More than partners
By Bane Huntress [Sarah B]
Chapter 3 – Domestic Dealings Kurama was surprised when he had finally gotten up and gone into the kitchen. The room had been filled with pastel colours like a rainbow of everything a baby could ever want. Some even still had bows and ribbons on.
“Where has all this come from?” he asked picking up a soft toy that looked like a penguin.
Hiei just started making a pot of tea as his mother and Yukina smiled at him as they fed the kits.
“People have been sending us stuff since they found out. Yukina and mother have been leaving them in the storage building.” Hiei said matter of fact.
He had knows, or suspected, but not where all the presents had been kept. “But still, there’s so much!” he said looking around. “Is there anything else we need to get?”
His mother shock her head, “We left the cots and other big nursery furnisher down there, we’ll get the men to sort it out tomorrow.”
Kurama sat down heavily in his chair, then winced, he was still a little sore even after Yukina’s miracle healing. “But…” he said feeling a little overwhelmed.
“We think it’s because people didn’t get you much for wedding presents.” Yukina said as she softly rubbed Atago’s back. “They have been coming thick and fast for weeks now.”
“Who are they all from?” he asked as his mother handed him Minako.
“She’s just eaten, so you have to burp her.” His mother said, putting the baby against his chest then lifting his hand to rub her little back. “That’s it; you don’t want to deal with trapped wind.”
Kurama did as he was told until he felt Minako wriggle a little, so he brought her down and instinctively began licking her face clean of a little formula. Then he began to loosen the blankets around her so he could free her little hands which he also began to lick, like she was the most interesting thing in the world, once he was sure every little finger was clean he moved on to her feet, doing the same. She smelled so good, all warm and fuzzy and it wasn’t enough for him to just look at her, he had to touch, taste, smell, feel her life force with every sense he had.
He began licking her little belly, being carful of the healing bellybutton where the umbilical cord had been, then her chest up her tiny neck to her chin before he was licking her face again.
Then Hiei was at his side, reaching for her and Kurama wanted to growl a warning at him before he reached out and began licking his mates face too.
Hiei chucked at him, “Ok, I’m yours too, but our son is feeling left out.”
Kurama looked down as Hiei took their daughter and handed him their son. Then he started the same process with him, he smelled and tasted so much like his sister. He slowly became aware of the others in the room talking as he licked his son’s foot.
“Should he really be doing that?” His mother was asking, she sounded a little unsure.
“It’s his instinct.” Hiei answered softly from his side. “His Kitsune side is just bonding with the kits, imprinting their smell and taste into his mind.”
“Like a cat with its kittens?” she asked.
Hiei chuckled. “Yes… He almost just to turn on me for trying to stopping him just now, until he realized who I was… I suggest not going near him if he’s engrossed in the kits, he might lash out before he knows what he’s doing.”
“Is he listening to us now? Are we a threat?” Yukina asked.
Hiei snorted, “He’s listening to us now, but he wasn’t before. You back with us Fox? You’re worrying your mother.”
Kurama licked over Atago’s left eye for the second time before he wrapped him up again, he could sense his son’s contentment and sleepiness as he touched his skin. Then with curiosity he reached out and touched his daughters check as she now slept in Hiei’s arms. Again he could feel her mind muggy with sleep.
“Kurama… let them sleep.” Hiei said again a light warning in his tone.
Kurama blinked up at him and smiled. “Sorry.” He whispered, still caught up in his fascination with his kit’s.
“I know.” Hiei gave him an understanding smile.
Kurama warmed inside as he kissed his Mate.
+ + + + + +
It was two day’s later before the rest of the old team and their families came over. All eager to see the new additions to their extended family.
Kazuya and Suichi where the first two to get there, and Kazuya couldn’t keep his hands off his grandchildren and constantly had to have one of them. Suichi seemed a little more reticent at his new niece and nephew till Hiei forced him to hold Atago, then he seemed quite happy.
Then Yusuke, Keiko and Akira had appeared, once again the kits got handed around under Kurama’s watchful eye.
Hiei had forced his Mate into a chair, and told him not to move. He knew he was still trying to build his strength back and would tire easy, but it didn’t stop him from wanting to be up and about.
“Hey, Kurama… How come you still look so thin?” Yusuke asked with a gleam of teasing in his eye.
Hiei wanted to shove his katana though Yusuke’s mouth.
“What?...” Kurama asked as he turned his attention away from Suichi who was letting Minako suck on his finger.
“What happened to the bump? It’s gone fast.” Yusuke asked with a grin. “Keiko had her’s for ages… oof!” Keiko just elbowed him in this ribs making Hiei snicker.
“Oh… Yukina sorted it out while I was passed out, I don’t know what she did.” Kurama answered.
“I hope she can sort me out this time.” Keiko said rubbing her own belly.
“You’re impregnated again?” Hiei asked as tactlessly as ever.
“Yes Hiei.” Keiko said patiently. “Only I have another six month’s to endure.” She smiled. “Maybe you could get me one of those seeds.” She laughed.
Hiei kept his mouth shut, even if they could get her one, she would have long since passed into Koenma’s hands before it could be used.
“They are very hard to find.” Kurama said apologetically as he gave Hiei a look. “And there is always much sorrow in their making.”
“Shame, but what comes from them is such joy.” She mused as she smiled at Atago who had just been passed to Yusuke. “I see… umm…”
“Atago.” Kurama answered.
“Atago is going to have lovely dark red hair, I guess they are identical?” she asked.
“As far as we can tell.” Kurama said proudly.
