WAITING FOR YOU

Okay, so the pairings are starting to take shape. If they’re not what you were hoping for I’m sorry, but I hope you’ll still enjoy this anyways. I’m glad you like the mystery surrounding Kurama, I hope I don’t disappoint you when the truth comes out. Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the Kuwabara’s mystery either, but you’ll have to be patient. Happy reading and thank you so much for all the great reviews.


WAITING FOR YOU

Chapter 3

True to his word, Yusuke contacted Kurama about a trip to Makai. The Toushin couldn’t help but smile as he remembered Kurama inviting himself along. The next day when he’d arrived at Kurama’s he feigned surprise at finding Hiei there. Together the three of them had headed out for Makai.

Looking at Kurama now, Yusuke was glad Hiei had arranged this trip. The light in the redhead’s green eyes spoke loudly of how much his friend was enjoying the trip. When Kurama’s attention was captured by a rare Makai flower, Yusuke gave Hiei a look that let him know that he’d done a good thing. When Hiei looked away with a grunt, Yusuke laughed and called out to his friend. “Hey Kurama, since we’re in Makai, why don’t you let out your inner demon? I’m sure the Youko in you is dying to play.”

Green eyes widened at the suggestion before sparkling mischievously. With a hopeful grin Kurama turned to Hiei. “Do you think I should?”

Startled, Hiei wondered why Kurama would want his approval. “Do as you wish Fox.”

Kurama tried to hide a brief flash of disappointment from crossing his face. Both Hiei and Yusuke were highly attuned to Kurama’s moods right now and neither failed to notice it before he covered it and turned to Yusuke. “I have an even better idea Yusuke. Let’s make this a true demon outing and we’ll both change. It’s been a while since I’ve seen your gorgeous long hair and those sexy tattoos. Come on Yusuke, I will if you do.”

Laughing at Kurama’s playful mood, Yusuke glanced to make sure Hiei didn’t have any objections before raising his spirit energy. A moment later the wind whipped long black hair around him as he grinned at Kurama. “Your turn you crazy Youko.”

Hiei watched intently as Kurama grinned back before raising his energy. The fire demon couldn’t help but appreciate that both demons were impressive with their long hair swirling around them in the breeze. When his mind wanted to call them sexy he pushed the thought aside. “If you two are through playing around we’d better get going. All the youki you’re throwing around is bound to attract unwanted attention.”

Yusuke shrugged. “Don’t worry Hiei, this is my territory. Any demon sensing my energy will know better than to try to take me on.”

Kurama’s words were a little more serious than his previous mood. “I hope you're right Yusuke, because I’d really like to avoid fighting right now. I’d much rather find some place where we could get a good drink.”

Grinning, Yusuke slapped him on the shoulder. “Now you’re talking Kurama. I know just the place, come on.”

Less than two hours later they walked into a tavern not far from Tourin. Not seeing an available table they made their way to the bar and ordered a drink. When Kurama made a casual scan of the bar then stiffened and turned back around, Hiei and Yusuke didn’t fail to notice. Both demons were glad they’d maneuvered Kurama between them when they’d come in.

A moment later an attractive dog demon with shoulder length chestnut hair reached between Kurama and Hiei to tap the Youko on the shoulder. “Kurama, is that really you? It’s been a long time.”

Turning, Kurama inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement. “Shon, you old dog. You’re right, it’s been a while.”

Even with Hiei and Yusuke glaring at him, Shon had the audacity to allow his eyes to move suggestively over the Youko’s figure. He even reached out and ran a hand down Kurama’s arm. “You look good Kurama. Maybe we could…”

Before he could finish, Kurama tactfully pulled away and interrupted him. “I don’t mean to be rude Shon but as you can see, I’ve already chosen my companions for the night. It was nice seeing you though.”

Kurama then turned his back on the demon and picked up his drink. Hiei and Yusuke had remained silent, waiting to see how the Youko would handle the demon’s advances. They watched as the disappointed demon finally turned away before reaching for their own drinks.

