FINDING MY WAY HOME

Thank you all for the great reviews. I’m glad you’re all enjoying this. Things are going to start changing in the next chapter. I hope this goes the way I planned. The original idea was going to end this soon, but I think I’m going to send it in another direction and make it longer. As you know, I won’t let them take the easy path and no, sex will not be the trigger that returns Kurama’s memory. Oh well, you’ll all just have to wait and see where this goes. Enjoy.

Chapter 11

Amazingly, waking in Hiei’s arms has become second nature to me in just a few short weeks. Even though I know he woke the moment I did, I still slip away, shower and dress as quietly as I can. Standing in the kitchen now, sipping my tea, I know Hiei will be out any moment. Sure enough he wanders sleepily out of the bedroom just as I’m thinking it. “Good morning sunshine.”

I can’t help but smile at the glare he gives me. When I hand him the hot chocolate I’d just made, I’m rewarded with a slight smile. Before I can tease him the phone rings. When I answer it my voice reveals my amusement. On the other end of the phone, Yusuke grunts. “Damn Kurama, how can you be such a morning person? Is Hiei up yet? I could use his help at the Demon Relocation office this morning.”

As I relay the message to Hiei and hold out the phone, I can tell he isn’t happy. Unfortunately I know why. “Honey, we talked about this. You cannot spend every waking moment watching over me. I’m a grown man and can take care of myself. Besides, I’m just going to be here getting ready for the party tonight.”

Though he gave me a doubtful look, I know he is pleased with the endearment. Taking the phone, he growled at Yusuke. “What’s up Detective?... Alright, I’ll be there, but it better not take all day.”

Almost giddy that I had won that small battle, I gave him a smile. “Go get ready. I’ll fix you something to eat.”

An hour later I am alone. Though I enjoy being with Hiei, it’s nice to finally have some time to myself. Taking chicken out to marinate for the dinner party we are having tonight, my thoughts are on Hiei and our life together. Just over a month ago I woke up in the middle of someone else’s life, and though it hasn’t been easy, at least it’s a good life.

We live in this incredible penthouse and according to Hiei, we’re filthy rich. Adjusting to being a demon has been hard, but at times it’s really cool. Shiori and Kazuya have been great parents to this lost soul, without being smothering. And even my ready made friends have been supportive and concerned.

Then there’s Hiei. He’s loving without pushing me to love him back. He’s handsome and sexy and everything anyone could want in a man, and yes, I’ve finally admitted that includes me. Though at first I had trouble adjusting to being in a relationship with a man, I’ve come to accept I’m definitely attracted to him. I think if we’d started this relationship together a month ago, we’d probably be lovers by now. With Hiei’s expectations of being together forever so high, I’m hesitant to jump in with both feet for fear of hurting this sweet man. Though I’ve come a long way, I hope Hiei can be patient just a little longer.

As I straighten up the apartment for the dinner party we are having tonight, I find myself moving pictures and nick-knacks around. In the kitchen, I change at few things around there too. I even rearranged the furniture in the living room a bit. When I finish it feels good. It feels more like my home now. Not just like I’m living in someone else’s.

Pleased with myself, I decide to be even bolder. Going to the front door, I get a shopping bag from the closet, then pick up my wallet, phone and keys. After setting the alarm, I head out the door alone for the first time. A few minutes later I’m walking down the street to the market that’s a few blocks from the apartment.

First I stop at the vegetable stand and pick out a few things for dinner. Then I stop at the bakery for fresh rolls. Pleased with my little adventure, I decide to take the scenic route home. I smile and nod greetings to several people as I walk, but outside a ramen shop a man sweeping the sidewalk stops and smiles. “Shuuichi. I haven’t seen you in a while. How have you been?”

It feels awkward that this man obviously knows me, but I haven’t a clue who he is. Looking at the shop sign I see the proprietor’s name. “Fine… um… Mr. Yukimora?”

