====================================================================

The first thing Hiei felt when he woke up was that something warm was beside him. He remembered that he had a wonderful dream last night... with Kurama... He smiled to himself a little. Wait a minute, this thing doesn't feel like any branch I have slept on. He slowly opened up his eyes. The sun had just come up. Everything was peaceful looking. He looked at the bed. It was made of tons of rose petals!! No wonder it feels so soft and the scent was great. He looked down at himself. Oh shit! Where in the hell is my clothes? I am naked? He instantly spun around and saw Kurama sleeping beside him with one arm trying to hold him. "So it wasn't a dream." Hiei murmured to himself, somehow feeling relieved. He laid down facing Kurama, looking at him. He looks so peaceful. A smile attached to Kurama's lips. Hiei couldn't resist. Snuggling closer to Kurama's warm body, he leaned over and planted a kiss on those lips.

Kurama's eyes fluttered open. He was surprised that Hiei would take the initiative to kiss him.

"Good morning, Hiei." Kurama murmured with a smile. Hiei didn't say anything but going after his lips again. He teased his lips at first, and then exploring his mouth by his tongue. Kurama made a little noise inside his throat saying that he was enjoying the kiss. Boy, did he learn fast or what? Kurama thought, laughing to himself Just one night Hiei had turned into a skillful kisser. After a while, they broke the kiss to breath.

"Oh, Hiei..." Kurama was out of breath. "I love you," He said huskily. Hiei showed a little smile at the corner of his lips, but didn't reply. Instead, they imerged into a passionate kiss.

====================================================================

Kurama was doing his homework, but he found himself was staring outside constantly and thinking about that night, although he was a bit disappointed to find that Hiei wasn't by his side when he woke up a bit later, and he hadn't seen him ever since. Maybe he needed a bit time to think last night over. He had this tickle shivering feelings of happiness whenever Hiei's face floated to his mind. He laughed to himself but frowned when he thought that maybe Hiei had been trying to avoid him. Glancing Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet play beside him, he suddenly felt that his emotion right now was exactly like Juliet's when she met Romeo. Sighing, Love can be so exciting sometimes., Kurama thought. Suddenly, he had this idea. Maybe he could ask everybody to watch Romeo and Juliet with him. That way he could see Hiei again. Yes! It would be so fun!! But how to drag Hiei along? A smile crossed his face. Well, I guess I will have to use my charm then.

Just then, a few beeping sounds ringing from his necklace. That necklace wasn't just any ordinary necklace. It was their communication, whenever Koenma and the others wanted an emergency meeting. Oh man, what's now? With a swipe, Kurama disappeared into a thin cloud.

====================================================================

Hiei was sitting in a tree somewhere near Kurama's room. He hadn't been watching Kurama for the past few days. Of course, that night's images were consistently appeared on his mind. He couldn't hide a smile, but then quickly get rid of the grin. What am I doing? Just because that fox slept with me, doesn't mean that this is love. Hiei growled. And it certainly doesn't mean that I love him. But Hiei's mind drifted back to Kurama's kisses and his so deep green eyes. He found himself drowning in them, and couldn't pull out. He didn't want to pull out. Suddenly, his communication was beeping. In a flash, Hiei was gone.

====================================================================

"So everybody is here right?" Koenma asked, looking around. "Yeah yeah, we are here. Just give us the freaking case." said Yuusuke. Kuwabara eyed him with caution. "Okay, let's begin." Koenma began. Kurama nodded and stole a glimpse at the little demon, who had his arms crossed in front like he used to. He seemed to try to avoid Kurama's glances. "We have this invader coming along. He or she is a high S-plus intruder with multipliable body when sliced." Koenma stopped to let them soak the reality in. "It might have already arrived in this city. You people have to be careful and try to locate that demon as soon as possible and of course, destroy it without anybody noticing it." Yuusuke and Kuwabara were staring at him.

"An S-plus?" Kuwabara whispered. Yuusuke whistled.

"Yes. A S-plus. Better watch out it's multipliable skill."

"Hn." Hiei growled. Kurama looked as if he was in deep thought.

"So, you people can start the case tomorrow. Get a plenty of sleep tonight okay? You are going to need it." Koenma warned and left them to consider the strategy over.

"Oh man. I thought for sure he was going to give us a break. But it turned out to be another case." Yuusuke sighed.

