FINDING MY WAY HOME

I’m glad I’m getting such a good response to this. I really love all the great reviews. I did have a couple of critiques this time but they don’t bother me. One was a bit ignorant asking if I was 13 because my writing was so bad. Guess that person can’t read because my profile obviously says my kids aren’t even that young. I did take their advice on using more commas, but that’s about it. The other was rather lengthy, repeatedly demonstrating how I could change my writing style. I see what they meant, but I write what I feel, and I don’t think I’m going to change that. Oh well, my feeling is, if you don’t like the way I write, don’t read it. To the rest of you, thanks again and enjoy.

CHAPTER 3

Confused by everything I’d seen and heard today, I don’t enjoy the ride as much this time. Laying my head on Hiei’s shoulder, I close my eyes and let him take me where he would. All too soon we were slowing to accommodate the busier city traffic. Though I should have been nervous the way he weaved around cars, bikes and people, he did it with such precision, I couldn’t help but trust his skill.

After several turns, I see we are now in a nice residential area. The houses are mostly two story and rather close together. What little I could see between them though, showed that they had small yards in the back. The house Hiei finally parked in front of looked much like the others, accept it’s plants were more lush green, it had vines winding up and around it, and there were many more flowers in more vibrant colors than any of the others. I had to wonder if this plant manipulating skill Hiei says I have has anything to do with that.

We got off the bike, but when I opened my mouth to ask Hiei more about who lived here, he shook his head, took my hand and walked to the door. Hiei gave the door a quick knock then opened it and pulled me inside. “Shiori! We’re here!”

When Hiei called out, a woman with dark hair came hurrying down the stairs. “Hiei, Shuuichi! I’m so glad you came.”

Much to my surprise, when the woman reached the bottom of the stairs, she rushed to me and pulled me into a fierce hug. “Shuuichi, I’ve missed you. You boys don’t visit often enough.”

After kissing my cheek, she pulls back to look in my eyes. I stutter my response unsure. “I.. I’m sorry. Who is Shuuichi?”

Releasing me, she sighs and turns to Hiei. “I’m sorry Hiei. When Yusuke called and told me what happened, he said you were hoping I could trigger his memory.”

Hiei gave her an understanding nod before turning to me. “Shuuichi is your human name, and Shiori is your human mother.”

Trying to remember what Hiei had said about me being a human with a demon soul, I nod as if I understand. Seeing the disappointment in Shiori’s eyes, I say what I think any good son would say. “I’m sorry.”

Surprisingly, she gives me a big smile as she takes me by the arm and leads me down the hall. “Oh Shuuichi, don’t worry. This isn’t the first strange thing that’s happened to you. I’m sure your memory will be back in no time.”

Opening a screened door, she takes me into a room that has a low table with cushions around it. On the table are several thick books, a pot of tea and a plate of cookies. “Come sit with me and we’ll look through some photo albums. Even if it doesn’t trigger your memory, you’ve got to be curious about who you are.”

Politely I sit next to her then look around for Hiei. I see him open a sliding door to what must be the back yard. My expression must have revealed how nervous it made me to think he might leave me here because he comes over to me. He stroked my hair and snatched two cookies from the plate. “Relax Kurama, I would never leave you.”

I’m amazed that Hiei’s touch and reassuring words relax me as he goes and sits with his legs stretched out in the open doorway. With a contented sigh, I give Shiori my attention as she opens the first album. “You were such a beautiful baby. Your father and I felt so blessed when you were born. We always wondered where all that beautiful red hair came from. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when I found out you were a demon, that I learned it was your doing when your demon soul merged with my unborn baby.”

Over the next few hours, Shiori showed me pictures and told me about my human childhood. Something I notice in the pictures, the older I get the more serious and distant I look. Suddenly, one group of pictures catches my attention. I must have been in my mid-teens, my hair had grown to just past my shoulders. It must have been spring time in the park, because it looks like Shiori took my picture with every flowering plant she could.

The flowers weren’t what caught my eye though. Half hidden in the trees in two of the pictures was Hiei. Seeing what caught my attention, Shiori chuckled. “Hiei, come tell Shuuichi about these pictures. I didn’t even know you two were friends then.”

