Amethyst Eyes

Chapter Six: Mating 101?

Calliste went back inside the den. After removing her clothes and positioning herself as if she hadn’t moved, she kissed her prince back from the dreamless sleep she had induced. Hiei blinked several times as he regained his senses and felt her lips on his, but something nagged at him. He pushed it to the back of his mind and kissed her back. Breaking for air, she decided that it was time to tell him who he’d bonded too. Looking into his eyes she confessed.

“Hiei, there’s something else you need to know about me. I don’t want someone else to tell you and then think I was hiding it from you.”

This didn’t sound good to him and he narrowed his eyes in suspicion, but didn’t let go of her. She’d said a lot of things that were both easy and difficult to swallow, but knew she spoke the truth, at least to him. Even more since their bond did not allow them to lie to one another, but they could remain silent.

She took a few deep breaths as if it would prepare her for his reaction. She was on the verge of tears because she had some idea how he might react, she hoped she was wrong.

“In this life my name isn’t Calliste though that is my true name.” She paused and took another breath to calm herself. “My name is Siren, also known as the ‘Siren of Death’.”

Hiei’s body went ridged for a few moments before removing himself from her and getting dressed.

“Hiei?”

He turned to see her eyes sparking with tears. “I need to think.” He left the den knowing full well that his mate was crying. He couldn’t comfort her at the moment.

He knew about the Siren of Death all too well. She was known as one of the most deadly assassins in Makai. She was rumored to be so beautiful that even woman wanted to claim her. She worked for many clients; none ever saw her face without giving up their lives. She used her voice to seduce demons to their graves. He’d actually been contracted a few times to kill her, but declined the offer. There was no reliable information about her and the clients weren’t willing to pay what he requested. The only ones who ever saw her face were children, for she had no affect on them, but he had long since reached puberty when he’d heard about her. And that’s where most rumors came from, children.

She’d told him about being an assassin and he hadn’t thought twice about it, having been one himself. But why did she have to be THAT assassin? The description that was offered by the clients was always the same. She was tall, long blond hair, braided, dressed all in white and her face was completely covered. He had been one of her targets, but she declined and he didn’t know why at the time. Part of him had actually been insulted. It was as if he wasn’t worthy of being killed by the Siren of Death. He’d heard about it from a bounty hunter that had been sent in her place, but he was disposed of once he got what he wanted.

From what little was known from her employers, she never turned down an assignment except when it came to him. Some thought they were working together and would never go against their partner. It couldn’t have been farther from the truth and he’d stated the fact that he didn’t know her when asked. Now he knew why she’d never harm him, but it bothered him how she lured her victims. She hadn’t spoken to him that night at the cliff until it had required her to answer and he had been affected by her voice. Hell, he still was, but it didn’t bother him.

After flipping the information in his head for a couple of hours, he made his way back to her. He came to the conclusion that she’d used her natural talents to survive and her curse to her advantage. With the curse lifted, she didn’t need to hide. According to her, her curse had no affect on him, so there had been nothing to worry about. He trusted her. Though he knew there was still more to learn from her, he’d take it slow.

Now, to comfort his mate.

He reached the den and sensed her energy. It was steady, which implied she was meditating or asleep. He was pretty sure it was the latter. Stepping inside, he stripped and walked to the furs where she lay curled into a ball, hugging herself. She’d cried herself to sleep and he promised himself never to hurt her like this again. He wondered what name to call her. She didn’t call him by his old name, so why should he? He liked Calliste, but if they were to start a new life, he would use her new name. Hopefully, she wouldn’t get the wrong idea.

He took her into his arms, startling her awake. She looked at him and buried her face in his chest and crying anew. He stroked her hair, “Don’t cry, Siren.” She cried harder! She didn’t understand. He placed his hand under her chin so she could understand his motive. “I’m not angry. It’s just going to take awhile to get use to your name. I’m use to calling you Calli or Calliste, but that was our old life. I want to call you Siren just as you call me Hiei.” Her crying slowed. She sniffed and hiccupped in the attempt to calm herself.

