Dark Embrace

By Silver Shuriken

Kurama slumped on his bed, emerald eyes going blank for once. He was tired, very tired. The kitsune rolled to his side and closed his eyes wearily, his heart was beating painfully against his chest. He was rejected again. Hiei had finally turned down his love. The fire demon had told him that he could never give his love in return for the pleasures of the flesh he and the recalcitrant fire demon had been having for a long time. Hiei had confronted him and told him he could only consider the redhead his best friend and probably occasional lover, but nothing more. And he Kurama, the once heartless youko had hurt a lot from that revelation.

It had been two months since his last meeting with Hiei and they had made love furiously, each one clutching to the other one last time. Kurama thought that he would get over the fire demon easily. If Hiei could forget him swiftly, so could he. But here he was, utterly miserable, feeling that painful rejection all over again. Why was it so hard to forget Hiei?

The fox stood up finally. The moon was already casting its shadow on his room. The redhead slowly undressed intending to take a shower when he felt it. The youko turned swiftly and gazed at his dark room.

"Show yourself!" Kurama hissed softly but dangerously. He was glad not for the first time that he had transferred to this apartment. Better for his kaasan to be safe from unexpected enemies.

"Kurama..." A voice purred behind the redhead. Kurama felt warm slender hands enveloped his waist, drawing him against a solid chest.

"Ka-Karasu!" The redhead gasped, trembling slightly as the cloak figure sucked on his right ear.

"I'm back my redhead. I've been waiting to do this to you for a long time." The youkai said, beginning to nibble hungrily on Kurama's slender neck. Kurama pushed him aside roughly.

"NO! How dare you come here and... not after what you did to me!" Kurama stopped. He was trembling badly. Karasu held up his hands.

"Let me explain. After the makai tournament, after you had me devoured by a blood sucking plant, my soul went into a limbo. I didn't know where to go. Nothing and nobody came to guide or tell me where to go. I used my ki to slowly heal my bloodless body and here I am."

"You expect me to believe that crap?" Kurama said angrily and took out his rose whip. Karasu merely smiled at the redhead.

"No, I don't expect anything from you. You're right. I deserved to die over and over again for what I did to you." Kurama gazed uncertainly at the youkai. This was not what he expected from Karasu.

"What do you want Karasu? Why are you here?"

"I want--you. I've come for you." Karasu said gently as if expecting Kurama to lash at him with his whip. The youko laughed bitterly.

"Inari help me! What is this, some kind of trick? How can you say that?" Kurama glared at Karasu. "Is this some kind of a sick joke?" Kurama demanded angrily. Karasu sighed wearily.

"Look you don't need to be afraid of me. I've lost all my powers in the process of healing my body. I'm just an ordinary human." Karasu stood up and much to the fox's surprise, kneeled before the redhead. "I admit to all the pain I've caused you in the past, but now that I have another chance at life, I want to make it up to you. I-I love you, Kurama. Ca you at least believe that?" Karasu implored the redhead.

Kurama's breath stopped. This was just a dream, a very weird dream. The youko felt stump. Somehow he knew that Karasu was telling the truth and he couldn't feel any youki on him. He glanced down at serene violet eyes, hungrily memorizing his features and sighed. He needed to investigate Karasu's case further.The redhead stood up.

"Come with me."

"To where?" The youkai/human asked.

"To Koenma" The youko said and led Karasu out of his apartment.

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"Hmm." Koenma studied the violet-eyed youkai who was standing near to the redhead and scratched his head. The little demigod turned to Kurama.

"All the tests showed that he had certainly no energy left to create bombs of any sort. Hi ki is equal to that of an ordinary human. Yes, he is merely ningen now."
"So, he's telling the truth." Kurama said thoughtfully.
"Well, Karasu. You're ningen now. That means you are under my jurisdiction from this day on. Please behave yourself." Koenma glared at Karasu, sucking at his fukumen furiously.
"I intend to." Karasu said softly and gazed expectantly at Kurama who avoided the violet gaze.
"Umm, Koenma, can I have a moment, dozo?" The redhead said.
"Sure thing." The demigod said.
"Please wait here." Kurama instructed a seemingly lost Karasu.

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"All right, what's bothering you, Kurama?" Koenma asked as he sat on his chair.
"Karasu... what am I supposed to do with him?"
"Kurama, he's not your responsibility."
"I know, but... just look at him Koenma. He doesn't know anything about ningen ways much less about being human. We've got to help him."
"Well, I just can't let Yuusuke take him on. He'll probably beat Karasu to a pulp." Koenma said, snickering at the thought. Kurama glared at the toddler.
"Hey, I'm serious here, we've got to help him." Kurama said as Koenma shook his head.
"You and your golden heart, Kurama. Okay, I'll think of something." The demigod said. "In the meantime, could you take him in?"

