Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s almost two thirty in the afternoon when the door chimes, announces a patron. Hiei doesn’t look up as a gust of cold, winter air sweeps into the store. He just continues transcribing his notes from this morning’s lecture into some semblance of order.

He’s got his text book open on the counter, something that Mukuro frowns at everytime she sees it—Hiei has yet to care a single time—and he’s meticulously adding in a diagram his professor had referenced. As annoying as he finds it, he reaches for the green pen from his pile of tools and starts color coding. It’s an investment, he reminds himself, keeping his hand steady.

Really, it’s a pain in the ass, but it’s worth it. Clean, detailed notes sale for a decent price. Plus, the store is always empty during the middle of the day.

It’s the best of his jobs for school, because he can spend most of his work hours studying. Stocking and cleaning up is a joke, and Mukuro doesn’t trust the ordering to anybody but herself, which honestly is the way he prefers it. Mostly, Hiei’s just a warm body so Mukuro doesn’t have to work the mid shift.

Hiei glances up to make sure the customer isn’t robbing them blind. When he sees a shock of red hair peeking over a display of tittie magazines, he rolls his eyes and goes back to work.

He’d see that one a mile away if they got sticky fingers.

He’s working on labeling another diagram—his hand is going to be useless after this—when the redhead approaches the counter and politely clears their throat when Hiei doesn’t immediately look up.

Hiei takes his time leaving his textbook behind, letting his gaze run over the guy’s figure before they settle on green eyes. They’re bright and they’re big, and Hiei isn’t lost in them, but he is a little surprised by them.

Remembering he is on the clock and actually has a job to do, he sweeps his school supplies down the counter while curtly asking, “Did you find everything okay?”

“Ah, yes. Thank you,” Redhead says, and he’s blushing so delicately Hiei has to glance down to see what he’s putting on the counter.

It’s a butt plug, nothing too wild: glass, small, the softest shade of baby pink. Hiei looks back at Redhead as he takes the toy to scan it. He clocks his big doe eyes, flushed cheeks, the pale column of his neck behind all that hair that Hiei figures could probably be described as elegant, and it tracks. Twink.

Hiei recites his total and the store’s return policy in a detached, deadpan tone. Money is exchanged, baby’s first butt plug is slid carefully into a discreet shopping bag, and Redhead is shy but polite as he takes his leave.

Hiei doesn’t feel guilty checking him out as he heads back into the brisk winter afternoon. He’s got long, shapely legs, a trim waist—a flat ass, though.

Sighing, Hiei pulls his notes closer and gets back to the grind.

***

Color Hiei surprised when a week later, again just after two, the door chimes for a rare middle of the day customer. Actually, color Hiei pissed, he was trying to squeeze in a nap, but when he saw a blur of red ducking down the rows of solo toys, he had to suppress a snort.

Hiei sits up and straightens his hoodie, and waits for Red to pick his poison. It takes forever, and Hiei has half a mind to go back to sleep, but he holds strong and flips through the notes he’s supposed to be studying.

Red approaches the counter confidently, hair pulled up into a messy bun, sliding first a bottle of lube and then a stroker, one of the basic models, towards Hiei.

That neck? Elegant works for it.

“Hello again.” He’s making eye contact, which normally is weird given the setting, but he’s not trying too hard about it.

Hiei grunts in response and starts to ring up his purchase. He frowns a little, eyes lingering on the stroker. It’s flesh toned, a picture of a woman exposing her ass plastered all over the packaging. Hiei does not react, but he wants to level Red with a look that says we get it, you’re into men.

Keeping his mouth shut and his expression in check, Hiei turns the packaging over to look for the barcode.

“Is everything okay?”

“Hm?” Hiei finds the barcode and glances up. Red is leaning against the counter, curious. He’s missed the top two buttons on his button down and Hiei keeps his eye respectfully on that pink mouth. He’s wearing chapstick or lip gloss or something, and it’s practically obscene. Hiei refuses to roll his eyes, but damn.

“You acted like something was wrong,” Red replies calmly, one hand tucking loose hair behind his ear. He gets comfortable, resting his chin in that hand, planting his elbow in Hiei’s territory like it belongs there.

Those big green eyes are all over him, and Hiei refuses to flinch, or blush, or look away.

He’s been working in this shop for a year and a half and this won’t be the first time some freshman walks in and thinks they’re going to get a rise out of him. Hiei keeps his face passive as he holds up the stroker. The redhead looks amused, less shy than before, and Hiei can respect it. Buy a butt plug—the gateway drug of sex toys, truly—and come back for round two with cash burning a hole in your pocket and drunk on self confidence.

“This one gets bad reviews,” Hiei says, not sure why he’s opening his mouth. “It’s cheap for a reason, most customers say it breaks after a few uses.”

“Oh, thank you for telling me.” Red doesn’t take the stroker back. It just sits there between them. Hiei is about to ask what he’d like to do with this knowledge when a pink tongue darts out to wet those shiny lips. Red dips his chin slightly so he’s able to look up from under long lashes, gaze helpless and needy, and with innocence dripping off of his words he asks, “Do you have any recommendations?”

It’s all a lie.

Hiei is unmoved by this display. He is not getting fooled by those large, soft eyes. This twink is a sexual deviant, and he’s getting off on playing innocent. Of course.

Without letting his mask of indifference slip, Hiei hops off his stool and rounds the counter. He doesn’t show weakness. This is not the first time a customer has tried whatever that was, and it won’t be the last.

Hiei leads the way back to the strokers display, ignoring the way he feels eyes all over him. Red has a powerful stare. Hiei refuses to shiver but he does feel exposed. Gesturing to a line of products he shrugs, “These sell well.”

“Thank you…” It’s clear from the way he trails off he’s hoping Hiei will offer his name. Hiei just nods and returns to the safety of the counter. Behind the counter is the non horny zone. It’s impossible to feel differently when you’re the one reading the return policy and asking about receipts. It’s just business, Hiei knows this.

It only takes a few minutes for Red to return, and he places his prize on the counter. Hiei scans the toy. This one is a simple clear pocket pussy, but the silicone is far sturdier than the other brand.

“Thanks,” Red says as he takes his change.

“Yeah,” Hiei says, leaning back. He watches as Red tucks his receipt into the bag, that blush starting to build high in his cheeks as he readies himself to venture back out into the brisk January day.

Hiei can’t help it, it’s too easy, so he stupidly says, “Have fun.”

Green eyes flash up to him, and what a mistake that was, because that blush is now a stain of pride as Red flashes a set of perfect, straight teeth at him. His pink mouth is sinful as he says, “I plan to.”

When Hiei’s alone he presses his forehead to the countertop, groaning aloud. Why did he say that? Why? He’s inviting trouble, both arms wide open, by breathing in Red’s direction let alone making small talk.

Hiei allows himself to question his life choices for a solid minute before he sits up and actually studies as punishment. He’s not going to linger on this, and he’s learned his lesson. He will not be doing that again.

***

Hiei pushes through the door, weaving around the customers milling about and tosses his bag into the staff room before sliding behind the counter. His hair is still damp from his shower, and he isn’t late, but he hates working the evening shift and he hates working after practice so his anxiety is picking away at his sanity.

Mukuro glances over at him with her natural eye and then turns her attention back to organizing a new selection of candles beside the register.

“How was practice?”

“I ran until I threw up, what do you think?”

Hiei has to take a moment to show a customer where to find the selection of gags—Mukuro really should stop hiding them with the ticklers, they’re always overlooked—before he can tell Mukuro, “Thanks again for taking my shift.”

“Of course. You should be fully stocked for tonight. Juri will come in around seven.”

Hiei nods, already dreading the night crowd. This job is perfect when he can keep his shifts in the middle of the day. Luxuriously slow, with mostly shy twenty-something’s buying gag gifts, or no nonsense buyers that need no help or pleasantries. But Friday evening? It’s like a war zone of couples with no idea what they’re doing, overly chatty singles with too much willingness to share, and a lot of people that are a little dumb about sex.

There’s also some decent customers, Hiei’s sure, but it’s not the same as his blessed afternoon shifts.

Hiei isn’t sure how Juri handles the late shift so effortlessly. She is very charismatic, but evenings are often when the bolder, more entitled customers seem to surface. He’s received his own share of unwanted advances in the safety of daylight, he can’t imagine what she gets on the regular.

He scowls at the thought of her being harassed, even if he finds her a little annoying.

“Also,” Mukuro says, “I didn't realize you had a regular.”

“What are you talking about?”

Hiei keeps his eyes on the customers, making sure they don’t damage the merchandise. You get a couple of teenagers in a toy store and suddenly they think everything’s free reign to handle. It’s taken a lot of practice, but he keeps his expression neutral as he scans the display floor.

“Somebody stopped in today looking for you,” Mukuro says casually, like she’s not dangling hot gossip over his head.

Hiei has to throw her a what the fuck look then, his eyebrows doing most of the heavy lifting. “Yusuke,” he starts, but Mukuro shakes her head, her expression positively amused.

“No, this one,” she says, like Hiei is collecting lackies instead of just having a roommate like a normal person, “has red hair.”

Hiei feels a headache forming behind his right eye. Mukuro’s grin is knowing, and he cannot imagine Red meeting her. Asking about him. What the actual fuck is this terrible day?

“You know who I mean?”

“Yes.” Hiei grinds out, eyes locked on the display of discrete vibrators like they might be hiding an escape or a quick death.

“Innocent eyes, fuck me attitude?”

“Mukuro,” he hisses.

“Ah, you do know who I mean.” She smiles and continues to fuss with the candles. “Lovely boy, was asking about you.”

“What does that even mean?”

Mukuro shrugs, like she didn’t stir this pot herself. “Oh, he was just very chatty at checkout. Said he didn’t realize we had other employees.” Mukuro’s smile slowly grows as she continues, “He asked if the ‘normal guy, dark hair, kinda short, helpful’ was okay.”

Hiei wants to disappear, and it infuriates him that he doesn’t know why. He’s done nothing out of line, and yet Mukuro feels the need to pick at him so ruthlessly.

“I just did my job.” he snaps, because it’s true. Why is she being a dick? “Stop being a dick,” he says for good measure, mostly because he’s an idiot.

Her smirk tells him he’s said the wrong thing, which makes his headache spread. It now stabs behind both of his eyes.

“Hm,” she hums, and her tone couldn’t say disbelief more if it wrote the word across her forehead. “Always appreciated. Well, I’m heading out. Juri will be here at seven.”

Hiei doesn’t get a chance to respond as a giggling girl, barely old enough to be in this establishment, slides a wand onto the counter.

Juri is eleven minutes late during the rush, and Hiei’s not sure what he’s more pissed about: being stranded in a sea of horny idiots, the weird feeling in his stomach from knowing Red was looking for him, or the fact that he wishes he’d asked Mukuro what he’d bought even though that would be like signing his own death certificate.

***

Hiei doesn’t think much of it next Friday afternoon when the bell chimes, he’s focused on flash cards and the four tests coming up next week.

“Hiei, where were you last Friday? You missed our appointment.”

Hiei jerks his head up, startled. Red is standing right there on the other side of the counter pouting, arms crossed, the whole nine yards.

“I came in and you weren’t here. I ended up wasting my money.”

Hiei blinks. Something is off here.

Red huffs out a breath, disturbing the hair that frames his face. “I bought a cock ring and they are not one size fits all, which I’m sure you would have mentioned if you’d–”

“How do you know my name?” Hiei demands, finally realizing what’s out of place.

“Oh,” Red says like it’s nothing, honestly waves it off with one dainty flick of his wrist, “Mukuro told me.”

“Mukuro… told you?” Hiei cannot believe this. How does he know Mukuro’s name? What the hell did they talk about?

“Yes, you weren’t here. She checked me out. I– Oh, are you studying?” Red takes a moment to peer down at Hiei’s flash cards. He carefully takes one from the discard pile and has the audacity to read over Hiei’s neat, precise script. “Nutrition?”

He acts like this is normal. Like he can swoop into Hiei’s place of business and just start acting as if they know each other. Hiei stares at him, can feel his jaw go a little slack, and finally he sputters, “I don’t know you.”

“Oh, my apologies, my name is Kurama. You’re in Nutrition, yeah? I took this course last semester.”

Hiei just stares. What is happening? “Why are you here?”

It’s rude, but Hiei doesn’t really care. He’s done distant, he’s mistakenly done customer service levels of flirtatious, and today he doesn’t have the patience to find the response he’s supposed to have to this.

He feels like his privacy is being ripped out of his hands one piece at a time. Kurama knows his name, something he did not plan on giving away, and now he knows he’s in Nutrition.

Seeming to realize he’s over stepping, Kurama gently sets the flash card back on the counter. “I meet my mother for lunch on Fridays down the street. I thought I would come in and browse today.”

“Browse?” Hiei echoes disbelievingly.

“Yes.” Kurama flushes, tucking his hair behind his ear. “I didn’t have success with last week’s purchase.”

Hiei makes a noncommittal noise and frowns with a level of heat that is workplace approved.

Kurama raps his knuckles against the countertop good naturedly, turns to go, but thinks better of it. He bites that lower lip—he has to stop doing that, it's not going to make it at this rate—and says, “Hiei, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to cross any lines. I promise I did not come in asking for your personal details. I merely asked if you were okay, and when I described you, Mukuro offered your name. My intention wasn’t to make you uncomfortable.”

His smile is sheepish, his cheeks growing rosy, as he adds, “I was just curious. I’ve enjoyed seeing you these past few weeks.”

Hiei keeps his face impassive, certainly does not feel heat creeping up his neck, and holds Kurama’s stare until he finally yields. Ducking his head, Kurama straightens the piles of index cards that litter the countertop. It feels less intrusive than before, so Hiei doesn’t protest.

“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Kurama says, finally allowing Hiei a moment to himself. He wanders around the store for a while, and Hiei pointedly doesn’t watch him since his eyes are glaring daggers into his study materials. Hiei doesn’t retain much of it and has to read over it again.

Kurama ends up buying a bottle of long lasting lube, keeps the flirting on its lowest setting, and is out the door without much more fuss.

***

“Do you think this is really worth it? Like, do you think it’s that big of a difference?” Yusuke’s manhandling a penis sheath like he’s already taken it out for dinner and drinks.

Hiei rolls his eyes and keeps transcribing notes. “Yes.”

Yusuke stops to stare at him. Hiei can feel it, but he’s not going to acknowledge it. If he thinks that measly stare will coax more of an explanation out of him, he’s in for a rude awakening.

“Oh, come on! You cannot just say yes. What do you know, Hiei?”

Hiei sighs, scowls and picks his pen up off the paper. He’s not going to try writing while he talks, or else he’d end up transcribing their conversation by accident. “It gets great reviews and I’ve never heard complaints about it. Both partners seem to enjoy it.”

“Huh.”

“You may not use my discount.”

“Oh come on! This would be perfect for Valentine’s Day, and I’ve got nothing yet!” Yusuke is about to go on, but the bell chimes just as Hiei knew it would.

When Hiei had asked if Yusuke wanted to get a look at ‘the desperate twink that is stalking me at work,’ Hiei had mostly been wanting to get a free lunch out of it.

A small part of him wanted to get back at Kurama for snooping, and making him look stupid in front of his boss, but mostly he wanted the free meal.

Yusuke had been happy to swing by with lunch after class and hang out for a little bit, mostly because Yusuke is a child parading around as a young adult. Everytime he walks into the store his grin becomes five times wider and infinitely more obnoxious. Heaven forbid he see a picture of a naked lady or a dildo in person without giggling.

Yusuke quiets down, leaning in closer to Hiei as Kurama steps through the door. Hiei watches as Kurama immediately looks towards them at the register, catching his eye. His smile is polite, but his eyes go a little blank, a little distant, as they slide over Yusuke leaning against the counter. Hiei raises his chin in greeting, but Kurama just nods before turning down the first aisle.

Yusuke slides his eyes to Hiei’s, one brow climbing up to meet his hairline. Damn, he mouths. Leaning closer he grins and whispers, “Did you see the look he gave me? Ice cold. Shit, you weren’t kidding.”

Hiei suppresses a smile. He’s not going to do anything with Kurama, but it feels validating to have Yusuke see that there is something there. That there is somebody, somebody who is pretty and clean and respectable looking, interested in him.

“It’s the job,” Hiei says blandly. “It happens more than you’d think.”

Yusuke’s mouth pulls uncomfortably into an exaggerated frown, but he smooths his expression as Kurama approaches the counter. Hiei frowns at that, it's a surprisingly short trip today.

Sliding further down the counter, Yusuke moves to give Kurama room. Kurama thanks him, voice pleasant, as he holds out his selection to Hiei. He doesn’t set it down on the counter, just holds it there, waiting for Hiei to take it.

Hiei raises a brow, cannot read the expression on Kurama’s face to save his life, and plucks the cardboard backing from his hand. There’s a metallic shlink as Hiei flips it around. A delicate silver chain is strung between a dainty set of nipple piercings. The studs are simple, tasteful, and Hiei is definitely looking at it too long. All he has to do is scan the stupid thing, but there’s a small, teardrop pendant dangling from the bottom of the chain and the crystal has caught his eye.

“Cute,” Yusuke says, leaning closer and nodding at the jewelry.

Hiei is beyond thankful for this. He takes the moment to finally scan the barcode as Kurama says, “Thank you, I thought so, too.” His eyes linger on Hiei a moment longer before he turns his dazzling smile to Yusuke. “Do you have anything pierced?”

It’s not suggestive, but it’s not not suggestive either.

A cocky grin settles attractively over Yusuke’s face as he leans closer to Kurama, his cheek resting on one fist. He’s the picture of bad boy, too cool for school as he says, “Nah, I’m not a big fan of needles. Why, you think I’d look good with something in particular?” It’s a terrifying echo of Kurama’s question, only far more suggestive than not.

Yusuke’s eyebrows are doing that thing, that thing that gets him the majority of slaps from Keiko, acting too interested for his own good. He juts his chin towards Kurama, and Hiei is filled with instant regret.

“Oh, I can think of a few things that would suit you.” Kurama’s lashes flutter before they settle into an interested, half lidded gaze.

Yusuke bites his lip before asking, his voice unnecessarily husky, “Yeah? I wouldn’t mind picking your brain about it.”

They match each other grin for grin, sharing a conspiratorial look.

This is karma. Hiei never should have invited Yusuke here today. He knew it would likely ruffle Kurama’s feathers, he’d hoped he’d see Hiei with the tall drink of water that is his roommate, and the red head would get a little flustered. But no, trust Yusuke to flirt with anything with a pulse. The universe has to laugh at Hiei every chance it gets, so let’s make these two friends.

Unable to think of a better solution, Hiei blurts out Kurama’s total to stop this from escalating.

Kurama turns his attention back to Hiei, and his eyes are nearly sparkling. His smile is small and sly as he pays. He keeps his eyes all over Hiei, not sparing Yusuke a second glance.

Hiei isn’t blushing. He’s not. He’s a pillar of indifference, robotic in the way he recites the store’s return policy and hands over the little bag with Kurama’s purchase.

Lingering at the counter, Kurama shuffles his money and his purchase into his messenger bag. He pulls out a clear plastic pocket folder, and Hiei can see notes written in a meticulous script within. Panic thrums in his ears again as Kurama slides the pocket folder onto the counter.

“I told you I took Nutrition last semester,” Kurama explains. “I thought you might find some use in these. They’re my notes and study materials. Think of it as an apology for,” and here Kurama dutifully doesn’t glance at Yusuke, “our misunderstanding last week. I did go back after tests and notate what information was featured on exams.”

Hiei’s never thought to do that. It would make his own notes much more valuable, and that advice alone has earned Kurama the forgiveness he seeks.

“Ugh,” Yusuke groans, pushing away from the counter. “You are too foxy to be a nerd like this one.” Yusuke jabs a finger at Hiei while slipping his aviators back on. Kurama ducks his head in an act of sheepishness, his small smile delighted.

Hiei doesn’t miss the flash of glee in Yusuke’s eyes that promises they will be talking about this when they see each other next, before he turns to head out. As if on cue, Yusuke tosses up a hand in a half hearted wave and calls, “I’ll see you at home, Hiei.”

As soon as the door shuts, Hiei says, “Yusuke’s my roommate.”

Kurama just raises a brow, his smile still delighted.

“He’s straight.” When Kurama’s amused brow lowers and knits with the other, Hiei adds, “I’m sorry.”

“That boy is not straight,” Kurama finally says. Hiei opens his mouth, but Kurama cuts him off, “He may be happy with whatever girl he’s with, but he could be happy with a man too.”

Hiei doesn’t comment, he hasn’t put enough thought into it, and he doesn’t care to. Yusuke is mostly still the idiot that broke his arm falling off Hiei’s roof the summer before they started high school because they were goofing off. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine he’s ever going to actually grow up. He’s been dating Keiko for so long it seems impossible he could date anybody else.

He definitely isn’t thinking about how Yusuke would look with someone like Kurama on his arm. Nope. To squash that mental image, Hiei picks up the pocket folder and taps it on the countertop.

“Thanks for this.”

“Of course.” Kurama lowers his gaze and shifts, his cheeks growing rosy again. “Am I forgiven?”

Hiei blinks, his own cheeks heating, but manages an unaffected, “Yeah.” Maybe he has misread this situation.

“Good.” Kurama is smiling at him again, not shy about the way his eyes openly linger on Hiei’s face. “I’m glad.”

“I’m not—straight, I mean. If you were wondering.” Hiei should shove his whole foot in his mouth, choke on it, and die. His face is hot, what the literal fuck is he doing?

“Yeah, I kind of figured that,” Kurama says and his eyes are soft, amused.

“Oh.” Hiei ducks his head. His ears are growing hot.

The door chimes again and another patron steps through. They shuffle off down an aisle, paying no mind to what’s happening at the counter, but Kurama and Hiei both stand a little straighter.

Kurama plays with the strap of his messenger bag as he says, voice soft, “I enjoy seeing you, Hiei. I like you.”

Hiei doesn’t know what to say, which isn’t his biggest problem, because currently he can’t say anything. His voice has disappeared, or he’s swallowed his tongue, or maybe he’s just having a stroke.

Kurama doesn’t seem to mind. He knocks his knuckles on the countertop, his smile small and pleased, as he says, “I’ll see you next week.”

When he’s gone, Hiei can’t stop himself from running his hands through his hair, tugging at it from all the flustered, panicked energy thrumming through him.

All he had to do was say something, but instead he stood there like an idiot. He’s not sure what he was supposed to say, but standing there mute wasn’t it. What if Kurama thinks he’s not interested? Does he want Kurama to think he’s interested?

He could groan, but he doesn’t; the store isn’t empty.

After another moment, Hiei collects himself before the customer ventures up to the register.

Chapter Text

Next Friday takes its sweet time getting here, not that Hiei wants it to be Friday. He’s not looking forward to it. Not really. He cannot spend his weeks looking forward to ten minute conversations with Kurama. That would be ludicrous.

It doesn’t change the fact that when the bell chimes Hiei’s eyes immediately jump up now. Kurama notices this as well and his expression is sly for the briefest of moments before it’s serene and innocent once more. Hiei has no idea why he’s still bothering with that facade.

Kurama comes straight to the counter today, cheeks already pink. Hiei does not understand what gets him so flustered. Hiei’s clearly proven his social skills are inadequate, Kurama should have nothing to fear.

Today he’s looking extra soft with his hair swept up in a messy bun. His long sleeve shirt, loose and flowing, is tucked stylishly into the front of his slacks. Hiei feels unkempt in his hoodie and joggers. Eyeing the soft fall of Kurama’s shirt–blouse? That might be a woman’s blouse–Hiei is yet again unable to imagine himself standing next to Kurama in any meaningful way.

Kurama is all effortless style, pretty smiles, and brilliant based on the packet of resources he gave Hiei.

Hiei is everything that doesn’t fit into those categories. But Kurama’s smile is saying he does not mind as he leans against the counter.

“How can I help you?” He asks in his most deadpan customer service voice.

Kurama laughs, still blushing as he says, “I just stopped in to say hello. I might browse, but I don’t have anything in mind.”

Hiei smirks, unable to stop himself. “Have everything you need already?”

“Not quite.” Kurama’s words are quick and flirty, his smile shifting from shy back to something more predatorial. This catches Hiei off guard, and he has to look away.

His eyes snag on something shiny peeking out of the low cut of Kurama’s blouse. There are ties that have been left open so that more of his chest will be exposed, and Hiei spies a delicate silver chain lying just beneath the white cotton. Hiei has to avert his eyes again, he is not looking down Kurama’s shirt, and Kurama’s hungry, knowing gaze pins him in place. Hiei flushes hot and bright, he can feel it.

“Do you like it?” Kurama asks, voice low and breathy and obscene. He sounds like Hiei—no somebody, not Hiei, Christ—just fucked him instead of merely glimpsing his completely tasteful body jewelry.

“Yeah, definitely,” Hiei sputters, “looks good.”

Kurama has the gall to pout.

“Just good? Are you sure you were able to see?” Kurama shifts his shoulders so his shirt falls forward more, exposing the glint of silver and one dusty nipple.

Hiei fights to keep blushing, he’s never wanted to turn red so badly, because he can feel all of his blood rushing south.

“Kurama,” Hiei manages, voice strained. “I need you to stop. There are cameras.”

This news seems to delight him, but he does straighten up. “What are you worried the camera will see?” Kurama is the picture of innocence once again: big doe eyes curious, lashes fluttering, voice sweet.

“You exposing yourself to me. Which will likely get you banned from the store and me written up. I need this job.”

Kurama rolls his eyes. “I’m not exposing myself,” he licks his lips before he adds, “not yet.”

“Kurama.” Hiei grinds his name out as low and dangerous as possible, putting as much venom in it as he can.

“Hiei,” Kurama stage whispers back, expression playful.

“What are you doing?” Hiei scrubs a hand over his face and wills his dick to stop paying attention to this conversation.

“I told you, I like you. I wasn’t kidding.” Kurama’s no nonsense now, his eyes are serious, his smile gone. “I especially like watching you squirm. It’s cute.”

Hiei blinks at that, clearly mishearing him.

“Now, there can’t be cameras on every inch of this store–”

“–stop–”

“–so you’re going to show me whatever product is kept out of sight, and I’m going to show you how pretty my jewelry is, remember there’s a pendant–” Hiei nods, he remembers, “–and I’m going to see if your dick is as hard as I think it is.”

“Kurama!”

“What? There aren't any microphones, are there?” Kurama is looking around the upper corners of the store, eyeing the cameras.