After awhile she nodded. He licked what remains of her tears. The act was a sign of affection and reassurance, as well as marking her with his scent. He had to admit, he was good at guessing her nature, for when she’d combed her hair by the stream he’d seen her as a siren. He contemplated if he should have her cover herself when in front of others like she use too. He’d think about it.

/////////////////////////////////////////

Couple of days later…

“Hiei, is this a bad time?” Kurama noticed Hiei’s disheveled state. He also looked different, bigger somehow.

“Make it quick, Kurama, I’m busy.”

“Koenma has a new assignment and he’d like your assistance as well.”

“Can it wait a few days?”

“Hiei, are you in trouble?”

“Hiei! More!!!” Kurama heard a feminine voice purr in the background.

‘You sly dog.’ “Who’s that woman I hear?” he asked with a straight face.

Hiei glared at him. “‘That woman’ is my wife and she’s in heat. I’ll see you when it’s over and you’ll meet her then.” Hiei closed the communicator, terminating the connection. Kurama didn’t need any further explanation. They’re on their own. The room had been silent so everyone heard Hiei and the woman in the background.

“So, do we wait for him or take care of it ourselves?” Yusuke asked. A smirk plastered on his face.

Kuwabara’s blush faded, “Koemna said we’d need Hiei and that it’ll take a couple of days.”

“I’m willing to wait. Maybe we can get Hiei’s girl to join us. What demon doesn’t enjoy a good fight? Besides, I want to know what kind of girl can catch Hiei’s attention.” Yusuke’s smirk widened. ‘It looks like she came back and Hiei caught her before she got away again.’

“I’m willing to wait. If she gets pregnant her heat will end sooner especially if she’s at her peak. So I’d say we’ll probably meet them within the next couple of days depending when she started.” Kurama indicated.

“So we wait for them to show up. In the meantime, would it be okay if you explained this mating stuff to me?” Kuwabara looked at Kurama, “I’m marrying Yukina the human way, but I’d like to know the demon way too.”

“Sure, why not? Let me get some drinks and then I’ll tell you all about it.”

“Cool, I get to learn something interesting.” Yusuke grinned.

“You mean you didn’t after all that time in Makai?” Kuwabara asked, astonished.

“I was too busy getting ready for the tournament and my Dad died before I could ask.”

Once everyone got settled with their drinks in hand, Kurama went into the explanation of demon mating habits.

“Well, there are two ways of doing this depending on the people in question. It’s mostly male oriented for the purposes of siring more offspring. When a demon male expresses interest in another male or female…”

“Wait a sec. Did you just say another male?” Kuwabara asked, somewhat uncomfortable with that. Yusuke hid his grin behind his hand.

“Yes. Demons are pleasure seekers and will look for it in either gender. As I was saying, when a male demon takes interest in another male or female, they either make the offer to mate or bond. In mating, a male can have more than one partner, each baring his mark. But his partners can’t have sex with anyone else but his or her mate or they’ll be killed.”

“That sucks,” Yusuke chimed in.

“Well, it depends on the nature of the relationship. Usually a male will have at most two mates. If the male of his choosing is stronger and he accepts then there is a fight for dominance of the relationship. There’s no question if the chosen is female. In either case the offering male presents a fresh kill to their chosen to prove that he can provide.”

“So what if a girl likes the guy?” Kuwabara asked.

“Well, if the male is interested, he’ll still get her a fresh kill, and he will either take her as a mate or just have sex with her.” Kuwabara gave a nervous chuckle.

“What gets demons interested in each other?”

“Well physical attraction plays a part. Strength is another factor since they want their offspring to be strong. Smell is the most important factor. You don’t want to have sex with someone who doesn’t smell nice, do you?” The last part was asked with some humor and his guests chuckled at the statement.

“So what’s bonding?” Yusuke asked.

“That’s a bit more complicated. When demons bond it’s for life and there are only two individuals involved. It can be initiated by either demon. The demon making the offer must court the other with their approval. Keep in mind that mates can later bond if they chose too. When they are ready, they make the offer by presenting them with a kill and exchange gifts.”

“A gift? How come?” Kuwabara asked.

