WAITING FOR YOU

Thanks for all the positive feedback on this story. I hope everyone’s enjoying the Yusuke x Kuwabara pairing and will indulge me a little because this chapter is mostly for them. I was tired when I wrote the end of this chapter. I hope it came out okay. Of course I did put some Kurama and Hiei in it.

I know that Shizuru is much younger in the series but I had to make her a bit older for this to work. I’ve always thought she was more like a mom to Kuwabara anyways.

The next chapter will be almost all for Kurama and Hiei’s and might finally reveal Kurama’s secret. I’ve had a few good guesses, even a couple of correct ones. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed though. Happy reading and keep those awesome reviews coming.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho. Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters are property of Yoshihiro Togashi, Fugi TV, Shueisha, Jump Comics and Studio Pierrot. The only thing I own is a love for Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters.

WAITING FOR YOU

Chapter 6

Kurama spent two more days with Hiei before his friend left to return to work. Thinking about those days as he drove to the temple, the redhead smiled. Since waking in Hiei’s arms after their brief moment of passion, Kurama was surprised to find himself the recipient of the fire demon’s ongoing attention.

For the first time, the usually reserved fire demon attempted to hold normal conversations. Hiei had also begun touching him and stroking his hair with increasing frequency. Though Kurama worried that this was just an attempt to seduce him, he was still enjoying both the attention and the time with Hiei.

After parking his car, Kurama climbed the steps that led to the temple. Even though over the phone Yusuke had assured him that Kuwabara was handling his change rather well, Kurama still wanted to check on his friend. As he approached, Shizuru stepped out on the porch to greet him. “So you decided to come see for yourself how the boy’s doing? Brave man. Those two overgrown brats have been going at it day and night.”

Raising an eyebrow, Kurama was almost afraid to interpret her meaning. He was saved from asking an embarrassing question when Yusuke came flying around from the side of the building to land almost at Kurama’s feet. Filthy and sporting a bloody lip, Yusuke laughed up at him. “Hey Kurama, did you come to join the fun?”

Without waiting for an answer, Yusuke jumped up and ran back around the building. When Kurama looked at Shizuru curiously she just shook her head and gestured for him to follow them. Doing so, he found his friends engaged in what at first looked like one of their sparing matches. The major difference in this one however was that, like Yusuke, Kuwabara barely had a scratch on him. Normally, Kuwabara was a bruised and bloody mess within a few minutes of their matches.

Both men were laughing as they dodged and parried each others attacks. Suddenly breaking off, Yusuke called out. “Hey Kuwa, let’s show Kurama your new trick.”

Kurama was surprised when before he could blink, Yusuke powered up and rapid fired his spirit gun straight at Kuwabara. Kurama’s mouth hung open in pure shock when Kuwabara’s sword materialized almost instantly, easily deflecting each of the spirit blasts. Not only was Kuwabara’s attack, faster and more precise than any Kurama had seen him use before, his sword was different as well. Where before the weapon had a golden glow, it now shined a vivid red.

When Kuwabara grinned at him proudly, Kurama noticed a few subtle changes in the man himself. His hair that had previously been just bright orange, now appeared to have highlights in various shades from gold to deep orange. The effect, combined with the new softer, longer style he’d been wearing lately was actually quite attractive.

Looking more closely, Kurama could see that the harsh lines and angles of his rugged face as well as his muscular build now had a sleeker, more graceful appearance. As Kuwabara turned to smile at him Kurama noticed the change in his gentle blue eyes. When his energy settled down from his attack, his pupils changed from cat-like slits to their normal round. “Hey Kurama, what’d you think of that? I bet even the Shrimp would have trouble complaining about the way I handle my sword now.”

At his friend’s proud grin, Kurama smiled back. “No Kuwabara, even Hiei would have to admit that was incredible. It seems you’re adjusting quite well to being a demon. Are you still getting sick or feeling any pain?”