Before any of them could say a word, another demon approached Kurama from Yusuke’s side. This one was a handsome white tiger demon with blue eyes. “Yoko Kurama, didn’t expect to find you here. Glad to hear the rumors were true and that you’re not dead.”

As he had with the last interloper, Kurama nodded. “Hello Seth, you look well.”

Giving Kurama a half growl, half purr, he looked skeptically at a glaring Hiei before reaching out to finger the Youko’s silver hair. “Why don’t we find some place quiet where we…”

This time when Kurama pulled away it was apparent that he moved closer to Hiei. “I’m more than pleased with my current companions, thank you. Now if you’ll excuse us Seth, we’d like to be left alone.”

When Kurama turned away, Seth knew he’d been dismissed and moved away. A moment later Kurama pointed to an empty table. “I’m going to grab that table. Why don’t you two order us another round?”

Without waiting for an answer, Kurama walked away. Glad to have a moment alone with Hiei, Yusuke leaned close to his ear. “Did you see what he did Hiei?”

After signaling the bartender, Hiei nodded. “He seemed to know both of those demon’s pretty well, yet he didn’t want either of them to touch him.”

Yusuke raised an eyebrow. “It was more than that Hiei. When Shon touched him Kurama was standing by me and simply pulled away. When Seth touched him he not only pulled away he distinctly moved closer to you.”

When Hiei frowned, Yusuke smiled. “You don’t believe me do you? Let’s test my theory. When we get to the table I’ll touch him, then you touch him and we’ll see how he reacts.”

With their drinks in hand they headed for Kurama. The Youko sat in circular booth waiting for his friends. Looking up he smiled when they took seats on either side of him, placing him in the middle. “Sorry about the interruptions earlier. I’ve lived a long time, it’s inevitable that I’ll know people where ever I go.”

Yusuke glanced at Hiei before reaching for Kurama’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “It’s alright Kurama. We’re very aware that you draw attention both as a Youko and a human.”

Kurama smiled and gave Yusuke’s hand a return squeeze before pulling his own hand away. Knowing that Yusuke was waiting for him to give it a try, Hiei reached out to squeeze Kurama’s other hand just as the detective had. “Kurama, why don’t you just enjoy your drink and let Yusuke and I take care of your next admirer?”

Smiling, Kurama gave Hiei’s hand a return squeeze just as he had Yusuke’s but when he was done he didn’t release the fire demon’s hand but continued to hold it in his. “Thank you Hiei. I’ll take you up on that offer.”

With his free hand, Kurama reached for his drink, therefore he didn’t see the smug ‘I old you so’ look that Yusuke gave Hiei. A moment later Hiei and Yusuke felt Kurama stiffen and looked up to see another grinning demon approaching. When he reached the table he barely had his mouth open to greet Kurama before both Hiei and Yusuke growled loudly. “GET LOST!”

Seeing Kurama grin but not contradict them, the demon wisely left them alone. Hiei was reminded that Kurama still held his hand when he felt the long fingers tighten around his. “Thanks guys. I’ll have to remember to bring you two along as my body guards every time I come to Makai.”

As if suddenly realizing he still held Hiei’s hand, Kurama gave him a sheepish grin then released him. Yusuke gave Hiei another knowing look before turning to the Youko. “Kurama, why did you turn them away? It’s apparent that you used to know them very well. I would think that after being cooped up in your human life you’d want to have a little fun now that you’re out in your Youko form.”

Looking down into his drink, Kurama shrugged. “I’m not the same demon I was back then Yusuke. Being human, along with other things, changed me. I have no desire to have a string of meaningless love affairs anymore. I’d rather be alone than go back to that lifestyle again.”

Hiei remained quiet, allowing Yusuke’s natural curiosity to try and get information from the fox. “That must be hard on you as a Youko. I spent a lot of time learning about different species of demons when I lived here. From what I’m told, Youko’s actually crave affection. How do you manage without a lover or anyone else to provide it?”

