hiei yelled out, silently willing them to appear quickly. Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long before Touya, of all people, approached them.

"Touya?" Kurama questioned, sounding as surprised as Hiei felt.

"Hiei. Kurama. This way," Touya quickly led them in a specific direction, a sense of urgency in his tone and step, which Hiei was grateful for. "I must say that I didn't quite believe the state you were in. You look worse than when we had our fight," Touya said as he glanced back toward them. Kurama responded with a strained laugh.

"I've certainly had better days. The aftermath of our battle would count amongst that number," Kurama joked drily, making Hiei grumble at the memory, remembering how worried he had been. Kurama nuzzled against him, discreetly kissing his cheek. "I didn't expect you to still be here, Touya. From my understanding, you all only had permission for the day of Yuusuke's wedding," Kurama questioned.

"I petitioned to stay and was approved so long as I remain under Genkai's watchful eye and assist her with her endeavors. I was not expecting this to be one of the first incidents I would experience," Touya answered facetiously.

"And I suppose it has nothing to do with our resident ice maiden?" Kurama chuckled, feeling Hiei tense up.

"As observant as ever, I see," Touya says warmly, not denying the accusation or attempting to hide the light pink hue that bloomed on his cheeks. He didn't offer any more information. Instead, he opened the door to a building separate from the main house, waving Hiei and Kurama in before stepping in and sliding the door shut behind them. The building they entered was small, made up of three or four rooms. The main space was set up like a medical area, with a single bed low to the ground, only big enough for a single person. There were tables with tools and ingredients, where Yukina was situated with intense focus, meticulously grinding something with a mortar and pestle. Touya immediately went to her side, bringing her attention to the couple standing there.

"Oh!" Yukina exclaimed, wiping her hands on a nearby towel before rushing to them. She noticed that Hiei was carrying Kurama on his back. "Kurama. Mr. Hiei, please set Kurama down on the bed. How are you feeling?" She directed with a gentle authority, her voice filled with concern.

"Not bad, all things considered, and thanks to your medicine. You have my eternal gratitude, Yukina," Kurama said as Hiei lowered him to the bed. He gingerly slid off Hiei's back, the extra movement making his head spin, so he was grateful to have somewhere to lie down. Hiei turned immediately to cradle his head and help him settle in, frowning at the slight dampness of Kurama's skin that had appeared just from that minor exertion. Yukina moved to the other side of Kurama, her delicate hands hovering over his torso and head, radiating a cool blue light.

"The Casters are here, along with their master, and should be in shortly. Genkai is speaking to them now," Yukina mumbled, her voice low. It was an attempt to let them know that Kurama would be better soon without saying how bad things really were.

"Casters?" Hiei asked, unfamiliar with the term.

"Khana and Mizuki. It's the term they gave us for their line of work," Touya supplied, having moved closer to the group. Hiei tensed, his jaw clenching tightly. Kurama held his hand, silently soothing him, as one of the doors slid open. Genkai walked in first, followed by a tall woman with long dark hair cascading past her thighs. She looked no older than in her 40s, but the air of authority and wisdom surrounding her betrayed that assumption. She wore robes similar to a priestess but covered in intricate designs and ornate patterns, bottles and baubles dangling from a cord wrapped around her slender waist. She was followed in by Khana, wearing similar robes though decorated more plainly, and finally Mizuki.

Hiei could feel his rage bubbling up at the mere sight of her. Kurama tugged at his hand, commanding his attention, and Hiei turned to look down at him. He could see the plea in Kurama's eyes to keep calm, and Hiei let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He brought Kurama's hand to his lips, kissing it softly. With his other hand, he moved aside the hair sticking to Kurama's forehead, bending down to plant a soft kiss there as well, reassuring his fox that he was calm and in control. Straightening up and looking into Kurama's eyes again, Hiei saw him give a small laugh. Kurama could read him effortlessly - he was beyond furious. Kurama gave him a nod and released the hold of Hiei's hand. In that same instant, Hiei was across the room, holding Mizuki off the ground by her neck. No one but Mizuki and Yukina seemed surprised, the rest having moved aside as if to allow it. Mizuki struggled in his vice grip, clawing and kicking haphazardly with the panic of suddenly being unable to breathe. All she could see was the fury in Hiei's red eyes and the menacing scowl as his lips formed words.

"I would find tremendous pleasure in spilling your blood and hearing your agonized screams. You have committed the greatest offense in attempting to take what is mine and an even greater one for harming him. I hold your life in my hands, and should you fail in undoing your sorcery, I will gladly end it," Hiei threatened with absolute malice dripping from every word. He released his hold on her neck, and she dropped unceremoniously, coughing and gasping for air, nodding vigorously as she wrapped her own hands around her throat.