Kuwabara shook his head. “Not really. That ramen potion you left for Shizuru to make and Yusuke’s youki have made it all tolerable. I haven’t even had the ramen stuff since yesterday. The only thing I’ve noticed is that the top of my head itches and my… ass hurts.”

At the last, Kuwabara’s voice lowered and he blushed. Kurama turned curiously to Yusuke. Eyes wide, the Toushin raised his hands in a sign of surrender. “Don’t look at me! I haven’t touched him. Well… I’ve touched him… but not like that!”

Now Yusuke was blushing too. When Kuwabara realized what was implied his eyes grew huge and his blush deepened. “Urameshi!”

Seeing both men’s embarrassment, Shizuru busted out laughing. “Damn, I can see these two are going to keep me entertained as they work things out.”

Kurama grinned. “Yes Shizuru, I believe you are correct. For now I’d say you’re doing everything right. Yusuke, keep sharing your youki with him. It seems to be helping Kuwabara’s body accept his own demon energy. Use the ramen potion again, but only if you need it since it puts you to sleep. If in a week or two everything seems stable but you’re still having… those symptoms you mentioned, I think we should consider a trip to Makai. Your body should react to the energized demon air and it will probably help complete any remaining transformation.”

Kuwabara’s eyes lit up. “I get to go to Makai? Hey yeah, I’m a demon now, I can go to Makai! I was always a little afraid to go there in the past, now I’m kind of looking forward to it.”

At the mention of going to Makai, Yusuke’s eyes lit up too, but only Kurama seemed to notice that his excitement was tainted with lust. “I think Makai sounds like a great idea. There was something Kurama wanted me to do the last time we were there. Maybe I can finally do ‘it’ since Kuwabara’s going too.”

Eyes wide, Kurama remembered that he’d wanted to get Yusuke laid the last time they went, and that it was Kuwabara that Yusuke wanted to lay with. Kurama looked around nervously to see if either of the Kuwabara’s were aware of Yusuke’s true motives. Relieved that they seemed clueless, Kurama tried not to be obvious as he glared at Yusuke. “I’m not sure you should rush into ‘that’ so quickly Yusuke. Perhaps it would be better to take your time and save that for a later date.”

Knowing Kurama was right, Yusuke pouted. “Fine! I won’t rush, but I’m not going to wait forever!”

Not even knowing what they were talking about, Kuwabara was still excited about being included. “Hey, what are we waiting for? Yusuke said he could finally do it since I was going this time. That means I get to do it too. Hey, somebody better tell me what it is that we’re going to be doing!”

There was an awkward pause before Kurama and Yusuke started laughing. Barely able to breath, Yusuke looked at Kuwabara. “It’s a surprise Kuwa, but trust me, I promise to tell you what it is we’ll be doing real soon. Until then I’m going to kick your ass.”

Making a grab for Kuwabara, Yusuke tumbled him to the ground. They wrestled a moment before they ran off for another sparring match. Beside him, Kurama heard Shizuru chuckle. “My boy has no idea what Yusuke has in store for him. I hope he takes your advice about going slow with Kazuma. If they can work this out they’ll be good for each other.”

Kurama smiled at Shizuru’s intuition, as he stood with her watching his friends play. “I couldn’t agree more.”

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A week later when Kurama returned from visiting his mother, he was more than a little surprised to sense Hiei in the house waiting for him. Though Hiei had told him that he would be back soon, Kurama was used to not seeing the fire demon for months at a time. After their awkward sexual encounter the last time he’d been there, Kurama was sure he wouldn’t see Hiei for a very long time.

Entering the house, Kurama expected to find Hiei sleeping as he usually was. He almost couldn’t believe his eyes when he found Hiei in the kitchen brewing tea. “Your special blend or something minty Fox?”

Confused, Kurama shook his head. “You choose Hiei.”

Nodding, Hiei smelled several teas before selecting one. “Mint will go better with the chocolate I found in the pantry. I already set the chess board up. Do you want anything else before we play?”

Staring at Hiei as if he were a stranger, Kurama shook his head again. “No, tea’s fine.”