At first he looked confused, then he smiled. “Oh, that’s right. Keiko mentioned you had lost your memory. Yes, I am Yukimora. I am Keiko’s father.”

Relieved to know I did know him, in fact he was almost family, I smile. “It’s nice to meet you… again.”

We both laugh. “I’m surprised to see you out on your own. I didn’t think Hiei would let you out of his sight until you got your memory back.”

This man obviously knew Hiei too. “Yusuke is keeping him busy today while I get ready for a dinner party tonight. You should join us, it’s just our friends and family. My parents will be there too.”

He shook his head. “Thank you, no. The misses and I are babysitting for Keiko and Yusuke tonight. You kids have fun though.”

Just as I was about to bid him goodbye, I hear a vehicle pull up to the curb. Briefly I turn to make sure I’m not in anyone’s way. As I turn back to Mr. Yukimora though, someone grabs me from behind and puts something over my mouth. I have just a moment to register the look of horror on Mr. Yukimora’s face and think ‘Hiei!’, before everything goes black.

*****

“KURAMA! KURAMA!” Damn, why is Hiei yelling at me?

Groggily I try to open my eyes. “Hiei? Where are you?”

I hear Hiei cry out “Fox!” Then another, rougher voice cuts him off. “Oh your mate will be coming soon Kurama, but not to rescue you.”

Looking around, I see I’m in a big empty warehouse. On the ground in front of me, my cell phone is smashed to pieces. Hiei however is nowhere in sight, yet I can hear him as clearly as if he were standing beside me. “Kurama, don’t let him know you can hear me. Just think, I’ll hear you. Try and figure out where you are.”

A movement from the shadows draws my attention. Stepping into the light is a large man. Getting a better look at his strange eyes and scaly skin, I realize he must be a demon. Wanting to move away, I realize I can’t, and see I’m tied to a chair. Taking in every detail of the man and the warehouse, I pray Hiei can really hear me. “Who are you and what do you want with me?”

Though he walked closer, it seems more like he slithered. “Who I am is irrelevant since you won’t live long enough for it to matter. What I want though is to use you as bait for your mate and friends. If it weren’t for all of you, the human world would be ours for the taking, and the eating.”

I barely think Hiei’s name before he responds. “Yusuke and I are coming Fox. Keep him talking. Find out anything you can. We’re heading toward the warehouse district now, but I need you to raise your energy so I can find you.”

I try to put on a brave face as I gradually raise my energy and stare down my kidnapper. “You really don’t know my mate and friends if you think one lowly little demon will stand a chance against them.”

The demon sneered. “Good thing I’m not alone then. Half a dozen A-class demon friends of mine are surrounding this building. Then there is this lovely human invention I’ve discovered. It’s called C-4 and it’s a blast. See, I’m going to use you to lure Hiei, Yusuke and that human Kuwabara here, then when they rush in to save you, I’ll blow you all to smithereens.”

Though I’m terrified, I know I have to do any thing I can to help Hiei. “Where are we? This doesn’t look like a place Hiei or Yusuke could even find let alone visit on purpose.”

He sneered. “No, I don’t imagine an abandoned warehouse in the old garment district would be a place the high and mighty lords of Makai would frequent. You don’t have to worry you’ll die alone though Kurama. Just as soon as my men have the explosives wired, I’ll contact them and let them know right where you are.”

When the man turned away, I called out in my head. “Hiei! Did you get all of that?”

Relief floods me just hearing his voice in my head. “Yes, I got it. We’re already here Kurama. Use your rose whip to cut yourself free. Be careful though, don’t let him see you. We’ll be in there as soon as we take care of these thugs with the explosives. I love you Kurama.”

More afraid for him than I though possible, I cry out to him. “Wait! How can I use my rose whip with my hands tied?”

There is a pause before he answers. “Fox, just like you don’t need to touch a plant to use it, you don’t need to touch the seeds in your hair to use them. Just reach your energy out to it and command it to do your will.”