A moment later Hiei is sitting on my other side. “We were partners, helping Yusuke with his spirit detective duties then. Shiori didn’t know it, but under your shirt, your abdomen was bandaged where one of the Saint Beasts had slashed you open just a few days before. Yukina wasn’t with us then. You had to heal the old fashion way.”

Something in Hiei’s voice made me turn to look at him. Seeing the look in his ruby eyes gave me a chill. “You were there to protect me weren’t you?”

Hiei simply nodded. As Shiori continued to go through the pictures, I saw Hiei in the background often. With each picture I look at Hiei, and he tells me what was happening in the demon part of our lives. Eventually there were pictures of Shiori’s new husband and stepson. Not long after that, Hiei was no longer in the background of the pictures, but there in the forefront with me.

When Hiei doesn’t explain the change, Shiori smiles. “I came into your room one night to find you studying and Hiei asleep in your bed. You told me a story of how Hiei had been orphaned and was homeless. As your best friend, you wanted to help him. After that, Hiei became a regular fixture in our home. Many years later, you finally admitted that Hiei hadn’t been able to hide from me that night because he was unconscious from using his dragon in a fight.”

I look at Hiei. “So I was protecting you that night.”

Hiei nodded. “That’s what partners do Kurama. We were also casual lovers by then. Yet another thing Shiori didn’t know at the time. It wasn’t until years later, when the fighting began between our worlds, that we decided to mate.”

Shiori’s smile faded. “You boys were so miserable. Even though you stayed here, and Hiei went back to Makai, the two of you managed to sneak back and forth to see each other when you could.”

Turning, I frown at Hiei. “If I’m a demon, why didn’t I go with you?”

I felt Hiei’s hand on my back, as if he needed to touch me. “The hardest think I’ve ever done was leave you behind. When we realized the invasion was inevitable, we discussed every option, together and with the others. In the end, we brought Yukina and Keiko here, so you could protect them with your family. I went back to Makai to keep the worst of the demons from getting through. Intel revealed Genkai’s temple as being the largest invasion point in Japan, so Yusuke and Kuwabara stayed there to deal with the demons that managed to get through. We were mated as soon as the unification agreement was finalized.”

Shiori pushed the album aside and reached for another. “Your wedding to Hiei was the perfect way to celebrate the end of the fighting.”

On the front was printed ‘Minamino-Jaganshi’ and what must have been our wedding date. This album was obviously devoted to our wedding. It all seems surreal as I carefully examined each picture. Yukina and Keiko looked lovely in spring dresses, carrying flowers. Yusuke and Kuwabara were handsomely dressed in blue suits. Looking at all the smiling faces, I don’t even want to ponder the fact that I was probably considered the ‘bride’ in this wedding.

When Shiori turned the next page I am relieved to see myself in a gray suit with a deep blue vest and tie. Beside me, Hiei was not wearing a suit like me, but a foreign looking outfit of all black. He looks really handsome, sexy even. I’m embarrassed to realize I’m romanticizing about another man. Wanting to change the direction my thoughts are going, I reached out to turn the page. The next pictures of Hiei and I pledging ourselves to each other and kissing didn’t help.

My warm cheeks must have betrayed me because Shiori giggled. “Don’t be embarrassed Shuuichi. You and Hiei are closer than any couple I know. It won’t be long before you remember, and if you don’t, I truly believe you’ll just fall in love with him all over again.”

Not knowing what to say, I turn another page. These pictures however did make me stop thinking of Hiei. “There was a grown man with a pacifier, and another with horns at our wedding?”

This time Hiei chuckled too. “The one with the pacifier is our friend Koenma, ruler of the spirit world. He officiated our ceremony. The old goat is your old friend, Yomi. He is one of the Makai kings.”

My eyes widen. “Only the ruler of the spirit world and a Makai king? Did the Prime Minister of Japan have another engagement?”

My sarcasm must be amusing because Shiori giggled again. “The Prime Minister was unable to attend but the regional governor was there. Of course all three Makai Kings came. After all Yusuke is one of your best friends, Yomi is one of your oldest friends and Hiei is Makuro’s heir.”

It was an effort not to have my jaw drop open as I turn to Hiei. “Just who the hell are you that such people came to our wedding?”