Hiei is on fire, and he doesn’t understand what is happening, and he doesn’t even care he just shrieked. Eventually, he manages to pull enough brain cells together to say, “I don’t think she records audio.”

“Good. So, are you showing me that thing I was asking about?” Kurama raises a brow, and his smile is full of challenge.

“Why are you like this?” Hiei groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. Is he getting fired today? It’s undecided.

“Why don’t you come find out?” Kurama's voice is silk, and shivering, Hiei slides off of his stool. He adjusts himself as discreetly as he can before sliding his hands into his hoodie pocket and shoving it low, hiding any evidence that might suggest he’s interested in anything Kurama has mentioned.

There’s a corner near the back that is out of view of the front windows, and the cameras miss it by about five feet. Mukuro has cameras on the high traffic areas and the smaller, more on demand products, but it’s not easy to shove a bulky flogger into a purse or under a shirt, so Hiei stands there, gesturing to the rack of different options.

Standing to the side, face collected into a dispassionate mask yet again, he says, “I’m in the line of the camera now,” he steps forward, “and now I’m not. The blindspot goes to that pole.” He points and Kurama nods, taking this information seriously. His bright eyes bounce around the space, dancing from the floggers, to the front door, to Hiei.

That bright eyed stare turns devious again, and with a wicked grin Kurama says, “Hiei, I think you’re too far away.” His smile becomes almost giddy as he plays with the hem of his shirt. Somebody else pilots Hiei’s body, shuffling him forward. He’s just paces away as Kurama raises the thin fabric to expose first the clear, glittering pendant, then the dainty chain, and finally two pert, dusty nipples, pierced with simple little barbells.

“Aren’t they pretty?” Kurama asks, taking Hiei’s wrist and guiding his hand to his pectoral.

Mouth is dry, Hiei nods as his palm settles against the smooth plane of Kurama’s chest. He sweeps his thumb out experimentally, brushing one small, metal ball.

It’s Kurama’s turn to shiver. He steps closer, and Hiei’s just the right height, it's right there, and he’s already leaning forward before Kurama’s hand comes up to guide his head in. He presses his mouth carefully over Kurama’s nipple, unsure how rough he can be. Mouthing the jewelry pulls a thrilled little noise out of Kurama, his hands pulling the rest of Hiei to him. He shifts their legs together, and Hiei doesn’t feel so bad anymore, Kurama is hard against his hip.

Flicking his tongue over his nipple, Hiei runs his hands up Kurama’s sides, holding him still. Kurama whines his name, hips shifting as he clutches at Hiei’s loose hoodie. He hangs his head, pressing his forehead against the top of Hiei’s skull.

Hiei nips with just his lips, running his tongue along the chain towards the other side.

“You can use more pressure. It doesn’t hurt,” Kurama assures, holding Hiei’s head in place as he sucks at the firm bud, his tongue playfully poking the barbell back and forth.

“Mm, that’s it, I’m going to touch you now,” Kurama whispers, and it’s all the warning Hiei gets before Kurama is palming his erection through his joggers.

Hiei groans, hips jutting forward to find more friction in Kurama’s strong grasp.

“I knew it,” Kurama teases. “You flatter me.”

Hiei grumbles, scraping his teeth over Kurama’s puffy nipple. Kurama moans breathily, pushing closer, his body begging for more. Hiei nibbles delicately at his piercing, the metal bumping into his teeth and tongue. Kurama throws his head back, gasping so loud Hiei is blushing. Pulling his head back, Hiei has to see what Kurama’s face looks like. He tugs experimentally at the chain while admiring the long line of Kurama’s throat.

“Oh, yes,” Kurama breathes against Hiei’s cheek, leaning down to be face to face with him. Searching Kurama’s expression, open and radiating pleasure, it isn’t a hard choice. Hiei tilts his own mouth up, and Kurama pushes forward the rest of the way to close the distance. Kissing Kurama isn’t too different from crossing the finish line after the 400 meter dash. Adrenaline is pumping through his body, he feels like he’s never going to breathe again, and his stomach is so full of butterflies that puking is a real option.

Hiei keeps a steady, gentle rhythm on the chain, tugging at both of Kurama’s sensitive nipples as he runs his tongue over the roof of his mouth. Each time he pulls at the chain, a little noise escapes Kurama for Hiei to swallow.

Hiei hasn’t kissed anybody recently, so he takes his time, enjoying the way Kurama keeps trying to lead. Hiei lets him have his way, and Kurama licks languidly but persistently into his mouth, as if he’ll find the answer to his hunger there. Hiei just keeps steadily pulling at the chain, and Kurama just keeps humming into his mouth, and it’s all absurdly arousing. Hiei could happily do this for the rest of the afternoon.

When they finally break apart, Hiei’s eyes go straight for the door, checking to make sure he didn’t miss the bell. Kurama has his eyes on Hiei’s mouth, his own red and wet.

“If you buy me one of those,” his eyes slide to the rack of floggers and crops behind Hiei, “I’ll blow you.”

“What?”

This isn’t what Hiei had in mind, precisely—isn’t what he thought the game was. He runs his eyes over the various toys as a small stone settles in his stomach. He can trade one of those for a blowjob. He had misunderstood. When Kurama had said he liked Hiei, he had meant in a strictly physical way.

It’s fine. Hiei’s cheeks are flushed with embarrassment, but it’s fine. He can work with that.

He’s never paid for sex before, but glancing back at Kurama he can understand why people do it.

“If I get down on my knees and suck your cock, I’m going to need to carry something to that register to explain why you’ve been over here, with me, for so long.” Kurama’s eyes are dark, but undeniably sober.

Hiei is having trouble forming thoughts beyond Kurama on his knees, but he’s pretty sure he’s already been over here a suspiciously long time.

Is he about to get himself fired? He’s already paid rent this month, he could find another job if needed. After a long moment Hiei finally says, “We’re keeping it on a budget.”

Kurama grins, presses a quick kiss to his lips, and God, he sinks to his knees. Hiei rips his gaze to the door, pulse hammering in his ears. They’re going to get caught, somebody will call the police on them, and then there’s Kurama’s warm hand wrapping around his erection, untucking it from his pants. Hiei’s mind quiets a fraction, as he stares down at Kurama admiring his dick. He seems to be sizing it up, and Hiei wonders if he should be self conscious, but Kurama’s expression is more eager than amused.

“Like what you see?” Hiei hates how gruff he sounds, hates that his cock twitches in Kurama’s grasp.

Kurama hums his approval, one hand weighing and rolling his balls, the other firm on his shaft. Hiei curls his fingers into the sleeves of his hoodie and doesn’t gasp.

“Yes, sorry, I just needed to get a good look.” Without warning Kurama swallows him nearly to the base, and it’s shocking and warm and Hiei can’t help but hiss at the sudden sensation.

Kurama is humming again, possibly laughing, as he gets to work. He hasn’t relinquished his hold on Hiei’s balls, deft fingers still playing with them, and Hiei bites his lip to stay quiet. He was right, this is fine—better than fine, actually. He doesn’t have time for a relationship right now, anyway. He can’t afford to have his mind hung up on somebody, but he could get used to this.

Casual sex isn’t really something Hiei’s into. He’s not a casual person, and he’s not easy to get along with, so finding someone to commit to his schedule and his temperament hasn’t been his priority. Running is the priority, keeping his grades up directly tied to it. But this? Kurama flicking his tongue against the underside of his dick, right under the head? Squeezing his balls just right? This could be moved up the list.

Kurama is sucking him so far down his throat Hiei might shoot his load now. He pulls back a little. They haven’t planned this out enough, is Kurama even okay with that?

“Kurama—”

“You can be a little rough with me,” Kurama says, his lips making an obscene pop as he pulls away. He presses a kiss to the leaking head of Hiei’s cock, mouthing it as he speaks. Those green eyes are so big and playful and deceivingly innocent that Hiei has to look away, it’s indecent. “Not too rough,” Kurama corrects, “but you can pull my hair a little, fuck my face if you want. I don’t have much of a gag reflex.”

“Kurama,” Hiei groans.

“Don’t worry, we need to hurry. I can swallow it all I think.”

Hiei is going to die. He’s going to drop dead and never even get to come.

“Hiei,” Kurama’s voice is nearly stern. Hiei catches his eye, and he’s never seen him look so serious. “You’re going to grab my hair, put your dick back in my mouth, and fuck my face. Now. Do you understand?”

Hiei can only nod as Kurama takes him back into his mouth. Hiei reaches down and tentatively grabs ahold of Kurama’s bun, twisting it so it pulls taught against his scalp. Kurama groans approvingly, and it’s all the encouragement Hiei needs. When long fingers wrap firmly around Hiei’s waist, he cups Kurama’s jaw with his other hand and thrusts forward. Kurama holds fast to Hiei’s sides but shows no issue with Hiei’s dick sliding down his throat.

Hiei thrusts into that wet heat a few times, and it’s hot and slick and perfect, and he hisses his pleasure through his teeth. Fast, he needs to make it fast— Not an issue. His desire is already building strong and solid, twisting tight in his gut.

Kurama grabs his balls again just as they’re starting to tighten, and Hiei’s moaning, the fire in his groin spreading up his spine as he comes. His arms go numb as he holds Kurama's face close. His hips stutter short, frantic little spasms, Kurama’s nose is flush against his stomach. Mind pleasantly blank, Hiei’s body goes lax, and Kurama is still there, his jaw working as he swallows again and again and again.

After a moment, Kurama pulls back, and Hiei releases him, untangling his fingers from all of that red hair. Hiei watches as Kurama wipes his mouth with the back of one hand, and fuck it’s so shiny and red, it looks like he’s wearing lip gloss again. He grins up at Hiei, who maybe smiles back, maybe just stares off into space like an idiot, and clears his throat.

“Good?”

“Yeah,” Hiei manages, his dick twitching in interest at the rasp in Kurama’s voice. But Kurama is tucking him away, straightening both of their clothes as he stands.

“Good. Be a dear and pick something out for me.” He nods towards the rack of toys as he redoes his hair, sweeping it up into something more respectable than what Hiei left it as.

Hiei searches for the cheapest thing he can find, a short, black, rubber flogger but decides to splurge a little bit. Stepping back, partially into the view of the camera, he grabs something a tad more pricey and hands it over.

“Dual purpose, in case flogging isn’t your thing,” he says, shrugging, fighting for nonchalance.

Kurama turns the toy over in his hands, inspecting the tapered glass handle—perfect for insertion. “I’m sure I can find a use for this,” he flashes Hiei a mischievous smile, “but this seems like more of a toy for two.”

Hiei clears his throat, and he doesn’t blush, nope not at all. “Well, you’ll have to find somebody then.”

“Oh, I have a partner in mind,” Kurama says, eyes all but glittering as he heads for the register.

Hiei takes a steadying breath and follows.

With little effort, Hiei blocks the register from the view of the cameras, slips Kurama’s cash into the bag with the toy, and pays for it himself. He passes the few dollars of his change with the receipt over to Kurama, and recites the store return policy despite Kurama trying to stop him.

“I have to, it’s a rule.”

“I know it by heart at this point.”

“Well, somebody has to state it with each purchase, so next time you can do it.” Hiei keeps his face neutral, and he doesn’t blush, but his pulse is picking up at the suggestion of next time.

“Maybe I will,” Kurama says, smiling, always smiling. He picks up his bag and steps back, biting his lip as he looks at Hiei. He just looks, like he’s drinking him in, and Hiei wonders what he sees.

“Well, I’ll see you next week, then.”

When Kurama is gone, Hiei is still feeling too relaxed to contemplate his choices. He decides to save the regret and judgment for later, and enjoys the rest of his afternoon.

***

If Mukuro’s sex shop is the best job for Hiei’s school schedule, the coffee shop in the Student Union is the worst. The flexible hours and decent pay are the only redeeming qualities. And while that might seem like enough on paper, it really isn’t.

While Hiei can spend quiet afternoons studying at the sex shop, he’s on his feet hours on end when he slips the black apron over his head. Even though they no longer allow him on the register—unless they’re drowning, because Hiei’s no nonsense brand of customer service and cool head keeps the line moving in their most desperate hours—he still has to talk to people constantly. It’s annoying.

He bites his tongue as often as he can and focuses on making drinks as quickly and as precisely as possible.

It’s never slow, but it’s the steady lull between Mid Morning Rush, where everybody is grabbing coffee between classes, and the Late Morning Rush, where everybody is grabbing a cup after their early lunch and are off to study dates in the library. Hiei has only had to step up to the register once so far in the two hours he’s been here and honestly that’s a blessing. But when an asshole professor felt the need to raise their voice at Koto not once but twice, Hiei had to slide in and deal with it.

Telling him off for harassing an innocent student worker was a little cathartic. Hiei’s still simmering from the email he got during his first class this morning. He’s been counted tardy three times in his literature class and he’d better get this fixed. The athletics department will not put up with this behavior, and if he would so kindly recall he is a student first and athlete second. Scholarships of all nature are reserved for serious individuals that are motivated both on and off the field.

Stepping into the walk-in fridge in the back allows Hiei a moment to soak in the cold air and take a deep breath. He cannot let this class get the best of him. He’s never been late a day in his life, and he will get a chance to explain himself this afternoon. He just has to check his temper until then.

Hiei grabs two jugs of whole milk and hurries back to his station.

The other thing about being a barista that could sometimes be counted as a positive, only sometimes, is that Hiei gets so busy he runs on autopilot. It leaves little time for him to overthink the annoying email, or the large chunk of his savings he’s going to have to fork out for a textbook he really doesn’t need, or how many hours until he can see a friendly face. His sister’s for dinner later today, Kurama’s tomorrow.

He makes drinks, and hands them off; one part of a well oiled machine. When Hisayo steps aside to remake a latte, they didn’t order skim milk—he heard them tell Koto soy, Hiei slides over and sets the cups down at the pick up area directly.

“Two senchas for Minamino.” He’s already turning back to make the next drink when he hears somebody call his name.

Hiei frowns out at the lobby space, the front of the coffee shop is right beside the main entrance to the Union, so foot traffic is always heavy. And then, because life is either terrible or kind, Kurama is stepping around the angry woman waiting for her latte. He reaches for the cups of tea.

Hiei’s eyes go wide at Kurama’s open smile. His eyes crinkle a bit as he grins. “What a surprise running into you here. You work everywhere it seems.” Hiei takes a steadying breath and slides the cups towards Kurama’s open hands.

This is the Student Union, this is just a coincidence, and Hiei doesn’t need to get upset over this.

This is actually completely normal and expected. It still makes his skin crawl and an uneasy feeling twist in his gut. At this point, he might as well give Kurama his home address and class schedule with the amount of distance he’s keeping. It’s not a big deal, but again it feels like his privacy is slipping through his fingers.

“I promise I’m not stalking you,” Kurama says, an awkward laugh escaping him as he turns his soft smile to a woman that steps up beside him. He hands her one of the cups of tea.

“Thank you, is this a friend of yours?”

“Mother, this is Hiei. Hiei, this is my mother, Shiori.” Kurama looks over the moon to be introducing them.

Hiei’s mouth goes dry as he takes in the woman’s tidy updo, clean slacks, and the subtle jewelry at her throat and wrist. She’s exactly the type of person Hiei imagined Kurama’s mother would be: put together, kind smile, laugh lines betraying a home full of fond memories.

Hiei glances at the register, but the line is slow. He’s fine to stand and chat, Hisayo actually waves at him to stay as she hands the remade latte over the counter to the woman. Now if he does pretend to be needed, he’ll just look rude.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Minamino.”

Shiori’s smile is as charming and warm as her son’s. The tilt of her head is startlingly familiar as she says, “Oh, it’s Mrs. Hatanaka, but please call me Shiori.”

Hiei can only nod. Checking the orders he finds he’s still not needed. Koto and Hisayo are doing a horrendous job at keeping their stares covert, but they manage the line with ease.

“How do you two know each other?”

Hiei nearly chokes on air. He can feel his face go hot as Kurama swiftly swoops in to save the fumble. “We met through a class. I’ve been helping him with a Nutrition course.”

“How nice,” Shiori seems to genuinely be interested in this. Now Hiei has to lie to her, which he hates, but he cannot explain the real circumstances of whatever their relationship is. It’s certainly not professional.

“What’re you majoring in?”

Hiei doesn’t respond right away, but she waits patiently. Kurama, her taller, more colorful mirror, is a step behind her. He doesn’t know the answer to this, so he can’t save the day any longer.

“Um, sports science.” Hiei tries not to fidget.

“Oh, how interesting.” Shiori seems easy going, but Hiei’s had his dick in her son’s mouth, and he’s paranoid that reads in his expression somehow. He only has carnal knowledge of this nice woman’s son, and he would like this conversation to end immediately.

“Yeah, I haven’t decided where I want to take it. Maybe sports medicine, maybe kinesiology. Right now I just know I enjoy movement and activity.”

“Hiei is on the track team,” Kurama adds. Shiori seems genuinely happy to be learning these little tidbits about him. It makes him feel slightly weird to be giving away these little parts of him, she doesn’t really know him after all.

“I should probably get back to work,” he says while glancing at the line that’s starting to form again. “It was nice to meet you.”

“Oh,” Kurama says, reaching out. He doesn’t cross the counter to grab Hiei, and he retracts his hand as soon as he realizes what he’s done. His cheeks flush a beautiful shade of red. “I can’t make our appointment tomorrow, and I don’t have your phone number. Let me grab that from you and we can reschedule.”

Hiei just stares at him for a moment. There’s a mischievous smile paired with that faint blush, and it’s clear he knows Hiei is trapped. He can’t refuse now, he’d look incredibly impolite in front of Shiori and his coworkers.

With his own face growing hot he takes Kurama’s phone and punches in his number.

“Thank you, we’ll meet up sometime soon to study.” Kurama’s back is to his mother, and his grin turns less than innocent as he gives Hiei a once over. “I’m glad we ran into each other like this.”

Hiei can only nod and watch them walk away. As he moves back to start making the next latte, Koto and Hisayo are all eyes.

“Who was that?” Hisayo hisses when she has to come close to grab the caramel sauce.

“Nobody.”

“He’s cute!” Koto is all giggles as she hands over the next set of cups to be filled. “Is he single?”

“I don’t know, just drop it.”

“You gave him your number! Hiei, what is that about?”

“We study together, that’s all.” Grinding his teeth, Hiei can only pray the next hour flies by.

***

After his practice that afternoon, Hiei stays late to talk with his coach. He’s drenched in sweat, and has barely caught his breath when he’s called over to one of the benches that line the track to talk.

“Why am I finding out that you have three tardies in a class?” Hiei doesn’t even get a chance to say anything before the older woman is nagging him. Coach Genkai is no nonsense and always cuts to the heart of the problem. Hiei likes that about her.

“I haven’t been late to any classes,” Hiei says quickly.

“So I’m getting emails from your professors as a prank?” She looks unimpressed. “Or are you telling me they’re lying?”

Hiei scowls and stares at the track. “The professor has a policy that if you don’t bring the book to class, you’re marked tardy.”

“So bring the book to class.” She scowls back at him, clearly not seeing what the disconnect is.

Gritting his teeth Hiei quietly admits, “I haven’t bought it yet.”

“Then buy the damn book, idiot!”

“I plan to. I get paid tomorrow,” he says as evenly as he can. Genkai sighs.

“Hiei, if something like this comes up again, you have to tell me as soon as you know about it.” She crosses her arms and her expression doesn’t soften. “I can’t help you if you don’t speak up. Be your own advocate.”

Hiei bites the inside of his cheek to keep from saying something he will regret. As if he would bring money problems to her. He’s already proven he’s only worth a partial scholarship. He won’t humiliate himself by begging for money they’ve already denied him.

He counts while focusing on his breathing. After he’s reached eight, he’s calm enough to say, “Yes, Coach.”

Genkai appraises him for a long moment. Hiei thinks she’s going to remark on his temper, how he’s managing it, but she looks away without comment.

“Do not be late to any classes,” she finally says, dismissively. “And do not forget that book. If you rack up any more tardies I’m going to have to put you on probation. None of us can afford that.”

[ART BY MORGANKIT]

[ART BY MORGANKIT]

Chapter Text

There is a text from Kurama waiting on Hiei’s phone when he finishes practice on Friday. If he hadn’t been checking to see if Yukina wanted to grab dinner, he doesn’t know when he would have seen it.

After reading it three times, Hiei slides his phone into his pocket. His heart is pounding and it’s not from practice. He wants to meet up with Kurama, but he also wants to make him wait after that stunt he pulled yesterday. He’s more embarrassed than angry. The girls would not leave him alone about it for the entire shift.

Hiei shoulders his bag and heads home. There’s more important things, like homework, to do at the moment.

He manages to hold out for another hour before he gives in and texts Kurama back.

Hiei is just starting back on his math when his phone buzzes. He sets his homework aside, far more interested in the distraction Kurama will provide. That’s something he should probably work on. After buying that flogger last week, Hiei isn’t sure Kurama is interested in something deeper than casual sex.

He needs to curb his expectations until he has more information.

He sets his phone down and winces.

Hiei hates this. He looks desperate. He’s not good at flirting or texting or making friends. The friends he has have been around long enough he doesn’t have to make small talk. Mostly he can just talk to them in person and cut straight to the point. Hiei sighs and sends back another message. It’s not like he’s used to seeing Kurama outside of work anyway, maybe he should just wait until next Friday after all.

A little bit later, after Hiei has managed to finish the assigned math problems, he finds Kurama has sent him yet another message.

Hiei frowns at that. None of his contacts have pictures assigned to them beyond his sister, and that’s only because she set it up herself when she put her number into his phone. Hiei doesn’t have enough people in his contacts to need pictures, he can remember all of them by name. He doesn’t know how many people somebody as bold as Kurama has to keep straight, though.

Hiei feels hot, and he slides the window over his bed open to let in the breeze. Kurama is too much for him. When he flirts like this, so easily, it twists Hiei into knots.

It takes a few minutes before Kurama responds. Hiei gets up and goes to find something to drink. A cold glass of water will probably cool him off.

Hiei blinks down at his phone, his pulse suddenly the loudest thing in his tiny kitchen. He carries his water back to his room as he weighs his options. He wants a picture of Kurama, likes the idea of having a small part of him within reach. He realizes Kurama might be right, it might be nice to have something to look at whenever he wants. What does he have to lose?

Transactional, Hiei reminds himself. He has to give in order to get, which is fair. He just has to decide how much he’s willing to give. He thumbs through his photos, looking for something suitable. Keiko had taken a picture of him and Yukina on their birthday that looks nice. Making a copy, he crops it down to just him from the shoulders up. He’s even smiling a little.

“Pft, yeah right.” Hiei rolls his eyes and sends the picture. He grins, knowing Kurama was probably wanting a selfie, something from right now.

That’s all he gets for several long minutes. Hiei is long past the point of giving up when a new notification pops up saying he has a message from Kurama.

Kurama does not send something staged, not in the same way Hiei has. As soon as he opens it, Hiei presses his phone face down against his leg. He glances up at the open door, but Yusuke hasn’t magically appeared there. He’s doing his own thing in some other part of the house.

After making sure the coast is clear once more, Hiei peeks at the screen, still open to the picture, before bringing it to his face to quietly examine. He holds his breath, letting his eyes linger over Kurama’s small, polite smile. His hair is pulled back into a ponytail, his chin raised just a hair to show off his long throat. He’s unbuttoned his shirt, and it drapes open exposing his clavicle, his chest, his hard nipples, and the chain strung between them.

He's pinching them.

Finding his mouth suddenly dry, Hiei reaches for his glass of water. He also gets a glimpse of a pale, flat stomach. Hiei finds himself wishing the picture showed more. Kurama’s shoulders, his sides, maybe what his pants look like.

He looks over it for another moment and takes a breath.

He saves the photo and immediately duplicates it. He crops the copy down to just Kurama’s very respectable face and sets it as his contact photo. He will save the other one for later.

***

Kurama texts Hiei constantly over the weekend. He spends the entire day on Saturday giving him a play by play of his time with his family—his stepbrother’s birthday has called him back home—while sprinkling in flirty messages every chance he gets.

Yusuke raises an eyebrow at him when his phone buzzes loudly against the table for the third time during their lunch. Hiei quickly slides it into his lap so Yusuke will stop judging him.

***

Kurama must not have been kidding about Monday and Tuesday being busy, because he barely texts Hiei. Hiei carries a full schedule most weekdays, except Wednesday, but he’s working at Mukuro’s today and has time to text between the few customers that come in and his homework. Kurama responds sporadically, so Hiei ends up leaving him alone.

As he’s leaving Mukuro’s to head for practice, Kurama sends a texts.

Hiei snorts and pockets his phone and hurries to practice.

***

It’s already dark when Hiei leaves the gym. He cannot wait for summer and the daylight to last a bit longer. It’s half past seven, and he’s pretty sure Kurama’s lab got out half an hour ago. Last week Kurama made it seem like Tuesday wouldn't work because of his busy schedule, but the night is young. Hiei pulls his phone out of his pocket as he heads out into the dark campus.

Hiei isn’t sure how he feels about sending Kurama photos. So far he’s avoided it, but everything Kurama has sent him has been merely suggestive. He supposes there’s no harm in it, but he would rather save himself the embarrassment of sending half naked pictures to anyone, let alone somebody he finds interesting.

Hiei feels a little crazy sending that. Kurama is making him crazy though. He can’t stop thinking about the noises he made on the phone last night. He bites his lips as he watches the little dots blink as Kurama types.

Hiei sighs and just stares at Kurama’s response. It’s not even late. He’ll just go home and eat, he doesn’t want to stop and grab food now. Shaking his head he types out a response.

He suddenly feels tired too. He doesn’t pocket his phone, but he doesn’t feel like talking anymore.

Kurama is interested. The suggestive selfies and the phone sex prove it, so Hiei can’t figure out why he doesn’t want to meet up. All he did last night was text Hiei about how hot and bothered he was until he finally called around eleven. Hiei had wanted to point out then that it wasn’t too late, he could come over, but he had been a little distracted in the heat of the moment.

The only conclusion he can come up with is that there is another person. Which is not ideal. It’s not as if they’re exclusive, but if Kurama has multiple sexual partners, Hiei would like to know before they fool around again. He really hopes Kurama isn’t keeping his distance because he’s hiding Hiei from a partner. That’s not going to work for him.

Casual sex is fine, but Hiei is not going to ruin a relationship.

It’s not like he has time for more than something casual anyway. Friends with benefits is honestly his best option at the moment. His schedule is crazy, and when meets start up in the spring he will have no time to devote to a relationship.