+ + + + + +
Hiei sighed as he heard Kawabara stomping down the hall.
“Hey guys!” Kuwabara said as he suddenly came into the room. “Oww, are these the little tykes?” he said going to Yusuke who showed him Atago. “Ah, you were that little once.” Kuwabara told Haruko who was at his side, his eight year old daughter squeed at the kit, making Atago grumble a little. “Go easy princes, remember they are really new and you have to be quiet and carful with them.”
“Can I hold it?” she asked.
Hiei couldn’t believe it when Kuwabara looked at them for approval.
“She has to sit down first.” Hiei told them, so Kuwabara took Atago and sat down in a chair pulling his daughter onto his lap, then letting her play with Atago’s fingers. All the time watching like a hawk so she didn’t get too over exited as they all knew she could.
Then he was aware of Hanako standing by Kurama’s chair.
“Oka-san said I could come sit with you uncle Kura?” Hanako said, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. Hiei just rolled his eyes, she always gravitated to Kurama ever since she was very small, now he could tell she had some kind of crush on him.
Kurama just held his arms out to her. “Come here then,” he said as she climbed into his lap and snuggled up to his chest. Where she would stay for as long as she could, just watching the world go by while she played with his hair. “Don’t you want to say hello to your cousins?” Kurama teased as he huged her.
She shrugged. “I guess.”
‘Can you bring me Minako? I think my Dad has hogged her enough.’ Kurama said into his mind with a chuckle.
Hiei did as he was told, placing their daughter in Kurama’s other arm carefully.
“Hanako, this is Minako.” He said to the two girls.
“She’s kinda ugly.” The little girl screwed her nose up.
“She’s only two day’s old.” Kurama told her. “She’s still a little wrinkly, I’m sure the next time you visit she’ll be a lot prettier.”
Hanako shrugged as she just rested against Kurama, watching the kit.
‘Least she’s honest.’ Hiei laughed.
‘Maybe I should let her sit on you for the rest of the day then?’ Kurama smiled back, all charm and innocence.
‘I get the point.’ Hiei said as he leaned down and kissed his Mate, then went into the kitchen to make Kurama some tea where he found Shizuru talking with Yukina.
“That was unfair.” Hiei told his sister in passing. “Hanako is going to be clinging to Kurama all day now.”
Yukina just giggled behind her hand.
“It’s one way of making sure he stays put.” Shizuru put in. “Even I can sense how exhausted he is, and I haven’t even seen him yet.”
“The three months pregnancy put a lot of strain on his body, especially with twins.” Yukina said, “It’s going to take him a month or two before he’s back to normal.”
“And had nothing to do with the fact he’s a guy and he’s not built for it.” Shizuru said in her usual flat tone.
“That too.” Yukina confessed. “But he made such pretty babies.” She gushed, “you really should go see them.”
“I will, But Kazuma was going crazy on the train over, you know what he’s like with babies. So I’ll let him slobber over them first.”
“You better not mean that literally.” Hiei growled shivering at the thought.
“Why?” Shizuru asked confused.
“Kurama does this cute thing where he has to lick them clean.” Yukina said as she cover her grin with her hand again.
“That’s kinda gross.” Shizuru grinned. “So if Kazuma does drool on one of them, Kurama will lick it off, then if you kiss him Hiei… you will be sharing an indirect kiss with your brother-in-law.”
Hiei growled as both women began laughing out loud. Then he opened a draw and pulled out a pack of baby wipes, shoving them into a pocket. “Not if I can help it.” He snapped.
+ + + + + +
As an early supper was being made, Hiei had excused Kurama as he picked his drowsing Mate up in his arms and taken him to bed. Laying him out gently and covering him up. Then Yusuke came in with his son who was already asleep in his arms.
“Seen as its nap time, would Kurama mind if Akira slept with him?” Yusuke asked.
Hiei just lifted the sheet as Yusuke laid his son down, Kurama turned drowsily onto his side, hugging the little boy loosely.
“Room for two more?” Kuwabara asked as he carried a crying Hanako in his arm, Haruko was holding his other hand and rubbing her eyes sleepily.
“I’m a big girl.” Haruko grumbled, “I don’t need to nap!”
‘Over tired.’ Kuwabara mouthed.
‘I don’t mind.’ Kurama muttered sleepily.
Hiei sighed then pulled the covers open as Kuwabara lay Hanako down besides Akira and Kurama lifted his arm so he could hug them both, then Kuwabara lifted Haruko to sleep at Kurama’s back. “Now princesses, why don’t you show your uncle Kurama, who’s very tired, how good you are and all have a nap together?”
“We can do that.” They both chirruped together before closing their eyes.
‘The kits?’ Kurama asked on the edge of falling asleep himself.
‘In their room, we will hear them if they wake up… just sleep.’ Kurama gave a half grumbled sigh before his mind went fuzzily blank.
Hiei silently ushered the other two men out the room.
“I’ll grab some beer’s.” Yusuke said, “We can go out side on the porch for a bit.”
Hiei nodded as he followed Kuwabara outside to take in the early July warmth, the sun would be setting in a few hours and it was still nice out.
It didn’t take long for Yusuke to get back with beers and they all sat down to look off into the forest at the back of the temple as they drank.
“You sure do make good looking kids.” Yusuke finally said. “Shiori was telling me they look a lot like Kurama when he was a baby.”
“Ya, they are almost as adorable as my two when they were that age.” Kuwabara said proudly.
“They are really cousins Kuwabara, course they will look a little similar.” Yusuke chuckled as he slapped the bigger man on the arm.
