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AFRAID TO LOVE	By : ShioriFoxiesMom Category: Yuyu Hakusho > Yaoi - Male/Male > Hiei/Kurama Views: 8987 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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. I make no money from

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Yeah, finally I have nothing negative to report in my life right now. Thank you all for the well wishes and your patience. This may sound like it�s coming to an end soon, but there�s still a ways to go. I think I�ll make a few of you happy with this chapter, but the drama isn�t over yet. I hope you enjoy.
Thanks everyone who read and reviewed. I�m happy to see some new readers to my stories. I�m glad even my old stories are still being enjoyed. I hope this one lives up to everyone�s expectations. Enjoy.

Chapter 10

Resigning himself that Hiei was really gone, Kurama rose. Turning from the rubble, he took a moment to look around. Just as he was about to go back to his den he spotted something. Moving up through the crevice Kurama found blood on the wall. Not daring to hope, Kurama leaned over to give it a sniff.
Immediately catching Hiei�s scent, Kurama wasted no time scrambling up through the crevice toward the light. With Hiei�s sword still clutched in his hand, he paused barely long enough to tie it to his sash before continuing his climb. As he climbed he found several more blood stains. Even healthy and strong, it was over twenty minutes before he emerged into the sunlight. He couldn�t imagine how Hiei had made that climb wounded.
Thinking of how badly Hiei might have been hurt from the explosion that had buried him under a ton of rocks and how long ago that had been, Kurama feared he still might be too late. If Hiei made it out alive, why hadn�t he contacted anyone?
Pushing his fear aside, Kurama tried to figure out where he was. Calculating how far northwest and up he had traveled through the mountain, the Youko realized that he was actually on the other side of Mystic Mountain. The climate here was cold and the demons not particularly wealthy, so Kurama had not traveled much of this region in the past.
After a bit of exploring and communication with the local plant life, Kurama discovered a moderate sized village about a mile away. Scouting the area, Kurama found a good vantage point to watch the village inhabitants for a while. There were only a few species of demons, most of which were female. Since none of them appeared to be particularly large or powerful Kurama decided that his S-class Youko form would attract too much attention, so it was the redhead that entered the village late that afternoon.
As Kurama made his way through the village, he overheard several curios whispers as to his identity. Keeping his eyes averted he avoided contact until he reached a small pub. Going inside, Kurama took a seat near the bar. A newcomer of course brought out the waitress�s curiosity. �So stranger, what brings you to these parts?�
He gave her an appreciative once over with his deep green eyes, before locking his gaze on her pink ones. �Just passing through.�
Blushing nervously under his intense gaze, the waitress replied. �Too bad. What can I get you?�
When the waitress took his order and walked away, Kurama casually surveyed the pub�s patrons. Though the village had been dominantly female, that wasn�t the case here. Other than the waitress, there wasn�t another female present. The dozen or so males sat in small groups eating and drinking not paying any attention to the newcomer.
Deciding the waitress would be his best bet for information, Kurama turned on the charm and gave her a sexy smile when she returned with his drink. �I don�t think I�ve ever been through here before. I saw very few males out there, yet the only female in here is you. That seems kind of odd to me.�
Twirling a lock of her aqua colored hair, the waitress rested her hip on the edge of his table. �Oh, that�s because this village belongs to the Morokie�s. They only allow in a few outsiders, mostly male, to do jobs that are too big for them, or that they feel are beneath them. You know, like witnessing in a pub. Since the Morokie don�t drink or socialize much, it�s just outsiders here.�
Kurama had stiffened, but maintained his calm façade. �From what I�ve seen they don�t like their males too powerful do they?�
Looking to the others in the pub, the waitress shook her head. �No, being only midlevel demon�s themselves, the Morokie�s only hire outsiders with muscle or skill, not brains or power. Recently they�ve even resorted to taking in a cripple.�
Trying not to show too much interest, Kurama inquired. �Really now. What possible use could they have for a cripple?�
Shrugging, the waitress waved off several patron�s who were attempting to get her attention. �It seemed kind of odd to all of us when they took him in. They usually don�t waste time on any male unless it will gain them something. Any outsider that is weak or wounded is gotten rid of in one way or another. Not this one though. He was nearly dead when the hunters found him in the woods, but those women took him away and patched him up. Not only that, they do their best to keep him away from the other outsiders.�
Kurama frowned. �What do you mean?�
The girl leaned closer and lowered her voice. �He doesn�t live in the outsiders quarters at the edge of town like the rest of us. They keep him close, allowing him to stay right near the elder�s hall, in the loft over the blacksmith�s shack.�
After downing his drink, Kurama rose, drew a few coins from his pocket and tossed them on the table. �This sounds like a fascinating place you�ve got here, but I�d better get going.�
Seeing the size of the tip he was leaving her, the waitress started to follow him. �Are you sure you wouldn�t like to stay a while?�
Giving her a sexy smile, Kurama shook his head. �Thanks, but I�ve got someone I need to find.�
Outside, Kurama headed in the direction of the large building at the center of the village he�d seen while scouting earlier. After a few discrete inquiries, Kurama found the blacksmith�s shack. Afraid that his suspicions might be unfounded, Kurama quietly opened the wooden door to the shack and stepped inside.