Both Hiei and Yusuke were a little surprised when Kurama looked uncomfortable at the question. “You’re right about Youko’s craving affection Yusuke. It’s one of the reasons that we’re so promiscuous. As for me, yes it is hard sometimes, but I manage.”

Yusuke frowned. “Manage? Kurama, if you don’t want your old promiscuous lifestyle anymore, why don’t you get married or something? There’s no reason for you to be alone.”

The demon before them was not the confident Youko they both knew. Instead, Kurama looked almost shy and uncertain. “It’s complicated Yusuke and I’d rather not talk about it. How about you though? There are a lot of attractive demons here tonight. I’m sure any one of them would be happy to be bedded by a demon lord.”

Brown eyes widened. “Kurama, are you trying to get me laid?”

The Youko grinned. “Since I don’t think you’re pining away after Keiko, why not? You’re young and attractive, you should sample some of the pleasures of being single, before deciding what you like and settling down.”

Now Yusuke really was shocked. “Decide what I like? Do you mean different species or different sexes?”

Smiling, Kurama’s answer was simple. “Both actually. The delights to be had here in Makai are limitless. We don’t have the same prejudices humans do about race or sexual preference. Since our immune systems are so high we also don’t have to worry about sexually transmitted diseases the way humans do.”

Yusuke bit his lip as if there were a question he wanted to ask by was afraid to. Kurama gave Hiei a slide long glance as he waited for the Toushin to speak. “You say that like it’s normal for me to not care if my lover is…male or female.”

Kurama had been waiting for this question. “Actually Yusuke it is normal since most demons are bisexual. At your age you are going through a demon form of puberty. Your demon hormones are probably screaming for a lover and at this point they don’t care if it’s male or female. You may continue to be bisexual or someday you may chose one sex over the other. Either way, enjoy yourself while you can Yusuke. Soon enough you’ll leave your human life behind and be expected to take a powerful mate to rule by your side.”

Hiei nearly laughed as Yusuke’s eyes bulged. “What the hell do you mean I’ll be expected to mate? Hiei’s going to be a demon lord and I don’t hear anyone telling him he needs a mate.”

Now it was Hiei’s turn to be uncomfortable. “Actually Yusuke, Mukuro’s been on me about just that for some time now. I’ve told her that I don’t want a mate but she’s insisting it’s a necessary evil. She’s actually offered to mate with me herself. She says that way it will be a natural transition from her reign to mine.”

Neither of them noticed how still and quiet Kurama had become as Yusuke continued to question Hiei. “So are you going to do it? If you get past the bionic eye, Mukuro’s not too bad. At least if you have to sleep with her she’s got curves in all the right places.”

Hiei grunted. “Hn. I don’t know yet, I haven’t really given it much thought. I don’t really like females much but I guess I could tolerate Mukuro if I had to. At least I wouldn’t be stuck with some love struck fool for the rest of my life.”

Suddenly, Kurama pushed at Yusuke, as he tried to get out of the booth. “It’s my turn to buy the drinks, I’ll be right back.”

Sitting back down, Yusuke looked at Hiei. “Damn Hiei, I don’t think Kurama liked the idea of you mating with Mukuro.”

Hiei frowned. “Why the hell would he care Detective?”

Yusuke just looked at Hiei as if he were stupid. “Hiei, I don’t know if it has anything to do with what happened in the past but Kurama definitely reacts differently to you than anyone else. Think about it, who is Kurama closer to than you Hiei? Who is his best friend? Who does he confide in? Who does he always manage to fight beside? Who else sleeps, not only at his house, but in his bed? The only person he really allows close enough to take away his loneliness is you Hiei. I can’t help but think that if something really is going on with Kurama, you’re right smack dab in the middle of it.”

Hiei was prevented from responding when Kurama returned with their drinks. The fire demon thought about Yusuke words for several minutes before he was pulled back into their conversation. Yusuke was looking at him expectantly. Glancing between them, Hiei finally looked at Yusuke. “What did you say?”

Knowing exactly what Hiei was thinking of, Yusuke grinned. “Kurama and I were just discussing his preference for male lovers and I asked what kind of lover you preferred.”