Whether Hiei didn’t notice his obvious shock or chose to ignore it, Kurama didn’t know. When Hiei picked up the tray holding the tea and chocolates and headed to the library, Kurama followed silently. Watching Hiei set the tray on the side table and pour the tea, Kurama couldn’t remain silent any longer. “Hiei, I feel like I’m in an alternate universe. I’m usually the one making tea and initiating a game of chess. What’s going on?”

Remaining silent, Hiei handed Kurama his tea fixed with one sugar, the way the fox liked it. Only after he’d fixed his own tea with three spoons of sugar, sat down and moved his first chess piece, did Hiei look at him and answer. “I’ve been thinking about us a lot lately. Neither of us has a mate or lover. You have your family, I have Yukina and Mukuro and we have those fools we call friends, but in truth our closest relationship is with each other. I guess after everything that’s happened recently, I figure it’s about time I became as good of a friend to you, as you are to me. Now are you going to play or just stare at me like that all night?”

Kurama blinked several times before absently reaching down to move a chess piece. After a moment, Kurama gave Hiei a beautiful smile. “Did you know that playing chess with you is probably my favorite thing to do? Surprisingly, for a quiet game, it’s when you are the most talkative. I have so much fun pitting our skills against each other and, win our lose, neither of us gets wounded. Thank you Hiei. It means so much to me that you did this tonight.”

Not used to expressing his feelings, Hiei grunted. “Hn. If you want to win this game Fox, you’d better start paying attention. It’s your turn again.”

Laughing, Kurama examined the board, before making his move. “I went to see Kuwabara the other day. He’s adapting well. Apparently, he and Yusuke spend all their time training. Even you’ll be impressed with how honed his skills are becoming with a demon’s senses, speed and power.”

This time when he finished his move Hiei didn’t need to tell Kurama to it was his turn. “Fox, that oaf better not hold his breath, because I’ll never admit that anything he does impresses me.”

Kurama smiled. “I’m sure you won’t Hiei. How are things in Makai?”

Happily, Kurama noticed that they talked more than usual as they played. Hiei reached for a chocolate after almost every move. As they neared the end of the game though, conversation slowed. The game was close, but unless Hiei faltered, Kurama was about to lose. Two moves later, Kurama conceded. “Looks like this one’s going to you Hiei. I really enjoyed the game though. Let’s go see what we can find for dinner.”

Kurama was surprised enough when Hiei picked up the tea tray and carried it to the kitchen but received a second shock when the fire demon went to the sink and began rinsing out the pot and cups. Wisely he remained silent as he went to the refrigerator. Opening it he gasped at what he found inside. “Ooh Hiei, is that rabbit?”

Hiei smirked at the excitement in the fox’s green eyes. “You haven’t made any in a while Fox. I thought it sounded good.”

Grinning happily, Kurama looked around as if he was missing something. “Hiei, you know I love rabbit. Now, what to go with it? If only we had some…”

Before he could finish, Hiei held a canvas bag out to him. Kurama looked like he’d just been handed a Christmas present. Eyes sparkling, Kurama peeked in the bag. “Makai vegetables! Hiei, this is wonderful! Should I make stew or stir fry? It’s kind of late for stew, I’ll do the stir fry.”

For the next hour Hiei watched as Kurama cleaned, cut and cooked the food he’d brought. Seeing how happy such a small thing had made his friend, Hiei was glad he’d made the effort. When they began to eat, Hiei smirked at the moans of pleasure Kurama made. “Mmm Hiei, I do love rabbit. Thank you for doing this. You couldn’t have picked a more perfect meal.”

Hiei grunted. “You’re a fox, I couldn’t miss with rabbit. All I did was pick the ingredients though, you’re the one that made it taste so good.”

Cocking his head, Kurama grinned. “Hiei, I do believe that was a compliment. Thank you.”

