FINDING MY WAY HOME

Well, it’s not long, but this chapter is finally done. I only rewrote it 3 times before I was happy with it. I know this is going slow, but on top of a lack of creative inspiration, I sort of have a new job. Same place just different job title. We’re also putting in a completely new computer system and have thousands of patients to convert to the new system. That means over time for me.

Enough of that. I hope you enjoy the chapter. I think I know how Kurama and Mukuro are going to react to each other, I’m just not sure how it will come together yet. Thank you for the great ideas and the wonderful reviews. Please keep both of them coming. SFM

Chapter 7

Ignoring the angry Hiei behind me, I go looking for a dance partner. Walking past the tables near the dance floor, I quickly see I am drawing attention. A demon with wavy golden hair is the first to stand and smile at me, but before he speaks he suddenly looks past me in terror. Turning away from me, he grabs a female from the table next to him and drags her onto the dance floor. Guess that means Hiei’s going to make this difficult.

Changing tactics, I approach a table that hasn’t noticed me or Hiei yet. “Hello everyone. My name is Kurama. Would anyone care to dance with me?”

The lone female at the table grinned and stood, but one of her male companions rose and stepped in front of her. “It would be my pleasure Kurama.”

Disappointed that the female had been out maneuvered, I nudged the male aside and held my hand out to the female. “Ladies first. Shall we dance?”

Ignoring the obviously annoyed male, I led the female to the dance floor. Spinning her once, she landed firmly in my arms. Trying to keep my gaze on her green eyes, and not the firm breasts pressing against my chest, I smile. “Thank you for the dance…?”

She looked up at me with a sexy grin. “Selina, and it is my pleasure Kurama. If memory serves, Kurama is preceded my Yoko. Are you playing hooky on your mate Kurama? Because I’ll be more than happy to take his place in your bed tonight.”

Hiei, she didn’t need to remind me of Hiei. I can feel him watching me as clearly as I can feel Selina in my arms. Forcing myself to concentrate on the beautiful woman in my arms, I allow my eyes to travel down to her generous breasts. “Let’s not think about him right now.”

What is wrong with me? This woman is beautiful, curvy in all the right places, and more than willing. Why do I feel nothing? Thinking I need to try harder, I rub against her. The only reaction I get is feeling Hiei’s energy burn into me. I’m not sure if Selina sensed Hiei’s reaction or my lack of one, but she pushed herself out of my arms. “Doesn’t feel like this is going to happen tonight. Too bad.”

She walked away without a backward glance. I was about to turn to Hiei and admit defeat when someone swept me into his arms. “I knew she wouldn’t be enough for someone as hot as you Kurama. I’m sure I’ll be much more to your liking.”

Gracefully leading me across the dance floor is the first demon that rose from the table. He was tall, a few inches taller than me. In the dim light of the bar, it was hard to tell what color his hair was, but it appeared to be a soft brown. He smiled as his hand rested on the small of my back, as he led me around dance floor. “My name is Chase. You must have just arrived, because I’ve been here a week and you’d have been in my arms sooner if I’d seen you before.”

Pressed close together, we swayed to the beat of the music. “Well, technically, I’m here with someone, but he wouldn’t dance with me, so here we are.”

One of his brows raised curiously. “Then he doesn’t deserve you. Not to worry, we’ll just get rid of him then I’ll show you how a creature with your beauty should be treated.”

Crap! I may not remember the way things were, but judging from Hiei’s reaction so far, he’s going to kill us both. Looking over Chase’s shoulder to the table where I’d left Hiei, I’m not surprised he’s gone. Trying to pull out of Chase’s arms, I look everywhere for Hiei. “Relax Honey, I’ll take care of your boyfriend.”

When Chase tried to pull me closer, I push him back. “It’s not Hiei I’m worried about.”

Chase suddenly froze when Hiei growled from behind him. “I am not Kurama’s boyfriend, I am his mate! And you are going to die for manhandling my fox!”

Seeing the steel of Hiei’s katana pressed against Chase’s throat, I use my position to push Chase aside and confront Hiei. “Hiei no! You can’t kill him for dancing with me when you wouldn’t.”

I’d swear there was actual fire in Hiei’s ruby eyes as he growled at Chase. “My mate just saved your life! I’d suggest you run before I change my mind!”

