If Only in My in Dreams

All information on the dreamlands and their inhabitance was referenced from:
Brian Lumley Companion, The. 2002. Publisher Tom Doherty Associates. New York, NY.
I probably messed that up, but hey, I at least I tried. J

If Only in My Dreams Part One By: boysluvcraft

I. The complication

Botan had entered Koenma’s office bearing a large picnic basket. The junior god of death had been working entirely too hard lately, and as a result become somewhat cranky and a chore to be around. So, today Botan and Jorge were going to force their boss to take afternoon off for a picnic in the park. She walked in to find him slumped over his desk.

“Ah ha!” She laughed, “Asleep on the job. I told you you’ve been working too hard.” She gave him a playful shove to wake him. He spilled out of his chair lifelessly onto the floor. Her laugher transformed to a cry.

* * *
II. Reunited in Reikei

Yusuke, Kurama, and Kuwabara sat in an uncomfortably ornate sitting room in King Enma’s palace. They had been fetched to the Reikei by Botan a few hours ago. She’d deposited Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama at King Enma’s palace before being sent off to fetch ‘The Specialist’.

The boys were, to say the least, bewildered for a number of reasons. One, Botan had been unusually quiet and professional while bringing them to Reikei. Two, she’d brought them to the royal palace, rather than Koenma’s office at the Gates of Judgment. And three, It was not Koenma who was addressing them now, but King Enma, himself!

Enma towered over former tantei. He was about to began, when one of his subordinates, a ghostly pale woman in black kimono, called for his attention.

“Lord Hiei has arrived,” she announced, stepping aside to permit him entrance. Everyone was surprised he had shown up, especially Lord Enma, for he did not recall sending for the small demon.

“HIEI!” Yusuke jumped out of his seat and ran over to friend. He snagged the smaller man into a bear hug, nearly sweeping him off the ground. “It’s been way too long. How’ve ya been, buddy?”

Hiei ignored the excited young man’s greeting as he addressed Lord Enma, “I’ve heard there has been some sort of crisis involving the…your son.” He almost said ‘the toddler,’ but thought better of it, seeing the dower expression the King of Reikei wore. Hiei figured that it had to be something really bad for Great Lord Enma had call upon the ex-detective, now Mazoku lord, for help.

Enma fixed his gaze on said mazoku-- who was still excitedly holding onto the smaller demon-- and cleared his throat. Yusuke sobered and released his captive friend.
“My son has fallen prey to some sort affliction,” Enma began. “I’ve sent for a specialist to diagnose the problem, though I believe that, I know what is. I’ve seen this sort of ailment before, it’s unmistakable. Still I pray that I am wrong.”

Kuwabara spoke up then, meekly, unsure how to act in the presence of the massive god. “Um, sir…You know we’re friends with Koenma and we do care about him and stuff…but we’re not, like, doctors or and anything. What could we do to?”

Before Enma could answer, the pale woman, who had announced Hiei, reappeared, “Your Majesty, the ‘specialist’ has arrived.”

“Very well, show her my son’s sick bed, and tell her I will be there imminently.” Then he turned back to the human boy, “Soon, we shall see what you can do.”

On that ominous note he left the boys to themselves.

It had been nearly a full year since the last time entire Reikei Tantei team had come together. The young people tried to get together whenever they could, but these days where a little hectic. Kuwabara has been kept busy since starting collage. He had gotten a scholarship and was living on campus. He had been interested in Seismology since he’d predicted an earthquake during his freshman year of high school, and was hoping to make a career out of it. Kurama and Yusuke were sharing an apartment. Their conflicting schedules kept one or the other out for most of the hours of the day. Kurama was working on a degree in business while working part time at his stepfathers company. Yusuke spent a good majority of his time running his Raman stand.

As for Hiei, once his term of service on the border patrol ran out, he’d vanished into the wilds of Makai. No one was surprised by this, Hiei has always wont to wondering. He’d taken off without a word and no one had seen or heard from him in months. That is until he showed up at the palace that afternoon.

The room where King Enma left the former-tantei team was an interior room, with no windows, therefore no window sills for Hiei to perch on. So, he opted on leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. Yusuke draped himself over the couch near Hiei. Reaching out, he took hold on hem of the demons cloak

“Why don‘t ya take a load off,” the boy tugged lightly on the garment.