"Yeah. I mean my wounds are not even healed yet!" Kuwabara exclaimed.

"Hn. Whiner."

"WHAT!!?? Who are you calling a whiner, shortie?" Kuwabara stood up.

But Hiei only gave him killer stare.

"Listen guys. Tomorrow there will be a Shakespeare's play on at that new threater. Maybe we can go and detect it." Kurama suggested, hoping that this plan would work. Usually he would never try to pull his team-mates to watch something while they had work to do. But this time was different. It was one time only chance.

"Hey! That's a great idea Kurama!" Yuusuke said happily.

"Yeah.. It's not too bad. I mean it's not like we are really playing, but we are going to keep our eyes and ears open at the same time." Kuwabara said.

"So how about you Hiei? Are you coming?" Kurama looked at him hopefully.

Hiei growled.

"Stupid human activities. Hn." Hiei looked away, trying not to let

Kurama's pleading eyes move his mind.

"Hahah~ What's the matter Hiei? Are you a chicken now?" Kuwabara said sarcastically Yuusuke and Kurama exchanged a side glance saying, here we go again. Hiei shot Kuwabara a don't-you-dare-to-call-me-a-chicken stare while Kuwabara still didn't give up but used his arms like wings and imitated chicken's voice. Both Yuusuke and Kurama came to Hiei's rescue by shouting, "Shut the fuck up Kuwabara!"

"I AM NOT A CHICKEN!!!" He shouted angrily. Kurama shot Kuwabara a warning glance. Kuwabara then quiet down a little.

"Come on Hiei. It would be really interesting. You need a break too." Kurama said softly. He walked nearer to Hiei, putting a hand on his shoulder, and whispered, "Please Hiei? For me?"

====================================================================

"Shuichi?" Shiori called softly at her son's door to the bedroom.

"Hai, Okasan. What's the matter?"

"Oh nothing. I was just checking if you were asleep yet."

"I haven't Okasan. Um... 'Kaasan, do you mind if I go out with my friends tomorrow? Since it's a Saturday?" Kurama asked gently.

"Sure. You deserve a break Shuichi. But tomorrow morning I am going to introduce you to this young girl I want you to meet." Shiori smiled. But Kurama was puzzled.

"What girl?" He asked.

"You know, her name is Yukiko. My best friend's daughter. She is two years younger than you. She is really pretty and smart. I was thinking that maybe you two can be...um... friends."

"Yukiko?"

"Yes, Suichi. You have only met her once when you were a bit younger. Her family is really wealthy. You really should meet her. I know she wants to meet you."

"But 'Kaasan. I have already in love with someone." Kurama murmured.

His face was turning a bit red. Should I tell her?

"Whoever that is, I am sure is not as good as Yukiko. Besides, no harm will be cost if the two of you meet each other. Who knows? Maybe the two of you will hit up."

"But Okaasan!"

"No buts. Go and have a rest. Tomorrow morning you will see Yukiko and then you can go out with your friends." Shiori said sternly.

"Hai." Kurama said without strength.

====================================================================

BAKA! Hiei shouted to himself in his mind. He had agreed to go to that stupid play with Kurama! One night with him was enough to make him want more. How in the hell could he be so blind?

They were walking down the street toward that new theatre. Kurama was so deep in thought that he barely noticing his existence!

Kurama was so deep in thoughts that he didn't even know that Hiei was looking at him with a bit worried expression. He wasn't thinking about something else. He was thinking about this morning. when his mother pushed him to meet Yukiko. Sure she was smart and looked pretty, but there was something missing. Kurama could never like her because he already had someone else. However, it seemed to him that his mother wouldn't give up so easily. She seemed to like Yukiko a lot. And knowing his mother, she would probably invite Yukiko to their house every second day until her son changed his mind. Kurama sighed. He looked up and saw Hiei's eyes were staring intensely at his own. He gave him a wink.

"Hn." Hiei looked away. Kurama wanted to know if Hiei was really care for him. He never did tell him that if he loved him or not. It had always been that Kurama telling Hiei his true feelings. Hiei never revealed anything. Could it be that he doesn't like me? Or he is just playing a game with my feelings? Kurama thought with worrisome. But before he could confirm anything with Hiei, they had already arrived the theatre. Kurama handed them the tickets he had already got.

