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The Betrayal	By : vampmistress76 Category: Yuyu Hakusho > General Views: 10669 -:- 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
- 4
- 5
- 6
The Betrayal
- Chapter 5 -

Shiori's hand paused in mid-air, just inches away from knocking on the front door to her son's apartment. She pulled her hand back towards herself, but then remembered her son's words, and his tone of voice. It had sounded so depressed, yet still had hope That memory, and the thought of the rose gave her courage to raise her hand and knock. She couldn't believe how weak her knock was and she was sure that no one inside could have heard her. Before she could try again, however the door opened and she was looking down at the shorter of her son's friends. She gave a small smile. "Hello?"

Crimson eyes blinked up at her from a face set in what seemed to be a constant penetrating glare, though for some reason, Shiori took no offense. She simply got the impression that this friend of her son's was not one for varying his expressions. No, he expressed all his feelings through his eyes. All one needed to do was to look into his eyes to see what his feelings were. At the moment, there was a small bit of surprise mixed with something akin to relief. No real happiness as that seemed like a foreign concept, just a sense of tension being eased as the dark haired man nodded to her in silent greeting.

"Fox, you have a visitor." He called over his shoulder, stepping back to allow her to enter.

Shiori stepped in, removing her shoes as she saw Kurama and Keiko poking their heads around the corner to the kitchen. "Shuichi?"

When Kurama seemed frozen in place, Keiko gave him a small shove. "Go on, Kurama! I can finish getting dinner ready all by myself!"

Kurama glanced back at Keiko, then looked towards his mother, giving a hopeful smile, "Mother?" He gave a hesitant step towards her, with Keiko and Hiei watching.

Hiei almost felt like smiling as the two started slowly towards the other, until they met in the middle, embracing each other. He caught Keiko's eye, and gave a definitive nod.

Keiko returned the nod before going back into the kitchen to finish preparing their meal, being sure to add enough so that there would be plenty, just in case Shiori decided to join them.

Kurama drew his mother over to the couch that the three of them had put to much different use earlier, as Hiei took up position on the window seat, near enough that he could hear what was going on, but far enough away to give the illusion of privacy.

Mother and son looked at one another in silence for a moment before Shiori finally spoke up. "So... is Kurama your real name?" She asked, having heard what Keiko had called her son when she'd chased him from the kitchen.

Kurama looked at his mother, "Yes, my real name is Youko Kurama."

Shiori nodded slightly, "It's different," She said, "Do you mind if I still call you Shuichi? At least until I get used to it?"

"You may." Kurama replied, nodding hesitantly before asking, "So, Mother, do I dare ask why you have come to see me?"

Shiori nodded, catching her son's eyes with her own as she reached up to frame his face between her hands. "I am so sorry, Shuichi. For both the way I reacted earlier as well as putting you through the pain of my rejection. What you told me was a shock, of course, but you didn't deserve that. I should have listened to my heart, not my mind, after all, I have raised and loved you for the entire span of your life. Well, your human life and that should have counted for something. Can you ever forgive me, my son?"

Kurama bent his head, pressing his face into his mother's hand. "There is nothing to forgive. You are my mother, and always will be. No matter what you think of me."

Hiei looked over, "Stop being so self-sacrificing, Fox, it doesn't become you." He met Shiori's stunned eyes. "He's a little shook up, that is all. We helped him to feel better this afternoon before fixing dinner. However, only you can convince him that you still love him."

Shiori gave the dark haired form sitting at the window a grateful smile. "I'll do whatever it takes to prove it to him." She said softly, her eyes returning to the face of her son, continuing softly, "Whatever it takes."

"Hn." Hiei said thoughtfully. "Fox, show her."

Kurama turned his eyes over to the diminutive demon. "I can't, Hiei. I cannot take another rejection like I got today."

Hiei looked into the determined eyes of Shiori. "Kurama, I don't think she will."

By this time, Keiko had finished with dinner and entered the room in time to hear the last bit of conversation. Patiently, and with a bit of intrigue, Keiko watched, knowing what was about to happen.

