WAITING FOR YOU

Hey everyone. Sorry this is short and late but I’m having terrible writers block as to what happens next. I have a few more pages written but I really don’t like them. Instead of posting something I’m unhappy with I’m going to ask you, my wonderful readers, for ideas on what Mukuro’s fate should be. I usually write her as Hiei’s friend but in this I’ve made her Kurama’s enemy so I’m not sure what I should do.

I’m looking forward to some inspiration, so please review. I can’t believe how awesome the reviews have been for this so far. Thank you all so much.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho. Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters are property of Yoshihiro Togashi, Fugi TV, Shueisha, Jump Comics and Studio Pierrot. The only thing I own is a love for Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters.

WAITING FOR YOU

Chapter 12

Snuggling closer to the warmth beside him, Yusuke tried to hold on to sleep a while longer. Feeling Kuwabara’s arms tighten he realized it was a losing battle. “Damn Kitten, you were so passionate last night, I don’t know how I didn’t take you. It’s so hot when you take me in your mouth, I almost lose all control.”

When Kuwabara remained silent, Yusuke pulled back to look at him. “Kuwa, what’s wrong?”

Yusuke felt him shrug. “Why haven’t we made love yet Sparky? We’ve done everything else over the last month, why do you always stop before we… you know?”

As much as he wanted to tease his lover for his shyness, Yusuke knew Kuwabara needed reassuring. “I don’t want you to worry about what Hiei said last night. I’ve been thinking about it, and I’m pretty sure the reason I’ve waited to claim you is because I know that when I do I’m going to mark you. I’ve known I wanted you for a long time now and I guess I just want to make sure this is what you want and that I’m not forcing it on you.”

With a sigh, Kuwabara rubbed Yusuke’s back. “What Hiei said last night kind of scared me at first. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that when the time comes, think I’m ready. I’ve never been happier than these last few months with you.”

With a grin, Yusuke leaned in for a kiss. “Me too Babe. I’ve never had so much fun as when we’re playing or sparing, and no sex has ever been as good as the sex we’re not even really having yet. How about we head back to Tourin soon? That way when we’re ready to make love, we won’t have to hold back because your mom’s right down the hall and might hear us.”

Kuwabara chuckled. “Yeah, that was pretty embarrassing when she let us know she heard us the other day. I’m not sure I could take it if she razzed me about hearing me lose my virginity.”

This time it was Yusuke’s turn to laugh. “Okay, Tourin it is. I’ve got to go see Kurama first though. I can’t believe what’s happening between him and Hiei. I thought they were finally working everything out.”

Nodding Kuwabara agreed. “I know, I couldn’t believe Kurama just sat there as if nothing were wrong when Hiei said he’d lost his memory. You know that bitch Mukuro had to have had something to do with that. It was just a little too convenient. So what are you going to do?”

Yusuke shrugged. “I don’t know yet, probably try to knock some sense into him. Now come here and give me a proper good morning kiss before I go.”

Grinning playfully, Kuwabara’s hand caressed Yusuke’s hip. “A kiss huh? And just where would you like me to kiss you? Here?… Or here?… Or maybe… here?”

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In the garden behind his house, Kurama was pruning his rose bushes when he felt Yusuke approach. Taking a deep breath, he tried to prepare himself for the almost certain argument that was to come. Turning to greet his friend, Kurama was more than a little surprised when he was suddenly punched in the jaw. Unprepared for the attack, Kurama found himself on his ass looking up at the Toushin. “Yusuke, what the hell are you doing?”

Grabbing Kurama by the front of his shirt, Yusuke hauled the redhead up to face him. “Me? What the hell are you doing Kurama? That bitch Mukuro is trying to steal your mate and you’re standing here pruning roses like you don’t even give a damn! Now where the hell’s Hiei?”

Pulling away from Yusuke’s grasp, Kurama straightened his clothes. “Hiei was gone when I woke up this morning.”