“The gift is a symbol of their bond and that they will care and protect their mate. It’s also a symbol of loyalty and trust. A demon will not bond with another, let alone mate, if they don’t trust them. They mark each other here,” he pointed to the junction between the neck and shoulder. “During sex, at the height of orgasm, when their youki spikes, they bit down and infuse the wound with their youki so when it heals it’ll scar permanently. In a normal mating the submissive partner’s mark has some of his mate’s youki. In a bonded couple they both bare the other’s bit mark with their youki and a small symbol that represents their partner will appear.”

“How often do demon’s bond?” Yusuke’s curiosity was getting the best of him.

“It’s not common, but neither is it rare. There’s even been a triad, once. It’s the desire to be with the other that you would kill to have them, but you must treat each other as equals. There is no dominate or submissive in bonded pairs. They must both want the same thing or it won’t work and it could possibly kill them both.”

“That’s deep.” Kuwabara put simply. “Can humans and demons bond to each other?” Kurama sighed, for he saw the question coming. “No, huh?”

“Honestly I don’t know. I’ve never heard of such an occurrence since demons usually eat humans.” There was also the fact that when a demon had sex with a human they either left or ate them when they were done. He looked at Yusuke and was surprised to see that he didn’t have the same sad look as Kuwabara.

“What kind of gifts do you get someone you want to bond with?” Kuwabara was full of questions. Kurama smiled at the human’s willingness to incorporate demon customs.

“It’s usually jewelry or clothes. It can even be a tattoo. Something visible to show others. Humans do this with rings so you’re fine.” He reassured the carrot-top.

A few minutes go by before Kuwabara spoke again. “I can’t image Hiei with a girl. I’ve always thought of him as a loner. Now he’s got a wife who’ll cook for him…”

Kurama cut him off. “Who said anything about her cooking for him?”

Kuwabara gave him a funny look that screamed ‘Are you serious?’

“In a bonding it goes both ways, but usually the male is providing the food for his partner. If there’s a need to cook that will be his responsibility.”

“So what’s she doing?” Kuwabara asked frustrated.

“She provides companionship, keeps their home clean, raises their young and shares pleasure with her mate. And for those that have a very capable partner they fight together, watching out for each other.” Kurama received a knowing look from his companions for that last statement.

“Well, I’ve had enough for one day. Since I still have the rest of it, I’m going to visit Yukina. See ya guys.” Kuwabara waved goodbye at the door. Kurama went back to the living room and saw Yusuke deep in thought.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

That snapped Yusuke back to reality. “Do you think Hiei bonded with her?” Kurama’s eyes widened. He didn’t know if it was out of curiosity or jealousy. Yusuke and Hiei had always been close contrary to what people though. There were few things Hiei would come to him for. It’s an honor to have the trust of both his friends, but he could always see the connection between the two.

“I think so. He looked a bit different and I saw the mark on his shoulder,” he finally answers.

“Why would he look different?”

“It’s possible that his body has matured. He looked bigger, but it’s hard to tell through the communicator and there wasn’t much light in the background.” They remained silent for a while and for some reason Kurama felt some tension in the air.

“Hey, is it alright with you if I stay here tonight? I’ve taken a few nights off from work to do Koenma’s assignment since he pays better.”

“I have no objection to you staying.” ‘YES!’

“Cool. Thanks Kurama, you’re the best.”

‘Anything for you, Yusuke.’ Kurama continued to look at Yusuke, admiring his boyish features and nearly missed the question.

“You didn’t tell him that sometimes demons rape other demons too.”

“He asked me about mating and bonding, not demon sexual habits.”

“You’re right.” More minutes passed in silence. “Can I ask your advice on something?”

“Of course. I’ll help any way I can.”

“Well…I’ve been thinking a lot about this and I though I was stuck, but listening to you about the mating and bonding thing, it made my decision for me.”

“Yes…,” egging him to go on.

“I want to break it off with Keiko. I don’t feel that either of us is really into this relationship. I see her as more of a sister than a lover.”

“What did I say to bring this on?” Kurama’s curiosity was clearly getting the best of him.