“Hey,” Yusuke greets when he gets home. He’s in the kitchen, and it smells like he’s stir fried something with kimchi. Sesame and pork hit his nose, and Hiei’s stomach growls. “I made dinner!”

Hiei grunts as he toes off his shoes, and his phone is buzzing in his hand. “Thanks.”

“What’s up? You look like you’ve had a bad day.” Yusuke is half hidden from his position in the kitchen. There’s a bar that separates their mostly open kitchen from their very open living and dining area. He stands on the other side of the bar, plating something hot and delicious at the counter.

“No,” Hiei mutters.

“Oh, is it blowjob guy?” Yusuke asks and shoots Hiei a grin that’s fit for a devil. “He still playing hard to get?”

“Don’t call him that,” Hiei mutters with a roll of his eyes, “and yeah, he’s too tired to meet tonight.”

Yusuke frowns and hands Hiei a bowl of pasta over the counter. “That’s a little suspicious. It’s barely eight.”

“Yeah.” He runs his eyes over his food so he doesn’t have to look at Yusuke. He spies large slices of onions, and mushrooms. There’s savory pork and kimchi as well. Not for the first time today is he thankful Yusuke likes to cook. Hiei would be in a much worse spot if he had to feed himself three times a day. His finances would be in dire straits—he’d be in the Union for every meal.

“Hey, maybe he is tired,” Yusuke offers. “Just make sure he’s single before you move forward.”

Hiei scowls at him, and checks his texts so he doesn’t bite off Yusuke’s head.

Kurama has sent an image with the text. It’s the bottom half of his face, Hiei can just see the tips of his lashes—his eyes must be closed. His lips are locked around a cherry red popsicle, and his cheeks are hollowed with how hard he’s sucking on it. A tiny line of red runs from the corner of his mouth.

Hiei blinks down at it for a minute before walking to the freezer and finding a half empty box of popsicles. He snatches one and heads for his room.

“Hey, what the fuck man?” Yusuke shouts after him, and thinking better of it Hiei grabs his dinner as well.

“I’m eating in my room.”

***

Kurama is pleased when Hiei sends back his own photo. It’s of him licking his popsicle, his expression deadpan if a little intense. He’s not ready to send anything flirty just yet. Maybe he wants to hold out since Kurama isn’t willing to meet up, but a part of him knows it will feel too real if they start exchanging nudes. They haven’t even put a label on this yet.

Hiei has finished his popsicle and is scarfing down his dinner when he finally gets the balls to ask Kurama about their situation.

If he’s not hiding a partner, Hiei isn’t sure what is holding Kurama back. He’d really like the chance to meet up with him outside of work for once, but it doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

***

Hiei has known about this all week, but because he’s a chickenshit—Yusuke’s words not his—he waits until Thursday afternoon to tell Kurama.

Hiei stares at that text for a full minute, unsure of what to do. Finally, he slides his phone back into his pocket. He’ll figure it out later. He cannot think about this now, he’ll read too much into it.

“You text him?” Yusuke has a sandwich hanging out of his mouth as he shoves his shoes on. Hiei’s been friends with Yusuke for nearly half of his life, so unfortunately he understands dimwit.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“What did he say?” Yusuke garbles in a way that somehow manages to be both graceless and endearing.

Hiei crosses his arms and sinks down lower on the couch. “You’re going to be late to class, you nosy asshole.”

“Fuck it, what did he say?” Yusuke pulls the sandwich from his mouth and waves it at Hiei.

Hiei isn’t threatened per se, but unease settles in the pit of his stomach. Against his better judgment, Hiei admits, “He asked about coming to my practice.”

“What did you say?” Yusuke asks, class forgotten as he comes up to the back of the couch, clearly searching for Hiei’s phone. His hand is making gimmie motions, and Hiei reluctantly relinquishes it. “You didn’t respond?!” Yusuke starts tapping away at the screen, but Hiei isn’t bothered by this. He knows he won’t send anything without approval.

“Hiei, he likes you! Invite him to watch you run around and get all sweaty–“

“–and puke–”

“–and flex that tight little body of yours–”

“–and not be able to breathe–“

“–then you guys can, like, come back here and fuck like bunnies.” Yusuke grins, dropping Hiei’s phone back into his lap.

“I don’t know,” Hiei says, tilting his head back against the couch. He closes his eyes to avoid looking at Yusuke. He’s got this annoyingly optimistic face that gets Hiei into more trouble than it’s worth, and he doesn’t feel like being talked into anything right now.

“He. Likes. You.” Yusuke sounds offended, and Hiei can’t help but think he meddles too much.“He sucked your dick, man. Doesn’t that mean something to the gays?”

“I paid him.” Hiei frowns. Yusuke conveniently likes to skip over that fact, but Hiei can’t. Whatever is between them is transactional, Kurama made that clear.

“Eh,” Yusuke waves him away as if he can read Hiei’s mind. “My take is that it really was just for the cover story. C’mon, I think you should go for it.”

Hiei doesn’t respond, and eventually Yusuke sighs and heads for the door. Shaking his head, he leaves Hiei with, “I think you’re making a stupid mistake letting go of someone that interesting just because you’re scared.”

Hiei waits until he knows Yusuke won’t be able to hear him, and then he groans. Picking up his phone he rolls his eyes at Yusuke’s drafted text.

Hiei deletes most of it, but does send the time and location.

Hiei stares at the kissing emoji, the little red heart holding his gaze for an embarrassingly long time.

The phone buzzes again and it’s Kurama still.

Hiei smiles because nobody is there to see. Feeling foolish, he scrubs a hand over his cheek. Why is he such an idiot for Kurama? As he chugs the last of his preworkout drink, his phone buzzes.

“Pft, not a chance.” He stares down at the phone, grinning like an idiot before grabbing his gym bag.

The gym is an easy twenty minute walk from home, and campus is mostly deserted at this time of evening. Hiei enjoys the quiet way the sky is starting to shift into darker, cooler tones but still holds onto its warmer hues. He feels like one of those lingering rays, golden and boundless.

When he gets to the gym, he checks to make sure his phone is silenced and he has three new texts from Kurama.

Hiei reads over the messages for a fourth time. Because he has no brain cells left, he heads for the bathroom.

He takes at least ten photos and deletes all of them for being blurry, or having too much shadow, or the angle making his body look weird. He’s getting frustrated. How is this hard? All he needs to do is take a stupid picture and he can get on with his life. He shouldn’t even be in here with his shirt pulled up, but fuck, Kurama has him wrapped around his finger.

“You let him suck your dick one time,” Hiei mutters as he checks his phone. The angle and lighting look good, but as he goes to push the button the bathroom door starts to open. Hiei quickly shoves his shirt down and scoops up his bag, pushing past the other person as they come in. His cheeks are burning.

Throwing his stuff down by his usual rowing machine, he can’t bring himself to look at his phone. After stretching, Hie focuses on his floor workouts. He’s not going to send a picture, that’s that. He’s not sure what he was thinking, call it a momentary lapse in judgement.

Kurama can get over it.

As he sits down at the rowing machine, though, he can’t help but glance over Kurama’s text one more time. His eyes keep catching on don't ignore me, and he can’t help the shiver that sneaks down his spine.

Groaning, he flicks over to his photos. What is he doing? It’s his new mantra since the moment Kurama walked into his life. The photo he took in the bathroom isn’t horrible, but it is a little blurry. Everything is there though. It reads well enough, the angle is good, shadows aren’t making his stomach look crazy. He sends it. Don’t think, just do. His other new mantra since Kurama showed up.

Hiei puts his phone in his gym bag, so he won’t get distracted again.

An hour later, Hiei’s less hung up on Kurama. His head is clear after working out and his body hums contentedly. Wiping the sweat off of his face with his shirt he checks his phone. There are five new messages. His face is flushed from the workout, thankfully, and nothing else.

Hiei has to push the phone screen to his stomach, turning it off is not enough distance. Kurama wants to put his mouth on him? Again? That thought has him spiraling. He wants that, more than he cares to admit. He wants time with Kurama, not just a hurried conversation or a sloppy blowjob—although no complaints there, really.

He won’t allow himself to even consider what baby is supposed to mean or what he’s supposed to do with it.

Because he’s thinking with his dick and not his brain, his feet start moving his body towards the rack of weights. He strips his shirt off, tossing it back toward his bag and eyes himself critically in the wall of mirrors.

Hiei knows he’s attractive, objectively. He’s short, depressingly so in the torso, but he’s solid muscle, toned from years on the track. Sliding one hand into his pocket, he sucks in his stomach a bit to make his abs pop, and snaps a photo.

“Oh, hon, are you trying to pose?”

Hiei jerks his head up, and there’s a woman, maybe in her forties, that’s paused behind him. She’s clearly on her way to return a pair of dumbbells to the rack.

“Uh, yeah. I need, uh… progress photos,” he mumbles lamely.

“Here,” she sets the weights down on the ground and holds out her hand for his phone. He’s too shocked to do anything but give it to her.

“You’re wanting to focus on your core?”

“Yeah.” Hiei is blushing now, he hates this.

“‘Kay, you were sucking in your stomach. Stop that. You want to push out a bit, it’ll make your lower abs pop more, watch.” She demonstrates, and he can see how she’s right. Her core looks more defined when she flexes her lower stomach—her sucked in four pack quickly becoming a six pack.

“If you wanna cheat a little, kinda push your palms against your thighs.” She shrugs like it’s not her business. “It’ll help you get that pop. Okay, c’mon.” She holds his phone up ready to take the picture for him.

Hiei flexes, she takes the picture, and she returns his phone. He thanks her, and she’s off to finish her workout like she’s not out here on a Thursday night teaching college kids how to take thirst traps.

Hiei glances down at his “progress photo.” It’s ten times better than what he took in the bathroom. There’s no blurriness, and she was able to get his face in it too. Hiei smirks at the smug expression she’s captured. It’s perfect.

He sends it off to Kurama and grabs his stuff. He isn’t even out of the building when the first text comes in.

He smirks, pleasure thrumming through his veins at this small victory. Hiei wants him to know what it feels like to be left wanting.

Hiei grins, his steps light. He’s having fun with Kurama. Hiei finds himself biting his lip as he watches the little ellipses appear to indicate Kurama is responding. As he waits for Kurama’s next message a thought lands clear and persistent in his mind: I like him.

It’s something he normally wouldn’t allow himself to admit. But now? With his phone buzzing and his heart giddy to read what might be on it? It doesn’t matter so much. He can be honest with himself, just for now.

It takes an embarrassingly long time for Hiei to school his expression, and even longer to figure out how to respond. He eventually settles on the smug emoji.

Campus at night is a tentative thing, the buildings all holding their breaths. Hiei glances around. Nobody is in sight, it’s just him and the buildings and trees. It’s dark, and nobody would be able to tell Kurama is sending him dirty messages, even if they were nearby. It doesn’t change the fact Hiei feels exposed and aroused and conflicted.

Hiei isn’t going to run home, that would be embarrassingly pathetic. But he does pick up the pace as he types out: yeah? wish we’d had time at the store. He isn’t really sure what exactly he wishes they’d have had time for, at least not anything he wants to put in writing. He wishes he could have touched Kurama, watched his face as he came, heard the noises that might’ve been hiding in him.

Hiei doesn’t say any of that and sends the text as is. Kurama is quick in responding.

Hiei glances around again and adjusts his hoodie so it’s covering his rapidly hardening cock that is starting to strain against the thin material of his shorts. He’s nearly home, but it might as well be another ten miles.

Hiei turns onto his street, and even though he's got another two blocks to go he’s fishing his key out of his pocket. He squints at the screen, eyes snagging on that last text. He bites his lip, unsure if he should ask and decides why not, he’s done worse already tonight.

Hiei’s heart leaps, stumbling over both admissions. He can’t believe he sent that, can’t believe Kurama is thinking of him that way.

He’s just unlocking his door when his phone starts ringing. He’s never answered a call so fast.

“Are you home yet?”

“Yeah, how’d you know?” Hiei kicks his shoes off and sprints to his room. He locks his doors even though Yusuke shouldn’t be home for another hour.

“I guessed,” Kurama’s voice is amused, breathy. “Are you still wearing what you had on at the gym?”

“Yeah, and a hoodie,” Hiei whispers, glancing down at himself. He should shower.

“Are you hard?”

“Yeah…”

“Touch yourself, tell me,” Kurama demands, not a trace of a whine in his voice. He’s no longer desperate like he was in his texts. His confidence makes Hiei shiver as he palms himself through his shorts.

“What do you want me to say? My pants are tented, Kurama, fuck.” Heat creeps up his neck, he feels ridiculous and electric.

“I want you to undress… touch yourself. I want you to fuck your hand and tell me how you feel.” Hiei hears the way Kurama’s breath hitches. He can’t help licking his lips. “I want to be the one touching you, Hiei.”

“Kurama.” He kicks off his shorts and turns on the speaker phone before tossing it on the bed. It doesn’t take much to get his hoodie and tank top off.

“Naked?”

“Yeah, I’m getting in bed. Where are you?”

“Same… Are you still sweaty?” Kurama asks quietly.

“Kinda, I need a shower. But I’ll do that after.”

Kurama groans, and Hiei has to scoop up the phone. He needs to hear all of that, thanks. Leaning back against the wall he rests the phone on his chest. “Oh yeah? That do it for you?”

“You don’t even know...” His voice is all silk and has Hiei shivering. Kurama laughs once, low, and says, “If I was there, I’d jerk you off. I want my hands on you so bad, babe.” Hiei keeps his mouth shut, refusing to make a noise at all of that. He wants to, though. It’s pathetic how badly he wants to say Kurama’s name, moan it into the phone like a needy thing. Hiei stares up at the ceiling, ignoring how babe keeps bouncing around his chest.

“I bet you taste good like that… fuck– tomorrow, when I get my mouth on you again, finally–”

Hiei closes his eyes, gripping his dick. “Yeah?” He can see it: Kurama crowded over him, straddling his thighs, their erections hot between them. He wants Kurama’s mouth on him, those perfect teeth at his throat.

“Yeah. You can’t shower before I have a chance to sink my teeth into you.” The smile is clear in Kurama’s voice, and Hiei groans at having his wants spoken aloud. “I’d cover you in hickies if I could.” Hiei is helpless to stop his panting, he has better breath control after a hundred meter dash.

“Then I’d suck your dick until you were hard again, and ride you while you played with my nipples.” Kurama whispers, “I’m playing with them now.”

“Fuck.”

“Yeah…” For a moment the only thing between them is the sound of their breathing. “Hiei,” Kurama’s voice is barely there, Hiei has to hold his breath, and it’s still hard to hear it over his pounding heart, “tell me you’re touching yourself.”

“Clearly.”

Kurama laughs, full and bright this time. “Good, if I was there I’d be all over your dick. I’d have you in one hand, stroking you nice and slow. I’d play with the head, oh–” Kurama moans, quiet and small. Is he biting his lip? The need to see his face, to know if he’s closed his eyes or if he has them open, claws at Hiei. He feels it in his stomach and across the back of his neck. He wants so badly to see his face, it’s unbearable. Without warning he chokes to keep from moaning Kurama.

“Hiei,” his name on Kurama’s lips is intoxicating, “just fuck the head into your palm.” When Hiei whines, Kurama breathes, “Good,” into the phone.

“It is good,” Hiei admits quietly.

“I know, I’m doing the same thing. Now, if I had you, my other hand would be playing with your nipples. Hiei, I need you to do that for me.”

Hiei obeys, pinching at one of his nipples, wondering what it would be like to have Kurama in his lap doing this for him.

“Are you doing it?”

“Yeah, I want to play with you instead.” It takes effort, but Hiei keeps his voice steady. He’s grateful Kurama can’t see him—his face is so hot, and despite the privacy of his room, he hides behind one hand. His other still works the length of his cock, and he bites his palm as he whimpers again.

“Baby, I want that so bad,” Kurama says, his voice irritatingly even. Hiei squirms, Kurama's generous use of pet names is too much. If he keeps calling him baby he might just come.

“I’ve got my plug in and it’s not enough.”

The thought of that little pink base peeking out from between Kurama’s cheeks? Hiei’s going to lose it if he isn’t careful. “Fuck me,” he groans into his palm.

“Ah, are you still touching yourself?” Kurama’s voice is teasing, knowing. “Where are your hands?”

Hiei groans again, but returns to tugging at his nipple. “They’re where you told me.”

“Don’t hide,” Kurama whispers, gasping a little, his breath suddenly heavy. “Just– ah, just let me hear you.”

“Kurama…” Hiei’s never sounded so indecent before. “When I fuck you–”

“–yes–”

“–God, when I fuck you it’s going to be so good.”

“Tomorrow, Hiei, please–”

“Fuck…” Hiei will come if Kurama says his name like that again.

“Baby, I need you inside of me. Tomorrow, please… just, ah– fuck me tomorrow–”

“Kurama,” he rasps, putting as much heat into his voice as possible. “Are you going to come?”

“Yes,” Kurama hisses, that control is nowhere to be found now, “fuck, Hiei… I’m so close—”

“I want to hear you,” Hiei says, panting, his own climax looming. He works his dick mercilessly, closes his eyes, tries to stay quiet to hear Kurama fall apart. “Kurama…”

“Coming! Ah—”

Listening to Kurama pushes Hiei over the edge. His mind goes blank and he’s coming across his stomach like he’s fourteen all over again. He hasn’t made this much of a mess in years, it’s embarrassing.

The room is quiet save their shared panting. If Kurama was here, Hiei would steal a kiss. He’d press his forehead to Kurama’s shoulder and just take a moment to catch their breaths. But Kurama isn’t here, and Hiei’s alone in the fading afterglow.

“Hiei…” Kurama sounds sated and smug. He hums into the phone, and Hiei rolls his eyes. He can’t help but smile. “Send me a selfie…?”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah,” Kurama laughs. “I want to see. Are you messy?”

“Idiot….”

“That means I’m right,” Kurama purrs, and Hiei can imagine his smile so precisely it hurts. He closes his eyes but it’s still there. He wants to see Kurama naked, and doesn’t understand why they’ve put it off for so long.

“Pft, whatever.”

They fall into a comfortable silence, the quiet puffs of their breathing filling the space. It’s easy, and Hiei is incredibly thankful. Time and time again Kurama pushes him into things he’s not ready for, but he always seems to know when to stop.

“I have work after practice tomorrow,” he says after a moment.

“Oh,” Kurama sighs, and Hiei can see the pout of his lower lip so clearly it makes him snort.

“I have a little time, but we’d have to be fast. I didn’t know if….”

“We can do fast,” Kurama says smoothly. “Don’t worry, one day we will take our time.”

Hiei hums in agreement, holding his phone out so he can snap a picture of his stomach, his pleasure painted damningly over his abs, and the faintest spattering of his pubic hair.

Thinking about when Kurama blew him a week ago, he asks, “What are you willing to give me for a picture?” He has the text lined up, finger hovering over the send button.

“Hmm, I’ll blow you tomorrow… At the practice field.”

“Kurama, don’t.”

“Why not?” Kurama whines, teasing.

“I’m not getting kicked off the team for your insatiable libido.”

“I can be discreet.”

“That’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told me,” Hiei laughs. Kurama? Discreet? He laughs again, finding a shirt to wipe his stomach with.

“Oh, it might surprise you…”

Distantly, Hiei hears the front door creaking, the telltale sign Yusuke is back and trying to unstick the lock.

“Hey, I gotta go. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“I’ll be there.”

Hiei hangs up, and throws his joggers back on. He sends the selfie and plugs his phone into the charger. He considers the picture to be an early deposit, Kurama will repay him with something good, he’s sure.

Grabbing his towel he heads for the bathroom. He thankfully manages to avoid Yusuke, and takes his time in the shower. Thinking about Kurama moaning his name, he jerks off one more time, the evidence washing down the drain.

Yusuke catches him in the kitchen, still damp from the shower. He eyes him, clearly finding something off in Hiei’s demeanor. It doesn’t make Hiei blush.

“You good?”

“Tch, yeah.” Hiei searches the fridge before finding a bottle of tea. “I’ve got homework.” He doesn’t offer any more small talk as he retreats to his room.

Half an hour later he sets his book aside and stretches. He can’t take it anymore, so he checks his phone. Kurama has sent him three texts. The first two are strings of emojis that make Hiei’s toes curl with pride, although objectively he should probably cringe. It’s something Yusuke would find appropriate to send Keiko. Hiei doesn’t care.

The third text is more along the lines of what he expects from Kurama.

Again, Hiei’s eyes study that emoji for far too long. It’s unfair how Kurama hides behind it. Hiei wonders what game he’s playing now as he studies the tiny heart.

Disgusted with himself he rolls his eyes and shoves his phone under his pillow. He was being honest when he told Kurama he had a mountain of homework to do.

“No more distractions,” he mutters to himself and gets back to.

Chapter Text

Practice is a thing Hiei is very normal about, really and truly. He definitely doesn’t forget his compression pants on purpose, forced to run in only his track shorts. They’re tiny, his briefs peek out of the bottom when he does his knees to chest.

And if anybody decides to comment on it, Hiei refuses to admit he’s purposefully playing with fire.

He’d woken up to another text from Kurama.

Hiei had frowned at his phone as he typed the message out, but when Kurama immediately responded with Good morning! 😘 Hiei couldn’t fight his grin despite rolling his eyes.

Now, hours later, Jin eyes him, frowning. “You forget your head today?”

Hiei glares at him, pinwheeling his arms as they warm up. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Jin gives him a once over, clearly pausing over the expanse of Hiei’s bare torso before raking his eyes over the rest of his body. “I’ve never seen so much of you, is all. You’re missing half your wardrobe.” Jin grins, and looks him over again as if for good measure.

“Tch, just shut up and stretch. We’re here to run.”

Jin laughs it off—he’s like Yusuke that way, never taking Hiei’s snark too seriously. Hiei likes that about him, but he will never admit it. Foot work and stretching done, they take a lap at an easy jog. As they round the second bend, Jin cants his head towards the bleachers.

“That why you got the goods on display?”

Hiei tracks the direction of his gaze, but it’s mostly for show. He knows Kurama is out there, seated in the bleachers close to the track. He’s got his hair up and his nose in a book, but Hiei’s caught him staring more often than not.

He scoffs, picks up the pace despite knowing he’s going to get yelled at for it, and puts as much disinterest into his voice when he says, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Jin just laughs, loud and boisterous, and keeps stride with him.

Friday is always their heavy day. Practice is intense, and today’s focus is all about speed and endurance in the face of fatigue. Hiei kind of loves it. He loves taking all the form and technique from the day before, race standard practice, and putting it to the test.

Coach is extra cruel today and won’t tell them what the full practice will look like. It’s a mind game more than anything. Is there two reps ahead of them, four? How much should they push? How much do they need to save for the next potential lap? Hiei thrives under this unpredictability. While his teammates groan under their breaths to find out they’re about to do another one hundred and fifty meter dash at full race speed, Hiei is literally bouncing in place to get going.

Kurama isn’t a distraction for long. After the first circuit between sprints, where he had bunny hopped halfway across the field, he stopped thinking about how dumb he probably looked and found the zone. Each circuit of technical work wears them down, and then there’s another sprint at the end of it.

Hiei’s starting to feel the fatigue when Coach says they’ll be running three hundred meters. Hiei expects two more reps of this, but he knows if he can keep his time within two seconds of his personal best, Coach will call the practice. He wants that extra time with Kurama.

He gets into position, and then Coach is counting down, and he’s off. He plants his feet, pushing with each stride as he keeps his form tall on the turns.

“Stand the turn! Push, Push!” Genkai shouts from halfway down the track. It’s just noise, but he keeps his back straight, pushing harder as he approaches the three hundred meter mark. He will make the time.

He blows past the cone. Slowing to a jog, he lets his forearms flop as he finally allows the strict racing form to drop. He’s slowing to a walk, as Genkai approaches.

“I said full racing speed,” she spits, holding her clipboard up in disbelief. “What the hell was that?”

“I was trying to hit my time,” Hiei pants, hands on his knees as he gulps in air.

“Yeah, and you would’ve had another hundred meters to go and nothing to keep you going if this was a real race.” She moves with Hiei towards one of the many trash barrels that litter the track and field.

“I was trying to meet my time—” Hiei heaves into the bin, throwing up what remains of his lunch.

“You were pushing too hard, c’mon Hiei, you’re not that stupid.” Hiei has to agree, clearly he was pushing too hard. He empties his stomach, and gasping, he wipes his mouth with his hand.

“Sorry, Coach, I’ll pace myself more on the next rep.”

Genkai sighs, frowning. “No, you’re done for the day. I got what I needed, you made your time. And I don’t need you injuring yourself.” She’s already turning to go as she says, “Go rinse your mouth and cool down.”

Hiei does. Once he’s gone through the motions and been reminded to use his head a bit more, he’s cleared to go.

With his duffle bag over one shoulder and his shirt draped around his neck, he makes his way toward Kurama. He’s making notes as he reads a book, and Hiei can’t fight his smile as Kurama makes him wait a full thirty seconds before he looks up.

“Done?” He flutters those long lashes at him, as if he hasn’t been waiting.

“Yeah.” Hiei doesn’t sit. He has just under ninety minutes before work starts. He also doesn’t trust Kurama to keep his hands to himself. Last night’s promise of a blowjob still worries Hiei.

“You’re fast,” Kurama says as his eyes slide back to the track in the distance.

“I am.” Hiei won’t shy away from this. He knows he’s good. He has the speed and the drive, and the technique is nearly there. The Olympics are his goal and being humble will do him no favors. He has to hone his skills, go from good to great, and honesty is the best way to do that.

“Consider me impressed.” Kurama closes his book. As he tilts his head, sunlight catches on the loose hair that falls around his face. It makes his smile softer than it probably should be. “Are we ready?”

“Yes.”

Kurama’s smile turns boyish, and he laughs. “A man of many words.” He gathers his books and stands. “Eager?”

It’s teasing, but Hiei doesn’t blush. He shrugs, trying for cool. “We have about an hour and a half before I need to be at work, and forty of that is commute time.”

“Ah, so I have you for almost an hour.”

“I need a shower.”

Kurama bumps his shoulder into Hiei’s bare one. “I get you before that, remember?”

Hiei does blush at that. The sweat on his skin has dried, but his hair is still damp. He likely stinks. The idea that Kurama wants to get him in bed like this is wild to him.

