The Taste of Sand

One-Shot
The Taste of Sand

Kurama was holding an envelop in his hands.

Opening it, he pulled out a sheet of paper with directions and a hasty scribble from Botan about the trip. She had successfully wheedled an invitation to one of the most reclusive and thorough hot springs in Japan; and she had convinced everyone to go. And the fact that Yukina and Kuwabara were going to be in the same vicinity had Hiei reluctantly agreeing to go along, provided that Kurama would keep the idiots at bay. The fox said he would try; but anyone who knew the two had enough experience to think it was nigh impossible. But it was a hot springs, so everyone looked to Kayko to control Yusuke.
Kurama smiled and went to his computer to find the precise locations on MapQuest®. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Botan’s scribbles…

No, that was it…

So quickly typing out the address, he was given two maps and mile ratio which he printed out within a minute. He checked that a shift of clothes and some toiletries were in his bag, shouldered it before he made sure his room was clean and headed downstairs. His mother was sitting on the couch, turning a page in a very racy romance novel before looking up to see her son.

“Suiichi, you’re leaving,” she surmised, folding the page before getting up.
“Yes mother,” he replied, smiling down at her. She gave him a tight hug.
“Alright, have fun then,” Shiori brushed away a strand of hair from his face like mothers usually did. “And call me before you go to sleep tonight. I can’t sleep without your good night.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t think of leaving you sleep-deprived. Good-bye mother,” ‘Suiichi’ murmured, kissing his mother’s cheek.
“Good-bye Suiichi.”

His step-father had seen how dedicated he was to school and work (he had a small job as a tutor) and decided to get him a new car. It was a red Mustang convertible. Not sensible as his mother said but Kurama wasn’t one to say no, and especially not to a gorgeous car. Pulling out his car keys, he unlocked his vehicle and slipped inside, appreciating the leather interior before he stuck the key into the ignition and started the car. The radio’s music flowed as he shifted gears, backed out of the driveway and drove off into the sunset.

Not really…

He got onto the freeway where the traffic was bumper-to-bumper. Hiei had declined a ride to the hot springs. He would get there on his own merit, so Kurama was stuck there, grumbling under his breath as gradually, he was able to get to the spa with his sanity intact. Parking his car, he grabbed his bag and went inside the one story ivory building. Lush bushes were planted on the edges of the walls with small little flowers glittering the verdant grass. The arched doorway was smart and very presentable. Before Kurama ran into an astute pillar, he walked to the desk where he was promptly eye-raped by the assistant. Her greedy brown eyes settled on his own as he coughed politely.

“Yes,” she asked, adding a husky allure to her voice that he suspected was almost never there. The screen on her computer was in the middle of a Solitaire game.
“I’m meeting my friends, the group of Kayko Yukimura?”
“I’ll have you taken to their room.”

… … …

It was as if an explosion of clothes had happened. It wasn’t that Kayko and Botan went nuts. Yusuke, it seemed, had been fiddling around with his fingers and aimed playfully at their bag.

Well…

Yeah…

Now he was being forced to pick every piece of clothing, without help. Hiei was snickering in the background, sitting on the windowsill. And then those crimson eyes met his own emerald ones and heat enveloped the fox too quickly for words. Kurama asked Yukina if they would all get a private room.

“Yes,” she answered, torn between smiling properly at him and looking pityingly at Yusuke. “Botan made sure we did so as not to disturb each other in the morning.”
“It must have cost a fortune,” he murmured.
“Koenma was kind enough to help some with the costs.”
“Ah, I see,” Kurama glanced at Hiei.
“We’ll be here a while, you can go take advantage of the springs if you like,” Yukina offered.
“I think that would be a grand idea,” the fox said. “Where are our rooms?”
“Hiei knows, you’re sharing one since Koenma thought it would be best two to a room.”
“I’m glad Botan took to making special arrangements,” Kurama touched her shoulder briefly as Hiei got off his ass and grunted for the redhead to follow.

