Life Goes On

Hmm.. I thought I would get more of a 'rise' out of you with those last two scenes. Perhaps my appeal is wearing off? :o( Nevertheless, on we go...

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Scene 40 ------------------------------------------- The Next Morning

* When Hiei stirs and moans it wakes Chiisai, who was sleeping curled up against his side. The youngest of Hiei's three boys flies over to wake the twins up. They had been given their own wide futon so they could be close to their Papa when he awoke. Jiro shoves the fluttering boy away sleepily.


Jiro- Chi, go 'way..

Chiisai- Papa's waking up!


* Now the twins bolt upright. Chiisai rolls his eyes as they blur past him. He then flies over to join them on the bed. All three gather closer when Hiei's eyes finally open. The koorime blinks a moment to get his bearings, then calmly sits up. His memories awaken and he glances around the room. Thinking that he's trying to ignore them, the twins look at each other and Chiisai lowers his eyes, then raises his hands to cover them. When Hiei hears his baby boy sob he looks back at them again.


Hiei- What's wrong, Chi?

Chiisai- Was it.. our fault?


* Hiei scrunches his brows.


Hiei- Was what your fault?

Chiisai- Momma.. leaving.. then you..


* When Hiei looks at the twins they both lower their eyes, too. Hiei feels their uncertainty through his parental bond.


Hiei- Oh.. no, boys.. No..


* Hiei pulls Chiisai up closer onto his lap and embraces him with one arm as he uses the other to pull the twins closer.


Hiei- None of this mess has anything to do with any of you boys.


* Hiei looks at the twins again. When they raise their eyes Hiei kisses each of their foreheads then embraces Chiisai tighter.


Hiei- If there's one thing that's gone right in my life it's having you three.. You boys are my life.. You should know that.


* Chiisai squirms up to hug Hiei's neck and hide his face against it.


Jiro- We thought that we.. did something to make you.. leave us..

Hiei- No, Jiro. It wasn't any of you.. I just.. I was.. upset..

Ichiro- Because Momma Shishi left?


* Hiei hesitates a moment, then nods with a sigh.


Hiei- Yeah.. I just needed some time to.. sort myself out.. Someday when you're older and have mates of your own, you'll understand..

Jiro- I don't want no mate.. Seems like it's too much trouble, Papa.


* Hiei chuckles.


Hiei- Don't write that in blood, my boy.. I thought the same thing when I was.. younger.. One thing is certain, though.. I have never stopped loving any of you.

Chiisai- (Quietly) You mean that?

Hiei- Hn.. You know I do, Chi.


* As the boy, who is almost a near perfect copy of himself if it weren't for his blue-streaked spikes, smiles up at him brightly Hiei swallows. He realizes that the difference in how his boys have been raised allows them to easily show the range of emotions that they do. He almost laughs when Ichiro crosses his arms and looks to the side with one of his own classic 'hmphs'. Jiro giggles.


Ichiro- I told them both that they were just being silly.


* Hiei playfully cuffs his oldest son, then glances around again.


Hiei- So.. We're not in our Spirit World apartment..

Jiro- No. We're at Father's place.

Chiisai- He brought us down here so we could be with you, Papa.


* Hiei closes his eyes a moment as more memories make their way into his mind. He then places Chiisai back off of his lap and stands.


Hiei- Okay. I need to go have a few words with your Father and your Uncle Kurama.. I need you three to stay in here.

Jiro- Can't we go play with our other brothers and sister?

Hiei- I'll let you know when you can come out. No more arguments.


* Hiei lays a hand on Chiisai's head to ruffle his spikes and soften his harsh order some. The three boys quietly nod their obedience. Hiei leaves the bedroom. As soon as he closes the door behind him he raises a hand to touch the mating mark Kurama made on the left side of his neck. He closes his eyes with a mental curse, 'D--- Fox'. The koorime then makes his way down the short, wide hall. He pauses to glance around the large livingroom area that he enters. He hears the activity to his left and follows the noise to a wide doorway. Now he realizes why he hasn't been discovered yet. Kurama and Yusuke are both busy setting plates of food in front of their first litter of four kits. Hiei stays partially hid by the doorframe as he watches the busy scene. The kits continue chatting amongst themselves until they all have their lunches.