Grunting, Hiei ignored the comment as they finished their meal. After dinner Kurama cleaned up, then they went for a long walk in the forest. They didn’t touch and they barely talked, both simply happy to enjoy the quiet night together. It was late when they returned to the house, so Hiei headed straight upstairs while Kurama locked up. When the redhead entered the bedroom he looked at his friend and would have spoken but Hiei cut him off. “Kurama, if you thank me one more time I’m going to hurt you. Just get ready for bed, I’m tired.”

With a laugh, Kurama nodded. “Alright Hiei. I’ll just be a minute.”

When Kurama went into the bathroom to change, Hiei undressed and climbed into bed. A few minutes later Kurama joined him and turned out the light. In the dark, Hiei turned to him. “Kurama, do you really like to be held while you sleep? I doesn’t matter to me. I just don’t want to have this stupid conversation every time we go to bed. If you like it then come here, if not then… whatever.”

Knowing how hard that statement was for Hiei to make, Kurama moved closer. “Yusuke was right about me craving physical contact Hiei. So yes, I love being held while I sleep. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable though. I promise to just cuddle up to you without asking if you promise to tell me if you want a different position or if you’re ever not in the mood. Deal?”

Reaching out, Hiei pulled Kurama against him. “Deal. Now go to sleep Fox.”

Relaxing into Hiei’s embrace, Kurama whispered. “Goodnight Hiei.”

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Scratching his head, Kuwabara looked at Kurama. “Damn it Kurama, are you sure going to Makai will make this itching stop? I’m going to be bald if I don’t stop scratching.”

Smiling, Kurama nodded. “Yes, I think it will Kuwabara. The air in Makai has a different energy than it does here in the human world. I think your body will react to it and finish the rest of your transformation.”

Blue eyes widened. “Transformation? Kurama do you really think I’ll take on more of a demon form? What if I turn into something grotesque?”

Kurama chuckled. “I don’t think that will happen. Shizuru didn’t say that your sire was ugly, just big, with a tail and ears. I think that may be what remains. Your head itches and you’re still having pain at the base of you spine. That sounds like ears and a tail to me, not something horrible Kuwabara.”

Kuwabara sighed in relief but looked a little worried. “If I have pointy ears and a tail, I may not be able to live here. What’ll I do then? I don’t have a home in Makai like Yusuke and Hiei.”

Coughing to get his attention, Yusuke spoke up. “Kuwa, I was kind of thinking you might consider calling Tourin your home if you move to Makai.”

Everyone remained quiet, waiting to hear Kuwabara’s reaction to Yusuke’s offer. “Urameshi, I… uh… don’t know what to say. I… um…”

Yusuke slugged him on the arm. “You don’t have to say anything Kuwa. Just know the offer’s out there. Now are we going to sit here and talk all day or are we going to get going?”

Wanting to help his friends out of an awkward situation, Kurama looked up as Shizuru walked into the room. “Shizuru, we’re about to get going, but don’t worry, we’ll take good care of your little boy.”

The woman chuckled. “Kurama, he hasn’t been a ‘little’ boy since he was ten. Yusuke, I’ll kick your ass if he gets hurt.”

It didn’t matter that he was a powerful demon lord, Yusuke was smart enough to look scared. “No ma’am, I won’t let him do anything where he could get hurt.”

Rolling his eyes, Kuwabara gave a frustrated sigh. “What the hell guys! I’m not a little boy and I don’t need my Mom to fight my battles for me. As for you Urameshi, you won’t ‘let’ me do anything? If you think you’re going to boss me…”

Kuwabara stopped when everyone laughed and Yusuke grabbed him and gave him a noogie. “Relax Kuwa, we’re just teasing you. I’m not going to boss you around, but I want Shizuru to know I’ll have your back like I always do.”

Pulling away, Kuwabara reached for his hair. “Damn Urameshi, don’t mess with the hair. Sis… Mom, will you be alright here by yourself?”

Hiding her smile at being called ‘mom’, Shizuru grunted, “Hn, get out of here before I hurt you myself.”