"O-okay." The redhead said a little hesitantly.

Karasu was in love with him and he was in a vulnerable period in his life. Now that Karasu had taken a big turn from being an evil youkai into a gentle human, Kurama was afraid he would fall for Karasu. It was all too easy. Koenma looked at Kurama thoughtfully. He knew that Hiei and Kurama had something going on between them in the past, but now the fire demon was constantly in the makai.

"What a great loss." The demigod muttered. Kurama turned to Koenma questioningly.
"Excuse me?"
"Erm, nothing. Just thinking that's all." Koenma laughed nervously.
"I need to go now. Thanks Koenma."
"Anytime, Kurama, anytime." Koenma said cheerfully. When the redhead was gone, he sighed. He was feeling sad for Kurama, knew the pain the youko was hiding in a facade of cheerful, exquisite face. He sighed again. Thank goodness he had Botan for himself.

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Kurama assigned Karasu to a room next to his and gave Karasu a change of clothing.

"Tomorrow, we will go and buy you more clothes. You just can't walk around wearing a cloak."
"Well, I forgot about that. This is all too weird." Karasu said as Kurama laughed at his confused expression.
"You'll get used to it. Trust me, I've been there before." Smiling beatifically, the youko turned to go when the youkai/human called him back softly.

"Kurama, can--can I kiss you goodnight?" Karasu asked uncertainly. Kurama gasped as a touching feeling rose within his chest. Oh, Inari... those worshipping violet eyes. How long could he resist Karasu? How long before he fell willingly into his arms?

"Y-yes you may." The redhead acquiesced. He watched in a trance as Karasu came to stand very close to him and touched his cheek softly.
"You are so beautiful." Karasu murmured on Kurama's slightly parted lips before locking his lips to his.

Kurama felt an urge to be taken rise from his groin to his chest, making his heart beat faster as he felt Karasu's tongue questing inside his mouth, tasting him.

"Ku-Kurama." Karasu whispered hoarsely, nipping at Kurama's creamy neck. The redhead arched his back, hands entangled in Karasu's silky black tresses. Kurama was floating in a mist of desire. He couldn't think anymore. His whole body was in lethargy.

"Kurama!" A voice suddenly rang out from across the room. Both Karasu and Kurama hastily separated as the light was switched on.
"Hiei!" Kurama wished the ground would swallow him then and there. Hiei had seen him and Karasu kissing and in his own apartment too!
"Stay away from him, Kurama! Hiei growled and pulled the redhead toward him.
"H-Hiei..." Kurama began, wondering how he would explain to the fire demon about Karasu's condition.

"Did he hurt you?" Hiei asked the redhead anxiously who just gaped at him. "Dammit! Answer me, did he hurt you?" Hiei growled.
"No, Hiei, he's..."
"I'm going to kill you!" Hiei said dangerously to a bewildered Karasu.
"No, Hiei, don't!" Kurama said, holding fast to the fire demon.
"What's with you? Has he hypnotize you or something?" The fire demon asked angrily, pushing Kurama's hands away.

"Hiei I said don't!" Kurama shouted as vines suddenly immobilized the fire youkai.
"Ku-ra-ma untie me NOW!" Hiei hissed.
"Not until I've explained everything to you."
"You'll be dead by then!"
"That's what I intend to explain to you." The redhead glared at the youkai, then he self-consciously turned back to Karasu who smiled at him apologetically.

"It's all my fault, ne?"

Hiei glared at him murderously.

"Hiei, Karasu is not youkai anymore. He's completely human." The redhead said clearly at Hiei's disbelieving look.
"And I mean no harm to Kurama." Karasu offered.
"You son of a bitch! You think you can fool me?" Hiei growled angrily, struggling from the vines. "Kurama, untie me now!" The fire demon ordered.

Kurama covered his face in frustration. He had forgotten just how stubborn a youkai Hiei was. Hiei will never believe Karasu's complete transformation. The redhead finally made a decision, grabbing the fire demon bodily, he opened the door, completely ignoring Hiei's indignant outburst.

"Oi, stupid fox put me down!"
"Umm, Karasu goodnight." The redhead said, blushing at Hiei's abusive language. The redhead hastily closed the door to Karasu's room, one hand clamped on the fire demon's mouth.

"Ouch! H-i-e-i!" Kurama exclaimed angrily.
"Hn! Serves you right! Untie me now and put me down this instant!"
"Continue with that attitude and I'll feed you to a makai plant!"

The youko said exasperatedly and damped the fire demon unceremoniously on his bed and stood near the window.

"Hn!" The fire demon snorted as the vines disentangled from his arms and legs. Hiei flexed his muscles and stared at the redhead who just glared back at him.