"Go on, Shuichi, show me what your friend wants you to show. It's obviously something important that I should know. I won't turn you away this time, I promise." Shiori said softly, reassuring Kurama with her eyes.

Kurama reached inside himself, closing his eyes and changed into his demon form. He rested his hands over hers and opened his eyes knowing that they showed both his hope and fear. "Mother?"

Hiei and Keiko held themselves silent, just watching everything.

The older woman was, at first, taken aback by the sudden transformation. The son she had raised and loved had, for all intent and purposes, disappeared right before her eyes. Taking the place of the familiar redhead was an unfamiliar slender, towering form that was surrounded by flowing white material and pale, silvery hair. Shiori took a step back, her eyes widening a bit as she took in the form of the legendary Makai thief, Youko Kurama.

Of course, Shiori had no way of knowing that he was legendary, or a thief, only that this magnificent looking creature was standing before her where her son had once been. Looking up into the creature's molten gold eyes, she searched long and hard, gasping when she recognized the familiar look her son always gave her.

"Shu-" She began, but found that she could not fit the name she had given her son to this form. He was her son at heart, but at the moment, she could not bring herself to call him 'Shuichi'. The name that his two friends had called him seemed much more appropriate to her at this point. 'Well, I will have to get used to it, sooner or later.' She thought. "Hello... Kurama." She said, giving him an accepting smile.

Kurama looked down at his mother, seeing the acceptance in her eyes and gently clasped her to him in an embrace, being careful of his claws. "Mother." Was all he could say in reply.

Hiei smiled, reaching a hand out to Keiko so that she could take it, when he spied something peeking out of the cushions of the couch and raised an eyebrow in Keiko's direction.

Keiko noticed her mate's action and turned to look at the couch as well. Her cheeks instantly flushed with embarrassment as she spotted her panties that she'd been unable to find earlier sticking out from under the cushion. Quickly maneuvering herself over to the couch, Keiko tried to come up with some way of getting the material out of plain sight without interrupting the touching scene taking place only a few feet away.

Shiori wrapped her arms around her son, not able to say anything, while Kurama looked down at his mother, returning his embrace willingly, openly, without hesitation. He then caught sight of his mate and quirked an eyebrow at her, while directing his next comment to the woman in his arms. "Thank you, Mother. Will you stay for dinner?"

"That would be nice, Kurama, but are you sure it is alright with your friends?" Shiori replied.

Kurama looked over at Hiei.

Hiei nodded. "Keiko?"

Keiko, who had been bent over near the couch, suddenly shot up straight and smiled brightly, "Of course, we don't mind, Mrs. Hatenaka. We would love to have you stay. Dinner is already finished, and I prepared some extra for you, just in case."

Kurama smiled at his mates, releasing his mother. "Forget something?" He asked playfully gesturing at Keiko's hand, which showed a piece of white poking out.

Shiori smiled over at her son's friends. "Thank you, and please, call me Shiori." Then she looked over at Keiko, noticing the white. "What did she forget?"

"Nothing! Nothing at all!" Keiko gave Shiori a sweet smile as she hastily hid her hands behind her back. She shot a questioning glance at the silver youko. "Do you plan on staying in that form all night?" She continued, a hint of curiosity in her tone. She'd only ever seen Kurama's true demon form a couple of times and she couldn't help but think he looked absolutely breathtaking.

Kurama looked around. "I could, if you'd like." He gave a very youko-ish grin in Keiko's direction. "Nothing, eh? Well, you might want to put the 'nothing' in the bedroom."

Keiko couldn't determine whether she wanted to kiss him, or throttle him for drawing more attention to the reason for her embarrassed state. Deciding to do neither, she began inching toward the bedroom. "Okay then, I'll just go.. in here for a bit. You three go ahead and enjoy dinner. I'll join you in a minute."

Hiei shook his head. "We would not dream of starting without our mate, Keiko. We shall wait on you."

Kurama's eyes picked up on the double meaning of the statement and gave her another grin. "Indeed. Take your time."

"Oh? You didn't seem to have any problems earlier." Keiko replied, giving a sweet smile in return.

