Life Goes On

Scene 39 ------------------------------------------- Two Days Later

* Yusuke and Kurama are having a light spar in the large yard behind the main tower. The grounds surrounding the castle, that is constantly being expanded and refurbished per Yusuke's orders, are lush and impeccable thanks to the kitsune's skills. The back area is also completely fenced in by a thick growth of hedges and an assortment of trees. Both Yusuke and Kurama are busy making and countering moves, so they don't sense the rapidly approaching black blur until it actually comes to rest in one of the dark Ash trees. Yusuke quickly looks up at Kurama when his mate turns and gets into a serious fighting stance.


Yusuke- (Quietly) 'Rama,..


* Kurama calmly moves to place himself directly between the shadow and Yusuke. The Toushin reaches up to touch one of Kurama's arms.


Yusuke- No, Kurama.. I.. I don't want this..

Kurama- Stay back, Alpha.


* On the branch of the Ash tree, an exhausted koorime hears their exchange. He collapses to one knee, heaving to catch his breath after the two-day run across two territories. For a couple moments, he considers leaving. Perhaps he should go back to the demon he left stunned with a mouthful of money. Then reason breaks through his heat-befuddled brain. If he's going to do this, he hasn't got very many more days to do it before his High Heat. 'That stage will begin in what..? One, two days..' Again he becomes slightly distracted with confusion. When his jagan partially opens hiei shakes his head. No, he wouldn't make it back there in time. He wouldn't even make it back to Mukuro's castle where he hopes that Ryuji is. The koorime looks back toward the sparring ground where Kurama is still scanning the treeline in his direction. He half-notices that the wind is at his back, blowing toward the kitsune and the one that he's been drawn here for. With a last, heaving sigh, Hiei drops down to the ground, landing hard in a crouch. Kurama's sharp eyes catch the movement. Before Yusuke can stop him Kurama re-energizes his Rose Whip and stalks toward the still-crouching form. When Hiei stays down, even refusing to raise his eyes to meet Kurama's, the kitsune stops. The gesture confuses him, but he stays alert, his tail raises to lash from side to side with aggitation.


Kurama- Hiei,.. what is the meaning..?

Hiei- (Panting) Y-you.. you know w-what this.. means,.. Fox... I-I'm here.. I'm.. ex-hausted..


* Again Yusuke attempts to curtail this through his telepathic bond with Kurama.


(#) Yusuke- Kurama,..

(#) Kurama- Do you want him here with us or don't you?

(#) Yusuke- You know I do.. But he's..


* Kurama half glances toward Yusuke over his shoulder while staying alert for any sudden movements from Hiei. The koorime stays in his lowered position.


(#) Kurama- This may be our only chance, Yusuke.. Besides, if I refuse him while he's in this mindset, he may bolt away..


* Since his jagan is still working, Hiei has caught the mental exchange. He decides it's time to speak up again.


Hiei- Hn.. If you've.. changed your minds..


* Kurama looks back down at Hiei sternly. Since the koorime keeps his head lowered Kurama hasn't noticed the open jagan.


Kurama- Not hardly.. It's my Alpha who's conflicted.. I'm quite ready to do this.. Will you raise up to my challenge.. or Acquiesce?

Hiei- Ac-..?

Kurama- Concede.. Give up.. Admit your defeat.


* Briefly, Hiei feels his youkai try to raise him up for the challenge. But after scanning the kitsune before him with his jagan he senses the three new lives growing within his former partner. Hiei wills his jagan to close, forces back his youkai, and rolls to lay on his back. Yusuke tilts his head and moves up beside Kurama.


Yusuke- What the h---.. is he..?

Kurama- He is presenting his front to me..


* Before Kurama can finish the explanation Yusuke throws his hands up with a growl.


Yusuke- Fine! If you're both happy with continuing this s---.. have at it!


* Kurama looks to watch Yusuke go back toward the castle grumbling as he goes.


Yusuke- Knock yourselves out.. D--- demons and their stupid natures.. Screw him senseless, fight him, whatever.. I'll be in our quarters.. Just be sure to leave enough of him for me.. D--- horny kitsune!


* When Yusuke disappears inside the tower Kurama looks back down at Hiei.


Kurama- I'll explain this to him later when he settles down.. You know him..

Hiei- (Panting) Hn.. Y-you're.. out of your.. heat..

Kurama- Yes. Yusuke caught me early.. He's very horny and virile..


* The kitsune's body relaxes as he moves to crawl over top of the koorime who remains on his back.


Kurama- I'm carrying only three this time.. Yusuke decided that was enough.. He's also a very loving, concerned Alpha..


* Hiei's thoughts turn to his three boys. Kurama flares his nostrils to take in Hiei's scent.