They both walked in companionable silence to their room which was just down the hall. Hiei parted the shoji doors open and went inside, not bothering to express any sort of greetings to one another. It was enough, to be there and not disturbed by the others. Kurama went into the bathroom to change while Hiei shifted out of his clothes. Demon or no, he was not one to stay filthy for long. To stop bathing meant creating a scent and providing an enemy a chance to find him. A slim one at best, but still a chance nonetheless. He snatched a towel from the rack and wrapped it around his waist. Kurama came out a little later wearing naught but a robe.

“Shall we,” the redhead asked.
“Hn,” Hiei replied, following his lover.

They were let through a small doorway where the steam arose and hit them full force in the face. Hiei took the initiative and slipped into the water, leaning against the warm stones and sighing. Kurama smiled lightly and did the same, only the robe was pushed on the far end so the water would not get it. It was no wonder when Hiei’s eyes strayed…

“So,” Kurama murmured, sinking down into the water a moment and breaking the surface as water trickled over his lovely face. Rusted red strands clung to his back and shoulders as he slowly buoyed himself. “How was Mukuro’s training?”
“The same every time, a pain in the ass,” Hiei snapped, glancing at the bruises on his arms. Kurama clicked his tongue sympathetically, knowing the koorime didn’t like to be coddled.
“At least you didn’t come at my doorstep bleeding,” he replied, looking amused.
“The reason I train is to get better, idiot.”
“It was a simple statement, nothing to be bitter about,” Kurama said, rolling his eyes. “The water is nice.”

He floated over to where Hiei was sitting and settled near to touch but not enough for the others to get any idea that they were lovers. It wasn’t that they didn’t know, because they kind of guessed but bedroom matters were best left there. Kurama’s hand grazed Hiei’s thigh a moment before he smiled naughtily and sat upwards to plant a kiss on the koorime’s scowling mouth.

“I missed your presence,” the fox told him.
“Hn.”

It wasn’t long before the others joined the couple. Yusuke was sulking, watching the girls go off to their own hot springs. Kuwabara shoved the toushin into the water without a care and grinned proudly as Yusuke sputtered up in shock and glared at his long time friend.

“Kuwabara, you asshole!”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all before,” the carrot-top chuckled, sinking into the water. For all their playful banter, Kuwabara had matured quite a bit. At the moment, without Hiei’s knowing of course, he was courting Yukina. He still didn’t know about the connection.
“If I wasn’t so tired from folding clothes, I’d kill you,” Yusuke scowled, shaking out his head. The gel was gone and hair was now loose all over his forehead.
“You were off guard, don’t expect this idiot to simply ignore the chances you give him,” Hiei muttered, splashing water on his face.
“Yeah well, you want some floaties or something so you don’t drown,” Yusuke asked sullenly, baiting the koorime.
“Yusuke,” Kurama murmured, his tone warning.
“Fine, fine, whatever, you’re the one whose-”
“Urameshi, stop,” Kuwabara punched his friend in the head. It was obvious that he was going to say something offensive in his moment of anger.
“So you lost control over your Spirit Gun,” Kurama asked, trying to start up a conversation over the awkward silence.
“Well, I was just trying to shoot the bag off the bed, not make it go boom. I just don’t know my own strength is all.”
“Hmm, you might want to go to the Makai and get it checked out.”
“It’s no big deal,” Yusuke waved it off dismissively. “So, how are you two?”
“What do you mean,” Kurama asked, looking calm.
“Come, fox-boy. I may be human, but I’m not stupid.”

Silence…

“Well, maybe not that stupid,” Yusuke shrugged.
“We’re fine, thank you for the concern,” Kurama replied, smiling lightly.
“I always thought you guys you were going to get together,” Kuwabara confessed. All three of them stared. “What?”
“Well…”
“What? Did you think I was a homophobe or somethin’?”
“I hoped not,” the fox murmured, hiding partially behind a rock. He was naked after all.
“Nah, you guys are fine with me, just don’t hit on me, alright?”
“Not if had to become human,” Hiei stated bluntly. He was well received with a large splash of water from Kuwabara’s end.