Chase fled just as two security guards arrived. Not wanting to be the cause of Hiei getting in trouble, I move between him and the guards. “Everything’s fine here gentlemen. No need for alarm.”

Both demons immediately stop and bow. “Glad to hear it Lord Kurama. Just let us know if anyone else gives you any trouble.”

As they walk away I realize Hiei wasn’t the one at risk of being in trouble, Chase had been. It all seemed like a hell of a lot of trouble for a dance. “Hiei, please tell me you wouldn’t really have killed him.”

Hiei must really be mad, because for the first time, he turned his back on me as he stalked out of the bar. Hurrying after him, I expected to find him at the restaurant or inn, but instead he was heading down the road. “Hiei wait! Where are we going now? Aren’t we at least going to eat?”

From behind, I could see Hiei’s shoulders rise and fall as he sighed. A little way down the road, Hiei turned into a small, open market place. There were booths and stands with various items, including fresh produce and food for sale. Grabbing up a small basket, Hiei shoved it at me. Taking it, I followed Hiei as he selected a variety of fruits and other wrapped items I couldn’t identify. He even picked up a bottle of wine. As Hiei made his selections, he’d drop them in the basket and pay each vendor.

When Hiei seemed satisfied, and the basket was almost full, he left the market. It seemed he just expected I’d follow him, which of course I did. Leaving the town behind, Hiei lead me deeper into the canyon. It wasn’t long before I notice that the further into the canyon we went, the higher we climbed. A small part of me wondered if he was waiting until he had me in the middle of nowhere before letting me know just how mad he really is.

Suddenly, Hiei stopped and turned to me. “Look around Kurama. If you were stranded here, where would you look for shelter?”

Guessing the answer he wanted wasn’t ‘back down the canyon at the Red Rock Resort’, I look around. There wasn’t much around us. There were a lot of rocks and a few scattered plants and bushes. Knowing Hiei, this was some sort of test, so I tried to reason out the answer.

Survival meant water, food and shelter. Since Hiei brought food, that meant there wasn’t any here. He didn’t bring water though, so I sniffed the air to see what I’d find. Sure enough, the scent of moist, healthy plants was coming from a group of boulders to our left. Moving around the large rocks, I found a small cluster of bushes. Not the sparse, dry looking ones around the rest of the area, but lush, green, healthy plants.

The moment I moved near them, the plants began to quiver and sing. Experimentally, I reached out to them with my energy and they began to dance. These plants knew me. Remembering that Hiei had said there was a beautiful view from my den, I turned around. The light from the setting sun was setting fire to the beautiful red rocks all down the canyon. It was a spectacular sight to see.

Giving Hiei what I hoped was a satisfied smirk, I turned back to the plants. With only a little coaxing, the plants danced aside to reveal the entrance to a cave. “Is this what you wanted me to find Hiei?”

Though he didn’t say a word as he walked past me into the cave, something in Hiei’s eyes told me he was proud of me. Pleased with myself, I followed Hiei into what I hoped was my den. It was almost completely dark, but Hiei moved forward as if he knew where he was going. In the dim light of the nearly set sun, I could just make out Hiei reaching out to something. “Kurama, there are more plants like these on the far wall, they’re called lamp weed. Reach your energy out to them and they will light the den.”

Moving to his side, I reach out to touch the plant before sending my energy to it and the others like it. Slowly, as if someone were raising a dimmer switch, several lights began to brighten. Disappointed, I look around the small cave. “This is it?”

Hiei smirked. “You think I would bring you all the way here for this?”

Frowning at him, I begin to examine the cave further. When looking revealed nothing, I reached out with my ki. A moment later, I see a subtle movement on the wall right near the entrance. There was a web of vines that looked like they had spilled in from the entrance. Coaxing them the way I had the other plants, they too revealed a secret entrance. This one was considerably smaller than the one from outside.

Peeking into the dark hole, I reach out my ki to light the lamp weed I’m sure must be there. As they light, I blink several times, not sure I can believe my eyes. Behind me Hiei chuckles. “Is that more like what you expected to see Fox?”

I’m sure my mouth is hanging open as my gaze sweeps around the treasure laden cavern. Pulling back, I turn to look at Hiei. “Hiei, is this for real? Where did all this come from? Why is it just sitting here in a cave in the middle of now where?”