“Oh yeah.” Kuwabara blushed.
“Who would have thought when we all first met; you two would be related one day!” Yusuke laughed.
Hiei just drank some of his beer, he respected Kuwabara, he treated his sister like she walked on gold and was great with his kids… still didn’t mean he had to like him.
“Who would have thought we would all be sat here now.” Kuwabara said a little more soberly.
They sat in silence for a bit before Yusuke broke it. “So, Hiei…” He started and Hiei groaned silently. “I thought you would be having some kind of hissy fit.”
Hiei glared at him, not understanding his meaning.
“Well, We can all feel how out of it Kurama is. And for a guy who’s obsessed with power and strength, how are you coping?”
Hiei blinked. “What the hell are you babbling about?”
“Coping.” Yusuke repeated. “Kurama cant even protect himself against a cold right now, I remember when you went all giddy when he first turned into Youko and got all strong and scary. I thought you would be going mental cos he’s being so weak and vulnerable right now.”
Hiei growled as he tried not to take Yusuke’s head off. “He is my Mate.” He snapped, that should have been explanation enough, but he could see the idiots had no idea. “So long as one of us can fight, that’s all we need. If all I wanted was power and a Mate who could fight I would have chosen Mukuro. It’s not like she didn’t want it.”
“Eww, seriously? She was scary.” Kuwabara gasped.
“She never said it out loud, She knew Kurama meant too much to me, even back then.” Hiei muttered as he took another swig of his beer. “I empathised with her and set her free. I admire her, nothing more.”
Yusuke elbowed him. “So you went with Kurama just because he’s pretty?” he teased, his face split in a stupid grin.
Hiei sighed. “I Mated with Kurama for many reasons. I would not have tide my soul with his just because he’s pretty.” He scoffed, then uttered under his breath so only Yusuke would hear. “He could look like Kuwabara in our next life.” He shivered at the thought, truly revolted. “I would still love him.”
“You did what?” Yusuke gasped, looking at him in shock, actually getting what Hiei had said and not at the joke, or the implications after.
“Wow, Hiei I never knew you were so romantic!” Kuwabara laughed, not getting it at all. “I remember all that stuff Boton said, but all you really did was get married twice.”
“She was serious?” Yusuke asked, ignoring his other friend. “I thought she meant through grief or something… not literally, I thought once you had kids it would change.”
Hiei shrugged one shoulder. “Why do you think I was so angry when Kurama had to kill your old students the other month?”
Yusuke’s mouth dropped open.
“They wanted to humiliate Kurama, to finish what their friend started. They were going to rape him then kill him out of revenge…”
“What!?” Kuwabara shouted and Yusuke shushed him.
“Kurama had two choices, let them rape him and hope I get back in time, which would probably make him miscarry. Or fight to the death to save mine and his own honour, even if it meant we died in the process.”
“Hard choice.” Yusuke uttered sounding truly shocked.
Hiei nodded. “He chose the latter. Kurama might not be as powerful, but he’s ruthless, cunning and older than us all put together, he knows how to survive. If you ever tried to betray him or his own, he wouldn’t hesitate in killing you or yours, he wouldn’t like it, but he would do it.” He watched as Yusuke shivered. “You have seen him do it enough times. Youko wasn’t feared by most of the Makai for nothing… but despite all that his compassion is boundless and he will fight to the death for anyone he calls friend.”
Yusuke nodded. “I just never took you for the ‘carer’ type.”
“Hn, that’s just for now. It’s also my privilege; you think Kurama would let just anyone treat him as I do? Or put himself into such a vulnerable position if he thought I couldn’t protect and care for him? He’s my responsibility, and I wont let him down.”
“Deep.” Yusuke smiled at him. “But I can see your point a little. after all, I trusted Kurama from the moment we met, he could have killed me easy, but he didn’t. Also, I wouldn’t lay my son down next to someone I didn’t trust without a thought.”
“So let me get this straight.” Kuwabara said. “If Kurama dies, so do you?... and what would happen if Yukina accidentally betrayed you? Would you kill her too!?”
Hiei looked away as he sipped his beer, he was not going to answer that one, because the answer would be, yes, Kurama would kill his sister if he needed too, even if Hiei couldn’t, and Hiei would forgive him anything, even that.
“It was just a metaphor.” Yusuke said quickly, “He was just saying that sometimes brains are better than brawn. And Hiei’s attracted to nerds more than beefcake.” He chortled to himself. “The bit about dying is true though.”
“Ah… Why would you do that?” Kuwabara asked truly interested.
Hiei rolled his eyes. “Because there are a lot of benefits in doing it. And I never do anything by half mesures.”
“Seems pretty sucky to me… Though I would do it for Yukina if she asked.”
“No you wouldn’t, you remember all the trouble these two had, what if your energy was too powerful for her?” Yusuke reasoned.
“It would be the other way round.” Hiei grinned. “I’m sure Mate Bonding isn’t possible between a human and a youkai. Also you would have to mark her like I did Kurama. You think you could harm my sister enough to cause her a lot of pain and permanent scaring?”
“I could NEVER hurt my angel!” Kuwabara stormed.
“Well then…” Hiei smirked.
“You’re just a little squirt with really big control issues and an ego to match!” Kuwabara snorted derisively.
“Say what?” Hiei seethed.
“You heard me!” Kuwabara said.
Hiei lunged at the larger man, managing to lay a punch before they were both rolling about on the floor.
“Guys!” Yusuke was yelling at them. “I thought you had got over this!”