Hiei answered with his standard, “Hn.”

“If it’s the furniture you don’t like, ya know, you can always sit on my lap.” That one earned him a death glare. Yusuke wasn’t scared. In fact, inside his head, he was cheering Yhea! I have is attention! Outside he held his sarcastic grin and cool, half teasing tone. “Come on, I won‘t bite.” He tugged more insistently at the hem. Then he added, flashing a bit of his mazoku fangs, “Unless you want me to.”

Kurama, seated on the opposite end of the couch, watched this exchange. It’s true, Yusuke has always been a tease. It was like a form of entertainment for him. Kurama has found himself on the receiving end of the boy’s play-flirting on several occasions. And he would play-flirt back. Well, maybe it was more than playing from the redhead’s end. Truthfully, he loved the punk. He had since the day they had met on the roof of the hospital. Then, he found himself loving the boy even more for every crass comment made and every outrageous stunt he pulled.

Of course, Kurama never seriously considered expressing his affection for the boy physically. Yusuke wasn’t attracted to him, not sexually at least.

Hiei on the other hand…there was just something about that moody, little punk that never failed to get Yusuke fired up. The fox could tell. It was his heightened sense of smell that told him. Whenever Hiei came near, the pheromones would roll off of Yusuke like fog rolls off the waters in the spring. More so today than ever that the fox could remember. What was different now than the last time they’d seen the fire apparition? Oh, it just occurred to him, this is the first time Hiei’s been around, since….

It was only three months ago that Yusuke and Keiko broke up. Kuwabara’s sister, Shizuru, had termed it ‘the break up that shook the world.’ Indeed, it did feel like the world had turned upside down. Everyone had assumed that those two get married and live happily ever after. But, then one day, they just stop seeing each other.

Apparently, they had a fight. About what, neither one will say. It mush have been something serious. One night, immediately after the break up, Kuwabara and himself where trying to comfort their heartbroken friend. Kuwabara said something to the affect of “Maybe you two could work it out.” To that Yusuke had responded, “Nothing to work out. Not unless you can change the past.” That stuck in the fox’s memory.

Yusuke was in bad shape after the break up. But, if experience has taught him anything, it’s that Yusuke Urameshi was a survivor. Maybe he was ready to look for something new.

Kurama turned his attention back onto the couple. Or maybe he’d already found something new. Yusuke was now leaning over the couch’s arm, stroking his index finger up and down the front of Hiei’s left tight. Yes, Yusuke was teasing seriously. Hiei just looked bored.
Oh, come on! How is it that Hiei doesn’t pick up on it? The fox screamed in his head, Yusuke’s so obvious, might as well be humping his leg. And the smell, those delicious smells coming off of the Toushin. How can Hiei not smell that? If it were me he where tormenting so, I’d have dragged him out of here by now. Right now we’d be naked and hiding in one of the palace’s many closets. He’d be screaming my name while I rammed my dripping, rock hard cock into his nearest, and most convent orifice. Kurama had to shift in seat. His imagined erection was starting to become a reality. Had a little Youko lapse there for a second.

“You okay Kurama?” Kuwabara pulled the redhead out of his thoughts, “You’ve been awful quiet.”

“I’m just worried for Koenma, that’s all,” the redhead reassured him with his gentle, well practiced smile. He felt a little prang of guilt, then. He’d gotten so wrapped up in his own thoughts, he nearly forgot about poor Koenma.

Kuwabara seemed to except that. He turned to Hiei. “By the way, I’ve gotta ask, how did you know we’d be coming here? I thought you were supposed to be off, like I don’t know, running around in the woods, and sleeping in trees, and stuff. I thought no one could get a hold of you.”

“Hn.” Hiei pushed himself off the wall and away from Yusuke’s fondling fingers. “No one ‘got a hold of me’. It just so happens that I was looking in on the detective, when that blue haired bimbo came to retrieve him.”

“You where looking in on me?” Yusuke picked up.

“Of course, I keep tabs on all potential foes.”

Yusuke looked hurt for a second before small demon hurriedly added, “So, don’t go thinking your special or anything.”

Oh ho, Yusuke took that, ‘you’re not special’ to mean, ‘you’re very special, indeed’. A rakish grin spread across his face.