"It seems you were correct in your assumption, Master Genkai," the older Caster spoke with a hint of amusement. Hiei turned to look at Genkai curiously, and she merely nodded and shrugged slightly in response. He turned back to the woman who was still speaking. "I am Tsubaki, master of Khana and Mizuki. I am here to supervise and step in if necessary, but it is up to Mizuki to undo her shameful blunder. Khana has also offered to assist to make up for any ineptitude," she addressed Hiei and Kurama but was staring daggers at her crumpled apprentice.

Khana stepped toward the table where Yukina had been working. "Is it ready, Yukina?" She asked firmly but gently.

"Not quite. Before combining everything, I wish to confirm that some of my additions wouldn't interfere with your formula. They would aid in any discomfort," Yukina said as she rushed over, a serious expression on her face. She and Khana conferred over the table to their joint task, conversing quietly about various herbs and ingredients.

Mizuki picked herself up off the ground and walked over to where Kurama lay. Hiei immediately appeared at his side, entirely defensive, and even Touya seemed ready to act at a moment's notice. Mizuki rubbed her throat as she tried to speak, bruising already starting to form and her voice rough and gravelly. "Kurama... I am truly sorry. I never... intended to harm you. I'll... fix this," she coughed out, her voice strained but genuine. Kurama nodded but didn't verbally respond, and Hiei could tell he was also livid. Khana and Yukina returned with a small vial of liquid and other implements, Khana looking seriously at Kurama.

"Kurama, we'll use a combination of herbal medicine, chants, and Yukina's unique skills to help you through this process. Yukina has put together what's in this vial according to our specifications and modified it to aid discomfort and recovery," Khana said with praise in her voice. Kurama could tell she was impressed with Yukina.

"We'll also... use spoken chants to undo the intentions I placed on you," Mizuki said, still struggling to speak. "Think of the... combination as a purge for your... whole system. It will be painful," she spoke with regret.

"I will assist with monitoring your overall health and keep you stable," Yukina added, taking Kurama's hand gently. Her fingers were ice-cold, but it wasn't an unpleasant sensation. She looked toward Hiei with a serious expression. "He will be safe. I promise to do the best I can," she said with determination. Hiei nodded. He could tell she was scared but determined and driven by purpose. He knew she would keep her promise and felt so proud of her.

"We'll need space to work," Khana said pointedly as both Hiei and Touya. Touya nodded, placing a hand on Yukina's shoulder as he walked past, murmuring words of encouragement in her ear, which seemed to help her relax. Hiei squeezed Kurama's hand, trying to calm his worries. Kurama looked at him and smiled.

"I'll be fine, Hiei," Kurama spoke softly. Hiei nodded and stepped away to join Touya, Genkai, and Tsubaki. Kurama sat up and accepted the vial from Yukina, swallowing the contents and lying back down. He closed his eyes as the women surrounded him with arms outstretched, feeling Yukina's icy hands close to his head. The atmosphere in the room shifted as they each focused on the task at hand.


Hiei clenched his fists and gritted his teeth with frustration at being unable to do anything but wait. He turned to Genkai and tried not to fidget. "Do you have any way for me to contact Mukuro?" Hiei asked, switching gears to something he could manage.

"There's a scrying mirror in the room to the far left down the hall," Genkai responded. Hiei nodded and turned to leave, looking at Kurama again before he exited the room. He was dripping with sweat, his face contorted with discomfort, and his hands gripped his pants legs tightly. Hiei couldn't force himself to walk away. Thankfully, Genkai walked up to him and shoved him out, leading him to the door she had indicated. Hiei let out a huff of gratitude. He shut himself in the room with the scrying mirror and contacted Mukuro. Within moments, he saw Mukuro's face, completely enraged, and heard utter chaos erupting behind her.

"Where the fuck are you?!" Mukuro screamed at him, but her eyes were focused on something Hiei couldn't see. He hadn't wanted to leave Kurama's side, but he needed to do something and knew he needed to check-in.

"Occupied with an important matter. What's going on?" Hiei responded curtly, starting to feel more agitated.

"There's a whole damn revolt, that's what's going on! What the hell is so damn important that you dare to dismiss my summons?! I need you back immediately!" Mukuro's eyes were ablaze, actual fire being reflected in them. She was waving her arms, quickly giving signals, and issuing commands with absolute authority.