Looking around he didn�t see anything at first. Then the sound of a hammer hitting metal came from the back of the shack. Making his way past the work table and tools to the back, Kurama saw a man just outside the open back door, sitting by an open fire . The moment he saw him, Kurama�s heart sank. It wasn�t Hiei.
The man had limp black hair that hung just past his shoulders. From his profile, Kurama could see a black smudge of soot on his cheek and caught a glimpse of distant brown eyes. He had on long work gloves as he held a long piece of metal in the fire before moving it to an anvil where he proceeded to hammer at it in an attempt to mold it.
Disappointed, Kurama turned to leave, but his movement must have caught the man�s attention. Clumsily, the man rose and turned towards him. �Who the hell are you? What are you doing here?�
Stunned, Kurama watched as he attempted to hide the blade he was working on. Realizing it was glowing hot, the frustrated man turned and put it into a vat of water causing it to hiss and steam. Not even caring that he was staring, Kurama watched as the man leaned over to pick up a crutch before hobbling around his stool growling. �I asked you a question! What are you doing here?�
Looking into dull brown almond shaped eyes, Kurama whispered in amazement. �Hiei?�
Before Hiei could respond, Kurama rushed forward and tried to wrap his arms around his friend. When Kurama reached for him, Hiei quickly put out the end of his crutch to keep him away. Unfortunately, that threw him off balance and he fell back onto the stool he had just risen from. Taking advantage of the situation, Kurama disarmed him of the crutch and knelt before him. �Hiei, thank the Gods. We all thought you were dead.�
Frowning at the redhead kneeling before him, Hiei growled. �Who the hell are you, and why do you think I�m this Hiei person?�
Suddenly realizing that Hiei didn�t know him, Kurama looked him over. Hiei�s normal gravity defying hair hung limp and lifeless. His beautiful ruby eyes were now dull brown. The Jagan that he usually kept unwarded in Makai was bandaged like a wound. The same applied to Hiei�s right hand and arm. Looking down, Kurama saw Hiei was barefoot and that his left ankle was splinted and bandaged. Most concerning though was the almost complete lack of youki he sensed. �Gods Dragon, what have they done to you?�
Eyeing him warily, Hiei countered. �I�m not telling you a damn thing until you tell me who you are?�
Sitting back on his heals, Kurama smiled. �My name is Kurama. We have been friends and� partners� for many years Hiei. Several weeks ago I received word that you had been killed in an explosion. When I could finally bring myself to visit your grave, I realized that you might not be dead and came looking for you, only to find you here. Hiei, we�ve got to get out of here. If the Morokie have figured out who you are, you�re in danger.�
For a moment, as Kurama spoke, Hiei�s defenses dropped and he looked vulnerable. Hearing the redhead say he was in danger from the Morokie though put him back on the defensive. �Why should I believe you? The Morokie told me I was visiting here from my home in the north when I was injured. They took me in, treated my injuries and gave me a place to live and work until my wounds healed and they could return me to my own village.�
Surprised, Hiei saw fear in the green eyes that looked into his. �They lied Hiei. The Morokie were once Koorime. Centuries ago a feud broke out over which clan leader would rule the Koorime. Eventually that led to the banishment of what we now call the Morokie. With your� affiliation� to the Koorime, I can�t help but believe the Morokie want to somehow use you to get back at them.�
Confused, Hiei shook his head. �I don�t understand what a feud centuries ago could have to do with me. Besides, you still haven�t answered my question. Why should I believe you? How do I know you�re not the one that is trying to use me?�
Hoping his guilt didn�t show, Kurama sighed. �Because I love you Hiei.�
Stunned silent, Hiei didn�t react when Kurama reached for his right hand. �Hiei, why is your dragon warded?�
Hiei frowned. �What dragon?�
Attempting to hide his anger, Kurama drew a breath before speaking. �The one on your arm Hiei. If you�ll let me remove the bandage, I�ll show you.�
Hiei tried to pull his arm back, but Kurama held him. �You can�t remove the bandage. The healer says the burns there are severe and they shouldn�t be exposed to the air.�
Forcing himself to be patient, Kurama sighed. �Again, they lied Hiei. You are a fire demon. I�m not even sure it�s possible for you to be burned. Please, let me remove just a small part of the bandage over your hand, and you�ll see the dragon�s head.�
Reluctantly, Hiei nodded. Before Kurama could move though, Hiei turned and drew the unfinished blade from the water. �If you lied to me though, you�ll pay with your life.�
Smiling, Kurama reached down to untie the sash at his waist. Careful not to appear threatening, Kurama held the hilt of Hiei�s katana out to him. �I�m glad you had the sense to know you should arm yourself, but if you�re planning to kill anyone, this might work better. It�s your katana Hiei. I found it buried in the debris from the explosion. It and the blood from the wound on your ankle is how I tracked you here.�
Carefully taking the offered blade in case it was a trick, Hiei held it in his left hand as he slowly held his right out to the redhead. Kurama smiled and carefully began unwrapping the bandage over his hand. After the first layer was removed, Kurama grunted. �Damn, they weren�t taking any chances. Look Hiei. Right under the first layer are wards that would have prevented you from removing the bandage and dampen your youki.�
Disbelievingly, Hiei set the katana on his lap and tried to touch the ward. When Kurama tried to stop him, Hiei growled. Knowing that it would prove his point even if it hurt Hiei, Kurama allowed him to touch the ward with one finger. With a hiss of pain, Hiei pulled his hand away and stuck his finger in his mouth.
With a chuckle, Kurama scolded him as he began to remove the ward. �I tried to warn you Dragon. It�s designed only to hurt fire demons.�
A moment later, Hiei looked down at his hand and was amazed to see the piercing eyes of a dragon looking back at him. His voice was barely a whisper when he looked back at Kurama. �They lied.�
With a sigh, Kurama nodded. �I�m taking the rest of this off. I don�t want that ward to burn you again.�
Inch by inch, Hiei watched as Kurama revealed the serpentine body of the dragon that ran all the way up his arm. When he was finished, Kurama gestured to the bandage on Hiei�s forehead. �What did they tell you that was for? More burns?�
Hiei shook his head. �No, I�ve actually seen that one. There is a large gash that doesn�t want to heal so it�s been stitched up.�
No longer even trying to hide his anger Kurama growled as he leaned up to reach for the bandage. �They sealed your Jagan? No wonder you and the dragon have no power.�
Hiei remained still as Kurama examined him. The redhead�s anger was growing, and Hiei felt it. �Those bitches! I should kill every one of them for doing this to you!�
Amused, Hiei chuckled. �You�re just a weak human boy. What makes you think you could��
A sudden flare of Kurama�s youki quickly shut Hiei up. �I may appear to be a weak human Hiei, but like you, I am an S-class demon. I�ve already laid the groundwork so that if need be, a simple flare of my energy would destroy this village and everyone in it.�
Ignoring the shocked look on Hiei�s face, Kurama turned his attention to his ankle. Pulling up his pant leg, Kurama held his hands on either side and used his energy to check the injury. �Damn them! Your ankle was shattered and they allowed it to heal naturally and didn�t fix the bone. I�m going to leave that bandaged until I get you to Yukina. I�m going to leave your forehead covered too until I can unseal the Jagan.�
Trying to keep up with everything he�d learned, Hiei questioned Kurama. �I have a Jagan? Who�s Yukina?�
Trying to control his anger again, Kurama gave him a reassuring smile as he rose to his feet. �Yes Hiei, you have a Jagan eye. It is the source of your greatest power. The lovely Yukina is your twin sister. She has become a great healer, so I wouldn�t worry about that ankle. Now let�s get the hell out of this place.�
When Hiei hesitated, Kurama realized he couldn�t rise or walk without the crutch. Gathering the crutch from where he had tossed it, Kurama held it out to him. As Hiei rose and limped forward, Kurama noticed again that the fire demon had no shoes. �Hiei, if anyone tries to keep me from taking you, I intend to pick you up and carry you away if I have to. I just wanted you to know so you don�t stab me with your katana.�
Wide eyed, Hiei considered the redhead�s words for a moment. �You said you were strong, but I�ll believe you�re strong enough to carry me when I see it.�
Kurama chuckled. �Trust me Koi, nothing in the three worlds will keep me from taking you home.�
Blushing at the endearment, Hiei walked past the redhead that held the door. Out on the street, the two were careful to head away from the elder�s hall. They made it almost half way to the edge of town before several female demons moved into their path. Looking at them, Kurama could see their strong resemblance to the Koorime. One demon took charge and stepped forward. �Higaki, what is the meaning of this? Who is this man?�
Stiffening at the slur on Hiei�s name, Kurama growled. �My name is Kurama! I am Hiei�s partner and I am here to take him home!�
The demon gave a wicked laugh. �Do you really think we would let anyone take him from us? We have plans for the fire brat!�
Placing a protective hand on Hiei�s shoulder, Kurama shot back. �I am aware of who you are and what plans you might have for him! Suffice it to say, you will fail!�
Kurama flared his energy briefly causing the leader to laugh again. With their attention on Kurama and Hiei, none of the women noticed the first sprouts of plant life starting at their feet. �If that display was meant to scare us it is you who failed. Since you know who we are, then you know we will have what we want.�
This time it was Kurama who laughed. �You should always know your enemy before you brag about your impending victory.�
At the crackle of intense energy coming from the stranger, the women suddenly took a step back. A moment later they were looking up at the large, powerful figure of Yoko Kurama. Hiei�s eyes were huge as he looked up at the Youko. Giving him a wink, Kurama leaned over and whispered. �I told you I was a powerful demon Hiei.�
Turning to the Morokie, the Youko�s voice was menacing. �As I said, Hiei and I are leaving! If you attempt to stop us, the plants at your feet will tear you apart! Anyone attempting to stop us will die, even if I have to destroy this entire village!�
With a powerful blast of his energy, plants shot up along every road and path in sight. The demons before him looked around nervously. When the leader stepped forward and raised a hand as if she would attack, the plants at her feet shot up and subdued her. Kurama glared at her. �I warned you not to interfere. Move again and you will die. Hiei, it�s time to go.�
When Hiei hesitated, Kurama leaned down and swept him up in his arms. Hanging onto his katana, Hiei dropped his crutch to wrap an arm around the Youko�s neck. �Sorry Dragon, but this will be faster.�
Ignoring the Morokie, Kurama carried Hiei away. Within minutes, Kurama was running swiftly through the forest. Only when they were several miles away did Kurama stop and set Hiei down on a rock. �Are you alright Koi?�
Confused by everything that had happened since meeting the redhead, Hiei snapped. �How the hell would I know! This crazy man comes into my shop telling me I�m his long lost partner then kidnaps me from the people I thought I could trust! Now I�m stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a stranger and I�m still not sure if you�re a friend or an enemy! Oh, and what the hell is with you calling me your KOI!�
Trying not to laugh at the annoyed fire demon, Kurama knelt before him. �I can�t say I�m not crazy, but I can promise, I will prove myself your friend, as I have been for over a dozen years. This may be the middle of nowhere, but by nightfall we will be safely tucked away in one of my dens. By tomorrow I will have you home where your sister can heal you and restore your power. As for being my Koi��
The Youko sighed and suddenly looked uncertain. �I love you Hiei, and you used to love me too. I promise I will do everything in my power to win your love back again. Now let�s get going. I�m anxious to get you home.�
Kurama then used his sash to tie the katana to Hiei�s waist. �Alright Dragon, do you want me to carry you again, or would you like to ride on my back?�
Embarrassed by the fluttery feeling in his chest that Kurama�s words gave him, Hiei shrugged. �On your back I guess.�
With Hiei riding piggyback, Kurama made good time going down the mountain, then traveled west towards Gandara. Though this rout took them in the opposite direction from Mukuro�s fortress, this terrain was much easier to navigate than back up and through the mountain to the den near the explosion.
Just after nightfall, Kurama entered his den with a sleeping Hiei on his back. Setting him carefully on the bed, Kurama wasn�t surprised when he woke and blinked up at him confused. Smiling at Hiei�s sweet, innocent expression, Kurama reached behind him to pull back the covers. �Lay down sleepyhead and get some sleep. We still have a long way to go tomorrow.�
Wondering why he was trusting this stranger, Hiei did as he was told. When Hiei turned at gave him a nervous look, Kurama pulled the covers over him and whispered. �Sweet dreams Dragon. I�ll keep you safe.�
From a trunk across the den, Hiei saw Kurama take out another blanket. He then watched as the Youko used plants to cover the entrance before sitting on the ground near it, covered himself with the blanket and close his eyes. With a sigh, Hiei closed his own eyes and went to sleep.
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AFRAID TO LOVE