"What kind of show is this anyway?" Kuwabara asked.

"Well, remember that Romeo and Juliet story I talked about? This is the play for that one." Kurama smiled.

"WHAT!!??" Yuusuke and Kuwabara exclaimed at the same time. Kurama smiled. I got them. He was a bit surprised that Hiei didn't have any comment. The two of them growled as they entered and took their seats. "Okay, let's now check if there is any unusual youki around here first." Kurama suggested, but couldn't hide a victory smile. But nothing strange seemed to be in range, so they relaxed a little.

"Seriously Kurama, I don't believe that you are making us to do this!"

"Yeah! Watching this yuky romantic stuff with you. I just hope it's not freaking boring." Yuusuke sighed.

Hiei sat beside Kurama, leaving a sit blank in between them. He didn't say anything, but deep down inside he was trying to hold down himself because he was afraid that he would just jump on Kurama when he lost his control.

====================================================================

After Kurama left, Shiori handed another cup of tea to Yukiko and sit down with her on a sofa.

"Yukiko-chan," Shiori began. "How do you like Shuuichi-chan?" Yukiko blushed.

"Oh Shori-san, I like him fine. He looks really handsome and smart and all. He seems to be the guy every girl would be interested to." She smiled, and so did Shori.

"I really like you Yukiko. I have never had a daughter, although I am very satisfied with my only son. He is a child a mother could ever dream of to have. "

"Yes, Shiori-san, I could see that."

"So how would you like to be his wife?"

Yukiko's jaw dropped open.

"Shiori-san! Isn't that a bit too fast? I barely know him!"

" But Yukiko-chan, don't you like him?"

"Of course I do! But..."

"Then if you like him, what's the problem? I can feel that he likes you too. I know both of you are a bit too young to talk about this, but I want a daughter in my family so badly. Your mother and I have been best friends for almost 20 years. Your mom likes my son, and I like you. What could be more perfect? Besides, I know she will approve my decision. So how about it?" Shiori interrupted softly. Yukiko was blushing deeply.

"I still think you should as Shuuichi-san." Yukiko said.

"Shuuichi-chan always listens to his mother. He will understand that this is for his benefit. So, do you mind bring him happiness?" Shiori asked hopefully.

"H-hai, Shiori-san." Her head was down, staring at her own feet.

"What Shiori-san! You should call me 'Okaasan' now." Shori smiled and held Yukiko's hands. Yukiko blushed even deeper. Lowering her head, she called, "Hai, Okaasan."

====================================================================

The play went smoothly. Kurama was amused by his friends' attention. Yuusuke and Kuwabara were joking around until other people told them to shut up. But as the play went by, their expressions got more and more serious. In the end where Romeo and Juliet died, Yuusuke and Kuwabara's eyes were filled with tears.

Of course, Kurama was broken hearted to see the two lovers separated. He was especially touched by the last soliloquy by Romeo expressing his grief about Juliet's death, and how Juliet reacted when she found Romeo was dead. But Hiei was another story. His face remained emotionless. Kurama had no idea what he thought about the play.

Kuwabara sniffled as they walked out the theatre. All of them went to the nearby park silently, as if to let the tragedy to sink in their system.

Finally, Yuusuke said, "Wow! That was a really good movie."

Kurama smiled at Yuusuke. "I knew you guys will like it."

"Yeah. You are right Kurama, as always. It was a great movie. And it was so sad!!" Kurama lowered his head as some images came out of his mind.

"Yes. Yes it was." He mumured. He turned his head and watched Hiei with intensive stare.

"Oh shit! Keiko told me to bring some food back when I go home. I have to go now. See you guys tomorrow okay? Kuwabara! Come along! Don't you want to see Yukina?"

Kurama smiled at Yuusuke's behaviour.

"I am coming! Bye you two." Kuwabara ran after Yuusuke.

"Hn. Idiots." Hiei said. Kurama spun around to face him.

"So, Hiei, what do you think of the movie?" His question seemed to shock the little demon a little. But he quickly covered it again.

"It was.....sa.... stupid." Hiei looked away. Kurama could have sworn that he meant to say 'sad' and not stupid. But he knew too well to push it. "Hiei, there is something I want to talk to you about." Kurama turned Hiei around. He could feel his body tensed as his hands touched his shoulder.

