WAITING FOR YOU

Okay, we’ll take a break from Yusuke and Kuwabara and turn the focus back to Kurama and Hiei for a while. I didn’t reveal everything in this chapter but some of you know my writing well enough to know where I’m headed from what I did tell you. Besides, if I told you everything I couldn’t leave you with a lovely cliffhanger.

Hope you all enjoy and please continue to leave me those great reviews.

WAITING FOR YOU

Chapter 7

Early the next morning Kurama was rudely awaken when Yusuke burst into his room. “Kurama! Come quick, it’s Kuwabara!”

Before Kurama could grab his aching head, Yusuke ran back out of the room. Trying to hurry, Kurama rose from the bed and headed for Yusuke’s room. Using the doorframe for balance, the Youko peered into the room. Even with a throbbing headache Kurama couldn’t help but smile at the scene on the bed.

Yusuke knelt on the bed next to Kuwabara. Both men wore only boxers and tank tops. Kuwabara sat in the middle of the bed looking terrified. On top of his head were the cutest orange ears with black pointy tips. In his hands was a long, sleek, orange tail with black stripes. When the tip of the tail twitched, Kuwabara jumped. His eyes looked like they were going to bug out of his head as he held up his tail and looked up at Kurama. “My ass doesn’t hurt anymore.”

The hilarity of the situation as well as the comment made Kurama laugh. A moment later Yusuke’s worried look left his face and he chuckled. It was obvious as Kuwabara turned to look at Yusuke that he still didn’t find any of it humorous. Silently he watched as Yusuke tentatively reached up to touch one of his ears. When the ear twitched, startling Yusuke, he pulled his hand back and laughed. “Kuwa, your ears are so cute. I just want to touch them.”

This time when the ear twitched at his touch, Yusuke didn’t pull back. After giving it a stroke, Yusuke gently scratched behind it. Kurama smirked when Kuwabara stifled a moan and quickly reached for a pillow to shove into his lap. Wondering what he’d done, Yusuke looked at Kurama to explain. “Yusuke, most animal demons have very sensitive ears. In fact they are usually one of our most sensitive erogenous zones.”

Yusuke’s eyes widened a moment before he turned to grin at Kuwabara. “Damn Kuwa. Seducing my sexy kitten will be a piece of cake if all I have to do is scratch you behind the ears to turn you on.”

Mortified, Kuwabara blushed and looked away from Kurama. Hiding his amusement, Kurama smiled. “Don’t worry Kuwabara, once you’re lovers you’ll beg him to stroke your ears. I’m sure there are a few places Yusuke will beg you to stroke too. Especially once he learns what fierce lovers tiger demons are.”

At Kurama’s words, Kuwabara’s ears perked and his head whipped around to look at him in horror. “Tiger demon? You mean I’m going to end up looking like Byakko?”

Kurama smiled. “No Kuwa, Byakko was a different breed of tiger. He was also a saint beast. Judging from your bright orange coloring I’d say you are probably descendant of a tribe of tiger demons from the jungle region on the southern border of Yusuke’s territory. Though they are a strong race, they are known for their gentle nature. Aggressive tiger demons are dealt with harshly and are usually expelled from the tribe if not killed outright.”

Sounding tired and frustrated, Kuwabara turned his now catlike blue eyes to Kurama. “Just tell me I’m done changing Kurama. I don’t think I can take much more.”

Kurama thought a moment. “Take your shirt off Kuwa. I think all that’s left is your stripes. Like Yusuke’s markings, they will look like tattoos but they’ll be running up your sides.”

Before Kuwabara could reach for his shirt, Yusuke was shoving it up. “Hey Kuwa, he’s right. You have tiger stripes. This is so cool. My boyfriend’s a tiger.”

Again Kuwabara blushed. Smiling, Kurama thought it wise to leave them alone. “I think you’ll be fine now Kuwabara. I’m going out for a while. My head feels like it’s going to explode so I’m going to take a run and see if the fresh air will clear it. Have fun you two.”

As he moved away from their room Kurama heard Yusuke’s voice and smiled. “Come on Kuwa, I just want to touch them. Kurama says you’ll like it.”

Not waiting for Kuwabara’s response, Kurama went downstairs and headed outside. Once he cleared the castle gates the Youko broke into a run. Within minutes his headache started to ease. A mile or so from Tourin, Kurama turned to circle the castle grounds so he didn’t end up too far away. Enjoying himself, Kurama stopped occasionally to talk to some of the plants or gather seeds before racing off again.

He’d been running about an hour, hopping over logs and boulders as he went. For the first time in a long time Kurama didn’t have a care in the would. Suddenly, something caught his foot and he fell to the ground. Rolling, he tried to see what had tripped him but found himself lifted in the air and thrown into a large tree. Dazed, Kurama struggled to get to his feet but was again thrown back against the tree.

