Disclaimer: I type on Heero's laptop, live in Yusuke's apartment, work at the WK flower shop,
and ride in the Akio-car. Not only do I *use* other people's stuff, I also write about it.
Feedback: Ah, yes, please.
Warning: This fic contains m/m sex, but it is not a PWP.

It was a quiet night.

The stars were shining, lighting up the blackness of the sky with a thousand tiny diamonds. There were no clouds, and thus nothing obstructing the view of the glimmering heavens. It wasn't a cool evening, yet the window was shut tight anyway - lest any moan or whimper grow too loud to be contained within the four walls.

Kurama dropped his gaze from the scenery outside to the beautiful creature in his arms. Hiei turned into the curve of his arm and smiled up at him. "What were you looking at?"

"The stars," Kurama said simply. "They're beautiful tonight." But not as beautiful as you in afterglow, he added silently, running his hands through Hiei's ebony hair. He loved the feeling of it; it was not bristly, as one would think at first glance, but soft and fluffy - and virtually devoid of tangles. Kurama wished his own red mane had such properties.

"There's a crescent moon tonight," Hiei commented. One of his hands rubbed up and down Kurama's back.

"So there is," Kurama replied. He bent his head and kissed the tip of Hiei's nose. "I always said you were an odd one, Quickfire," he teased. "Most people think a full moon is extraordinary and worth mentioning." He chuckled and pulled the fire demon closer against him to feel that hard, flat chest pressing against his own.

"It is," Hiei agreed, resting his cheek against Kurama's, "but a crescent moon is more meaningful."

"How so?"

"Because a crescent illuminates one part while hiding the rest of the moon from view," Hiei answered, entwining his legs with Kurama's.

That was true, he assented. He shifted his legs to rub against Hiei's, enjoying the feel of skin sliding along skin, with the silken bed sheets wrapped around them. "So how is it more meaningful?" he prodded.

"...Because some things are meant to be hidden."

Kurama blinked. He moved the hand that wasn't trapped under his lover to tip Hiei's chin up so he could look at his eyes. "What kind of things?" he asked quietly, knowing somehow that there was probably something Hiei hadn't told him.

Hiei shook his head like the matter wasn't important and rested his forehead against Kurama's chest. "Just...things..."

Kurama kissed the top of the fire demon's head. "What kind of things?" he asked again, a tad more insistently. But Hiei didn't answer. Apparently, he'd fallen asleep.

"Hiei," she said as she set down a tray of tea and cookies before him. Instead of sitting opposite him, as she usually did, she remained standing at his side.

He looked up at her. "Yes?" he asked, figuring she'd probably been waiting for acknowledgment.

She bent and sniffed the air around him. Or at least, that's what it looked like. He knew what she was really doing. She did it nearly every morning. "You were with him again, weren't you." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes," he admitted. There was no point in denying anything. She knew all, it seemed. He'd tried evading the question the first few times she had asked, but it had all been in vain. The woman seemed to know about everything that went on in that particular household.

"I knew it," she sighed softly. She frowned at him. "You smell like him. And that's not right." She pulled out her chair and sat down in her usual spot in front of him. "It's the same as a man putting on women's perfume in the morning before he goes to work. Boys should not smell like other boys."

Hiei lowered his eyes, not wanting to meet her gaze. "I tried to cover it up," he offered hesitantly. "I put on some of that stuff he has in his bathroom."

"Well, that obviously didn't work, did it?" Her voice wasn't overly reprimanding, but Hiei winced just the same. How did she manage to make him feel so...inadequate? "Why haven't you done as I asked?"

"But I have," he said quickly, head snapping up to look at her once again. "I've told no one about us. No one at all. Everyone thinks we're only friends."

"I meant the other thing I asked."

Hiei bit his lip. The "other thing" was... "I...I can't do that," he replied.

"You'll have to," she replied. She leaned over the table and gave him a look that was almost a glare. "He has a lot going for him. He's intelligent, he's handsome, he has good common sense, and he has a wonderful personality. And I won't let you ruin it."

It was Wednesday, so Kurama had no after-school activities to attend. Staying true to his usual mid-week ritual, he took another route home. Instead of walking back by the main roads, he took a detour and went by the park. There weren't many people there, and so it didn't take him long to head into the woods unnoticed. He hiked a little ways into the underbrush, taking a few twists and turns until he came to the arbor - their arbor. A little place where they could forget about the outside world and just be together. It was not natural; he'd fabricated the shelter with grass and vines, turning it into a cozy hollow just for two.

He got down on his hands and knees and crawled inside it. It was high enough for him to walk on his knees, but not to stand. Hiei was already there, sprawled out on the blankets they'd laid on the ground, staring at the makeshift ceiling. His hands were locked behind his head and his knees were raised.

Kurama crept closer and reached out to touch one muscular calf. He felt the muscle tense in response and grinned. "Afternoon, my love," he said, trying to adopt the tone of an actor from a romance film. He knelt between Hiei's legs and rested his arms on the fire demon's knees.

Hiei glanced at him briefly. "Hi," he said.

Kurama frowned. Hiei's voice had sounded neutral for the most part, but there had been undercurrents of uncertainty in it, too. "You okay?" he asked casually. Hiei wasn't fond of others poking into his business, and Kurama's status as his lover made him no different. True, Hiei was more open with him than anyone else, but when he did share something, he did so when he was ready and not before. Still, Kurama asked - to let Hiei know that he was aware that something was bothering the fire demon, and that he was willing to offer his assistance and support when Hiei wanted it.

But Hiei didn't answer him. Instead, he kept staring at the vines over their heads. He gave his knees a slight shake, and Kurama took the hint and removed his elbows.

Since Hiei hadn't specified whether he wanted Kurama to pry or back off, he went on. "Hiei?" he prodded. "Is something wrong?"

The next thing he knew, Hiei had launched himself at Kurama, all lips and hands. Kurama released a surprised - and pleased - gasp as he was pushed almost roughly to the blanket. Hiei was on all fours above him, his small hands on either side of Kurama's head as he touched his lips to Kurama's once, twice... Counting became impossible. It wasn't like Hiei to be so forward. Usually Kurama had to initiate things. But this time... Kurama brought a hand up to curl around Hiei's neck and bring him lower, turning the affectionate closed-mouth pecks into something much deeper. He felt his lover lower his legs so that he was straddling him.

He didn't know what had gotten into Hiei, but he liked it. He liked it a lot, he corrected himself, feeling his pink jacket get yanked open, exposing his chest to the outdoor air. Hiei left his mouth and Kurama whined at the loss, but Hiei didn't return. Instead, he squirmed down Kurama's body so he could lean over and be level with his torso. Kurama couldn't take his eyes off the fire demon, but Hiei wouldn't look at him. The ebony-haired demon bent to kiss the dip in Kurama's collarbone and then moved slightly lower. One index finger circled his right areola, and the nipple in its center pebbled up immediately. Hiei did the same to his left nipple, and then followed the path he'd just made with his tongue. Kurama groaned as he felt it lick its way across his chest... Over one pectoral...and over the other, teasingly avoiding the pinks tips.

