WAITING FOR YOU

I’m not totally happy with this chapter. I don’t think it went where I wanted it to go, but if I rewrite it anymore I’m going to scream. Oh well, let me know what you think.

Hey, I made it to the 9th chapter without Shiori in the story. LOL

WAITING FOR YOU

Chapter 9

Feeling snug and cozy, Kurama fought waking the next morning. Snuggling closer to the warmth surrounding him, he was suddenly wide awake when the warmth tightened around him. Slowly opening his eyes, Kurama saw Hiei smirking back at him. Kurama blushed, seeing that he was on Hiei’s side of the bed, half laying on the fire demon with his face tucked against his neck. “Morning Fox.”

Kurama would have pulled away but Hiei held him firmly. “You’ve been in my arms most of the night Fox, so just stay put and let me try to fix what I screwed up last night. I never meant for you to be hurt when I said those things. I did a lot of thinking while you slept and there are a few things I’d like to say differently.”

Seeing that he had Kurama’s attention, Hiei continued. “With anyone else I’d worry about expectations beyond sex, but since we’re already best friends Kurama, I think expectations beyond friendship would be incredible… if it was with you. As for being stuck with a love sick fool, one, you’re not in love with me and two, you’re no fool. Besides, if that means that I’m stuck with the strongest, sexiest, most beautiful demon in the three worlds as my mate, I could live with that.”

When Kurama gave a shy little grin, Hiei’s hands began stroking his back and hair. “Kurama, I realize I haven’t been a true mate to you, but now that I know you’re mine, I intend to do everything in my power to ensure that I never let my mate down again.”

Kurama closed his eyes, gave a sigh of frustration and would have argued but Hiei cut him off sharply. “Don’t even say it Fox! Regardless of how it happened, or what’s happened since, you are my mate! It may take us some time to adjust to being mated but whether you like it or not, you are mine!”

As if to prove his point, Hiei pushed Kurama back on the bed and claimed his lips possessively. Kurama only struggled for a moment before submitting to Hiei’s dominance. Feeling Kurama yield to him, Hiei’s kiss went from possessive to passionate as his hands began moving over his mate’s body. Responding to Hiei’s seduction, Kurama shivered and moaned. When Hiei moved over him, him rubbing their erections together both men tore their lips away to moan loudly.

Pushing Kurama’s legs further apart with his knee, Hiei froze when he felt the man beneath him stiffen. Heart pounding, Hiei leaned into Kurama’s neck and drew several breaths as he tried to regain control of his body. After a moment he placed a gentle kiss on Kurama’s lips before rolling to his side. “Don’t worry Fox, I won’t rush you. It’s just been so long since I’ve had a lover and you felt and tasted so good, I couldn’t help myself. Just so you know, I haven’t betrayed you since I marked you. Like I told the detective, the last lover I took was when I went through puberty, and that was long before I met you Kurama. Other than the blow job you gave me, I’ve used my hand to satisfy my needs since then.”

Turning to look at him, Kurama frowned. “You’ve really never taken Mukuro as your lover?”

Smirking, Hiei shook his head. “Not just no Fox, but HELL no! Kurama, what is it with you always throwing me at that bitch?”

Looking away, Kurama shrugged. “Being mated to her would be a good move for you politically Hiei. You could still do it you know. No one knows about me, not about the mark anyway. I wouldn’t stand in the way of something you want so much.”

Leaning up on his elbow, Hiei looked down at him. “When are you going to get it through your head that I don’t want her Kurama? I don’t even like her let alone want to sleep with her. You on the other hand are my best friend. You already know I find you attractive and right now I want you so bad I almost can’t stand it. As for your mark, I intend for everyone to know about it, so quit fixing me up with Mukuro or anyone else for that matter.”

Kurama gave a little chuckle at the disgust in Hiei’s voice. His smile faded though as he looked at Hiei seriously. “Hiei, can we keep that part a secret for now? If we are ever together, I want to know that it’s because we want to be, not because you feel guilty or sorry for me. If it doesn’t work out for us, I’d rather our friends didn’t know that I failed to keep my mate.”

