Adult-FanFiction.org : YuYu Hakusho

Worlds Apart	By : ShioriFoxiesMom Category: Yuyu Hakusho > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 5245 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho. Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters are property of Yoshihiro Togashi, Fugi TV, Shueisha, Jump Comics and Studio Pierrot. The only thing I own is a love for Yu Yu Hakusho and it's characters.

Wow, this is fun, taking some of my old stories and posting them here. Sorry they don�t have the yummy lemons you all like but when I wrote these they were for younger readers. I hope you�ll have fun reading them anyways.

Okay everyone, I�m tired of Hiei being short. It�s been five years since the dark tournament and Hiei�s had a growth spurt. He�s now about as tall as Yusuke though he�s still shorter than Kurama but more than enough like a man that no one will mistake him for a kid anymore. FYI I think of him as taller in all my fics I just forget to write it in.

I know that Kurama�s step brother�s name isn�t really Shuuichi but it�s popular in fan fiction so that�s what I�m calling him. Besides, I�m too lazy to put in the DVD and find the proper spelling. I just remember it starts with a �K�.

WORLDS APART

Chapter 1

Thoughtfully, Kurama leaned against the headboard of his bed looking down at the man who had been his lover for the past five years. Hiei looked so sweet when he slept. Sadly, the redhead reflected back on their turbulent relationship.

Though Hiei would never admit it, out of fear and in pain they had turned to each other for comfort during the dark tournament. Over the next year their affair had continued and even grown into a loving one.

After the Makai tournament all of that changed. As a demon and heir to a demon lord, Hiei�s life was in the Makai. Kurama however chose to return to the Ningenkai and live out his life as a human. Knowing there was no way for their love to survive when they lived worlds apart they mutually agreed to end their relationship.

Since then they didn�t see each other often. Occasionally they were brought together by Reikai or Makai business. On a rare occasion one of them would seek out the other. Whatever the reason, when they were together, they were invariably drawn to each other. Neither admitted to anything more than a physical attraction to the other but secretly each hoped that the love they had once shared would never die.

On these occasions they didn�t talk much, neither wanting to know the intimate details of the other�s life. Each harboring a secret fear that he had been replaced in his lover�s heart.

Kurama had suspected for some time that Hiei and Mukuro had become lovers and would eventually mate. Knowing he would want to please his Ningen family, Hiei believed that Kurama had conformed to tradition by taking a human girlfriend and would someday make her his wife. Both knew if one of them ever committed to another they could never be together again.

These fears fueled their infrequent encounters into frenzied and even desperate love making. Both were unaware that when they parted each suffered a depression that was unmistakable to those closest to them. No one understood why they couldn�t just admit they still loved each other and find a way to stay together. The best their friends could do was try to help them through their depression.

When Hiei would return to Makai, Mukuro would train him relentlessly trying to distract him from his inner pain. Kurama had begun to notice that Yusuke always turned up to take his mind off losing Hiei every time they part.

Reaching out, Kurama gently stroked a hand through Hiei�s hair, smiling when the fire demon began to purr. Kurama often wondered if it were really the great sex that drew Hiei to him or if the fire demon was just tired and sought a safe place to sleep.

Kurama�s smile grew when a warm hand caressed up his thigh. �I didn�t mean to wake you Dragon-Heart.�

Hiei smiled at the old nickname, allowing Kurama�s soft voice to surround him. �I need to go soon anyway Foxie.�

Kurama�s heart began to pound, all too soon Hiei would leave him and he would be alone again. �I�m glad you came Hiei.�

With a smirk Hiei snaked his hand up between Kurama�s legs. �Me too Foxie, now come here and make me do it again.�

Kurama didn�t hesitate to do his lover�s bidding, laughing as Hiei twisted the meaning of his words. �It will be my pleasure Lover.�

Last night they had come together in a desperate need to touch and taste a long missed lover. Now, soft moans filled the predawn air as their bodies came together in a slow, loving joining. Both knew when it was over they would part, neither knowing if or when they would ever be together again.

As the sun began to light the morning sky Hiei sat perched on the window sill. He paused a moment to look back at his sleeping lover. Even though Hiei had learned to accept these parting as possibly the last time he would be with the man he loved, it still hurt more than anything he had ever known.