Goodbyes were said and before long Kurama, Yusuke and Kuwabara were headed to Makai. Anxious to see what awaited him when he entered the demon world for the first time as a demon, Kuwabara set a hurried pace as they traveled. When they reached the point where Kurama would open the portal though, Kuwabara suddenly hung back. Seeing his uncertainty, Yusuke went and put an arm around him. The two had grown so close over the last weeks that neither of them was uncomfortable with the now familiar touch. “Let’s go through together Kazuma. I’ll be right beside you.”

Kuwabara watched Kurama step through the portal first before giving Yusuke a nod. Together they crossed the border between the human and demon worlds. As Kuwabara entered Makai, Kurama clearly felt his friend’s youki increase. He’d been assessing Kuwabara’s new energy and come to the conclusion that while the demon he was becoming would, on it’s own, probably have only been of midlevel in power. Kuwabara however had developed an exceptionally strong human spirit energy. The combination of Kuwabara’s youki and reiki however, would make him a very powerful demon. Not quite of Hiei, Kurama, or Yusuke’s caliber, but with training, formidable none the less.

Kurama had seen to it that the portal they traveled through opened near one of his dens in Yusuke’s territory. That way if Kuwabara became vulnerable, do to any transformation he might make, they had someplace they could take him quickly where they could protect him. Kurama smiled, seeing Kuwabara had Yusuke’s undivided attention. “So Kuwa, do you feel any different?”

Both Kurama and Yusuke had to swallow their amusement when Kuwabara looked from side to side then took several experimental breaths before shaking his head. “Not really, other than my energy feels a little different. Do I look any different?”

When Kuwabara held his arms out and slowly turned around, Kurama thought Yusuke was going to drool as he stared at his friend's firm behind. “You look damn fine to me.”

As Kuwabara finished his turn, Yusuke’s eyes quickly snapped up to meet his friend’s curious gaze. “Urameshi, are you alright? You sounded kind of funny.”

Trying not to look guilty, Yusuke shrugged. “I’m fine Kuwa. Hey Kurama, is Hiei going to join us?”

Kurama grinned at the change of subjects. “I’m not sure Yusuke. He did say that he’d try though.”

After a short discussion, the three men decided it was safe to head for Tourin. Testing Kuwabara’s endurance, Kurama and Yusuke changed to their demon forms as they raced through the Makai forest. Though he couldn’t beat them, with little effort Kuwabara was able to at least keep up. When they approached the castle gates, Kuwabara looked up in awe. “Damn Yusuke, you live here? What are you, rich or something?”

Casually, Yusuke shrugged. “You know, I’ve never asked. I meet with my advisers periodically and they tell me what’s going on but I’ve never asked how this place is kept up.”

Before anyone could comment, guards opened the gate for them. Wanting to impress his friend, Yusuke grabbed Kuwabara’s hand and pulled him inside. “Come on Kuwabara, let me show you my castle.”

While Yusuke gave Kuwabara a tour, Kurama went into the main salon and poured himself a drink. Three drinks later his friends finally returned. “Kurama, have you seen this place, it’s huge. No wonder Urameshi said I could live here with him. It’s so big we could go for weeks and never even see each other.”

Seeing some of Yusuke’s happiness fade, Kurama smiled. “What fun would that be Kuwabara? Wouldn’t it be more fun to be able to spend more time with your best friend?”

Kuwabara smiled. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s been great these past few weeks with Yusuke staying at the temple. Don’t you think so Urameshi? It’s kind of like you live there with me and Shizuru. You know that would be kind of cool. You can live with me there and I’ll live with you here. Then we could spend even more time together.”

Grinning like a kid with a present, Yusuke nodded. “That’s a great idea Kuwa. It’s a pain in the ass living with my mom but since I spend so much time going back and forth from Makai to Ningenkai I can’t hold a regular job and move out.”

Kurama had poured them both a drink. Taking his, Yusuke raised it in a toast. “Welcome home Kazuma.”