Placing a hand on his fox’s chest, Hiei leaned down and kissed him gently. “Failure is not an option Kurama. You belong to me, and one way or another we will be together. If it will make you feel better however, I will allow you to keep our mating a secret… for now. I did kind of do things a little backwards by marking you without courting you. After I court you though, everyone will know you’re mine.”

Kurama blushed at Hiei’s possessiveness. “Actually, you could say you started courting me already. When you brought the rabbit and we played chess the other day, that was almost like a date.”

With a devilish grin, Hiei’s hand traveled from Kurama’s chest downward, stopping just past his navel. “Okay, that’s one. Now, how many dates do we have to have before we get to have sex?”

Grabbing Hiei’s hand, Kurama drew it up to nip at his palm. “A few more than one. I’m going to take a shower then I’ll fix us breakfast.”

Climbing from the bed, Kurama headed for the bathroom. For the first time in years he didn’t bother to hide his nudity. Hearing Hiei call him, Kurama looked over his shoulder to see the fire demon grinning at him. “Hey Kurama, nice ass.”

With a genuine laugh, Kurama gave Hiei a playful wink. “Play your cards right Hiei and you might just get a piece of it some day.”

Laughter followed Kurama as he closed the bathroom door. After his shower, Kurama went to fix breakfast while Hiei showered. After putting cinnamon rolls in the oven, Kurama reached for the phone to call Shiori. “Hello Mother, I’m calling about dinner tonight. Something’s come up and I don’t think…”

Kurama gasped as the phone was suddenly taken from his hand. Green eyes widened in shock as Hiei talked to his mother. “Shiori, this is Hiei. What time do you want us for dinner… Yes well, our plans just changed… We’ll see you at six-thirty.”

Handing Kurama back the phone, Hiei went to look through the oven door as if nothing had happened. “Smells good Kurama.”

Dumbfounded, Kurama hung up the phone. “Hiei, I can’t believe you just did that. I thought we agreed this morning that we wouldn’t tell anyone about us.”

Though Kurama sounded upset, Hiei remained calm. “I agreed not to tell anyone we were mated… yet. That doesn’t mean we can’t have dinner with your family. Besides, they’ll need to get used to us being together now that we’re mated. Shiori will need to know about us eventually since I don’t think you’ll just leave her with no explanation when I take you back to Makai with me.”

Kurama’s eyes widened and he looked ready to panic. Luckily the timer went off on the stove taking his attention for a moment. Taking the cinnamon rolls from the oven, Kurama took several breaths before turning back. “Hiei, I don’t want her to know about us. I’ve disappointed her enough by not marrying and giving her grandchildren, I won’t disappoint her more by telling her I’m gay and moving to Makai.”

Not wanting to upset his fox any more, Hiei reached out and pulled him into his arms. “Kurama, let’s just go have dinner and see what happens. She doesn’t have to know that there’s anything between us beyond friendship if that’s what you want.”

Relieved, Kurama leaned into Hiei’s embrace. “That’s what I want Hiei. Yusuke, Kuwabara and the others can know when we’re ready, but not my mother.”

With a hand on Kurama’s chin, Hiei turned him until their lips met. Parting his lips, Kurama accepted Hiei tender kiss. When they pulled apart, Kurama smiled. “I’d better get the cinnamon rolls frosted before they get cold.”

Watching Kurama, Hiei knew they had a long way to go.

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As usual, Shiori greeted Hiei warmly, giving him a big hug. Even Kurama’s stepfather, Kazuya Hatanaka shook his hand and welcomed him back before taking the wine Kurama brought. Telling them dinner was ready, Shiori led them to the dinning room. Kazuya sat at the head of the table with Shiori to his right. Kurama sat at the other end with Hiei next to him, across from Shiori. As Shiori served the food, Kazuya looked at Hiei. “It’s nice that you could join us tonight Hiei. Shiori asks Shuuichi about you all the time. Tell us about your work. Shuuichi tells us you are in charge of security for some foreign dignitary.”

Trying not to smirk at Kurama’s creativity regarding his work for Mukuro, Hiei nodded at him. “It’s a small region called Alaric that you’re not likely to have heard of, ruled by a woman named Mukuro. It’s a little more than a security job though, Mukuro is actually training me to rule when she steps down.”