As Hiei flitted off a soft whisper floated toward the bed. �I love you, Kurama.�

A single tear slipped from Kurama�s closed eyes. �I love you too, Hiei.�

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Knowingly, Kurama tried to smile as he opened his apartment door. �Hello Yusuke. Please, come in.�

Taking in his friend�s failed attempt to smile, Yusuke was glad he�d come. �Hey Kurama. If you�re not busy today I thought we could hang out.�

Kurama followed Yusuke to the living room. �You don�t need to pretend Yusuke. I know why you�re here. What I don�t understand is how you always seem to know.�

Yusuke couldn�t meet Kurama�s intense gaze. �Well� um� Hietlsmetowchotfryuwhnhelvs.�

Raising an eyebrow Kurama almost managed a smile. �Perhaps you could slow that down a little and try again.�

Heaving a sigh Yusuke faced his friend. �Fine! Hiei tells me to watch out for you when he leaves. Kurama, he trusts me to take care of you in his absence and I won�t let him down.�

It was Kurama�s turn to look away. �I�m a grown man Yusuke, I don�t need either of you to take care of me.�

Stepping closer Yusuke put an arm around Kurama. �No, but every time the two of you do this you suffer a depression that leaves you vulnerable. We�re a team Kurama and we look out for each other.�

Kurama turned to look at Yusuke before laying his head on the hanyou�s shoulder. �Thanks Yusuke, you�re a good friend.�

With a half laugh Yusuke pulled him closer. �You know if you two would just grow up and get back together we wouldn�t have to do this at all. Considering how old you are I would have thought you�d know that life�s too precious to spend it without the one you love.�

Feigning indignation at being called old Kurama shoved his friend causing him to fall back on the sofa. Startled, Yusuke grabbed at the redhead tumbling him down as well. Laughing now Kurama again rested his head back on Yusuke�s shoulder. �You�re one to talk. Every day you turn a blind eye to the one who loves you. Maybe you should take your own advice.�

Absently, Yusuke stroked Kurama�s hair. �I know and I�ll do something about it soon. It�s just that nothing�s really changed and I don�t want someone I love to get hurt again because of me.�

Kurama sighed. �I understand that but you have to realize ignoring the situation hurts too. I know you�re afraid Yusuke. After Keiko waited three years for you to return from Makai she couldn�t handle being the wife of a demon and left. Kuwabara tried for years to get Yukina to love him but that didn�t work out either. Then Hiei and I proved that love can�t survive when we live worlds apart.�

Yusuke looked down at Kurama. �Your love survived Kurama, you�re just both too stubborn to compromise. All your little speech did was make me realize I made the right decision. One human, one demon� it would never work.�

Boldly green eyes met brown. �You�re right about us Yusuke, and if you follow our example you�ll be just as miserable as we are. Someone once said �It�s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all�.�

Looking down at the attractive redhead Yusuke thought a moment before he replied. �Maybe we should fall in love Kurama. Two demons with a weakness for humans. We might be able to make it work.�

Kurama looked up at his long time friend. He wasn�t surprised when Yusuke�s head descended and his lips were captured in a gentle kiss. For a little while they gave in to their loneliness and took comfort in each other�s embrace.

Reluctantly Kurama pulled back. His smile was sad when he met Yusuke�s eyes. �As nice as that sounds my friend, there�s just one problem. I love Hiei with all my heart and you love Kuwabara with all of yours.�

Their roles had reversed. Suddenly it was Yusuke who was vulnerable and Kurama offering comfort. �I do love him Kurama but like I said, nothing�s changed. Just like Keiko, he�ll resent me when I have to go to Makai and that I won�t grow old with him. Then, if we survive that, in only a few years he�ll die leaving me alone again. I don�t think I can do it Kurama. I�d rather never know his love than to give him my heart just to have it broken again.�

Kurama held Yusuke close. �You�re going to lose him either way Yusuke. You could at least be happy with him before you do.�

Thoughtfully Yusuke nodded. �I�ll think about it Kurama. Man, this is some cheering up party I�m giving you. If this keeps up we�ll both end up crying. How about we go see a movie? I think there�s a new comedy playing.�

Standing, Kurama pulled Yusuke up by the hand. �Why Yusuke, are you asking me out? I�m not a cheep date you know. I want a large popcorn and we can share a soda. Oh and gummy bears, you�ll get me those too won�t you?�

As Kurama dragged him out of the apartment Yusuke was protesting. �Gummy bears? Kurama, how much money do you think I make?�

Kurama just laughed.