“I remember. That seriously does it for you?” Hiei glances over at him then. Kurama looks unruffled by the question, and Hiei finds it distinctly unfair.

“It does.” His smile is nearly serene as he reaches into his messenger bag. “You should be proud, I’ve been working very hard to keep my hands to myself. Consider that a down payment for the picture you sent me last night.”

“Oh yeah?” When Kurama holds out a travel size bottle of mouthwash, Hiei takes it. “You have more in mind for that?”

“Time allowing, I do.”

Hiei rinses his mouth a few times, and the walk is mostly dominated by discussion of their classes and track.

“I’m surprised you don’t have a full ride. You were competitive in high school?” As they stand on Hiei’s stoop, Kurama continues to drill Hiei with questions about running.

Hiei scoffs and rolls his eyes, lifting the door on its hinges as he turns the key. “I was, but I didn’t really expect to go to college. When my sister got accepted I realized I wanted to find a way to get here, too. I should have pushed myself more academically and on the track back then.”

Kurama hums thoughtfully as he steps through the door. “Still, the Olympics?”

“Long term goals.”

“Not really long term, from what you were saying.”

Hiei can only shrug. As he places his shoes next to Kurama’s, he watches Kurama take in their small combination living-dining room that opens straight into their tiny kitchen.

“Your roommate, Yusuke,” he says this like it’s a question, but Hiei isn’t fooled, “is he here?”

“No, he has class.”

Hiei barely has the words out before Kurama has him pressed up against the door. His hands are warm against Hiei’s chest, his hungry mouth is over his, and it isn’t hard to part his lips to let Kurama lick inside. Hiei stands there, head tipped back, as Kurama kisses him for an embarrassingly long moment. Finally, he drops his bag and sinks his fingers into the other boy. One hand clutches possessively into the front of his sweatshirt, the other reaches up to remove the clip from his hair.

Kurama bites his lower lip playfully before shaking his hair out. Hiei has his fingers twisted into red strands when Kurama says, voice husky, “Take me to your room.”

Hiei turns them around, and with Kurama against the door he pulls him down gently by the hair for another kiss.

“C’mon,” he whispers, grabbing Kurama’s wrist and guiding him into his room. Wasting no time, Kurama has already removed his top as Hiei closes the door.

He’s never seen this much of Kurama who, even on warm days, is often covered to the wrist. His skin reflects the dutiful protection; it's pale and smooth, and when Hiei reaches his hand out to touch the flat plane of his stomach, his tan fingers look dark in comparison. Kurama is all gentle, softly toned muscle, and while he doesn’t shy away from Hiei’s exploratory touch, his laugh edges towards self concision.

“You’re far more impressive here,” he says as he slides a hand over Hiei’s abs.

Hiei shrugs, unconcerned by this and tugs at the chain strung between Kurama’s nipples. “I like your body,” he says plainly. “I want to see more of it.”

Kurama’s flashes him those perfect, straight teeth, but instead of rewarding him by removing his pants, he dips his head closer, nose and mouth dragging over Hiei’s clavicle all the way up to his ear. Kurama inhales deeply on the way up, and somehow that is the most obscene thing they’ve done together so far. Heat creeps up Hiei’s neck in the wake of Kurama’s nose. Suddenly, the room is too hot.

“You smell so good,” Kurama whispers as he nips Hiei’s ear. “I wasn’t kidding last night, I want to put my mark on you.” His mouth hovers near the base of Hiei’s throat now, one hand palming his erection through his running shorts.

“Lower,” Hiei manages. “Sh—shoulders are fine. I just have to be able to cover it.” He does not possess the strength to survive the harassment that would come at either Yusuke or Mukuro’s hands if they found a hickey on him.

Kurama hums, and Hiei can’t tell if it’s in approval or annoyance. Too many lips and hands are on him, distracting him from thinking critically. Kurama doesn’t move the position of his mouth, still low on his neck but above any protection a shirt collar could provide. He licks at Hiei’s neck and it sends shivers down his spine.

“You’re not leaving me with many options,” Kurama murmurs, teeth curious but gentle. He tastes and plays, but hasn’t left any evidence just yet.

“I– I normally wear a shirt,” he reminds him. “I told you—“

Kurama sinks his teeth in then, just below Hiei’s throat, and sucks visciously.

“Ah,” Hiei gasps and lets his head hit his bedroom door. Kurama has shoved one thigh between his own, and his hands are encouraging Hiei to rock forward.

They grind together for a moment while Kurama does as he pleases. Hiei realizes that this will be the norm—Kurama taking what he wants, for however long this continues. He doesn’t really mind.

“Did you leave it off for me?” Kurama’s breath is hot and damp, and he licks all the way up Hiei’s neck in one slow, firm motion. Hiei trembles and grinds harder into Kurama’s thigh. He forgets the chain to rub the pad of his thumb directly over one hard nipple.

“Yeah,” Hiei gasps, “I normally run in pants and a…a long sleeve, ah–“

Kurama bites him again, high on his chest. “You put these on just for me?” He tugs at the flimsy material of the track shorts. They’ve ridden up a little, but they were tiny to start, so most of Hiei’s ass is exposed. Kurama’s fingers dance over his briefs, cupping one cheek appreciatively.

“Yes.” Hiei doesn’t whimper, but it’s a near thing. He closes his eyes as if that will hide him, he’s so embarrassed to be man handled like this. He doesn’t hate it, a far cry from that actually, but it’s not how his sexual encounters normally go.

Nothing about his experiences with Kurama so far have been typical.

“And this,” Kurama drags his teeth down Hiei’s chest, nipping occasionally, “this is okay?”

“Yes,” he pants. He fists his hands into Kurama’s hair, wanting him close and not wanting to see his eyes. Hiei can’t handle eye contact right now, thanks.

“Good, I like biting. I’ll want you to bite back,” he says with that annoyingly even tone. Hiei hates that he’s so unaffected.

When Kurama pinches his nipple he finally meets his gaze.

“There you are,” Kurama coos, and brings their mouths together in another kiss. His hands are everywhere, touching and exploring without hesitation.

“We don’t have a lot of time,” Hiei gasps, and Kurama’s grasp is firm on his dick. “I need to prepare you.”

Kurama’s smile turns sly, and he presses a kiss to Hiei’s temple before licking at the sweat there. “Don’t worry. Let me just touch you first.” Kurama presses his face into Hiei’s hair. Thankfully, it’s mostly dry now. “I’ve been waiting for this, we have time.”

“Kurama… stop–” Hiei’s plea is lost in a moan. Kurama’s hand has to work to not slip beneath his shorts, and that’s somehow more erotic than if he’d just touch him directly. “If– if you keep touching me…”

Kurama laughs, but it isn’t mean. He leans back to look down at Hiei then. “Are you so far gone?” Hiei doesn’t respond. He leans forward to flick his tongue over Kurama’s nipple as an excuse to hide his burning cheeks.

“I want to fuck you,” he whispers, pushing the metal bar with his tongue.

“We have what? Half an hour?” Kurama glances down at his watch before holding it where Hiei can see.

“About. Maybe a little less.”

“I was hoping you’d fuck my face again first.”

Hiei groans. How can he say stuff like that? Hungrily sucking one pebbled nipple into his mouth, Hiei lets his hands explore the flat plane of Kurama’s stomach. He grabs Kurama by the waist and moves him towards the bed. “Kurama, I want plenty of time to fuck you, please.”

Kurama sighs but it sounds pleased, and his fingers are deft and swift at removing his pants. Within moments he is sprawled across Hiei’s unmade bed in only his briefs. Hiei has imagined this moment so many times, but having the real thing before him makes his mouth go dry in a way he never anticipated.

Kicking off his clothes, Hiei steps forward. He runs his hands up the back of Kurama’s legs as he crawls onto the bed between them. Kurama makes an appreciative noise as he presses his face into the pillow. Hiei hopes it smells okay, but considering Kurama’s response to his post workout funk, he’s not too worried. He’s going to have to do laundry after this.

Kurama rolls his hips against the mattress before lifting his ass and swaying it in the air.

“Help me with these, if you would.”

Hiei smirks and hooks his fingers under the waistband of his underwear. He’s been waiting for this. He wants to see Kurama so bad he could come from this alone. He won’t, he can’t, but it wouldn’t be unheard of.

Hiei slides the briefs down Kurama’s thighs and admires the pale stretch of skin left in its wake. Kurama sinks back to the mattress, and that’s fine, Hiei will have time to admire all of his assets later. For now he wants to open Kurama up. He’s dying to bury himself inside and take time enjoying his body.

Hiei pulls his briefs past his knees and it’s a bit of a shuffle to get them off. Both finally naked, he grabs Kurama's ass with both hands. “I’ve been waiting for this,” Hiei says, voice quiet as he focuses on the feel of Kurama, the soft sigh he makes, the warmth of the room. He wants to remember this later.

Hiei licks his lips as he parts Kurama’s cheeks, but stops short when he sees a baby pink circle hidden there. Hiei blinks, remembering the plug he sold to Kurama weeks ago.

“You’ve been wearing this the entire time?” No wonder Kurama wasn’t worried about hurrying. He’s been ready to go since when? Before Hiei’s practice, that’s for sure.

“I always have this in when I know I’ll be seeing you.”

Hiei darts his eyes up to find Kurama grinning over his shoulder. “What does that mean?”

“It means,” Kurama says slowly, a mischievous smile pulling at his lips, “I wear it every time I know I’ll see you.”

“Every. . . You wear this every Friday? When you come to the store?” Hiei cannot believe this. Every time Kurama was flushed for no reason, every out of place shift. . . It couldn’t be.

“That is what every time means.” He wiggles his ass beneath Hiei’s hands. “Focus now, don’t you have a job to get to?”

“You have lunch with your mother before you come to the shop. . . Kurama, do you…?”

He has the decency to flush then. “Well, I mean, not every time…” He sheepishly adds, “In the beginning. . .”

“Kurama!” Hiei laughs, he can’t help it, and Kurama laughs too. Hiei crawls up the bed, and taking Kurama’s face in both hands, he kisses him. It’s chaste at first; it can’t be anything more as they both try to control their laughter. But then Kurama reaches up and places a hand over Hiei’s. It turns the kiss into something more serious, and Kurama deepens it until they’re both breathless.

When Hiei pulls away, panting, he manages to say, “You’re such a freak.”

Kurama smirks, and finally the last traces of that innocent mask fall away. “And you’re going to fuck me.”

Hiei finds himself back between Kurama’s thighs and carefully pulls the plug free. It’s mesmerizing to watch, and Hiei doesn’t realize he’s held his breath until the plug slides free and he exhales finally. A part of him had been looking forward to slowly opening Kurama up, but that’s for another day. He sets the plug aside, rolls on a condom, and grabs a bottle of lube. He’s never in a short supply. Mukuro thinks it's funny to give him the samples vendors send to the shop.

“Is this how you want to do it, or would you rather be on your back?” Hiei rubs a generous amount over his erection as Kurama rolls over.

“I’d prefer to see you.” He throws a leg over Hiei’s shoulder and watches with half lidded eyes as Hiei pulls him close. He wants to see too, and he takes a moment to look at Kurama’s erection. It’s long and leaking, the head flushed a dark red. Hiei wants to touch, is curious to taste him.

“You know,” Hiei says as casually as he can as he lines himself up, “I wouldn’t mind if you didn’t wear the plug, when we have more time.”

Kurama arches his back subtly, shifting to get comfortable. He raises a brow at Hiei. “You want to finger me?” When Hiei shrugs, Kurama’s eyes narrow teasingly before locking on Hiei’s blush. “You want to eat me out, Hiei, is that it?”

It’s annoying how Kurama can say such vulgar things so casually, and Hiei refused to admit he’s charmed by it. Hiei rolls his eyes as he sinks into Kurama.

Hiei has to bite his lip, and he worries he’s going to bruise Kurama’s fair hips with how hard he’s holding on. He’s still delightfully tight.

“Fuck,” Hiei groans and sits balls deep in that luxurious heat as he breathes purposefully through his nose. Kurama makes a surprisingly small, encouraging noise—something between a gasp and a moan—that strikes Hiei directly in the gut and makes his stomach jump. He is not going to come just from getting his dick wet, no matter how good it feels.

Why? Why does he always feel like a teenager everytime he fools around with Kurama?

“Hiei. . .” Kurama whines high and needy. Hiei looks up at him panting. It’s embarrassing the effect Kurama is having on him; they’re only just getting started.

“Do not ignore me,” Kurama’s voice is steady again, his eyes clear and focused only on him. “Tell me, do you want to prepare me yourself? Will you have me sit on your face?”

Hiei grabs Kurama’s knees and thrusts experimentally. Kurama makes approving noises so he does it again. He flicks his gaze up to Kurama’s briefly, licks his lips, and says as casually as he can, “If you wanted, I’d be up for it.”

“If I wanted. . .” Kurama chuckles at that, and throws his head back into the pillow. “Faster, Hiei. I want you to be rough with me.” He stretches, raising his arms to splay them above his head. “I promise I prepared adequately before, don’t worry about hurting me.”

Hiei grunts and pushes his hips forward with a bit more force. There's a satisfying slap, slap slap that fills the room, mingled with Kurama’s generous moans. Gripping his hip with one hand, Hiei holds Kurama in place as he picks up his pace to an unforgiving snap of his hips.

When Hiei reaches for Kurama’s dick, he’s waved away.

“Not yet,” Kurama says. “I want to just focus on this for now.

Hiei understands the sentiment. It’s too good, and he can tell it’s not going to last long enough. No matter how long they have, Hiei knows he will want more.

The fact Kurama wants to make this, how it feels to be connected, his focal point makes the hair on the back of Hiei’s neck stand on end. He wants to make it good for Kurama. From the moment he got on his knees in the shop, all Hiei has wanted is to make Kurama feel pleasure.

Kurama closes his eyes, his neck a distracting arch as Hiei relishes the way Kurama squeezes around him. It’s so good, Hiei can only hope Kurama feels the same. He’s jerked off more in the past week then he has in months, and still he can’t get over how badly he wants to fuck Kurama.

He’s already balls deep inside him, and he can’t stop thinking about the next time. Hiei groans from the thought as well as the way Kurama is making shameless little noises against his pillow.

He pats at Kurama’s hip to get his attention and then guides his other leg over his shoulder. As his hips meet Kurama’s thighs again and again, he wraps one arm around his legs to keep him close. He reaches out with his other hand and curls his fingers around the chain. He tugs at it, keeping pressure on Kurama’s nipples.

“That’s good, babe, keep going.” Kurama reaches back and pulls the pillow out from underneath his head. He tosses it aside, and shifts his hips against Hiei’s hold. “Ah, yeah…” Kurama moans, low and haunting, before gasping, “Actually slow down a little.”

Hiei does, watching Kurama’s face to know when he’s found the right speed. He readjusts, rocking his hips up harder as he thrusts in. His grip on Kurama’s thigh is likely bruising, and he hopes Kurama won’t mind.

“Oh, yes, yes!” Kurama arches his back and bites his lip. Hiei finds this useless, he’s still moaning loud enough the neighbors will likely hear.

“Ah, fuck… pull out slow.” With care, Hiei pulls back as slow as he can, until the thick head of his cock is caught on the tight ring of Kurama’s ass. Kurama gasps, fingers clawing at the sheet. “Now, now– fuck into me so hard Hiei–”

As he threatens to pop free he slams back into him. He tugs on Kurama’s nipple chain in tandem with bottoming out. Hiei hasn’t been with somebody this loud in a while, but when Kurama nearly screams all Hiei can think is I should’ve known. He smirks and repeats the move to see if it will have the same effect. Much to his enjoyment, it does.

“Again!” The controlled tone wars with the needy shout. Kurama writhes beneath him, lost for the moment in pleasure. Hiei finds he likes it when Kurama tells him how he wants it. Having a job keeps his mind just busy enough he’s not worried he’s going to blow his load too soon. It also makes his arousal twist, heavy and urgent, deep in his gut each time Kurama keens beneath him in ecstasy from what he’s doing to him.

Addicting doesn’t even scratch the surface.

Before long Kurama is whining, struggling against Hiei’s hold. “Faster, I need it.”

“Yeah? You like it?” Hiei grins down at Kurama’s flushed face. His lower lip is swollen from where he’s bitten it.

Kurama grins back and rolls his eyes. “Oh, I’m managing,” he says breathlessly. Breaking his legs out of Hiei’s hold, he hooks them back over his shoulders. His heels dig into Hiei’s back as he tries to pull him closer.

“Fuck that’s good, give it to me, babe–“

“Ah, I’ve been dying to do this for weeks.” This makes Kurama whimper. Hiei smiles to hear it, yet another sound he’s going to remember later and get off to again on the knowledge he caused it.

Hiei focuses on keeping his pace up, but when he sees Kurama start to squirm he tries something new. He pulls out nearly all the way, and just fucks the head of his dick into Kurama as slowly as he can manage. It’s torture on him, on both of them, but he doesn’t care. He'll do this all afternoon if Kurama keeps making those noises. He’s so hard knowing he’s making Kurama this crazy.

“Fuck yes!” Kurama’s whole body is moving, and Hiei’s grip on his hips is brutal as he tries to keep himself from slipping out. An obscene, wet whine claws its way out of Kurama as he tries to keep still. Desperation paints his face, his fingers visibly torn between grabbing the sheets and reaching for Hiei. Making the decision for him, Hiei tangles their hands together.

“You’re so good, Hiei, fuck you’re so good–“ Kurama cries, squeezing his finger and cock until he’s nearly crushing him.

“Kurama–“

“Such a good boy,” Kurama moans, “Hiei!”

“Kurama!”

His name seems to be the only thing Hiei can manage. Everything else left his head once good boy lodged itself beneath his ribs. Hiei can feel it every time he gasps in a breath. It’s surprisingly effective. His ears are burning, his heart rate has spiked into a dangerous territory. Hiei has never been so affected by something a partner has said in bed before.

“Harder— Ah,” Kurama gasps, his chest heaving as he moans. “I want to feel it later and remember you fucking me like this—”

He slides his legs off of Hiei’s shoulders, and Hiei grabs both of his knees. As he pushes and spreads them wide, Hiei finds a deeper angle. Everytime he rocks into Kurama’s body he makes a desperately lewd noise. It’s a heady thing, to see how Kurama responds to him. It’s his cock buried in Kurama, turning him into this blissful creature. Hiei loves it, could get used to it, if he’s not careful.

“There, that’s it,” Kurama pants and reaches down to help hold his legs apart. “Fuck—”

“What makes it feel good, Kurama?”

“I– ah, it– just don’t stop.”

Hiei twists them a bit, laying Kurama onto his side. He pushes one of his thighs to the mattress, pressing the other one up further. Kurama is spread so far Hiei worries he might hurt him, but Kurama’s lost expression tells a different story.

“There, there, there!”

The litany of desperate cries make Hiei grin. He thrusts harder and deeper as he tries to hit that spot each time. He wants to do this again, today in fact; fuck work. He wants Kurama to tell him how he wants to be fucked and then Hiei wants to reduce him to this inarticulate mess.

They could grab lunch, and go for round two. If only.

“You like that,” Hiei tries to ask, but it’s so tangled in a breathless grunt, it’s more a statement of fact.

“Yes— fuck!”

The look Kurama gives him is so far gone, so drowned in lust, that Hiei can’t take it. He’s going to come just from that alone, so he fixes his eyes on Kurama’s leaking cock so it can last a little longer.

“Can I touch you?” Hiei tries not to beg, but it sounds pretty close.

“Yes, now,” Kurama pants. It’s a powerful thing to steal the ability to tease from Kurama.

Wrapping his hand around Kurama’s erection he strokes him hard and fast, matching the motion of his hips.

“Make me come first.” Kurama catches his gaze then, waiting to see if there will be push back at this. Hiei just smirks, and nods.

“My pleasure, truly.”

“Good.” Kurama tilts his head back then, arms falling to the mattress at his sides, and his body goes lax. It doesn’t take much before he’s clenching around Hiei, his dick throbs as come spurts over his abdomen. It paints his chest and Hiei’s hand. Hiei grips him, not ready to let go just yet as he steadily rocks his own straining cock into his spasming body.

Kurama reaches up and grabs Hiei’s wrist. Weakly, he tugs at it until Hiei starts stroking him again, much softer now. Kurama hisses and clenches around him tighter. Hiei is amazed as he watches the tortured bliss play across Kurama’s face. He must be so sensitive.

“Such a good boy,” Kurama groans, watching him again. “Are you ready to come?”

Hiei nods, unable to tear his eyes away from Kurama’s salacious face. He can’t speak.

Right now, in this moment, Hiei’s world is reduced to this: the wet, red mess of Kurama’s mouth, the hot vise of his ass around his dick, Kurama’s voice, husky, as it calls him a good boy. There’s no room left in it for words.

“Come for me, Hiei,” he says firmly, and while Hiei has never been in this kind of situation before, the way his orgasm rips out of him gives him something to consider at a later time. Because fuck, it’s intense. He’s not quite to the post nut clarity yet, still lingering in the pleasantly numb limbo of having nothing in his head beyond how weightless and sated his body feels. And when Kurama tells him he’s a good boy, again? For coming on command? Hiei can only shudder.

As he’s pulling out, Kurama reaches up for him. Hiei settles behind Kurama, giving Kurama his clean hand. Kurama rolls over, clutching Hiei’s hand between them.

“You were so good,” Kurama repeats, grinning just inches away.

Hiei blushes. It’s so much more intense this close, Kurama’s come on both of them, the heat of the moment coming down quickly.

Kurama’s grin turns into something softer, the teasing gone for once. “Do you like that? When I tell you you’ve done well?”

Hiei looks away, but he nods.

Kurama releases his hand to cup his face. Hiei is forced to look at him again as Kurama pulls him in for a gentle kiss. Hiei relaxes, closes his eyes, and allows Kurama to lead this as well.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” he whispers. Their lips are still brushing. Hiei knows he’s turning red. “I want you to keep being a good boy for me, okay?”

He nods again, closing the gap and kissing Kurama again. Despite how embarrassed he feels, Hiei doesn’t want this to end.

When they break apart again, Kurama runs the pad of his thumb around the curve of Hiei’s cheek. “You should get ready for work.”

Hiei groans. Kurama is right though, so he gets up and pulls the condom off. “I have to shower. You want one?”

Kurama doesn’t move, just watches Hiei with the eyes of a predator. “No, not if you want to make it on time. I’ll be fine with a wash cloth until I get home.”

Hiei wets a cloth in the bathroom for Kurama before taking a fast shower. Kurama is dressed and looking picture perfect when Hiei rushes back in. He is content to sit on Hiei’s bed and watch him dress.

“Will you be late?” His eyes don’t hold any apology as they linger on his body. They flick up to meet Hiei’s once he’s pulled on his shirt.

“I have time.” Hiei towels his hair before running his fingers through it to get it into the general shape he prefers. So long as it’s out of his eyes, he doesn’t care. Glancing at his nightstand, he can’t find his phone. It’s all he needs before he can go, but honestly he might leave it behind. It’s not worth being late over.

“Oh, your phone?” Kurama asks after he starts looking under his pillow. Kurama holds it out to him.

“Thanks, I’m set.” Kurama stands and smooths his clothes, but it’s unnecessary. Hiei wonders how he can look so put together all the time. It’s like a superpower.

He grabs a premade lunch from the fridge and then they hurry out the door.

“This was fun. I’m looking forward to doing this again, preferably when we have more time.” Kurama’s smile is mischievous again.

“Definitely.” Hiei can’t help the faintest flush. He would love to do this again. Will be looking forward to it later tonight.

Standing on Hiei’s stoop, Kurama looks like he might bend down to kiss him once more, but he settles on squeezing Hiei’s hand instead.

“Text me later.”

They manage a mostly awkward goodbye and part directions. Hiei is definitely not replaying their afternoon in his mind. He’s definitely not lingering over their stiff farewell; definitely not wondering if Kurama really had intended to kiss him.

He’s definitely not thinking that if Kurama really isn’t seeing other people, it would be fairly easy to remember Hiei’s the one that left him sore.

Hiei shakes his head and picks up the pace. Kurama doesn’t seem to want anything more than the flirting and fucking they’ve done so far. Hiei needs to be okay with that.

Channeling out his frustration and confusion, Hiei ends up jogging the rest of the way. He makes it to work with minutes to spare.

Chapter Text

Hiei strategically set up his schedule so that Wednesdays would be left wide open. He has four solid hours between the end of class and the start of practice. He uses the time to knock out a majority of his homework. He prefers to work on the upper floors of the Student Union. It’s busy, but often quiet.

This week he has a paper to print for Nutrition, so he opts for the library. He likes the library despite the lackluster cafe. It’s spacious, and packed full of different things for all sorts of study needs. He’s claimed a table near the row of printers, and has his things carefully set up around him. His chromebook is center stage, but he has his pencil pouch, textbook, notebook, and a half eaten bagel in the wings in case they’re needed.

By one-thirty he’s finished his Nutrition paper. He’s just checking that he’s formatted the paper correctly when someone clears their throat behind him. Hiei throws a frown over his shoulder and is only a little shocked to find Kurama behind him.

“We keep meeting,” he says and offers a coy smile.

“So we do,” Hiei murmurs. He doesn’t try to hide it when he runs his eyes over Kurama. His hair is up, and Hiei is finding he likes that. Kurama has a strong jaw, and Hiei appreciates it when he doesn’t hide it. He’s wrapped up in a scarf and sweater, with sensible trousers against the mild winter day.

Hiei glances back up to Kurama’s eyes and finds he can’t help but smile.

“Mind if I sit?”

Hiei nods towards an open seat at his table and looks back to his screen. Out of the corner of his eye, Kurama unwraps his scarf as he takes his seat. He starts pulling his own supplies out of his messenger bag—a laptop, a folder, a pencil case of his own.

Hiei is distracted by a glint of metal. Under his sweater Kurama is wearing a collared shirt. Under his scarf, he has revealed a collar clip. There are small bronze bees pinned to either side of his collar, and three dainty chains are strung between them at varying lengths.

It immediately invokes the image of Kurama’s nipple piercings, his bare chest, a similar chain strung stylishly across it. Hiei’s mouth goes dry and he has to look away. He cannot think about that now.

Hiei finishes formatting his paper and painstakingly goes through the process of connecting his chromebook to one of the printers. Kurama begins working on his computer, hands smooth and commanding over the keyboard, as Hiei silently struggles to confirm which of the five printers he’s connected to. Hiei detests most electronics, and while it would be daunting to hand write a five page paper, he thinks it might be better.