Hiei smirked. “Not just me Fox. We are both very powerful demons. Not to mention that over the past thousand or so years, you’ve amassed some very influential and powerful friends… and enemies.”

I knew without Hiei saying a word that I was having another panic attack. As I close my eyes and take several deep breaths, Hiei reached out to stroke my hair. “That’s it Fox, it’ll be alright.”

When I finally open my eyes, I am greeted with the sight of Shiori staring past me, her hands are over her mouth, and there is a frightened look in her eyes. Turning, I gasp as I watch the tendrils of a large vine retreating from where they appear to have covered and attempted to enter through the window. I turn back when Shiori whispers. “Hiei, is it safe?”

Hiei nods. “It is now that Kurama’s deadly pet is back under control.”

He must have seen the question in my eyes because he answers without me asking. “You have many deadly varieties of both Makai and Ningen plants protecting your mother’s house, the penthouse, and the temple. You have them trained to respond to any threat against those you have ordered them to protect.”

Completely at ease again, Shiori smiles as she closes the photo album. “Shuuichi, I think perhaps you’ve had enough for one day. Let Hiei take you home. We’ll continue this another time.”

Glancing between the two of them, my gaze settles on Shiori. “I was thinking, maybe I could stay here with you for a while?”

Shiori didn’t say anything, just turned to look at Hiei. His voice was deep and calm when he spoke. “That’s not a good idea.”

I feel myself bristle at being told what to do like some child. I’m not able to keep the annoyance from my voice. “I don’t see why not. She’s my mother. Who better than her to help me get my memory back?”

There it is again, the same flash of sorrow I’d seen in Hiei’s eyes this morning. I think Shiori saw it too, because she briefly touched his arm as if to show her support. “Hiei’s right Shuuichi. You’re safer with him. And just so you know, no one knows you better than Hiei, not even me.”

Again feeling like a child, I turn from her to Hiei and almost snap. “Why am I safer with you?”

Ruby eyes met mine. “You don’t have control of your powers or your demon powers yet. If you lose control of your powers, you could be a danger to yourself and others… including Shiori. Until you can control your powers you’ll be vulnerable to attack from your enemies or other ambitious demons.”

Great, now I’ve been scolded by both of them. Realizing they were both right, I sigh and turn to Shiori. “I guess it’s time for us to go then. Thank you for sharing your pictures with me.”

With a sigh, Shiori reaches out to hug me. “Oh Shuuichi. Don’t worry, Hiei will take good care of you.”

I doubt the smile I try to give her is very convincing. “So everyone keeps telling me.”

A few minutes later we were back on the motorcycle racing through town. It isn’t long before we are back in the garage, parking next to the sporty Z car Hiei had said was mine. In the elevator, Hiei inserts a key in the slot marked ‘Penthouse’ and we zip up to the top floor. One more open lock, and the door to the apartment opens. Hiei quickly enters the code that silences the alarm.

Sensing my hesitation, Hiei placed a hand on my back and urged me inside before closing the door. Seeing him put his keys on the table, I do the same with my wallet and phone. When I do, Hiei points to the phone. “If you should want to call Shiori, she’s in your phone under ‘Mother’.”

I think Hiei sensed that this put me a bit more at ease, because I could almost feel the tension relax between us. “Have a look around and familiarize yourself with the apartment. Behind you are the guest rooms. On the right is the office, and over there is our room. I’ll be in the kitchen seeing what there is to eat.”

Hiei walked away before I could respond. With a shrug, I do as he suggested. There were rice paper doors separating the guest bedrooms from the rest of the apartment. The front bedroom is comfortably furnished with twin beds and decorated in green tones. The other room held a queen sized bed and is done in soft earth tones. Between them was a full Jack and Jill bathroom.

Wandering back across the living room I find what Hiei called the office. That was an understatement. The room is huge, with two levels of shelves full of books on every available wall making it more library than office. On both levels there are comfortable looking reading chairs, tables and lamps. There is a large desks on the main level, and I could see another in the upper loft level.