Chapter 2 (these chapters seemed kind of short so I�m posting more than one at a time)

Two months later Hiei left Alaric castle to inspect the troops he had patrolling near the border. He hadn�t gotten far when he heard a woman�s scream. Disgusted that another ningen must have wandered across the border he didn�t hurry toward the commotion.

Suddenly there was a large demon running in his direction. The demon had a screaming woman slung across his shoulder and Hiei�s troops hot on his heels. Stepping into the demon�s path Hiei unsheathed his katana, quickly killing him. Hiei paid little attention as the woman fell to the ground. Before she could recover his men arrived and two of them moved to help the woman rise.

She was dirty and disheveled but otherwise appeared unharmed. He would have turned away he but pulled up short when she spoke. �Hiei-Chan?�

His heart skipped a beat as he recognized the soft voice. In a split second the demons holding her were on the ground withering in pain. �No one touches her!�

If his threat wasn�t enough to keep anyone from going near her, his next words were. �That�s Yoko Kurama�s mother! Anyone who touches her dies!�

Hiei now turned his full attention to the woman before him, his voice much softer as he spoke to her. �Shiori, are you hurt?�

�Oh Hiei!� With the situation defused, Shiori gave in to her fear and threw herself into Hiei�s arms. As he put his arms around her he glared at his men, daring anyone to comment.

Looking in the direction of the border Hiei quickly made a decision. Scooping Shiori up in his arms he flitted toward the castle. With her face tucked into his neck, Shiori was completely unaware of the speed they traveled at.

Once in his quarters he set her down gently. Reluctantly she released him and looked around. �Hiei-Chan, where are we?�

Looking around Hiei shrugged. �My room.�

The room they were in was huge. They stood in a large, elegantly decorated sitting area with a sofa, chairs and tables. Off to one side was a small dining area. On the far end was an alcove that held a large bed draped in expensive linens and a dresser. One wall held large windows and a glass door leading to a balcony. There were three other doors, presumably a closet, bath and the exit.

Taking all this in Shiori gave a nervous laugh. �You�re making me feel guilty for all the times you slept on that little futon on Shuuichi�s floor. I thought you were an orphan.�

�I am. I only came here four years ago when I began working for Mukuro.� As he finished speaking Hiei walked to the door and spoke to someone there.

A small woman entered the room and bowed to Hiei before disappearing through one of the other doors. �The maid is drawing you a bath and will find you something to wear. Now tell me how you ended up here.�

Afraid to sit on the elegant furniture in her dirty clothes Shiori walked towards the window. She looked surprised when Hiei blocked her path but didn�t comment. �I was visiting my stepson at the university. We were taking a walk when suddenly that big ugly thing jumped out of the bushes and grabbed me. Shuu-Chan tried to help but it knocked him down. Just before that creature carried me away I saw him on his cell phone.�

Hiei nodded. �Kurama will be here soon then.�

Shiori looked disbelieving. �Why do you say that? Shuu-Chan probably called the police. Shuuichi may not even know yet and even if he did, how will he know where to find me?�

Hiei chose his words carefully. �Kurama taught Shuuichi years ago to call him if anything strange ever happened. Once Kurama hears he�ll contact me immediately.�

The maid had come and gone from the room several times as they spoke. Now she came out of the bathroom and bowed again to Hiei. �Everything is ready Lord Hiei. My Lady if there is anything else you require just ring the bell by the tub.�

Shiori blushed when the woman bowed to them both and left. �Oh my. You�ve sure come up in the world since you were my little orphaned Hiei-Chan.�

Now it was Hiei�s turn to blush. �Go take your bath Shiori. Kurama will explain everything else when he arrives.�

Shiori was in her bath when Kurama contacted Hiei telepathically. �Hiei! I need your help! A demon�s taken my mother!�

Hiei�s heart beat faster, he was going to get to see his fox soon. �Relax Foxie, Shiori�s fine. Come to my room at Alaric castle.�

Kurama arrived an hour later. Hiei must have alerted the guards because Kurama met no resistance as he entered the castle and rushed up the stairs. It wasn�t until he entered Hiei�s room that he finally relaxed. Hiei leaned against the headboard of his bed with Shiori resting beside him clutching his hand.