Kurama- Okay, enough chatter now.. Eat.


* Raienma crinkles his nose.


Raienma- Why do I always get more vegetables?

Yusuke- Everybody gets an equal amount, Rai.. Don't try it.

Kazuma- No bread?


* Kurama turns, but a black blur already materializes at the table with the loaf of bread from the counter. The room goes completely still until Kurama stops Yurama when the boy raises a hand to his hair. Hiei notices the gesture and blinks back some.


Kurama- Yurama, kits, relax.. This is your Uncle Hiei.

Yusuke- He's Ichy, Jiro, and Chi's Papa and a member of our family now.. You'll all show him the same respect you show us.


* Hiei meets Yusuke's eyes a moment, glances up at Kurama, then blinks away. Yusuke scowls.


Kurama- He's out in the livingroom.

Yusuke- You all stay in here and eat..

Raienma- All of it?


* Both parents look at the younger version of Yusuke with dark auburn hair.


Both- Yes, Rai.


* Kurama follows Yusuke out of the kitchen, the Toushin giving Raienma a brief noogie as he passes the finicky boy. They find Hiei sitting on the couch. Yusuke glances toward Kurama and motions for the kitsune to go over. But Kurama steps back and waves for Yusuke to go.


(#) Kurama- It's your turn..


* Yusuke scowls.


(#) Yusuke- This isn't a tag team match.

(#) Kurama- You're the one who's been waiting to..


* Hiei looks up at them, clearly annoyed.


Hiei- Fighting over me already?


* Yusuke sighs and looks toward Hiei.


Yusuke- Hiei,..

Hiei- That's one of the reasons I tried to avoid this..

Yusuke- We weren't fighting.

Kurama- I've already claimed you.. Now it's Yusuke's turn..


* Hiei looks away.


Yusuke- Hiei, if you didn't want this.. Why did you come here?


* For a couple moments, Hiei doesn't answer. Yusuke and Kurama wait patiently for him to sort out his thoughts.


Hiei- I.. I was in a small town in Mukuro's territory.. a couple days ago.. Ryuji and I went into a tavern.. because I was thirsty.. My.. marks.. and scent soon attracted its wealthy owner.. He offered me.. ten grand.. and a job..


* Yusuke and Kurama glance at each other, neither has to ask what kind of a job.


Hiei- His dominant aura was.. almost irresistable.. After an argument with Ryuji I went up the stairs where the owner was waiting for me.. I stuffed the d--- ten grand in his mouth.. and ran.. I just couldn't do that no more.


* Hiei lowers his eyes and shakes his head.


Hiei- I.. didn't want to be his slut.. Something inside me told me that I.. belonged to someone else..

Yusuke- And you think Kurama and I want to treat you like that?


* Hiei refuses to meet their eyes.


Hiei- I don't deserve to be anything more than your concu-..

Kurama- Hiei, don't you dare..


* Hiei stands and moves to look out the large bay window.


Hiei- I didn't come here to be your equal, Kurama.. I destroyed what was left of what little pride I had left in order to accept my place.


* Hiei falls silent. Yusuke glances at Kurama, holding up a hand to stave off anymore comments from the irritated kitsune. The Toushin then goes over to Hiei and places a hand on one of his shoulders.


Yusuke- Kurama and I.. we want you here.. But we want you to stay with us because you want to.


* Hiei lowers his eyes.


Hiei- You.. know.. what I was.. How can you think that you can ever.. trust me..?

Yusuke- Because you're an honorable guy. Hiei, I watched you take care of Shishi for two years..

Hiei- And you think I was faithful..?


* Kurama cocks an eyebrow. Yusuke doesn't quite know what to say.