“You check in on Kurama, too?” He asked.

“ALL potential foes.” That was an affirmative.

“Is that so,” Kurama quickly picked up on Yusuke’s game. He slid close to the dark haired boy. He purred, “You watch us, merely to keep tabs on our power levels.”

“I’m sure it has nothing to do with how drop dead gorgeous we are.” Yusuke jabbed, “S’okay, we understand. Must get lonely all alone, in a tree, just you and your left hand…Why don’t ya give us a call next time you decide your gonna peek in,” he laid his arm over Kurama’s shoulders, “we’ll put on a show for ya.”

“Or better yet,” Kurama amended, “come over and join in.”

“Okay, that’s enough,” Kuwabara intervened. He took Hiei by shoulders forcing him to face the human. In serious tone, “Ya, know, you can come visit us, if you want to. It’s okay. A real man can admit when he needs his friends. That’s what we are, ya know, friends. And friends don’t turn away a friend in need.”

Kuwabara finished his after school special speech. Hiei stared blankly; completely frozen by the awkward moment. The other two boys‘, however, caught the mischievous glint in Kuwabara’s eye. They made an open space between themselves on the couch.

Kuwabara’s mouth cracked into a devilish grin, “Let us love you, you lonely little dragon boy!!” He tackled a stammering Hiei onto coach.

“Oh, dear gods, not you too!”

“If you don’t want to be teased, don’t make self such easy target.” Kurama interjected as he and Yusuke joined into the dog pile.

At that moment, it was just like the old days. Back before they where kings and Powers. Before there were worlds to be looked after. Before the romance, the longing, and the joyously. When there were no worries-- well, except for the strong, scary men who wanted to kill them. Yes, at that moment, once again, they where just four boys laughing and tussling on the floor.

“Ahem!” A very grave looking woman stood in the entranceway. “If you would be so kind as to follow me. There is something you boys must see.

* * *

Note: An Oneiromancer is a seer of dreams. It is a natural talent. Where one who sees scenes from future while dreaming, or read their dreams for symbolic omens. Some more powerful and experienced Oneiromancers are capable of linking into other peoples minds via their dreams.

III. The Sleeping Prince

The frowning women who stood before them introduced herself as the Oneiromancer, Varvara. She was apparently the specialist for whom Botan was sent for. Looking at her the brain automatically registers her as ‘old,’ yet her skin was surprisingly without wrinkles. She was not beautiful. She was obscenely tall and skeletally thin. Dark, sunken eyes and cheeks, thin, pale lips; and a squared jaw line, lent her the face of a skull with only the thinnest layer of skin stretched over it. Her hair was thick and white. It may have been a wig.

She led them down the mazy halls to Koenma’s room. Once inside she indicated that they should look at him where he lay on the large bed. The group braced themselves for the worst.

For the second time that day, the boys were baffled. He didn’t look sick at all. Koenma was in his toddler form. His chest rose and fell in deep, even breathes, and slow trickle of drool emanated from beneath his pacifier. For all intensive purposes, Koenma appeared to be a soundly sleeping infant.

Puzzled, they followed the grave woman back into the hall. When she didn’t speak right away, Yusuke broke in, “Well, what’s wrong with him, is he poisoned or under a spell, or what?”

“Didn’t look like he was in any pain,” Kuwabara murmured.

“Yes, he seems content,” she faced him. “Then again, looks can be deceiving.”

“What do you mean by that,” Yusuke asked. “He looks asleep to me.”

“Precisely, he is asleep and dreaming.”

Hiei had had enough. In less time than it takes tell, he had his sword leveled at her breast. “No more of this cryptic bullshit, women,” he said the word ‘women’ like it where poison on his tongue. “What‘s wrong with the royal brat? And why the hell did you call us here?”

“First off, my little Jaganshi,” she sneered, “I don’t recall anyone calling you here.” Then to the rest of the group, and with less hostility, “As for the prince, it is as I said, he sleeps and dreams. He sleeps so deep that he can no longer rise. And he dreams so that they are all that is real to him. You are here because you are the ones who are closest to him. Thus you are the ones best suited to descend into the world of dreams, to retrieve him.”

The four boys where both shocked and confused by her words. Which was all well and good for Varvara, the confusion would help to curb their youthful obstinacy and she had much to tell them.