After downing his drink, Kuwabara grinned. “Hey Yusuke, let’s go pick me a room. There’s got to be dozens of them up there.”

When Yusuke’s smile faded again, Kurama came to his rescue yet again. “You know Kuwabara, you probably shouldn’t be alone for a while, especially at night. Most demons recuperate their energy when they sleep. While you’re still transitioning from human to demon it would be better if someone were close by in case you needed help.”

Yusuke’s eyes lit up. “Yeah Kuwa, Kurama’s right. Besides, I’m still supposed to be giving my youki to you. Until we’re sure your transformation is complete, you should stick close to me, especially at night.”

Remembering how Yusuke had been sleeping with him, even holding him close to feed him his youki, Kuwabara blushed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I don’t want to put you out though. Are you sure your bed’s big enough for both of us?”

Nodding towards the door, Yusuke laughed. “Let’s go find out.”

Letting Kuwabara precede him, Yusuke paused to whisper “thanks” to Kurama before following.

Picking up the half empty bottle of alcohol, Kurama made himself comfortable and poured himself another drink. Looking into the amber liquid, Kurama chuckled. “Guess it’s just you and me. This is going to be a long night.”

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That night as they got ready for bed, Kuwabara looked at Yusuke curiously. “Yusuke, is everything alright with Kurama? He wasn’t himself tonight, and I don’t mean because he was in his Youko form. I’ve never seen him drink like that.”

Stripping down to his boxers, Yusuke sighed. “With everything you’ve been dealing with, I didn’t want to bother you. You’re right though, something’s going on but I’m not sure what. Hiei thinks someone might have hurt Kurama around the time we met. Get this, Hiei’s been obsessing about killing whoever hurt his fox. I was trying to help, but then you got sick and needed me, so Hiei’s been on his own trying to figure out what happened.”

Wearing nothing but boxers and tank tops, both men climbed into bed. Looking a little uncertain, Kuwabara didn’t lay down, but sat looking at Yusuke as he lounged back against the pillows. “I sure hope Hiei’s wrong. Kurama was just a kid back then. He was what, fifteen or sixteen? If he was hurt, I hope Hiei gets to avenge him.”

Yusuke frowned when Kuwabara shifted as if he were uncomfortable. “What’s wrong Kuwa?”

With a sigh, Kuwabara laid down and turned on his side. “It’s just my ass. It hurts even more now.”

Concerned, Yusuke sat up. “Should I get Kurama? He could make you something to make it feel better.”

Kuwabara chuckled. “I don’t know what Kurama was drinking all night but he was so far gone when we put him to bed that even Hiei’s dragon couldn’t wake him now. Let’s just go to bed, I’ll be alright.”

Laughing, Yusuke turned off the light before laying back down. “You’re right, he was pretty toasted. Come here then, let’s see if my youki makes it feel better.”

Grateful that the darkness hid his blush, Kuwabara moved closer. Yusuke didn’t hesitate to pull his friend into his arms. “Relax Kuwa, I won’t bite you. At least not this time.”

Grunting at Yusuke’s attempt to tease him, Kuwabara tried to relax as he was wrapped in his friend’s strong embrace. Suddenly stiffening, blue eyes went wide as saucers as strong fingers massaged down his spine and slipped into his boxers. “Urameshi, what the hell are you doing? Your hand shouldn’t be THERE!”

Before Yusuke could answer, Kuwabara felt the massaging fingers and a flood of warm ki right where it hurt most and moaned. “Ah Yusuke, yes! Rub it harder, that feels so good.”

Distracted from his previous shyness, Kuwabara didn’t feel Yusuke shift his hips away from him. Kuwabara’s moans of pleasure had gone straight to Yusuke’s groin, giving him a raging hard on. Drawing several breaths, Yusuke tried to calm himself down before he spoke. What he didn’t realize that his voice came out like a purr. “You like that, don’t you Kazuma? I’m glad my touch pleases you.”