"Kurama is gravely ill," Hiei stated plainly. Mukuro paused and turned to actually look at him. Though imperceptible to anyone else, she could always see right through him. They shared an indescribable bond forged in pain and strengthened in battle. She could clearly see the toll that his words carried. Hiei looked more anxious and worried than she had ever seen him before. An explosion brought her attention back to the scene before her.

"Is he dying?" Mukuro asked cautiously. She knew how much Kurama meant to him, even if Hiei couldn't admit it to himself. She glanced over and saw his jaw clench tightly, a murderous look clouding his features. She didn't want to consider what would happen to Hiei if that fox were to die.

"If he does, he won't be the only one," Hiei ground out, his words promising a massacre at that notion. "He's being treated now. Won't be much longer," he finished, shutting down that train of thought.

"Very well. I expect you soon," Mukuro concluded before the connection was lost. Hiei released a breath he didn't know he had been holding, feeling relieved that Mukuro hadn't demanded his immediate departure. He exited the room and searched for Genkai, suddenly feeling the urgency of his impending departure weighing all the more heavily on his shoulders. She had returned to the room, silently watching the trio work. Hiei had to keep himself rushing to Kurama's side, feeling his chest tighten and his panic increase as he looked at Kurama's now-unconscious form, sweating profusely and practically gasping for air. He forced himself to look at Yukina, reminding himself that she would keep him stable and safe. Kurama was in her capable hands, and he didn't need to overreact. Taking a shuddering breath, Hiei walked up to Genkai, brow furrowed but a determined glint in his eyes. "Genkai, a word?" He murmured quietly and led her away from anyone who might be listening.

"Strange of you to come to me like this," Genkai mused, her expression neutral and her voice steady. "Something wrong?"

Hiei nodded but paused. "No," he suddenly felt very frustrated with himself. He needed to figure out how to get across what he wanted to say. If he was going to pursue what he had decided, it had to be now.

"It has to do with Kurama," Genkai said, and Hiei nodded, his lips forming a thin line as he struggled for words. "He'll be fine. He'll need rest once they are finished. We'll watch over him until he wakes up and recovers his strength," she tried to assure him.

"I know. This isn't about that," Hiei took a deep breath after seeing Genkai's questioning look. "The ritual between Yuusuke and Keiko and their public declaration. I want that... with Kurama," he blurted, feeling relieved and like he wanted to vomit at the same time. Genkai stared at him for a moment before she let out a dry huff of a laugh.

"That's not at all what I expected you to say, but it's about damn time. Follow me," Genkai chided affectionately, turning and walking toward a different building. Hiei followed silently, unsure but hopeful. She led them to what looked like a storage room; shelves lined the walls, filled with boxes and boxes that looked like they hadn't been touched in ages. Even the floor was dust-covered, and Hiei wrinkled his nose as it was kicked up into the air. He waited inside the doorway, watching Genkai walk over to a particularly abandoned-looking corner of the room. She paused as if sensing for something, then pointed to a box on a higher shelf that was out of reach for her. "That dark wooden one," Genkai stated plainly.

Hiei walked over and reached for it, thankfully still within his grasp. He wasn't keen on being told what to do, but he wasn't about to complain when he was the one asking for help. They walked out of the room, closing the door behind them, and Genkai led them to a seating area. Hiei blew off the dust before placing the box on the table. He looked up at Genkai, who motioned with her hand for him to open it. Lifting the lid revealed a smaller, pristine box, only a few inches all around. Hiei pulled it out and pushed the larger box to the side. He heard Genkai sigh as he opened the smaller box to see a long piece of thin white cotton rope, beautifully braided in an intricate pattern, a stack of three-tiered sake cups, and a pair of silver rings. Hiei looked up at her, a confused look on his face.

"Those items were given to me by my master long ago," Genkai said with a tinge of melancholy in her voice. "They belonged to him and his wife. His hope was to pass their lifetime of love and devotion onto a couple of the students. It was... a lovely dream," she had a distant look in her eyes. After a moment, she cleared her throat. "They are used in a traditional wedding ceremony. The rope signifies a long life together, the cups are used in a ritual to bind the couple to each other and exchange vows, and the rings seal the deal and are the public display of that commitment," Genkai took a breath as if gathering her thoughts. "Those items, the rings especially, are imbued with a great deal of energy after a lifetime of devotion. My master and his wife had a union like no other, a true wonder to behold. It seems appropriate to give these to another pair who truly have no equal," she said. She looked Hiei in the eye and smiled tenderly.

Hiei nodded, removing the rings before closing the box.

"Thank you," he said softly. The emotion in his voice didn't escape Genkai as she nodded and stood, making her way outside.