Unable to clear his head, Kurama knew he was losing consciousness. Before he blacked out Kurama attempted to raise his spirit energy and change forms. A moment later the clearheaded redhead turned to see a large bear demon swing his mighty clawed paw at him. Kurama had only a second to turn so the blow hit his back instead of his head. The sharp claws tore at his flesh as he was flung to the ground.

Now that he had seen his enemy, Kurama sent his spirit energy into the surrounding plant life. A second later he heard the demon roar as it’s legs were grabbed and devoured by a vicious carnivorous plant. Within seconds the bear’s roars ceased. Even though the plant had only begun it’s meal, the bear had died from massive blood loss.

Releasing a huge sigh, Kurama lay his head down. Just as he was about to pass out he felt someone kneel beside him. Kurama’s muddled mind was trying think of a way to defend himself when his hair was brushed back from his face and someone called out to him. “Kurama! Hold on, I’ve got you Fox!”

Feeling Hiei pull him into his arms, Kurama fought the darkness that threatened to claim him and whispered. “Hiei.”

Looking around, Hiei saw the bloody remains of the bear demon. By now Kurama’s plant had devoured all but the demon’s head. “That’s not Kuwabara is it?”

Weakly, Kurama tried to laugh. “No Hiei, Kuwabara’s a tiger demon.”

Hiei lifted Kurama in his arms. “I need to get you somewhere and check your wounds.”

Wincing at the arm across his back, pressing on his wounds, Kurama tried to point. “There’s a cave just past those trees.”

Hiei easily carried Kurama to the cave a few yards away. The fire demon set him on the ground but didn’t lay him down. Instead he held him against his chest as he began tearing away his blood soaked and shredded shirt. Hearing fabric tear, Kurama tried to pull away. “Hiei, no! Please, let it be. I’ll be fine, just give me a minute.”

With a growl, Hiei held him and continued his task. “Damn it Fox, you’ve barely got any skin left on your back. I need to get this shirt off so I can stop the bleeding and get these wounds cleaned up.”

With more strength than Hiei thought he had, Kurama fought to get away from him. With little effort, Hiei captured both slender wrists and held them in one hand while the other wound in his red hair to hold him still. “Kurama stop it! I’m not about to let you bleed to death over your damn modesty! Whether you like it or not that shirt is coming off!”

Before he could protest further, Hiei’s hand left his hair and Kurama flinched as the last of his shirt was torn away. Breathing hard, Kurama sat frozen as Hiei used the remains of his shirt to clean the wounds. Neither of them spoke as Hiei fed ki into them to stop the bleeding.

Tossing the shirt aside, Hiei was about to turn Kurama to face him when something on his shoulder under his red hair caught his attention. When he went to push the hair aside for a better look, Kurama began struggling again. “Hiei no! Let me go!”

Again Hiei’s fingers grabbed a hold of his hair, this time pulling it away from his shoulder. When Hiei gasped, Kurama’s struggles ceased. Lowering his head, Kurama closed his eyes, not wanting to see Hiei’s expression. He didn’t need to see it however, he could hear the anger in Hiei’s voice when he spoke. “What the hell! Is that what you’ve been hiding all this time Kurama? How the hell did it get there? Damn it Kurama, explain!”

When Kurama didn’t answer, Hiei grabbed his chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. “Answer me Kurama or I’ll force the answers from you!”

Green eyes widened in fear. “No! It was so long ago Hiei, it doesn’t mean anything! Please, just forget you ever saw it!”

When Hiei tore off the ward from the jagon, Kurama began to tremble. In his current condition he was no match for Hiei or his jagon. “You had no right to keep this from me Fox!”

As the purple eye of the jagon focused on him, Kurama screamed.

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Tripping on a tree root, Kuwabara glared at Yusuke. “Damn it Urameshi, this place is a maze of trees and plants. How the hell are we supposed to find him in all this?”

Yusuke had a hold of Kuwabara’s arm, trying to steady him. “I don’t know Kuwa. Kurama loves this shit, that’s probably why he went this away. That damn Youko had better be alright. It can’t be a good sign that we felt his energy spike and then drop off like it did.”

Suddenly, both men felt a familiar energy and turned their heads towards the hills. Looking at each other they both said only one word as they headed towards that energy. “Hiei.”

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Stunned, Hiei looked down at the unconscious redhead in his arms. The moment the jagon released it’s hold on Kurama’s mind he’d fainted. Hiei didn’t know how long he sat there holding Kurama when he felt Yusuke and Kuwabara approaching. Gently, Hiei lay Kurama on his side, replaced the ward over the jagon, and went outside.