Almost panting, Kuwabara held on tight. Even though he was nervous, “Yusuke, you do realize you’ve got your hand almost on my ass, right? Doesn’t that bother you?”

Trying to clear his head so he didn’t screw this up, Yusuke didn’t release Kuwabara. “I know exactly where my hand is Kuwa. And no, it doesn’t bother me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you feel better. Besides, you’ve got a nice ass.”

Kuwabara swallowed hard. “Y…you like my ass? Urameshi, this isn’t a situation where you should be teasing me.”

Reaching up with his other hand, Yusuke ran his fingers through Kuwabara’s hair. “I do like your ass Kuwa, and I’m not teasing you. Am I totally freaking you out?”

Closing his eyes, Kuwabara liked what both sets of massaging fingers were making him feel. “No… well, maybe a little. I remember Kurama saying that most demons were bisexual. I’ve always figured that he was, but are you bi too?”

Yusuke considered the question a moment before answering. “I didn’t think so until a couple years ago. Keiko and I weren’t working out the way we thought we would. After a while she forced me to talk and analyze my feelings. We finally figured out that it wasn’t her that I was attracted to but… someone else.”

From the pillow beside him Yusuke heard a soft whisper. “You mean a guy?”

Nodding, Yusuke’s hands continued their massaging. “Yeah, I mean a guy. It freaked me out at first but I’m okay with it now. I haven’t told him though. It was tough enough getting up the nerve to talk to a girl, I’m kind of afraid that if I tell this guy I like him he’ll laugh in my face and call me a fag or something.”

Kuwabara laughed. “I don’t think there’s a man alive that would be stupid enough to risk his life by laughing and calling you a fag Yusuke. So you think this guy’s straight or what?”

Yusuke shrugged. “Until recently I thought he was straight but since he’s a demon I’m kind of hoping he’s at least bi.”

Blue eyes widened and Kuwabara pulled back. “A demon? Aw man Urameshi, you don’t like Hiei do you? That would be bad because I’ve always thought Kurama liked him. You can’t do that to Kurama just when Hiei’s finally starting to pay attention to him.”

Rising up, Yusuke removed his hand from Kuwabara’s boxers to lean on an elbow and laugh. “I’m glad I’m not the only one that thinks Kurama likes Hiei. I’ve been trying to give Hiei hints that Kurama likes him but he’s pretty dense and hasn’t caught on. No Kuwa, it’s not Hiei I like. Before you go jumping to conclusions, it’s not Kurama either.”

When Kuwabara frowned confused, Yusuke made a decision. “I’ll give you a hint.”

Quickly, before he could change his mind, or Kuwabara could move away, Yusuke leaned closer and kissed his best friend for the first time. It wasn’t a passionate or demanding kiss, just a simple gesture of affection. A moment later Yusuke pulled back, but didn’t open his eyes as he waited for Kuwabara to hit him. When no blow came, Yusuke carefully peeked. Kuwabara just laid there staring at him in shock. “Me? You like me?”

With a shrug, Yusuke nodded. “Now you are freaked out, right? It’s okay, I really wasn’t expecting you to feel the same. I hope you won’t let this effect our friendship though.”

Neither man moved as they continued to stare at each other. After a moment Kuwabara gave him a little grin. “I dreamt that I kissed you once. It was a long time ago. Talk about freaking me out. I thought I really loved Yukina, but when she decided to return to Makai, I felt kind of relieved. The girls I’ve dated have been okay, but I never have any fun with them. Like Yukina, I’ve always felt that they’re too fragile and I might break them. I don’t know what it means Yusuke, but I’ve always liked being with you. I like how much fun we always have. I …”

Fearing he was rambling, Kuwabara was almost relieved when Yusuke shut him up with another kiss. When he wasn’t pushed away, Yusuke drew Kuwabara closer. With Yusuke’s hand stroking his hair and his tongue licking at his lips, Kuwabara shivered and opened his mouth. Though he’d done his share of kissing and even slept with a few of the girls he’d dated, nothing prepared him for the passion he felt when Yusuke’s tongue invaded his mouth.

