Effigies

Yusuke was waiting outside the gates to Miou High when Kurama exited the building, followed by the normal pack of mostly girls hoping for his attentions and affections. The redhead smiled when he saw his love and quickened his pace slightly, trying to get some distance between himself and his fan club. Yusuke walked to meet him, reaching for his hand as soon as they were close enough, glaring at the mob. Hissing and sounds of disappointment could be heard as the crowd dissipated, save for a few lingering die hard hopefuls. Yusuke continued to glare at them and then turned a very softened expression to Kurama, murmuring, “I love you,” before he claimed the redhead’s lips. His free hand slipped into Kurama’s hair and the fox wrapped his arm around Yusuke’s body. When they broke apart, the last of the crowd had disappeared.

“Hello, Yusuke,” Kurama murmured, laughter in his voice. He was well aware of what Yusuke was doing. Kurama had no problem with being marked, claimed as Yusuke’s. He was actually a little surprised the brunet had been so aggressive, but enjoyed it.

“They always do that?” Yusuke growled.

Kurama looked around, “I don’t think it will be a problem now.”

“You don’t mind?” Yusuke asked, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

Kurama brushed his lips against Yusuke’s, “I don’t mind. I am actually quite happy about it.”

Yusuke pulled back a little, “But, I just did the whole jealous boyfriend thing.”

Kurama laughed, “I like that, Yusuke. I like that you feel possessive of me. I am very happy to be your boyfriend.”

Yusuke started to walk, still holding Kurama’s hand. “Boyfriend,” he mused, laughing a little. “I guess we are, aren’t we?”

“Yes, if you’re willing, we are.”

They walked a while in silence before Yusuke answered, “I like that. But, I have to warn you, I’m a little possessive of what is mine.” He paused, looking into Kurama’s eyes.

Kurama met his gaze evenly, “I like that in a lover, Yusuke.”

Yusuke blushed and started walking again. “A lover?”

“If and when you’re ready. I like…I like the feeling that I belong to the person who loves me.”

“Here, I thought you’d want to be free and independent.”

“In most things, yes,” Kurama conceded.

“But, you want me to be possessive of you?”

“If you want to be, yes.”

They walked in silence the rest of the way to Kurama’s house, entering and removing their shoes. Kurama was about to ask if Yusuke wanted anything when he found himself against the wall, very hungry lips on his, Yusuke’s body pressing into him. Yusuke pulled back, “You’re mine. You’re my boyfriend.” He then claimed Kurama’s mouth again, slipping his tongue into the redhead’s mouth, exploring. Kurama melted into the wall, groaning, his hands seeking purchase on Yusuke’s body. Yusuke pushed back, his hands on the wall behind Kurama, “Any objections?”

Kurama struggled to breathe as he shook his head, “None, not in the least.”

Yusuke smiled, pushing away from the wall, “Good, I’m glad.” He offered his hand to Kurama, “You were going to show me your garden?”

Kurama looked down, “I need to change.”

“I’ll wait here,” Yusuke said softly, stepping into the living room.

Kurama was relieved that Yusuke didn’t ask to help or anything else of that nature. He didn’t trust his body to behave if Yusuke had. He went and quickly changed into jeans and a tee. He tied his hair back and went back down stairs and into the living room.

Yusuke looked up, “I like it.” He stood from the couch he’d been sitting on and circled the redhead, his hand brushing over the jean clad ass lightly. Kurama trembled under the inspection. “I like it a lot.” Yusuke’s lips went to Kurama’s neck, just behind the redhead’s ear. Kurama gasped and was about to push Yusuke back when the brunet stepped back. “Let’s go see your garden. Are you planning on working in it?”

“I do need to pull some weeds and a little bit of work, yes.”

“Teach me, oh great plant master, and I will learn,” Yusuke teased, holding out his hand for Kurama to take.

Kurama took the proffered hand, “I didn’t know you liked gardening.”

“Never tried it before,” Yusuke shrugged. “If I don’t like it, I’ll watch you. That I’m sure I’ll like.”

Kurama laughed as he led Yusuke outside, “You’re such a sweet talker.”