So Hiei heated the water at his end to an almost unbearable level that had him jumping out of the springs in pain with Yusuke trailing behind him in laughter. Kurama turned to the smirking koorime and raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t start, fox. He deserved it.”
“How, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I mind.”
“Hiei…”

…

Kurama donned his robe without complaint a little later after he had glared at the koorime for a few minutes, bathed so very slowly and got out without another word. He wasn’t mad at the fire demon, he was just teasing. The others had already changed and were dining so it was best to join them soon before they got the wrong idea. Hiei’s stare practically branded his back. Kurama peaked behind him with a sensual smile.

“Hiei, we’re due for dinner.”
“Don’t rush me,” he snapped, leaning against the rocks. The rush of hot water over the stones was the only sound that was heard at that point.
“Fine, I’ll save you some food,” Kurama replied quietly.

It was then, that Hiei realized that he was being too harsh with the fox. In the company of their companions, he returned to his brooding ways which had more or less disappeared when with his lover. But it was hard not to fall back to his old ways. Hiei groaned, shaking his head in dismay. What he wouldn’t give to have a normal demon mate, one that wouldn’t care too much about the niceties. Yet… Kurama was the one he loved, no matter how hard he tried to deny it. Bleh…

“Damn humans and their corrupting ways,” Hiei stomped out of the springs, the water literally evaporating off his skin. “Sensui was right in killing off the lot of them…”

…

Kurama didn’t bother with anything remotely clingy or tight. It was a spa after all, and he had enough with giving the pretense of being a “hot, sexy beast”. Not that he wasn’t because you’d have to be blind not to agree but he didn’t want to bother with anything. He had brought a pair of sweats to wear to bed so he donned those and a tank top. A dry robe went over that and when he went to dinner with the others, he was glad he wasn’t the only who was being lazy. Yusuke hadn’t even bothered with a shirt. He tossed a saucy grin Kurama’s way before flopping an arm around Kayko. She shoved him away and continued eating and ignoring him with years of practice.

“So, where’s Hiei? Did Kuwabara’s naked ass scare him away?”
“I believe he might still be soaking. And I doubt that he was watching Kuwabara running away. He was more focused on making the water around him boil.”
“I never saw him run so fast.”
“Nor I,” Kurama chuckled, chewing on some eel. “Where is he? And Yukina?”
“The lovebirds are out somewhere,” Yusuke snickered. “I think by the beach.”

Dinner went amicably enough, even with two of the party absent and Kayko ignoring Yusuke. It wasn’t long before she reluctantly forgave him and all were spared the yelling that was sure to follow. Botan merrily suggested that the girls go get a facial and managed to drag Yusuke as punishment for being such a jerk. And leaving Kurama alone. So he finished eating and got up, thinking of looking for Hiei and see if he’d like to spar for a little while. The land was isolated enough for them to fight properly. He was too caught up in his thoughts to notice the voices just beyond the doorway.

“… Yukina… I was… I mean…”
“What is it, Kazuma? Are you ill? Genkai has taught me lots of medical remedies-”
“No, it’s something different. I… I…”
“Is this about your mating customs? Marriage?”
“Did Urameshi tell you?”
“No, but Kayko mentioned something about it.”
“Then I guess there’s no point in asking you to marry me… I’ll leave you alone…”
“No… Kazuma…”

“Kurama.”

The redhead turned around in pallid shock. The koorime was looking up at the fox passively. He had not heard the voices either but as Kurama turned around, she saw the two locked in a passionate kiss. Something Hiei really didn’t need to see. Ever. So, self-sacrificing as the fox is, he sighed and glared at the koorime.