Hiei was almost grinning at the way she turned the entendre back to them.

Shiori just looked lost. "Excuse me?"

Kurama shook his head, "I think we should take this up after supper. Keiko, put that away, and then can you join us quickly."

"Hn, it is rude to leave out Kurama's mother after inviting her to stay for dinner."

"I'm truly sorry, Shiori-san," Keiko said, blushing as she finally made it to the bedroom door. "Please enjoy the food. I'll be back in just a moment." And with that, she disappeared behind the bedroom door.

Keiko quickly came back out from the bedroom, still blushing slightly as she joined the others at the table. Dinner was a quiet affair, with Shiori asking questions which were answered by Kurama, Hiei and occasionally Keiko. Kurama stayed in his demon form all through dinner, at the request of both Keiko and Shiori, which pleased him. Shiori wanted to get to know who her son was underneath all the masks and roles that he had played. She was reassured when he seemed to be the same person, a little more forceful and decisive but other than that it was still her son.

They finished dinner just as they finished dinner. Kurama went over and picked it up, "Minamino residence."

"Shuichi?" It was his stepfather's voice, "Is Shiori over there?"

"She is." Kurama held the phone out, "Mother? It's for you."

Shiori took the phone, "I'm sorry, dear. I didn't realize it was so late," She said in an apologetic voice. "I'll be right home." Shiori hung the phone up and then turned to thank them and told Keiko that she was an excellent cook, which caused the younger woman to blush all over again. She then rose up on tiptoe in order to give Kurama a last kiss on the cheek before quickly taking her leave.

Hiei helped gather the dishes, then turned to Keiko and Kurama. "I need to report, you two."

Kurama nodded. "Mukuro will have to be informed."

Keiko looked between Hiei and Kurama in confusion. "Um... who's Mukuro?"

Kurama chuckled as Hiei looked over at their mate, "To make a long story short, she's my boss and leader to a third of the Makai."

Keiko blinked, "Oh... Well, then... will you be back tonight?"

Hiei shook his head. "Probably not until tomorrow." Then he gave the kitsune a mock glare, "Try not to wear our mate out too much while I'm gone."

Kurama playfully waved his tail. "Aw, that takes all the fun out of it, Hiei."

Keiko's face erupted into a full out blush at the banter between her mates. "Hiei! Kurama!"

Both of them turned to look at her, Hiei curiously and Kurama playfully. Hiei smirked, "I know, Kurama." He went over and cupped Keiko's face in his hand. "You are mated to not one, but two youkai, and youkos are well known to be a bit on the insatiable side. Female fire demons can also incite men to higher states of passion. He could easily wear you out, or I could. If you ever get too tired, let us know." He bent down and kissed her softly.

Keiko felt her pulse increase as excitement flooded her body. She returned Hiei's kiss, her arms rising up to wrap around his neck. Hiei allowed himself to give in a moment longer, but not allowing the kiss to intensify any more for fear of not being able to stop himself from taking her. Keiko moaned when he finally broke the kiss, withdrawing from her arms a bit reluctantly.

"I must go." He said, receiving nods from both his mates.

Kurama watched Hiei flit to the window, quickly open it and then flit out. "Now, where were we?" He asked Keiko.

Keiko feigned an innocent expression. "Um, I think we were going to finish the dishes." She said, wondering how long the kitsune would play along.

Kurama flicked his tail. "Finishing the dishes? I don't think this has ever been called that before, though if you insist, I suppose we can." He quickly thought of what all he could do.

Keiko smiled, holding back a laugh as she made her way back to the kitchen.

Kurama chuckled as he followed her, wondering if she'd actually put on her underwear, or just tossed it into a corner. "Are you washing, or drying?"

"Oh, I think I'll wash and you can dry." She gave him a teasing glance over her shoulder. "Unless, you'd like to wash?"

Kurama returned her playful glance, "I think next time I'll wash, but I'll let you do so this time." He knew of a couple of different problems that could occur if he let her "dry" this time. He bent down and kissed the place that her neck joined her shoulder.