Hiei- Hn.. I was.. Until I came into this d--- heat.. I went after Ryuji because I knew Mukuro had him out on a mission..

Kurama- Why didn't you tell Koenma?

Hiei- Because I needed to talk to Ryu first.. Get his side of what happened in that park.

Yusuke- I can dig that. He's your brother..


* Now Hiei growls and turns to glare up at Yusuke.


Hiei- When I found Ryuji we.. spent the night together..!


* Again Yusuke finds himself at a loss for words.


Kurama- But according to fire demon customs there was nothing wrong with that..


* Yusuke looks toward the kitsune as he thinks.


Kurama- Remember? You studied that a couple days ago.

Yusuke- Yeah..

Hiei- Studied? You.. studied fire demon sexual customs?


* Yusuke nods and looks back down at the koorime.


Yusuke- I wanted to be prepared for when you.. came to join us.. Before Kurama started telling me about all this First, Second s---.


* Hiei looks from Yusuke to Kurama.


Hiei- Why didn't you complete this, Fox? At least you completely understand our.. natures.

Kurama- It would have degraded you.. Why did you concede without a battle?


* Hiei stares at Kurama a moment, the blinks over closer to look up at him.


Hiei- Take your other form.


* The request puzzles both Yusuke and Kurama.


Kurama- You know that I can't do that while I'm..

Hiei- Hn.. I showed you mercy that I shouldn't have..


* Now Kurama's lip curls up as he glares down at the koorime.


Kurama- Are you ssaying that I'm weak because I'm pregnant?!

Hiei- Hn.


* Hiei starts back toward the bedroom hall, but Kurama suddenly snatches him up by the back of his neck. Yusuke is once more stunned speechless as Kurama carries Hiei out the door. He hurries after them.


Yusuke- Kurama..?

Hiei- Put me down, Fox!

Kurama- We're going to settle this! You want demon instincts, you got 'em!


* Kurama severs his mental connection with Yusuke as they continue down the stairs. Hiei struggles and curses in the kitsune's unflinching grip until he actually realizes that they are going down the steep stone stairway. The koorime stops struggling and crosses his arms.


Hiei- This is senseless, Kurama.. I'm not going to fight you.

Kurama- Then prepare yourself for the beating of your life, love.

Yusuke- Kurama, if this is one of your stupid mood swings..

Kurama- This doesn't have anything to do with my.. delicate.. condition!


* At the bottom of the stairs Yyusuke catches a Toushin servant who pauses to watch Kurama carrying Hiei toward the outer door that leads to the sparring ground.


Yusuke- Are you busy right now, Sedju?

Sedju- Uh.. no.. Sir, what..?

Yusuke- Never mind. I need you to go up and guard my apartment.. Don't let any of the kids out. I don't care what they try to tell you. Got that?

Sedju- Yes, Sir.


* Yusuke uses a burst of his speed to catch up with the other two just as they exit. When they are outside Kurama gives Hiei a toss, knowing that he'll land okay. As soon as Hiei does land in a crouched position he stays down.


Kurama- Stand up and face me!


* Hiei slowly obeys. Kurama is already forming his Rose Whip. Hiei stays alert, but non-aggressive, as he glances toward Yusuke.


Hiei- You're going to allow this..?

Yusuke- I don't dominate Kurama.. I know that when he cuts our mental connection he's going to do whatever he wants.

Kurama- Let's do this, koorime.


* It angers Kurama when Hiei sinks back down into his crouched position.


Hiei- I told you, you bullheaded kitsune.. I'm not going to fight you.


* Kurama lashes the whip toward Hiei, willing it to just miss him. Hiei raises an arm to shield his face from the dirt that is kicked up as the whip lashes the ground in front of him.


Hiei- You want to thrash me to pieces, then do it!


* Kurama makes another lashing near miss. Still Hiei remains in his place.


Kurama- I'm not weak!


* Now Hiei glares up at Kurama.


Hiei- I never said you were.. I told you, I accepted my place long before I even showed up here! Besides that, it would still put a strain on them if we fight and you know that..