"Why is he..."
"Why are you..." Kurama sighed.
"I told you already, Karasu has completely transformed into a defenseless human. He's change, Hiei. He does not intend to kill me anymore."
"Baka! How can you be so sure?"
"But, I changed, didn't I?"
"Kurama, I thought you were so much brighter than this. You changed because of Shiori's influence on you. Karasu is an evil, maniacal, sadistic, son of a ..."
"Okay, no need to use foul language."
"Baka!"
"So what?" Kurama asked angrily.
"So what? So we get rid of him!" Kurama frowned.

"No, Hiei. Karasu hadn't even made a false move since he got here and frankly..." The fox faltered a little at Hiei's belligerent gaze. "He's very attractive." Kurama finished, emerald eyes challenging ruby ones.

"So that's it! That explains why I saw you kissing with Karasu!"
"We--I just got carried away." Kurama defended himself. Hiei flitted next to the redhead and grabbed a sidelock.
"You got carried away and you just let a strange youkai take you? Shit Kurama!"
"It's not what you think it is..." Kurama began.
"Like hell it isn't! I know you kitsune, I know you too damn well!" Hiei ground out.
"Hiei, I can take care of myself." Kurama said quietly and sat on his bed.

"I still don't believe that he's changed." Hiei said stubbornly. Kurama stared at Hiei for a while longer before he got up and opened the bedroom window. He didn't want Hiei to worry about him. He didn't need the fire demon's concern. He wanted Hiei's love.

"Hiei, please go now. Go back to the makai. I can take care of myself."
"Kurama..."
"Hiei, please go now!" The kitsune said in a quiet clear voice. The fire demon cursed under his breath and left the room in a huff.

Kurama turned his back against the window, trying his best to compose his himself. The redhead lay on his bed, shivering. The air had suddenly gone very cold.

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For the next few days, Kurama gave Karasu a crash course on ningenkai ways.

"I never knew ningens can be this amazing." Karasu had an incredulous look on his face. Kurama chuckled.

"I'm glad you find it so!" The redhead smiled. Karasu's violet eyes settled on his face. Kurama's hands began to sweat. Karasu was always like this. He had that amorous hunger on his violet eyes that made the redhead quiver inside. He was trying his very best to repress his primal urges. He was a centuries old youko and old habits died hard. He'd been so lonely and his unrequited love for the fire demon was turning that hunger into desperate longing. He needed love so very much. The redhead's body visibly shook as Karasu lifted a hand to touch his lips.

"Ku-Kurama..." A feverish longing coursed through the youko's veins. His logic took a back seat and his primal urges surfaced.
"Karasu, let me introduce you to a hotel."

Warning:

This particular chapter contains graphic male/male sexual scenes. AND it's between Kurama and Karasu, so please, if you changed your mind about requesting this page, I strongly advise you to delete this page if you're feeling very uncomfortable.

Kurama hurriedly booked a single room at a small, secluded hotel. He needed to act fast before his common sense returned. The redhead's hands were trembling as he inserted the key to the room he would share with Karasu.

Karasu locked lips with him even as he fumbled with the door lock. The air had suddenly become very hot. Karasu was kissing and sucking the kitsune's creamy neck, while the latter fumbled with the buttons of his shirt. Karasu hissed in pure pleasure as Kurama's bare chest and back was revealed to him.

He was... breathtakingly perfect! The compact chest was lean with no trace of excess fat. Karasu touched the soft, creamy skin and he was on fire. The youkai/human sucked the youko's left pink nipple.

"Ka-Karasu..." Kurama's elegant hands snake out to hold Karasu's hair, moaning with pleasure as the youkai/human divested him of his trousers and underwear.

"Aaaaah!" Kurama threw his head back as Karasu took his burgeoning member in his rough hands. Kurama pushed the youkai's head against him as his member was sucked greedily.

"Aaah... aaahn Karasu." Kurama gasped. Karasu was sucking him vigorously. The youkai's right hand squeezing the tender butt cheeks, pushing the youko deeper against his mouth. Kurama gasped when he felt his opening being penetrated by a finger, pushing in and out, then a second and a third finger followed. The youko moaned, throwing his head back as the fingers brushed vigorously against an erogenous lump.

"Aaaaaah!" He screamed. Karasu's sucking mouth and penetrating fingers made him come. The redhead collapsed against Karasu. The black youkai/human kissed Kurama on the mouth and laid him gently on the carpet. Then he was unzipping his own pants.

Kurama looked up as Karasu brushed his erect member against his mouth. The youko smiled and kissed the tip, licking at the pearl drop of liquid oozing out from the organ and savoring it with his tongue.

"I love your taste, Karasu." Kurama said throatily. Karasu groaned and pushed himself inside the hot cavern. The redhead grinned and nibbled the slick member, sucking it as Karasu pushed and pulled.