Keiko closed her eyes briefly, tilting her head to the side to allow room for Kurama's lips to work their magic on her. She gave a sigh and leaned back into his tall, lanky frame. "You're distracting me, you know that, right?"

Kurama chuckled, "Well, we can't have that, now can we?" He stepped a little ways away, letting her feel secure enough to start the dishwater.

As she calmed herself down, Keiko allowed the warm water to fill the sink, adding just the right amount of dishwashing liquid to make up a foamy lather before she began putting in the dishes that needed to be washed. She took hold of the sponge in one hand and a now soapy plate in the other and began cleaning the remains of their dinner from the porcelain surface.

Kurama obediently dried dishes for the moment, until Keiko had finished washing the breakable stuff. Right after that, however, he went back into his 'tease' mode, finding out a question that he had been wanting to know ever since he'd seen what she forgot earlier. He moved his tail to under her dress, gently lifting the hem and brushing against the back of her legs. He moved his tail higher, seeking his answer of whether she was wearing her undies, or not.

Keiko gasped as the fluffy appendage brushed the sensitive skin of her legs, followed by a giggle as she realized what he was trying to do. Not wanting him to know just yet, she stepped to the side, lightly swiping at his tail and resumed washing the pots and pans.

"You told me to dry," He said playfully, "But to do that, doesn't it need to be wet first?"

Keiko blushed, "O-of course," She stammered, not believing how blatant Kurama was being. She was far too used to the polite red headed persona.

Kurama saw the blush and became worried. "Am I being too aggressive, Keiko?" He sensed what direction her thoughts were going. "There should be no shame or modesty between mates."

"N-n-no. Not really. I'm just... so used to the other... to the more subdued version." Keiko confessed. "I realize this is how you truly are. It's kind of fascinating really, to see you as you truly are and not simply putting on an act to fit in with the humans. I'm not ashamed of you at all." She finished, proving her point by raising up to kiss him. "It's kind of exciting really." She whispered in confession as she drew back.

Kurama willingly returned the kiss. "I'm glad. If I ever do something that makes you uncomfortable, you will let me know, right?"

Keiko nodded her assurance. She glanced back to the now empty sink and then back to Kurama. "Oh, look, the dishes are all washed. Now what are we going to do?" She asked teasingly.

Kurama smiled back. "Shall I wash, now?" He replied, drawing her towards the bedroom.

Keiko blushed slightly, but nodded all the same as she allowed Kurama to lead her through the doorway leading to the bedroom. Kurama led the way over to the bed, then laid down on his back, pulling her over him, both of them still fully clothed.

At first, Keiko had no idea what to do. The position Kurama had laid them in, with her on top, had caught her off-guard. She simply stared down at him for a moment, unmoving, before it dawned on her what he intended. He wanted her to be in control, but Keiko found herself at a loss as to how to proceed.

When Keiko just looked a little dazed, Kurama decided that she was still a little too new for this kind of play and surged up, pinning her under his greater weight, but making sure that she wasn't being crushed. "And who told you that you could be in control, my little vixen?"

Keiko gave a little squeal as she was caught off-guard yet again with the swiftness in which Kurama changed their position. In the blink of an eye she went from sitting astride the silver kitsune to being sprawled out beneath him, finding that she felt much more comfortable in this role. She glanced up at him with wide eyes. "I guess I'm just not the dominatrix type." She attempted to joke lightly.

Kurama laughed. "I would not have thought it of you. If you were, Hiei would never have loved you. I sometimes find it enjoyable myself, provided it is not the pain type. However, I am also quite willing to be the dominator." He moved his hands so that he was pinning her hands over her head and bending down, catching her lips in his.

Keiko melted into the kiss, perfectly willing to allow Kurama to dominate their coupling. It just felt right that way, not to mention it was sexy as hell. She could not deny that, even though the redheaded Kurama was a beautiful sight to behold, a Kurama in Youko form was something else entirely. Something that made her want him to take her, to ravish her, to make love to her and never stop until they were both breathless and exhausted beyond reason. Those thoughts spurred her on, urging her to wrap her arms around the kitsune's neck and allow him to deepen the kiss.