Kurama- You're not yet in your High Heat stage.. Is that why you've come now.. to do this?

Hiei- Hn.. I.. got word from.. the junior godling.. that you were caught..


* Hiei closes his eyes and rolls his head to expose the left side of his neck to Kurama.


Hiei- (Quietly) This.. is the only way.. we can do this.. You know this..

Kurama- Yes, Hiei.. My demon nature is very ready to accept your offer.. But I understand Yusuke's concern, as well.. We both know what this will do to you..


* For a couple moments, neither speaks. Finally Hiei catches his breath and breaks the heavy silence.


Hiei- I just came across two territories.. I didn't come to.. fight..


* Hiei quiets when Kurama's body sinks down to lay, partially covering him.


Kurama- (Quietly) Tell me first.. Why are you really conceding?

Hiei- What does it matter..? Just take me.

Kurama- It matters to me, Hiei.. It matters to Yusuke..

Hiei- Claim me.. or reject me..


* Kurama makes Hiei look up at him gently.


Kurama- As you stated, I'm out of my heat.. While your scent is.. very enticing.. I'm not going to take you like some.. animal..

Hiei- You can.. take me.. however the h--- you want to..


* Hiei averts his eyes to keep from meeting the beautiful golden orbs examining him.


Hiei- I accept my place.. beneath you.. As our Alpha's Second.

Kurama- I don't need the bond to tell me that you're still struggling inside with this decision..

Hiei- No! No more.. I'll never.. be anything better than.. this.

Kurama- Hiei, you know that neither Yusuke.. nor I.. would ever treat you in such a manner..


* Hiei snarls.


Hiei- Take me now.. or reject me and let me..!


* Kurama places a hand on Hiei's mouth quieting him. As he studies the koorime he realizes that he has no other choice. The kitsune finally nods as he decides to go with the plan that blossoms in his mind.


Kurama- Very well.. I won't reject you.


* Hiei's body goes completely limp beneath Kurama. He rolls his head again with his eyes closed tightly. He doesn't see the faint smile that touches Kurama's lips. The kitsune lowers his head to nuzzle Hiei's neck. The scent and the pulse thrumming steadily trigger his instincts. Kurama keeps himself under control, though, as he carefully sinks his fangs into the left artery. The small, weary koorime still moans and tenses at the pain. It isn't long until they both feel the new bond connecting between them. Hiei manages to lift one of his hands up to grasp the silver kitsune's head and clutch him closer. Kurama lifts one of his hands also to pick through his silver strands. When he locates the seed he was searching for he places it on the ground beside Hiei's head and wills it to grow. Just before the bond can completely form Kurama withdraws his fangs and licks the wound they created to seal the mark. Hiei braces himself, expecting to be taken physically in order to complete the ritual. It surprises him when Kurama raises up away from him. Quicker than his exhaustion will allow him to react, Hiei spots the flower in front of his face just in time for it to puff its pollen toward him. Hiei chokes as he looks up at Kurama.


Kurama- Welcome to our family at last.. You need to rest now.. It's just a Sleeper plant.. Relax, Love.


* Hiei tries to sit up as he coughs, but Kurama easily holds him down until he's completely out. The kitsune gently wipes the powder off Hiei's face.


Kurama- Sleep tight, koi.


* Kurama wills the sleeper plant back into a seed, returns it to his hair, then gathers the small, dark demon up. He scowls at how much lighter Hiei has grown. When he reaches the tower Yusuke is holding the door open for him.


Yusuke- (Quietly) You will explain to me what just happened..

Kurama- Of course, Darling.. I'm afraid Hiei might not be too happy when he wakes up..

Yusuke- We'll deal with it.. Come on.


* Yusuke leads the way up the back stairs to their large, private apartment. He holds the door open for Kurama, then follows him to an empty bedroom. He watches Kurama lay Hiei on the bed gently.


Yusuke- Go call Koenma and let him know that Hiei's here and he's safe.. He can send the boys down. I'm sure they're anxious to see their Papa.


* Kurama nods and moves to give Yusuke a kiss. He smiles faintly when he feels the Toushin pat his belly gently then leaves. Yusuke moves to the bed to look down at Hiei. His eyes take in the koorime's ragged condition.


Yusuke- (Quietly) Welcome home, Sparky.


* Yusuke notices the faint purple glow behind Hiei's ward as the jagan opens on its own. He carefully bends to brush Hiei's bangs aside as he looks into it.


Yusuke- (Quietly) You can relax, too.. Your Master won't be harmed here.


* Not expecting anything to happen, though, it surprises Yusuke when the jagan slowly closes again.


Yusuke- (Whisper) Well, I'll be..


* Yusuke backs away, then turns and leaves the room shaking his head.