It was torture... Kurama decided that if he didn't do something he'd go crazy. So he ran his hands as far down Hiei's back as he could and tugged at the dark red top. Too impatient to bother with getting it off, he tore it in two, yanking the two sections of cloth from between their bodies and tossing them to the side. He knew Hiei would be annoyed later and demand that he either sew the garment or purchase a new one, but he didn't care. All that mattered was what was presently happening.

He felt Hiei unzip and palm open his fly, and when the familiar weight left his torso, he knew what his lover was going to do next. Just the thought made him want to holler. He put a fist to his mouth and shoved as much of it in as he could, already chewing at his fingers as Hiei's hands closed on his hips. He wished they weren't in a public park. He wanted to be able to scream; to make as much noise as he wanted.

He nearly did when Hiei nosed the curls that decorated his nether regions. He locked his ankles around the fire demon's upper back, trapping him where he was at the same time as begging him for more. He could feel his lover's warm breath exhaling on his erection. He squirmed a little, silently asking for Hiei to hurry, to swallow him whole...

But Hiei did nothing but lean his head to the side to rest on the front of Kurama's hip. "Hey...Kurama...?"

Don'tstopnowdon'tstopnowdon'tstopnow... "Uh...?" he moaned. His hands moved down to thread in his lover's midnight hair, and he tried to pull the mouth back to him. But Hiei wouldn't budge.

"Is... Am... Am I...making you do this...?" The question was so soft, Kurama had to struggle to hear it.

"What?" he asked, genuinely confused. He pushed himself up on his elbows and stared down the length of his body at the other demon. Where had that come from...?

Hiei's face was hidden from view, and his next words made Kurama sit bolt upright. "If...you don't want to do this with me...you don't have to."

"Hiei...?" Kurama struggled to find his voice. What was he talking about...? Did he want to take their coupling a step further? The sudden thought of that possibility sent shivers of excitement rippling down his spine. His eyes rolled back and his eyelids slid shut as he imagined what that would entail. Hiei was small, but he was ninety pounds of muscle with not an ounce of fat. What...what would it be like...? To be able to join as a man and a woman could...? To feel...to feel... Yes, he wanted it. He wanted to feel what a woman felt when a powerful body like Hiei's became one with her.

"...never make you do anything you didn't want to..."

Kurama's eyes fluttered open. He'd been so preoccupied with the images his mind had conjured for him, he hadn't realized that Hiei was speaking to him. The other's voice was still soft and hesitant. He sounded nervous. It was so sweet. Kurama wanted to hug him...so he did.

"Hiei," he called, reaching down to tug at the fire demon's arms. Hiei obediently followed the pull, and Kurama lay down again, settling Hiei atop him. "You don't have to be shy," he continued. "I thought...I thought we would never get a chance to try it that way..." But he couldn't say he hadn't thought about it several times in the past. He'd pondered over the dilemma, over and over again, wondering if there was some way for them to...to share that moment of being one with your beloved.

Hiei propped himself up on his elbows and blinked down at him. Kurama thought he looked a little confused. "Kurama...?"

Kurama reached up and brushed the back of his hand lightly across Hiei's cheek. "You heard me. I want it - to be one with you." He was impressed he managed to say it without blushing. At least, he didn't think he did. He touched Hiei's cheek with his fingers and smiled gently at him.

Hiei returned the gesture, his fingers hovering over Kurama's skin like he was made of the finest glass. His mouth worked, but no sound came from it. Kurama took the hand and bit one of the fingers, his tongue licking at the pad. Hiei's eyes narrowed into little slits, and he was starting to breathe heavier. "Kurama..." He sounded uncertain, still. "I..."

"You don't make me do anything, Hiei," Kurama assured him, releasing the finger to hold Hiei's hand in both of his. "You don't. I do everything I do with you because I want to. And I want this."

Hiei averted his eyes. He may have been blushing, but there was not enough light in the arbor to tell either way. "Kurama, I'm...not really sure...how to..." he trailed off.

"That's okay," Kurama encouraged him. "I'm not sure, either." This was going to be Shuuichi Minamino's "first time", and in his previous life he'd never lain with a man before. He'd had plenty of women, but never another man. And as for how to go about it...he had only a vague notion of what to do. "But I'm sure we could figure it out," he added, aware that his voice was huskier now. Inari, he wanted this...wanted it so very much... He wanted more of Hiei...he wanted all they could manage to give each other...

His eyes must have been windows into his thoughts, because Hiei stared at him for a few moments more...and then he nodded.

It was not a pleasant morning.

The sky was much too gray, too cloudy, too dreary - as though the sun had abandoned the Human World. The heavens had cried some time in the night, leaving the pavement of the streets distinctly darker and the leaves of the trees heavy with excess water. There were little streams of water running along against the sidewalk until they came to a manhole to pour into. Numerous dips in the pavement or ground were now home to tiny lakes.

Hiei wrinkled his nose as he felt a droplet of water hit it, and glanced up at the skies as he walked slowly down the street. Yes, the heavens had cried the night before, and it appeared that they would do so again that morning. Whatever sorrow the spirits above were suffering, they were not yet done sharing their pain with the mortal world. How fitting, Hiei mused, that the heavens cried as he headed in the direction of the familiar house. His more philosophical side suggested that perhaps they were weeping for him; his realist side scolded him for letting stray thoughts cloud his mind and forced him to think of the task at hand. He had just walked Kurama to his school, promised to meet him later that evening, and then had started his journey to his next destination. When the rains came, heavy and harsh, he wondered if perhaps - just this once - his philosophical side had been correct.

The water soaked his hair, ran down his neck, and under his cloak since he wasn't wearing his white scarf. The raindrops started seeping through the fabric of his cloak - the material was not very thick, since he had not been expecting such weather and had worn the lighter of the two he owned. The insides of his boots were beginning to show signs of water leaking in; he had that slightly squishy, cool feeling when his feet pressed down on the soles.

It would have been much more beneficial, he admitted, for him to use the speed he'd worked so hard to develop and just flit from one tree to another. It would spare him the cold, the wetness, the sopping clothes... But he was in no hurry to reach his destination - especially not today. Had he the power to do so, he would have slowed time so it would take him even longer to reach the house - or perhaps, speed it up so that he surpassed his visit quickly and could be with Kurama again. But either way, he did not look forward to the...sessions...he was subjected to nearly every day. And why he returned despite his dislike of the way he was treated...? He wasn't sure himself. Perhaps it was because he was trapped in the Human World and had nowhere else to go. Perhaps it was because she really did like him - she'd told him so. Perhaps it was because she fed him and offered him shelter on days like this.

Eventually, he came to the front lawn. Her front lawn. He dug his hands even further into his pockets and rotated his shoulders several times, trying to loosen the tension he felt. It did no good. A shiver overtook him, but he was unsure whether it was the result of the chilled air or the fact that she was going to be very angry with him.

He took agonizingly slow steps up the walkway and climbed the three stairs as slowly as he could. Somehow his fingers found their way to the door. He knocked his knuckles against the wood twice. It took less than a minute for her to open the door and admit him.

"Hiei," she greeted, and motioned for him to come inside.