Kurama let her worm her hands out from under his as he felt her submit to him. He twitched his tail, so that it pushed up her skirt, revealing the answer to what he had wanted to know earlier. Keiko gasped into Kurama's mouth as she felt the fluttering of his tail as it brushed against the inside of her naked thighs. She waited, wondering what his reaction would be when he discovered that she, in fact, had not put her panties back on earlier.

Kurama grinned in delight against her mouth as he found her as he had hoped. She had a hidden streak of naughtiness that was quite delightful. He continued with his tail's actions, letting it play over her thighs and occasionally mixing with her brown curls, making her gasp into his mouth. His legs were pinning hers between his powerful calves. He brought one hand into play, trailing lightly down the column of her throat before making it's way further down.

Keiko arched as best she could into the manipulative caresses her body was being submitted to. She felt the tips of his fingers as they graced her collar bone before snagging the collar of her blouse and before she knew what his intentions were, a ripping sound rended the air as her blouse parted down the center, courtesy of Kurama's claws.

Kurama grinned at the sight of Keiko's chest exposed. "So, I am washing. I am not doing a good job, you are still dry." He brushed his tail between her legs, knowing that she was, in fact, very wet and getting wetter. He was careful with his claws as he smoothed over her dry chest area, bending down and using slow sweeps of his tongue to add moisture with the occasional dominating nip thrown in.

All Keiko could do was writhe and moan beneath the onslaught of Kurama's mouth, along with his tail, which seemed to add more to the eroticism of the moment. She shivered each time that silky appendage brushed against her moist sex, stirring her arousal all the more until she was practically begging him to do something, anything, to relieve her of the intensity.

"Kurama... oh, p-please!"

Kurama moved down her body, moving his tail further down as well, softly brushing her calves. He looked up at her, noticing how magnificent she looked and noted the slightly reddened areas from his nips. He mentally noted that he'd have to watch his teeth. His fingers delved into the curls, noting how wet she was. When all she did was try to arch her hips, which were still pinned to the bed, he placed two fingers at her entrance. "Is this what you want?"

"Yessss," She hissed, the constantly coiling tension within her just coiled tighter as she thought of those glorious fingers working their magic within her. "Oh, yes, please Kurama. Please, touch me."

Kurama was pleased with Keiko's responsiveness and slowly slipped his fingers into her hot, wet passage. It wasn't that he minded being the secondary mate, but it was nice to be in the front seat from time to time. He gave her one more nip, just over her feminine mound as his fingers sank in as far as they would go, still holding her legs together, even as she tried to writhe under him. He reached up with his other hand, shaping a breast and tweaking the nipple.

Keiko arched helplessly beneath the youko's skilled hands and mouth, moaning as she did so with complete and utter abandon. She felt so free during these intimate moments that Keiko wondered at the ease in which her inhibitions set fly to the wind. It was as if she became another person altogether and it was all due to the love of her mates. Moving her hands to twine in his silver strands, Keiko attempted to guide Kurama to the spot she wanted his, or rather, his mouth's attention.

Kurama chuckled at her trying to guide him. "Was there something you wanted, koibito?" He pulled his fingers from her warm wetness and carefully licked them off in her view. He shifted his legs to one side, finally allowing him free access, as well as freedom of movement for her.

"I.... I want..." Keiko's face flushed. She may have grown bolder, but she still couldn't bring herself to put to words what she wanted Kurama to do exactly.

"You don't have to tell me in words, Keiko. Guide me to what you want. I'm sure I can take care of things from there." He told her, taking pity on her innocence.

Keiko's heart picked up the pace at his words, but she did as he said. This time, she clasped his head with both hands, one on either side of his face. Her slender legs trembled slightly as they parted at the same time she pulled Kurama to her, placing his mouth at her center while giving a soft whimpering plea.

Kurama grinned and swiftly put his lips, tongue and teeth into play, moaning at her flavor. Her musk was still mixed with both his and Hiei's seed. There was the beginning of another flavor present too, however it was too faint to discern what it was. He plunged his tongue deeply into her passage, causing her to writhe in pleasure. He swiftly brought her to a peak, only to pull back a little and looked up at his still aroused mate, he knew that he had not brought her to the ultimate climax, not yet anyway. He brought her knees to either shoulder, giving him better access. "More?"