Before I can do as Hiei said, the demon suddenly turned and grabbed me around the waist. I was just about to try to use the rose whip on him, when he pulled back. “There, that should keep you from causing any trouble until the others get here.”

Looking down, I see he’s strapped something around my waist. My heart nearly stops when I realize what it is. Quickly I clear my mind, worried that what’s happening to me will distract Hiei. Concentrating on a rose seed, I direct it through my long hair, down my back and under the chair I am tied to. “You seem to have this all figured out. So tell me, how are you going to trigger the explosives you say are outside?”

Reaching in his pocket he pulls out a black box. Flipping it open I see a red button inside. “All I have to do is push this switch, then you and this whole place go boom.”

When he throws his head back to laugh, I use the rose whip to cut the ropes at my ankles. There’s a noise outside and he turns away giving me a chance to cut the ropes binding my wrists. “Sounds like my guys are done.”

My fingers close around the rose whip just as Hiei and Yusuke burst through the door. Shocked it isn’t one of his men, the demon holds up the bomb trigger. “Stop there or I’ll blow Kurama to pieces.”

The sudden fear I see in Hiei’s ruby eyes when he sees the bomb around my waist is the incentive I need to jump up and snap the rose whip. The hand holding the bomb’s switch is instantly severed from the demon’s arm. Both Hiei and Yusuke immediately fly into action. Almost faster than I can see, Hiei grabs the screaming demon, setting him aflame. A moment later, when there is nothing left of him but ashes, we both turn to see Yusuke had dived for the demon’s hand to rescue the bomb switch. Flipping the box closed, he cheers. “Damn guys, that was a close one.”

Seeing Hiei was about to come to me, I hold out my hands. “Hiei, no! Stay back! I don’t want you to get hurt!”

Ignoring me, he’s at my side before I even finish. “Kurama, the only thing I have to fear is losing you.”

As he takes my hands, I notice while mine are trembling, his are steady as a rock. Just his touch though is enough to calm me though. Still holding the now closed switch, Yusuke joins us. “Don’t worry Kurama. The minute Hiei asked what C-4 was, I called the bomb squad. They’ll be here any minute.”

Hearing sirens as he finished, Yusuke ran out of the warehouse. A moment later he returned with the bomb tech. “Kurama, this is Lt. Chan. Everyone else is waiting outside.”

I try to smile as Lt. Chan nods to me before looking at Hiei and Yusuke. “You gentlemen should wait outside while I examine the device.”

When they both stared him down but didn’t budge, he just shook his head. Yusuke managed go get Hiei to let me go so Lt. Chan could have room to examine the bomb, but he stood over the man’s shoulder watching every move. Though it felt like an eternity, it was just a couple minutes before he declared it safe and removed the belt containing the bomb.

The moment I’m free, I fly into Hiei’s arms. If he’s surprised, he doesn’t show it as I seal my lips over his. Holding me tight, he buries a hand in my hair. A bit embarrassed to realize how much I like him holding and kissing me, I pull away just enough to hide my face in his neck. “Hiei, are you alright? They didn’t hurt you?”

I feel him shake his head. “No Kurama, I’m fine.”

Remembering Yusuke, I raise my head. “Yusuke?”

He laughs. “You don’t have to worry about us Kurama. It would take a hell of a lot more than six A-class demons to be a challenge for me or Hiei.”

Even though the danger was over, I couldn’t seem to make myself let go of Hiei. When we all got outside the bomb squad was removing explosives from around the building. Hiei and I waited while Yusuke talked to Lt. Chan and the police. When he finished, he came back to us. “Kurama, they’ll need your statement for their report. I told them you’d take care of it tomorrow. I’ll stay and finish things up here. One of the officers is going to give you guys a ride home.”

I gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks Yusuke. Can you call Mr. Yukimora and let him know I’m alright? I was talking with him when that demon grabbed me.”