He finally gets his paper sent off, and swiftly moves to collect it and staple it.

“Are you done for the day?” Kurama asks. He doesn’t look up at Hiei right away. It’s only when Hiei starts to pack his paper into his bag that his eyes find Hiei’s. His fingers never stop typing.

“No, I still have more homework.” Hiei thinks about it for only a moment before he adds casually, “And I have practice later.”

Kurama nods and allows his hands to come to a rest against the keys. Hiei eyes the apple logo on his computer, eyes the sleek, rounded corners of its screen and wonders how much a machine like that costs.

“Are you staying around here?” Kurama offers him another smile, this one far less flirty than before. When Hiei shrugs, Kurama looks up at him from under his lashes and says, “You could keep me company for a while longer?”

“Yeah,” Hiei says, “Why not?”

“Cool.”

They share a playful grin, and Hiei’s mouth feels a little dry at the possibilities the afternoon suddenly holds as he pulls his textbook closer. They work in silence for some time, Hiei carefully reading and taking scribbled notes as Kurama feverishly types. Every so often he refers to a stack of papers he has by his computer.

After a while, Hiei yawns and stretches. He’s been sitting here for almost two hours, with the only break being when he retrieved his paper from the printer. He pushed his textbook away and scrubs a hand over his face. He catches Kurama staring at him, his expression amused, and he rolls his eyes. “I’ve been at this longer than you, I need a break.” He reaches for his bagel and takes a bite of it before he pulls his textbook back with a sigh.

Kurama is still typing, still looking amused, when he asks, “What are you reading about?”

“Lipids,” Hiei says, tossing Kurama a pained look. Kurama’s foot bumps into Hiei’s. Kurama is smiling when he looks up, so he returns the favor and asks, “What about you? What are you writing for?”

“Ah, I have been conducting an experiment, and I’m typing up my research procedures and findings.”

Hiei hums with mild interest. Kurama’s interest is genuine though, he’s smiling as he reviews his reference materials. Hiei glances over and sees there are many handwritten notes on the print out.

“What kind of experiment?” Hiei turns back to copying a vocabulary definition into his notebook, but he offers Kurama a curious look in case he wants to share. Shyly, he presses his foot back against Kurama’s under the table. He doesn’t let it linger, it could be read as an accident. Kurama doesn’t seem to notice, too wrapped up in answering Hiei’s question.

“I’ve been propagating Rosa Rubiginosa to test their disease fighting properties.” Kurama’s tone is excited as he says, “I’ve been growing them in different conditions, and making extracts from the different strains.”

Hiei has no idea what Rosa Rubiginosa is, and he quietly pulls his chromebook closer as Kurama becomes more animated in his explanation. Hiei silently starts looking up what Kurama is talking about. If he gets a chance to respond, he doesn’t want to look like an idiot.

“The extracts are tested against bacterial cultures—basically I’m determining if the extracts can benefit a Butyrate-producing bacteria. This would be useful for people with diabetes.”

Hiei is just making a mental note to look up butyrate next when his web browser loads, and he’s presented with a picture of a soft pink flower with a yellow center. Hiei nods to himself, not really finding that helpful, but as he searches the page he can’t help but roll his eyes.

“Why didn’t you just say it’s a rose?” He looks up at Kurama and finds him blushing. “Rubiginosa? What the fuck is Rubiginosa?”

“Rosa Rubiginosa isn’t a common rose,” Kurama explains, making Hiei roll his eyes. It also makes him grin. Kurama mirrors his grin, clearly amused by Hiei’s interrogation.

“That’s a bit much. That’s like,” Hiei searches about the table for an example, “like if I said ‘hand me that Incus Rubiginosa?’ Who says that?” Hiei makes a big show of rolling his eyes. “Just hand me that pen.”

Kurama laughs and hands over the pen Hiei points to. “The scientific name is important, Hiei, you can’t just pretend there isn’t a purpose for them.”

Hiei shakes his head, acting unconvinced. “Sounds like an excuse to me.” He ends up laughing too, and they share a shy smile before refocusing on their work.

They work for a solid five minutes before Hiei’s phone starts buzzing on the table. They both glance at it, and Hiei is quick to shove it into his pocket.

Kurama looks baffled. “Aren’t you going to get that?”

Hiei shakes his head and glances back down at his work. “Nah.” It was just a text, and Yukina is in class right now so it’s not like she would be sending him anything.

“Hiei,” Kurama’s tone is incredulous, “What if it’s important?”

“Then they’ll call me?” Hiei rolls his eyes and tries to find the line in the textbook he was on. Kurama is going to be just like Yusuke, nagging him about his phone, he can tell. It’s not his fault he has no use for it. It’s an expensive watch, and that’s about it. If he still lived with Yukina, he probably wouldn’t have it.

Hiei can admit it has been nice texting and calling Kurama, though.

“Hiei!” Kurama is clearly not pleased with this answer. “You’re not even going to look at it? What if somebody needs something from you?”

“Then they’ll call,” he repeats.

“But—”

“You look at it then.” Hiei digs the phone out of his pocket and holds it out to Kurama. Kurama stares at him, dumbfounded. He seems shocked Hiei would just offer him his phone, but he clearly doesn’t know how much Hiei detests the thing. “I don’t want to, and if it bothers you so much, just check.”

Kurama slowly takes the phone, his thoughts hidden behind the mask Hiei has seen him wear on occasion. He glances at Hiei for confirmation before swiping the phone open. Hiei nods, and then goes back to his notes. He really doesn’t care to respond to whomever is disturbing him during his study time.

He’ll get back to them later.

“Well?” Hiei asks, curious about Kurama’s silence.

“It’s Yusuke. He’s letting you know he likely won’t be home tonight.” Kurama holds the phone back out to Hiei, but Hiei doesn’t move to take it.

“Tell him gross, and to use protection.” Yusuke is likely spending the night with Keiko. Hiei doesn’t really find it gross, but some traditions start in middle school and can never die.

Kurama withdraws his hand and begins to tap away at Hiei’s phone. He holds it confidently, his thumbs moving with familiar ease over the screen. He holds onto it after he’s finished, and smiles after a moment. “Yusuke is shocked you responded to him.”

“I’m sure,” Hiei says and takes his phone back when Kurama offers it again. “I told you it was nothing important.”

“If you don’t check, you won’t know.” Kurama shrugs, and goes back to his paper. His smile is less bright this time, so Hiei leaves it alone. He doesn’t want to poke too far.

They work in amicable silence for another long stretch of time. Hiei is able to finish his Nutrition reading, and focuses on cleaning up his notes. He’ll use these as a base for when he goes to his next lecture tomorrow, and then will spend Friday afternoon transcribing these into a sellable product while working. The act of repeatedly handling the information helps him commit it to memory.

At some point Kurama looks across the table and catches Hiei’s eyes.

“You said you have practice later, right?”

Hiei nods and checks the time. “I need to leave here in about forty minutes.” Kurama nods, shrugs, and looks back to his laptop.

“Mind if I come watch again?” Kurama is flushed as he stares at his screen. Since he’s keeping it casual, Hiei does the same.

“That’d be cool, if you don’t have plans.”

Kurama flashes him a brilliant smile. “No, I was just going to work on homework until work later. I go to the greenhouses at five-thirty.”

“That’s cool, yeah, feel free to stop by anytime.” Hiei immediately regrets saying it. That sounds too interested. He’s supposed to be keeping this casual. “If, y’know, you’re in the mood.”

Kurama’s grin turns sly, and he runs his foot up the inside of Hiei’s calf. “Oh, I’m always in the mood to watch you run.”

Hiei can feel heat burning from his cheeks up to his ears.

“The question is,” Kurama’s toes nudge at the side of Hiei’s knee, “Are you busy after practice?”

“I, um, have work at six, but no. I’m not busy.”

Kurama’s smile morphs into something radiant. He drags the toe of his shoe back down Hiei’s leg. “Lovely, it’s fortuitous that you have the house to yourself and all.”

Hiei looks back to his notes, feeling shy. He can’t stop smiling in the middle of the library of all places. He feels foolish.

“You work at five-thirty?”

Kurama hums cheekily and says, “I can be a little late.”

Hiei glances up to see a predator’s smile, and the intense flash of green eyes. It is gone in a moment, replaced with something far more mild and unassuming. Hiei still isn’t sure if Kurama’s going to get him in trouble or not.

All he knows is that they’re going to have fun every step of the way.

***

“Your boyfriend’s here.”

Hiei sets the box on the countertop and glares at Mukuro. He refuses to look around the shop floor, knowing he’ll find a shock of red hair if he does.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Hiei corrects as he starts pulling bottles of lube out of the box.

Mukuro rolls her natural eye and continues to process invoices by the register. “Fine, that nice boy you’re fucking is in again. Better?”

Hiei rolls his eyes and hauls the box back to the storage room. He does not have time to listen to this nonsense. Mukuro isn’t exactly wrong. Kurama is the very nice boy he’s fucked multiple times in the last week. It’s been pretty amazing, actually.

Schooling his features, he heads back to the floor. He grabs the bottles of lube and ignores his boss as he stocks the display shelf. She stays in her space, and he is thankful for all four of the feet that separate them.

As he’s finishing, Kurama appears near his side. He sends a polite smile Mukuro’s way and acts oblivious to her own knowing one.

“Hiei, can you help me find something?”

Blessedly, Mukuro doesn’t open her mouth. Her eyebrow does enough talking though. Hiei should have stayed home today, he can tell, but he mutters a gruff affirmative before following Kurama away from the counter. Kurama leads him to the wall of dildos, thankfully out of sight from the register.

Hiei frowns up at the toys. “What do you need help finding?”

Kurama smiles innocently at him. “Well, I thought you might be able to make a recommendation. I need something,” he is kind enough to lower his voice here, “for when you’re away.” He has the audacity to bite his lip, as if he’s embarrassed.

“For when I’m away,” Hiei murmurs, raising a brow at Kurama.

“I know you have track meets coming up,” Kurama says, eyes looking over the different phalluses that surround them. “This can be a way where I still have fun, and I can always text you about it. Maybe I’ll send you pictures,” he muses. “I thought you might have suggestions.”

He is insatiable. Hiei shakes his head, amused despite it all. “Kurama.”

“I didn’t think she’d still be here,” Kurama whispers, and his smile is apologetic. “Do you have the schedule for the meets yet? I wanted to see.”

“It’s fine. She stays late at the end of the month to do the books. C’mon.” Hiei pulls the schedule up on his phone and hands it to Kurama as he leads him further down the aisle. Kurama hums as he studies the schedule, but Hiei isn’t thinking that far ahead. He really enjoys their routine at the moment, he’s not going to worry about what traveling for track is going to do to their hookups. That’s over a month away.

“Thanks,” Kurama says as he hands the phone back. “Looks like you’ll be busy in April.”

“Yeah.” Hiei stops and gestures to a line of dildos. “I’m not sure what you’d like,” he isn’t going to blush, “but the suction cups on these are pretty strong.”

Kurama smirks at him, and he holds the strap of his messenger bag with both hands. Hiei wonders if Kurama wants to touch him. Hiei shoves his own hands into his pockets so he doesn’t do anything stupid.

“Oh, you have some idea of what I like.” Kurama runs his eyes over the selection, keeping a safe amount of space between them. “Thank you for your help. I think I’ve got it from here.”

Hiei retreats back to the counter and refuses to meet Mukuro’s eyes. They spend a few moments in silence before she says, “I do not want to find out you’ve done anything untoward in this building. Do you understand?”

Hiei only glares at her. He doesn’t trust his voice.

Mukuro shrugs. “I trust you. But I don’t trust your dick, which is what you’re clearly thinking with in regards to that one.” She nods toward Kurama’s general direction. “And that innocent act of his does not fool me. Hiei, I suggest you watch it, or he’s going to get you into trouble.”

“Noted,” he grinds out.

It doesn’t take Kurama long to wander up to the counter. He sets the toy down, and Mukuro turns a polite smile his way.

“Did Hiei help you find everything okay?”

Kurama nods, looking like he’s just put a best selling book between them and not a nine inch, green dildo. “He did, thank you.”

“He’s actually going to be the one to check you out, I need to step into the back. Thank you for being such a loyal customer. We appreciate your business.”

“Of course.”

Once Mukuro disappears into the back room, Hiei slides over to the register. Kurama’s smile is less than innocent for him as he picks up the packaging. “I thought you wanted something to remember me by,” Hiei jokes quietly, scanning the barcode.

“Oh, I’ll remember you helped me pick it out. Besides, in the moment you feel like nine inches.” Kurama winks at him and Hiei rolls his eyes.

“Idiot.”

Hiei finds a bag to hide the forest green monstrosity as he rattles off the return policy to Kurama.

“Maybe you can use it on me sometime,” Kurama says casually.

Mukuro hasn’t returned, so Hiei leans over the counter and smirks. “Yeah? Would you like that?”

“I think I would. Maybe I can use it on you sometime.”

Hiei flushes, eyes glancing down to the nondescript gray bag Kurama now holds. “That’s a lot,” he says, and his mouth is dry as he adds, “how about we start with the real thing first?”

Kurama flashes him a winning smile. “I like how you think, Hiei. I guess I should get out of here before I get you in trouble for talking. Do you have plans after practice?”

Hiei shakes his head. “Just homework.”

“Maybe I can call you later and distract you for a little bit?” Kurama raises his brow suggestively, his grin wicked.

“My roommate will be home.”

Kurama pouts as he takes a step back. “Call me after practice and we can figure something out. Maybe grab a coffee before I have to be at the greenhouses.”

Hiei nods, liking that idea.

“We’ll talk soon,” Kurama says, and Hiei openly watches Kurama’s ass as he goes, imagining the baby pink plug hidden there. He quickly looks away. He cannot start thinking about that.

When the bell chimes on Kurama’s departure, Mukuro returns to the register. “Don’t say I never did anything nice for you.” She makes a big show of spreading her work back out. It’s one stack of invoices and a laptop. Hiei is unimpressed.

“Thanks,” he drolls.

“Also, woof. Your boyfriend–“

“–not my boyfriend–”

“–fine, your boy toy is something else.”

“Stop. It’s just casual between us.”

Hiei sighs, and tries to find something to make him look busy. It’s easier said than done, the shop is set for the day.

“If you say so. That one doesn’t look like he could do casual to save his life.”

He knows Mukuro will make a show of being frustrated if Hiei gets out his school stuff, but there’s nothing left to stock or clean. He’s also annoyed with her needling.

“Not that it’s any of your business,” Hiei says as he pulls his textbook out of his bag, “but it’s not that serious. You saw his purchase, it’s for when it’s not convenient to have me around.”

Mukuro rolls her one good eye which makes Hiei scoff. He claims the far end of the counter as he starts on his homework.

When Mukuro has finished up the books and is packed up she pauses by Hiei. “I know it’s none of my business–“

“It really isn’t,” Hiei agrees.

“But I’m not sure you can do casual either.”

Hiei has never rolled his eyes so hard in his life. “Stay out of my business, Mukuro.”

“Just don’t get your heart broken.” Her smile turns teasing again as she adds, “And don’t run off such a loyal customer!”

“Good bye, Mukuro.”

She laughs and leaves, and finally Hiei can have some peace.

It lasts a whole twenty minutes until Hiei needs to use his phone for a calculator and sees Kurama has been texting him. That’s not the distracting part though. His phone background is decidedly different than it was the last time he saw it.

Kurama’s exposed chest dominates his phone screen. The digital clock sits just over the lower half of his face in a way that his coy smile manages to peek out. His hard nipples, pinched between his fingers, are on full display. As always, Hiei’s focus is drawn to the pendant strung between them.

The picture has been zoomed in and Kurama’s eyes are out of frame, but Hiei remembers them. The text messages sit just over Kurama’s stomach.

“There it is,” Hiei chuckles to himself. Kurama can’t even act innocent in texts anymore. He really does need to think more with his head about Kurama, so he quickly texts back.

Hiei doesn’t respond. He just shoves his phone in his pocket and goes back to his math.

Before he leaves for practice, Hiei goes to change his background back to normal. He’s first mortified to find risqué pictures he certainly did not take in his camera roll. His heart is pounding as he clicks on the oldest one. Mortification is bleeding into arousal as what is undeniably Kurama’s nude body fills his screen.

He’s kneeling on Hiei’s bed, his body in profile, but his face and even his hair are outside the frame. The date says it’s from last Friday, and Hiei remembers Kurama had his hair up in a clip. Kurama’s hands are obscured, hidden between his thighs, but Hiei can’t get over the arch of his back or the round curve of his ass. He takes it all back, there’s nothing flat going on in this picture.

He swipes to the next image, and again Kurama’s face is just out of frame. Again he is in Hiei's bed, this time in only his briefs. His legs are spread wide, and Hiei doesn’t have to imagine how his cock sits beneath the fabric. How Hiei wishes he could see Kurama’s eyes, but the anonymity is alluring in a way.

The next picture—and it really isn’t fair that he glances at the time now, he’s going to be late if he doesn’t head out—does show Kurama's face. Well, at least some of it.

Hiei feels hot and cold all at the same time. Kurama is wearing his tank top. The black one. The one from Wednesday. He’s got it pulled up to his nose, exposing his chest again. This time he’s squeezing his pecs together with his biceps, and they’re so round and so smooth and—

Hiei has to look away, and how can he not? Kurama is wearing his used track shirt. It’s caught in his teeth, his nose is buried in it, and his eyes are dark and hot just like they were when Hiei was buried inside him.

Hiei shoves his phone in his pocket. He's going to be late. He wants to skip practice altogether now. He can’t, and he can’t think about these pictures now. He just has to get through practice, then he can sort this out at home.

It isn’t even fair. How is it so hot to see Kurama in his dirty clothes? He knows why. He knows how his toes curl when Kurama buries his face against Hiei’s sweaty skin and breathes in deeply, hard and hot for him because of the sweat not despite it.

He’s never going to survive this. He takes a deep breath and tries to think pure, boring thoughts. His face will cool down eventually.

***

“Why are you so fucking happy?” Yusuke asks the next morning, closer to noon really but morning for Yusuke.

Hiei rolls his eyes and ignores him as he continues to text Kurama. They hadn’t been able to call last night, which was fine for Hiei. He’d been able to get a good chunk of homework done thanks to Kurama’s impromptu plans.

He’d woken up to the standard Good morning! 😘 text, which he dutifully responded to and they’ve been corresponding back and forth for most of the morning.

“Tell Kurama I say hello.” Yusuke is digging in the fridge, so Hiei’s glare is wasted on his back.

“What makes you think–“

“You’re never on your phone.” Yusuke’s voice is muffled but the smugness still carries. Hiei grinds his teeth. “It doesn’t take a genius to put together that you've been glued to that thing from the moment you got his number. So tell him I say hi.”

He rolls his eyes but silently complies. “You have plans today?” Hiei hopes this can be a conversation change, but he doesn’t have high hopes.

Yusuke drops onto the couch beside him with a spoon in his mouth and a yogurt in his hand. He manages to shrug as he tries to steal a glance at Hiei’s phone. The shit eating grin on his face tells Hiei he saw Kurama’s response and annoys him beyond belief.

“Not much, Kuwabara and I were going to hang out. Why, you need something?”

Hiei looks at his phone as casually as he can. “We need to go grocery shopping. Are you hanging out here?”

“Maybe we can go tomorrow. I’m not really up to it today.” Yusuke stretches out, and Hiei shoves his feet away when they invade his space. “I don’t know where we will be. We haven’t made real plans yet.”

Hiei hums in understanding, texting Kurama back about how annoying Yusuke actually is, he should not find him cute or amusing, he is in fact not at all like a puppy.

“We talked about sometime this afternoon,” Yusuke says and turns on the TV. “Want to grab lunch?”

“Can’t.”

Yusuke narrows his eyes and searches Hiei’s face. “Can’t?”

Hiei rolls his eyes and fully scowls at Yusuke hoping he’ll get the message through his thick skull. Hiei doesn’t need him asking prying questions or looking too closely at his activities. But it’s Yusuke, so he relents. “Kurama and I are going to get lunch and study.”

Yusuke just stares at him, clearly fighting the obnoxious grin Hiei is far too familiar with. “Uh-huh. Studying. Of course.”

“Shut your mouth before you say something stupid.”

“Oh, don’t mind me,” Yusuke chuckles and turns back to the TV. “I’m guessing you want me out of here?”

“Clearly.”

“Yeah, I’d hate to disrupt your studying.”

“Shut up, Yusuke, before I make you.”

“Oh, come on Hiei! Just say you want me out so you guys can get down and nasty.”

“Asshole—”

“Fine, fine, if that’s the case Kuwabara and I can hang out here. We’ll stay quiet while you guys work.” Yusuke frowns at the TV as he shovels yogurt into his mouth. “Heck, maybe we can join you.”

“Fine,” Hiei manages through clenched teeth. “I want you out of here. I’m most likely bringing Kurama back here to hook up.”

“Why didn’t you say so!” Yusuke jabs the spoon in his direction. “No problem man, you’ve done me a solid plenty of times with Keiko.”

Hiei grunts and focuses on his phone. He is done with this conversation. Instead he texts Kurama .

“You’ve been seeing him a lot lately.” Of course Yusuke isn’t done. “This is date number two, three?”

“It’s not a date. I’m not dating him.” Hiei feels like this is the only conversation he’s had this week. “It’s just a booty call.” He glances at his phone to check Kurama’s response.

He rolls his eyes at that and catches Yusuke staring at him. “What?”

“A booty call with lunch and studying involved?” Yusuke shrugs like he’s not convinced.

“It’s just casual, drop it.”

“Fine, fine.” Yusuke's grin turns sly. “Is he good?”

Hiei raises a brow at him but mirrors his grin. “That’s putting it lightly.”

“Hell yeah, put ‘er there man!” Yusuke laughs and holds out his fist triumphantly. Hiei knocks his own fist against it, and his ears feel faintly warm. “Tell me, is he a freak in bed? He gives off that vibe.”

Hiei shrugs, worried what vibe he gives off. This is the second person this week to imply Kurama’s deviant nature isn’t as well hidden as Hiei had thought. “He’s loud, and yeah, I guess he is freakier than what I normally get up to.”

“Eh, no offense dude but you’re pretty tame. You’re not really a good judge.” Yusuke tries to rest his feet on Hiei’s leg again, and again Hiei pushes him away. “Freaky how?”

“I don’t know, we’ve had phone sex a few times–”

“–nice–”

“–and he’s offered to blow me at track practice twice now. I think he’s serious. And there’s just… some other stuff.”

Yusuke whistles admiringly, nodding his head in contemplation. “He did blow you at work. I donno…”

“Yeah…”

They both spend an appreciative moment thinking about Kurama on his knees.

“You can’t let him blow you at practice. You know that, right?”

“I’m not an idiot.” Hiei isn't willing to tell Yusuke about the plug. Casual or not, that feels like crossing a line. “I’m headed out,” he announces as he stands. He doesn’t care if he’s a little early, he needs to move. The walk across campus will do him good.

“Hey man,” Yusuke says and his eyes never leave the TV. “I know, it’s just casual, but nice pants.”

Heat courses through Hiei, from the tips of his ears to the pit of his stomach. He glances down at his black jeans and scowls. They are perfectly adequate, a far cry from over the top.

“Fuck off.”

Yusuke has the decency to wait until Hiei’s slammed the door before he starts cackling.

***

Hiei takes a detour around the library and still arrives at the Math Sciences building nearly ten minutes early. It’s not a huge deal, because Kurama is sitting on a bench reading a book near the entrance.

When he sees Hiei, he stands and brushes out his long, pleated skirt. It looks pink, but as Hiei gets closer he realizes it white with a tight floral pattern in a whole range of pinks. His blouse is soft and cream colored, the long sleeves gathering in graceful curves at his collared wrists. His throat and hands are all that’s exposed.

Kurama is always wrapped up like a modest thing, and it kills Hiei. With his hair pulled back in a loose braid, he’s breathtaking. Hiei can’t help looking.

“You made it!” Kurama tucks his novel into his bag. It’s not his normal messenger bag, but a different cross body. Still big, but clearly nicer than his everyday carry.

Hiei feels starkly underdressed in his jeans and team crewneck.

“Yeah, sorry to keep you waiting.” Hiei runs a hand through his hair nervously. Fuck he’s been staring, he glances away in hopes of keeping it casual. “Your outfit–”

Kurama’s smile turns cold so quickly Hiei isn’t really sure what changed. “I hope you don’t mind.” Kurama’s smile never wavers, and Hiei realizes it’s his eyes that are no longer warm. “I don’t really see the fuss in the whole idea of gendering clothing. I believe we should wear what feels comfortable.”

“Oh, no,” Hiei says quickly. “I was just going to say you look really nice. I like it.”

Kurama beams at him, the chill in his eyes gone as quickly as it appeared. Hiei feels like he’s passed a test he hadn’t realized he was taking.

“Well, you know,” Kurama says as he slips an arm around one of Hiei’s and begins to lead him toward the Union, “I have a hot date today, I had to put in some effort.”

“Tch, Kurama.” Hiei rolls his eyes and he can feel his cheeks flushing. “Stop teasing me.”

Kurama laughs and leans into Hiei’s side more. It’s really nice, and toes the line of something more. Hiei hates how nice it is, actually. He allows himself to frown down at the sidewalk for a count of four before he schools his expression into something more passive, but also more presentable.

“I’m sorry,” Kurama says as his eyes search Hiei’s face. “It was such a nice day, I just decided to throw this on.” His smile is warm and he squeezes Hiei’s arm companionably. “I’m glad you like it.”

They really should talk about this sooner or later. Hiei has done friends with benefits before, briefly, but it wasn’t so friendly that time.

He enjoys when Kurama wants to play up the physical touch and the flirtatious side of things, but he’s not a huge fan of the teasing at a tangible, true relationship. He’d like to keep that idea out of the mix. Because it’s just an idea.

“I like what you’re wearing, too.” It’s suggestive and low, said right into his ear. When Kurama slips his arm free to instead slide into Hiei’s back pocket and squeeze, he can feel his face go bright red. “I’ve never seen you out of athletic pants, you look good.”

Campus isn’t bustling, but there are still people in sight. Hiei feels the need to pull away. Kurama senses this and removes his hand, but still keeps their arms linked.

Hiei glances down at his jeans as Kurama recounts his evening out with his roommate. He steals a glance at Kurama’s slim ankles and tasteful black ballet flats—Yukina has a pair just like them—as they peek out from under his skirt when he takes a step. He looks elegant, and so put together.