"What's now fox?" Hiei demanded, sounding annoyed. Kurama's heart turned cold. Hiei couldn't have forgotten about that night so fast! But he still had to ask.

"I have been wondering about this question for along time. Do.... Do you love me?" Kurama asked softly, almost shy. His eyes were glinting with hope. Hiei's head shot up abruptly. He found his own gaze was locked again with those beautiful deep green eyes, but this time it was a bit different. It was as if he could see through Kurama's soul into his heart. From those eyes Hiei could feel waves and waves of love coming toward him, grabbing him, swallowing him, and not wanting to let go. Hiei felt Kurama's eyes were hypnotizing him, showing his love, warming his heart, begging him to love him in return. Right at that instance, everything sudden became crystal clear to Hiei. I love him.

Kurama's heart was pounding so hard that he could just die right there. He was so nervous and he didn't know what to do. Hiei's face expression had changed from confusion to sudden realization.

I ... I.... Hiei stammered in his mind. He couldn't being himself to say the words. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth. Just before he was going to say it, a glint reflected from the nearby bush behind Kurama. Oh shit! It was a digger!!

Kurama felt Hiei's eyes expression changed. It was tension. He spun around and saw the glinting digger launching towards them, but he didn't have a chance to take action.

"Kurama! Down!!" Hiei yelled and pushed Kurama out of the way just before the digger came launching towards them. But the digger thrust into Hiei's left shoulder from behind as he landed on top of Kurama. He moaned a little for the pain was greater than he had expected.

"Hiei!" Kurama shouted. He gently push Hiei aside and summoned his rose whip.

"Rose Whip!!" It launched perfectly toward the bush and a four-eyed demon was cut into pieces. But the demon quckily multiplied. Oh man. As fast as he could, he grabbed a few plant-made bombs and threw at them. Kurama then threw himself to cover Hiei onto the ground. Screaming sounds followed then with silence. He lifted up his head and looked around. Those monsters seemed to be dead. Returning his attention to Hiei, Kurama knelt up and held him in his arms who was sweating with pain. But Hiei quickly climbed up on his feet and kept his distance.

"Hiei. Are you alright?" He was a bit worried. Hiei's face was a bit paler than usual.

"I am fine!" Hiei snapped at him. "We have to find Yuusuke fast. They might encounter the monster as well. It could be the one Koenma told us about."

Kurama nodded. He quickly used a leave kind of cloth covered Hiei's shoulder. "It's not the best medication, but it should slow down your blood circulation so whatever that digger had in you shouldn't get you down so fast." His eyes were filled with concern. Hiei nodded, and they quickly went to the direction where Yuusuke and Kuwabara went.

====================================================================

"I didn't know you are going to see Keiko." Kuwabara said with puzzled eyes.

"I don't."

"What? Then why in the hell did you..."

"Because didn't you notice there is something between Kurama and Hiei? I mean they stole side glances throughout the entire time we were out! So I figured that they wanted to be alone." Yuusuke said softly.

"Oh... yeah...." Kuwabara seemed to think it over.

"I have always known that they seem to like each other. But you know

Hiei, he's probably too sophisticated to admit it. Kurama on the other hand, is different."

"Really.. Now you are talking about it, it kinda reminds me their behaviours... LOOK OUT!! " Kuwabara ducked his head, and Yuusuk flipped over to the other side. They quickly got on their feet and got into the position to fight anytime. A shadow flicked through in a nearby bush. Yuusuke closed his eyes to feel the youkai. It was near, somewhere around the right corner.

"Your right hand side Kuwabara!!" He yelled. Kuwabara turned around fast and ready to summon his fire sword, but Yuusuke was faster.

"Rei-gun!!" A big energy ball flicked and formed at his index finger and it shot out to the shadow. A scream was followed and the shadow tumbled down on the ground. It was a four-eyed monster.

"Whew! That was close! It must have detected our ki." Kuwabara said after he got his breath back.

"Yuusuke!!" A voice shouted. Yuusuke turned around and saw Kurama and Hiei ran to them.

"Kurama! Hiei!" Boy! Am I glad to see them! Yuusuke thought. He waited till them to arrived and looked at the demon.

"So it was a bit too late." Hiei said with relief, fighting with a fainting spell.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Hiei and I met another demon who looked exactly like this a while ago. After it was destroy, we thought that maybe another one would go after you guys, so we ran back to find you."