Quietly Kurama went to sit beside his mother. Feeling the bed move Shiori opened her eyes. When she saw her son she sat up and threw herself into his arms. �Shuuichi!�

He held her tight, briefly closing his eyes in relief. Opening them again he smiled over her head at Hiei. Without releasing his mother he reached out to caress Hiei�s cheek. �Thank you Hiei.�

Hiei took the hand on his cheek in his. Turning into it he kissed Kurama�s palm. �Any time Fox.�

Shiori seemed to have recovered because she pulled back and spoke. �Oh Shuuichi, it was awful. This horrible beast grabbed me and brought me to this strange place. Then suddenly there was blood everywhere and Hiei was there with more strange creatures. Now I�m in Hiei�s beautiful room and he won�t tell me anything. He just keeps saying to wait for you. Shuuichi, please tell me what�s going on.�

Kurama looked desperately back and forth between his mother and lover. Finally he decided to address Hiei. �You can fix this Hiei. She doesn�t have to know any of this even happened.�

Hiei shook his head. �No Kurama. You always said when the time was right you�d tell her. It�s time Fox.�

Kurama�s voice shook when he spoke. �Hiei, she�s already been frightened. If I tell her it will only scare her more and she�ll be afraid of me� she�ll hate me.�

At his words Shiori�s eyes widened. �Shuuichi, you are my son and I love you no matter what. I�ve always known you kept secrets from me. I�m your mother, I hope you can trust me enough to finally share them with me.�

When Shiori had sat back Kurama was no longer able to reach Hiei�s face. Not wanting to lose the contact Hiei held his hand offering his support. Squeezing Kurama�s hand Hiei gave him an encouraging nod.

Leaning down Kurama kissed Shiori�s cheek. �I love you Mother, never forget that.�

She smiled and returned the gesture. �I love you too Shuuichi.�

Kurama drew a deep breath and began his story. �I�m sure you�ve heard the myths about the three worlds, Reikai, Makai and Ningenkai. They aren�t myths Mother. You are currently in the Makai in the castle of a Makai lord. The �beast� that attacked you was a demon. In fact everyone you have seen since you arrived in this world is a demon.�

Pausing, he gave her a moment to comprehend his words. It only took her a moment to look behind her. �Hiei-Chan, are you a demon too?�

Red eyes met hers as Hiei nodded. �Yes Shiori, I am. My father was a fire demon and my mother a Koorime or ice apparition. My powers are those of a fire demon. My sister Yukina takes after our mother and is a Koorime.�

Her eyes widened. �I forgot about Yukina being your sister. It�s hard to believe that you and that sweet girl can be demons. Shuuichi, how many more of your friends are demons?�

Calmly he answered her. �Yusuke is a demon. Koenma is the son of King Enma of Reikai and Botan is a ferry boat pilot on the river Styx.�

She blinked several times. �That�s not all is it? You�re worried that I�ll be afraid of you, even hate you. I know your friends call you Kurama but today those demons looked scared when Hiei called me Yoko Kurama�s mother. Explain that please.�

Hiei looked away when Kurama looked at him accusingly. �Yes Mother, there�s more. I wrote a report in high school about a legendary bandit, a spirit fox named Yoko. Do you remember? I made you read it.�

After Shiori nodded he continued. �Twenty two years ago Yoko was shot by a hunter. As his body lay dying he refused to give up his life. His spirit left his body and crossed the barrier from Makai to the Ningenkai. Once there he entered the body of a pregnant human woman who was about to miscarry her child. Yoko needed the body of the human child to heal his spirit energy.�

As he spoke of the pregnant woman Shiori closed her eyes. Reaching out, Kurama turned her to face him and waited until she opened her eyes. �I am Yoko Kurama, a Youko born in the Makai more centuries ago than I care to count. After ten years my spirit energy healed and by age sixteen I regained the ability to take my Youko form.�

Kurama waited. After a moment Shiori spoke softly. �My son is a demon. I�ve always been taught that demons are evil yet you and your friends have never shown me any signs of being evil. In fact I would have said you were all the exact opposite, good and honorable people.�

He gave Hiei a smile before he answered. �Many demons, like the one that grabbed you earlier, are evil mother. In the past that would have included me. In the past I was a thief and a murderer. Being reborn as your son changed me. Growing up with your lessons of love, honesty and honor made me the man I am today.�

Shiori turned when Hiei touched her arm. �The friendship you, Kurama and the others gave me have changed me as well. I still seek the power I did in the past but I will not attain it through evil means as I would have before.�

Tentatively Kurama took her hand. �I�m sure this has all been a shock. I�m sorry I lied to you all these years. I truly believed I was protecting you.�

Touching his cheek Shiori smiled. �You�ve given me a lot to think about but one thing hasn�t changed. You are still my son Shuuichi and I love you.�

Kurama grinned and hugged her. �I love you Mother.�

Hearing a commotion outside his door Hiei stood and moved to one of the tall windows. A moment later Mukuro came into the room. At the sight of the severely scared woman with mechanical parts Shiori gasped. Seeing her discomfort Hiei stepped forward. �What do you want Mukuro?�

The demon lord had trouble hiding a grin at her heir�s protective gesture. �I hear we have guests. It would be rude if I didn�t greet her.�

Arrogantly she pushed past Hiei. �Hello Kurama. I�m sure Hiei will agree, this is a pleasant surprise. This creature must be your famous mother that we�ve heard so much about. Hello, I am Mukuro.�

Hiei growled and Kurama glared. Shiori however had other ideas. Gathering her courage she peaked around Kurama. �Hello Mukuro, I�m Shiori, Shu� Kurama�s mother. It�s a pleasure to finally meet the woman that keeps our Hiei away so much.�

Mukuro gave a sly smile. �Funny, I was just thinking the same about you and Kurama. I hope you will both join us for dinner. It will give us a chance to talk about our stubborn children.�

Hiei and Kurama looked nervously at each other. The two spent the next ten minutes trying to convince them it would be best if Kurama took Shiori straight home but the women weren�t to be swayed. The maid had brought Shiori�s cleaned clothes back and she went to change out of the robe she had borrowed.

With Shiori out of earshot Hiei descended on Mukuro. �What the hell are you up to woman?�

She smiled innocently as she watched Kurama come to stand with the man she knew was his lover. �Hiei, Kurama, what makes you think I�m up to something?�

Kurama glanced to make sure Shiori hadn�t returned. �Please Mukuro, my mother doesn�t know about us. She�s just found out we�re demons, I�m not sure how she�d react to finding out Hiei and I were once� together.�

Mukuro walked over to Hiei�s dresser and picked up a photograph. It was of Kurama giving someone a brilliant, loving smile. Only the lovers knew that he was smiling at Hiei when Keiko had snapped the picture over four years ago. �Shiori strikes me as an intelligent woman. She won�t have failed to notice that the only personal effects in this room are a small picture of Hiei�s sister and this beautiful one of his lover.�

Opening the door Shiori reentered the room. �I wish to thank you for your hospitality Mukuro. Your staff has done a wonderful job taking care of me today.�

Mukuro gestured toward the door. �Why don�t we go downstairs and give these boys a moment alone?�

Kurama immediately turned to Hiei. �Do you think she�ll say anything to my mother?�

Hiei�s eyes burned red. �I don�t know Foxie and right now I don�t care.�

The redhead gasped when Hiei grabbed him and pulled him into a passionate kiss. It was several minutes before Kurama could speak again. �Gods I needed that Hiei. I missed you Dragon-Heart.�

Hiei nuzzled Kurama�s neck causing him to tremble. �You wouldn�t have to miss me Foxie if you�d just come home where you belong.�

With a sigh Kurama pulled away. �Don�t do this to me Hiei. We�ve had this discussion many times. I don�t belong here any more and you don�t belong in the Ningenkai with me. We�d better get down stairs. I don�t want to leave my mother alone.�

Hiei opened the door. �Alright Kurama. I just wish��

Stopping in front of him Kurama placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. �I wish too Hiei but we don�t always get what we wish for.�

Solemnly, Hiei followed Kurama to find his mother.