“Yeah, well, I have to have something to offer…” Yusuke stopped when they were just shy of the door, looking down.

“You are more than I could ever ask for,” Kurama pulled the brunet closer to him. “I love you, Yusuke.”

Before Kurama could kiss him, Yusuke turned away, “I don’t understand.”

Kurama relaxed his arms around Yusuke, “Understand what?”

“You, me, us. I don’t quite understand why…why I want you so badly that I can’t stop thinking about you. I don’t understand why seeing that mob following you bugged the shit out of me. I don’t understand my dreams, Kurama.” He leaned against the redhead’s chest.

“What do you dream, Yusuke?” Kurama held Yusuke loosely, leaning against the wall.

“I dreamed about…it’s weird.” Yusuke nuzzled his head into Kurama’s neck and the redhead hugged him. “I dreamed that you were in Youko’s body. And that instead of hurting me, you made me feel really good.” He pulled away from Kurama’s chest, “Is that weird? I knew it was you, not him, and I wanted you so badly.”

Kurama shook his head, “That’s not weird, Yusuke. Well, maybe it is, but given that we do share…did share a body, it makes sense.”

Yusuke’s brow wrinkled, “Can you take that form again?”

Kurama frowned, “I’m not sure. Maybe, if I get stronger. It takes a lot of energy for a kitsune to maintain a physical body, to become a demon. This body is, and all I have to do is inhabit it. If I do change again, though, I think I will still be me.”

“But you’re not sure?”

“No. I’m not even sure it’s possible for me to take that form without the fruit of past life anymore. He is right; I have become attached to this body, to the ones I cherish.”

Yusuke leaned in and kissed Kurama. “I think…I think I’d rather…when we’re ready, that you show me how to penetrate you.”

“Show you?” Kurama whispered, his body wanting to take up the offer right then.

“Yes. That’s what I want.”

“You want to prove to yourself you’ve moved on?”

“And you, too. I’m not the only one Youko hurt.”

A look of shock crossed Kurama’s face, “I hadn’t…I hadn’t considered that.”

Yusuke caressed Kurama’s cheek, “I know. You’ve been so focused on me that you haven’t thought about yourself. While I’m very flattered, my love, it’s better for both of us if you do think about yourself, too.” Yusuke pulled Kurama away from the wall and hugged him, “Show me your garden.”

The two walked into the backyard, Kurama making a sweeping gesture, “My garden.” There were bare trellises waiting for summer vines to climb them or covered with equally bare vines. Rose bushes, just beginning to soften with green leaves stood over bare beds of turned soil. Straw covered large portions of one bed, bits of green poking through here and there.

Yusuke laughed, “Not what I was expecting. I thought you’d have a riot of plants.”

“In the summer, yes. But now, it’s too early for them and I’d rather avoid the attention.”

Yusuke stretched, smiling, “Okay, where do we start?”

They spend the next several hours clearing, trimming, turning soil, planting bulbs and seeds. Talking, laughter, touches, looks added flavor to the chore and they both lost track of time enjoying each other’s company. To be strictly for teaching, Kurama’s holding Yusuke’s hands while guiding them through the soil was probably unnecessary, but teaching was hardly the purpose of the activity. On occasion, the weight between their eyes would be too much and lips would meet while fingers tangled in the dirt around a bulb, but the kisses remained chaste, each looking away and blushing before returning to planting.

Both were surprised when Shiori called them in to dinner. The sky was a lot darker than either had realized. As they stood, Kurama said, “You could have called us in to help, Mother.”

“You were enjoying yourselves. Why would I interrupt that? Come in and wash up. You have dirt on your face, Shuichi.”

Kurama looked down, “I have dirt everywhere, Mother.” He glanced at Yusuke, “So do you.”

“I have a change of clothes in my bag,” Yusuke replied, dusting his pants as well as he could.

“Then you should have changed before we came out instead of doing this in your uniform!” Kurama reprimanded.

“Then I’d have to eat in my uniform,” Yusuke countered, smiling. “Let’s go get cleaned up.” He walked to the house, bowing to Shiori, “Thank you for inviting me, ma’am.”

Shiori smiled, “You’re more than welcome. The bathroom is on the left,” she pointed to the door.