"Yes!" Keiko managed to gasp out. "Please, Kurama, don't stop."

Kurama gladly obliged. He could feast on her for hours, but she wouldn't last that long, not yet at any rate. He would enjoy this while she was up for it, however. He started again, building the pleasure slower this time, and nipping softly, occasionally. He didn't want to hurt her, just to give a hint of rougher play.

Keiko moaned, too overwhelmed by pleasure to do more. It was the most pleasurable torture that she could have ever dreamed of. Her body was starting to spasm with him alternating between softer licks and the nips which had her crying out. Her fingers clenched and unclenched in his hair.

Kurama took in her state in one glance and knew she was ready. He swiftly brought her over the edge, causing her to scream her pleasure. He lowered her back to the bed, licking his lips for the last of her juices. He crawled up the bed to give her a deep kiss even as he teased her entrance with the tip of his manhood. "So, what next, my little flower?"

Keiko gave an annoyed little growl. Didn't he know what she wanted next? "Kurama..." She said, his name falling from her lips.

Kurama smirked, but did not relent. "Tell me, koi. Tell me in words what you want."

"You," She panted, wrapping her legs around his hips and clenching them together, pressing his length against her sex and causing them both to gasp. "Inside of me. Now."

Kurama's smirk gave way to a smile. He knew that she could say it. He let her guide him in, grateful that she was so slick, as he was rather large in this form. As it was, he slid in smoothly and gasped at the heat gripping him, closing his eyes momentarily. When he opened them, all pretense of teasing her had faded and his own urgency took over. He looked down to make sure she was okay.

The size of him had taken Keiko off guard momentarily, but it didn't take long before her sheath had adjusted to his larger girth and when he glanced down at her, she gave him a reassuring smile and a nod. She was ready. More than ready.

Kurama was glad that she was okay. He reached down to kiss her, feeling her core pulse around him and knew she was ready. Even so, he kissed her ravenously before he started thrusting slowly against her.

Keiko moved in sync with his thrusts, matching his slow rhythm and moaning her approval. After awhile, however, she began to crave more and began to indicate that she wanted him to go faster by tightening her legs around his waist as arched her own hips in a slightly faster pace. Just to make sure he got the point, she moved her mouth as close to his ear as she could and managed to pant. "Faster."

Kurama acquiesced to her wishes, knowing what she wanted. His thrusts became faster, even as they became slightly shallower. He wanted her to come, but he wanted to do more. He wanted to drive her beyond herself, beyond remembering her name. He drove faster and faster, feeling the beginnings of her contractions against his length even as she cried out, spasming around him. He gently removed her legs from around his hips, turning her over on her hands and knees. He thrust back into her in one smooth stroke. He gave her a moment to adjust to the new positioning, unaware that Hiei had taken her in this fashion, too.

Recognizing the position, Keiko fell into it, lowering her upper half so that her hips were a bit higher, allowing for deeper penetration. Kurama smiled, pleased at this and proceeded to move in earnest against her. Kurama couldn't hold back for long, but he wanted to bring her one more peak before he gave in to his own. His fingers cupped her breast briefly before gliding over her skin and rubbing her bundle of nerves just above where they were joined.

With a sharp cry, Keiko came, her body convulsing beneath him, around him, pulling him along with her into complete and utter bliss. Kurama gave a cry of his own as he followed his mate's over the edge of oblivion. He felt the trembling in her legs and withdrew, causing both to moan. He settled them on their sides, holding her in his arms.

"Keiko, you are such a precious flower." Kurama leaned down to whisper in her ear.

Keiko was already drifting on the waves of sleep and so only vaguely heard the youko's words, though she did manage a small, pleased smile in response before sleep claimed her completely.
~*~*~*~

Keiko woke up the next morning wondering who was laying beside her. She opened her eyes, only to see Kurama, still in his youko form from the previous evening. She felt terribly guilty about making love to Kurama without even a thought in Hiei�s direction. She thought about the scene that she had walked in on the previous day, with Kurama and Hiei on the couch. Even though she had been invited, she wondered if she had in actuality been intruding.