Yusuke nodded. “Yeah I know. I figured something was wrong when Hiei flitted off like his ass was on fire. A minute later Pop called, frantic that you’d been kidnapped. When I caught up with Hiei he was really flipping out that he couldn’t find you or reach you.”

Hiei pulled back to look at me. “What the hell happened Fox? I heard you cry out my name, then nothing for over half an hour.”

Though I loosened my hold on him so I could answer, I still didn’t let him go. “I ran into Mr. Yukimora as I was walking home from the market. We were talking when I heard someone pull up at the curb behind me. I glanced over my shoulder, but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. When I turned back to him, someone grabbed me and put something over my mouth. It must have been Chloroform or something because seconds later everything went black. When I woke up in the warehouse, I was tied to a chair and Hiei was yelling in my head.”

Hiei’s arm tightened around me as I spoke. Looking at him, I knew we’d be talking about me going out alone when we got home. Yusuke in the mean time led us to a patrol car and opened the back door. “As usual, we worked together and beat the bad guys. Good thing you’ve already planned the party, huh Kurama?”

I was about to agree when Hiei growled. “Party’s canceled Detective. Kurama’s been through enough today.”

Finally stepping out of his arms, I shake my head. “No Hiei. I don’t want to cancel the party. I want my life back, I want my family together, and I won’t let that stupid demon ruin that. Yusuke, I expect you and everyone else at our place at seven.”

Not giving Hiei a chance to argue, I slide into the back of the patrol car. Outside, Yusuke clapped Hiei on the shoulder with a laugh. “Looks like you’re having a party Buddy. See you at seven.”

Hiei grunted, but got in the car without a word. The moment he was beside me though, Hiei put his arm around me and I moved back into his arms. After only a quiet “Thank you Hiei”, we rode home in silence.

Half an hour later, when we walked into the apartment building, the door man stopped us. “Mr. Minamino, a Mr. Yukimora left something for you. He said you would need it for your dinner party.”

From behind the desk in the lobby he brought out my shopping bag. With a smile, I thanked him and gave him a tip. On the ride up in the elevator, the silence between Hiei and I was becoming awkward. When we entered the apartment I dropped my keys on the entry table, then went into the kitchen with the shopping bag. “Hiei, I’d really like a shower. Then I’ll come finish getting the food ready for the party. Do you need anything?”

Hiei was standing in the living room, and just shook his head. Wanting a little time to think before the inevitable talk we would have, I go to take a shower. Feeling dirty knowing that demon had manhandled me, I scrub myself twice under the hot water before I feel clean. Stepping out of the shower, I wrap one towel around my waist, then dry my hair with another before running a comb through it.

When I enter the bedroom, Hiei is sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for me. Our eyes meet for a moment before I walk to the dresser. As I open the drawer I pause a moment. Normally, I would take the boxer shorts into the closet and change in private. Hiei is my mate, I need to stop acting like a shy virgin around him. Decision made, I remove my towel and set it on the dresser. Even though I’m not facing him, I’m very aware that I’m standing naked before him for the first time as I step into a pair of boxers. Only then to I turn to face him.

Hiei’s expression is unreadable as he stares at me. Walking towards him, I stop right in front of him. Reaching out, I gently caress his cheek. “Honey, I’m really sorry about today. I didn’t think there was any harm in walking a few blocks to the market for vegetables.”

Putting his hand over mine, Hiei turns and kisses my palm. “I know Kurama, and normally there wouldn’t be a problem with it. Now do you see why I’m so protective of you though? Without your instincts and full use of your powers, you’re vulnerable, even in the most innocent of situations.”

Suddenly defensive, I take a step back. “I realize that Hiei, but I don’t want to be locked up in this fancy tower like some delicate princess that’s only allowed out with an armed escort. I want you to train me to protect myself. I want to learn to use my instincts so I don’t get in situations like today. I want my life to go back to normal, or as normal as this crazy half human, half demon life can be. Most of all, I want you to trust that I can do this.”