He obliged, remembering to wipe his feet on the front carpet before entering. She shut the door behind him. For a few moments, she said nothing. Not wanting to initiate any sort of ill-tempered discussion, Hiei said nothing, did nothing, remained rooted to the spot. He was aware that he was shivering and dripping water on her carpet, but she wasn't saying anything, so he wouldn't either. The gods knew he'd probably say something wrong, anyway.

Finally, she broke the uncomfortable silence. "You're getting water all over my house, darling."

No, he wasn't. Just on the front mat. But he wasn't about to contest her words. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.

"It doesn't matter. It's only water." She walked to the linen closet and pulled out two towels. They were a pale green color, big and fuzzy. "Off," she ordered over her shoulder as she draped the towels over her arms.

Gingerly, so as to avoid spraying water droplets all over the foyer, Hiei slipped off his cloak. He glanced at the coat rack over the heater hesitantly. He knew that was where wet garments went to dry, but he had to wait for her permission. He didn't want to displease her in any way. From the corner of his eye, he could see her watching him. "Uh..."

"Put it on the rack to dry," she told him.

He nodded. Moving as close as he could to the rack without leaving the front mat, he stretched and managed to catch the collar of his cloak on one of the hooks. The next thing he knew, a towel fell on his head. Another went around his shoulders. He stayed still as she ruffled his hair dry, feeling uneasy the entire time. He didn't like being so close to other people - Kurama aside.

"Dry off," she advised him. "And then change. I left some clothes for you in the washroom. I'd figured you'd have been stuck out in the wind and rain. When you're done, put your clothes in the laundry and meet me in the kitchen. I'd like to speak with you."

His heart skipped a beat. He was grateful for the towel obscuring his face, because he was positive his complexion had paled even further. "Okay," he managed, proud that his voice didn't waver.

He wrapped the second towel around his body and retreated to the washroom. He shut the door and glanced at the clothes she had left sitting on the toilet seat for him. They were a pair of faded black jeans, a loose, long-sleeved forest green shirt, and a pair of socks. He took his time peeling off his wet clothing. He was in no hurry to join her in the kitchen. Not even for the hot tea he knew would be there, he added as he shivered again.

He wrung out his pants and frayed black shirt into the bathtub and watched the water run down the drain. He wished it would be that easy for him to get out of the house. But he couldn't. He couldn't afford to do anything wrong here. So instead of formulating a means of escape, he toweled himself off as best he could and then climbed into the jeans first. He made a face at the slight discomfort that caused for his bottom, since his underwear was still damp, and then pulled on the shirt. The socks came next, and then he put his damp clothes in the hamper. The clothing she'd selected was a couple of sizes too large, and so he had to roll up the sleeves of the shirt and the legs of the pants. Knowing there was no reason for him to delay the inevitable any longer, Hiei steeled himself and opened the bathroom door.

He was resigned to the fact that he had to meet her, but that didn't make his steps any more hurried. He struggled to breathe at an even pace, even though his heart was beating loudly enough for Gandara to hear. When he appeared in the doorway, she was already sitting in her chair, her eyes closed as she sipped her tea. His place was already set, the chair pulled out and the cup of steaming tea on the table.

"Sit down, Hiei," she said without opening her eyes, nodding toward the chair he had come to think of as "his".

He complied, and lowered himself into the seat. He immediately aimed his gaze into his teacup and waited. She kept silent. He shifted his feet under the table and wiggled a little in his seat. He was uncomfortable enough as it was, and sitting in damp undergarments didn't help matters any. But she remained silent. It was driving him insane. Maybe she was expecting him to say something...? No, he thought, and gave himself a mental kick. He wouldn't chance it. She was probably just waiting for him to say something wrong. After all, he had never been adept at this sort of thing, but he would not screw this up.

After what seemed an eternity, she spoke. "And how are you this morning, Hiei?" she asked.

Hiei bit his lip before raising his head. "I'm fine," he replied, and fell silent for a moment before remembering that it was common courtesy to return the question. "And you? Are...are you...well?"

"As well as can be expected, all things considered."

Hiei blinked. He didn't like the way she had phrased the answer any more than he had liked the tone of her voice. "...Oh?"

"You were with him again last night."

Hiei felt his chest tighten, like someone had wrapped a hand around his heart and squeezed it. "Yes," he whispered, lowering his eyes to his teacup again. His folded his hands in his lap to keep himself from clawing at the edges of his chair.

"At least you're honest. That's a good quality to have. Don't lose it." When he nodded weakly, she went on. "Since you're so honest, I'm sure you wouldn't mind telling me what kind of dirty, immoral acts you seduced him into."

His head snapped up. Dirty and immoral acts? "But I didn't!" he insisted.

"Oh?"

"I didn't! I asked him if I was forcing him to be with me, and he said 'no'! He said I wasn't making him do anything he didn't want to!" Please believe me, he pleaded mentally. I'd never make him do anything he didn't want to. I'd never force him into participating in something he didn't consent to. I swear it.

"I see. But you didn't answer my question, Hiei. What kind of sick, twisted activities did you coerce him into?"

...Sick and twisted...? "I..." He clutched the fabric of his shirt with both of his shaking hands. "I..." Deny, his mind was telling him. Deny it, deny it, deny it... But her eyes...they were boring into him, demanding that he tell the truth... Be honest, she had instructed him. He blurted out his answer when she raised an expectant eyebrow. "I didn't mean to!"

Apparently that had been enough for her to figure it all out. "So it's true, then," she sighed, rubbing her temples. "I had hoped I'd be mistaken..."

She'd hoped she'd been mistaken? How...how did she know? The rains...surely they had washed the scent off of him... Had she seen...? Had she seen...?

"I saw him this morning," she continued. "He was walking a little oddly. He was concealing it quite well, but it was still apparent. And now...I find I was right, after all. I don't believe this," she added, slamming her hand down onto the table. "I tell you to break it off and instead you tie it tighter than before."

She was angry. That, he could see. Even if she didn't look the least bit cross, Hiei could tell she was almost livid. He had to fix this. "But I didn't mean to!" he cried again, leaning over the table. "It was an accident!"

"Was it, now?" she mused. She didn't look convinced. "And how was this an 'accident'?" she demanded.

He hesitated. "I... When I...when I asked him if I was forcing him into anything, he said 'no'... And then he...he..."

"He what?" she prodded.

"He thought...he thought I was talking about...that. And he...he said...he said he wanted it."

She sniffed at him. "Of course he did. That's because you've got him wound around your finger. The poor boy doesn't realize himself how deep he's involved. Hiei, I've told you to end it before you ruin him. Why can't you handle that?"

"But..."

She stood up so that she was towering over him. "Don't you know what this means? If anyone finds out about this - anyone at all! - his life will be ruined. Ruined! He will be ridiculed at school. He will be the subject of childish, yet hurtful pranks. He will be denied privileges. Every time people see him, they will know him as 'the gay boy'. Do you understand? Do you know what his life will be like after that? He'll be miserable - just because he wasted a few months with you. Is that what you want?"