As suddenly as before, Yusuke’s hands shot out to shove Kurama. This time however, Kurama leapt out of reach, but Yusuke quickly followed staying right in Kurama’s face as he shouted. “Then go after him! This is Hiei we’re talking about Kurama, and he’s your fucking mate! The Yoko Kurama I thought I knew would never allow some lowlife bitch to steal his most precious treasure!”

Seeing the pain in Kurama’s eyes, Yusuke felt only a twinge of guilt before continuing his assault. As Yusuke pursued him, Kurama dodged and blocked every strike but didn’t fight back. “Damn it Kurama, when did you become such a coward? I realize you may be the submissive mate, but you’re still a man, and a powerful demon! When the hell are you going to stop playing the victim and fight for what’s rightfully yours?”

Bristling at being called both a coward and a victim, Kurama growled and finally struck back. When his punch landed on Yusuke’s jaw Kurama wasn’t surprised to see his friend grin. “That’s it Fox, get good and mad! I’m tired of you being so passive and allowing that bitch to defeat you!”

The thought of Mukuro defeating him grated as much as coward did. Flying at Yusuke, Kurama tackled him to the ground. “You don’t understand Yusuke! Hiei’s better off with…”

A kick caught Kurama off guard, giving Yusuke the opportunity to jump up. “Don’t give me that crap about what’s better for Hiei! Nothing’s better for Hiei than you Kurama! Can you honestly tell me that Hiei wouldn’t kill Mukuro himself if he knew how she was manipulating him?”

Kurama came after him and several more kicks and punches were exchanged or dodged before Yusuke could continue. “Damn it Kurama, do you have any idea the lengths Hiei was willing to go to when he found out someone had hurt his best friend? He was looking for someone to kill for crying out loud! Even after finding out he was the one that hurt you, he still wanted to avenge you! Now the tables are turned and someone has hurt Hiei and all you can do is prune roses! Well to hell with you! If you won’t protect your mate then I will!”

Stunned into immobility by Yusuke’s words, Kurama didn’t block the next hit. Seeing that Kurama had stopped fighting, Yusuke stepped back. “I’m going to Alaric Kurama. I’m going to tell Hiei what she’s done to him. I’m going to…”

Kurama cut him off. “No Yusuke, I’ll go. It’s my duty to protect my mate, even if he doesn’t know he’s my mate.”

Turning towards the house, Kurama stopped and looked back. “Thanks Yusuke.”

Yusuke gave him a lopsided grin. “I’ll be happy to kick your ass again anytime you need it Kurama.”

Following Kurama inside, Yusuke waited while the redhead changed. “Kurama, Kuwabara and I are headed to Tourin today. If you need any help with Mukuro, just say so and we’ll be there to back you up.”

Kurama gave him a little smile. “I’m not worried about handling Mukuro. I’m just not sure what to say to Hiei.”

Reaching for the door, Yusuke smiled back. “The truth is always a good place to start. ‘I love you’ wouldn’t hurt either.”

As they headed out the door, Kurama hoped Yusuke was right. Waving to his friend, Kurama call out. “Thanks again Yusuke.”

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There was no hesitation as the guards at the gates of Alaric bowed for the beautiful silver Youko. Entering the castle, Kurama was pleased to see only Vestra there to greet him. “Welcome back Lord Kurama. Is there anything I can do for you?”

Kurama smiled. “Yes Vestra, could you tell me when you expect Lord Hiei to return?”

Vestra didn’t question how Kurama knew Hiei wasn’t within the castle. “Lord Hiei is expected for a meeting with Lady Mukuro in half an hour.”

Glancing around Kurama nodded. “That sounds perfect Vestra. If you could give me just a few minutes alone and then let Lady Mukuro know I’d like a word with her, I’d appreciate it.”

Vestra didn’t fail to notice that Kurama had his ki carefully masked. “I’ll just let chef know you’ll be joining Lord Hiei for dinner before getting Lady Mukuro for you.”

Giving Kurama a bow, Vestra left the hall. Slowly, Kurama made his way around the large entry hall. He even went upstairs to look across the hall from the landing before going back down to wait for Mukuro. He didn’t have long to wait before he heard a door crashing open from down one of the corridors. “What the hell do I have guards for if they’re just going to allow that Youko whore to walk into my castle?”