Hiei avoids the large windows on the engineering building as they pass. The idea of seeing them side by side makes his stomach turn. He should’ve worn a collared shirt.

“I’m glad we could meet up for lunch,” Kurama says as they pass Hiei’s favorite part of campus. On one side of them is the lawn, the largest expanse of green they have. There is tons of space for people to lounge, or picnic, or play an impromptu game of frisbee. On the other side is the Terraces. A far more ornate botanical experience with gardens of all styles stretching out over three low grade terraces. There’s a lovely rock garden, and even a small hedge maze he’s explored before.

“Me too.”

“I feel like we never have real time together.” Kurama grabs the door for him at the Union.

“My schedule is pretty busy.” Hiei won’t apologize, but he does wish he had more time to devote to Kurama. Half an hour between class and work, or a hurried phone call while Yusuke’s showering is getting old fast.

“It’s not just you,” Kurama chides. “I have no time on Mondays or Tuesdays.” He sighs, but shrugs it off as if he’s not hung up about their inability to make their schedules work.

Hiei shuts his mouth, he’s not about to whine about not getting enough of Kurama’s free time. They’re both getting off regularly, he shouldn’t be hung up about wanting extra time to cuddle afterwards. Kurama seems happy enough, and Hiei knows he should be thankful to get hours of his time today.

Juri had begged to switch shifts with him today, and Hiei had been feeling generous enough to agree. It had nothing to do with Kurama holding his phone while he rode him, reading the text aloud and saying “Oh, if you end up taking her late shift we could see each other that morning. Maybe grab lunch?”

“What do you want to eat? It’s my treat,” Kurama says as they wander towards the restaurants that take up half of the first floor of the Union.

Hiei glances at Kurama, his nice leather bag, the delicate gold chain at his neck, thinks about what they will be doing after lunch and shakes his head. He’s not going to be owned or owe him any more. It is definitely his turn to put money into this—whatever this is.

“I got lunch, you just pick the place.”

Kurama looks pleased, his cheeks flushing a soft shade of pink. Hiei is a little taken aback by that. “Hey, you’re not, um…” He feels his own face growing hot as he glances around the mostly empty space.

Kurama tilts his head, waiting for Hiei to string together a coherent sentence. His brows knit together in genuine concern.

“Your plug,” Hiei says as quietly as he can and clears his throat—as if he can somehow hide the words he’s already said. “You left it at home?”

Kurama’s eyes go wide, and his blush darkens while his smile turns coy. “I did, why do you ask?”

“Just making sure.” Hiei face flushes so hot he’s worried he might combust. He’s such an idiot sometimes.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Hiei.” Kurama clicks his tongue at him, his smile once again amused. Hiei groans and stares straight ahead as Kurama leads him through the building. “There’s time for that later.”

It doesn’t take long to grab their food and find a table. They settle on noodles; Kurama gets curry udon and Hiei gets pho. The Union is busy, but not crowded on Saturdays, and Hiei specifically suggested eating on campus so he could use his meal plan. When they’re seated at one of the many semi-clean tables in the common area, Kurama points to the offices that line the walls of the second floor.

“My mother works up there.”

Hiei sits straighter, which is stupid. It’s Saturday, and all of the offices are closed. “What does she do?”

“She works in the Bursar’s office. She helps make sure students not only fill out the correct forms for financial aide, but also that the money gets to the right places.” Kurama is careful not to splash his cream colored blouse with the yellow curry. Hiei thinks he’s brave for such a bold choice. Arrogant might be more accurate.

“That sounds stressful.” His eyes linger on the dark offices, trying to remember if he saw Kurama’s mother on one of his few trips up there when he and Yukina first enrolled.

He remembers sitting in there as an older man explained the breakdown of his partial scholarship. He’d been nervous the entire time that at some point an alarm would sound, and they’d inform him there was a mistake. The forms weren’t right, or the money wasn’t allocated correctly and there would be a bill much too big left for him to pay.

That hadn’t happened though. Continues to not happen so long as he can keep his grades up.

“Sometimes, but she likes helping the students and delivering the good news when grants and scholarships are approved. A lot of the time her office sends those notices out by letter and email, but there’s a handful of students each semester that she gets to work closely with when it comes to acquiring financial aid.” Kurama pauses to dab at his mouth with his napkin. “They often come to her office multiple times and they build a rapport. She always gets emotional when she tells me about delivering good news to somebody like that in person.”

“My sister and I were those types of applicants,” Hiei says quietly as he searches his bowl for a meatball. He doesn’t look at Kurama as he speaks. “We spent a lot of time in the early days making sure aid was available and that we qualified. I wish we’d had somebody as personable as your mother to help us.”

“Did she earn a partial scholarship, too?”

Hiei smiles and shakes his head. He looks up at Kurama then and is pleased to find open curiosity on his face. “Yukina is much smarter than I am. She earned a full ride. She wants to pursue something in the medical field, possibly neurosurgery, possibly something in the pediatric department. She’s doing her undergraduate studies here.”

Kurama nods along as Hiei speaks. “She must be dedicated.”

“She is, she wants to help people.”

“Yes,” Kurama muses, stealing a slice of steak from Hiei’s bowl. Hiei allows this. “But surgery is intense. She must have a strong will.”

“She does.” Kurama allows Hiei to swipe a piece of chashu from him. It’s a good thing his shirt is dark because Hiei is not as delicate as Kurama. Curry drips from the pork before he can eat it.

“I can believe it, if you two are anything alike. Your dedication to running is admirable.”

Hiei shrugs as he dabs at his shirt with a napkin. “I like to run and achieve goals. It’s not quite the same–” He spies the pinched look on Kurama’s face and offers a small smile. “–but thank you.”

“Don’t downplay your success, Hiei.”

“Don’t worry about me, what about you? What do you get up to over in those green houses?” Kurama is always in three places on this damn campus: the green houses, the Life Sciences building, or lamenting his existence in Engineering North during the hellscape of a class that is Organic Chemistry. But more often than not he’s in the green houses.

“I’m getting a degree in botany.”

“I figured that.”

They clean up their trash as Kurama explains his step father is on the board of a pharmaceutical company. “My goal is to be hired by his company and study plants with the goal of researching medical options for people and animals alike.”

“That sounds challenging,” Hiei admits. He just wants to run in circles.

“At times, but I enjoy growing things and figuring out how they work.” Kurama runs his eyes over Hiei suggestively, but manages to keep any comments to himself. “My biggest fear is that I’ll get a job in a lab that spends very little time cultivating living things. I greatly enjoy the research, but my dream is to be hands-on with the plants.”

“Do you think his company will hire you? Will his connection be an issue for them?”

Kurama shakes his head and points to the smoothie bar near the exit. “No, I don’t think our connection will be a hindrance. If anything I think it will help my chances. Let me get us smoothies as dessert before we walk back.”

Hiei is fine with this, and thinks about the future Kurama has lined up for him after college as he waits for him to retrieve their drinks. Hiei only hopes he can make it to the Olympics, and if he does then what? He’ll have two, maybe three games in him if he’s lucky, and after that what are his options?

He says thank you when Kurama returns, the strawberry smoothie tart but sweet. Kurama has some sort of honeydew mix that is too mellow for Hiei’s tastes.

They sip their drinks and keep their hands to themselves as they take their time walking back to Hiei’s rental. His house is only a ten minute walk from the edge of campus, and relatively cheap considering the proximity.

When they step inside, Yusuke is busy tying his shoes.

“Hey, welcome back. Kurama, nice to see you again.”

“Likewise.” Kurama meets Yusuke’s appraising once over with a charming smile.

Yusuke’s grin turns devious. He actually licks his lips before he cocks his head—it’s the same gesture Hiei’s seen him do to Keiko a thousand times—and says, “Nice skirt.”

Kurama doesn’t throw ice Yusuke’s way. No, instead he returns Yusuke’s grin with his own coy one as he flutters his lashes. He twists a bit so his skirt billows around his ankles. “I do look good, don’t you think?”

“Hell yeah, you do. I’m on my way out. Hiei, I’ll see you after your shift.” As Kurama ventures further into the room to set his bag down, Yusuke shoots Hiei a wide eyed look. It's approving, but also reeling. As he snags his keys from the table by the door, Yusuke mouths what the fuck to Hiei as he leaves.

Hiei doesn’t know, honestly.

As soon as Yusuke is gone Hiei feels his phone buzz. He checks it and glares at the text.

“Is everything okay?” Kurama is standing in the middle of his living room, his mouth stretched into a concerned smile.

Hiei wipes the glare off of his face and shoves his phone in his pocket. “Yeah, sorry. You know Yusuke is in a relationship, right?”

“I didn’t, but I don’t see how that matters much.” He holds a hand out for Hiei, so Hiei crosses the room to be within reach. Kurama sighs happily as he runs his fingers through Hiei’s hair. “I have a confession.”

“Oh?”

“I didn’t bring my homework. I don’t think I want to study today.”

Hiei smirks up at him, “Say it isn’t so.”

Kurama kisses him, and it’s relatively tame. He tastes like melon. After a few moments he pulls away, and sets his lips on Hiei’s ear. “I wore this skirt hoping you’d take it off of me.”

Hiei doesn’t need any further encouragement. Kurama grabs his bag and Hiei leads him back to his bedroom.

Chapter Text

Hiei takes his time undressing Kurama. The dainty button at the back of Kurama’s collar tries to evade him, but his deft fingers finally succeed. Careful not to snag the delicate top, he helps first pull the sleeves free before guiding it up Kurama’s torso. Like a lovely gift, Hiei patiently unwraps each layer, slowly revealing smooth skin and soft muscle.

Kurama gets the blouse over his head on his own as Hiei reaches out to trace a finger over the jewelry that adorns his chest. Flowers encircle both of Kurama’s nipples; they are an unbroken chain of white and pink blossoms. A silver barbell sits beneath the flowers, holding them in place.

“Do you like it?”

Hiei nods as he brushes his finger over the very center of Kurama’s nipple, the only truly exposed part.

“I’ve never seen this style,” Hiei says, so he's not just fondling Kurama like an idiot. The body jewelry selection at the shop is limited, and a lot of it is fake.

“It’s a nipple shield. I thought it matched my outfit nicely.” He lifts his skirt a bit to emphasize his point. The flowers are quite similar. “I wanted roses. They’re my favorite, but I haven’t found a pair I like yet.”

“These are nice.” Hiei plays with them a moment longer, his fingers itching to run over the metal flowers again, but he resists.

“They are cute.” Kurama agrees, and his pleasant smile turns coy as Hiei runs his hands down Kurama’s body. They settle on his hips just over the waistband of his skirt.

Hungry eyes search his face, and then Kurama is kissing him. It’s intense and urgent in a way Hiei is not expecting. Warm hands hold his face. Demanding teeth nip at his lip. Noses bump. Kurama pulls his shirt off without warning and gropes at Hiei’s chest. He returns to kissing Hiei like a ferocious thing, as if a switch has been flipped within him.

“What’s gotten into you?” Hiei manages as he pulls away. He touches a finger to his lower lip. He knows there’s no blood, but it feels puffy and tender.

“I have had such a good day, and I know it’s about to get better.” Kurama’s eyes are bright as he says, “I’m tired of waiting. I’m tired of keeping my hands to myself,” here he reaches up to touch Hiei’s face, “when I know you’re going to be a good boy and fuck me so hard that I’ll be sore tomorrow.”

Hiei’s whole body goes hot at that. Kurama bends to press his face into Hiei’s neck and slides both hands into the back pockets of his jeans.

“Keep these on for now. They look good on you.”

Hiei looks up at the ceiling and swallows hard. Kurama’s mouth chases the knot in his throat.

“Of course. Should I undress you now? Or wait until you’ve had more time to grope me?” Kurama squeezes his ass extra hard at that but does release him. Hiei matches his grin as Kurama takes a step back as if to say Hiei has room to do as he’d like without fear of molestation.

Kneeling down, Hiei gets his hands under the length of the skirt, and he can’t help laughing when Kurama gathers the fabric and drapes it over his head. Hiei is about to say something when he spies the next surprise Kurama’s kept from him.

In place of his normal briefs are… something. The fabric is the softest pink, tiny, and tight. Against all odds it holds Kurama’s cock and balls in place, clinging to his hips like the smallest, most delicate pair of briefs in existence. Lingerie, Hiei’s mind finally supplies. It’s men’s lingerie. It’s clear from the cut of the fabric.

Hiei brushes his fingers over the tops of Kurama’s bare thighs, and marvels at how much of his legs are exposed. As he explores, he finds that not only does half of Kurama’s ass hang out of the back, the top half is covered in only a panel of white lace.

“Did you find something you like?” Kurama asks as if he’s bored.

That earns him a nip to the back of his calf as Hiei takes a moment to do some touching of his own. Kurama shivers as he runs his hands over his inner thighs. He licks behind one knee and grins when Kurama yelps. Finally, Hiei pulls the lingerie down, steadying Kurama as he steps free of the material.

Kurama’s half hard, precum already glistening at the head of his cock, and he holds his skirt away from his hips carefully. Hiei surfaces from underneath the flowing fabric and grins up at him.

“Do you want to keep this on,” he teases. The image of Kurama bent over, the skirt pooling at his hips as Hiei slides into him is an appealing one.

“I’d rather not stain it.”

Hiei pretends to pout, the same way he’s seen Kurama do in the past weeks, and rids him of the skirt.

“For once we have the entire afternoon,” Kurama says as he scoops up his bag. He pulls out a bottle of lube, thicker than the stuff Hiei keeps on hand, and a satin bag. It holds something clearly phallic inside. “I’m feeling selfish today." The curve of his smile is more devious than Hiei’s ever seen.

“You’re going to get me ready for this thing,” he hefts the dildo in one hand as though weighing it, “and then you’re going to fuck me with it.” His eyes are all over Hiei, unable to pick a place to land. “I want you to take your time and tease me. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

Kurama finally holds his gaze as he says, “Today, I want you to take care of me first. Your own pleasure will come later.”

Hiei nods, his mouth inexplicably dry. “I,” he has to clear his throat, “I like that—taking care of you.” His face is burning, but he doesn’t look away. “I like when I’m the one getting you off.”

“Good.”

Once he has Kurama in his bed, Hiei wastes no time. Kurama sits with his legs thrown wide, leaning back onto his hands. Hiei takes his place at his side, on his knees by Kurama’s hip.

Hiei brushes spit slick fingers between Kurama’s legs. Everything is on full display, and he caresses his cock before venturing lower. Kurama’s need for physical touch is insistent today, as he demands Hiei kiss him.

Their faces tilt together, and they lick into each other’s mouths. Small, desperate noises are coming from both of them while Hiei’s fingers tease Kurama’s entrance, massaging Kurama’s balls in his palm. Hiei reminds himself they have hours and focuses on just petting and rubbing the pad of his middle finger around Kurama’s rim.

They stay like this for some time.

Kurama groans into his mouth and lifts his hips a little. Pulling back the barest amount, Hiei grins against Kurama’s lips. He moves his hand to stroke his cock instead, forcing Kurama’s hips back to the mattress.

“You like it?”

“Yes.” Kurama’s voice is a whine, and he presses his forehead against Hiei’s jaw as he catches his breath.

Hiei smirks, fisting Kurama’s erection a few more times. When he moves his hand back to tease his hole, Kurama gasps. He tips his head back, his braid hanging between his shoulder blades, and pants.

“Kurama,” Hiei murmurs, mouth searching for another kiss. Kurama tilts his face and meets Hiei’s eyes with a half lidded gaze. He’s so beautiful—Hiei can't look away. Kurama hums a low note of approval, finding something in Hiei’s face pleasing.

His eyes are warm and wet and Hiei squirms beneath his stare. It’s too affectionate. Hiei closes his eyes and kisses Kurama, unable to stand the heat of his gaze any longer. His traitorous heart is trying to beat its way out of his chest. Kurama sucks on his tongue but it doesn’t help.

With his finger tips massaging Kurama’s ass, Hiei pulls back and bites experimentally at Kurama’s shoulder. He said he likes it, but mostly Kurama bites him.

“Oh, Hiei!” Kurama moans, much louder now. The sound has Hiei’s erection pressing uncomfortably against his jeans. “More–”

His words are lost on a groan as Hiei bites carefully at his piercing, and then more firmly at the swell of his pec. He plays with his balls, rolling them in his hand in hopes of overpowering Kurama with lust. Again, when Kurama bucks his hips up from the mattress, Hiei grips his dick and strokes him hard and fast. He wants Kurama to feel good, he wants Kurama to moan his name as he comes apart.

Kurama kicks his legs out wider and twists uncomfortably. “Fuck…” he pants, failing not to thrust into Hiei’s hand. “Stop, stop, I’m close!”

Hiei looks up at him from under his lashes. Kurama’s erection throbs in Hiei’s grasp, but he’s no longer stroking him.

Face flushed and hair no longer perfect, Kurama pants down at Hiei with a wicked grin. “I want you to eat me out. I’ve been thinking about it all week.”

Hiei can only grin. “Oh, I’ve been thinking about it for longer than that.”

Kurama sits up, and in the shuffle Hiei removes his hands. “You’re such a good boy,” Kurama coos as he cups Hiei’s face. “You’re going to be so good for me, aren’t you?”

Hiei’s mouth falls open, but all he can do is nod. He doesn’t care. Kurama’s right there looking directly at him, and Hiei wants to combust.

“Baby, I want to hear you.”

“Yes,” Hiei says quietly.

Kurama keeps sweeping his thumb back and forth over Hiei’s cheek, and his smile is painfully soft. It’s a relief when he pulls Hiei in for a kiss, giving him an excuse to close his eyes. It’s slow and thorough and makes Hiei’s toes curl. Hiei can’t get used to this, they never have this much time.

When Kurama doesn’t pull away immediately, Hiei risks opening his eyes. Kurama’s own eyes are closed, his expression unreadable as he holds Hiei’s face. Finally he whispers against his lips, “Make me feel good.”

Kurama moves then and gets onto his hands and knees. He thinks better of it, and sinks down to brace his weight on his forearms. Hiei palms the front of his jeans, truly uncomfortable now, and straddles one of Kurama’s legs.

Hiei runs his hands over Kurama’s pale skin, digging his fingers into his glutes. He squeezes appreciatively and nudges Kurama’s knees a bit farther apart. He’s spread nicely beneath him, and Hiei can’t wait any longer. He’s already moaning as he licks a long, firm stripe from Kurama’s balls up to his entrance.

The room is filled with breathless noises as Kurama shudders beneath him. Hiei runs his tongue in playful circles around his hole and reaches down to stroke Kurama’s leaking cock. He’s making a sticky mess of the sheets, Hiei's hand, and his own thighs. Hiei finds it incredibly arousing.

Flicking his tongue against him, Hiei works the head of his dick, trying to find a way to turn Kurama’s breathless whines into loud, ragged moans. As the tight ring of muscles begins to relax, Hiei buries his tongue within him. It does the trick.

Reaching up to hold his cheeks further apart, Hiei fucks his tongue deeper into Kurama.

“Shit, Hiei, ah–!”

Hiei smirks against him and doesn’t stop despite Kurama’s whines.

“Easy, easy,” Kurama says urgently, so Hiei backs off. He lowers his head and sucks one of his balls into his mouth and runs his hands up and down Kurama’s thighs.

“Hhnng… yes,” Kurama groans, the sound so indecent it goes straight to Hiei’s cock. He’s either going to bust a seam or cum in his pants he’s not sure which.

Getting down on his hands, Hiei lowers his chest to the mattress so he can get beneath Kurama enough to suck the head of his dick into his mouth. When Hiei finds a rhythm, he reaches up and carefully inserts a finger into Kurama.

Kurama hangs his head and muffles his cry with the comforter. Hiei fingers him and mouths messily at Kurama’s cock, kissing and licking it more than properly sucking him off.

Kurama whines and twitches from Hiei’s teasing. Crouching under Kurama becomes uncomfortable long before Hiei grows tired of his task, but he sits up and pops his neck, replacing his finger with his tongue. As he’s licking into him, Kurama groans and chokes out, “S-softer, just, ah Hiei— softer. Just tease my hole. Soft little licks, baby.”

Hiei obeys, and keeps his touch feather light. He lazily strokes Kurama’s cock while doing this, and in no time Kurama is whining and squirming again. Kurama fills the room with Hiei’s name, chanting it breathlessly with yes, and so good, and ah ah ah.

Eventually, Hiei sits up and wipes at his mouth, working his aching jaw. He fucks Kurama with a finger instead, not wanting him to stop whimpering about how well he’s doing.

“Kurama–”

“–Hiei, fuck me, you’re so good–”

“–do you want to come? Or do you want me to keep edging you?”

“N-not yet,” Kurama manages, his chest heaving. “Less teasing, but I don’t want to come just yet.”

“God, you’re so fucking hot,” Hiei says, a little captivated. He fucks his hand into Kurama with more purpose now. He is pliant under Hiei’s touch, relaxed and loose.

Kurama looks back at him and laughs. “Shut up, I’m a mess.”

The possessive, arrogant thrill that coils itself within Hiei’s gut is only somewhat uncalled for. “Because of me.”

“Yeah, ah–” Kurama gasps and presses his face back to the mattress, “—yes because of you… Harder, Hiei.”

By the time he’s worked two fingers into him, Kurama is sobbing. Kurama doesn’t last long, twisting away from Hiei as he tells him to stop. “I want your dick,” he pants desperately.

Hiei scrambles off the bed, dying to be undressed.

“Wait, wait!” Kurama cries, and Hiei looks up in time to see him rolling over. “Let me watch.” He grins up at Hiei once he’s seated properly.

Hiei rolls his eyes but it’s all for show, his cheeks hurt from smiling. “Do you want to see the front or the back?”

Kurama doesn’t even pretend to think about it, just says, “Be a good boy and turn around for me. Take them off slowly.”

Hiei turns around and puts on a show of taking his jeans off. He wiggles his ass more than he needs to, and takes his time bent over for Kurama’s benefit.

It must do it for Kurama, because he climbs off the bed to join him. Greedy hands snake up his stomach and squeeze his chest as Kurama slides his erection against Hiei’s ass. “I needed to touch you.”

“Of course.”

“You took so long,” Kurama whines playfully.

Hiei turns around in his arms. Tilting his head back he gives Kurama an unimpressed look. “You told me to go slow.”

“True,” Kurama muses, nipping at Hiei’s mouth. “Now, keep being my good boy and put your dick in me.”

Hiei’s erection twitches traitorously against Kurama as heat fans up his chest and neck and face. His good boy? Hiei shakes his head and starts turning Kurama around. He can’t, won’t, entertain that thought. Nope. He isn’t going to think about how good that feels to hear, or how nice it would be to hear again, he’s just going to nudge Kurama’s feet further apart and grab the lube.

Hiei has to get control of his emotions. The tenderness in Kurama’s expression won’t last. He’s not going to catch feelings and ruin this amazing thing he has going.

Kurama’s brought a thicker, longer lasting lube, and Hiei slicks some over himself. He rests his hands on Kurama’s hips as he appraises his body, and not for the first time he mourns his own lack of height as he says, “I need you to bend over.”

Kurama moves to his hands and knees on the edge of the bed. Hiei takes a moment to line himself up and slides into Kurama with ease. Hiei fucks into him hard and fast.

“Ah, ah yes,” he hisses, “like that!” Kurama tilts his head back and moans unabashedly, reaching back with one hand to brush against Hiei’s hip and thigh. It drives Hiei wild how confident Kurama is, how he never gets caught up on being embarrassed about what he likes. One day Hiei hopes he will feel as comfortable around others.

Kurama takes himself in hand and starts jerking off, so Hiei takes it as his cue to pick up the pace. He grips onto Kurama’s hip with one hand and fists his bedraggled braid in the other. He pulls carefully, just applying steady pressure at first and Kurama nearly screams.

“Harder!” He cries up at the ceiling. Hiei obliges in every way he can. “Yes, yes–!”

“Kurama,” Hiei groans his name while tugging at his hair.

“Fuck, that feels so good,” Kurama whimpers, his body starting to tremble under Hiei’s hand.

“You feel amazi–hnng,” Hiei grunts.

“That’s it, yes, yes I’m so close,” Kurama pants. “You’re so good for me baby, make me come.”

Hiei pulls harder at his hair trying to keep up. His own orgasm is steadily building. Kurama suddenly lurches forward, slipping off of his cock at the worst time. Hiei immediately releases his hair, and stumbles back, watching as Kurama jerks himself to orgasm. He has the thought to pull the sheet close, as if Hiei cares where he comes.

Hiei wraps a hand around his throbbing erection and watches Kurama finish. His cries make Hiei want to stroke himself, but for now he’s strong and only grips the base of his cock.

Kurama throws a lazy smile Hiei’s way and his chest is still heaving in ragged pants as he manages, “Sorry, babe. Me first, remember?” He eyes the way Hiei holds his erection in a vise grip.

“I’m not complaining.” Well, not all of him. Edging is far more Kurama’s kink, but Hiei isn’t going to gripe. He knows it will be worth it when Kurama does get him off.

“Aaaaah, I haven’t come that hard in a long time. Hiei, you extraordinary thing,” Kurama says, delighted and spent. His face is flushed, affectionate, as he says with the most sincerity, “I’m impressed my good boy didn't come.”

Hiei blushes again and averts his eyes. Kurama doesn’t seem to mind as he makes himself comfortable on his forearms and knees again. “Grab the dildo.”

Hiei pulls the toy out of its satin bag and coats it in lube. “This thing is massive.” He smears a bit more over Kurama’s fluttering hole for good measure.

“To fill the massive hole you leave when you’re gone all weekend for meets.”

“Shut up.”

Kurama laughs and sighs as Hiei rubs the tip of it over his entrance teasingly. “I’m only half kidding. I’m not looking forward to April. You said you have weeks you’ll be gone for four days?”

“You’ll just have to survive with this.” Hiei works the head into him easily, Kurama is loose and relaxed after so much prep. It takes no time before Hiei is fucking him with it in earnest.

“Is this okay?” Hiei watches the tight line of Kurama’s back, the way his head hangs low. He’s clearly already feeling tired.

“Yes, but go a little faster.” Kurama is breathless but determined. His arm snakes out and pulls Hiei’s pillow close. Resting his forehead against it he closes his eyes. His face is pinched with pain and pleasure.

“Are you sure?”

“I said faster,” he repeats, annoyance creeping into his tone. “I will tell you if it’s too much.”