He slouched as far down as he could and dropped his face into his hands as she continued to rail at him. The words hurt, they made him angry, made him want to lash out at her and tell her what he really thought...but he did nothing. He just sat there and let her rant and rave. But he wanted to crawl away and hide in a corner somewhere for the rest of his days. What he and Kurama had done together the night before...she'd called "dirty", "twisted" and "sick". If Kurama had been a girl...if he'd been a girl...would it be different?

He'll be miserable - just because he wasted a few months with you.

They will know him as "the gay boy".

He'll be miserable - just because he wasted a few months with you.

What kind of sick, twisted activities did you coerce him into?

He'll be miserable - just because he wasted a few months with you.

Is that what you want?

Is it?

Is it?

It was Saturday, so there had been no school that day, but still Kurama had roused not long after the sun had risen. The anticipation he'd had for this day had been so great, he even managed to open his eyes ten minutes before his alarm went off. He shut off the clock to prevent it from ringing later and hopped into the shower.

Perhaps, he thought, it wasn't necessary to be up this early, but he'd wanted to make everything absolutely perfect. He washed his hair with the shampoo that smelt like Oreo centers, and his body with the shower gel that smelt of roses. Hiei had told him once that he liked the scent of both, claiming it made Kurama smell nice and refreshed, but not like a girl.

When his hair was dried and he was clad only in a pair of crisp white boxers, he planted himself in front of his open closet and pondered about what to wear. He wanted to look nice, but at the same time, he wanted to wear something that would be easy to take off - just in case they ended up doing what he hoped they would...

Not jeans, he decided, sliding the set of hangers that held the denim pants to the side to give him more room to look at the rest of his wardrobe. Jeans were nice and looked good, but were a little too plain for a day such as this. Maybe these, he thought, taking out a pair of black slacks. Not too extravagant, not too casual, and not too expensive - so it would be all right for them to get a little dirty.

He tossed the pants on the bed and went back to hunt for a shirt to wear. Something that would go well with the pants... His eyes fell on his white button-up shirt. That would do just nicely. He took it off the hanger and tossed it behind him onto the bed as well. And, as an afterthought, took out his black coat, just in case the weather decided to be disagreeable - as weather often did when it was an important day for people.

He dressed himself leisurely, making sure that his shirt was tucked in neatly and his belt buckle was properly centered. He brushed out his hair again, running the comb through his full red strands until it looked perfect. When he was satisfied, he tidied up his room and went downstairs.

His mother wasn't awake yet, so he tried to be very quiet as he went about his next task: preparing the picnic. He fished through their hall closet until he found the small cooler his mother had bought. He set it on the kitchen table and went to work.

He didn't want to make too much food, but he did want to have an assortment. So he settled for fixing up a few sandwiches made with cold cuts, some fruit, and even the bottle of light wine he had saved up for just for this occasion.

"Shuuichi?" came his mother's still-sleepy voice.

He turned his head to smile at her. "'Morning, Mother," he greeted her.

She blinked a few times, assessing the scene before her. "You're up early," she said with a smile. "Don't tell me you're doing some extra-credit project today for school?"

Kurama laughed. "No, Mother. Not today. I'm going to a birthday party." A private party just for two.

"Oh?" his mother mused with a knowing grin. "Some girl you haven't introduced me to yet, perhaps?"

Kurama hid a smile behind his hand. "I'm afraid not, Mother," he said in mock-regret. It's some boy I haven't introduced to you yet. "It's just a friend. A few others and I are going on a picnic to celebrate."

"With wine?" his mother asked, peering into the cooler. "Remember not to go overboard on that stuff, Shuuichi," she reminded him. "Hangovers are never any fun."

"We know, Mother. We'll be careful not to drink too much." He shrugged off-handedly. "It's really only for the toast. Another friend will be bringing the other drinks."

"Well, that's all right, then." His mother plugged in the kettle and started filling a mug with instant coffee and sugar. "So long as you know when to stop."

Kurama smiled at her and went back to his task. When he was sure he had made the perfect lunch, he closed it all into the cooler and left it in the fridge to stay fresh. Then he joined his mother at the table and talked with her for awhile. The next few hours were spent helping his mother clean up around the house.

At one o'clock, he knew it was time to go. He was supposed to meet Hiei at the park at one-thirty. So he bid his mother goodbye and a pleasant afternoon. He told her he didn't know what time he would be coming home, and so she shouldn't worry herself or stay up waiting for him. She agreed, and so, armed with his cooler and so excited he wanted to skip down the sidewalk, Kurama left his house and started for their designated meeting spot: the arbor.

He didn't take the bus. Instead, he chose to walk briskly, yet not too exerting. After all, he didn't want to work up a sweat - not yet, anyway. It took him about twenty minutes to reach the park. He still had plenty of time to reach the meeting place. Hiei would probably already be there, he thought. In the four months they had been together, Kurama had figured that it would be safer for them to meet in secluded areas, and to arrive at them separately. As for the nights they spent in Kurama's bedroom, they took extra precautions there: windows and doors shut and locked tight, a towel shoved up against the bottom of the door to help prevent any sound escaping under it, and occasionally a handful of sheets shoved into their mouths. They couldn't afford to be caught. Not now, at any rate. When Kurama was able to get out of school and pay for a home of his own, then he would confess to his mother. He would tell her that he had fallen for another boy and not a girl, as she had probably hoped.

He waited until no one was around before slinking away into the forest. He followed the familiar path, taking several twists and turns until he came to the beautiful place he had come to associate with Hiei. His heart fluttered as his eyes fell on his demon lover, who was standing outside the arbor instead of waiting inside it, as he usually did.

Hiei didn't look any different than usual. He was wearing his black pants with the matching boots, and a long-sleeved dark red shirt. Instead of the belts that were normally buckled around his waist, a red sash was wrapped around it instead. But with or without fancy clothing, Hiei was still handsome...or cute, depending on the situation.

Kurama gave him a smile as he approached. "Hi, there, Quickfire," he greeted warmly, setting the cooler on the ground.

Apparently that was all the encouragement necessary. Hiei rushed forward, threw his arms around Kurama's middle and squeezed him tight. Kurama huffed and stumbled backwards a little, taken aback by the sudden tackle. But when he regained his balance he returned the gesture, though still a little surprised.

"Dragon," he chided affectionately, "I missed you, too." Though they had only been apart for a day, he reminded himself. They had seen each other - if briefly - Thursday night. He smiled again when Hiei nuzzled his chest and squeezed him tighter. "I brought some good food. I hope you're hungry."

Hiei pulled back a little to look him up and down. "Why are you all dressed up?"

Kurama chuckled. How typical of Hiei to forget something like this. He knelt down so that his head was a little lower than Hiei's and nipped his chin. "Happy Birthday, Baby."

"Birthday?" Hiei looked confused.

Kurama rolled his eyes. "You're a demon, silly, you're still too young to be getting forgetful." He hooked his arms up around Hiei's back so his hands rested on his shoulders. "It was almost half a year ago, remember? I was curious, so we calculated your birth date in human reckoning. It's today."

Then it seemed to sink in. "Oh," Hiei breathed. Now he looked a little surprised. "I remember now." He cocked his head. "But you remembered?"

Kurama laughed and pulled him down for a quick kiss. "Of course I remembered! So how old are you, Firefly?"