Not sounding the least intimidated, Vestra calmly answered. “Lord Hiei made it very clear that Lord Kurama was to be given free access to the castle, and to obey any order he gave as if it came directly from him.”

There was a frustrated cry just before Mukuro entered the hall alone. Seeing Kurama, Mukuro snarled. “I thought I made it clear that you weren’t welcome here!”

Casually, Kurama replied. “Hiei gave me an open invitation to come any time I wanted. Since I wanted to talk to you, I decided to take him up on the offer.”

Eyeing Kurama suspiciously, Mukuro slowly circled him. “Well I’m revoking Hiei’s invitation! Now get the hell out of my castle!”

Turning, Kurama’s gaze followed Mukuro. “Too bad, because I’m here to see to it that you tell Hiei about your latest betrayal.”

Mukuro laughed wickedly. “It’s more likely that you’ll find yourself dead!”

Almost before she finished speaking, Mukuro attacked. Expecting the assault, Kurama leapt out of reach and flared his youki. Before he could land, the hall was crawling with plants and vines. Mukuro screamed when she was instantly grabbed and vines wrapped tightly around her. Struggling to get away, Mukuro’s energy surged, but in the end she ended up moaning in pain. “What the hell have you done to me?”

With a wicked chuckle, the Youko circled his prey. “Go ahead and use your youki Mukuro, my plants are hungry. You see these vines are a hybrid I created in my lab. They feed off demon energy. The more energy you use to try to get away, the faster you will die.”

Neither demon noticed Hiei had entered the hall until he shouted. “Kurama! What the hell is the meaning of this? Let her go this instant!”

Golden eyes turned towards the angry fire demon. “I’m afraid I can’t do that Hiei. She has some explaining to do and I don’t think she’s willing to do so without a little persuasion.”

Trusting that her heir would defend her, Mukuro remained silent as Hiei drew his katana and faced off against his long time friend. “Release her Kurama, or I will cut her down myself. I’d rather not hurt you if I don’t have to Fox.”

Kurama had come too far to back down now. “Hiei, you know harming any plant under my control will harm me as well. I’m sorry Dragon.”

Hiei should have known better than to turn his back on one of Kurama’s plants. Before he could prevent it, he was wrapped in vines that came down from the second floor, suspending him in the air. His katana now lay useless on the floor beneath him. “KURAMA!”

Looking up at his mate, Kurama prayed Hiei would forgive him. “You can’t get loose Hiei. Those vines are cross bred with my strongest roses and Makai fire plants. I promise Dragon, I’ll free you just as soon as Mukuro has confessed her treachery.”

All the commotion in the entry hall had alerted the guards, but before they could enter, Kurama flared his energy again, sealing off entry into the hall from all sides and upstairs. “Now Mukuro, it’s time to tell Hiei how you manipulated his memories.”

Forgetting the vines ability to sap her strength, Mukuro’s energy flared with her anger. “I’ll do no such thing you whore! Hiei is mine! There’s nothing you can do or say that will keep him from being my mate!”

Steeling himself for what he had to do, Kurama untied his tunic before shrugging it off and tossing it aside. “Hiei will never take you as his mate Mukuro, because I am already his mate! Hiei marked me and claimed me as his years before he even met you!”

Hearing both Hiei and Mukuro’s gasps, Kurama turned slightly and pulled his hair back, allowing them both to see the mark as well as the dragon on his shoulder. Sensing that Hiei had ceased his struggles, Kurama glanced over his shoulder to see the shock on his mate’s face. Mukuro however was livid. “You lying whore! You’d do anything to steal Hiei away from me! Hiei, you can’t believe him! Youko’s are nothing more than lying whores!”

Holding Kurama’s gaze, Hiei shouted. “Shut up Mukuro! Kurama may be a Youko, but he’s never lied to me!”

Not taking his eyes from Hiei, Kurama turned to face him. Patiently, the Youko waited for Hiei’s reaction. “Kurama, do you bear that mark in your human form?”