The woman led them into a sitting room, this one simpler and more comfortable than the last one. Once she had them settled in, she began, “ Dreams. It how the brain stores information and sorts out emotions. Sometimes it is memory, other times, sheer imagination. They are not real but merely images stirring from the unconscious, right? During a mundane nights sleep, yes. But, it is not always so. The dreamer is receptive, as you know. As I recall, Mr. Urameshi, you have used this to your advantage, yourself.”

Yusuke cocked his head to one side. “When’d I do that?”

“When you where a ghost.” Then, after recognition failed, “You entered the dreams of those who where close to you. First, to tell them you where coming back. Then, to get someone to revive you with a kiss.”

“Oh, yeah, I remember now. I went into Ma and Keiko’s dreams. Oh, and Kuwabara’s, too.” He laughed, scratching the back of his head, “Man, that was a long time ago.”

“Hey, wait a second!” Kuwabara screeched. “I just put two and two together. You need some one to kiss you to come back. And before you came back, I, uh….”

“You had a dream where we locked lips,” the dark haired boy grinned, “that was me. Did I forget to tell you about that, Kuwabara?”

“God damn it Urameshi! I questioned my sexuality for years because of that!”

By now both Yusuke and Hiei where openly laughing at him. Kurama, being the more diplomatic of the bunch, was trying to hold back is own humor, however, failing.

“Ahem,” the very un-amused old woman demanded the youths’ attention. When she had it, “As I was saying, it is well known that through dreams one may enter another’s mind. What is not so widely known is that through dreams one may enter into other worlds.”

She pressed on, not giving the boys time to let the idea sink in-- or to digress into another juvenile episode. “There are places parallel to our reality. One of these places is known as the Dreamlands. They are called such, because it is believed that they were spawned by the myriad of earth’s dreams. Do not be fooled! These lands and their natives are as real as you or I. And, some can be far from harmless. Many that slip into that world never return, be they human, godling, demon, or… Others….Lord Koenma has been taken to these Dreamlands. And that is where you must go to find him.”

“What do you mean by, ‘has been taken?” Kurama spoke, “Are we to assume that Koenma was removed by force? If so, then by whom?”

“A poor choice of words, perhaps,” she hurriedly replied. “He could have fled there unconsciously-- of his own free will. Many go into dreams as an escape the waking world. The ferry pilot did say he’d been overworked and unhappy.”

Kurama pushed, “But there is a possibility that he was stolen?” The question made her nervous, he noted.

“We can not know for sure.” The Oneiromancer shook herself, “Not until we have him back. And we do need him back.”
“There was another thing,” Kurama pointed. “ Earlier, you mentioned some ‘Others’ being in these dreamlands. Who or what are these ‘Others’?”

Varvara hesitated for a moment. Then she told him, “I rambled. It is not important. Never you mind it. ”

She’s keeping something from us, Kurama thought to himself.

Yusuke was next. “Okay, so we gotta go to these Dreamlands to get him back, right?”

“Yes,” she replied, “your group is most suited because--”

“Yeah, I got that part,” he interrupted her. “What I wanna know is how the hell we’re supposed to get there. And for that matter how the hell we’re gonna get back! I mean. Koenma crosses dimensions all the time, so if he can’t find his way back, I don’t know how the hell you think we’re gonna pull it off! Kuwabara gets lost in his own sofa.”

“Hey!” Kuwabara’s protest went on ignored.

Varvara answered, “All you have to do is fall asleep. I can guide you to the Dreamlands, I am the Oneiromancer, after all.”

“You’ll be coming with us, then?” Hiei said bitterly.

“No, little one, I will not be accompanying your group,” she shot back just as bitterly. “I must remain here, to maintain the link between the waking and dream worlds.”

“I must warn you, and this is very important,” She made sure she had their undivided attention, “The ways of dreams are not the same as the ways of the waking world. First, your powers may fail you. Two, in dreams it is easy to get distracted and lose your way. Three and most importantly, dreams make you forget.”

The boys were, for once silent, following here warnings. “If it is to much, to ask, we can not force you to go,” she told them.

“I’m in,” Yusuke stood up.

“Me too!” Kuwabara followed suit.

Kurama stood as well, “I guess that settles that.”