“Thank you,” Yusuke smiled as he moved past her.

Kurama moved to follow Yusuke in the house when Shiori stepped in front of him, “I was watching you, too, Shuichi.”

Kurama could see Yusuke watching from the hallway, “Mother?”

“I saw that you two make each other happy, but that you’re also careful about something with each other.” She brushed his hair back out of his face, “But, I see that you want to work through it.”

“Yes, Mother.” Kurama was beginning to seriously wonder what else his mother did know about him. It was almost frightening, her insight.

Shiori looked ready to say something and then seemed to change her mind, “Come in and get ready for dinner, Shuichi.”

Yusuke met his eyes with an expression that clearly showed his surprise. Since Shiori had turned away from him, Kurama shrugged and held a hand out, palm up. With Shiori facing him, Yusuke had little choice but to continue into the bathroom, but his expression clearly showed he wanted to talk more later.

Kurama went to his room and grabbed a change of clothes, another pair of jeans and a button up shirt in an emerald green, and moved into the upstairs bathroom. In the mirror, he could clearly see the dirt on his face, in the shape of a hand on his cheek, trailing back behind his neck. He smiled, and thought over the kiss that had resulted in that particular mark. They’d just planted the last of the iris bulbs when their eyes had met. The pull between them was incredible; he could feel it to his toes. Yusuke’s hand came to his cheek, pulling their mouths together. He’d moaned as Yusuke slid his tongue between their joined lips and slipped his hand behind his neck. He’d brought his hand up and rested it against Yusuke’s chin, an anchor in the swirling sensations that wanted to drown him. Yusuke had pulled back, whispering “I love you so much,” as he did. Kurama could feel the color rising to his cheeks. That had been not long before his mother had called them in. He shook his head, and began washing his face and neck. He brushed his hair out and put it back up for Yusuke’s enjoyment.

When he went downstairs, he heard Yusuke talking. He paused in the hallway to listen, “…we both kinda went through a rough time and we’re trying to figure out how we want things to work and stuff.”

“But, you love him, I can see that. I’m sure you’ll work it out, whatever it is.”

Before his mother could ask anything else, Kurama made his presence known. “I’m sorry I took so long.” They both were seated at the table and Yusuke looked mildly uncomfortable. He smiled, though, when Kurama came into the room, the expression lighting his eyes as he took in the redhead’s body. When he realized what he was doing, Yusuke turned away, blushing. Kurama even felt color rising to his cheeks as he moved to his chair next to Yusuke.

Shiori smiled at the two, though they were so busy not looking at each other they missed it. She sighed and asked, “How was school today, Shuichi?”

“It was fine, Mother. We had a test in math today.”

“And you, Yusuke?”

“Oh, well,” the brunet blushed. “It was okay, I guess.”

“I’m not trying to put you on the spot, Yusuke. This is what we normally talk about at dinner,” Shiori offered by way of apology.

“Oh,” Yusuke murmured, “my mother’s not much for dinner conversation.” He looked away. Kurama slid his hand onto Yusuke’s lap, squeezing lightly, offering his support. Yusuke covered his hand and returned the pressure.

“Yusuke, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I do like you and am happy you and Shuichi are together. He’s been happier than I’ve seen him in a long while.”

“Thank you,” Yusuke murmured, unsure what else to say. “I know he values your opinion above all others.” He looked across the table, smiling, “It means a lot to me that you approve.”

Shiori smiled, “I’m glad. Eat.”

“Itadakimasu,” both boys murmured, picking up their chopsticks. The meal was eaten in a companionable silence. Kurama’s leg slid over, his foot coming to rest against Yusuke’s. Yusuke moved his leg so that their lower legs were pressed against each other from the knee down.

When the meal was over, Kurama offered, “We’ll take care of the dishes, Mother.”

“I’m going to head upstairs. Before I go, Shuichi, tomorrow night, I won’t be home. If you’d like, Yusuke may come over and keep you company for the evening.”

“Mother?” Kurama almost squeaked.

“He may not spend the night, but he may come over.” With that, Shiori left the room.

Yusuke looked at Kurama in shock, “How on earth…?”

