Chocolates and a Black Eye

This is dedicated to BlueUtopia for her birthday. I hope she likes it since she inspired me to write yaoi. Happy Birthday! From a devoted fan!

LeBish


One-Shot
The Box

It was just a simple box.

Red, with the trimmings and even a ribbon.

Hiei scowled.

Kurama had come around to the temple to visit Genkai. Her heart ailed her and Yukina had fortunately found something to help her with it. Yusuke and the rest had also visited to see the withering woman. Since she didn’t care to be fussed over, she kicked them out bodily, to the entertainment of Hiei. But now, his mood changed.

It was that damn box!

Hiei snorted disdainfully and approached it with an air of arrogance. Who would give him the box? Did it have an enemy’s heart contained with a severed limb? Because that would be a demon’s way of showing that he cared. Hiei didn’t hear the fox approach him until a soft breath caressed his ear. Instead of jumping like any normal person would, he merely looked up with a bored expression on his face and pointed with his thumb at the annoying box.

“Yes,” Kurama asked, looking passive. “It’s a box of chocolates; Shizuru gave them to me today.”
“The idiot’s sister?”
“Mmhm,” the fox smiled, picking the item up. With a flurry of his fingers, he had the ribbon off and the top on the table. “Want one?”
“Hn,” Hiei pulled one out and popped it into his mouth.
“She asked me out.”

Hiei stared, the chocolate bulging slightly in his cheek. So Kuwabara’s sister was interested in Kurama, was she? The fox gauged his expression and deemed it safe to continue.

“I said no. She’s too close of a liability. And Kuwabara would most likely skewer me with his spirit sword if I did something to her.”
“If he could catch you,” Hiei said shortly, settling onto the table.
“That too,” Kurama smiled, slipping a chocolate into his mouth. “They’re quite good. I feel guilty for eating them when I hurt her.”
“She’s a fool for thinking that she could get you as a mate,” he said, chewing on another bonbon.
“Well, I am human now,” the fox stated. “There isn’t any reason why I should have said no but…”
“But what, fox?”
“Curious are we, Hiei?”
“Call it what you will,” the demon snorted. “She had no place in asking you to be her mate.”
“Nothing as severe as sex, just dating,” Kurama said coolly. “Not that its any of your concern.”
“Hn, you know our customs,” Hiei snapped.
“As I’ve said, I’m human,” the fox sighed. “Aren’t you going to ask me what my reasoning was?”
“Indulge me,” Hiei muttered sarcastically, on his seventh bonbon. With an exasperated sigh, the fox pulled the box back before his greedy hands could get another one. “Kurama!”
“Could you act a little better to be interested,” he asked waspishly.
“Yes, I could. But I won’t.”
“Lord help me,” Kurama sighed. Shoving the box into the koorime’s hands, he got off the table. “Here, have them.”
“What?”

And the demon was left there with a chocolate smear on his upper lip and all the words left in his mouth.

… … …

It was two weeks after Shizuru had asked him out and there was Kurama, sitting in the living room couch, drinking a glass of milk and watching some reality TV show that had caught his attention. It was a brisk Saturday afternoon and it was due to rain later on in the night. A blanket was covered his bare feet as he focused on the television set. The remote control was on his lap. He didn’t even bother to glance as Hiei slipped inside through the one open window that was in the living room. He had shut the one in his room after his feet nearly froze off. His family had gone out to visit his aunt and he had effectively excused himself from going by telling them that he had lots of homework to do. Not that it wasn’t true, because it was. But he had finished it the night before after he worked out his frustrations on his calculus homework.

“Fox?”

The redhead merely sipped his milk and tossed back his hair in a demeaning fashion. It wasn’t like him to forgive if he didn’t feel like it. That, and Hiei had nicked most of the chocolates in his box. It was when the koorime flicked over to where he was sitting that he looked up.

“Why?”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Kurama replied coolly, changing the channel and annoying Hiei enough that he snatched the remote and threw it into the wall. It broke easily and wide green eyes blinked and turned to see that Hiei had moved closer. “What is it?”
“Why did you say no?”
“You weren’t interested before, why should I tell you now?”
“Because it’s been plaguing me for the past two weeks,” Hiei growled.
“Sad though it may seem, I have to go take a shower,” Kurama stood up and picked up the blanket. He folded it neatly and went to put it away in one of the cabinets.
“Fox!”

… … …

A week later, Kurama was busy tending to his mother’s errands. Sticking the groceries into his step-father’s gas guzzling SUV, he made sure that he got everything before closing the trunk and pulling out his keys. He stopped a moment, picking up something red and small from the door‘s mirror. It was a velvet bag filled with creamy chocolates. Removing the foil, he popped one into his mouth and savored the taste before flipping the card open and glancing at the note.

K-

Something for that sweet tooth of yours. Meet me later at the park if you’re not busy.

S-

With a heartfelt sigh, he pocketed both items before slipping into the car. Sticking the key into the ignition, he adjusted his mirrors, changed gears and backed out safely. Once he was sure that it was safe, he headed off home, wondering what the hell Shizuru wanted now. A stubborn koorime rode silently on the roof, ignoring the honking of cars that passed by them.