When they saw him come out of the cave, Yusuke and Kuwabara ran to him. Seeing the haunted look in Hiei’s eye, Yusuke got worried. “Hiei, what are you doing here? Have you seen Kurama? We think he’s in trouble.”

Vaguely, Hiei nodded. “He’s… resting… in the cave. On my way to Tourin, I felt his energy spike. He’d been attacked by a bear demon. He killed it, but he’s wounded.”

Yusuke frowned. “Bear demons are dumber than rocks but vicious in a fight.”

Beside him, Kuwabara looked concerned. “Is he alright? You look like something’s wrong.”

When Hiei eyed his new ears and tail, Kuwabara blushed. “The bear’s claws shredded the skin on his back but he’ll survive.”

After a brief pause, Hiei turned to Yusuke. His voice deadly serious when he spoke. “I need you to do something for me Detective. I want you to kill the man that hurt Kurama.”

Yusuke scowled. “Just tell me who to kill. Did Kurama finally tell you who hurt him? What the hell happened anyway?”

Tormented red eyes looked at him. “Let’s just say I got tired of waiting and took matters into my own hands. As to what happened, it was worse than I thought.”

As he spoke, Hiei removed his cloak and tossed it aside. Yusuke eyed him suspiciously when Hiei drew his sword. “Remember Yusuke, when you fight a demon as powerful as I am, you fight to kill.”

Only his quick reflexes kept Yusuke alive as he jumped away from Hiei’s katana. Kuwabara watched in awe as Hiei and Yusuke fought. Knowing Yusuke could hold his own, he decided not to interfere unless he was needed. Instead he yelled at Hiei. “What the hell’s gotten into you Hiei? There’s no way you would hurt Kurama!”

As Hiei skidded back from a particularly powerful hit, Yusuke’s astonished voice called out. “Damn it Hiei, Kuwa’s right! You thought he was raped, what the hell could you do that’s worse than that?”

Both Yusuke and Kuwabara were taken back by the pain Hiei’s eyes as well as his voice when he growled back. “It was me that raped him!”

At the reality of Hiei’s words, Yusuke closed his eyes in disbelief. When Kuwabara shouted a warning, he opened them in time to block Hiei’s next attack. For several minutes the two powerful demons fought. With Hiei fighting for real, Yusuke had no choice but to match him. Trying to predict Hiei’s next pass, Yusuke hoped to knock the fire demon out until Kurama could wake up and straighten things out.

Charging at Hiei, Yusuke ducked into a slide at the last second. From the ground he aimed his spirit gun with the intention of firing at Hiei’s shoulder. As he predicted, his move stopped Hiei in his tracks, but what prevented him from firing was Kurama coming out of nowhere to throw himself against Hiei’s chest with a cry. “NO!”

Wrapping his free arm around Kurama’s waist to keep him from falling, Hiei growled. “Damn it Kurama! Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

Holding Hiei’s gaze, Kurama sounded tired as he answered. “No, but apparently you are. I won’t let you do this Hiei. You didn’t do anything that wasn’t within your right to do.”

Pain crossed Hiei’s eyes as he growled. “I raped you Kurama! Not even I have the right to do that!”

As Kurama clung to Hiei arguing with him, Yusuke and Kuwabara stood back and waited. “I wasn’t some human female being forced by an unwanted suitor Hiei. I was a demon who betrayed his partner. You were simply demonstrating your dominance, and ensuring my future loyalty, which as you know, you have had from that day forward.”

Hiei was effectively silenced by Kurama’s words. Red eyes widened when the man in his arms tucked his head against his neck. “Please Hiei, I warned you that it was complicated. You did nothing wrong, therefore you don’t deserve to be punished. Besides, if I had wanted revenge, I would have taken it myself.”

Wanting Kurama’s forgiveness more than he’d ever wanted anything before in his life, Hiei dropped his katana to reach up to stoke the red hair cascading over his shoulders. So softly that Kurama barely heard him, Hiei whispered. “Kurama, I am so sorry. I would rather die than ever hurt you.”

Sighing in relief, Kurama tightened his arms around Hiei’s neck. “If there was anything to forgive Hiei, I forgave you years ago.”

Seeing Hiei hold Kurama close, it was Yusuke and Kuwabara’s turn to sigh in relief. Yusuke moved towards his friends as Kuwabara went to pick up Hiei’s cloak. “Come on Hiei, let’s get your fox back to Tourin and get his wounds healed.”

Nodding, Hiei swept an arm under Kurama’s knees to cradle him against his chest. Without waiting for their friends, Hiei flitted towards the castle. Picking up Hiei’s katana, Kuwabara looked at Yusuke. “What the hell would you have done if Kurama hadn’t stopped him?”

