A/N: Yikes. This fanfic came out double of what I expected and originally planned for. It was twice as long, twice as pointless, and twice as sappy. But oh well. Perhaps my next fanfic will stay on course. Meh. Maybe, lol. My, and I'm very sorry for how long this took me to write. I've been too busy for my own good. Anyway, back to the story! Last chapter, folks! I'll apologize in advance for my rushed, strange ending. But I wanted to finish it. Heh.

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Chapter Fourteen: To be Yours.

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Kurama strode through the park on his way home from school, as he always did: with perfect posture, perfect pace, and an overall essence of grace.

He looked around, soaking in the sight of the beautiful flowers surrounding, the lush grass beneath his feet, and the trees rustling above him. It was the perfect scene. But the redhead couldn't help but find it odd, since there was no wind for the trees to be blowing in. He focused on the trees again, checking them over with subtle suspicion. Only one thing in particular caught his eye as being out of the ordinary, and that was the most familiar sight of all.

"Hiei, if I didn't know any better I'd say you were following me."

The small fire youkai quickly appeared before Kurama, leaping from his perch in a nearby tree.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to spot me. Your awareness is diminishing."

Kurama laughed, slightly.

"Luckily you're no threat."

"Aren't I?" Hiei responded, aiming a glare in Kurama's direction. "If I wanted to, I could easily have killed you."

"Ah, but you didn't," Kurama mocked, "meaning that you'd rather me be kept alive."

"Fine. But what if some other demon decides to attack you while you're blissfully ignoring danger on your way home from school? You'd be struck down in a moment."

The former youko looked Hiei straight in the eye, as a smile lurked onto his lips and a cheerful tone coated his voice. "I highly doubt that, Hiei. With someone so concerned about my well-being keeping such close watch on me constantly, it's unlikely I could get myself hurt if I tried."

"Angel's Forest is right up ahead," Kurama said, after he and his lover had stepped out of Devil's Forest and began to cross Shoulder Field.

"Do you know where in the forest that thing is supposed to be?"

"Yes," he answered, his tone confident. "I'm sure you'll be glad when this finally ends, won't you?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry I dragged you along like this."

"I came willingly."

Kurama smiled slightly.

"You're still cute," Kurama said softly under his breath, holding back a laugh.

"I'm going to kill you," Hiei grunted at him, quickly reaching out to grab Kurama's arm. The redhead evaded him just barely, taking a few steps back.

"On the other hand, anger seems to make you appear more… sexy."

Hiei grabbed for him again, this time taking hold of Kurama's shirt. He held it tightly, and forcibly tugged Kurama closer to him.

"If you talk to me like this in public I swear I'll—"

Kurama stepped forward, and placed a hand gently on the youkai's cheek. Hiei felt himself grow weak as the former youko's eyes penetrated into his own. He could merely look up at Kurama, unable to find his voice. Hiei winced as the fox wrapped an arm around his slender waist, pulling the smaller demon against his own body in one quick jerk, but he relaxed then, melting at the sensation of Kurama's lips on his own.

Hiei resisted Kurama all he could, and pushed him softly away. His lover smirked.

"Kurama," he said, stepping back, "we don't have time for that."

The fox nodded, and turned his head away.

"Hiei?" he began, after a few moments of silence.

"Yeah?"

"Are you going to… visit?"

Hiei thought for a moment about Kurama's tone of voice. He sounded almost lonely. For the past few days his main focus had been on old friends who'd likely forgotten him. Parting with Hiei again, especially since they'd become so close, probably wasn't the happiest of thoughts.

Hiei laughed at Kurama, and picked up the pace to get ahead of him.

"Hiei, wait!" he called after, cheering up.

The two quickly entered the other forest, Kurama trailing Hiei by a few feet. The fire demon stopped abruptly, scanning their surroundings while allowing Kurama the chance to catch up.

"This forest looks greener than the other," Kurama commented, looking around.

"They look exactly the same to me," Hiei scoffed, stepping deeper into the woods.

The redhead sighed a laugh to himself and followed Hiei.

"Maybe this forest's name makes it seem brighter," Kurama said with a smile.

Hiei mumbled something under his breath as he and his foxy companion reached a clearing in the trees and other plant-life.

"This the place?"

"Yes, if I remember it correctly."

There was a long, almost comedic pause.