Walking up the steps I decide to check that desk first. There are papers and maps scattered across it but what catches my attention is a picture of me. Next to it however is another picture. Reaching out, I pick it up. The creature in the picture must be a demon, because peeking out from the long silver hair are pointed silver fox ears. The same ears I’d expected to see when I looked in the mirror this morning.

Disturbed by this, I quickly put it back and hurry back down the stairs. Making my way to the other desk, I see this one is much neater, with a laptop positioned to one side. There is a picture on this desk as well, it’s of Hiei. Even though this must be my desk, I feel as though I am prying and turn away. With one last sweeping glance of the room I return to the living room.

This room is stylishly furnished with two long sofas facing each other. The room is big enough to accommodate several chairs as well. There is a fire place with a flat screen TV mounted over it. Just past it is a large dining area that feeds naturally into the spacious open kitchen. Even though Hiei appears to be busying himself with our meal, I somehow know he is acutely aware of everything I am doing.

Turning away, I walk to the wall of windows that opens onto the terrace. Hiei must have opened the glass doors because there is nothing stopping me from stepping out into the early evening air. Like everything else in the apartment, this area too is huge. There are two separate seating areas, with sofas and chairs as well as a large table and chairs that easily would seat a dozen people. Throughout the entire area there are plants in pots and in planters surrounding the entire terrace.

Moving to the railing, I look out at the spectacular view. There are only a few buildings as tall or taller than this one but they are not close by. Beneath me, the city lights are starting to come on. Looking to the right, I can see past the city to where the sunset is illuminating the lush landscape we’d seen on the way to the temple. I don’t know how long the view had held my attention when I felt Hiei come up beside me. He doesn’t say anything, but simply holds out a glass of white wine for me.

Together we stand there sipping wine as we watch the sun set and the sky begin to darken. When our glasses were empty Hiei finally speaks. “Dinner should be about ready.”

Following him inside, he refills our glasses before going to take something out of the oven. As he takes the foil off the dish the delicious aroma suddenly makes me realize I’m hungry. “That smells wonderful Hiei.”

Hiei chuckled as he filled two plates. “It should, you’re a good cook. Since I’m not, you always make sure to freeze a few things so I can at least reheat them for us. Bring our glasses and we’ll eat on the terrace.”

I didn’t realize a meal could be so tense. Hiei and I ate in silence until I couldn’t take it any longer. “So Hiei, Shiori mentioned you were someone’s heir, and I saw your desk in the office. What is it that you do?”

The slight lift at the corner of Hiei’s mouth lets me know he is pleased I’m showing an interest. “Primarily, I am Makuro’s heir. She is one of the three kings of Makai. Along with that, you and I both work as ambassadors of sorts between Makai and Ningenkai. We also help Yusuke and Kuwabara. They were reinstated as spirit detectives after the unification in order to help maintain peace in both worlds.”

I stare at Hiei a moment when he finished speaking, then suddenly laugh. When I saw he was both hurt and insulted I quickly explained. “I know I asked, but I really only understood about half of what all of that meant.”

After a moment Hiei smirks and nods. “I guess that and everything else that’s happened to you today would seem very strange. I’ll try to remember that.”

I smile at him. “Thank you Hiei.”

After that, the rest of the meal was much more relaxed. Hiei did his best to explain the things I didn’t understand. As we finish our second bottle of wine, we are both a bit surprised that hours have passed while we talked. Together we gathered our plates and cleaned the kitchen before moving to the living room to talk even more.

We talked until I could no longer hide how tired I was and Hiei caught me yawning. “It’s been a long day Kurama, let’s go to bed.”

Hiei stood and turned towards the bedroom, but when I hesitate, he turned back with a frown. “Hiei, I think I’d be more comfortable sleeping in the spare room for now.”

I’ve come to hate the shadow of hurt I keep causing to cross his eyes. This time though it is quickly replaced by a stern look. “No, you belong with me.”

I open my mouth to argue, but Hiei sigh and holds up a hand to stop me. “Wait, I should explain. Demons are very protective of their mates and don’t like to be separated from them. That’s why I said you belong with me. Instinctively I need to protect you. Besides, you don’t sleep much when we must be apart. Also, without your memory and control of your powers, something as simple as a bad dream could become dangerous.”