"Aaaah, aaaah, Kurama! Yes, sweet fox bite me!"
"Oooh!" Karasu growled as the redhead bit him playfully. Karasu pulled his very wet member off the redhead, chuckling as Kurama licked his lips, catching a trickle of semen on his chin.

"Karasu I want to drink you."
"No, I want to be inside of you." Kurama suddenly swooped down on his member and licked a drop of semen.
"Kurama, if you don't behave yourself, I'm going to stab you." Karasu said as he positioned his tip on Kurama's opening. Karasu slowly pushed himself inside the redhead.

"Aaaahn!" Kurama panted. Karasu's hands were squeezing and pumping the kitsune's member. Kurama opened his thighs wider, allowing Karasu to penetrate and sheathe himself completely inside the redhead.

"AAAH!"
"Ku-Kurama!" Karasu moaned. He had dreamed of this moment for a long time and now he was inside the redhead. The youkai/human slowly pumped his hip and moved faster as Kurama pushed against him.

"Faster, Karasu! Aaah!" Kurama screamed as the lump was pricked again and again. The redhead was beginning to swim with pleasure. Kurama's body trembled and jerked as his seed spurted out. Karasu bent to drink him still riding the redhead fast. Karasu held fast to Kurama as a blinding and piercing pleasure overwhelmed him. The youkai/human screamed, penetrating Kurama deeply one last time. Kurama sighed as he felt satisfying warmth inside his hole. Karasu was still inside of him, his member jerking the last drop of his seed.

"AAAAH!" Karasu collapsed on top of Kurama. His sweat-slicked body curved around the youko possessively. The youkai's face was very serene. He purred against the redhead's scented neck.

"Hmmmm." Karasu breathed deeply and kissed the perfumed neck. Kurama shivered at the contact and closed his eyes.
"Kurama?"
"Hmmm?"
"Can we do that again?" Karasu whispered and sucked at his skin.
"Next time, I'll be on top." Kurama replied.

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Hiei glared at Yuusuke, Kuwabara, Koenma and Botan. They had been waiting for Kurama to show up, but fifteen minutes had passed and still no Kurama. Hiei began to worry. What if Karasu had done something to Kurama?

"Oh good! He's here!" Yuusuke sighed in relief. Kurama came with an apologetic expression on his face.

"Gomen. I got caught up with something."

"Yeah?" Yuusuke asked."Is it really Karasu?" Kuwabara breathed deeply, unbelieving. Kurama reddened.

Hiei's eyes widened as he sniffed the air. There was something strange with the fox's scent. The ruby eyes glinted dangerously. Botan fanned herself.

"Hey, is the room getting hot?" Kuwabara glared at the fire demon. "Hey shrimp! Have you done something to the air?" He smiled and tapped the little youkai's back playfully."AW!" Kuwabara snatched his hand back. "Hiei, you're burning up!" Kuwabara accused just as Hiei collapsed on Koenma's floor.

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The fire demon opened his eyes slowly and encountered Yukina's concerned eyes on him."Hiei-san, feeling better now?" The ice maiden asked concernedly.

Hiei frowned and closed his eyes. Kurama... was it possible? Kurama and Karasu? How could he when he knew that Karasu... The fire demon stifled a sob of anger and piercing pain. He had driven the fox away and now he had found solace in Karasu's arms. That damn crow! He still would not trust him with Kurama, but if something had happened between them... Hiei sighed and started to get up.

"You're all right now, Hiei-san?" Yukina asked anxiously.The door opened and Kuwabara, Yuusuke, and Kurama entered the room.

"Oi, Hiei, are you feeling better now?" Yuusuke asked. Kurama frowned at Hiei before he went nearer and kneeled before the sitting fire demon.

"Hiei..."A resounding slap startled everyone.
"HIEI!" Yuusuke shouted and immediately grabbed the fire demon's rough hands.
Kurama was thrown against the floor at the strength of Hiei's slap. The tender mouth was bleeding. Kurama quietly wiped away the blood off his mouth and faced Hiei with serious dark green eyes.

"Yuusuke, could you please leave the two of us alone?" Kurama whispered in a quiet calculating voice.

"Demo..."
"Now, please Yuusuke." Kurama hissed softly.

Yuusuke hesitantly led a bewildered Yukina and an open-mouthed Kuwabara out of the room. Kurama sat in a more comfortable position in front of the fire youkai.

"Now Hiei, I want to know why you are mad at me." Kurama said slowly. Hiei growled, clenching his fists angrily.

"YOU STUPID FOX! I told you to stay away from Karasu and what did you do? You let him fucked you!"