Shiori’s eyes widened excitedly. “Oh Hiei, that sounds so exciting. Is this Mukuro your girlfriend perhaps, or is she older? I mean, if you’re going to be so important you’ll need a wife at your side to support you.”

Hiei glanced at Kurama and saw that he was holding his breath. Turning back to Kurama’s parents, Hiei smirked. “No Shiori, I don’t have a girlfriend, because I’m gay. Well, bisexual actually, but I prefer males.”

Hoping his fox took a breath soon so he wouldn’t pass out, Hiei waited for a reaction from his parents. He was a little surprised when it was Kazuya that spoke. “I hope this Mukuro doesn’t have a problem with that since you're her heir.”

Hiei grinned. “Mukuro knows I would prefer to have a husband at my side some day instead of a wife. Where we come from that’s not a problem.”

Kurama continued to remain silent as Shiori smiled at Hiei. “Well that’s good to know, I wouldn’t want you losing your position because of it. Since Shuuichi hasn’t married, Kazuya and I have often wondered if he might be gay, but since he doesn’t seem to date men either, we don’t really know what to think. I just wish he’d find someone so he wouldn’t be all alone out in that house of his.”

Still worried that Kurama might pass out, now from hyperventilation, Hiei reached out and squeezed his hand reassuringly. “I don’t think you need to worry about Kurama. He has lots of friends that keep an eye on him and I’ve been trying to visit more often.”

Shiori, giggled. “Oh Hiei, I just realized you still use that old nickname you and the others use to call Shuuichi when you were teenagers. Where on earth did that name come from anyway?”

Beneath his, Hiei felt Kurama’s hand tremble slightly and gave it another squeeze before releasing it. “You’ve heard about the legendary thief Yoko Kurama haven’t you? He was a beautiful fox spirit, famous for steeling his victim’s hearts as well as their treasure. Since your son is so beautiful, and managed to steal everyone’s hearts, male or female, the name suits him.”

Shiori of course loved the romantic story. “Oh Shuuichi, how sweet. With all those people in love with you, why are you still alone?”

Nearly in heart failure now, it took Kurama a moment to find his voice. As he spoke his gaze landed on Hiei. “Perhaps I’ve been waiting for someone special to share my life with. I’ve been waiting so long though, I’m not sure that that someone even exists.”

Trying to end the awkward silence that followed his words, Kurama smiled at Shiori. “This fish is delicious Mother. I hope you’ll give me the recipe.”

Wanting a moment alone with his stepson, Kazuya suggested Kurama help him clear the table while Shiori and Hiei went into the living room. In the kitchen the older man turned to Kurama. “Shuuichi, I hope that conversation didn’t make you uncomfortable earlier. I guess since Hiei spoke so openly about being gay, it made it easier for your mother and I to let you know that it doesn’t matter to us whether you’re straight or gay.”

Not looking at him, Kurama nodded as he loaded dishes in the dishwasher. “Thank you Father, that’s nice to know.”

Handing him another plate, Kazuya grinned. “Shuuichi, I was watching Hiei earlier and after what he said, I was just wondering if he might have feelings for you?”

When startled green eyes turned to him, Kazuya chuckled. “You can hardly blame me for thinking that Shuuichi. I have lots of male friends but none that I’d take so much time off work for or travel so far to see as often as Hiei comes to see you. And the things he said about how beautiful you are and how you stole everyone’s heart, he sure sounded like his was included.”

If Kurama was nervous at his conversation with his stepfather, he was going die when he heard about the conversation Hiei was having with his mother in the living room. “Hiei, earlier at dinner, when we were talking, you used the words ‘where we come from’. Were you born in Alaric? I thought you were from here.”

Hiei hesitated. “No, I wasn’t born in Alaric itself, but on an island not far from there.”

After another pause, Hiei looked at her questioningly. “Shiori, would it frighten you if I told you I was from a place very different from here?”

Shiori frowned. “Why would that frighten me Hiei? I’ve known you for years. You’ve grown from a sweet little boy into a nice man. I know there’s nothing about you I should be frightened of.”