Hiei laughed as he managed to pin Kuwabara to the ground.
Then he felt Kurama sigh into his mind.
“Oh my god! How old are you guys!” Keiko screamed behind them. “Stop fighting and come in, foods ready!”
‘And I need some help…’ Kurama said with a chuckle.
‘Be right there.’ Hiei said as he shoved Kuwabara’s face into the grass then hopped away chortling.
When he got to their room, he found Kurama literally pinned down. Akira was sprawled on his chest with both arms being slept on by the two girls.
“You must be one soft bed!” Yusuke said behind him as they both laughed. “I almost want to try you out myself!”
Hiei snorted as his friend was reduced to giggles, as everyone else came to see what all the fuss was about.
+ + + + + +
Yusuke managed to sidle over to Kurama the next day as everyone was preparing to leave. Hiei was chasing Akira about as they played some kind of tag game, everyone else was drinking the last of their tea as they waited for the last train home.
“Hey you.” He grinned at his friend. “Think you can cope after we are all gone?”
Kurama smiled at him. “Mother will still be coming over once a week, and Yukina once a month, so I think we will be fine.”
“Err..” Yusuke scratched his head, “Hiei was telling us some stuff the other night… And it finally sunk in what you guys did when you Mate Bonded.”
Kurama nodded, “Hiei let me listen in on some of it.”
Yusuke winced, “I guess that’s one of the perks he was on about?”
“One of many.” Kurama admitted. “There really are too many to mention. We don’t do it all the time. Like now, if you want a privet word, just say so.”
“You’d tell him anyway.”
Kurama shrugged, “If he cared to know.”
“So is it true, if he dies so do you?”
Kurama nodded again. “The Bond is soul deep, if one get’s pulled to the other side, so would the other.”
“Then I don’t want you entering any more tournaments.” Yusuke had thought a lot about it last night. “It’s too risky, especially now you have kids.”
Kurama chuckled at him. “We aren’t until they are grown. But I can’t keep Hiei from them… We even considered entering the Makai tournament one day when we feel like it.”
Yusuke wasn’t sure he liked the look in Kurama’s eyes when he said that. “Tell me when you are and I’ll skip one.” He grinned.
Kurama looked away without saying anything, which made Yusuke even more apprehensive. There was no way he wanted to fight his friends, for a start, he knew he would loose.
+ + + + + +
Kurama was aware of Yomi and Mukuro’s energy before they even set foot near the temples main grounds. They were both purposefully not masking their energies and approaching slowly on foot.
‘What the hell do they want?’ Hiei growled as he came sprinting towards Kurama and the kits, who were all outside enjoying the sun.
‘Probably to see the fruits of our labour.’ Kurama sighed, He was sure Yomi would be very interested in him and the kits.
Yomi had never said anything directly too him, but he was sure the youkai always had feeling for him, even from the very start.
As for Mukuro, well, Hiei had found a friend in her, and Kurama was sure his old, slight, jealous of her would be making it’s self know it he wasn’t already Hiei’s.
‘Stupid Fox.’ Hiei chuckled.
‘Jealousy can be interesting at time.’ Kurama leered.
‘Not for the poor bastard I have to kill.’ Hiei laughed as he finally landed on the blankets at his side, then leaned in and kissed him hard, finally laying kisses on the kits who mumbled in their sleep.
“So peaceful.” Hiei said as he stroked their hair. Only a month old and both had short mops of dark red hair. “Why can’t they always be like this?” he sighed wistfully.
Kurama couldn’t agree more; sometimes they slept with them just so they didn’t have to actually get up during the night for feeding, only to change nappies. His mother had tried giving them a night off, looking after them in another part of the Temple, but Kurama could sense when they woke and instantly what they needed, it didn’t seem to matter how far apart they were.
“You should be resting now, instead of entertaining guests.” Hiei whispered. “I can send them away.”
Kurama just smiled as he nuzzled Hiei’s cheek. He was still not as strong as he would like to be, and still tired at the most mundane of tasks. But he was stronger then he had been a month ago. “Best get it over with now.”
Hiei nodded before kissing him again, then they settled down and waited.
Eventually they came around the temple together. And Kurama was shocked to see they were arm in arm, like a couple out on a stroll.
‘Think they got together?’ Kurama asked as he waved at them. “Come, sit, we just made some tea!” he called.
‘They don’t smell like each other. So I guess not.’ Hiei said as he sat up, resting a possessive hand on Kurama’s shoulder as he moved so the kits were between them both.
“Hello. Kurama, you always did like the sun, and it’s a wonderful day.” Yomi said as he sat down gracefully on the edge of the blankets near Kurama’s feet. “I hope you don’t mind our intrusion?”
“Not at all, I was expecting you sooner.” Kurama answered as he poured two cups of tea, then handed one into Yomi’s outstretched hand. Then he offered one to Mukuro, who still stood.
“Sit down.” Hiei growled at her harshly. “Don’t make me perceive you as a threat.”
“Ah, sorry.” Mukuro said as she sat down besides Yomi, Kurama noticed how she hadn’t taken her eyes off the kits. His instincts were to cover them, take them away. But he knew she was just curios. Then Hiei was lifting Atago up as he moved to crouch by her.
‘It’s all right.’ Hiei tried to assure him.
“This is Atago.” Hiei said letting her see their son.
Mukuro put down her tea as she reached out, but her eye flicked to Kurama in a silent question.
Kurama sighed silently as he nodded, but he couldn’t help tensing slightly. He didn’t really know her as Hiei did, so he had to trust his Mate.