Raising his energy, Kurama changed forms. As the redhead unbuttoned his shirt he nodded at Hiei, and murmured softly. “I was fifteen when you marked me Hiei, and still unable to take my Youko form.”

As he spoke Kurama had his vines lower Hiei to the ground. As Hiei’s feet touched the ground and the Youko’s vines fell away, Kurama knelt before him and bowed his head. Almost afraid of what he would see, Hiei’s hand trembled as he pushed Kurama’s red hair aside. Brushing his fingers over the mark and dragon, Hiei could easily feel his own ki emanating from them.

Beneath his fingers Hiei could feel Kurama shiver. Trailing his fingers across Kurama’s neck, Hiei tipped the redhead’s chin up to look at him. The uncertain look in Kurama’s green eyes tugged at Hiei’s heart. Suddenly realizing what Kurama had been trying to tell him today, Hiei turned and growled at Mukuro. “Mukuro, as I said, Kurama has never lied to me! If my fox says you’ve manipulated my memories, then I believe him! Explain yourself!”

Mukuro sneered at him. “I am a Makai lord Hiei! I don’t answer to you! Without me, you are nothing more than the forbidden child! Now get me the hell down from here!”

Looking at her as if he were seeing her for the first time, Hiei shook his head and looked away. Reaching for Kurama’s hand, Hiei helped him up. “Fox, remove the vines from the entry.”

With a nod, Kurama did as Hiei instructed. The moment the vines disappeared, several armed guards entered the hall. Before Mukuro could shout orders Hiei pointed at her and growled at Kurama. “Silence her!”

Without moving, Kurama covered Mukuro’s mouth with vines. The guards looked confused seeing their mistress bound by plants. Taking the lead, Captain Tran stepped forward. “Lord Hiei…”

Cutting him off, Hiei barked his orders. “Captain, you and your troops are to return to your posts! I will handle Lady Mukuro!”

When Captain Tran hesitated, Hiei growled. “That’s an order Captain!”

Not even sparing Mukuro a glance, the captain ordered his men back to their posts. When the room had cleared Hiei called out. “Vestra! Get in here!”

A moment later when Vestra entered the hall it was obvious that she was having trouble containing her amusement at Mukuro’s predicament. “You called my lord?”

Suddenly realizing that he still held Kurama’s hand, Hiei tried to hide his blush. “Vestra, take Lord Kurama to my room to wait for me there. I will send for him as soon as I’ve dealt with Mukuro.”

Glancing at Kurama, Vestra smirked and bowed. “Yes my lord.”

Turning back to Kurama, Hiei squeezed his hand. “Kurama, go with Vestra, and wait for me in my room. When you leave the hall I want you to reseal the entrances. When you arrive in my room I want you to release Mukuro. Is that understood Fox?”

Kurama nodded. “I’ll instruct my plants that you are the only one allowed to pass through them. If you need my help you know where I am.”

Turning to the housekeeper, Kurama smiled. “You may go Vestra. As you are aware, I know where Lord Hiei’s room is.”

As she left, Kurama’s smile grew at Hiei’s confused look. “You may not remember it Hiei, but I’ve been in your room before.”

At that, both demons turned to glare at Mukuro accusingly. Kurama’s voice was venomous as he addressed her. “I won’t leave my mate unprotected again Mukuro. If any harm comes to him, I will see to it that your death is slow and painful.”

Furious, Mukuro struggled to free herself. Kurama smirked as the plants encasing her eagerly fed on her youki. Turning back to Hiei, Kurama reached out to caress his cheek. “Be careful Dragon. I don’t want to loose you again.”

Hiei’s eyes widened when Kurama hesitantly leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. Much to Kurama’s surprise, Hiei hesitated only a moment before hungrily returned the kiss. When they pulled apart, they were both blushing. Without another word Kurama headed for the stairs, but not before throwing Mukuro a triumphant smirk.

As Hiei instructed, Kurama once again sealed the entrance to the hall before heading for Hiei’s room.