"Three-hundred fifty-two," Hiei replied. "I think," he added as an afterthought. "It's been so long since I've paid it any mind, I don't remember exactly."

"Well, happy three-hundred fifty-second, Quickfire. May you have a thousand more, full of luck, fortune, and love." And then Kurama leaned up and kissed him again, this time taking the opportunity to touch his tongue to the fire demon's lips. It took three feather-light touches before Hiei opened his mouth to Kurama's questing tongue, and several moments passed before Hiei even accepted the duel. At first Hiei's body was wire-tense, but after a minute or so he relaxed and returned the kiss more energetically. That is, until a faint growling noise was heard over their breathless kissing noises. Kurama released his lover's mouth and raised an eyebrow.

Hiei gave him a sheepish half-smile. "What's in that basket-thing?" he asked.

So Kurama had them move into the arbor and they spent the majority of the afternoon lazing about in their little nestle of vines, eating the sandwiches and feeding each other the fruit. They talked about everything and nothing; about how Kurama's schoolwork was going, how Hiei was faring with still being stuck in Ningenkai, how there hadn't been any demon activity lately, and other things. When the sun began to set, Kurama reached to the side took out the wine.

Hiei glanced at it questioningly from his perch atop Kurama's thighs, his own straddling Kurama's hips. "What's that for? I'm not that important."

"Yes, you are," Kurama replied, "but that's not the point." He handed the bottle to Hiei and took out two plastic cups. "Sorry, I couldn't bring any goblets. They probably would have broken." He took the bottle back and gave Hiei the cups instead. He unscrewed the cap of the wine and poured each of them a glass. He put the wine back in the cooler and relieved Hiei of one of the glasses. "Four months," he murmured. "Four incredible months."

"Kurama?"

He grinned at the other demon. "I was just thinking how wonderful it is to be with you," he confessed. He was getting good at not blushing at times like this.

"Really?"

He nodded. "The last four months I've spent with you have been the best times of my life."

Hiei's features wavered a little. "...Have been...?"

Kurama raised the cup. "Here's to many more years together."

"More...?" Hiei echoed, touching his cup to Kurama's.

"If I have anything to say about it, many, many more..."

They shared a smile and downed their drinks in one gulp. Kurama retrieved the bottle and winked at Hiei. "Mother thinks I'm attending a crowded birthday party," he revealed quietly.

"Oh?" Hiei mused.

"We'd better make it look like more people have been drinking this," he advised, nodding toward the bottle.

Hiei's lips curled into a smile, and he raised his cup for a refill.

Hiei sighed contentedly and closed his eyes. He wasn't sure if he was drunk, but he was definitely feeling more relaxed than he usually did. He hugged Kurama closer, his limbs still entwined with the youko's. They were snuggling, just enjoying holding each other, and a little breathless from the kissing they had been engaged in. But they were still fully clothed, though Hiei's shirt was un-tucked and Kurama's halfway unbuttoned.

"Kurama," he called quietly, resting a hand on the youko's lower back.

He heard the redhead exhale softly. "Mm?" he replied, burying his face further into Hiei's hair.

"Thank you," he said softly, nestling his face in the curve of Kurama's neck, enjoying the warmth that was there.

"For what, Firefly?"

"This," Hiei answered. "Today. I've never... I mean, no one has ever done something like this for me... Just because this is the day I was born on..."

Kurama chuckled, bringing one hand up to hold the back of Hiei's head. "Just wait, Baby. I haven't even given you your present yet."

"Present?" Hiei echoed in confusion. "What present?"

"It's customary for people to get their loved ones gifts on their birthdays," Kurama explained.

Hiei was silent for a moment. "...You got me a gift...?"

Kurama chuckled again. "Well, not really. I don't have too much extra money these days...but...there is something I want you to see. Something special."

Before Hiei could ask anymore questions, Kurama rolled away - not too far, since the arbor wasn't very spacious - and started buttoning his shirt back up. Hiei shrugged and crawled out of the arbor so he could stand up and tuck his shirt back in. When he was sure he looked decent, he glanced around. They had spent a good deal of time in the arbor; night had fallen. The forest was dark, the sparse breaches in the canopy allowing only faint beams of moonlight to illuminate the woods. Hiei looked up. Not even the stars could be seen well.

He started a little when an arm went around his shoulders, relaxing when he realized it was Kurama. He was so comfortable around the redhead now that he was beginning to let his guard drop when he was with him. "So...what did you want to show me...?"

Kurama squeezed him tight, once, and then removed his arm. "Not yet, Firefly. It's a surprise, remember?"

Hiei raised an eyebrow as Kurama reached forward and fingered the red sash he was wearing around his waist. "So...?"

"You mind?" the youko asked, tugging slightly at the sash. "I want to use this to cover your eyes." Hiei shrugged one shoulder, and Kurama smiled. Hiei watched as the redhead's slender fingers made quick work of the knot and slid the sash from the loops of his pants. "It's not too far from here," Kurama assured him as he moved behind him and settled the cloth over his eyes, tying it securely in place. Hiei closed his eyes so the sash wouldn't rub against them. He felt Kurama move ahead of him once again and take his hand. "Just follow me, okay, Hiei?"

Hiei nodded, feeling a little uncertain about allowing himself to become dependent on Kurama. But he could trust the youko - he knew he could - and so he tightened his grip on the redhead's hand and let the other demon lead him away.

They walked for what seemed a long time, though Hiei knew it only appeared as such because one of his senses was temporarily debilitated. Kurama led them through the foliage with what seemed like confidence, and so Hiei knew that the youko was completely sure of where it was they were going. Hiei followed obediently, resisting the sporadic urges to simply pull off the makeshift blindfold. Though he'd never have expected it of himself, he was eager to see what the redhead had planned. It was odd; usually he wouldn't be...anxious, he believed, was the right word, just for someone to show him something. Then again, he amended, no one had ever taken the time to fuss over him like Kurama did, let alone spend their own time preparing a picnic and spend money on wine just for him. Kurama had done it all for him. Just for him.

He squeezed Kurama's hand almost without realizing it, and the youko laughed softly. "Almost there, Hiei," he said, and squeezed back.

How could he possibly do what she wanted him to do? How could he end what he had with Kurama? The youko was the best thing - the only good thing - that had ever happened to him. She had said Kurama would end up being miserable if he spent too much time with him... But then...Kurama had said he wanted "many, many more" years together... Kurama had done so much for him...had been so affectionate and understanding during the first few weeks of their relationship...had given Hiei the most precious treasure anyone could ever hope to posses: Shuuichi Minamino's virginity. Kurama had given so much to him, and he...he didn't have much to give. He had nothing to offer the youko: no money, no home, they couldn't have children... He had nothing...

But Kurama had said he'd wanted to stay with him for "many more" years...and if Hiei could offer the redhead nothing else, he would at the very least grant that request.

Suddenly the youko stopped walking. Hiei didn't realize at first, and due to the lack of space between their bodies, he walked into Kurama's back.

"Sorry," he muttered apologetically, staking a step back.

"We're going to have to crawl a little from now on," Kurama replied.

"Crawl?" Hiei asked. "Why?"