Keiko slipped out of bed carefully, so as to not wake Kurama. She pulled her nightgown on, and pulled a robe on over it, belting it at the waist. She went out into the living room and sat down on the couch, pondering all the things that had happened. Between finding Yusuke and Botan in each other�s embrace, mating Hiei, and then on the heels of that, mating Kurama, everything was a very large blur for her. She remembered Hiei mentioning that due to the influx of youki, that she would live as long as they would, but she wondered if they would even want her for that long.

Keiko grabbed a pillow and held it to her in a hug, nestling back in the couch, as if she could comfort herself. There was so much that had happened and she knew that to a certain extent she was in shock from it all. Hiei and Kurama had seemed so cozy here on the couch without her and she had been comfortable with only Kurama last night. It just seemed so improbable when she thought about it. Kurama and Hiei were both strong demons and they both could contest the other�s will with very little effort. How soon before their little family was broken?

She felt a tear streak down her cheek as she contemplated what could happen to them. Bearing a child for each of them, was that all she was good for? She saw the way that Kurama sometimes looked at Hiei, even if Hiei didn�t seem receptive to that kind of thing yet. Would he ever be comfortable? She felt a strange thrill when she thought of their children, it was true, but something seemed missing. It was both full, and strangely empty when she thought of the three of them together.

Yes, they both seemed to love her, but what if the bond broke, simply because Hiei and Kurama didn�t love each other the same way? She couldn�t take her heart breaking again and it seemed terribly fragile at the moment. How would Hiei�s absences affect the mating bond? She had so many questions and answers did not seem to be forthcoming.
~*~*~*~

Kurama woke up, feeling the empty bed beside him. He listened for Keiko�s presence, maybe the bathroom, or getting a glass of water from the kitchen. He was totally unprepared for the muffled sob coming from the living room. He swiftly got out of bed and threw on his pants. He came into the living room, seeing Keiko curled up, fetal position around one of the cushions of the couch. He sank down to his knees in front of Keiko, worried. �What�s wrong, love?�

Keiko gave a hiccup, looking up at Kurama with watery eyes. �Everything, and nothing. I don�t know, Kurama. It�s just now, everything has me overwhelmed! I don�t know anything anymore. Yesterday, we faced everything like a family, like we are all supposed to, at least from what I understand, and now, here�s Hiei off in the Makai, I slept with you, without a thought to him at all! I�m possibly carrying yours, and Hiei�s child, but is that all I am? What about you and Hiei? I know you care about him, but he doesn�t seem to care about you in the same fashion, will that affect our long-term relationships? I just don�t know, Kurama.�

Kurama swiftly took action, picking her up. Rising from the floor and sitting down on the couch, he placed her in his lap. �Keiko, I need you to understand some things. First and foremost, Hiei and I are not mates to each other. This does not mean that it could not change in the future, it could. But for the most part, we are mated to you. You tie the family together, love. You are also starting to feel some of the separation from Hiei. I feel it too, more distantly, of course.� He added with a smile as Keiko seemed to be listening to what he was saying and not flying off the handle at the moment.

�Now, as to your question about being the mother to Hiei�s and my children,� His smile turned wistful, �Well, you are that, without question, however you also play a much more vital role here. You are loved for who you are, not simply what you can do. We did not fall in love with you because you could bear our children. There are countless youkai women who would do that, especially for me. Heavens, there are countless ningen women who would probably do that, as well, even if I don�t encourage them!� He added with a snort, then turned more loving.

�You, Keiko, are special. Hiei knows it, and I know it. Now the only question is, how do we get you to know it, too. You are our flower, love, and anyone who tries to hurt you will pay for it.�

�But Yusuke didn�t want to keep me.� Keiko said in a small voice, her face buried against Kurama�s strong chest, breathing in his clean youkai scent.