“We didn’t come here to harm them.” Yomi chuckled laying a hand on Kurama’s ankle, then taking it off hastily as Hiei hissed at him. “We were just burning with curiosity once we heard, Mukuro wanted to come sooner. But I thought it best to wait.”
“Good choice.” Hiei grunted.
“He’s so small…” Mukuro said softly as she touched Atago’s cheek. “Can I hold him?” she asked Hiei. And that’s when Kurama saw the woman she could have been and it broke his heart.
‘Let her.’ He told Hiei.
He watched her face soften more as she carefully held his son. “You must be so proud.” She whispered in awe.
“We are.” Hiei answered as he watched her too.
“May I hold the other?” Yomi asked. “I think I missed out so much with Shura.”
Kurama picked up his daughter then moved so he could put her in Yomi’s arms. Yomi had disappointed him in the past, but he had never betrayed him. “This is Minako, our daughter.” He said as Yomi ran his other hand across her face lightly.
“I see she will take after you.” Yomi chuckled. “Her hair is as soft as yours… Oh my, she seems to have had an accident.”
Kurama could sense Minako wake before she began her soft mewling, “I’ll go change her… it’s almost time for feeding to.” He took his daughter from Yomi as he stood, feeling a moment of dizziness. Hiei had his arm for a moment to steady him before he let go and sat down again.
‘Thanks.’ Kurama said with a little feeling of apology, He knew better than to show weakness in such a situation.
‘Hn, you stood to fast thats all…’ Hiei replied.
Kurama then went inside. He felt Hiei open his mind to him as he carried on talking to their visitors.
“So, I’m guessing you’re both not just here to see our kits?” Hiei said lightly.
“It was the main reason.” Yomi answered.
“It was mine.” Mururo still sounded a little distant and distracted.
Kurama knew his son was also beginning to wake up, and would be screaming for his bottle soon enough.
“Shouldn’t we wait for Kurama?” Yomi questioned.
“I think he would like to hear our proposal too.” “Hn, you think he’s not listening now?” Kurama could feel Hiei grinning. Then he got an image of Yomi looking a little shocked and he couldn’t help but grin too as he began changing Minako’s soiled nappy.
“Hiei is a telepath.” Mukuro said.
“I guess Kurama can use it too?” “Something like that.” Kurama answered allowed, knowing full well Yomi would hear him.
“Something like that…” Hiei answered for Murkuo’s sake.
“So what else is it?” Hiei asked changing the subject.
“We were going to ask when you both planned on entering the Makai Tournament?” Yomi got to the point.
Kurama felt Hiei begin laughing in his mind, but when he answered aloud it was in an amused growl.
“Too afraid that we might have designs on the whole of the Makai for a while?” Yomi chuckled in his cool way.
“To be brutally honest, yes. It would be a waist of time and effort when you do, for us anyway. We are not stupid; we know it would be an exercise in futility to fight against the two of you.” “I just want to know if and when I should buy Box tickets.” Makuro said in a soft tone.
“Oww… Hello little one.” She gushed a little as Atago woke up.
“Err… why is he crying, did I do something wrong?” she sounded a little confused.
“He’s just hungry; let him suck on your finger.” Hiei answered softly.
Kurama almost dropped the talc when he heard Makuro start giggling,
“It feels so strange.” She whispered.
Kurama sighed, but he guessed they had just added another babysitter to the list. But he guessed he didn’t mind so much, he guessed a long time ago she couldn’t have her own children, her body seemed to badly damaged for that now.
Maybe he should ask Yomi if she could try cloning herself like he had.
“As to your question.” Hiei carried on.
“We aren’t planning on joining any tournament in the near future. So you can rest assured… for the time being.” Kurama finished changing Minako, then picked her up to collect their bottles as he went back outside.
Atago was grumpily still sucking on Mukuro’s finger and Yomi just looked relived.
“So I guess you two have been training hard for the next Makai tournament?” Kurama said as he handed Hiei Atago’s bottle, then sat down himself.
“May I?” Yomi asked holding his hands out for Minako again. Kurama handed her over, as he helped Yomi hold the bottle to her liking. “And we have.”
Kurama watched as Hiei did the same with Mukuro.
“I didn’t hear you had joined the others.” Kurama settled himself next to Hiei as his Mate put his arm around him.
“I’ve been too busy.” Mukuro said in a gooing tone as she watched Atago eat.
“And I’ve been training Shura.” Yomi replied.
“Where is your son?” Hiei asked. “Last time we saw him was at our bonding.”
Yomi winced. “I’m keeping him away from you, so he’s forbidden to leave the Makai for the time being.”
“Away from us?” Kurama asked, not liking the sound of that.
Yomi shrugged one shoulder as he gave them a half smile. “He’s still young and impetuous, he doesn’t yet understand what your bonding actually means. He still thinks he can fight you both, and win.”
Murkuro laughed at that. “Were you that reckless in your youth?”
Kurama looked away a little embarrassed.
“I was probably more so, it took a good man to finally stop cleaning up my messes and let me make my own mistakes, before I finally calmed down.” Yomi said softly. “I learned a hard lesson the day I lost my sight.”
‘He talking about you?’ Hiei asked slightly amused.
‘Yeah.’ Kurama answered.
‘I also left him that day.’ ‘Hn, more luck to me then.’ Hiei chuckled back as his hand stroked up Kurama’s spine.
“But anyway.” Yomi carried on. “I’m thinking of letting him have a few beatings at the Tournament… I’m hoping he might learn something.”