"Watch your language Hiei."
"DAMN YOU! Why did you do it?"
"And what is it to you?!" Kurama almost shouted silencing the startled fire demon. "Hiei, you're not my keeper! If I sleep with anyone I like that's my business! You have no right to interfere!" Hiei's body began to heat up and Kurama felt it.

"FINE! Do what you want to do! I won't care if you fuck Karasu or anyone else! I don't care! I'm just warning you, Kurama, if Karasu is just faking, he's going to kill you especially now that he's had you!" Kurama paled and frowned at Hiei.

"Hiei..."But Hiei pushed the youko away from him.

"Don't touch me! Don't ever touch me! You're filthy!" Kurama cringed at the look of utter hatred and disgust his best friend gave him. The redhead quivered emerald eyes very wide.

"Hiei..."Hiei gave him one last disgusted look before he flitted away. Kurama felt something wet on his hands and stared in surprise at the tears falling from his eyes.

"Why do I hurt so much? You're just a forbidden child, Hiei!" You are nothing!" The youko slowly stood up and checked more tears from falling.

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"Kurama..." Karasu embraced the redhead and nuzzled his rose-scented nape. He missed his redhead so much. The youkai/human's hands slowly unbuttoned the youko's shirt. Kurama stilled them."Hmm? Don't you want it, baby?" Karasu licked a creamy, rosy cheek greedily.

"I-I'm tired." Kurama said softly and sat on his bed, head bent.

"What is it? Problems at work?" The raven-haired youkai/human sat down next to the quiet redhead. "Kurama?" Karasu nibbled at the redhead's neck. He couldn't help himself!

"Karasu, stop it!" Kurama snarled and stood up in a huff, glaring at him.
"What is it? You weren't this cold yesterday." Karasu said in a pained voice.Kurama sighed and covered his face with his hands.

"I'm just very tired, Karasu. I really need some sleep."Karasu gently brushed the red hair and kissed the youko's forehead, but there was a gleam on his violet eyes.

"I understand. I'm sorry for pushing you."

"Karasu... It's all right." Kurama felt guilty and raised sad emerald eyes to Karasu's violet ones.
"Why do you look so sad?" Karasu frowned at the redhead.Kurama gave him a wet smile.

"It's nothing. I just get like this after... after a hard day's work." The youko breathed deeply.

"Then I'll leave you to get your rest." The raven-haired youkai/human stood up and walked toward the door.

"Karasu..." Kurama called back. "Thank you." The redhead said and closed his eyes. Karasu smiled at him and closed the door. The youkai/human stood outside the fox's room thinking deeply before he went to his own room. Karasu stared at his reflection unseeingly. Something had changed. He could feel it. Kurama was distancing himself from him. The youkai/human frowned. He wouldn't let anything or anyone get between him and his fox. He would kill for the redhead and he would kill Kurama before anyone else could have him. Karasu staggered as a piercing pain coursed through his whole body. The youkai/human let out a voiceless scream as he saw himself burning up. Hot, painful energy hit his whole body before he fell on the floor unconscious.

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Kurama opened his emerald eyes and stared hazily at his dark room. He felt a youki hovering near him. The youko sat up and almost yelped as Karasu suddenly sat in front of him."Karasu! You scared me!' Kurama wiped the last remnants of sleep from his eyes.Karasu smiled at him sensuously. A hand reached out to grasp the redhead's neck in a caressing gesture."Did I really scare you?" Karasu grinned and kissed the redhead hard on the lips. The kiss was very thorough and rough. It was so unlike Karasu. Kurama grasped Karasu's shoulders. He almost couldn't breathe and Karasu was not releasing him. The hand on his nape tightened. Kurama's eyes widened confusedly and gasped as Karasu bit his lips, drinking the blood hungrily. Kurama stared in shock at Karasu's glowing violet eyes. The youkai was licking his lips in satisfaction.

"Aren't you going to welcome me back, my redhead?" Karasu purred before his hand signaled a bomb to explode on the redhead's legs. "Aaah!" Kurama slumped back on the bed. The redhead lost consciousness. Karasu smiled and lifted the youko off the bed.

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Kurama woke up to find himself chained and warded. The youko's heart started to beat wildly. Karasu was back! He didn't know what happened, but Hiei was right after all. He stared down at his bleeding limbs and pondered his painful, bruised lips. The redhead stared unseeingly into space, thinking furiously of a plan to get himself out of the predicament. He knew that Karasu was going to kill him. Somehow he had to think of something to fight back against the youkai.

"So, you're awake, koibito." Karasu sauntered over to the redhead and knelt before him. Kyrama's body started to tremble. He recalled very moment of that bloody encounter with Karasu during the Black Martial Arts Tournament as he stared at the familiar maniacal gleam of the youkai's eyes. Why didn't he listen to Hiei?