“I have no idea. It makes me wonder what else she knows.” He met Yusuke’s eyes and saw that the brunet knew what he meant.

“Do you think she knows?” Yusuke asked standing.

Kurama stood as well, “I don’t know. She hasn’t said anything.” He continued to look through the door and was surprised when Yusuke wrapped his arms around him. “Yusuke?”

“I…I need to touch you, Kurama. I can’t explain it, but I need to touch you. I need to hold you.”

Kurama returned the hug, “I know. I feel more…complete with you, too.” He stood there, holding Yusuke, letting his cheek rest against Yusuke’s head as the brunet rested against his shoulder. After a long moment, he sighed, “Let’s get these dishes done.”

Yusuke pulled away enough to lift his head from Kurama’s shoulder, “I need a kiss. You volunteered me for something I won’t do for my own mother.”

Kurama smiled, “I suppose I could…or I could make you wait until we’re finished.”

“You make me wait and you’re doing them yourself,” Yusuke countered, moving back.

Kurama pulled Yusuke into his chest and used the motion to bring their lips together. Yusuke’s hand slid to his neck and they both moaned as their tongues mutually sought entry to the other’s mouth. They remained together, exploring, until Kurama was about to push Yusuke away. The brunet broke their kiss first and turned to the table, picking up a stack of dishes. Kurama watched him and tried to phrase his question, “You…you’re not testing me anymore?”

Yusuke put the dishes in the sink, “Not so much. I can also feel when you’re about to pull back.” He turned to look at Kurama, “I was thinking last night, after I went home. I love you, Kurama. I want to trust you. The best way I can think of to do that is to not test you, but to just trust you.” He grinned a little, “And you know me, once I decide to do something, that’s what I do.” His expression sobered, “But, I’m also going to trust you for…well, when we…” He took a deep breath, “You’re going to decide when we go farther.”

Kurama nodded, “I understand. I…thank you, Yusuke. That means a lot to me.”

Yusuke smiled softly, “I know.” His smile turned into a grin, “Now, get your ass in gear and help me since this was your idea.”

Kurama returned the grin and cleared the rest of the table and deposited the dishes in the sink. Between the two of them, Kurama washing and Yusuke rinsing, they finished the chore, though probably not as quickly as they could have. As with the garden work, there were a lot of unnecessary touches, glances, and a few kisses exchanged along with cleaned dishes. They had just rinsed out the sinks and were staring into the other’s eyes when Shiori’s voice came down the stairs, “Shuichi, it’s 9:30.”

The spell broken, Kurama turned away, “Yes, Mother.”

“That’s my cue to leave for the night, isn’t it?” Yusuke asked. Kurama nodded and Yusuke continued, “I had a very good night. Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow?” He moved to walk toward the door. Kurama reach out for his arm and they found themselves entangled, Yusuke’s hands on his neck and around his waist, his hands holding Yusuke’s ass as their lips met hungrily, their tongues exploring teeth, cheeks, each other. They moaned, their bodies rocking into each other before they both pulled back, feeling as if they were ripping apart something. They stood panting a moment before Yusuke gasped, “Good night.” He turned away and Kurama stood in the kitchen, watching him leave, not trusting himself to follow. He heard Yusuke say good night to his mother and listened to the door close.

Kurama let out a breath he hadn’t been fully aware he’d been holding and sunk to his knees, trembling. His body was too hot, he was breathing too heavily. He could still feel Yusuke’s body against his, could feel the arousal that pressed against him as they rocked into each other. He wanted more, desperately. He also could see memories of what Youko had shown him. The sound of his mother coming down the stairs forced these thoughts to be put aside and he pulled himself to his feet, needing to use the counter. When his mother reached the doorway, he’d managed to pull himself together enough to face her. “I’m going to work on my homework, Mother.”

She quirked an eyebrow at him, “Is that what they call it now and days? Okay, then. Good night, Shuichi.”