"Just do as I say," the youko instructed. However, the words carried no authoritative undertones. "It won't be for long."

So, Hiei cautiously lowered himself to the ground and waited for Kurama to tell him what to do. He sensed Kurama walk around him and guide him gently forward. "Okay, Hiei, I'm right behind you. Just crawl straight ahead. It's not far."

Hiei did as he was asked, slowly and carefully, knowing that the passage he was traveling through was confining and quite narrow. But he trusted Kurama, and so he kept on, feeling his way along the cold dirt and rocky sides, acknowledging the youko's reassurances that he was still right behind him.

As he crawled, his curiosity grew. What did Kurama have planned for him once they got to wherever they were going? What was so special that he had to come all the way over here? And most of all, why was whatever it was Kurama wanted to show him down a tunnel...?

"Almost there, Hiei," Kurama called softly from behind him. "Not even five paces left."

Hiei felt a smile touch his lips, and a fluttering sensation started spreading through his body from his abdomen. He was, he realized, not only anxious about the surprise that awaited him, but excited.

He knew when he had exited the tunnel when he sensed the confining walls vanish. He took a moment to breathe in the air of the open cavern he guessed he was in - not necessarily fresher than the air in the tunnel, but certainly better. And now he didn't feel so...trapped. He'd never enjoyed being in tight places. He enjoyed dashing and flitting and leaping all over the place, and hated having his movements restricted.

"We're here, Firefly," Kurama said. Hiei felt the youko take his arm, and let himself be helped to his feet. Then the redhead led him farther into the cavern, and Hiei noted that he was now standing in water. "Ready?"

Hiei nodded, doing his best not to smile. For some reason, he was embarrassed about letting Kurama know how eager he was. "I'm ready."

The youko cupped his cheeks and tilted his head up. "Look up."

Hiei complied. He felt Kurama's fingers fiddle with the blindfold, and then the cloth was removed from his eyes. Hiei opened them and blinked. He was staring at the sky...at the stars. But how? he wondered. Aren't we in a cavern? "Kurama...?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

"Like it?" Kurama asked quietly, cupping his face again. "I found it when I came exploring with my Biology class. Our teacher took us here on a field trip. It's natural, the hole in the top. The actual entrance to the cave is on the other side. If you travel further you'll find where my teacher took us, through the falls and everything. But this is the most beautiful part of it."

Hiei had to agree. And it was even more beautiful because it wasn't created by humans, or by demon magic. It was natural, untouched. He tried to shift his gaze, but Kurama's hands were still on his cheeks, applying just enough pressure to make his gaze remain on the stars. "Kurama?"

"I guess I lied," the youko whispered, not sounding very guilty about it. "The stars aren't the most beautiful part of it...it's what they do that is."

Then he let go of Hiei's face, and Hiei took the opportunity to look around the cavern, and felt his eyes widen in astonishment. The cavern they were in was somewhat circular, and the ground dipped near the center. Water had gathered in the indentation, making it look like a large, shallow puddle. But that wasn't all; the water was reflecting the starlight, making it look as though they were standing in a field of stars. In the darkness, with only the starlight to see by... It was incredible.

He turned to look up at Kurama, noting that the youko was bathed in the starlight as well, and this time he couldn't stop the smile from forming. "It's beautiful," he said with as much sincerity as he could muster. He wanted to make sure Kurama believed him, because he meant it. It was beautiful - the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He took his lover's hands and held them in his own, the gesture looking a tad odd because the youko's hands were larger than his. Kurama had found this place, and had decided to share the wondrous discovery with him. Somehow, that meant more to him than the picnic. "Thank you," he said softly, and then wrapped his arms around the redhead and held him close, laying his ear over Kurama's heart. "Thank you..."

Kurama returned the gesture, his hands stroking up and down Hiei's back. "I lied again," he said.

Hiei raised an eyebrow and looked up into the youko's emerald eyes. "About what?"

The redhead smiled, his teeth looking even whiter against the darkness of the cave and the starlight. "The stars aren't the most beautiful part about this place..."

Hiei swallowed. His heart was starting to beat faster. "Then...what is?"

"You," Kurama answered, bending his head to initiate a kiss.

Hiei didn't let him. He stopped the youko's advance with a finger on his lips. "No, I'm not."

Kurama parted his lips and bit the digit gently. "Yes, you are."

Hiei shook his head. "I can't be."

The youko cocked his head, releasing the finger. "And why not?"

Hiei felt the temperature in his cheeks rising, and knew he was blushing. It was nothing new. Whenever he thought about saying something "sweet" or "romantic" to Kurama, he always seemed to demote himself from a demon warrior to a shy, timid human girl. He swallowed again and averted his eyes. "...Because you are," he managed at last.

Kurama didn't reply at first, but then he laughed quietly and tightened their hug. "Then I guess...we'll have to agree that we both are. Because I still think you're the most beautiful part of this place."

Hiei rubbed his cheek over Kurama's heart. "Agreed, then," he replied softly, feeling the fire in his cheeks lessen.

They stood still in the middle of the cavern for an indeterminate time, just holding each other close - Kurama raking a hand tenderly through Hiei's hair, Hiei listening to the steady beat of the youko's heart. Hiei could have stayed that way forever. Kurama was everything to him now. Riches, power, and fame be damned. He didn't want them, didn't need them. Kurama was all he wanted, all he needed, the most intelligent and beautiful creature he'd ever had the honor of meeting. And not only had he been given the privilege of fighting alongside the youko...but he'd been given the right to spend time with him, talk with him, lay with him... Fate had robbed him of his mother, his father, his childhood, the companionship he'd craved...and then had given him Kurama. If he'd known the redheaded youko would be his reward for withstanding the blows Fate had dealt him...he'd have done it all again. He...he...

He loved Kurama. That was it. He was in love with Kurama. What he felt for the tall redhead...it could only be love.

"Say...Hiei...?" Kurama's voice was little more than a soft whisper.

"Hm?"

"...Would you permit me to...indulge in...in a fantasy?"

"...What fantasy...?"

The next words were spoken quietly into his ear. "Remember...a few days ago...? When you...when you 'held' me?"

Hiei swallowed. "Yes..."

Kurama's heart was beginning to beat faster. "I...I was wondering if I...if I could hold you...?"

Hiei released the breath he'd been holding, his mind already imagining what would happen if he agreed. If having it done to him would feel as incredible as doing it to Kurama had... And it would strengthen the bond they had sealed. Kurama had given himself to Hiei, and now it was his turn to give himself to Kurama.

He arched onto his toes to plant a kiss on each of Kurama's cheeks. He knew he was blushing again, but it was too dark for Kurama to tell. Still, he was unable to articulate his assent, and so he nodded instead, hoping his eyes would convey what he couldn't form into words.

He lowered himself to his normal height as Kurama leaned in for a kiss, and let Kurama inside as soon as their lips touched. The way the movements of their tongues could compliment one another... Hiei liked to think of them as experts in that area. Truthfully, he didn't have any prior experience to compare to, since Kurama had been - was - his one and only. However, he was certain that he and the youko had tried every variation of kissing there was. They could literally spend hours just exploring each other's mouths.