"Karasu, unchain me now." Kurama spoke quietly. Karasu merely took off his cloak and discarded it. He smiled at Kurama's wide emerald eyes and slowly unbuttoned his shirt.

"Let's have some fun first." Karasu drawled. Kurama's heart pounded heavily against his chest. Karasu reached out and tore his pajama top.
"Karasu! What kind of game are you playing?" Kurama demanded and struggled against the chain.
"Game? This is no game! You're mine forever! No one else can have you!" Karasu growled. Kurama watched helplessly as Karasu created a bomb the same size as his thumb and exploded it on the redhead's chest. Kurama closed his eyes, enduring the pain. He would not let Karasu have the satisfaction of seeing him cry out in pain. He jerked as a cold, velvety touch settled on the painful wound on his chest. The redhead tried not to faint with revulsion when Karasu lapped and sucked at his wound. "Don't let me rape you, Kurama. Enjoy it like you used to." The raven-haired youkai created another bomb. Kurama closed his eyes and prayed to Inari that he could get passed the ordeal.

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Koenma was reading various reports on comings and goings of the ningenkai when a particular report had him sputtering. The demigod quickly pressed his intercom."Get Botan here fast!"

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"WHAT! You mean to tell me that Karasu has changed back into his youkai form? How did this happen?" Yuusuke demanded, clenching his fists. Beside him, Kuwabara had a deadly serious face.

"I don't know how! But he passed all the tests. He was really ningen then, but something happened and gods Kurama is in big trouble!" Koenma sucked his fukumen.Yuusuke growled under his breath.
"We better check out Kurama fast!" Kuwabara said concernedly.
"I already did that." Koenma said reluctantly and switched on his television monitor. "We had these shots taken from Kurama's room."Yuusuke and Kuwabara gasped. Blood! There was blood everywhere!
"And this is why you must find Kurama and Karasu at once!"

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Hiei ran as fast as he could. Where was Kurama? "Fox, talk to me, link with me..." Hiei whispered and closed his eyes, sending a mental link to the redhead.

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"H-Hiei..." Kurama gasped out, blinking back watery emerald eyes as Karasu pushed against him roughly. "H-Hiei..." Karasu exploded another minute bomb near the redhead's mouth.

"I don't want you saying another name but mine!" The youkai growled and moved his hip more roughly against the youko. Kurama let out a voiceless gasp. Karsu was using his body forcefully. The pain from the wounds caused by the tiny bombs were almost enough to kill his spirit, but he had to live. He had to! He bit his bruised lips as the youkai penetrated him very deeply before collapsing on top of him. Karasu drew out a harsh breath and bit the kitsune's right ear."Kurama, you are so gorgeous!" Karasu panted.Kurama did not answer. He had lost consciousness once again.

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Hiei stopped running. His mental link with Kurama had stilled."DAMN IT!" The fire demon snarled and tore the bandanna off his jagan. He let out a satisfied hissing sound when he found his prey."I'm gonna kill you, Karasu! I'm gonna make you pay!"

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Kurama opened his eyes when he felt the sting on his left and right shoulders. He stared blankly at Karasu's evil grin."Awake now? I knew that would do the trick." Karasu called back some small ground bombs near the redhead's neck.

"Why don't you kill me now, Karasu?" Kurama's voice came in a soft whisper. "You've had my body and you have me completely at your mercy. What else do you want?"
"I want your soul, youko! I want it with me forever! I want to bind you to me so that no one else can have you!" Karasu said, a possessive gleam appeared on his violet eyes.Kurama attempted to sit up, grimacing at the pain all over his naked body. H e settled to staring defiantly at the youkai.

"You can have my body and do whatever you want with it, but you can never have my soul!" Karasu snarled at him and bombs suddenly appeared to surround the redhead.
"You will die you know and I can be satisfied with the knowledge that I made you mine in the last few minutes of your life!"
"Not if I can help it!" Kurama's emerald eyes began to glow. The red hair began to grow longer, silver strands replacing the crimson tresses and furry ears appeared on the silver head. Karasu stepped back as the slender body of the redhead was replaced by the more muscular, taller built of the silver youko. Youko Kurama stared down at his bloodstained clothing and gazed back coldly at Karasu.

"I will make you pay for what you did to my human body, you repugnant crow!" The youko snapped and threw the wards on the air. "You think you can stop me with those puny wards?" The silver youko smiled coldly and took out a handful of seeds from his hair. He calmly flicked them at Karasu before the youkai could avoid them. Karasu screamed as giant makai plants suddenly sprang out and ripped his body into shreds, their acidulated saliva dissolving the torn body parts. Kurama came out of the cave slowly, adjusting his golden eyes to the bright makai sunlight.

"Kurama!" Hiei stared at the bleeding youko. Kurama smiled at him wearily.