Rising from the bed, Hiei stands before me, placing his hands at my waist. “I do trust you Kurama. If anyone can do this, you can. I won’t be easy on you though. I’ll be training you to fight and to kill. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

Smiling, I put my arms around his neck. “Yes Hiei, I am. I meant it when I said I want my life back. I’m tired of feeling like I’ve stepped into someone else’s life. I’m ready to make it mine.

My heart flutters as I feel his hands slide up my bare back. “Hn. That’s my Fox.”

I know he wants to kiss me, but is waiting for me to make the first move. Without hesitation I do, settling my lips on his. Just like before, I feel one of his hands move up my back into my hair and it sends shivers down my spine. Afraid he will pull away, I wrap my arms firmly around his neck. When his tongue tickles my lips, asking for entrance, I willingly part them for him.

How long we stood there kissing I don’t know, but eventually our lips move apart. Feeling a blush warm my cheeks, I tuck my face in his neck. “I really should go finish getting dinner ready.”

Hiei chuckles. “Perhaps you should put some clothes on first.”

With a smile, I finally step out of his arms and head to the closet. As I step into a pair of black jeans I notice the bulge in the front of my shorts. If I wasn’t embarrassed before, I am now. All we did was kiss and I’ve nearly got a full erection. It took several deep breaths for my body to relax enough to zip my pants.

Fully dressed now, I return to the bedroom but Hiei isn’t there. Hearing the shower, I head for the kitchen. I unpack the shopping bag and wash the vegetables before Hiei comes out. When I see him stand in the middle of the living room and look around, I wait nervously to see what he’ll say about the changes I made. “So Fox, does reclaiming your life include rearranging the furniture?”

Hearing the amusement in his voice I grin. “Yeah, I guess it does. I hope you don’t mind.”

Hiei smirks as he takes a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen counter. “Kurama, this is your home. You can buy all new furniture if that’s what you want.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Thanks, but I think rearranging it will be enough. Besides, I like our furniture. I must have had really good taste.”

Over the next couple hours, we talk as we work together setting up for the party. It isn’t long before the food is ready. As we set out plates and silverware for eleven people, I finally see why we have such a big table. Out on the patio, Hiei gets the fire place ready in case it gets cold later.

Just before seven, I see Hiei doing something to the sliding door. Much to my surprise, I watch as he slides all three panels of glass back to open the entire wall to the outside. “Hiei, that’s awesome. I love opening it up to let the outdoors in.”

Hiei grunted. “Hn. Those were almost your exact words when you had them installed right after we moved in.”

Not long later, our guests began to arrive. Drinks were served and Yusuke was put in charge of grilling the chicken. “The marinade on this chicken smells great Kurama. Do we really need so many veggies though?”

I gave him a look of disbelief. “Have you seen my husband eat vegetables Yusuke? I hope I made enough.”

Though I heard the others laugh, I couldn’t take my eyes off Hiei. He was obviously pleased that I had called him my husband. Giving him a wink, I turn my attention back to our guests. When dinner was finished there was almost nothing left.

When the girls started to help clean up I shooed them away. “Just set everything in the kitchen. Hiei had me call the housekeeper to come and clean up tomorrow.”

Keiko gave me a jealous look. “You are so spoiled Kurama. I’m not sure Yusuke even knows who washes our dishes.”

Behind her, Yusuke scoffs. “Not fair Babe. I dry when you nag enough.”

When she turns on him, Yusuke takes off. “You’d better run Yusuke Urameshi!”

Dodging Shiori, Keiko runs after him. “Shuuichi, dinner was delicious. The chicken was so moist and those noodles you made were wonderful.”

I smile as I take the glasses she’s carrying. “Thank you. Hiei’s been bravely trying all my experiments as I see if I remember how to cook.”

Shiori leaned against the counter and gave me a curious look. “I can’t help but notice the looks and touches you and Hiei have been sharing. I was worried when your father told me you were concerned about your relationship.”