Chapter 3

Downstairs Hiei and Kurama found Shiori and Mukuro huddled together talking. Seeing them, the women�s conversation immediately stopped and the two giggled. Mukuro smirked when both men stared at her in amazement. �What? You don�t think I know how to act like a female?�
Before they could reply dinner was announced. In the dining hall there was a large table. Mukuro moved to one end indicating for Shiori to take the seat to her right leaving Hiei and Kurama to take the two places at the other end. Taking note of the large distance between the men and women Hiei raised a brow at Mukuro. �Why lie? I want to talk to Shiori without you two interfering. Besides, I�m sure you would rather be alone with your fox for a while.�
They both blushed at her comment and reluctantly took their seats. At first Kurama was worried what his mother would think of Makai food but as dinner was served he was reminded of Mukuro�s penchant for ningen food. The main course of spaghetti was served with Makai vegetables and bread.
Throughout the meal Kurama tried to hear his mother�s conversation with the demon lord but even with his exceptional hearing he was unable to follow what they said. Mukuro saw to it that even with the help of the jagon Hiei had a similar problem.
Eventually they gave up and began enjoying each other�s company. Each was disappointed when the meal ended knowing that soon they would be separated again.
Kurama moved to Shiori�s side. �We really should go Mother. It�s getting late and if we don�t return soon Shuuichi might get nervous and tell Father what really happened today.�
Shiori turned to Mukuro. �My son is correct, we really must be going. It�s been an enlightening experience to say the least. Thank you so much for your hospitality.�
Hiei looked agitated as the women said their goodbyes. As if he�d finally had enough he unceremoniously grabbed Kurama by the arm. �I need to speak to Kurama. We�ll be right back.�
Kurama looked back at his grinning mother as Hiei dragged him into the next room and closed the door. He barely had time to register it was an office before Hiei pressed him back against the door and claimed his lips in a searing kiss. Everything else was forgotten as they gave in to their passion.
Kurama moaned when Hiei rubbed their growing erections together. Feeling his lover�s need Kurama reversed their positions until it was Hiei trapped against the door. �We don�t have much time Dragon-Heart.�
A moment later Hiei pressed the knuckles of one hand against his mouth to smother his own moans. His other hand was tangled in Kurama�s hair as the redhead knelt between his legs. In one motion Kurama swallowed Hiei�s erection to the hilt. Hiei�s knees would have buckled if Kurama hadn�t pinned him to the door. Looking down Hiei nearly lost it at the sight of his beautiful lover pleasuring him so greedily. Knowing how much Kurama loved having him in his mouth Hiei tightened his hand in his fox�s red hair and flexed his hips. It didn�t take long until Hiei released his pleasure into Kurama�s talented mouth. Hiei�s breath slowly clamed as Kurama buttoned his pants and nibbled up to his neck.
�Too bad there�s not time for more Foxie.� Hiei gave Kurama one last kiss and reached for the door knob.
Kurama held out a hand preventing the door from opening all the way. �Hiei, you can�t leave me like this!�
Hiei smirked as he looked down. Kurama�s own need was barely concealed by his tight jeans. �Hn. It�s only what you deserve for leaving me again.�
Pushing Kurama�s hand aside Hiei opened the door and walked past him. A moment later when Kurama entered the room he was greeted by three grinning faces. All three laughed as Kurama glared at Hiei.
Still giggling Shiori stepped forward. Kurama could only blush as his mother reached up to straighten his disheveled hair. �Now that we�ve said our goodbyes Shuuichi, we should get going.�
With Kurama on her left and Hiei on her right Shiori waved back at Mukuro. Silently they left the castle with an armed escort. It wasn�t long before they stopped and Hiei, finding a weak spot in the barrier, opened a portal between the worlds.