Wishing he’d paid better attention, Hiei frowned. “It’s been a long time since I’ve allowed myself to have a lover Detective. Like you though, I had urges when I went through puberty. You know I don’t think much of females, so they didn’t do much to satisfy me. I took more pleasure in male lovers but since I won’t allow anyone to dominate me they tended to be weak and almost as disappointing as the females.”

After Yusuke’s words earlier, Hiei watched Kurama as he sat quietly beside him. Not sure what to make of the sullen Youko, Hiei turned his attention back to Yusuke. The Toushin looked a little uncertain as he glanced at his friends. “I guess that means neither of you would think it was weird that I’ve been… fantasizing… about what it would be like to be with a… man.”

Hiei frowned when Kurama grinned. When Hiei talked about taking a lover Kurama got quiet. When Yusuke spoke about himself the Youko willingly joined the conversation. “No Yusuke, neither Hiei or I would criticize you for wanting a male lover. Like us, you are a strong demon and would probably take more pleasure in a strong partner. Because of that you may not get as much satisfaction from a female or a weak male.”

Yusuke blushed and grinned. “Kurama, you just described perfectly what I’ve been feeling. Sex with Keiko was okay, but I always felt like I had to be careful with her. I don’t want to have to be careful. I want someone that I can go all out with and just fuck until we can’t move.”

At Yusuke’s confession Kurama outright laughed. “Oh Yusuke, that is definitely your demon hormones wanting release. Now all you have to do is pick one of these demons and let yourself go.”

Yusuke’s grin faded as he looked around the room. Seeing the look in his eyes, Hiei broached the one topic they had so far avoided. “It would seem the detective’s not interested in having sex with just any male Kurama, but one male in particular.”

When Yusuke’s eyes went wide as he blushed bright red, Kurama struggled to suppressed the urge to laugh. “Don’t be embarrassed Yusuke. He’s a very attractive man even if he isn’t a demon.”

This time when both Yusuke and Hiei’s widened, Kurama did laugh. “We’re not blind Yusuke, we see how you look at him. And Hiei, don’t give me that look. Whether you think so or not, Kuwabara is a very attractive man. He’s tall, strong and has the sexiest muscles. He’s got sweet blue eyes and the nicest smile too.”

Falling into the image Kurama was creating, Yusuke picked up. “Yeah, and have you seen what he’s been doing with his hair lately? It used to be kind of course, but as he gets older it’s getting so soft, he’s having trouble keeping it in that weird style he used to like. Now it falls in soft waves around his face. I’ve been trying to hint at him to let it grow and I think he is. Gods what I wouldn’t do to be able to run my fingers through it.”

When Kurama grinned at him, Yusuke blushed again. Seeing Hiei roll his eyes, Yusuke got defensive. “He’s a good man Hiei. He’s loyal, and honorable to a fault. He’d give his life for any of us and you know it. Hell, why am I defending my choice to you anyways. It’s not like he’ll ever want the same things I do anyhow. He’s also a human, just like Keiko. I’ll be damned if I’m going to be with a man that’s going to die and leave me.”

Kurama sighed sadly. “There’s an old saying Yusuke. ‘It’s better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.’ It’s true, believe me, I’ve been there. I think you know that my old partner Kuronue was my lover, but we were also in love. When he died I was devastated. Even though our time together was brief, and losing him was one of the worst pains I have ever had to endure, I never regretted loving him. I will always be grateful to have had his love, even if it was only for a few short years.”

Yusuke nodded his understanding. “Alright, so that’s a lame excuse, but I still think it’s useless to keep waiting for something I can never have.”

Sad golden eyes gazed down into his drink as Kurama spoke softly. “I wait every day for something I know I can never have Yusuke. You on the other hand can do something about it. Something is changing in Kuwabara and I think you might just be pleasantly surprised.”

In the blink of an eye, their focus moved once again from Yusuke’s plight to Kurama’s. Reaching out, Hiei covered one of Kurama’s hand with his. “What is it you’re waiting for Fox? Is it Kuronue?”