Yusuke- He has a point there, Babe.


* Kurama coils the whip in his hand as he half glances toward Yusuke. Hiei lowers his eyes.


Hiei- I have.. no more desire for being the top.. anything.. I've done nothing deserving of such a position of.. honor..


* Hiei's personal degradation only serves to inflame Kurama more. But when he starts forward angrily Yusuke decides that it's time to intervene. The Toushin hurries over to stand between them.


Yusuke- No, 'Rama.. Enough..

Kurama- I only intend to bring him up out of this.. depression.. By force if necessary..

Yusuke- This is not the way.. (Quietly) He's purposely provoking you..


* Kurama looks down to watch Hiei's eyes close. Yusuke turns to look down at Hiei when Kurama takes a step back and relaxes.


Yusuke- Hiei, stand up.


* Hesitantly, Hiei obeys.


Yusuke- You just lost your mate.. I'm not an expert, but I think it's probably why you're acting this way.


* Hiei doesn't respond. Yusuke continues on with expressing how his instincts are reacting.


Yusuke- (Quietly) There's no greater honor for a swordsman than dying in battle.. So I would assume.. that the exact opposite of that.. would be the most degrading way to go.. At the hands of a friend without a fight.


* Hiei lowers his eyes. Kurama's eyes widen, but he remains silent as he continues watching.


Yusuke- I'm not going to let you do that.

Hiei- You're wrong.. The most degrading way for a fire demon to die.. is by his own hand.. I couldn't bring myself to..

Yusuke- Hiei, you have three boys to consider..

Hiei- Two of them are yours.. I know that you would..

Yusuke- Hmm, that's right..


* Yusuke raises a hand to rub at his chin thoughtfully.


Yusuke- I have already claimed you in two out of three ways, haven't I?


* Hiei's mask of complacency cracks. Yusuke nods when the koorime flinches and looks away to try to hide his shame.


Yusuke- That's what you've been referring to all this time! It goes back further than just this latest tryst with your brother..


* Kurama gets Yusuke's drift and looks toward Hiei again.


Yusuke- Every encounter you had.. after our.. physical mating in that cell.. has torn you up.. Cut you deeper every time..

Hiei- (Quietly) When di you get so..?

Yusuke- Kurama's been a great help to me in many ways..

Hiei- So now you know why I'm not worthy of being neither your equal.. nor Kurama's..

Yusuke- Hiei, I don't hold any of that s--- against you.

Hiei- It doesn't matter what you hold, d--- it!


* Hiei snarls as he glares up at Yusuke, using his anger to mask everything else as usual. The Toushin doesn't even flinch.


Hiei- It matters what I hold against me! If you want me still..

Yusuke- You know I do.

Hiei- Then bite me and let me take my rightful place in this twisted fiasco.. Or make Kurama release me..


* Yusuke shakes his head.


Yusuke- I'm not stupid.. If he does that you'll blink out of here and we'll never..


* it surprises Hiei when Yusuke chokes up at this realization. Yusuke shakes his head, fighting his tears, and moves to grasp Hiei by a handful of his spikes.


Yusuke- I haven't waited this whole d--- time just to let you go kill yourself now that you're here!


* Before Hiei can react Yusuke yanks his head to the left and sinks his fangs into the right side of his neck. When Hiei recovers from the shock he raises his hands as if he's going to push Yusuke back. But the Toushin's warning growl immediately freezes the protest. Kurama goes over calmly to witness the marking closer. He ends up catching Hiei when the koorime's legs buckle. The kitsune eases Hiei to the ground as Yusuke, instincts in complete control, stays on him to make sure the marking is completed. When Yusuke finally feels Hiei pass out, after their energies swirl and mingle, he slowly pulls back heaving. He stares down at Hiei until he feels Kurama lay a hand on his shoulder. The Toushin quickly gathers the unconscious koorime into his arms and carries him back inside. Kurama returns the whip back to its rose and fixes it back into his hair as he sighs and follows quietly.