Shiori gave Hiei a warm hug. �Thank you for saving me today Hiei-Chan. Don�t be such a stranger, we miss you.�
Stepping back she watched the awkward silence between her son and his best friend. Kurama finally gave a sad smile. �Thank you for taking such good care of my mother Hiei. Like she said, don�t be a stranger.�
It looked as if Hiei wanted to say something but in the end he gave only his usual response. �Hn.�
The portal took Kurama and Shiori to a wooded area on the edge of town about an hours walk from her house. It wasn�t long before Shiori broke the silence. �Well, of all the things I thought I�d do today, being kidnapped by a demon wasn�t on my list.�
Kurama couldn�t help but chuckle at her attempt to lighten the mood. �I was proud of you Mother. With everything you saw and learned today you were very brave.�
Linking her arm through his she smiled up at him. �I get it from my son.�
Over the next few minutes Kurama answered any questions she had about the things she discovered today. He was surprised when it took her almost twenty minutes to get to the subject of him and Hiei. �Shuuichi, why did you never tell me about you and Hiei? You know I love him like a son.�
Kurama drew a deep breath. �I know you do Mother. At first we kept our relationship a secret from everyone not just you. Later, it seemed it was over almost as quickly as it began. Looking back I think it would have been easier to tell you I was a demon than to tell you I was in love with a man. You might hate me for being a demon but I was terrified of disappointing you. I know how much you want me to marry and have children.�
Shiori gave a little laugh. �And here I thought you were so smart. Shuuichi, all I�ve ever wanted is your happiness. I�ve suspected almost from the beginning that you might have feelings for Hiei but when you started college and he moved away I figured I must have been mistaken. Just tell me that I�m not the reason you broke up.�
He shook his head. �No Mother, you�re not. We live in different worlds that�s all. Even though he loved me and had you and our friends here, Hiei hated the time he had to spend here in the Ningenkai. He�s a demon and he belongs in the Makai.�
Kurama paused to consider what he said next. �In my heart I�m still a demon but I�ve changed so much. I don�t belong in the Makai any more. My life is here with my family and friends. I love school and I have a great job that I enjoy. We finally agreed that if we didn�t want to end up hating each other we had to end it. Some day we�ll each move on, until then we get to see each other sometimes without the burden of knowing we�re letting the other down.�
She looked at him sadly. �Too bad neither of you realize that you are each holding on just enough that neither of you will ever move on. Just enough to make you both miserable.�
Approaching her house he was saved from answering by the sight of his stepfather on the porch. Seeing him Shiori ran to greet him. Skeptically Hatanaka looked between his wife and stepson. �Shuuichi tells me you had some things to talk about. He seemed worried.�
Shiori winked at her son before answering her husband. �Shuuichi�s just having a little trouble in his love life and wanted to talk to his mother, that�s all. I�ll go call Shuu-Chan right now and tell him everything�s alright. Good night Shuuichi.�
Shiori blew Kurama a kiss and tried to pull her husband into the house but he hesitated. Not ready to discuss his situation with his stepfather Kurama smiled and waved. �I�m sorry I kept Mother out so late Father. Good night.�
Turning away Kurama headed down the street but not towards his apartment. A little while later he stood on the porch of a small house. He hesitated before knocking softly on the door. As if changing his mind he turned to leave but before he reached the bottom step the door opened.
Seeing Kurama�s sad state Yusuke just held out his arms. Kurama only hesitated a moment before slowly moving forward and stepping into Yusuke�s waiting arms.
As the door closed neither saw the tall figure in the shadows as it turned away.