Yusuke shook his head. “I don’t know. I was trying to knock him out, but the way Hiei was fighting I’m not sure we could have gotten out of that one without someone getting hurt or worse. I’m just glad Kurama has so much influence over that stubborn demon or this could have had a very different ending.”

Boldly, Yusuke put an arm around Kuwabara’s waist as they headed for Tourin. Shyly, Kuwabara put his arm across Yusuke’s shoulder. “Urameshi, what was that thing on Kurama’s shoulder? I couldn’t see it very well through his hair.”

Yusuke shrugged. “Yeah, I saw that. Wonder what it is. It looked like a burn to me. We’ll have to ask him about it later. Come on Kuwa, we’d better hurry up and make sure those two are alright.”

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Coming back into the bedroom with one of Yusuke’s shirts, Hiei heard the healer talking with Kurama. “I’ve healed the wounds My Lord, but you’ll be tender for a day or two. A good nights rest and you should be almost as good as new.”

Nodding, Kurama smiled at her. “Thank you Santo, I feel much better already.”

As the healer left, Hiei went to sit beside Kurama on the bed. Without meeting the red eyes that watched him intently, Kurama allowed Hiei to help him into the shirt and button it for him. Just as he whispered “thank you”, Yusuke and Kuwabara came into the room. Kuwabara set Hiei’s cloak and katana on the foot of the bed as Yusuke smiled at his friends. “Hey Fox, you look a hell of a lot better than you did a while ago. Is that my shirt?”

Grinning, Kurama nodded. “I hope you don’t mind, Hiei borrowed it for me. I planned on going home today so I didn’t bring anything with me.”

Yusuke shook his head. “Help yourself to anything you want Kurama. I take it the healer took care of the damage that bear demon did. Did she get that one on your shoulder too? It looked like a burn or something.”

Yusuke and Kuwabara couldn’t miss the tension that filled the air as Kurama’s smile fell and Hiei stood and went to look out the window. With a little shrug, Kurama finally answered softly. “No Yusuke, that burn can’t be healed. Don’t worry though, it’s nothing, just an old scar.”

Before Yusuke could say more, Kuwabara grabbed his arm. “We should get out of here and let Kurama rest. Hiei, are you coming?”

After taking a deep breath, Hiei finally turned. “No, I’m staying with Kurama.”

As if to confirm his words, Hiei went and sat on the bed. Kicking off his boots, he put his feet up and leaned back against the headboard. Looking at them, Kurama couldn’t quite pull off a smile. “I want to thank you both for your help earlier. Yusuke, I hope Hiei didn’t hurt you.”

Yusuke tried not to sound worried about his friends as he laughed. “Nothing Kazuma can’t kiss and make better.”

Blushing madly, Kuwabara cried out. “Yusuke!”

Looking at his boyfriend, Yusuke did smile now. “It’s so fun to tease him and watch him blush. Come on Kuwa, let’s leave these two alone. Hiei, if Kurama doesn’t feel up to joining us for dinner, let the maid know and she’ll bring something up.”

They were on their way out the door when Hiei suddenly spoke softly. “Yusuke… thanks.”

Turning back, Yusuke smiled at him. “Anytime Buddy.”

After they left, there was a moment of awkward silence. Reaching out, Hiei pulled one of the pillows close to him before patting it invitingly. “Come lay down, Fox. The healer said you need to rest.”

Wide green eyes looked at him uncertainly. After only a short hesitation, Kurama took the invitation. Turning, he lay on his side facing Hiei. As he was about to close his eyes, Kurama saw Hiei hold a hand out to him. Reaching out, Kurama slowly placed his hand in Hiei’s, lacing their fingers together. “That’s not just a scar Kurama. Why didn’t you tell them how you got that burn?”

Unable to meet his gaze, Kurama sighed wearily. “There was no reason to tell them Hiei, since it doesn’t mean anything. It never did.”

When Hiei drew a breath to argue with him, Kurama closed his eyes and cut him off. “I’m tired Hiei and I don’t really want to talk about it anymore.”

Reluctantly, Hiei allowed Kurama to have his way. With his free hand, Hiei reached out to stroke Kurama’s hair. “I’ll be right here if you need anything Fox.”

There was a slight nod of Kurama’s head but he didn’t respond as he fell asleep. Looking down at him, Hiei wondered what was going to happen to them. Could their friendship survive now that Hiei knew what had happened all those years ago?

Still holding Kurama’s hand and stroking his soft red hair, Hiei closed his eyes and allowed his mind to replay the images he’d seen when he’d used the jagon to enter Kurama’s mind.