“I’m so tired of being treated like the worse half, Hiei! If you can’t act a little nicer, I don’t know what I’ll do. Why can’t you be more romantic?”
“The hell? Fox, what is wrong with you?”
“You,” Kurama said dramatically before stomping his foot and warning the kissing couple. Both of them rushed out before they were seen and Hiei was staring at the redhead in disbelief.
“Have you been smelling things under the sink like Yusuke,” he asked bluntly.
“To think that you would even assume that,” Kurama cried outraged and walked off.
“What?”

A pause.

“What?!”

…

Kurama sighed.

The evening went passively well, with the others getting along and nothing being lit on fire or anything broken. Yusuke was actually behaving, nipping at his girlfriend’s neck and drawing little giggles from her. It was a bit too close to home for Kurama and he excused himself. The fox didn’t dare go into their room. Doubtless if Hiei was there, a scene would a occur and someone would end up getting hurt. And he was not up to wrapping Hiei up in a bunch of his vines.
So he took to the beach, walking down on the wet sands and leaving footprints. The frothy waves slowly his temporary marks. The sun was setting, leaving bloody rays on the water as it glistened pristinely. He took a seat on some dry patch of sand and watched the ocean absently. Saving Kuwabara had not helped in the relationship department. Hiei was not a very affectionate demon… but he was appreciative. But now, he had effectively destroyed any semblance of balance between them. Kurama let the wind play havoc with his hair. The sea breeze managed to calm his strained nerves. He didn’t hear anyone approach until it was too late and he was tasting sand.

“Hi-mmmmphh!”

When he was let up, there was a thick layer of sand on his face, grains stuck between his ivory teeth. His hair was messy and he spat out a small seashell. Green eyes flaming to life, he was about to knock some sense into whoever did that when he was faced with his beloved’s heated crimson orbs.

“Hiei,” Kurama said, turning a moment to spit up a bit of sand. “What is wrong with you?!”
“For what it’s worth, you deserved it.”
“I deserve getting shoved face first in the sand? Are you out of your mind,” the fox asked exasperatedly.
“No, you’re an idiot. What kind of nonsense, ‘romance’? You’re a demon, grow some-”
“You don’t have to be so crude,” Kurama cut him off sharply. The sand around his face didn’t exactly enforce it though. “And I don’t think I have to remind you of me being Youko’s reincarnation.”
“Hn.”
“Hiei, I…”

The koorime looked at him directly, eyes straying to the small grazes that the sand had caused on the fox’s face. He had not meant to be so rough but at least Kurama had learned his lesson. The fox stared back at him tentatively.

“What is it? Are you babbling?”
“No, I just wanted to apologize for being so hysterical… I just…”
“I know about Yukina and that idiot,” Hiei replied shortly, leaving the eloquent fox speechless. “I’m not blind. I have three eyes.”
“Oh… right…”
“Hn, if he hurts her, no one will find his body. Before her last tear gem falls, he will be tasting my sword and flesh will be torn from his bones.”
“Very… thorough,” Kurama said dryly. He recovered somewhat but he was still a bit pale.
“So you didn’t mean those things,” Hiei asked.
“No, not really. I was just trying to distract you,” the fox smiled.
“Hn, good.”

It was then that Kurama noticed a nervous twitch of his lover’s hand. The fox looked at Hiei closely and saw that his eyes were averting his own, looking out at the sea and was impatient about doing something.

“Hiei? What’s wrong? You’re acting like a corner rabbit.”
“Yusuke said…”
“What did he say now,” Kurama sighed, shaking his head.
“…”

The only sounds that were heard were the roaring motions of the ocean. Hiei was still standing, shuffling around behind the fox. Kurama didn’t want to push him any further than he already had. Twin hands came and held his shoulders softly, thumbs kneading the muscles with patience. The next thing that came out of the koorime’s lips shocked the fox to no end.

“Severed limbs and blood,
Rotting corpses in the ground,
If they taste your lips…”

It was a haiku…

“Hiei… that was beautiful…”
“Shut up and don’t you ever speak of this again,” Hiei lowered his lips and kissed the fox senselessly until they were both lying on the sand. Now that was romance…