With a sigh, I nod. “Hiei’s been every bit as wonderful to me as everyone said. I watch him with everyone else and he’s kind of rough and reserved. With me though, he’s so sweet, gentle and patient, it’s like he’s a different man. It’s a bit intimidating waking up in the middle of someone else’s relationship. I know he’s afraid of scaring me off by saying he loves me, but I see it in his eyes every time he looks at me.”

As I spoke, Kazuya came in and put his arm around Shiori. “Sounds like you two will be just fine Shuuichi.”

I nod. “I sure hope so. I would never want to hurt him.”

Pausing a moment, I look at them. “It’s been over a month now, and other than a few random memories, there isn’t any sign my memory is coming back. I was telling Hiei earlier I want to start taking my life back. Part of that includes you. I was wondering if it would be alright if I start calling you Mother and Father?”

Shiori rushed forward and hugged me. “Oh Shuuichi, that would make me so happy. With or without your memory, you will always be my son.”

Shortly after that my parents went home. Several times this evening I stood back to look at this odd group that I’ve come to think of as my friends and family. In just a few short weeks I’ve become one of them. Going to join them on the patio, I stop just inside to watch them again.

Yusuke is in one of the oversized chairs with Keiko nestled in beside him. Kuwabara is slouched back on one of the sofa’s with Yukina cuddled against him. Koenma and Botan are on the other sofa with arms around each other too. Hiei sat alone in one of the chairs.

Looking at Hiei, I know the part of my life I need to make right more than anything, is my relationship with him. Making a decision, I pick up my wine glass and join my friends. Walking straight to Hiei, I set my glass on the table then sit on his lap. Since the patio chairs are big and well cushioned, I scoot my behind until it sinks into the cushion, but leave my legs draped across his lap. Slipping my free arm behind him, I settle against his chest.

Stealing a glance at him, I expect to see a small smile on Hiei’s lips. Much to my surprise, his beautiful eyes are wide, looking more shocked than happy. Worried I might have make a mistake, I’m relieved to hear Yukina. “Oh Kurama, it’s so nice to see how well you and Hiei are doing. And I’m happy to see you wearing Hiei’s tear gem again.”

I frowned. “Tear gem? What’s a tear gem?”

Reaching into the neck of her blouse, Yukina withdrew a pendant much like mine. It was beautiful, a perfect sphere like mine. But unlike mine, hers was clear and pure where mine was dark and smoky. “When Koorime’s cry, our tears solidify into tear gems. This is one of a pair that our mother cried the day Hiei and I were born.”

Without realizing it, my hand had gone to my pendant. I glanced at it before looking at Hiei. “Did you cry this for me?”

His gaze held mine a moment, then he nodded. “About a year before the unification, you were kidnapped by a demon trying to get to me. When we found you, you’d been beaten and tortured.”

Wrapping my arms around him, I buried my face against his neck. “Oh Hiei. That must have been horrible.”

When I raised my head, it seemed each couple was holding each other just a little tighter after being reminded how precious life is. “So, situations like today aren’t as rare as I’d like to believe, are they?”

It was Kuwabara that answered. “The risks are much less in the past five years or so, but there are always nuts out there that want to challenge us. Luckily, we’re damn good at what we do.”

The serious moment was broken when Yusuke and Kuwabara high-fived each other, whooping. “Damn straight!”

Keiko smacked Yusuke and pushed him back down in the chair. “Enough you two. Kurama’s been through a lot lately. He doesn’t need you acting like idiots. So Kurama, how’s your memory coming along?”

Looking at her, I shrug. “Not much change. The other day I had an image of Shiori looking at flowers. Hiei said it was from the day Yoko chose her unborn child to bare his soul.”

Beside Koenma, Botan sighed. “I can’t even imagine what it’s been like for you, not remembering your own life.”