Kurama knew then that she was still not completely healed from the damage that Yusuke had done. Inwardly he seethed, but all he could do was wrap his arms around her tighter and kiss the top of her head. �Do not give that silly boy one more thought. It is his loss, choosing the silly ferry girl over you. I say they are a matched pair, if you ask me. Yes, she is loyal, and stubborn sometimes, however, she is not as brave as you are most of the time, and is scatterbrained the rest of the time. You, my dear, keep your head on at all times, and when you are scatterbrained, it�s because you are overwhelmed, such as now.� He forced her chin up so that he could look into her still watery eyes. �And it takes a lot to overwhelm you, Keiko. You are so strong, my flower.�

Keiko gave a self-deprecating laugh, �Couldn�t prove it right now.�

�Don�t sell yourself short. We will teach you to use your dragon, which is one of the most feared attacks in the Makai, much less the Ningenkai, and our family will not be torn apart. I accept the fact that Hiei is not attracted to men as well as women, and content myself with just you for affection. Yesterday was a special case. Did you want me to explain exactly what it was?� He asked curiously, knowing that only information, and time would soothe Keiko�s fears.

Keiko simply nodded, for the moment unable to speak, held by the calm within Kurama�s eyes.

Kurama smiled, �To answer you, yesterday with Hiei and myself in this exact place on the couch, was well, an exception to the rule, you might say. Youko�s thrive on positive emotions. With the negative emotions last night, I needed some reassurance. Hiei provided it until you could come back. Even so, he was only able to comfort me by thinking of you.�

Keiko�s eyes threatened to spill over again. �But that�s wrong! We are all mates, and shouldn�t hesitate to comfort each other when needed. What if that eventually tears you and Hiei apart? It�s obvious that not all of us can be there for each other at all times, but we should be able to turn to whoever is present!�

Kurama smiled at her. �You are right, Keiko. Hiei and I are both strong demons, and used to relying on ourselves, I think we should be okay, though. Not everything is apparent to us right now, and then there is the added issue of Mukuro, and what�s she going to think of Hiei showing up mated, not that you were strong enough to mark him, but it will still be evident. I don�t have all the answers, but things will work out, Keiko. One cannot turn from one�s mate, it just can�t be done.�

Keiko finally tossed aside the pillow, throwing her arms around the kitsune�s chest instead. �Oh, Kurama, what would I do without you and Hiei? God, I miss him.�

Kurama smiled against Keiko�s hair. �Me too, my flower, me too.�

Keiko asked questioningly, �Is there some way we could call him back? I�m okay with your answers, but . . .�

�But we still haven�t heard Hiei�s side of things, and until you do, you will continue to worry, ne?� Kurama asked, knowing the answer even before he felt her nod against him. �Yes, there is a way we can call him back, my flower. Mates can always call each other. Close your eyes, and concentrate really hard on Hiei. The sound of his voice, the feel of his skin, his taste, everything. Focus until all you can see in your mind�s eye is Hiei, and then pull him to us. I will be doing the same thing, after all, we are semi-mates, as well. We can call him back to us.�

Keiko nodded her understanding, closing her eyes and doing as Kurama had said. She concentrated. She had the image perfected completely, then wasn't entirely sure what to do with it. "Ah, Kurama?"

"Yes, my flower?"

Keiko lightly blushed at the endearment, but said, "Now that I have the image, how do I reach for him?"

He chuckled. "It is similar to the telepathy that you have gotten from us, but not so much in words, but feelings, emotions. We need him here. Concentrate on that need, bringing it to the forefront and then push it with your mental force."

"Huh?"

"It's kind of like when you used to slap the idiot, only mental instead of physical."

Keiko chuckled at the image, but summoned her mental strength as if to deliver a slap, only in this case, a message and then pushed her need to Hiei.

Kurama stiffened. "If he didn't feel that, he's deaf, or his Jagan is dead."
~*~*~*~

Somewhere in the wilds of the Makai, a certain fire demon, who was already on his way back to the Ningenkai, felt the force of Keiko's message...

...and promptly tripped.
~*~*~*~
TBC...
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The Betrayal