However, this time their kiss lasted but a few minutes, as Kurama seemed eager to get onto other things. Gently, the youko disengaged their mouths; their tongues were the last thing to part, as though the muscles had wanted to stay intertwined as long as possible. Hiei opened his eyes and stared into his partner's emerald irises. Kurama removed his arms and started pulling off the jacket he was wearing. But instead of letting it fall to the ground or tossing it aside as Hiei expected, Kurama knelt and laid the garment onto the shallow waters. At Hiei's questioning glance, he smiled shyly.

"Part of my fantasy," he began quietly, "was to make love to you in a sea of stars. Would you let me?"

Instead of answering, Hiei took the redhead's hands and helped him straighten. Then he moved closer to the youko and began unbuttoning the dress shirt, meeting each new patch of skin that was revealed with his lips. He felt Kurama's hands pull the back of his shirt from his pants and then slide under the fabric to rub his shoulder blades. When Hiei reached the youko's belt, he undid the buckle quickly and then raised his arms so Kurama could tug his shirt off. In return, he tugged open Kurama's dress shirt and pulled the redhead closer so their bare chests could touch... Skin against skin... Nothing felt better than skin against skin...

They were quick to strip away their clothing. To ensure that the garments reached the side of the cavern without getting wet, they balled up all their clothes together and Hiei threw them across the puddle. They hit the cave wall with a barely audible noise and fell to the ground.

Reassured that they would have dry clothes to get back into, they came together in a passionate embrace once more, kissing deeply and letting their hands caress the other's body. Hiei wrapped his arms around Kurama's neck, and his lover hooked his knees with one arm, lifting him a few inches off the ground and then lowering him onto the jacket. The garment was wet, and his calves were in the water, but he didn't mind. When Kurama positioned himself on all fours to dip his head down and kiss him, Hiei returned the tongue-teasing twice-over and tugged at the youko's arms, asking his partner to come closer. Kurama complied, keeping himself raised on his forearms, sighing into Hiei's mouth when the southern regions of their bodies rubbed against each other.

It was an unbelievably erogenous feeling to have a heavier body lying on top of him - touching him everywhere, so close it could be a threat but wasn't... True, having Kurama lying on top of him wasn't anything new since they had always taken turns being dominant since their relationship had progressed to lovemaking. However, this was the first time they were coupling since Hiei had taken Kurama, and now it was Kurama's turn to take him. Knowing what the youko was going to do to him made him want to shout as loud as he wanted...

It was a slow journey; Kurama took his time preparing Hiei for what was to come. The last time, it had been the first time either of them had gone that far - Kurama with a man, and Hiei ever. And while they had figured it out, it had been a cautious, awkward act. The foreplay had still been performed to the best of their ability, but knowing how they were planning to end it had made them both a little anxious, if eager. Hiei had been careful - extremely careful - not to hurt Kurama, and so their lovemaking that afternoon had been slightly...odd. Still amazing, but odd. Now they knew what to do, and they weren't worried anymore.

Kurama moved down his body, paying homage to each part of him with his lips and tongue, before venturing lower to do wonderful things with his mouth... He raised his head and glanced down the length of his body, noticing Kurama fishing through the pocket of the soaked jacket. He pulled out a familiar tube, which Hiei recognized as the lubrication they'd used the last time to make the movements easier.

He parted his thighs wider so Kurama could complete the preparation, and then held back his cries of pain and pleasure as Kurama slid inside. It felt incredible - nothing he'd ever felt before could compare to what his lover was making him feel at that moment. And when Kurama started moving, Hiei hooked his arms and legs around the redhead, clinging to him and loving the way it felt. He squeezed his eyes shut and let Kurama's thrusts take him away...

When Hiei knocked on her front door not long after he'd walked Kurama to school, she answered it and looked a mite surprised. She composed herself quickly, looking him up and down, and then raised an eyebrow.

"You're early today, Hiei. I didn't even have the tea ready." She held open the door for him and motioned for him to enter. "You're welcome to come in now, but I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few minutes."

"That's...all right," he assured her quietly, reminding himself for the thousandth time that he would have to have the conversation with her at some point, and that delaying the inevitable wouldn't be healthy for either of them. He entered the house and took off his boots and the front door.

He let her lead him to the kitchen and sat down in his chair. She moved to plug in the kettle and prepare both of their cups with the appropriate amounts of sugar. "You are quite early today," she observed. "Usually you don't come for another hour or so." She smiled at him over her shoulder. "I suppose that means you have good news for me? Hm? Did you finally do as I asked?"

Straight to the point... She was a strangely direct woman... He took a deep breath and spoke the truth - as she had always insisted he do. "...No. I didn't."

Her back stiffened immediately. "I see."

Hiei used her sudden silence to gather his thoughts and take another deep breath. He was never good at expressing himself verbally, but for Kurama, he'd lasso the moon and pull it to the Earth. "I...I've thought about it a lot... I've spent hours thinking about it...and...I can't do it. I can't - won't - cast him aside."

"He's not your pet," she retorted mildly, "to use and cast aside when you see fit, anyway. He is his own person, and a strong one, at that. You have no right to claim his as yours and delegate what he can and cannot do."

"I don't," Hiei assured her, making sure to keep his voice level. This woman made him one of two things: extremely shy and nervous, or extremely frustrated and angry. "He is his own person...and he...he told me that he wants to stay with me."

She shrugged one shoulder. The kettle had begun to boil, so she pulled the plug from the socket and began pouring their cups. "You probably make him feel good - he likes that. Who wouldn't want someone who can make them feel good? But when he wakes up and realizes what he's doing...he'll come to his senses." She added the milk to their tea and then set his down in front of him. "But who knows if you two can keep your fling a secret for that long? I don't know how long it will be before he decides to become a normal young man again... If someone he knows finds out about this... I...I can't bear to think of what it will do to his reputation...or what people may do to him..." She gripped her cup with both hands, her shoulders trembling. "I pray it stays a secret long enough... I just want him to be normal again. Everything was fine before... But this...what you two are doing...it's wrong."

"I won't leave him...and he won't leave me, either." She raised an eyebrow at him, clearly preparing a retort to his inference about Kurama, and so he decided to simply say it. "We're in love." He wanted to make a smug grin when he saw her shocked expression - because he knew that what he spoke was the truth. That night in the cave...after they had made love while bathed in starlight...they'd exchanged the words.

She regained her composure mere moments after her eyes had widened. "...No. No, he doesn't. He thinks he does, now, but this is just a phase he's going through." She took a sip of tea and shook her head at him. "I keep telling you, Hiei, but you just won't listen to me. I'm beginning to lose my patience with you. I've told myself time and time again that I won't directly get involved with this...and so I won't. But I will tell you this yet again: boys do not love other boys. It's wrong. It just doesn't work that way. There are males and females on the planet for a reason. The only reason you two are together is lust. That's all. Once the spark dies out, then this little 'episode' will be put behind him and he'll be able to go on living a normal life again. But mark my words, if someone finds out about you two before he realizes it's time to give you your walking papers, I'll make you very, very sorry."