All eyes were on Hiei. “Hn,” he grunted and joined his friends.

She rose, beckoning for the boys to follow. “Come then, we must prepare you for your journey!”

* * *

VI. Prepare to Dream

The Oneiromancer, pulled Kuwabara aside, informing the boys that he would not be accompanying them in the Dreamlands. When asked why, she explained that once the three demons had located and retrieved Koenma, they would still need to find their way back to the waking world. A task that is much more difficult than it sounds.

The human boy’s physic abilities, coupled with close ties to the demons, made him ideal for the all important role as life line to waking world. Varvara would give him instruction on how he would play this role, while the three demonic boys prepared for their journey into the Dreamlands.

In essence, they were getting ready for bed. Kurama, Hiei, and Yusuke shown to a large indoor bath. At first glance it appeared to be an outdoor bath. On closer inspection, it was a clever reproduction of an outdoor bath, inside. Six foot tall bamboo fencing was mounted along the walls. The section of wall from the fence to the ceiling, and the ceiling itself, were crafted of dull grey stone, that would blend in with the steam coming off the bath. Thus creating the illusion that there were no walls or ceiling.

There were showers, hidden behind a bamboo screen. In case bathers needed wash before going into the steaming pool. Many topical plants thrived in stone pots, and hanging baskets. Others had beds cut directly into the stone floor. The floor was dark, and rough enough to not be slick, however. not unpleasant to the touch. The same type of stones surround the large, organically shaped pool, as small, natural looking rock formations.

Yusuke snorted, “What no waterfall?” It was all that was missing in the over-designed bathroom. Like everything else in the Reikei Palace, it was just bordering on over the top, and just barely in the realm of the tasteful. Okay maybe it isn’t that bad, Yusuke thought, never was into all that fancy junk. It was fancy, and a little silly. In that respect, it kind of reminded him of, Koenma himself.

Yusuke thought about Koenma, then. And what kind of trouble he may be in. Yusuke hadn’t thought twice when he accepted this mission. Well, usually he never though once about what he was doing. Koenma bet his life on me on more than one occasion, he told himself, I owe him for that.

All thoughts fled Yusuke’s mind, when he looked up to see Hiei unashamedly stripping off his clothes.

Hiei was only four, ten, or so. He had a youthful face, with his button nose, small pouting mouth, and expressive, red eyes. At first, the word ‘cute’ came to mind. When the Toushin allowed his gaze drop below neckline, his first appraisal had to be amended to ‘sexy!’ A well toned chest, and chiseled six pack, along with his powerful arms and back muscles. All this was nothing that Yusuke hadn’t seen before. He’d seen Hiei shirtless many times, in training or battle. But when the pants came off… Hiei was a generously endowed man, to say the least. He also had slender legs that came together to form the cutest ass Yusuke ever seen.

Yusuke openly stared. Kurama had also been peeking at his friend’s…assets, however more covertly. Not bad, he decided, not bad at all. Might actually appreciate having him for myself. Catching himself, the fox tried to change his train of thoughts, before they lead him into another one of his Youko lapses. But too late, Yusuke had managed to tear his eyes off Hiei long enough to disrobe himself.

Yusuke was beautiful, tanned from tip to toe and perfectly muscled. Gods! All the great artists of past could cry, fore all of their Venus, and Adonis, and Angels could not even hope to compare to Yusuke-dead-sexy-Urameshi.

Kurama sighed to himself, while he started to remove his own clothing. He banished those thoughts, now is not the time for it. Then, at least I wasn’t thinking about having that gorgeous body writhing beneath me….Hmm…and perhaps the fire demon behind me! “Damn-it,” he cursed aloud.

“You okay, Kurama?” Yusuke was concerned. His red headed friend rarely cursed.

“It’s nothing,” he tried, and succeeded in looking carefree, while he slipped into the steaming bath.

Yusuke accepted that and changed the subject. “The old lady said that Kuwabara was gonna be our life line back to the waking world. So, I guess that means there’s a chance one or more of may not come back.” He was worried.

“Have faith, Yusuke, Kuwabara is far more talented than you think.” Kurama then added, “As a matter of fact, me may have more potential than any of us, he just hasn’t realized it.”