Hiei shuts up and does as he’s told—like he should’ve done in the first place—watching as Kurama’s mouth falls open. Hiei is momentarily mesmerized by the way Kurama’s body swallows the green shaft again and again.

“Hiei?”

“Hm?”

Kurama glances back at him, but immediately drops his head back to the pillow. “I’m sorry I snapped at you. I understand your concern, but I need you to trust me when I make choices about my body.”

“Alright.” Hiei can work with that. Because he’s an idiot he doesn’t stop there. “Does it hurt?”

“Not really. It’s more pressure than pain. I’m very full right now,” Kurama explains, his voice breathy. “It’s a lot, but it’s good.” He shifts his hips and finds an angle he likes, and when his moans turn to screams he presses his face fully into the pillow.

Hiei tries his best to do his job with as much consistency as possible.

“Don’t stop!” The pillow does little to muffle Kurama’s yell.

“Fuck! Yes— aaaah,” Kurama moans. “I’m going to ride this later,” he gasps or sobs Hiei can’t tell, “and hnng— and I’ll be thinking of you, holy shit! You’re such a good boy, ah, it feels so, so good!”

“God, you’re so beautiful,” Hiei murmurs, unable to help it. Kurama's thighs are starting to shake, and he’s pressed most of his chest and face into the pillow now. Hiei’s arms are getting tired, he can’t imagine how Kurama feels. “You’re taking it so well,” Hiei says, not sure if Kurama wants encouragement.

“Hiei,” Kurama gasps, turning his face to the side so his words are clear. “I’m close–”

“Yeah–”

“Listen,” he snaps, no heat in his voice this time. “I’m going to come. Do not stop fucking me until I tell you,” Kurama groans low and guttural. “Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

Kurama buries his face back into the pillow and lets out a strangled cry as Hiei finds the spot he likes again. Hiei keeps fucking the dildo into him as he watches the way Kurama clings to the bedding with a white knuckled grip. His cries are loud and desperate, his body quaking. Without thinking, Hiei reaches out and tugs at Kurama’s braid, holding it taught as he fucks his ass.

Kurama comes, screaming his name.

Hiei doesn’t stop thrusting the toy into him as Kurama cries against the pillow. Every so often he manages a meek yes or Hiei or good boy. Hiei can feel he’s slowing down. Kurama’s cries are desperate and mangled, but thankfully he finally cries, “Stop, stop! Enough!”

Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, Hiei allows the heavy dildo to come to a stop.

“Fuuuuck,” Kurama collapses to the mattress, barely avoiding the mess, and groans into the pillow.

“You can say that again,” Hiei murmurs and watches as a few inches of the toy slips out of Kurama.

“Fuck,” Kurama says for good measure, his voice muffled.

Hiei laughs and rubs soothing circles into Kurama’s ass. “Want me to take it out?”

“No, give me a moment.” Kurama’s voice is warm and sleepy. Hiei worries he will doze off. He doesn’t, and once the green monstrosity has been tossed aside, Kurama flops onto his back gracelessly. Hiei’s never seen him like this.

It doesn’t last. Kurama stretches and smooths his hair, and suddenly he elegantly draped across Hiei’s bed once more.

“Oh, Hiei,” Kurama coos, his eyes inviting. “You’ve been so good for me. You need to be rewarded.”

Hiei nudges one of Kurama’s feet with his own, stretching out beside him. “Oh yeah, you look ready to go again,” he says sarcastically and settles a hand on his own needy cock. He strokes his erection slowly.

“You’re right. I’m not long for this world,” Kurama throws a dramatic hand over his brow. “You’ve truly broken me.”

“Pft,” Hiei pokes him in the ribs, “stop it.”

Kurama laughs and sighs again. “I don’t think I can stand just yet.”

“I’m fine, I—”

“Hiei,” Kurama’s tone is no nonsense, “I’m going to lay here, broken, and you’re going to crawl up here and grind your dick on my chest. Or fuck my face. Or, yeah, one of those— both of those, even.”

“Are you okay?” Hiei shoots him a skeptical look, but Kurama is still riding the high of his orgasm.

“C’mon.” He pats at his chest.

“You’re kidding.” Hiei rakes his eyes over Kurama’s lithe frame. He’s not skinny, pleasantly toned in his arms and legs in fact, but Hiei has been working out consistently for years. He has pounds on Kurama the same way Kurama has inches on him.

“Not at all, get up here.”

“Kurama, I’m, um, kind of heavy…”

“Hiei,” Kurama glances at him from the corner of his eye. “Be a good boy and sit on my chest.”

Hiei doesn’t argue anymore. He carefully climbs on top of Kurama, and upon Kurama’s insistence, rests his weight against him. Kurama grunts softly and pats Hiei’s thigh.

“You truly are all muscle, aren’t you?”

Hiei flushes and starts to get up, but Kurama holds him by the waist and won’t let him go. “Now where are you going? I finally have you where I want you.”

Kurama slides his hands back and squeezes Hiei’s ass appreciatively. He urges him forward, fingers kneading into his muscles.

“I love your ass,” Kurama says wistfully. “I’m jealous of it.”

“Pick up running,” Hiei suggests as he slowly slides his dick across Kurama’s chest. It’s not enough pressure, but it’s not bad. Hiei busies himself with playing with Kurama’s nipples. They’re stiff and begging to be teased, and while they look pretty with this new jewelry it’s harder to get at them the way Hiei wants.

“I’m not that jealous.” Kurama plays with his cheeks as he encourages him to rock his hips. “I’ll satisfy myself with you.” Kurama’s chest is a mess with Hiei’s precum, and the sight arouses and flusters Hiei to new heights.

He can’t help thinking that while Kurama’s chest is undeniably attractive, he might suggest they reverse roles sometime in the future. Kurama is constantly grabbing at Hiei’s chest, and he does have a bit more tit to fuck, as it were. Hiei flushes at the idea, it’s insanely lewd while he watches his own cock slide indecently over Kurama’s chest.

Hiei flicks his gaze up to Kurama’s face before he makes himself come far too early. Kurama is watching him, so Hiei offers him a small smile. “I like this.”

“Grinding on my chest or do you mean in a larger sense?”

“Yeah.”

Kurama smiles at that, his fingers slipping between his cheeks. “I like this too.” He tucks his chin to his chest, and as he guides Hiei forward, he licks the tip of his cock.

Hiei bites his lips, “I’m liking this more and more.”

“Yeah? C’mere.” Kurama pulls him closer so that when Hiei thrusts forward he’s able to suck the head of his dick into his mouth.

“It’s good,” Hiei whispers, reaching down to play with Kurama's braid.

Kurama lays his head back and squeezes his ass again as he leads Hiei’s hip. “Can I touch you…?” Kurama trails off as his fingers slip between his cheeks again. He holds Hiei’s gaze, waiting for an answer before he pushes further.

Hiei nods and quickly adds, “Please.”

“Please?” Kurama smirks. Hiei doesn’t shy away as he repeats himself. Kurama’s smirk turns hungry and he pulls Hiei closer still. “Fuck my face while I finger you.”

Hiei sits up a bit higher and braces his hands on the wall. Kurama tucks his chin again, and when he slides his dick forward Kurama meets him with an open mouth. It’s good, and Kurama already sounds choked. His hands still encourage Hiei’s hips to rock steadily in and out of his mouth, but he’s breathing hard through his nose. Far harder than the last time they did this.

Though the position clearly seems uncomfortable, Kurama is undeterred. He plays with Hiei’s ass, squeezing and massaging his glutes, pulling them apart again and again.

“Kurama,” he whines, embarrassed by the sound of his voice. He wants more, he wants to come, he wants to fuck Kurama’s mouth harder, but he also doesn’t want to choke him. He wants Kurama to touch him already. Hiei takes a page out of Kurama’s book and says, “I need more.”

Kurama swirls his tongue around the head of his cock and spreads his cheeks. He presses one finger firmly against his asshole, rubbing a slow circle over the rim—he’s coming, out of fucking left field—he’s coming, without any warning—right down Kurama’s throat.

“Fuck! I’m sorry!” Hiei tries to pull back, but Kurama holds him in place—pulls him even closer and swallows him like it’s nothing.

Kurama releases him and gasps for breath as Hiei sits back. He coughs, but looks pleased with himself. “That was hot, don’t apologize.”

Hiei is bright red, he can tell, and Kurama keeps rubbing his thighs like there’s nothing wrong. “I should’ve warned you.”

“You normally do,” Kurama says. “You will next time. You’ve been so good for me, so patient. I didn’t expect you to last long.”

Hiei doesn’t feel good about it, but one of Kurama’s hands starts rubbing his ass again as the other slides towards his groin. “Do you want to keep going?”

Hiei hesitates, unsure of how he should answer. “We can,” he finally says.

“Tell me to stop if it’s too much.” Kurama wraps his fingers around his half hard cock and strokes him slowly.

“Aah,” he whimpers. It’s intense, and he focuses on breathing. It’s a fallback, the thing that helps when things get too overwhelming.

“Shh,” Kurama soothes, “you’ve been such a good boy. You should come again, you deserve it.” His fingers are petting at his entrance again. His touch is playful and gentle and Hiei’s thighs are starting to tremble. “I owe you, after all. I got off twice.”

“C-consider it a gift,” Hiei manages. He feels like he’s going to crawl out of his skin, Kurama’s touch is overwhelming as he lazily strokes him. He sinks down, sitting more of his weight on Kurama.

“For lunch then,” Kurama grunts.

“Kurama, I can’t,” Hiei pleads. Kurama immediately lets go of his dick, both hands sliding up his thighs to his hips.

“Shh, it’s okay,” Kurama murmurs as his thumb rubs soothing circles into Hiei’s skin. The rest of his grip stays firm on his hips, not allowing him to pull away

Hiei trembles over him, his dick half hard and twitching between them. The firm pressure of Kurama’s hands on him is grounding, and after a few more deep breaths he feels a bit more like himself. “Want me to get off of you?”

Kurama smiles up at him and pulls him down a little more. His breathing isn’t labored by any means, but Hiei can tell he’s affecting him. “I like having you here. Don’t go yet.”

“Okay.” Hiei taps at Kurama’s nipple again before slowly rolling his hips forward the tiniest bit. His skin isn’t so sensitive now, and the slide of his dick over Kurama’s chest is nice.

Kurama closes his eyes, tips his head back against the mattress, and allows Hiei to rub against him. His upper arms squeeze a bit closer to his chest, pushing his pecs together a bit more. It creates more of a dip for Hiei to grind into. His chest is slick and shiny with precum. Even now Hiei’s cock is steadily leaking.

Since his eyes are closed, Hiei takes the time to admire Kurama’s face. His lips are full, always smiling. His lashes are long and fan softly over his cheeks. Hiei wants to touch his brow but doesn’t. Kurama might like being this close, but it feels dangerous to Hiei.

“Kurama.” The low murmur rouses him, and green eyes peek up at Hiei. “I want you to touch me again.”

Kurama tilts his head, his smile growing. “How?”

“Finger me.”

Kurama grunts and stretches to the side, Hiei sitting up off of him to allow him more movement. He snags the bottle of lube from the edge of the bed. He pats at Hiei’s hip with one hand, encouraging him to sit again as he pops the lid open.

Hiei helps him manage the bottle, sitting higher and spreading his knees a bit more. When Kurama rubs slick fingers against him this time he bites his lip with anticipation. “Yeah,” he whispers, eyes closing as he grinds against him.

“Do you feel good?” Kurama asks, his finger rubbing slow, firm circles over his hole. Hiei nods, unable to help a quiet moan. As Hiei relaxes, Kurama touches him with more purpose. Hiei can’t stifle the gasp, breathy, needy, as Kurama pushes a finger inside of him. “Talk to me, tell me what you feel.”

“It’s good,” Hiei whispers, daring to glance at Kurama. His face is so open, sated and amused and affectionate. Hiei shakes his head and looks up at the ceiling. “I like it when you touch me like this.” Kurama hums beneath him, his finger working into him leisurely. “I like,” Hiei starts to bite his lip, but manages to say, “I like when you go slow with me. It’s really nice.” Hiei can’t tell him how much he loves having all of Kurama’s focus on him like this.

He can’t say that out loud, so he says, “Will you put a second one in?”

“Of course.” Kurama does just that, lacing the fingers of his free hand with Hiei’s. He brings their hands to his mouth, kissing Hiei's knuckles. “I want you to feel good, you deserve it. You’re such a good boy,” Kurama puts so much heat behind those words Hiei squirms. Hiei shakes his head again and Kurama drops his hand. “Come closer,” He says, grabbing his ass to simultaneously spread his cheeks wider and pull him further up his chest.

Hiei scoots forward, groaning as Kurama works his fingers in further. The pull of his knuckles against his rim is delicious, and Hiei takes a moment to grind back against his hand a few times before he returns to thrusting against his chest. When he rocks forward, Kurama’s tongue licks at the head of his erection. It’s good, and Hiei stares down at Kurama to watch when he does it a second time, then a third, before Kurama drops his head back against the mattress.

“I enjoy getting the time to go slow with you, Hiei. You look beautiful right now,” he says, his words punctuated with a contented sigh.

“Stop.”

“It’s true. You’re breathtaking when you’re flushed like this. I have the best view,” he says as he runs his hand up Hiei’s stomach to grab at his chest.

“Kurama.” Sweat trickles slowly down Hiei’s back, and Kurama’s questing fingers are distracting him.

“Let me compliment you.” Kurama fucks his hand into Hiei a bit harder, making Hiei moan. “That’s it, you don’t have to be quiet.”

“Kurama–” His name is a breathless cry as Kurama brushes his fingers over his prostate. “Yes, there!” He feels electric, Kurama can say whatever he wants at this point so long as he keeps touching him. He sits up more, riding Kurama’s hand.

“Keep going,” Kurama urges, holding his ass apart. Hiei pants as he works himself on Kurama’s fingers.

“I like it,” Hiei whispers, “Kurama, I need– aah, one more! I need one more!” He sinks back down and grinds his leaking cock against Kurama’s chest.

“I’m here, I got you,” Kurama murmurs as he pushes a third finger into Hiei. It’s so tight, Hiei can only groan. Kurama fucks him slowly but steadily, and the slick pull of his fingers makes Hiei arch his back. He braces against the wall, trying not to crush Kurama beneath him.

“It’s really good,” he whispers and he can feel his balls tightening. “Kurama…”

“Shh, you’re being so good, Hiei. Are you going to come for me?”

Hiei nods desperately, finding Kurama’s eyes are dark, and hungry, and pleased. Kurama leans forward again and licks at the head of Hiei’s cock as he pushes it over the mess he’s made on Kurama’s chest. Kurama keeps sliding his fingers in and out of him, squeezing his arms again to create that dip for Hiei’s cock, murmuring encouragement. When he comes over Kurama’s chest, stare fixated on the way Kurama’s pecs are pushed around his dick, it feels more intense than the last time. His skin is too sensitive, but the pain is not enough to dissuade his eager hips.

“That’s it, what a good boy.” Kurama’s fingers are static, still buried comfortably in Hiei, and finally Hiei stills. He feels full and boneless, and so happy. “You did great.”

Once he’s caught his breath, Hiei looks down at Kurama again. His smile is so warm, Hiei can’t help but match it with his own. “That was good.”

“Yeah? You looked like you were enjoying it,” Kurama muses, curling his fingers slowly within him.

“Will you fuck me sometime?” Hiei sits up, and after Kurama has played a little longer he pulls his hand free.

“Of course,” Kurama says as Hiei climbs off of him. He grabs a shirt from the floor and tosses it to Kurama before collapsing beside him. “Anytime you want, just tell me.”

“I’ll grab a washcloth in a minute. Use that for now.”

Kurama sits up and wipes at his chest. He smacks Hiei’s ass as he climbs off the bed. “Stay there, I’ll get the washcloth.”

Hiei grins as he watches Kurama go before burying his face in the pillow. He feels so good, he could do this everyday. Get Kurama off then let him play with Hiei like he’s one of his toys. He hopes there'll be more days like this in their future. Hiei can’t believe he still has two hours before he has to start getting ready for work. He might have to consider switching his weekend schedule to the late shift permanently.

***

Hiei, in fact, never wants to work the Saturday late shift again. He’s dead on his feet the next day when he finally gets home after a morning serving coffee in the Student Union.

Yusuke is stretched out on the couch, a textbook forgotten on his lap, as he plays on his phone. He glances up as Hiei removes his shoes and spies the sweating iced coffee he holds and starts making grabby hands at it. “Gimme!”

Hiei rolls his eyes and holds the drink out to him.

“You can never quit, you have to keep bringing me free coffee.”

Hiei ignores this and crashes on the other end of the couch. Yusuke barely pulls his feet out of the way in time to avoid being crushed. Hiei groans, throwing his head back and closing his eyes.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. Just regretting a few life choices.”

Yusuke laughs and kicks at Hiei. “Play too hard yesterday?” His tone is suggestive, but Hiei isn’t ruffled.

“More the late work night followed by the morning shift. But hey, thanks for yesterday.”

“Anytime man. Are you seeing him again today?”

Hiei shakes his head and fishes his phone out of his pocket. “No, I have to get some homework done.” He has a message from Kurama wishing him good luck with his homework, but nothing new.

Kurama’s having lunch with his mom before he has to work in the campus greenhouses, so he’s promised to leave Hiei alone to allow him to focus. Hiei has a general idea of where the greenhouses are located, but he’s not entirely sure what Kurama spends so much time doing there. When he asked if Kurama wanted him to stop by with a coffee sometime, he assured Hiei he didn’t need to make the trek across campus. Hiei hasn’t brought it up since.

“Same,” Yusuke agrees but tosses his textbook to the coffee table. “How’re classes going anyway? Is that psycho professor still giving you a hard time?”

“It’s okay, I guess. I have the book now so I’m no longer getting marked tardy. It’s not good though.”

Yusuke sits up and puts his coffee aside. Hiei fidgets with his phone as he explains, “Attendance is ten percent of the grade. If I miss any more classes I’m screwed.”

“Meets will be excused?”

“Yeah, but I still have half the semester to go. I’m just stressed about it.”

Yusuke nods in understanding. “I get it. Have you talked to the professor?” When Hiei just stares at him, Yusuke shrugs. “You told me you did all of the readings, tell them that! Prove you did the work with or without the textbook. Maybe they’ll excuse some of your tardies?”

“Maybe.” Hiei can’t stand the idea of talking to his literature professor for any extra amount of time, but it is worth a shot. “You do have good ideas every now and then.”

Yusuke shrugs. “That’s why you keep me around.” He stands and stretches before heading towards the kitchen. “I’ll make you lunch.” He points towards Hiei’s phone as he goes. “You can’t seem to stay off of that, though. At least it’s not all bad lately.”

Hiei rolls his eyes, hating that Yusuke is right. “Do not tell me to date him. I’m not in the mood.”

“Chill, I know, you’re just fuck buddies.” Yusuke makes a racket looking through their cupboard sized pantry before searching the fridge. Noises of disappointment abound.

“I told you we need to go shopping,” Hiei deadpans.

“Yeah, yeah,” Yusuke grumbles. “I’m making you an omelet. Also, I’m done encouraging you to ask Kurama out.”

“Good.” Hiei grins and stretches out on the couch, ready to hear whatever childish insult Yusuke will throw his way.

“I thought about it, and he’s way out of your league.” Typical Yusuke, nothing has changed since middle school.

Hiei smirks, “Maybe so, but he seems to like what I have on offer.”

“Dude, you do not need to convince me,” Yusuke says flatly. “I thought he was going to tell me to leave yesterday, he was so ready to jump your bones.”

Hiei’s phone buzzes and since Yusuke is distracted by the stove, Hiei doesn’t bother to hide his smile. He opens the lock screen and frowns. It’s not Kurama. It’s his sister.

A bad feeling is forming in the pit of his stomach. “Yusuke….” He copies her message of question marks and sends it back to her.

“What’s up?” Yusuke calls. The smell of eggs and onions drifts pleasantly from the kitchen.

“You idiot,” Hiei yells, drawing out the insult. “What have you done?”

“Hey, hey! What did I do?” Yusuke yells back, the clanging of cookware against the stovetop is as panicked as Yusuke’s tone.

“Yukina is asking if I’m dating anybody! Where do you think she got that idea?” Hiei hisses, grabbing the closest thing he can—Yusuke’s textbook—to potentially use as a projectile.

“H-hey now,” Yusuke stammers, ducking behind his spatula as if it will do him any good. “In my defense, I called him your boy toy, not your boyfriend.” He retreats to the stove, where he’s half hidden behind the wall.

In a moment of stupidity, Yukuse thinks it’s helpful to shout, “It’s not my fault Kuwabara’s too much of a pussy to say that to your sister!”

“Urameshi–”

“But really I guess you’re more his toy, huh?” Yusuke looks thoughtful before tossing Hiei a shit eating grin.

“I’m going to kill you!”

The omelet ends up burnt and they have to pick up lunch on campus before they go to the store.

[ART BY MORGANKIT]

Chapter Text

The text came in nearly half an hour ago, but Hiei’s only just found it. He feels flushed as he reads it for a fourth time. He doesn’t know what game Kurama is playing, but they’re not going to see each other for two days.

The thought of waiting for something Kurama has planned for them is a bit like torture. Kurama knows it too, he loves twisting Hiei in knots and leaving him to squirm—is known to send suggestive photos, or start sexting to then leave Hiei waiting hours for a reply—he’s a brat like that.

Hiei hates how much he enjoys it. He will never admit it, but he does find it ever so satisfying when the teasing and posturing is finally done. Kurama always makes it worthwhile.

Hiei’s finally settling on a reply—just beginning to type it out—when the bell over the door chimes. Sighing, he slides his phone off of the counter and into his lap. He looks up, already sliding on his neutral customer service face. Nothing too chipper, but not the scowl that often rests there. It instantly melts into a surprised little smile. He knows he looks like an idiot, but Kurama is walking straight up to the counter. His smile looks pleased and smug in a way Hiei knows should come off as arrogant, but he can’t seem to classify as anything other than thrilling.

He has to get a hold of himself. This is not that serious.

It could be, though.

“I just saw your message,” Hiei says in lieu of a greeting.

“I’m not surprised,” Kurama says breezily, coming to lean against the counter directly in front of him. He takes a few moments to look over the study materials Hiei has scattered over the countertop before resting his gaze upon Hiei’s face.

“What are you doing here?” Hiei asks, hoping to distract Kurama from whatever is responsible for the mischievous glint in his eyes. Kurama is never here on Mondays. He lives in the Life Science building for two days straight, he barely texts—well, at least for him.

“My class got canceled.” He starts pulling supplies out of his messenger bag. His macbook joins Hiei’s things, a notebook next.

“Ah, so I get the gift of your company?” Hiei can feel his lips twitching up into a grin as he watches Kurama make himself at home. “Surprise, surprise.”

Kurama has to duck his head to take off his messenger bag, and Hiei’s chest feels tight at the small, scheming smile hidden by that motion. Kurama looks like he’s holding all the cards—no, like he knows he’s holding them—as he licks his lips and, as off handedly as possible says, “No, your surprise is that my lab got canceled too.”

“Oh.”

It’s all he can manage.

“Mmhmmm,” Kurama hums. There’s hunger in his eyes, the promise of a teasingly good time in the curve of his smile. “I’m going to sit here and do some homework, if that’s fine with you. Then I plan to join you at practice, and then after that I want you.”

Hiei feels hot.

“Want me?” His voice is little more than a whisper, he doesn’t know why. Nobody else is in the shop. He clears his throat, watches in a stupor as Kurama opens his computer and begins getting his things in order.

“Yes. I haven’t decided how, just yet. I didn’t receive advanced notice that class would be canceled. I think I want to suck your cock, but I’m still working on the details. I’m not prepped, I thought you might—”

“Kurama.”

He looks up at Hiei then, and blinks innocently. “I am being very good, staying on this side of the counter. Trust me, I considered talking you into a blow job at the register, but—”

“There’s—”

“—cameras, I know, but that’s for later. We have work to do first.”

Hiei just frowns. He can’t find anything else to do with Kurama standing there as if he’s never done a single vulgar thing in his life. Kurama just blinks at him from behind his screen, daring Hiei to say something.

After a long moment Hiei runs a hand over his face and sighs. “Do you want a chair?”

Kurama beams at him.

True to his word, Kurama behaves. He approaches his homework with a single minded focus that leaves little room for chatter. Hiei rather likes it. They work in companionable quiet for nearly an hour before a customer ventures into the store.

When Kurama starts to pack up his things, Hiei just waves him down the counter away from the register. It’s a college town, and the shop is basically on campus. The midday crowd is not going to turn up its nose at college kids studying.

It takes little fuss to get the patron checked out and on their way. Kurama looks amused as he slides his things back towards Hiei. He looks far too much like a cat ready to pounce on a mouse for comfort.

“What?” Hiei snaps, heat creeping up his neck, which is unfair. Nothing has even happened yet.

“You don’t talk to me like that when I’m purchasing things.”

“Like what?”

Kurama hums, one shoulder raising in a blithe motion. “Like you’re annoyed. Like I’m interrupting you.”

Hiei doesn’t flush, just makes a big show of rolling his eyes as he says, “Obviously, I like being interrupted by you.”

Kurama preens. “I like interrupting you.” He bites his lower lip and slides his gaze over Hiei. He doesn’t pull any punches, his stare piercing and intense.

Hiei cuts his eyes over to Kurama for a moment, then grins down at his nutrition notes. “Stop.”

Kurama’s smile is soft, knowing, as he says, “I’m not kidding. Interrupting you is quickly becoming my favorite part of the week.”

“I’m sure you say that to all the guys,” Hiei drawls. He’s fishing for compliments, mostly, but Kurama doesn’t seem to mind.

“Of course,” Kurama agrees. “It’s standard for all the retail workers I seduce.” He rests his chin in his hand and eyes Hiei. His stare leaves no room for hiding, and Hiei fights not to squirm.

“Oh yeah? You have a whole crew of us?”

“No, I’m quite picky.” His gaze sinks lower before glancing back up to meet Hiei’s eyes. “It takes someone special to meet my standards.”

“Kurama.”

“Someone talented.”

“Quit,” Hiei says, hating that his voice has suddenly gone rough. He looks back down at his notes and tries to ignore the warmth he feels.

Kurama taps his pen against Hiei’s hand. He’s grinning when Hiei looks up. “I’m serious. You are my definition of a good time.”

Hiei has to redirect this conversation. The flirting is too much. His stomach is in his throat.

“Gross, I’m not fancy enough to be ranked with whatever you likely consider a good time.”