It was almost funny - seeing as how she thought he was just a human teenager with parents she could simply call. Fleetingly, he considered unsheathing his sword and asking her to show him just how exactly she was going to make him "very, very sorry." But he didn't. It was not time to confront her yet. Not yet. There would be other - better - times. His last night with Kurama, where they had revealed their deep feelings for one another, had given him a new confidence in himself and their relationship. This time, he didn't feel small or inadequate when he was around her.

For now...that was enough.

"I can't believe he wants us to read this entire section for tomorrow," Kurama muttered, turning the page in his thick textbook.

Hiei sighed softly in contentment. He was in a good mood - for two reasons. One of the reasons was that they were seated in a very comfortable position; Kurama was propped up with his pillows, his book held upright with one raised knee while his other leg was stretched out; Hiei was sitting next to him, leaning on his side and resting his head on his shoulder. The other reason for Hiei's happiness was that he wasn't the one who had to read the book.

"It's not like we don't have anything better to do than sit down and read all night," Kurama continued somewhat bitterly. "There are other things I could be doing now..."

With a quiet chuckle, Hiei reached forward and put his hand on the page Kurama was staring at. "What was the last word you read?"

"'The'," Kurama replied instantly.

Hiei rolled his eyes and drew his hand back. "That's the safest answer. It doesn't prove anything."

"You're right, it doesn't." Kurama tilted his head to rest against Hiei's. "Dragon, do me a favor?"

"What?"

"Read this and tell me what happens?"

"Not a chance." Hiei smiled. "I'm sure you knew what you were getting yourself into when you decided to live this life..."

"...I didn't expect this much homework, though..." Kurama sighed. "The Human World is very different from the Demon World."

Hiei closed his eyes and nodded. "It is...in many ways." He inhaled deeply and cuddled closer to Kurama. "Hey, Kurama?"

"Mm?"

"...I have a serious question to ask you. Don't laugh, okay?"

He felt Kurama turn his head toward him, but he didn't look up. "Quickfire, I'd never laugh at you when you're being serious. What is it?"

He debated "beating around the bush" for a few minutes, but then decided to be perfectly frank. "Kurama...what we do...is it wrong here?" "What?" His lover sounded genuinely confused.

"What we do," he repeated slowly and softly. "What we feel for each other... Is it wrong here?"

Kurama didn't reply at first, but then he uttered, "What do you mean by 'wrong'?"

"I mean..." He swallowed and felt Kurama move an arm to put around him. "I mean...is it frowned upon? Is it forbidden?"

Again that short silence, and then a quiet, "Why do you want to know?"

"...Answer me first," he demanded gently. "Is it forbidden? For one male to love another?"

Kurama folded the top corner of the page he was reading and set his book aside. "Well...to some... I'll be honest with you, Hiei. There are many in this world who accept it, who are friendly and don't treat those people any differently than any other person. But then...there are many in this world who detest it, who are hateful, and who loathe and are cruel to those people. Some say it is forbidden...others simply view it as another way of living life. It's all a matter of personal belief and perspective."

Hiei nodded, letting Kurama's words sink in. "But...if someone were to find out about...say, us, would they...would they hurt you?" He wanted to make sure - absolutely sure that his association with Kurama wouldn't endanger his lover in any way. As much as he feared the answer, he wanted to hear it from Kurama himself, and not from her.

"Hurt me?" Kurama echoed. "Hiei, what is this about?" He slid them lower until they were lying down, face-to-face. Hiei stared at Kurama's expression for a long time, watching the redhead watch him, and knowing that the youko was trying to figure out why Hiei had asked. "Hiei, is this part of some inane plan to try and protect me?" He smiled lovingly and kissed Hiei's nose. "Firefly, it's sweet of you to want to defend me, but I can take care of myself."

Hiei blinked. "Does that mean other humans are harassing you?"

The youko chuckled. "No, Hiei. No. Where would you get such a silly idea...?" He stopped laughing and eyed Hiei seriously. "Hiei, what is this about? What's going on? You've been brooding on-and-off for the last couple of weeks."

He swallowed and rested his face in the crook of Kurama's neck. "I just don't want to cause you any pain," he said sincerely. "If anyone ever starts harassing you because of me, tell me. I'll leave right away and you can be 'normal' again."

"Wait a moment," Kurama interrupted curtly. "What is this about 'normal'?" He pulled away and glared at Hiei. "Hiei, I don't know who you've been talking to, but I will tell you one thing right now: there is no real definition of 'normal'. Everyone is unique in their own way. As for whether or not anyone would cause me problems because of you, it wouldn't bother me - what I do on my personal time is none of their business. And as for you not wanting to cause me any pain..." He leaned close again and rubbed their noses together. "If you don't want to cause me any pain... Don't ever leave me."

For awhile, Hiei could only stare at his partner. Then he felt his lips curl into a smile. Oh, how he wanted to get up, race out the door and throw those words in her face...! He pulled the redhead against him again. He would never stop enjoying the feeling of having the youko's warm body pressed against his. "Kurama..." he mumbled into his lover's shirt, "I love you."

"And I love you," Kurama replied, rubbing his hand over Hiei's back. "And remember one thing, Dragon... Love is never wrong."

Hiei nodded, and then tipped his head up to capture Kurama's lips in a kiss. As their tongues began the pre-tumble ritual, Hiei gently urged Kurama to roll over and lie on his back. When they were intimate, neither of them cared who was dominant or submissive...though technically, this time it was Hiei's turn... He broke the kiss and stared down at the beautiful, intelligent creature he had claimed before bending to initiate another one...

Kurama was right... Love was never wrong.

And maybe someday...Kurama's mother would believe that, too.

===== Owari =====

Author's Notes:
~Well, Issei no Miko asked me for romance, angst, lemon, and a happy ending. Did I get them all? ^_^;;;

~Yep, the "villain" of the story was Shiori. I couldn't help it - it fit with the storyline.

~In shounen-ai stories, the words "hold me" are often used as synonyms for "make love to me."

~As for the cave, this is a replica of an actual cavern my biology teacher took my class to in Grade 10. There was a hole at the top of one part, though we aren't sure if it was natural or not.

~No, you're not supposed to know when and how Hiei and Shiori started spending time together. But typically, Hiei was doing what caring boyfriends tend to do: try to impress their lover's mother so that she will not invoke her authority and force Kurama not to see him. Not that she could stop Kurama, really, but Hiei doesn't want to be the cause of any "bad vibes" between Kurama and his mother. See, he can care about Kurama's choice to live as a human ^_^

~To explain the title... The phrase "And a River Ran Out of Eden" is actually from...somewhere in my English notes... I'm compiling these notes from home and my books are at school. If anyone is really interested, I'd be more than happy to give the information ^_^ But, I am using the title to convey the plot. Eden, as many of us know, means paradise, a place where everything is perfect: an ideal world (where you get to waltz around in fig leaves ^_~) Water has typically been used in fiction to depict life, or growth. I'm using the phrase as, Eden is the ideal world where everyone is straight as an arrow and everyone is "normal", etc. The river, as in, the people who realize that they are something more, grow and escape the sheltered paradise and head off into the "real world." Hence, Kurama and Hiei are the "river" that is escaping Shiori's "perfect world where everyone is normal and boys fall in love with girls."