“It’s not that, it’s… Well, ya know how she said that he’d be ideal to keep us connected, because of we’re all real close to him, right?” Here he glanced over at Hiei, where he sat a few feet away, eyes closed.

“I see,” Kurama nodded. The Human and the small demon rarely got together without quarreling. Yusuke was afraid that fact would prevent the two from linking, thus leave the demon stranded in dreams. “I wouldn’t worry, if I were you. They may fight a lot, but I think they have an understanding.”

“They hate each other.”

“Well, hate can bind two people together just as powerfully as love can.” When Yusuke didn’t look convinced, “Varvara will be there helping him. Now, we are supposed to be relaxing, so we can sleep deeply.”

Kurama was right he need to relax, and get his mind off of the what-if’s. Thinking wasn’t his style anyway. He needed Action. He smiled knowing what would get his mind off his troubles.

He crossed the few feet that separated him from his petite sweetheart. “Hiei,” he cooed, “why don’t ya let me wash your back.”

Hiei‘s eyes remained shut. The only indication Yusuke received to know that he was heard was Hiei’s apathetic ‘Hn’.

It was not a ‘no’, Yusuke noted, moving to position himself behind the other. The boys hadn’t been given wash cloths to bath with. Oh, drat, guess I’m gonna have to use my bare hands. Yusuke delighted as he began to slide his hands over Hiei’s muscled back.

Meanwhile, only a few feet away, a very jealous fox, sulked and tried to avoid watching the two. He failed. Yusuke’s hands had become more daring. They slid lower, disappearing into the murky water. He brought them up, this time ghosting over Hiei’s sides. Hiei failed to conceal a shiver. Was he enjoying the other’s ministrations? Or was he just ticklish? Yusuke apparently interpreted it as the former, because he was now moving his hands along Hiei’s ribs toward his chest.

My god, Yusuke is bold! Kurama was glad the water was so murky; the better to hide the painful erection he was developing.

Hiei’s skin was so hot, the bath water seemed cool in comparison. Yusuke wanted to wrap himself in that heat. He wanted to feel that skin pressed up tight against his own. Yes, there were a lot of things the Toushin wanted to do with his little sweetie. He wouldn’t be pursuing any of those just yet, however. He hadn’t completely forgotten that the fox was still in the room.

Yusuke continued to map out the Hiei’s wet abdomen with the palms of his hands. Happy that his beloved was allowing it. Frankly, Yusuke had expected the smaller demon to shove him away, or at least yell at him.

Yusuke decided to push his luck. “So, you gonna wash my back, next?”

To that Hiei grunted, then, he barked “Fox, the detective wants his back was washed.”

An unexpected request, to say the least, but the fox, who was starting to feel left out, happily obeyed. Kurama positioned himself behind Yusuke. Tentatively, he ran wet hands over Yusuke’s shoulders, watching for response. His skin twitched at the initial contact. But then Yusuke quickly relaxed, and even leaned back into Kurama’s caress.

Kurama couldn’t believe this was happening. He was touching his Yusuke, while Yusuke touched his Hiei. So, now Hiei belongs to Yusuke, huh. Kurama mused, And Yusuke belongs to me! I like that, it’s kinky. This was like a set up from a boys love novel. Of course, the fox didn’t read those…often. Kurama had switched fully into ‘perverted Youko’ mode, but a voice in the back of his mind told him that all this was too good to be true. He knew that voice was right. Still, he told that voice to shut up and let him dream.

It was to good to be true. There was to be no kinky boy on boy on boy, bath tub sex, today. Once Kurama was attending to Yusuke. Hiei stood to leave.

Yusuke shouted after him, “Hey, were do you think your going?”

“I, don’t know about you, but I don’t what to be caught in a nude petting party, when that crone comes back from tutoring the fool.” He replied without so much as a backward glance.

A sigh escaped Yusuke‘s lips, once the smaller demons form had passed from sight.

“You really like him don’t you.” Kurama said it. Then for the sake of clarity, “You want to be with him.”

“Gee, how’d you guess?” Yusuke said sarcastically, however a hint of awkwardness managed to creep into his voice. “I guess I was laying it on a little heavy,” he admitted.

“A little heavy?”

“Okay, a lot heavy. Didn’t think he’d notice unless I was practically jumping his bones. Though, I was hoping his reaction would have been, well, clearer. At first I thought he liked it, but then he left. I don‘t know….” Yusuke wilted.