… … …

“Yes, but mother-” A pause. “Alright, don’t worry. I’ll be fine. No, I’ll get something to eat later tonight. I’m meeting a friend. Yes mother, don’t worry. Good-bye.”

Kurama sighed; he unpacked the now useless groceries in the fridge and cabinets and threw away the plastic bags. His stepfather had taken his stepson on a fishing trip and wouldn’t be back until Sunday night. Since it was just the two of them, his mother had suggested a nice dinner and movie for them. Now it all went to waste as she had stayed over for the night at his grandmother’s house.

“Nothing like a love confession to spice up an evening,” Kurama muttered, blowing a puff of air upward and making his bangs move out of his eyes. “Might as well change.”

Kurama traded his gray slacks for dark blue jeans that fit quite snugly and a black dress shirt. Adding a casual charcoal jacket, he grabbed some Converse and laced them up downstairs before grabbing his keys and heading out. It was a nice night for a walk, though not if it was going to rain as promised. He saw the smoking brunette a little off the parkway path. She let out a stream of smoke. Dutifully, he spoke first.

“Hello, Shizuru.”
“Kurama,” she replied, patting the seat next to her. “Come, sit down.”

Biting back a sigh, he planted himself next to her, hips grazing each other as they sat in somewhat awkward silence. After she offered him a cigarette, Kurama coughed uncertainly and looked to the trees. Something moved but he didn’t pay too close attention as he had the taste of nicotine thrust into his mouth. Shocked, he couldn’t move as Shizuru held his neck with her hand and kissed the living daylights out of him. She was actually quite good, her tongue grazing the bottom of his lip. But that was as far as he would let it go. Gently removing the hand, he pulled away and looked at the woman with ultimate patience.

“Don’t,” Shizuru sighed, shaking her head.
“Don’t what?”
“Just stop looking at me like you’re giving me your pity,” she stated. “You’re not the first to reject me.”
“Shizuru-”
“You don’t have to apologize, that’s the way it is,” she lit up another cigarette. “I thought it was worth a second try.”
“Please, Shizuru, hold on,” Kurama stoop up as she had already started leaving. “It isn’t you-”
“God, don’t use that line on me! I’m older than you, for god’s sake, Kurama!”
“I hold feelings for someone else,” he sighed.
“Who?”
“I’d… rather not say…”
“I got you chocolates and confessed something, so tell me. It’s not like I’m Botan who can’t keep her mouth shut,” Shizuru let the cigarette dangle from her lips.
“… No, I’d rather not,” Kurama smiled. “But I will tell you soon, as payment for the pain I’ve caused you.”
“Alright,” Shizuru nodded. “So, I’ll talk to you later then, Kurama.”
“Of course; good night, Shizuru.”
“Night,” before leaving, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “He’s a lucky guy.”
“W-what?”
“Later, fox-boy.”

… … …

It was late before Kurama walked home. The moon was almost directly above his head, bathing his hair in light and making it seem like bleeding silver. Hands in his jean pockets, he slowly made his way home, feeling oddly empty. Perhaps it was the hunger, or maybe the fact that he was lonely but he couldn’t focus much now. It wasn’t the time for such morose thoughts and the local diner was still open. Buying two burgers with the works, fries and cokes, he took the food home and waited for Hiei to make his appearance, which he did ten minutes later.

“Hiei, are you hungry?”
“Hn,” Hiei just sat at the table as Kurama unwrapped the food. Piling the ketchup on his fries, they both ate in silence.

Until…

“Hiei?”
“What,” he chewed a large chunk of the burger.
“What were you doing in the park spying on Shizuru and me?”
“H-” Hiei swallowed loudly, choking a bit before he answered properly. “I was killing something.”
“Killing something,” the fox repeated dully. “You have mostly all night and that’s the best you could come up with? Honestly Hiei, will you just tell me?”
“You’re imagining things, idiot.”
“Will you just ask me outright? You seemed quite interested a week ago.”
“That was a week ago,” Hiei took another bite.
“…”
“What,” the koorime asked, withstanding the very Youkoish glare that the fox was giving him.
“Once you’re done,” Kurama stood up. “Get out.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”

Tossing the garbage away, he cleaned up what was left quickly and left the kitchen without another word. Hiei rolled his eyes and finished what was left of his meal before cleaning his place before heading up the stairs where Kurama would be fuming, no doubt.

“Fox?”

Pushing the door open, he spotted a mane of roguish red by the window. He was leaning forward, letting the cool air hit his hidden face. Hiei walked inside and settled next to him, waiting for the anger to subside. It took twenty minutes for the fox to speak.

“You’re unbelievably stubborn.”
“And you love me for it.”
“Wh-what?”

Calm red eyes looked up to see the shock on the fox’s face. His mouth was slightly parted and orbs very wide. The wind had played havoc with his hair and small pieces fell over his cheeks delicately. Hiei had no qualms about caring for the fox. Just because humans were mushy about it didn’t kill the emotion completely. Over the course of those weeks that Shizuru had (unsuccessfully) tried to court Kurama, he had noticed the little things that had made him realize how much he had been avoiding the obvious; at least, to his kind.
Hiei had allowed him to live after learning of his most darkest secret. He had let his body unmarred after he had been betrayed to the Spirit Detective over the treasures. There were other moments, those that burned into his memory so deeply, it was impossible not to see unless he had steadily avoided it for years. Demons were not particular about gender, so there was no real problem… Unless he was wrong.