Nudging me aside, Hiei ducks his head to enter the larger cavern. Bending through the narrow opening, I follow. “Trust me Kurama, it’s real. I’m pretty sure you stole most of this. As to why it’s here, I’m not sure. You have several hidden dens much like this one. You’re careful to keep them well stocked too. If you take treasure from any of them, you’re quick to replace it.”

Looking at all the precious metals, jewels and other items in the den I chuckle, amused to find I’m kind of proud of myself. “Well, if I have to be a thief and a pack rat, at least I’m a rich one.”

Hiei grunted, then led me further into the cave. It wasn’t large and roomy, more like many small caves all along a winding corridor. I couldn’t help but gawk at all the jewelry, statues and other expensive looking things. Nothing here was very large though. I guess it couldn’t be with such a small entrance and small rooms.

Just as I was wondering where this was leading, Hiei turned off the main corridor. To my surprise it was a bedroom, complete with a bed, dresser and a small table and chairs. “Hiei, how did all this get in here?”

Taking a seat in one of the chairs, Hiei chuckled. “You told me you brought all the wood in raw and built all this yourself. The mattress is several layers of padding that you rolled up to get them in. It’s actually quite comfortable.”

When I set the basket on the table, Hiei took out the wrapped items and some of the fruit. “Sit down and eat Kurama. It’s been a long day.”

Hiei rose from the table and left the room for a minute. When he returned he had two wine glasses and a cork screw. He then opened and poured the wine before taking his seat again. When we were settled and eating, Hiei sighed. “So, did you find the answers you were seeking Kurama?”

I didn’t answer right away as I wondered how he knew I was seeking answers when I didn’t know myself at first. “Sort of. Though in a way I’m more confused than I was before.”

Seeing Hiei’s confused frown, I tried to explain. “I feel like two people, yet neither of them feel like me. When I woke in your arms with no memory, the human me was almost terrified to think I could be in a relationship with another man. Before I knew it though, I felt like with you might be where I belonged. Here, the demon me felt an immediate, and strong, attraction to you. It was quite disconcerting.”

There was no emotion on Hiei’s face as he listened to me. “When I left you at the table, all I wanted was to dance, but when that woman, Selina was her name, showed an interest in me, it peaked my curiosity. Hiei, she was beautiful. Physically she was everything a man could want in a woman, and I felt no physical attraction to her at all.”

For just a second, there was the slightest twitch of a smile at the corner of Hiei’s lips. Knowing my next words would please him even more, I continued. “Even though Chase, the man I danced with, was very attractive, I didn’t feel anything with him either. Hiei, I don’t understand. I wasn’t physically attracted to a male or female.”

Hiei was trying to hide his smirk, and failing miserably. “Kurama, it has nothing to do with them being male or female. Years ago, before you were reborn as a human, you had many lovers, both male and female. In Makai, you are legendary as both a skilled thief and great lover. That all changed when you fell in love with me.”

Frustrated, I push my unwanted food aside. “I don’t remember being in love with you Hiei. My body should have responded to anyone I found attractive, not just you.”

It’s back, that hurt look in Hiei’s ruby eyes when I remind him I don’t remember loving him. “Your mind may not remember me Fox, but your heart and your body do. Somewhere inside, you recognize me as your mate, and respond to me like no other. It’s me your heart and soul chose as your mate, and being male or female had nothing to do with it.”

Taking a minute, I think about what he said. “You’re probably right Hiei. A part of me that my mind can’t comprehend right now, may know you as my chosen mate. The problem is, my mind hasn’t accepted that fact yet. I’m not quite sure where that leaves us.”

Hiei took a moment to clear away our mostly untouched meal as he considered my words. When he finished, he handed me my wine. “It leaves us right here Fox. We’re together, where we belong. We’re getting to know each other again. And whether you believe it or not, you’re going to fall in love with me again.”

He took my breath away with his words, and I had no doubt that he believed every thing he said. “I hope you’re right Hiei. You’ve been so wonderful to me, you deserve to be happy.”

Hiei stood and held his hand out to me. “We’re together Kurama. That’s all I need to be happy. Now, let’s get some sleep.”

Taking his hand, I allowed Hiei to lead me to the bed. Together we crawled between the soft sheets, and I laid my head on his shoulder. Pulling me closer, Hiei kissed my temple. “Good night Fox.”

Trying to control my body’s instant reaction to even his simplest touch, I sigh. “Good night Hiei.”