Ruby eyes glanced at the kitchen door before looking back at Shiori. “Even if I were a demon?”

Thinking he was teasing, Shiori laughed. “A demon? And just what kind of demon would you be Hiei?”

Knowing he was taking a risk, both that he might frighten Shiori, and that Kurama would be mad, Hiei answered her honestly. “My mother was an ice apparition but my powers are that of my father who was a fire demon.”

Using only the slightest amount of ki so as not to alert Kurama, Hiei formed a small fire ball on his palm and held it out to her. He couldn’t have been more surprised when Shiori gasped, looked at the kitchen door then whispered to him as if they shared a secret. “Oh my, does Shuuichi know?”

With a smirk, Hiei extinguished the fire ball. “Yes Shiori, he does. Kurama has kept my secret for years. Demons living in the human world are at risk if they are exposed.”

Shiori’s eyes were as big as saucers. “So, when you said ‘where we come from’…”

Hiei nodded. “Both Alaric, and Koorime island where I was born, are in the Makai.”

“Hiei!” Kurama and his stepfather had come out of the kitchen just in time to hear Hiei’s last sentence. Hiei cringed at the look of horror on Kurama’s face.

Before Hiei could do or say anything however, Shiori jumped up and grabbed Kurama by the arm, pulling him towards the sofa. “Shuuichi, this is just so fascinating. How could you have kept it a secret all these years? Kazuya wait until you hear this. Hiei’s a demon.”

Amused, Kazuya Hatanaka looked at his wife as if she were insane. “Honey, I’m not sure what Hiei told you but you must have misunderstood.”

Excitedly, she reached for Hiei’s wrist. “No Darling, look. Hiei show him the fire ball you made.”

When Kurama glared at him, Hiei knew he was in big trouble but it was too late now. Shiori jumped, then giggled at Kazuya’s expression when the fire ball materialized on Hiei’s palm. “See, isn’t that incredible? Shuuichi, you’ve known about this, have you ever been to Makai with Hiei? What’s it like? I find it hard to believe it’s horrible like it’s depicted if someone like Hiei can come from there.”

The look Kurama gave Hiei was turning from horror and anger to one of amazement. “Yes Mother, I’ve been there. Truthfully, most of Makai is very beautiful. The sky isn’t blue like ours but a pale purple. Like the human world, there are lush green forests, frozen glaciers and barren deserts.”

Stunned, Kazuya sat on the arm of the sofa near his wife. “Shuuichi, is this for real? Why didn’t you ever tell us?”

Realizing his parents weren’t frightened or angry the way he had feared, Kurama began to calm down. “Yes Father, it’s very real. I was afraid to tell you because I didn’t want to frighten you. If a demon is discovered by the wrong person they are usually killed or captured and experimented on.”

Looking at Hiei, Shiori gasped. “Oh Hiei, how horrible. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone. I’m glad you told us though. So tell us more about Alaric. Shuuichi, do you visit Hiei there often?”

Shiori didn’t see Hiei frown as Kurama answered quietly. “Actually Mother, I’ve never been to Alaric. Hiei’s never invited me.”

All eyes turned to Hiei. “Kurama, I thought you never came to Alaric because you didn’t want to, or because you didn’t like Mukuro. You’re my best friend Fox, why would I have to invite you to come see me? I don’t wait for you to invite me before I come to see you.”

For the moment they both seemed to forget Shiori and Kazuya were there. “Years ago I gave you an open invitation to stay with me anytime you wanted or needed to Hiei. I thought you didn’t invite me to Alaric because you didn’t want me there.”

Hiei grunted. “Stupid Fox, why wouldn’t I want you there? Fine, consider this an open invitation to come to Alaric any time you want. In fact, I’ll take you with me when I go home.”

Both demons were suddenly reminded they weren’t alone when Shiori giggled excitedly. “There, it’s all settled. I’ll wait to hear more about Alaric when you get back Shuuichi. Now, how about some desert? I seem to remember ice cream was your favorite Hiei. Kazuya Darling, will you come help me get it?”