“I doubt that.” Hiei grinned. “But if he’s still not won by the time we enter, we can help teach him a little more.”
Yomi chuckled. “I would appreciate that.”
They talked more about who was entering the next tournament, and about some of the changes the last winner had made and general gossip from the Makai until Yomi got to his feet. “I can see we are tiring you.” He said to Kurama. “We should be getting back before it get’s dark anyway.”
“Just a little longer.” Mukuro uttered, she was now holding Minako, she seemed unable to be without one of them.
“You can visit again.” Yomi sighed. “I’m sure they wont mind.”
‘Hiei, can you just take Yomi to the front of the temple?’ Kurama asked.
‘Wouldn’t I be best to talk to her?’ Hiei said as he got to his feet, knowing full well what he was intending.
‘Maybe, you know her best, but I think I need to… unless you want to give her one of the kits?’ Hiei growled into his mind but said nothing. “Yomi… come.” Then he was walking off.
Yomi looked confused, but followed Hiei all the same. “Goodbye Kurama, and congratulations, your children are beautiful, just like you.” He purred.
“Hey!” Hiei snapped as he came back and pulled Yomi away.
Kurama smiled as he got up and sat next to Mukuro. She gave him a startled look before she looked back down at Minako.
“I never even thought about children.” Mukuro finally said as she stroked Minako’s hair then held up her metal hand. “I did after the first Tournament. When Hiei freed me… but it’s too late… now” She sighed.
Kurama reached out and ran his fingers over Minako’s cheek. “If you really want a child… You could talk to Yomi?” he said softly.
Mukuro snorted then she blinked at him.
“He cloned his own son… Maybe he could do the same for you?” he suggested.
She looked back down at the kit in her arms. “For a moment I thought you meant sleep with him!” she said in disgust. “But I have too many enemies.”
“And you have more followers.” Kurama whispered. “But maybe sometimes it’s worth giving up all you know… for something new?”
Mukuro was quiet for a moment, “But you have Hiei.” She said forcefully as she held Minako out for him to take.
Kurama didn’t reach for his daughter just yet as he looked directly into Mukuro’s eyes. “But I have my kits too.” He said softening his eyes. “If I had nothing else, I would still have them.”
Mukuro looked at him warily for a short time, before she hugged Minako back to herself. “I know the bond you have with Hiei.” She said in her usual tone. “Don’t mock me.”
Kurama smiled in defeat, “Then look at it this way… I would do anything for my human mother. I was willing to give up my life once, just so she would live. Most of my human life she was all I had, and I love her still without bounds.”
Mukuro cast him a wary look, “Would you give up your life for her now? As well as Hiei’s”
Kurama blew a breath through his nose as he looked at her sideways. “My priorities changed as of recently.” He said carefully. “But that’s not the point… just Five months ago… I would have said yes, so would Hiei. He knows my feeling on that.”
Mukuro sighed as this time Kurama took Minako as she was passed to him. “I’ll think about what you said.” She got to her feet and looked down at him with a frown. “Sometimes I forget just how ancient you are?” she said with a smile.
Kurama shrugged. “Ancient is such a harsh word. But I’m old enough to appreciate what I have found.” He told her. “And to know that most of the time… it’s never too late, you just have to be willing to accept the change.”
Mukuro gave him another assessing look. “I could never understand what Hiei saw in you.” She said. “Or why someone with your reputation would be willing to humiliate themselves into submission to someone else, especially when they were once so proud…” she looked at the sleeping kits. “Maybe now I’m beginning to understand.”
Then she was striding away to the front of the temple.
Kurama just watched her go with a knowing smile. No doubt, the next time they met, things will have changed.
+ + + + + +
When Hiei had finally escorted their two guests far enough away, he had bounded back to his Mate. Yomi had pissed him off, and Mukuro was acting strange. But he didn’t much give a crap now they were gone.
When he got back to Kurama, he was fanatically licking Atago. Hiei rolled his eyes as he gently took their son from his Mate. “You really have to use a little control after someone’s touched them.” He said softly.
Kurama gave him a wide eyed pout and Hiei couldn’t help but chuckle. “And I know you did good not doing it after they ait.” He reached out and caressed Kurama’s cheek, his mate nuzzled into his hand purring. “You want to start something you cant finish Fox?” He whispered.
Kurama looked at him with half lidded eyes as he grinned. “The kits will be asleep for a while… Why don’t we put them to bed… and then ourselves?”
Hiei growled as he gently picked the kits up and put them in Kurama’s arms, then picked all three of them up and made his way back to the temple.
It didn’t take long to get the kits settled in their room, before he carried Kurama to their room and laid him out on their bed as he climbed over him on all fours.
“You sure you’re up for this?” He asked as he lent down and licked the side of Kurama’s mouth. His mate groaned as he closed his eyes, chasing Hiei’s tong with his lips.
‘Oh Inari, I neeeed this… please…’ he panted,
‘Need you inside me!’ Hiei could feel the yearning in his Mate, for four months all they had managed was oral play, which didn’t satisfy the raw need but at least had taken the edge off.
Now Hiei needed to connect with his Mate, mind, body and soul.
He captured both of Kurama’s wrists, forcing them up over his head and pushing them into the pillows. “Don’t move them.” He growled into Kurama’s ear, feeling his Mate shiver beneath him as he opened his shirt, pushing it aside.
‘I need to touch you…’ Kurama whined despratly.
“That’s the whole point my Fox.” Hiei gave his Mate a feral grin. “Today you get to submit to my touch. I want you perfectly still.” He could feel Kurama’s disappointment and thrill all at the same time.