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Over the next two weeks Kurama made a point of spending time with his mother. He wanted to make sure she didn�t suffer any trauma from her first demon encounter. Today they talked over lunch.
Shiori looked at her son incredulously. �Shuuichi, I can�t believe you think that about Hiei and Mukuro.�
Confused he shook his head. �Why shouldn�t I mother? I�ve always felt he chose her over me. It would only be natural for them to eventually become lovers.�
She still couldn�t believe his line of thinking. �Shuuichi are you blind? Mukuro thinks of Hiei in terms of a son, not a lover. Didn�t you hear her when she invited us to dinner? She wanted to talk about �our stubborn children�.�
Kurama frowned as he considered her words. �It still doesn�t change anything Mother. Whether he has another lover or not, we still can�t be together.�
Shiori growled in frustration. �Ohhh, men are so stupid!�
Taken aback he could just stare at her. �Well it�s true! You and Hiei have found something special. Something some people wait their whole lives for and never find. For someone with two lives worth of experience I don�t understand how you can just throw it away so callously.�
Her words hurt. �Do you think this is easy Mother? I love him so much it hurts, but my two lives of experience have taught me that all we would end up doing is hurting each other more. I�m sorry, we�ll have to finish this another time Mother I have to get back to work.�
Kurama worked in a specialized nursery that grows exotic flowers. He didn�t want to be late because he had plans tonight and wanted to leave on time. Kuwabara had become very withdrawn and Yusuke said he wouldn�t talk to him.
After everything Yusuke did for him when he missed Hiei the least Kurama thought he could do was talk to Kuwabara. Maybe his friend would tell him what he wasn�t able to tell the man he loved.
It was almost six when Kurama knocked on the front door of the Kuwabara house. He smiled in greeting when Shizuru opened the front door. The woman wasn�t known to be one of the friendliest people he knew but the greeting she gave him was downright frigid. �What are you doing here?�
He looked at her in surprise. �Hello Shizuru. Actually I was hoping to see Kuwabara.�
She glared at him. �I won�t allow my brother to talk to a backstabber.�
When she would have shut the door on him he stepped forward blocking the door. �Wait a minute. What�s going on? What do you mean backstabber? Shizuru, have I done something to offend you?�
At the commotion Kuwabara stepped out of his room. �Shizuru, is everything� oh it�s you. What do you want?�
At his friend�s accusing tone Kurama was even more confused. �Alright, what the hell? I have obviously done something to upset you both. If we can just talk about it I�m sure we can straighten this out.�
The Kuwabara siblings had always had a soft spot for the soft spoken redhead. Shizuru looked at her brother. �Maybe you should hear him out Kazuma. Kurama�s always been a good friend and I don�t think he�s ever lied to you. What if it was all a misunderstanding.�
Turning away, Kuwabara wasn�t convinced. �What was there to misunderstand? I know what I saw!�
Following his friend to the living room Kurama didn�t give up. �Please Kuwa-Kun, we�ve been friends a long time. I deserve a chance to defend myself.�
When Kuwabara didn�t protest Kurama continued. �I came because Yusuke says you�ve been acting strange the last couple of weeks and I though maybe I could help. Now it sounds like maybe I�m the problem. What did I do, what did you see?�
When Kuwabara didn�t respond Kurama tried to put it together himself. The time frame was two weeks ago. It was something he saw that he made him feel Kurama had betrayed him. Then the flinch he gave a moment ago at the mention of Yusuke�s name.
Suddenly it all made sense. �I think I understand. The day my mother was kidnapped, you saw me go to Yusuke�s didn�t you?�
Momentarily putting aside his own problems the big hearted human focused on only one thing. �What do you mean Shiori was kidnapped? Why didn�t anyone tell me? Is she alright?�
Happy that he had finally broken through, Kurama quickly told him about Shiori�s adventure in the Makai. Kuwabara sat on the sofa listening intently. �Wow, so your mom knows about you being a demon. Sounds like she took it pretty well.�
Kurama smiled hoping what he said next would help Kuwabara understand what he had seen. �Turns out that wasn�t the hard part. My mother hit it off wonderfully with Mukuro and the two of them are trying their hand at matchmaking with me and Hiei. Mother just doesn�t understand that even though Hiei and I still love each other it would never work. She also doesn�t seem to realize how much it hurts to talk about something that can never be.�
Shizuru had sat quietly letting the two boys talk. When her brother didn�t respond to Kurama�s heartfelt words she did. �We�ve always suspected that you two were still in love. This must be hard on you.�
Kurama smiled at her sadly. �I miss him so much. Sometimes I wish that I could just spirit him away and leave the Ningenkai, Mukuro and anything else standing in our way behind. I�d take him deep in the Makai forest and hide where nothing would come between us again.�
Kurama barely heard Kuwabara�s soft reply. �I know how you feel.�
Moving to sit by his friend, Kurama put a hand on his arm. �I know you do. Please hear me out Kuwabara. There�s nothing going on between me and Yusuke. He�s my friend, my shoulder to cry on when missing Hiei becomes too overwhelming to bare. He knows how it feels to be separated from someone he loves. I swear to you, it isn�t me he loves.�
Sad eyes turned to look into green ones. �Kurama, will he ever get over Keiko enough to be able to love me?�
Kurama smiled. �Kuwabara, he�s been over Keiko for a long time. If he wasn�t, I�d knock him into next week for stringing you along. He�s just afraid of hurting another person he loves the way she was hurt.�
With a shy grin Kuwabara used his shoulder to nudge Kurama�s. �I�m sorry Kurama. I should have known you wouldn�t betray me.�
Smiling Kurama nudged back. �Never my friend, we�ve been through too much together.�
Disgusted with them both, Shizuru grunted. �I can�t believe the four of you. Every one of you pining away for a man who�s pining away for you.�
Kurama laughed. �My mother summed it up pretty well today at lunch. �Men are so stupid.�
Together the three of them laughed.
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Worlds Apart