Yusuke’s face suddenly went pink with embarrassment and wondered if he should say anymore. Hiei knew about his problem and said, act like a demon and go for it. That he had nothing to lose and a lot to gain. “When you said two demons wanting to bond. That’s its something both want. I’m in love with someone and it’s not Keiko.”

‘Please don’t say Hiei. Please don’t say Hiei.” Kurama repeated it mentally like a mantra before asking gently, “Would I be pushing my luck if I asked who?”

Strengthening his resolve, Yusuke looked Kurama in the eye and said, “No you wouldn’t.”

Kurama saw the look of determination, but wasn’t giving his hopes up until he was sure. For all he knew, it could mean that he’d gotten more comfortable with talking to him about his feelings. “Who?”

Yusuke got up from his seat and walked to stand in front to Kurama. Slowly, he leaned over and pressed his lips against his unsuspecting prey with confidence. Kurama was shocked to say the least. He had dreamed of this moment for years. This was not how he envisioned it though. He had always thought that, when he ‘grew some balls’, that he would be the one to initiate first contact.

Not getting a response, Yusuke got worried that he might’ve overstepped his bounds and started backing up.

Kurama, feeling him pull away as he finished his mental rant, leaned forward to respond. It seemed to have gotten Yusuke’s attention and the kiss continued. It’s a soft, shy kiss. The question was there, do you want me? Kurama pressed himself forward still and wrapped his arms around the hanyou’s waist to draw him closer and give him his answer.

Unable to keep his balance, Yusuke straddled Kurama’s lap and wrapped his arms around Kurama’s neck. The kiss broke and they hid their faces in the other’s neck. Each shivered from the breath against their neck. Both hesitated to speak first, at the same time enjoying the feel of the other in their arms. Kurama was the first to speak in a soft whisper.

“Aishiteru mo, Yusuke.” [1] His response was a kiss on the neck and the arms around him tightened. Kurama spread feather light kisses along Yusuke’s jaw moving towards his ear. A sigh escaped the young man’s lips and he nuzzles the column before him. “Yusuke?” He whispered softly into his ear.

“Hmm?” Came the lazy response.

“How long?” There was a note of desperation or longing to the question, but Yusuke wasn’t sure.

“I don’t know.” He straightened up to looking into the red-head’s emerald eyes. “I know I felt something for you when I met you. It told me I could trust you, but I didn’t know what it was so I just went with my gut feeling. Then at the tournament when you were fighting Bakken…well, technically he was beating you up and you were already unconscious and I was scared that you’d die. That’s when I realized how I really felt and I was willing to get disqualified to save you.”

“I remember feeling warm at that time. You held me so tenderly and all I thought about was how I felt about you.” He lifted his hand and stroked Yusuke’s cheek.

Yusuke leaned into the caress and looked so content. “If I knew I would’ve said something, but when the tournament was over I didn’t know what to do. I had to deal with Keiko and I wasn’t sure how you felt about Hiei.”

“I don’t love Hiei. I’ve always taken the closeness that you two share to be something deep. I thought you were in love with him. What you two do is your business and I wanted you to be happy. But if I ever had the opportunity to be with you I wouldn’t let you go.” Kurama smiled at Yusuke so tenderly, as if he were the luckiest man in the world. Yusuke was sure that look was reserved just for him.

“I want to be with you, Kurama.” He leaned in and kissed the fox again. After a moment he pulled back and stood. “I have to tell Keiko before we do anything. I don’t want to feel like I’m cheating on her if we do anything more than kiss, and that even means a date.” He smirked.

“I understand. When do you plan on telling her?” Kurama’s voice was calm, giving no indication that he’s rushing Yusuke in any way.

“Can I use your phone?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(A/N: Fast forward.)

Kurama and Yusuke were the first to show. Sitting at a park bench, they waited patiently for Keiko. Kurama held Yusuke’s hand as a sign of support and love. Yusuke was nervous, he didn’t want to hurt Keiko, but he knew he’d be lying to both of them if he continued.

Keiko spotted them on the bench and was disappointed to see Kurama with him. She’d thought it’d be just the two of them. She walked over to them nonetheless.