Hiei needed to exert his will over his Mate, it had been to long and he needed the control, the dominating side of himself had to be appeased.
He began licking behind Kurama’s ear, a place he knew would test Kurama’s self control not to reach out for him. Hiei could feel him shiver but not move. “Good Fox.” Hiei whispered into his ear before licking it making Kurama groan. He could already sense Kurama’s hardening erection and knew he couldn’t prolong his torture before his Mate either came or passed out, possible both. So he moved on to Kurama’s chin, then down his throat, running his teeth across Kurama’s Mate marks making his Mate whimper.
As he kissed and licked his way down to Kurama’s nipples his hand opened the fly on Kurama’s jeans, then his hand slipped under the waistband of his boxers to find his prize, Kurama was already hard as Hiei wrapped his fingers around his cock and squeezed.
“Ah!... Hiei!” Kurama panted out plaintively. “I… I…”
Hiei could feel his Mate struggling not to just let go and come. So as he rolled Kurama’s nipple between his teeth, he worked on pulling Kurama’s jeans and boxers off. Then ran his hand down the inside of Kurama thigh making his Mate arch his back as every inch of him trembled.
‘Don’t… tease…’ Kurama begged into his mind as his body was now incapable of forming the words aloud; ever part of Kurama was over sensitive and quivering with every caress how ever light.
Hiei could feel his every touch through Kurama’s mind as his Mate opened up to him. Every nerve so receptive it was almost painful as he panted and groaned through the blinding pleasure.
Hiei grinned again, despite his own need, it was heady to watch his Mate so turned on by his touch alone. Normally he would like to take his time, force Kurama to the brink then bring him back down before taking him up again. But the nagging weakness in his Mate was still present and he knew Kurama wouldn’t be able to withstand it much longer.
He reached up forcing his fingers into Kurama’s mouth, letting him suckle them before he pulled his hand away and put it between his Mates legs where he found Kurama’s puckered hole and pushed inside.
Kurama gave a guttural cry at the penetration, his hand fisting into the pillow above his head as his legs bent and parted.
Hiei was a little surprised and pleased at how tight his Mate was as he pushed another finger into the tight ring of muscle.
‘Too… Dry…!’ Kurama groaned desperately at the hint of discomfort.
Hiei grimaced, the lube was still in the closet, so he bent down, licking up the underside of Kurama’s straining cock making his Mate cry out, then he pushed Kurama’s knees up and pushed his tong into his Mates hole.
Kurama stilled suddenly, his whole body tense.
Hiei pushed his tong as deep as he could, slicking up Kurama’s insides. He’d never done this before, and with the reaction from Kurama he was damn sure he would be doing it again.
He could feel himself getting harder as Kurama’s mind went blank unable to even think as he lived the sensation.
‘Breathe.’ Hiei told him firmly as he joined a finger with his tong.
‘Ugg… ca… Hi… ei…’ was all Kurama could come out with as Hiei felt hands in his hair, trying to pull him away.
Hiei thrust his tong in one more time before he pushed more fingers inside.
“Hands.” He growled and Kurama shook with effort as he fisted his hands into the sheets at his side. Hiei knew his Mate was too far gone to resume his original position. He could also feel how close Kurama was so he grabbed the base of his Mates cock and squeezed hard. “Not yet.” He ordered.
Kurama just looked up at him, his eyes half closed as he panted, his hair strewed across the pillow slick with sweat, he looked debauched and wickedly beautiful.
Hiei couldn’t resist as he leaned down and captured Kurama’s lips, it always made him smug to see his usually immaculately groomed Mate looking so intemperate and flushed, and entirely his.
Finally he could hold back no longer and was painfully aware that neither could Kurama.
With ease he thrust his own hard cock inside Kurama’s body without hesitation gritting his teeth at how tight it was and he had to take a moment not to just come himself as Kurama’s cry of pleasure and pain died away.
Then he began moving, slow at first, letting Kurama get used to it before he increased his pace, going deeper with each inward thrust until he found and hit Kurama’s sweet spot and his Mate convulsed beneath him.
Kurama’s hand came up then, fisting once again into Hiei’s hair and pulling him down for a kiss.
Hiei allowed it as he slowed his pace, swallowing Kurama utterances of pleasure as he stabbed at Kurama’s prostate till his Mate was totally incoherent with need.
Finally Hiei could hold off no longer as he buried his face against Kurama’s neck, fisting his Mates cock hard as he own hips lost their rhythm.
He felt Kurama clench around him to tightly as his Mate screamed out his released.
Hiei bit his lip as he kept up his erratic pace, drawing Kurama’s orgasm out as long as he could before he came himself, deep inside his Mate, growling out Kurama’s name as he collapsed atop him.
Hiei wasn’t sure how long they lay like that till he started to pull away.
‘No…’ Kurama begged a little desperately.
Hiei blinked in disbelief as he felt a wave of insecurity and vulnerability come from his Mate. He propped himself on his elbows as he took Kurama’s face in his hands and looked down at him.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked a little baffled by the emotions he was feeling through their bond, so sharp and clear at the moment.
Kurama looked a little unsure as he looked back up at him, his beautiful green eyes filled with unshed tears.
“Shhh.” Hiei whispered as he ran the pads of his thumbs over Kurama’s eyes. “I’ll stay here as long as you need.”
Kurama buried his face into the crook of Hiei’s shoulder as his hands came up to rest against Hiei’s chest, like he was trying to hide under him.