"H-Hiei..." The youko gritted his teeth. His proud nature did not want to show any weakness.

"Ku-Kurama..." Hiei's eyes began to burn as he stared at the cave. "Where is Karasu?" The fire youkai growled.

"He's dead... for good!" Kurama said slowly. He was feeling very weak, but tried his best to appear calm and normal beside the concerned fire youkai.

"Ku-kurama, are you all right?" Hiei stared closely at the silver youko. Kurama was sweating profusely. The youko's diaphanous clothing stuck to his skin. The fire demon attempted to help the redhead, but Kurama pushed him away.
"Hiei, I can walk by myself." Kurama said quietly and stopped as a jarring movement sent a piercing pain through his whole body. "Can we rest?" Kurama said slowly. Hiei just snorted and watched as Kurama very gently settled his body to the ground. Hiei stared at the youko. Kurama glared at him blearily.

"What are you looking at?" He growled.Hiei's eyebrows rose.
"Stupid fox! What are you so sensitive about?" The fire demon snorted. Kurama just sighed and settled on the ground, closing his weary golden eyes. The youko concentrated furiously on healing his human body before he could transform back. He didn't want Hiei to know that he had failed in fighting back Karasu's unwanted advances. The youko sighed, feeling the lethargy enveloping his whole body.

Unbeknownst to him, Hiei was watching him very closely, the ruby eyes were very intense and very angry. The small hands clenched tightly. Hiei knew that Karasu had made Kurama suffer but he wasn't sure exactly how, and Kurama was doing his darn best to hide his injuries from him. He knew that the youko was channeling his healing ki as fast as he could on his ningen body, but the fire demon could see that the youko aspect was weak too. Sooner or later the youko's ki would be depleted and the healing process would stop and then the truth would be revealed. Hiei waited it out. But he watched the youko's condition very closely.

The fire youkai leaned against a rock and sighed. It was his fault. If he had allowed himself to open up with the youko before, Kurama may not have been like this toward him. They would have been sharing their thoughts, instead of shrouding them. Hiei edged closer to the now sleeping youko. Kurama was tiring fast and his breathing was a little erratic.

"Baka, kitsune!" Hiei snarled, but his ruby eyes were very worried. The rough hands gently lifted the youko into his arms. It was getting dark soon. The fire demon found another cave and satisfied of its security from unwanted youkais, settled the slumbering youko down on the ground. The fire demon watched silently as the silver hair began to bleed crimson red. Hiei's breath caught against his throat as the youko's body completed the transformation."Ku-Kurama..." Hiei choked out. The fire demon's eyelids began to sting. He slowly took off his cloak and covered the battered, bloody, naked body of the ningen.

The fire demon took deep calming breaths. His chest was so tight with anger and self-recrimination. Why didn't he watch over the redhead? Why did he allow his stupid, stubborn pride to defeat his instinct? Hiei lay down beside the sleeping redhead and embraced him as gently as he could.

Later that night, Kurama began to shiver from the cold and from depleted ki. Hiei had to infuse his ki on the youko's body. The fire demon held on the redhead possessively. He was not going to let Kurama out of his sight the next time. The fire demon kissed the smooth forehead. Hiei slowly opened the cloak covering Kurama's body, satisfied at the progress of the healing process. He watched as the emerald eyes opened very slowly.

"Hiei?" Kurama whispered, there was an uncertain light in his green eyes. The youko sat up slowly and stared blankly at Hiei's cloak that covered his body. The youko bit his lip. "Can you tell me how I can get some clothes on?" He asked flippantly and turned his head to the side. It was hard to retain one's dignity without one's clothes on.

"Hn." Hiei stood up and left the cave.Kurama followed the youkai's exit in bewilderment. Where was Hiei going? Then the fire youkai was back and scooped the redhead in his arms without warning."Hiei! Put me down!" Kurama growled.Hiei just gave him an exasperated look. "Where are you taking me?" Kurama hissed at him.

"Stupid fox! It's time for you to take a bath!" Hiei snarled at him, but he immersed the youko on the cool lake behind the cave very gently. Kurama sighed then stared in alarm as Hiei got in beside him fully naked.Hiei stared at him deadpan.

"What's the matter? This is not the first time we've seen each other naked before." Hiei reminded him with raised eyebrows.Kurama just turned his back on him and lowered his body to the lake, sighing with pure pleasure as the clear, running water cleansed his bloodied body and soothed his aching muscles. He yelped when the water around him became steaming hot.

"HIEI!" Kurama growled, annoyed at the fire demon. Hiei grinned at him.
"Sorry." But he didn't look sorry at all. He smirked. Hiei watched the playful youko frolicked on the water, biding his time. Kurama stopped swimming and glared at the watchful fire demon.
"What's wrong, Hiei? It's not the first time you've seen me naked before." Kurama bit back. Hiei came very near him and grasped his arms.