Though I now understand his position, it doesn’t make me any more comfortable about going to bed with a strange man. “Hiei…”

Hiei stepped closer. “Look, I understand your unease. Though I must insist we share the room, I won’t expect you to share the bed.”

When Hiei extends his hand to me, I only hesitate a moment before taking it. When we enter the room he surprises me by leading me into the closet. Releasing me, Hiei pulls off his shirt and tosses it in a hamper. Taking a breath for courage I begin removing my own shirt. Concentrating on the buttons I fail to notice that Hiei has undone his pants until his bare behind catches my gaze. I must have gasped as I turned away because Hiei chuckled. “Sorry, will this be okay?”

Looking back at him, I try not to ponder my disappointment that, though his pants are gone, his black silky boxers are covering his firm behind. “Yes, thank you.”

Hiei’s face was blank as he nods. “I’ll be in the bathroom.”

I could hear Hiei using the bathroom as I undress. When I hear the water running I poked my head out of the closet. Hiei is standing at the sink brushing his teeth. When he sees me in the mirror he reaches over and holds up my toothbrush. Joining him, I take my place at the other sink. Finishing his teeth, Hiei turns to leave. “I’ll give you some privacy.”

After he closes the door, I quickly finish my teeth, use the bathroom and wash up. Going out to the bedroom, I find Hiei standing at a small control panel on the wall. Turning to where he is looking I see dark blinds coming down to cover all but one of the large windows. Even though I know we are too high up for anyone to see us, I remember how bright the room had been that morning and know I will appreciate the blinds in the morning. Hearing several beeps, I turn back to Hiei. Seeing the question in my eyes he explained. “That’s the alarm. Make sure I disarm it before you leave this room or it will go off.”

Nodding, I turn to look at the bed. Realizing that Hiei was waiting for me to get in, I look at him. “I don’t even know which side of the bed I sleep on.”

Patiently, Hiei takes my hand and walks me around to one side, then pulls back the covers. “I always sleep by the window.”

His gentle tug on my hand urges me into the bed. I am surprised at how comforting it feels to have him tuck me in. Looking at him, I can see conflict in his eyes before he slowly leans down to gently kiss my lips. “Good night Kurama.”

A moment later he moved away and flipped off the lights. Even in the dark I can hear him move around the bed, then in the faint light of the moon that filtered in, I see him take one of the pillows from his side of the bed and move to a lounge chair by the window. Once he is settled, I whisper back. “Good night Hiei.”

In the moonlight from the one non-blinded window, I can see he is watching the night. I’m tired, so when I’m sure he isn’t going to watch me sleep, I roll over and try to ignore him. I don’t know how long I lay there unable to sleep before turning again to see Hiei hasn’t moved.

Surprisingly, I find it comforting to know he is there. Somehow I know that I can relax and sleep with him watching over me. Settling in, I try again to sleep. Minutes pass and by now I’m so tired I don’t know why I’m not asleep. I turn over several more times trying to find the most comfortable position so I can finally sleep. I’m almost relieved to hear Hiei’s deep voice in the darkness. “Having trouble sleeping Fox?”

Heaving a big sigh, I turn to look at him. “I’m sure it’s just because there’s been so much to take in today.”

Hiei grunts. “Hn. You’re exhausted Kurama. When you’re ready to sleep, let me know.”

With that, he turns back to the window. Determined to sleep I turn away again. At least another hour of tossing and turning later I sigh in frustration. “So Hiei, what is this magic secret that will make me sleep?”

Hiei doesn’t turn to me, just continues to look out the window. “Me, Kurama. You need me. Youko’s are very demonstrative creatures, with an insatiable need for affection. This need intensifies when a Youko is mated. Just think of how calm you felt on the back of the motorcycle with your arms around me. Every time you got upset I was able to calm you with a simple touch.”

By the end of his quiet explanation, Hiei turned to watch me in the darkness. “So you’re saying, that if I let you crawl in bed with me and hold me in your arms, I’ll magically fall asleep? That’s ridiculous. I’m a grown man Hiei. I’m sure I can manage to sleep all by myself.”

With a huff I turn away from him and try to pretend my words didn’t hurt him again. Hiei’s voice shows no sign of it when he grunts. “Suit yourself. I’m going to sleep.”