Hiei put one of his arms under Kurama’s shoulders, pulling him a little closer as his other arm supported his Mates head. He felt his chest tighten as once again he realised how much he loved this other being in his arms.
He also wasn’t ashamed that his selfish heart loved it when Kurama was being so needy every now and again; it was so out of Kurama’s normal personality. And he would mercilessly exploit it as long as Kurama needed it.
He had assumed he would have hated the last four months. He had never really had to care for anyone other than himself before. But he found that he didn’t mind looking after his Mate in his moment of weakness in all the forms it had taken recently. But he would also be relived once Kurama was his old self again. Especially now they had their wonderful kits.
Eventually he could feel Kurama settle as he started to drift off into sleep.
With an apologetic kiss Hiei moved and pulled out of Kurama’s body, then moving them both onto their sides, so Kurama could cuddle up to his chest.
“Sleep now.” He whispered into Kurama’s ear as they held each other.
‘I’ll always keep you safe.’ He promised as Kurama drifted off into an exhausted sleep.
Hiei kissed Kurama’s cheek as he settled down himself, content and satisfied, then he followed his Mate, Husband, lover and best friend into sleep.
+ + + + + +
[Two years on]
Kurama was pouring hot water into the large hideous teapot someone had given them a few years ago as he yawned sleepily.
Everyone had come over with their kids for the weekend, and after a day of running around after them all, Kurama was tired.
He went to reach for the teapot lid when he accidentally knocked over a pepper pot, as the little vessel hit the floor the top came off and spewed its content all over the kitchen.
Kurama sneezed as he bent down to pick it up, then heard another sneeze just behind his ankles. He stood and turned to see Atago sat on his bottom… and not at all looking like he should.
Their kits had both grown to have thick dark red hair; their eyes had eventually turned green with flex of red in them. They looked a lot like Kurama, but their eyes were shaped like Hiei’s.
Kurama bent down and picked his son up, looking at him at arms length.
He was beyond shocked.
Atago now had two little pointed ears sticking up through his hair at the top of his head. His hair was the same colour, but now there was a white blaze just past his hairline. His eyes were also now totally red with flex of green.
“Mama!” Atago giggled, holding his little arms out to be hugged.
Kurama ignored him as he put the toddler over his arm, pulled up his shirt and peeked down the waistband of his nappy. Sure enough a little black tail poked out and wagged a little as Atago squirmed.
‘What!?’ Hiei asked in alarm as Kurama felt him dash into the kitchen.
Kurama just pulled Atago up again and showed him to Hiei.
The look of shock on Hiei’s face was almost comical, if Kurama hadn’t been wearing it a few moments before.
“What the hell?” Hiei asked as he took Atago from Kurama’s hands, also looking at him at arms length.
“Look down the back of his nappy.” Kurama whispered. Hiei did then looked back at Kurama in shock.
“Kitsune?” Hiei asked.
Kurama shrugged. “As much as I am…”
“Obviously.” Hiei deadpanned as he sat Atago on his arm and began to play with his fox ears, then to feel the blaze of stiff white hair.
“Papa tickle!” Atago giggled and Kurama saw his little fang’s just as they sank into Hiei’s wrist.
Hiei winced but didn’t pull away.
Kurama couldn’t help but laugh. “Like farther like son!”
Hiei glared at him as he managed to get his wrist back, “No biting.” Hiei scolded his son, who just looked petulantly at him. “So how?”
“I just dropped some pepper on the floor. Then I heard him sneeze and he was like this.” Kurama explained.
“He feels a little different; his fire energy is a little stronger like this.” Hiei commented. “But they have sneezed before… why just over pepper?” Then he was thrusting Atago into Kurama arms as he left the room, a few moments later he had Minako.
She looked a little stunned as she rested in her father’s arms. Hiei bent and covered the pad of his index finger in the pepper then held it up to her nose.
She sniffed then sneezed and in a second she looked like Atago. Little ears poking through her hair and a blaze of white just beyond her hair line.
Minako began to cry as she sneezed again and turned back to her normal self.
“Pepper…” Kurama said with a sigh.
Hiei made Minako sneeze again, something she didn’t seem happy about.
“Mi-koo” Atago started squirming again as he tried to get to his sister to comfort her.
Kurama took Minako into his other arm as the twins hugged each other.
“Should we show the others?” Hiei asked as he nuzzled Minako in apology.
“I think we have to… At least they look more like you now.” Kurama smiled teasingly.
Hiei glared at him in frustration. “I’m not telling you again!” He growled out. “I wouldn’t care if they looked exactly like you in every way! They are still OURS.”
Kurama let his eyes fall to the ground as he leaned closer to his Mate in a blatant submission gesture.
Hiei just pulled on a lock of his hair. “Stupid Fox.”
But Kurama could feel the way it always made his Mate a little horny.
Hiei sighed into his mind,
‘don’t think like that when holding the kits.’ He scolded.
Kurama just grinned as he bounced the kits in his arms, Minako had stopped crying and was now pulling on her brothers ears with joy. “A-go ears funnee!” She squealed.
Atago just took it, letting his younger sister get away with what ever she wanted, so long as she was happy he didn’t seem to mind.
“Come on then.” Hiei said as he guided Kurama towards the front room and their guests with a hand on the small of his back. “Lets get this over with before the kit’s get tired.”
Kurama turned and gave him a peck on the check before going into the room to face the imminent squeeing.
The End of chapter 3
-----
Continue to Chapter 4
For Notes and story info, please go to my profile and find my homepage link... or just google Bane-Huntress