When Kurama’s parents left the room, Hiei moved over to sit beside Kurama on the sofa. “I know you’re mad at me Fox, but I did it for you. If Shiori were upset that I was gay or that I was a demon, then she would be upset with me not you.”

Kurama’s eyes were full of hope as he glanced at Hiei. “She seemed alright with both didn’t she? Maybe later, if things work out with us, I can tell her about me too.”

Seeing that Kurama wasn’t mad, Hiei put an arm around him. “When things work out with us Fox, not if. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were waiting for me to invite you to Alaric. I didn’t mean to make you feel unwanted.”

Reaching out, Hiei touched Kurama’s cheek as he leaned close to kiss Kurama gently. Kurama’s hand drifted up to rest on Hiei’s arm as he returned the kiss. Neither of them saw Shiori and Kazuya peek out at them from the kitchen and smile.

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Later that night when they crawled naked into bed, Hiei waited to see if Kurama would come to him tonight without being asked. After only a brief hesitation, Kurama slowly moved closer. Letting the redhead know he was welcome, Hiei slipped an arm around him. Cuddling against Hiei’s side, Kurama sighed. “You took a big risk tonight Hiei. What if my mother hadn’t been so accepting?”

Keeping his arm around Kurama, Hiei turned to face him. “There really wasn’t much to lose Fox. If they didn’t approve of me being gay, then you could just keep your sexual preference a secret. The same would have applied if they didn’t accept me being a demon or, worst case scenario, I erased their memory of the whole evening.”

Kurama’s hand absently caressed Hiei’s chest. “Luckily that wasn’t necessary.”

Hiei’s hand massaged down Kurama’s back to the base of his spine and gave it a firm scratching. He smirked when the redhead in his arms shivered. “I wasn’t worried about your parents Fox, I was more afraid that I’d make you mad again.”

Enjoying Hiei’s touch, Kurama had trouble forming words without moaning. “Wh… why did you do it then H… Hiei? Wh… why are you trying so hard to make this w…work? Y…you never wanted me before, why now?”

Having promised not to rush him, Hiei rubbed his hand back up Kurama’s back allowing him a moment to calm down. “I did it for you Kurama. After everything I’ve done to you, I owed you. And it’s not that I didn’t want you Kurama, I didn’t want anyone. I always dreaded the thought of having to take a mate some day, but now that we’re mated, I’m not unhappy about it.”

At Kurama’s surprised look, Hiei paused. “Kurama, as my best friend, you were always going to be part of my life. Why not as my mate? I couldn’t have chosen a better mate if I’d tried. You are my best friend, my most trusted fighting partner and it sure doesn’t hurt that you’re sexy as hell.”

Smirking, Kurama tried not to blush. “I guess I’m having trouble thinking of us as mated. I’m still not convinced we shouldn’t just forget about the mark and move on with our lives.”

Showing more patience than he even knew he had, Hiei’s voice was calm, yet firm. “You’re a liar Kurama. You’ve considered yourself to be my mate since the day I marked you. You didn’t move on with your life but instead welcomed me into it and cared for me like a mate would. Also, the only explanation for you, an adult male Youko, not having a lover, is that you wouldn’t betray your mate. Not to mention, that if you truly wanted to forget the mark and move on, then once you became strong enough to take your Youko form you would have fought me for your freedom.”

Luckily for Hiei, Kurama couldn’t often fool him with the mask he used to hide his feelings. Seeing that his words hit their mark, Hiei continued. “Something you should remember Kurama, fire demon’s take being mated very seriously. There will be no forgetting about your mark and no moving on with our lives, unless it’s together.”

Not sure how to respond, Kurama whispered. “No matter what, I could never fight you Hiei.”

Sighing, Hiei pulled Kurama closer. “Then don’t fight our mating anymore Kurama, because fighting me is the only way you’ll ever be free of me. Now let’s get some sleep. We need to get an early start since I’m sure you’re going to drag me to Tourin to check on those idiots before we go to Alaric.”

Hiei felt Kurama’s shoulders shake as he gave a little laugh. “You know me only too well. Goodnight Hiei.”

Relieved to feel Kurama relax against him, Hiei closed his eyes. “Goodnight my Fox.”