"I want us to talk now. Stop evading me Kurama." Hiei said forcefully. Kurama bent his head and then raised clear emerald eyes to the fire youkai. Hiei gulped. The fox was so gorgeous. Now wonder Karasu was so set on him.

"What exactly do you mean, Hiei?"

"What happened at the cave when Karasu had you?" Hiei stared fixedly at the luminous leafy eyes.Kurama blinked them. "He used his bombs against me and I fought back and finished him off." Kurama said simply and moved to get out of the water.

"You liar kitsune!" Hiei snarled and pulled the redhead against him in an unyielding grip. "Don't you think it's time for us to have solid ground in this relationship?"

"Hiei, tell me that after we're out of the water." Kurama drawled. Hiei kissed him hard on the lips. Kurama's emerald eyes widened, then his lips curled cynically."Hiei, I'm tired and I'm not in the mood."Kurama watched in alarm as Hiei's ruby eyes flared.

"Kurama, you test the little patience I have! Why do you have to be so stubborn?" Hiei growled.Kurama frowned at him.
"I don't think you're in any position to talk about my being stubborn, Hiei." Hiei snarled under his breath.

"That's it! I've had it! " Hie grabbed the redhead bodily off the water and pushed him back inside the cave. The kitsune shivered. It was already nighttime in the makai and the air had gone very cold.

Hiei made a fire inside the cave, glaring time and time again on the redhead who curled and pressed against the cave. Hiei muttered roughly and with a burst of his ki, dried his now clean cloak and gave it to the redhead."Thank you, Hiei." Kurama whispered and self-consciously covered his body.

"Hn." Hiei just snorted at the fox's modesty. Hiei left the redhead for a while to look for something to eat. Then they shared the meager dinner equally between themselves. Kurama dawdled on his dinner and avoided looking at Hiei's direction. The fire youkai was more intent on him than his dinner.

Finally, Hiei cleared his throat and spoke up roughly."Kurama, aren't you done that with that blasted meat yet?" Kurama dropped the meat on the fire and glared at Hiei silently.Hiei grinned so wide his fangs gleamed.

"Good."Hiei got up and gathered the startled youko in his arms.
"Hiei, what do you think you're doing?"

"It's bedtime fox, don't you know it?" The fire demon drawled and kissed the surprised youko on the mouth. Kurama struggled a little, but gave up as Hiei's tongue invaded his mouth. The youko's body sagged and relaxed against the fire youkai's embrace.

"Ku-Kurama..." Hiei kissed the fox hungrily on the mouth, his rough hands sliding off the cloak covering the youko's naked body.
"Hiei..." Kurama said hoarsely.

Hiei looked down at the fox. Kurama's eyes were wet with tears.The fire demon lifted a hand to touch one silver tear on a creamy cheek."Hiei, I don't want to be used anymore..." The youko choked out and drew a ragged breath. Hiei's ruby eyes widened angrily. The fire youkai tightened his hold on the youko.

"BAKA! You are one stupid fox!" Hiei growled and bit the redhead on the neck. Kurama gasped and held the fire demon's shoulders as the sharp fangs bit on his skin, then Hiei was kissing the wound gently. "Ai shiteru, kitsune." Hiei whispered against his ear and stared deeply into his emerald eyes.

Kurama stared at him for a long time, the moment was held, suspended and kept inside the youko's heart. The green eyes sparkled. Then Hiei was startled as Kurama tackled him to the ground, the youko gazed down at him seriously.

"Hiei... it would have to be forever you know."

"I know." The fire demon said quietly watching as Kurama's green eyes glinted gold. The fire youkai closed his eyes as the sensuous lips of his youko descended against his. It was a possessive kiss, a searing kiss to seal the beginning of their pact. The fire demon's strong arms embraced the slender softer body against his. He couldn't wait for forever to start.

OWARI

Authors' rantings: Believe it or not but that was not exactly how I envisioned the fic to end, but the chain of events was unstoppable. The Kurama + Hiei + Cave thing was a complete surprise. And I wanted something else to happen. Well, better luck next time!

Karasu: That's it? What kind of stupid fic is that?
Shuriken: That's what you get when you include a sadistic youkai in a fic!
Kurama: I thought I killed you!
Karasu: Not so fast my redhead, I'm still negotiating.
Shuriken: I hate the ending! Grrrr!
Hiei: Then change it baka!
Shuriken: I wanted to torture you, Hiei-san!
Hiei: Oh, yeah? (takes out katana)
Shuriken: (clamps mouth)
Kurama: And no more rape scenes for me, dozo
Shuriken: Are you talking to me?
Kurama: (takes out rose whip)
Shuriken: Hey, I'm out of here! (runs fast)