"What you both choose to do with them is up to you. I get the feeling it might be a while before you get to use them," Genkai mused, heading back to the room where Kurama was. Hiei followed, the box tucked under his arm and the rings clutched in his hand. His brow furrowed at her ominous words, knowing she was right. They re-entered the room, Genkai moving to stand next to Tsubaki and Hiei going to sit on the floor against a wall. He propped his sword against his shoulder and gripped it tightly, forcing himself to stay where he was as he watched Kurama groan and writhe in pain. He hated this useless feeling, how his body shook with fear and anxiety, how the sense of despair at the thought of losing Kurama filled him so entirely that he could barely breathe.

All at once, Kurama stopped moving, and Hiei stopped breathing. His eyes widened as they strained to see the tiniest movements, his ears straining to hear a breath or a heartbeat. Before he realized it, Hiei was on his feet, his sword clattering on the wooden floor. The few seconds felt like an eternity, and Hiei experienced much more pain in that brief moment than he had in his entire lifetime. He took a heavy step forward, then another, before he felt Touya's ice-cold hand on his shoulder telling him to wait. He couldn't stop shaking, his vision tunneling and focusing solely on Kurama.

Out of his periphery, Hiei could register Yukina's look of pure concentration, sweat dripping from her forehead, but she didn't look defeated in the slightest. Her determination was so intense that it turned the entire room to ice, only Kurama being spared of the frost. The sudden chill brought with it a sense of peace and serenity, and Hiei heard Touya breathe out a sigh of relief. A moment later, Kurama's body arched as he gasped for air, and the women surrounding him began to collapse. As soon as Touya's hand released its hold, Hiei bolted to Kurama's side, gathering him in his arms and holding him close. Touya was by Yukina's side, instantly catching her as she fell. Khana managed to hold herself upright at the last second while Tsubaki caught Mizuki before she hit the floor. Even Genkai let out an exhausted breath and braced herself against a wall.

The worst of it was over.


The group moved into a room with four futons on the floor, giving Kurama, Yukina, Khana, and Mizuki a place to rest. Kurama had been the first to wake, Hiei's concerned face being the first thing he saw from where he was settled on Hiei's lap. He smiled weakly and reached a hand up to Hiei's cheek. Hiei bent down and pressed his forehead against Kurama's, shutting his eyes tight against the stinging sensation. A slight clatter was heard in the silent room, a single Hiruiseki stone rolling to a stop on the floor. Kurama reached over to pick it up, clenching it in his hand as tightly as he could.

No one said a word. Genkai stood and silently walked out, Tsubaki following her lead. With some effort, Khana also made her way out, giving Hiei and Kurama one last glance before exiting the room. Touya stayed seated where he was, a silent guardian watching over Yukina as she slept. If asked, he saw and heard nothing - not a single murmured vow of tender affection or gentle caresses. And he certainly didn't watch as Hiei showed Kurama a pair of splendid silver rings or as Kurama wept in silent joy. Touya glanced over to where Mizuki lay, able to tell she was awake and listening intently to every word. He shut his eyes and tuned everything out but Yukina, attempting to give the couple as much privacy as possible.

Hiei wiped tears away from Kurama's cheeks, overjoyed to see his smile full of life. He took Kurama's hand and placed the rings into his palm. "I have to leave, Kurama," Hiei said with considerable effort. "Keep these for us until I return. Genkai has the rest," He curled Kurama's fingers around the rings, finding it more difficult to leave with each passing moment.

"Wait," Kurama sat up abruptly, fishing Hiei's Hiruiseki stone from under his clothes. He pulled off the necklace and slid the smaller ring onto the cord, fastening it tightly. Turning to face Hiei, Kurama put the necklace around his neck. "There. This stone, this singular tear that your mother wept for you, belongs to you, and so do I. Keep this ring until you can return, and I will keep yours with the tear you shed for me," Kurama said softly, his voice full of emotion. Hiei kissed him full on the lips, clinging to each other as if life depended on it.

"I will come back for what's mine," Hiei said against Kurama's lips, feeling Kurama nod in response. After one more not-so-quick kiss, Hiei stood and collected his sword. Before he left the room, he walked over to where Yukina lay still resting, removing the stone meant for her from around his neck. Touya looked at Hiei curiously as he extended his hand and held out the necklace, accepting it without question. Hiei nodded approvingly, telling Touya to 'Take care of her' so only Touya could hear it. Walking toward the exit, he turned to look at Kurama again. He looked exhausted but alive, and Hiei took solace in that. They stared at each other silently, memorizing every inch and every curve. Taking a breath, Hiei projected all the feelings he could into a singular thought that whispered in Kurama's mind:

'I love you.'

And in a blink, he was gone.