Keiko leaned forward. “I just keep thinking of all the things I would miss. Besides the years of memories, I’d miss the little things. The intimate moments, and I don’t mean sex. I’d miss the touches, the shared secrets, the looks that don’t need explanation.”

Her words struck so close to home, they hurt. “You’re right, that is the worst part, and not just for me. I see such sadness in Hiei’s eyes when I don’t remember something or understand something.”

Hiei’s arms tighten around me, and he gives me a squeeze. Seeing his ruby eyes soften and warm, I give him a shy smile and gently kiss his cheek. This time it is Yusuke that comments. “Damn Kurama, you can still flirt with the best of them. The look you just gave Hiei would make Yoko proud.”

Beside me, Hiei smirked. “Yea, and he’s been using those eyes on me all week.”

Koenma chuckled. “And you love it too.”

Though I don’t see a blush, I do feel Hiei’s skin warm where we were touching. I’m a little surprised at his honest response. “Bet your ass I do.”

I’m rewarded when Hiei kisses my temple and I can’t help but blush. Again it’s Keiko that puts an end to their teasing. “Alright boys, we need to get going. It’s getting late, and we have a long drive.”

I gave her a look of concern. “You’ve all been drinking, maybe you should stay here. We have plenty of room.”

Yusuke scoffed. “Nah, we’re fine Kurama. Ningen alcohol doesn’t have any affect on me, and I’m driving.”

Botan hops up and produces her oar. “At this hour the skies will be empty, so Koenma and I will be fine.”

Using Hiei’s strong hand for leverage, I pull myself up from his lap and turn to Keiko. “Do you have to get the kids? Your dad seemed pretty happy to have them.”

Keiko shook her head. “No, they’ll bring them back tomorrow. We’re all going to have lunch together, if you and Hiei want to join us. Since Shizuru stayed with Kuwa and Yukina’s kids, she’ll be there too.”

I smiled. “Thanks, that sounds like fun. I’m sorry we missed her tonight, but I’ll bet she had more fun with the twins. Maybe Hiei and I can even get some training in while we’re there.”

As we walked to the door, Hiei told them about my request to train. After goodbyes were said and everyone left, Hiei and I were left alone. Not liking the awkward silence, I pointed to the patio. “I’m just going to grab the last of the glasses and take them in the kitchen.”

Hiei nodded as he began turning off lights and closing the patio doors. A few minutes later we were in the bedroom. Hiei set the alarm as I went to brush my teeth. When I came out of the bathroom, Hiei was coming out of the closet. He had stripped down to his boxers.

As I stood there staring at him, he paused, as if wondering what I was thinking. I’d made several daring decisions today, and I was about to make another one. “I know you weren’t wearing anything the morning I woke up. If you want to go back to that, I’m alright with it.”

Embarrassed by what I’d just done, I head to the closet to undress. When I reenter the bedroom, Hiei is in the bathroom. Standing by the bed in my boxers, I hesitate. I’ve come this far, I can’t hesitate now. Stripping off my boxers, I crawl naked under the covers to wait for Hiei.

When he comes out of the bathroom, Hiei is totally nude. Trying to be brave, my eyes travel the length of his body. He truly is beautiful. He is perfectly sculpted with firm muscles in all the right places. Raising my eyes to his, our gazes lock. Slowly, Hiei pulls back the covers and crawls into bed, then turned off the light.

For several minutes we lay there in the dark, both of us just staring at the ceiling. Realizing now was not the time to back down from my pursuit of my new life, I finally crawl to his side. Tucking myself under his arm, I rest my head against his shoulder. Shifting closer, I slide my leg over his until it settles between both of his. Pressed against him, I feel the moment he realizes I am as naked as he is.

With his arm around me, Hiei rubs my back. “Is this part of reclaiming your life too Fox?”

I’m sure he can feel me smile against his shoulder. “Yes Hiei, it is. It’s not just my life I want back. I want you back too. Please, Hiei. Make love to me.”