Had his body been less demanding of his attention, he would have questioned her, but he needed to be alone. “Good night, Mother.” He hurried up the stairs and into his room, locking the door behind himself though he knew his mother wouldn’t enter. He leaned against it, panting as if he’d run much farther than just up the stairs. In his mind, he pulled up his memories of what Youko had shown him. He forced himself to remember, to face the memory. His body shook as he took his mind through the fire. He fell to his hands and knees as he remembered the pain of putting Youko to rest. He was shaking and sweating, trembling violently. He fell to his side, curling into a ball as he remembered Yusuke comforting him, holding him while they both cried. His body began to relax as he remembered Yusuke’s first tentative kiss, his forgiveness.

Kurama crawled to his bed, shedding clothes as he did, replaying every touch, every look in his mind. His body began to respond to the remembered touches, relaxing, calming before becoming warm again. He could feel the heat in his body, remembering their kisses downstairs, Yusuke claiming him, marking him. He groaned, his fingers tracing his lips, feeling Yusuke’s lips and tongue against them. He allowed his fingers to trace paths he wanted Yusuke to follow, his eyes closing so he could see the brunet clearly as he followed his chin to his neck, drawing tiny circled lightly enough to tease the fine hairs on his skin. He shivered, his flesh prickling as he brushed past a particularly sensitive spot. His free hand pulled the tie out of his hair and began playing with the bright red strands. He could feel the blood flowing through his body, pulsing just under his skin, making him very aware of the heavy weight of his shaft as his arched over his lower abdomen, demanding his attention. He couldn’t make his body wait, his hand being pulled to his erection. He gasped aloud, the hand in his hair going to his mouth, pulling some of the strands with it. His eyes closed as he struggled to breathe around his hand and hair while he pulled himself quickly. His mind showed him images of Yusuke, memories from when their gazes had been the heaviest and showed him what his lover would look like tousled with passion, riding him. His back arched, pressing his head into his bed as his legs tensed, thrusting his hips up. His body shook violently as his shaft exploded in his hand, coating his stomach with his release. He shook as his body relaxed back into the bed.

Blearily, he opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling illuminated by the street lights out side his window. He allowed his hand to slide away from his mouth as his body began to calm. It occurred to him as his eyes took in the texture of his ceiling that this had been the first time he’d allowed himself to fantasize about Yusuke. Always before, he’d turn his mind away from the brunet. Even the night before, he’d forced himself to think of nothing, pulling his mind away from the image of Yusuke. His mind played over Yusuke’s words, that he needed to move on from the pain Youko had caused them both. He wondered anew at the insight Yusuke could have at times, made more profound by the fact that he came across as so headstrong. He smiled softly at the ceiling, “I love you, Yusuke.”

A/N: Whee...I ask for pretty notes and I get them :D Thank you :D Reviews make posting and writing fun :D I mean, it's the only payment I get for doing this.

CJ: Thank you...now that you've done it once, you can do it more ;0 lol Thank you for leaving a review. I like converting to people to things they hadn't considered before. It's fun. :D

Liz: Thank you for a pretty note. I'm glad you're enjoying the story :D Warm and squishy is good :D lol

Switch: I'm really happy you like it, even if you can't describe why. :D

Kurama_is_mine: I actually tend to be a threesome girl...but, this story worked out as a two-some. I've written a coupld of Hiei and Kurama, but I don't like to limit myself ro any particular pairiing or anything. I like to explore, see what's out there.

Joey: I at times like it, at times I don't....it really depends on life, but angst is part of life. I don't dislike Youko...how can I...he was chosen as my ideal mate...lol, but, I think it's possible that he'd do something like this if he felt it would get him what he wanted. He's very practical, as is Kurama, but Kurama's praticality has been tempered a little.

Devious Lil Devil: Yummm...calorie free muffins ;) lol I think the testing thing is part of what would happen...and he's testing them both...testing himself and testing Kurama, too. It just makes sense.

Nekosune: Oooo, lots of goodies. I'm glad you like this story :D

Ryukotsusei: Thank you...oh, wait...ummm...punishment...ummm....errr....I'm bad with these...we'll get Blue to punish you ;) *nibbles cookies suggestively* Oh, yes...ummmm...now you know ;) *licks cookie*

Aya: Speechless is...good, I think...:D

Anyways, thank you all so very very much. *dances with ccookies* Enjoy :D