Kurama thought about it. Hiei had left. But was that necessary a rejection? He Had allowed Yusuke to touch him… a lot. Hiei was not one for appeasements. If he didn’t want to be touched, he would not he touched, and woe to those who try to force him. No, a rejection from Hiei would be very clear…and most likely violent.

Then, out loud, “I think that Hiei is just focused on this upcoming mission.”

“You think, so?” Yusuke seemed to brighten a little.

Kurama could only shrug in answer. To tell the truth the smaller demon was one of the few things that the fox couldn’t quite figure out. “How’s about this,” he offered, “Right now, let’s just stay focused on this mission. Then we can work on him once we’ve returned.”

“Thanks, Kurama, you’re a real pal, ya know that.” Yusuke leaned against his friend’s shoulder. “Ya know, if worse comes to worst, at least I know I’ll always have you.”

Kurama was the best friend a guy could ask for. He was a lot of fun, but he was also the kind of guy someone could really count on. He was caring, but he never pried, where he was not wanted. He always had good advice. And he always supported his friends in whatever choices they made, be they wise or not.

Yusuke felt comfortable and, well, safe with Kurama. He trusted Kurama.

Kurama tenderly stroked the other boy’s check, “That’s right, you’ll always have me.”

Before the other could question the action. He found himself drawn into slow, gentle kiss. Surprise could not even begin to describe this sensation. Kurama was kissing him! Kurama… Him... Kissing! And it felt good!

The feeling was incredible. Yusuke could feel the soft warm lips moving passionately against his own. The warmth from that mouth transferred to his own and spread throughout his body, pooling between his legs. He was already excited from groping Hiei, but now his arousal had blossomed into a full hard on. And it was Kurama who was causing it!

In spite of the strangeness of it all, Yusuke still felt comfortable and, well safe, in the foxes embrace. Didn’t just feel good, it felt right.

Yusuke’s eyes drifted shut, only to shoot open again as a gruff “Ahem” cut through the steamy air. Varvara, the crone, stood in the doorway. “Gentleman, it is time that you be on your way.”

* * *

V. To Sleep

Yusuke and Kurama donned their simple night clothes. They hadn’t spoken since they were interrupted in the bath. Then the old demoness led them back into Koenma’s bedchamber, where Hiei, Kuwabara and, of course, the sleeping Koenma were already waiting. Hiei wore the same night clothes as the other demon boys. Kuwabara was still in his street clothes. He didn’t need to be comfortable.

Each of the three male demons were handed a tray with three items one it. The first, was a blue pill, a harmless sleep aid. The second was a cup of a too sweet, pink fluid. Drinking this would stall any biological functions, which may interrupt sleep. The third was a glass of water, to combat dehydration.

Once that was out of the way, the boys awkwardly arranged themselves around the infant ruler. It was embarrassing, having to climb into bed together like this. Varvara had insisted on it. Caring for four different psyches was a big job, she was a powerful Oneiromancer, but even she had her limits. It would simply be easier if they were all in close proximity.

The boys settled in, Yusuke on side of Koenma, Kurama on the other. Hiei took his place next to Yusuke. Within a few minutes sleep claimed them. Then Varvara went to work.

The Oneiromancer stood over the boys, with her eyes closed, brows knitted in concentration. After some minutes she opened her eyes and released a heavy breath. She collapsed onto the chair opposite of Kuwabara. Now they wait.

A servant girl slipped into the room bearing, the first of many, pots of coffee. The demoness and the human both had many long hours ahead of them before they would sleep.

* * *
TBC

A/N: First part finished. I hope it’s not to slow paced. I promise things will start picking up in part two. I’ve written stories before, but this is my first fanfic. This fic cross’s over with Brain Lumley‘s Dreamland Series and other stories of the Cthulhu Mythos. I know it’s a little obscure. BUT DON’T FREAKOUT!! I won’t make references to plots and stuff that a non-Lumley-Lovecraft reader wouldn’t understand. The characters, which are not from YYH, will be OC, not from DLS. I’ll mention it in the disclaimer, if otherwise. It’s just a really cool world, I thought it would be fun to drop the boys into it. No Flames, their worthless to me!