"So," Hiei said, sounding calm, "are we going to go over there?"

At that moment, Kurama slowly started to walk into the clearing, Hiei following closely. After waiting for a moment in the center of the large clearing, he took a seat next to a boulder and motioned for Hiei to take the place at his side.

"Waiting?" Hiei asked, sitting next to his friend. Kurama nodded in response, then laid his head on the half koorime's shoulder and grabbed Hiei's hand with his own.

"We need some sort of excuse to be together."

Hiei laughed a little, then put his arm around Kurama, hugging the fox slightly. He could tell he was tired. Kurama had been under a lot of stress the past few days: he was injured, and he had to deal with their new relationship. Hell, he was under a lot of stress, too. It was hard to relax when the daunting task of leaving Kurama was ahead of him. Although, it was hard not to relax when leaving Kurama was ahead. He knew their time wouldn't last long.

Hiei pulled the fox into a full hug.

"Hiei," Kurama said softly, resting his head on Hiei's chest.

"They're not coming," he whispered, placing his hand in Kurama's hair.

"I know." He smiled, holding Hiei more tightly. "But it's alright." Hiei pulled him closer.

Kurama closed his eyes and a hushed sigh escaped him. The corner of his mouth twitched upward, and not a moment after Hiei noticed his small smile, Kurama buried his head into his lover. He looked the most content Hiei had ever seen him. It was a great relief, considering the situation. Of course, Kurama was never one to show disappointment. Hiei couldn't help but wonder if his fox was concealing some of his feelings; it wasn't like Kurama to just brush off a friend.

A few minutes passed, Kurama fell asleep, and Hiei watched and waited patiently.

It didn't take long, however, for Hiei to become a little sleepy himself. Well, there really wasn't much excitement around, aside from the occasional furry creature running by. He looked at the fox, analyzing his expression.

Kurama's lips were parted slightly, and his body bobbed with each breath in the sweetest manner. His hair felt so soft against Hiei's hands, like silk. Kurama's beauty was something he couldn't help but feel he was unworthy of, but he still wanted it.

Hiei took Kurama's chin in his hand, and tilted his head back. He gently raised his fingers to Kurama's lips, and with the softest touch, he traced around them. He loved Kurama's moist breath against the palm of his hand. He quickly pulled his hand away as Kurama began to stir.

The redhead's eyes opened slowly, and he smiled at seeing Hiei looking down at him.

"You're blushing," he said sleepily, as he laughed and sat up straight.

Hiei leaned away. "I guess you're going…."

"Yes," Kurama answered softly.

"Seems like a waste."

"At least I won't regret not having come in the first place."

"I guess."

Kurama scooted closer to the small fire demon. "And I got to spend time with you."

"Well, you could have done that anyway, without risking death."

Hiei smirked. Kurama smiled, then started to tear up. Hiei looked confused.

"Fox?"

"This isn't long enough," he whimpered, looking away.

Hiei wasn't quite sure what to say or how to comfort his friend. Kurama didn't ever… break down. Nevertheless, he wanted to try.

"Then stay longer," he suggested, inching closer.

Kurama felt Hiei's hand firmly grasp his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Kurama said, looking over. "These past few days have drained me." Hiei looked at him expectantly. "I-- … I can't stay, Hiei. I can't-- I don't want to leave my human family." A couple tears managed to fall from his eyes.

"Fine…." Hiei mumbled, standing.

Kurama bit his lip, and lifted himself to his feet. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he stepped toward Hiei, and put his arm around the smaller demon's waist, slightly hugging him. Hiei turned to him, giving him a saddened expression.

"I guess I'll see you around, then," Hiei said, lowering his glance.

Kurama nodded.

"Goodbye."

The redhead's arm slipped away from Hiei, and slowly, he started to turn around.

Hiei watched Kurama trek ahead, off into the forest. He felt like someone had just run over his heart with a truck, and if that wasn't enough, small children were throwing rocks at it. But he decided that it was livable, so another thought flittered into his mind: what if Kurama was attacked on his way home?

Hiei stood and pondered the idea for a moment. Then, soon, without hesitation, he ran after his friend to accompany him home.

Without complications, Kurama returned to the human world. His wounds healed within a few days, too. But for Hiei, those wounds were still fresh, making Kurama vulnerable again. So what else was he to do but make sure he was safe?

"I can see you, Hiei…."

"I know."

-END