Both Hiei and Yusuke were surprised at the vulnerability in Kurama’s eyes when he looked back into Hiei’s. “No Hiei, I buried Kuro a long time ago. Apparently, I should have given up and buried this a long time ago too. So it really doesn’t matter any more.”

Both demon’s were about to question him further when Kurama sighed. “It’s getting late, we should get going.”

Realizing the opportunity had passed, Hiei and Yusuke left the bar with Kurama. Less than an hour later they were at Tourin. Yusuke immediately called one of the maids to get a room ready for them. “Did you two want to share a room or would you like two?”

When Hiei only shrugged, Kurama answered for them. “One will be fine Yusuke. Hiei doesn’t like to sleep in strange places and will sleep better with his partner there to watch his back.”

Seeing that Hiei didn’t object, the maid hurried upstairs to prepare their room. Yusuke then led them into a sitting room and almost immediately another maid entered, pushing a cart carrying food and drinks. By the time they finished eating the first maid returned to tell them the green room was ready. After thanking her, Yusuke smiled. “Damn, I kind of like this demon lord stuff. It sure beats the hell out of yelling at my mom to get her drunk ass off the sofa when I have company.”

The room Kurama and Hiei were shown to was called the green room because the bedspread and curtains were green. Other than a bed, armoire and chair, the room was essentially bare. Yusuke bid them good night and Kurama and Hiei were left alone. Hiei took a minute to lock the door and check how secure the window was before kicking off his boots. As he undressed he noticed Kurama toe off his shoes then look around nervously. “Relax Fox, just sleep in your clothes. They look like girls pajamas anyways.”

Kurama chuckled and gave Hiei a grateful smile as he crawled in to bed. “Thanks for understanding Hiei.”

Naked, Hiei climbed in beside Kurama. “I guess you can’t call it ningen modesty anymore, since you’re a Youko right now.”

Kurama smiled. “Somehow I knew you’d find a way to tease me Hiei. Now let’s get some sleep.”

Hiei rolled on his side, with his back to Kurama as he whispered over his shoulder. “G’night Fox.”

Kurama lay on his side staring at Hiei’s bare back. Closing his eyes, Kurama drew a breath and released it in a sigh before answering. “Goodnight Hiei.”

Staring into the darkness for some time, Hiei replayed their earlier conversation in his head looking for clues to the mystery of Kurama. The Youko’s breathing had long since grown even, indicating he was asleep. Not finding any answers, Hiei was just closing his eyes when he felt Kurama move. One of the Youko’s arms slid under his pillow and the other circled his waist as Kurama spooned up against his back. Hiei stiffened but didn’t pull away as Kurama nuzzled the back of his neck with a sigh.

Realizing Kurama was still asleep, Hiei relaxed, allowing the Youko to continue holding him. Tentatively, Hiei placed his hand over Kurama’s where it rested against his chest. Immediately he felt Kurama stiffen and give a little gasp as he jerked awake. “I’m sorry Hiei, I was asleep and didn’t realize what I was doing.”

When Kurama would have pulled away, Hiei held onto him. “Would you relax Kurama. I’m not going to bite you. I realize it’s just you reaching out for a little affection. Yusuke’s right, as a Youko it must be hard for you to always be alone.”

Kurama was still tense as he squeezed his eyes shut. “That’s my problem Hiei, not yours. You shouldn’t have to suffer my advances when you’re trying to sleep.”

Hiei grunted. “Hn. You act like it’s a hardship to let you hug me. We’re best friends Kurama. If you can’t turn to me for a little comfort, who can you turn to? Now shut up and let’s get some sleep.”

Hiei could feel Kurama’s heart pounding against his back. Several seconds passed before he felt the Youko’s tension begin to ease. A moment later he felt Kurama tuck his face into his neck with a sigh. “Thank you Hiei. Sleep well.”

Squeezing Kurama’s hand, Hiei whispered back. “You too Fox.”