“H-Hiei, if I have been obvious- I don’t want to pressure you-”
“I’ve been as blind as you have been cowardly,” Hiei snapped.
“You don’t have to be cruel about it,” Kurama replied dourly. He may be polite but the fox could only be pushed so far.
“Idiot.”

Kurama rolled his eyes, not exactly sure at what footing they were on. With a small smile, he placed a hand on the koorime’s shoulder. When he didn’t shrug it off, the fox sighed and wrapped his arms around him tightly. Hiei grunted but didn’t push away until Kurama was completely immersed in nuzzling against the shorter demon. Once off guard, he sidestepped the fox and let him tumble to the ground ungracefully.

“Hiei! That was uncalled for.”
“Point? I fail to see it,” Hiei rolled his eyes. He stepped over the prone fox and placed a foot on the sill before a hand tugged at the edge of his coat. “What?”
“I didn’t think you’d leave so soon,” he admitted sheepishly.
“No, you’re not thinking very much lately,” the koorime stated flatly. At least he hadn’t flitted away. Yet.
“You might have something to do with it,” Kurama replied, holding up his head with his elbow.
“How? You’re the one who didn’t do anything.”
“You’re as much to blame!”
“For what? I already knew, you were still trying to convince yourself of the pros and cons,” Hiei shrugged. “And the fact that the detective is now available might have hindered you into making a rash decision.”
“Yusuke is very attractive, yes. But…”
“If you don’t get to a point soon, I’ll leave for the remainder of the year.”
“Would it be absolutely foolish of me to say that I’m head over heels for you,” Kurama asked quietly.
“Yes.”
“Oh.”

That simple word meant many things, but Hiei heard desperation and longing deep under the controlled expression. To anyone else, it could have seemed to be a polite acceptance. But not many knew about his past or what he had gone through. Kurama was not one to give up unless he knew the odds were in his favor. That was what made him a great thief in his past life. Now, it was different. It wasn’t for just a mere trinket or gold; his heart was on the line. Hiei knelt down and waited until Kurama looked up with guarded verdant eyes.

“I won’t keep you,” he murmured, sitting up.
“You’re not.”
“Stop playing word games, I’m not in the mood.”
“Fox, if you haven’t figured it out already, then I will make a black eye out of one of those emerald orbs of yours.”
“Emerald orbs?”
“Hn, shut up,” Hiei scowled.
“Hiei, I didn’t think you could be so poetic,” Kurama smiled properly, looking pleased.
“So, figured it out yet?”
“Yes.”
“Then?”
“You’re getting new curtains.”

True to his word, a fist collided with the fox’s eyes and he reeled back on the ground. Stars graced his vision as he tried to focus and think of a way to beat the living daylights out of the koorime when he felt said demon straddle his waist. Kurama raised a hand to his eye and touched it gingerly.

“That’s going to be a shiner in the morning,” he grumbled, ignoring Hiei.
“Fox.”
“I better get something on it,” Kurama murmured, cupping his eye.
“Fox.”
“I hope there’s antiseptic-”

Hot angry lips nearly swallow his own as he was thoroughly kissed by the shorter demon. Fangs nicked his mouth greedily as he feasted on his taste. Kurama raised his legs and gave a gentle nudge on Hiei’s behind so that he leaned forward and the fox could wrap his arms around the koorime. He tasted like sweet heat, all warm and creamy and Kurama lapped it up as he parted his lips to Hiei’s curious tongue. A delicate breathy moan escaped the fox’s lips before Hiei pulled away forcefully, making Kurama glare heatedly at the demon.

“If I didn’t care for you, I’d have stabbed up in the neck and drank your blood,” Hiei leaned down and gave a very wet, very sensual lick on the fox’s neck. “But unfortunately, you’ve become something more than a partner…”
“Is that the best you can do,” Kurama asked, shuddering slightly as the cool wind blew on the moist spot above his collarbone.
“Don’t push it,” Hiei warned.
“So you’re staying?”
“Hn, perhaps.”
“What will it take to keep you here?”

Hiei smirked, bending down at the waist and kissing the fox with confidence that came through ages of skill. Despite overwhelming belief, he had had lovers before. True, they weren’t as gorgeous as Kurama, but he wasn’t a trembling virgin either. And now, the fox was doing something incredibly erotic with his tongue, tickling the ceiling of his mouth with slow teases. Hiei slowly pulled away, giving a slow nip before he sat up properly. Hands held the fox at bay.

“Hiei?”
“Hn?”
“Will you please get off of me? I have to take care of this black eye you so graciously bestowed upon me.”
“You deserved it.”
“I did not! I was joking,” the fox shoved him out of the way.
“If you’re not careful, I’ll do it to the other one, you stupid fox!”
“Keep up with the sweet talk, Hiei. You’re bound to get some action tonight,” Kurama muttered sarcastically.