Happy with Kuwabara’s response but not wanting to push him, Yusuke ended the kiss after only a couple of minutes. Looking down at his friend, Yusuke smiled. “Wow, that was every bit as good as I thought it would be. Don’t look so nervous. I’m not going to rush you, but I’m glad you’re not pushing me away. Are you okay with this?”

Biting his lip a moment, Kuwabara finally nodded. “Yeah, I think I am. It did feel good, but then I’ve been surprised at how good it’s felt to let you hold me the last couple weeks. I agree about not rushing. It’s a big step, we need to make sure this is really what we want.”

With a big smile, Yusuke took Kuwabara in a big hug. “Oh I know what I want, now I just have to convince you.”

As Yusuke hugged Kuwabara, he forgot about his erection. When his friend stiffened in his arms he realized it was now pressed up against Kuwabara’s own semi hard cock. Meeting the startled blue eyes beneath him, Yusuke bit his lip and rubbed their cocks together. When Kuwabara gasped and hardened further, Yusuke smiled. “Damn you feel good. Guess if we’re going to go slow I’d better not do that again.”

Relieved that Yusuke moved his hips away, Kuwabara shook his head. “Yeah, it’s a little soon for that. It’s more than a little weird that another guy just gave me a hard on. If it was anyone but you Urameshi, I’d be pounding into you right now.”

Slowly, Yusuke smirked, after a few seconds it turned into a grin then a full smile. Frowning at Yusuke’s amusement, Kuwabara tried to figure out what he’s said to cause it. A minute later, Kuwabara gasped. “NO! I didn’t mean it like that! Keiko’s right, you are a big pervert! Mmpf.”

Kuwabara was effectively silenced when Yusuke’s lips covered his. Enjoying the strong arms that held him, Kuwabara opened his mouth with a moan. Experimentally they kissed and touched each other for some time before the kiss ended. “Damn Kuwa, you taste so good. Oh, and for your information, I’ll be the one doing the pounding. You’ll be the one crying out my name.”

Yusuke’s sexy words whispered across his ear made Kuwabara gasp. The muscular leg that rubbed over his erection made him moan. “Yusuke!”

Yusuke smirked. “Yeah Kuwa, just like that.”

Not wanting to push him too far, Yusuke lay down next to his friend and pulled him into his arms. After a moment Kuwabara looked at him uncertainly. “Urameshi, you really think I’m going to let you… um… you know?”

Tightening his arms, Yusuke nodded. “Yeah Kazuma, I do. And if you’re really good I might just let you… um… you know, to me too.”

Kuwabara shivered at the implication behind Yusuke’s words before giving a little laugh. “First we’re going to have to get over our embarrassment enough to actually say the words. Then maybe we can think about actually doing it.”

Pausing a moment, Kuwabara suddenly lifted his head. “Urameshi, just what the hell did Kurama want you to do last time you were here?”

Yusuke laughed. “So you figured that out did you? Yeah well, thinking you might never accept me, Kurama tried to get me laid the last time we were here. Hiei finally told him that he was wasting his time since you were the only one I wanted.”

With an exasperated sigh, Kuwabara laid back down. “Great! Not only does everyone already know you want to have sex with me, they all think I’m losing my virginity on this trip!”

With a chuckle, Yusuke kissed his temple. “Relax Kuwa, we won’t do anything we’re not ready for. Besides, I still need to talk to Kurama first.”

Sensing Kuwabara’s confusion, Yusuke gave a nervous laugh. “Well, it’s not like I’ve actually done it before. I mean, I’m guessing that it’s not quite the same as having sex with a girl. I just figured, so I could make it good for you, I’d better ask Kurama how.”

Mortified, Kuwabara buried his face against Yusuke. “I don’t think I want to hear this. Let’s just get some sleep.”

Turning Kuwabara’s face up, Yusuke gave him a tender kiss. After a whispered “goodnight” the two fell into a comfortable sleep.”