“Yusuke?” He looked up and his heart rate increased. The moment was at hand and he still didn’t know how to put how he felt into words.

“Hey, Keiko.” She sat down next to him and looked him over. She could tell he was nervous. He wouldn’t look her in the eye and she noticed his right hand gripping Kurama’s for dear life.

“Hello, Kurama.” She tried to be polite, but it came out forced.

“Good evening, Keiko.” Kurama returned politely.

Keiko’s always tried to be nice to Kurama and Hiei because she knew they were demons and they increased the chances of Yusuke coming back alive. She admitted to herself years ago that she’d been jealous of the other two because of the time they spent together. Keiko observed the closeness of the four spirit detectives and always felt left out.

She’d gotten to spend more time with Kuwabara over the two years since he hadn’t gone to Makai, but it wasn’t the same. Kuwabara was so happy the day he proposed to Yukina and Keiko was glad that everyone would stay together. At that time, she’d felt a small prang tug at her heart and didn’t know what it was. As far as she knew, she’d just missed Yusuke. Kuwabara was a lot smarter than people gave him credit for. He and his gang looked out for her and Yukina when they were being harassed. They got along well, but now she had a feeling of dread and Kurama being here, holding Yusuke’s hand could only imply it was something serious.

“What’s going on? You said you wanted to talk and why are you holding hands?”

Neither man made a move to relinquish their hold. Kurama looked at Yusuke, whose eyes were downcast. Yusuke closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths to quell his nerve that just wanted to run and hide, but he’d never live it down if Hiei found out.

“I called you to tell say that it’s not working between us. I’ve been thinking a lot about this and I see you more as a sister than I do my girlfriend. For a long time I’ve wanted to be with Kurama and now that I know he feels the same I have to break my promise to you. I’m sorry.”

3…2…1

“Yusuke Urameshi, how could you do this to me? To us? And with a guy no less!? If you had left me for another girl I might feel a little better, but to dump me for a guy is just humiliating. And since when are you gay?” Keiko huffed.

Kurama tried to interject. “Keiko, please calm down. I know this isn’t easy for you….”

“Be quiet, Kurama. This is your fault. I want to hear what Yusuke has to say for himself.” Keiko puffed.

“Look Keiko, I know this isn’t easy for you. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I’ve never thought of myself as gay because I wasn’t attracted to other guys just Kurama…well maybe Hiei too, but we’re just close friends.” He added quickly. “I’ve always had feelings for Kurama; I just didn’t act on them because I wasn’t sure.” Yusuke tried to have the woman see reason.

Keiko cried, blinded by her own anger and jealousy, she didn’t give much thought to what she was doing and exploded. She raised her hand faster than either man have ever seen her move and slapped Yusuke hard enough that his head hit the bench. [2]

Kurama got up and stepped in front of Yusuke to prevent any more acts of violence. “That’s enough.” His calm demeanor slowly fading away. “I understand that you are hurt by this, but that does not give you the right to physically abuse him.”

“I don’t want to hear anymore. Yusuke Urameshi, I never want to see you again.” With that she ran off in the direction she’d come from. Kurama quickly turned around and checked on Yusuke’s injuries.

“Damn. She only hits that hard when she’s really pissed.” Yusuke said, trying to lighten the mood.

“I’ve never been fond of her hitting you. At least you’re not bleeding.” Kurama hadn’t been too worried having personally seen the abuse Yusuke’s body has gone through in comparison to Keiko’s slaps. But he did care about the boy and was now allowed to openly show his concern.

“I’ll be alright. I just hope she can forgive me.” Yusuke pulled the fox into his lap and laid his head on other’s chest. Kurama stroked his hair and gingerly passed his hand on the red hand print.

“Give her time, Yusuke. She’s upset and most likely will regret some of her actions.” They stayed that way for some time seeking comfort from the other. Kurama eventually got up and gently pulled Yusuke to his feet and made their way back to his place for dinner.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

TBC…

Author’s Note:

[1] Aishiteru mo = ‘I love you too’
[2] Last time I saw her slap him into the concrete she did it left handed and with Kurama on his right there was no way to stop the momentum.