"Thanks. It jumped at us when we were not on guard. Pretty snicky huh?"

Yuusuke shook his head, remember the close calls.

"Yeah. It must be the same one Koenma told us about." Kuwabara said.

Suddenly, Hiei collapsed.

"Hiei!" Kurama and Yuusuke both called out. Kurama caught Hiei in his arms just before he was going to hit the ground.

"What's the matter with him? He looks terrible!" said Kuwabara.

"He... He got injured by the digger when he was trying to save me." Kurama said with worry, he knelt down on the ground and held Hiei close. Yuusuke eyed Kuwabara as an acknowledgement of 'I told you about those two'. But then he quickly bent down and examine the wound.

"Looks like there might be some kind of poison on that digger. We have to get him to Genkai's temple as soon as possible." Yuusuke said. "Yeah. We better inform them before that monster shows up again."

Kuwabara warned, and all of them nodded.

====================================================================

Kurama laid Hiei on the bed gently everybody was around the bed; Yuusuke, Kuwabara, Keiko, Yukina, Botan and Genkai. "He shouldn't be in anymore danger right now. He was extremely lucky. In Makai, that poison is deadly. Fortunately you gave that herb to slow down the circulation, otherwise he will be doomed for sure." Yukina said.

"Thank you, Yukina-san." Kurama said with relief. He looked at Hiei's sleeping face. So peaceful. He felt a stab of pain in his chest. I almost lost him. He was so relieved that he didn't.

"Kurama-chan. It's a bit pass eight. You should go home now, or your Mom will worry about you." Keiko said with concern.

"Really? It's eight already?" Kurama sighed and shook his head. "I don't want to go. I want to stay with Hiei."

"You don't have to worry, we will take care of him." Yukina assured him. Kurama hesitated. Maybe I should go back and then try to come back by midnight. He nodded.

"Thank you Yukina-san. I will be back before midnight." Kurama said and hurry out of the door.

====================================================================

"Shuichi-chan! Thank goodness you are back!" Shiori said.

"Yes 'Kaasan. I am sorry I am a bit late, I was helping out a friend of mine. He has some kind of problem." Kurama explained apologetically.

"That's all right Shuichi-chan. Do you want something to eat?" Shiori smiled.

"Um... No. That's okay. I ate some while I was at my friend's house."

"That's good. Come here and sit on the sofa Shuichi-chan." His mother called softly. He felt a bit strange, but obeyed his mother anyway.

"Shu-chan. I ought to congratulate you."

"For what? Kaasan?" Kurama asked, puzzled.

"You are engaged."

"To?" Kurama's eyes widened.

"Why? To Yukiko of course!" Shiori laughed.

"NO!" He almost jumped out of his chair. His mother engaged him to a girl that he had only met for a few minutes!! How in the hell could that be??

"Shu-chan.. You know how I have always wanted a girl. Not that you are not good enough, but I want to know what's it like to have a girl around our family. Yukiko's mother and I have been friends for a long time. She likes you, and I like her daughter. Isn't that a terrific idea to pair you two up together? " Shiori explained logically.

"Okaasan! You don't understand. I have only met her for what? 10 minutes?" Kurama was at the ege of tears and the brink of anger. He felt so betrayed.

"None-sense! I know you both are a bit young, and you have only met her for a few minutes. But love will grow out of your two." Shiori was a bit angry now.

"But Kaasan!" Kurama wailed. But he was shocked to see Shori stood up from the sofa and said angrily, "No more buts, Shuiichi! This is getting no where. Can't you see that this is a perfect marriage? I am not talking about this anymore. You are going to marry Yukiko-chan no matter what and THAT's final." Saying that, Shiori went back to her room, leaving Kurama to consider this by himself.

Kurama slumped into his seat. No. This can't be happening. This is a dream. A nightmare!! Right now I just have to wake up from it and everything will be fine again. He buried his face into his hands and swallowed a sob. How can he betray his true love? Hiei. The thought that Hiei just saved his life. He walked to his room and locked it.

"I am sorry Kaasan, but I love Hiei. I have to go and see him." With that, Kurama disappeared to the window.

TO BE CONTINUED.... "Kurama and Hiei in Romeo and Juliet (PART II)"

==================================================================== 1