Kurama laughs. “I wouldn’t say I’m fancy.” Hiei levels an unimpressed look and Kurama has the decency to look sheepish. “Just because I like quality, does not make me fanciful. I like simple things.”

“So I’m simple?” Hiei smirks. If he can get Kurama to talk himself into a corner, it will be worth it.

“In the best way. And you are certainly quality.” Kurama pauses, catching his lower lip between his teeth for a moment before he says, “Parts of you are quality, that’s for sure.”

Hiei rolls his eyes and turns back to his homework. “I’m no Rosa Rubiginosa,” he says it as haughtily as he can, “just your common specimen.”

“You’re mistaken,” Kurama counters smoothly. “I can find plenty of reasons to give you the Rubiginosa moniker.”

Hiei is not impressed by this. Kurama is going to have to work harder. Leveling him with his most bland look, Hiei says, “Name three.”

Never one to be caught off guard, Kurama just gives him a sly smile as he begins ticking reasons off on his fingers. “Convivial Rubiginosa, for one.”

“Convivial? And you’re brave enough to say you’re not fanciful,” Hiei scoffs, his smile completely ruining the entire effect, “with that vocabulary?”

“It fits.”

“Nobody would agree with you. They don’t let me work the register because I am the furthest thing from affable. Fairly sure that’s word for word in my quarterly review.”

Kurama’s eyes are nearly sparkling. He seems delighted by this, and says, “You’re affable with me, but no, I did mean more in the sense of,” Kurama pauses then, one hand waving in a lazy circle as he tries to find the right word. “You know, like food?”

“Food?”

“As in you’re very good with your mouth, and I find you most pleasing when I’m feasting on you?”

Hiei does not let his mask of indifference slip. He just takes a slow breath in through his nose, holds himself steady, and arches a brow.

“Weak.”

Kurama rolls his eyes. “I’m not wrong.”

“It takes too much explanation.”

“You see the vision though?”

Hiei does crack a smile at that. “Not in the slightest.”

“I could demonstrate,” Kurama purrs, leaning further over the counter. He’s careful not to displace his macbook.

“I need two more reasons to forget that you called me a simple, common lay.”

Kurama sighs and sits up. “You called yourself common, I would never do such a thing. Okay, how about Gay Old Rubiginosa?”

Frowning Hiei asks, “Now you’re calling me old, too?”

“No, like a gay old time? Because you always keep me laughing. And you eat ass like the best of them.”

“I didn’t have any issues with the gay part, that one was clear,” Hiei huffs and blushes. “Again, weak.”

Kurama’s smirks, his confidence undeterred as he says, “Any probably my favorite reason, is for your Gluteus Monumentous Rubiginosa. Truly one of your best assets.”

Hiei rolls his eyes and looks back down at his abandoned homework, muttering, “Shut up.”

“No, I’m serious.” Kurama grabs his phone, and after a brief moment of fervent tapping he spins the screen around. He shoves it towards Hiei’s face, and Hiei sees himself. It's the picture he sent Kurama from his birthday.

It’s his contact page, and in place of his name is Gluteus Monumentous Rubiginosa 🍑.

“I still think Gay Old Rubiginosa is funnier,” Kurama laments, his bottom lip jutting out in a little pout, “but your ass is so wonderfully monumentous.”

Hiei stares at the screen. Kurama hasn’t changed his picture. He has sent plenty of thirsty selfies, and Kurama keeps that first picture he sent as his contact photo. Hiei desperately wants to kiss him. He can’t, Mukuro would not let him hear the end of it if she checked the cameras.

***

Juri is on time, and they’re able to leave right at three. Hiei feels electric, it’s indescribably galvanizing to have Kurama with him today. He's not supposed to see him on Mondays, those are Kurama’s days, but he’s here. His arm keeps bumping into Hiei’s, and he keeps smiling at him like this is exciting for him too.

All he wants to do is hurry through practice. Kurama keeps thinking through his plans aloud—all of them involving his mouth, all of them filthy—and Hiei doesn’t know how he’s going to survive another three hours.

“Kurama, you have to stop or I’m going to be running with a boner.”

This doesn’t bother Kurama. He just slides his arm possessively around Hiei’s and says, “I could help you with that. How much time do we have? I’m fast.”

“Stop,” Hiei says, but it’s a tired argument. He still throws Kurama a withering look, he has principles after all.

“It would be fun.”

“Kurama, I,” Hiei starts, his words lost to a groan as he remembers, “Yusuke might be home when I get out of practice.” He scrubs a hand over his face as he grabs his phone. He wants to get his hands on Kurama, he needs to get inside him. “Can we go to your place?”

Kurama offers him an apologetic smile, wincing a little as he says, “Sorry, my roommate is home and he’s not okay with me bringing people over unannounced. He’s weird about it even with a ton of notice.”

Hiei grunts, sending a text to Yusuke. “It’s fine, I get it.” He has cleared out plenty of times for Yusuke, it’s time he starts paying it forward. “My place might still work.”

Kurama squeezes his arm, leaning into him. “All the more reason to let me take care of you now, just in case.”

Stomach flipping at the thought, Hiei tries to tamp down an embarrassed smile. The thought of Kurama on his knees, or bent over in some cramped bathroom is riveting and completely inappropriate at a time like this.

“I’m fine,” he grinds out, willing it to be true. He can make it until after practice. He just needs to change the topic. “Want to grab food after practice? I’ll be starving.”

“I’m just full of bad news,” Kurama says with another apologetic duck of his head. “I forgot my wallet today. I’m lucky class was canceled or I would have been starving by tonight.”

“Oh.” Hiei shrugs and checks the time. “Want to go grab it? I have time. Where do you live?”

“I’m in Rikko Student House, but it’s okay. I don’t need it that bad.”

Hiei frowns but doesn’t argue. Kurama squeezes his arm and grins.

“Besides, if we stop for my wallet, I won’t have time to suck you off.”

Hiei isn’t going to be swayed. He will stick to his guns. “You haven’t eaten today? Are you hungry? I can get you something.”

“If you’re so worried about it, how about we stop in the Performing Arts Center?” Kurama nods to the building coming up on their left. It’s short and unassuming, but Hiei frowns at it as if it has personally insulted him.

“Why? Are there vending machines?”

“No, but there are bathrooms, and it’s normally not busy.” His smile turns sly as Hiei eyes him. “I can blow you and you can buy me dinner later.”

Hiei raises a brow, and it is work to keep his expression unaffected. “I can trade food for services rendered?”

Delight bleeds into Kurama’s smile. “Do you like that?” He lowers his voice, leaning closer as he steers Hiei towards the small concrete stairs that lead to the Performing Arts Center. “Do you like the idea of paying for me?”

Kurama is gone then, just leaving that question to sit heavy in Hiei’s stomach as he untangles their arms to hold the door. Hiei steps into the dimly lit entryway, and then there’s Kurama’s hand, firm against his back, to guide him to one side of the foyer. There are a few people near the auditorium doors, but they’re too deep into their own discussion to notice them. Kurama directs them past a bathroom.

“There’s another bathroom on the other side of the building, it will be less busy,” he explains when Hiei throws a curious look over his shoulder. “Keep going down this hall.” Kurama removes his hand.

Somebody with their face painted green passes them without a second glance. Hiei takes a small, steadying breath. His stomach is churning, and he knows a bathroom is far more private than the floor of Mukuro’s shop, but there are people in this building. The thought of being caught, of being interrupted by campus security sends a vicious little thrill through Hiei. He does not like that it’s equally as exciting as it is nerv-racking.

“Ah, now’s a good time,” Kurama murmurs, suddenly right behind Hiei. “It's that door on the right.”

The hall is empty except for them, so they slip into the bathroom together. It’s dark, and Hiei fumbles for a light switch. He had been expecting a communal bathroom with stalls, but it’s just a large single person unit.

As if this has all been planned, Kurama pulls a sheet of paper off of a small table that holds an air freshener, extra toilet paper, and a little sign encouraging people to wash their hands. Somebody has scrawled OUT OF ORDER across it with a large, sloppy, black marker. There is a binder clip attached to it.

Kurama swiftly peaks into the hall before hanging it on a hook on the outside of the door. He locks the door behind him.

“Is this why we came here?”

Kurama hums an affirmative noise as he gathers his hair up into a ponytail.

“How did you even know about this? Don’t you live in Life Sciences?”

Kurama shrugs and says, “I had a lit class in this building last semester. This bathroom is constantly having issues, they just leave the sign here. There’s cleaner bathrooms in the stadium, but the privacy here can’t be beat.”

Hiei just stares as Kurama ties his hair back and winks at him. “Cleaner bathrooms?”

“Yes, in the stadium. I was considering going there since it’s so close to the practice field. The bathrooms there are only really used during games, so they’re surprisingly clean.”

“That’s just something you know.”

“Can I use this?” Kurama has opened his duffle bag and pulled out his track shirt.

“Yeah, sure,” Hiei says and feels a little crazy as Kurama spreads his shirt out over the floor and kneels on it. “I can’t decide if this is hot or upsetting.”

“It’s hot, Babe.” Kurama reaches for Hiei then, grabbing him by the waist and pulling him close. “Take these off.”

Hiei is quick to shove his joggers down. Any hint of indecision is gone. Kurama’s warm breath is on him, the door is locked, Hiei wants this. He slides a hand into Kurama’s hair—his fingers gliding along his scalp carefully so nothing snags—and rocks up on the balls of his feet in anticipation.

It might not be good for him, but Hiei wouldn’t mind if Kurama kept talking him into these types of situations.

Kurama presses his face flush against Hiei’s pelvis, the hard circle of his brow and cheek bones sending a jolt up Hiei’s spine. He turns his face, his cheek smooth against Hiei, buries his nose into Hiei’s pubic hair and breathes. Hiei instinctively tightens his grip on Kurama’s head. The gentle prodding of Kurama’s nose against the base of his shaft has his dick’s full attention.

“I didn’t want to wait,” Kurama says, his voice dripping with regret. “But you will be so much more musky after practice.” He’s whining, not even attempting to hide it. “The sacrifices one makes,” he laments and presses his lips against Hiei’s cock in a soft kiss.

“We could do this again,” Hiei suggests, his voice far calmer than he anticipates. Kurama fits his lips against the underside of Hiei’s cock, settling the bulging vein just between his lips. He slowly shakes his head no, sliding his mouth back and forth along Hiei. “Ah— A-after, again after,” he stammers.

Kurama just hums as he glides his mouth back and forth, leaving Hiei wet, and hard, and aching. He’s staring up at Hiei, his eyes mischievous, half hidden under dark lashes.

Tilting his head, Kurama nuzzles and noses at his sack. His voice is already rough—he hasn’t even put Hiei in his mouth yet—when he asks, “You want me to do this again? Get on my knees and make you feel good?”

Hiei can only nod.

“I want you to fuck me—” Kurama sucks Hiei’s left testicle into his mouth for a moment, sucking hard before going back to simply mouthing at him. He’s saying something, Kurama’s always saying something, but Hiei isn’t listening anymore. He can’t focus on anything that isn’t Kurama’s tongue, or the intimate act of nearly being swallowed by him, or nails digging into his ass when Hiei groans a little too loud.

“Hiei, listen,” Kurama says, his voice stern. Hiei glances down, and it’s clear from the amused smirk he’s missed something important.

“I am.”

“You weren’t.”

“You want me to, ah—”

Kurama is still mouthing at him. It’s all sloppy, wet kisses that steal Hiei’s ability to put his thoughts into words. He groans appreciatively and twists his fingers into Kurama’s hair.

“None of that was ‘you want me to put my hands against the wall,’” Kurama says when he pulls away, “but good try.”

“Kurama.”

Kurama just smiles up at him, smug and self assured. “Listen, or you’ll be buying me dessert too.”

“I’ll get you dessert.” Hiei moans as Kurama’s tongue does something wicked to him. “Just don’t stop.”

“Really?” Kurama licks him from root to tip. “Anything I want?”

“Yeah,” Hiei rasps.

“Do you want that? Do you want to pay for me?” Kurama swirls his tongue around the head of Hiei’s cock, his cheeks hollowing prettily as he watches Hiei. “Are you thinking what you can give to have me swallow your cock?”

Hiei bites his lower lip and manages a curt nod. He glances up at the ceiling, trying to catch his breath. He closes his eyes, and twists his fingers deeper into Kurama’s hair. If he just breathes through his nose and keeps his eyes on the chipped paint of the ceiling, Kurama will suck his cock and he won’t have to answer. He won’t have to say he doesn’t enjoy the thought of Kurama being used by anyone for money. He doesn’t like the concept of sharing, and hates the idea he might be a chore for Kurama.

He doesn’t want this to be work for Kurama.

Humming, Kurama kisses up the length of his cock, his hands steady and warm on Hiei’s thighs. Nuzzling his pubic hair again, Kurama sighs. “You don’t have to like that, Hiei. It’s okay.”

Kurama's voice is so understanding, Hiei wants to hide. The best he can do is shut his eyes.

“Kurama, I-”

“It’s just a game, not even one we have to play.”

“Sorry, I-”

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Kurama murmurs. “It’s

not even a game I particularly like, it’s just one that normally does it for people.” Kurama begins to rub soothing circles over Hiei’s thighs. “But it doesn’t do it for you, so let’s try this again. I’m going to suck your cock, and you’re going to stay as still as possible. You can keep your hands where they are, or put them on the wall, but I don’t want you grabbing at my hair today.”

Hiei peeks down then, his face still burning, and catches Kurama’s eye. One shoulder raising in a shrug, Kurama offers him an easy smile. “I don’t have a brush,” he explains.

“Okay.”

“If you can listen and come when I tell you, I’ll tell you what a good boy you are.”

Hiei’s head moves up and down in an involuntary nod. He can do that. Easy.

Kurama smirks up at Hiei. “I figured that was more up your alley.”

Wet, warm lips wrap around Hiei, and while it’s just the tip, it sends a jolt straight up Hiei’s spine. He can’t help gasping, carefully gripping Kurama’s head tighter. His fingers are steady—just like Kurama’s hungry mouth—not twisting or tangling in that soft red hair.

Glancing down, Hiei finds Kurama is still watching him with those impossibly dark eyes. He raised a brow at Hiei, eyes full of mirth as he swirls his tongue around Hiei’s length. Hiei has to look away when Kurama reaches up and cradles his sack. This makes Kurama hum with delight. He rolls Hiei’s balls in his hand, cradling them as if testing their weight, and begins to suck him in earnest.

Hiei moans, he can’t help it. Kurama grabs Hiei’s shirt and raises it, the soft material nearly tickling as it slides up his stomach.

“You have to stay quiet. Bite this if you must.”

Hiei takes the hem of his shirt out of Kurama's grasp and eyes it. He moans again when Kurama’s wandering hand gropes at his chest, his deft fingers swirling feather-light around a hardening nipple.

“Put it in your mouth,” Kurama says steadily, a firmness in his mild voice that makes Hiei shiver. He raises the fabric higher and bites down on it, holding it up and away from his torso with his teeth.

“Good boy,” Kurama breathes against his cock, and Hiei’s whole body twitches in response. His knees lock up, his fingers tighten possessively in Kurama’s hair and his hips drive forward, slotting his cock perfectly into Kurama’s hungry mouth.

Kurama presses his face flush to Hiei’s pelvis, swallowing around him mercilessly. He makes no move to switch positions, just sits there with Hiei halfway down his throat. Hiei gasps and quickly bites down to prevent the shirt from slipping from his grasp. Groaning around the damp fabric, he breathes in deeply through his nose.

Kurama makes a choked nose beneath him as he snorts warm air against Hiei’s stomach. His hands are large and steady as they skate down Hiei’s chest and around to his ass, goosebumps spreading in their wake. Getting a solid grip on Hiei, Kurama urges him to rock closer and swallows again.

Hiei looks down, heart pounding, chest heaving and flushed. Kurama just raises his brows in a silent dare. His eyes are half lidded, glassy, unfocused as he concentrates on his breathing. The stretch of his jaw, heavy and low, has Hiei rocking forward once more as those greedy hands squeeze his ass again. Spit slides down Kurama’s chin and those dark eyes flick up to him again.

There’s nothing for a few moments other than the sound of Kurama not choking on Hiei’s cock, the tight sting of fingers digging into his ass, and the wet heat of Kurama’s mouth as Hiei slowly fuck his throat.

It’s warm, and incredibly tight each time Kurama swallows around him. They’re both panting, and Hiei is going to come, and then Kurama makes a strangled noise. Hiei tries to pull back, but Kurama guides him forward, deeper. He continues to make a truly unsettling noise. Hiei finally manages to pull away, a surprising amount of spit and precum stretching between the wet, red head of his cock and Kurama’s matching lips.

Kurama coughs, smothering the noise with the back of his hand.

“Sorry,” he finally manages, “too much saliva, I got choked.” His voice is wrecked. Hiei’s dick twitches with interest. Kurama eyes it and grins, leaning forward to brush a sloppy kiss over the head as he glances up at Hiei. The shirt falls from his mouth, and he groans quietly.

“I,” Hiei starts, but he has to clear his throat. Even then all he can manage is a whisper. “You really don’t have much of a gag reflex. I nearly came.”

Kurama’s grin disappears as he slides his lips under Hiei’s cock, up towards his balls. “You remember,” he say, humming as he mouths at his sack. “I tell you when you get to come, though.”

“Yeah,” Hiei says, breathing in sharply when Kurama sucks one testicle into his mouth and tongues it like a piece of candy.

There’s a wet pop as Kurama pulls away. He sits up, one hand wrapping around the length of Hiei’s cock. “Good, now I want you to fuck my face.”

With a nod, Hiei rolls onto the balls of his feet as Kurama guides his cock back into his mouth. Again he swallows him without issue, his hands squeezing into Hiei’s glutes encouragingly. Hiei bites his lower lip and allows Kurama to decide their speed.

His hands push and pull, rocking Hiei’s hips at a quick, nearly staccato pace. It’s just shy of jagged, abrupt. Hiei can feel it though, how Kurama isn’t easing himself, but Hiei, into it. How he swallows hungrily around him, how he pulls him closer, harder, faster each time.

How can Kurama be coddling him at a time like this?

The blood is pounding in Hiei’s ears, but everytime he pulls back the wet, sloppy sound penetrates, leaves him reeling, the suction nearly too much.

He finds himself thrusting forward eagerly, happy to fill Kurama’s wanting mouth. Kurama holds him close, coughing around him a few times as he continues to use his throat.

They’re being too loud.

They’re taking too long.

It really doesn’t matter.

All Hiei can think about is that tight heat, the possessive gleam in Kurama’s dark eyes every time he glances down—as if he has Hiei right where he wants him.

Kurama smacks his ass as if he’s taking too long, and he is. He knows it, knows he should be on his way already, and he’s there, but Kurama hasn’t said he can come yet. And he’s going to be good.

His toes curl just at the thought.

He’s going to be good. Hiei’s going to use his throat just the way Kurama wants it, Hiei can do that.

Gasping, Hiei’s fingers twist deeper into Kurama’s hair, holding him against his pelvis as he fucks his face. He holds him there, nose pressed uncomfortably against his stomach as he forces his cock down his throat over and over again.

Hiei groans into his hand, feeling on top of the world. It’s bliss.

Kurama chokes around him, gasping to keep up, but he’s not struggling. If anything his hands are still encouraging, kneading Hiei’s ass as he swallows haphazardly around Hiei.

“Ah, ah,” Hiei moans, pulling harder at the base of Kurama’s ponytail.

Kurama begins to cough again, and he does push Hiei away this time. He gets caught in Hiei’s fingers, having to shake his head free as he gasps for breath, the back of his wrist pressed to his ruined mouth.

Hiei has never seen him so disheveled, so used, despite still being dressed.

Kurama glances up at him, and his eyes are hard. His mouth is a stern line where it peeks out from behind his hand.

That tight heat in Hiei’s gut immediately drops like a stone, cool dread spreading through him instantly.

Kurama is a mess. His hair has been pulled every which way, his face is filthy. Hiei glances down at his traitorous hand, greedy, always acting before he can think.

“I said don’t grab me,” Kurama croaks, his voice lacking the angry Hiei is anticipating.

Hiei meets his gaze, won’t be a coward and look away. “I wasn’t thinking, I got cau—”

“You didn’t listen,” Kurama says, cutting him off smoothly. Again he doesn’t sound mad, or even upset. There’s no real emotion in his voice as he grabs Hiei’s cock and lifts it a bit so he can get at his sack better. His face is wet as he rubs it against Hiei, mouthing softly at his balls. It has Hiei trembling, it’s so soft and teasing compared to just moments before.

“Maybe I should leave you like this,” Kurama murmurs.

“W-what?” Hiei snaps his gaze down to Kurama, a worried thrill making his heart race once more.

Kurama blinks up at him, watches him with an innocent expression as he runs the tip of his tongue over Hiei. “You don’t want to be late, perhaps we should clean up.”

“But—“

“Good boys get to come,” Kurama says, his eyes daring Hiei to say something, to argue.

“Kurama, wait, I can be good,” Hiei says quickly, shifting closer as Kurama sits up on his knees.

“I know, you’re normally an excellent listener.”

“Give me another chance.”

Kurama’s lips twitch up in a smile then.

“Please,” Hiei adds for good measure. Kurama’s eyebrows shift in a pleased way—the game is still on, Hiei hasn’t lost just yet.

“I like when you say please,” Kurama says, tilting his face up. With a small smirk, he adds, “Ask me again.”

“Please, give me another chance.”

Kurama hums, his hand sliding slowly up Hiei’s aching cock. “Be specific, Hiei.”

He cannot believe this is happening, does not know how he ended up in this bathroom, trying to talk his way out of blue balls. With an embarrassed huff, he grumbles, “Please suck my dick—Kurama I can’t wait!”

“That’s better.” He presses a chaste, teasing kiss to the head of Hiei’s cock. “Hiei, put your hands on the wall.”

Hiei braces his palms on the wall immediately, feet eagerly sliding further apart in hopes Kurama will fit between them once more.

“Good boy,” Kurama hums, sliding Hiei’s cock back into his mouth, just to pull off of it yet again. “Are you going to listen this time?”

“Yes! Please, Kurama!”

Kurama smiles up at him, all mild mannered and serene as if his chin isn’t caked with spit and precum. “Then be a good boy and come for me.”

He watches in rapt awe as Kurama opens his mouth and waits. Hiei shifts forward, fits his dick into that wet heat, and plunges in. He hisses as he thrusts, working to get in as deep as possible. Without his hands to hold Kurama still and close, it’s not nearly as efficient.

Kurama hums and takes pity on him, hands grasping his ass once more and holding them together. Hiei snaps his hips frantically, his orgasm quickly building once more. It’s easy to find; that heat is never far when Kurama has him like this.

Kurama plays, squeezing and kneading his ass, pulling Hiei closer, closer. His fingers dig deep, slipping between his cheeks. Hiei moans, his body on edge with each touch, every flick of Kurama’s tongue and swipe of his fingers.

When he pushed his index finger firmly against Hiei’s hole, it’s enough pressure to cause Hiei to clench. Kurama lets his finger catch just so on his entrance, teasing, suggesting what he could do with more force.

That suggestion is enough, and Hiei is coming down Kurama’s throat. He cries out, wants to cover his mouth but he won’t take his hands off the wall, not now. He turns and smoothers the noise against his bicep.

Kurama keeps swallowing, holding Hiei possessively to him. His nose keeps brushing over Hiei’s stomach as he bobs his head in small, purposeful movements. When Hiei manages to look down, Kurama is staring up at him with wide, hungry eyes. His gaze is intense, but clearly pleased.

After a moment Kurama allows Hiei to step back. They’re both breathing heavily, but Kurama only clears his throat and reaches for the toilet paper before he stands. He has barely begun to wipe his face when Hiei grabs his collar to haul him down for a kiss.

“Fuck.”

Kurama grins, quirking a smug eyebrow. “Feel free to say more,” he teases.

Hiei slides a hand over the front of Kurama pants, cupping the hardness he finds there. “Kurama.”

“Go to practice,” Kurama says softly, stepping back and wiping Hiei’s face clean. “You’re going to be late.”

Hiei frowns, he really doesn’t mind the idea of actually skipping for once. He’s still feeling on top of the world, and is brave enough to contemplate it. Genkai would bite his head off for it, but clearly it would be worth it.

He can imagine her face, wrinkled and pinched as she demands to know why he was a no show. If he actually told her the reason, she might bite off his dick. She could choke on it.

“Kurama,” he repeats, but Kurama shakes his head.

“Go. I’ll be there after I clean up.” He tosses Hiei a look that promises things aren’t over. It settles Hiei a bit, and he starts pulling his pants up.

“Okay, I’ll see you after?”

Kurama nods as he moves to the sink. “Oh yeah, I’m putting you to work later. You better save some energy.”

They grin at each other, and Hiei wonders how this is his life as he scoops up his things and jogs to the practice field.

Genkai takes one look at him and scowls as if Hiei has shit in her bed, not merely arrived eight minutes late.

Her lip curls up as she sneers, “Bleachers.”

***

Practice goes surprisingly well, despite having to do twenty minutes of bleachers for being late. Hiei doesn’t even mind getting chewed out by Genkai after practice either, his legs simultaneously on fire and made of jelly.

Kurama is out there waiting, a smudge of red against the blue sky that promises this isn’t going to last forever. If he hadn’t done the bleachers, he’d still feel on top of the world. He’s not so far from it even now.

Perhaps he should look into pre-workout sex, maybe there’s something there.

As they walk back towards Hiei’s place, Kurama bumps their shoulders together and says, “Sorry we ran late.”

“Don’t be. Next time we’ll just be faster.”

“Next time?” Kurama grins, ducking his head conspiratorially and leaning in close. Feeling bold Hiei glances over, smirks, nods.

Kurama eyes him. There’s warmth and anticipation in his gaze. He reaches out, one hand extending towards Hiei—for his own hand, to slide into his back pocket, it’s unclear—but Kurama changes his mind and clutches the strap of his messenger bag instead.

“We’ll have to try the stadium, then.” Kurama offers him a winning smile, and Hiei watches the way his eyes crinkle at the corners. He’s lived a life full of smiles and will likely have permanent laugh lines long before he’s considered old.

Hiei doesn’t look at Kurama’s hand. There’s no pinch in his chest.

Yusuke’s a real one and has gone to crash at Kuwabara’s for an impromptu “study session,” having left a pointed note about how dishes need done and the recycling needs sorted, and how he is so thankful Hiei offered to help him out with it.

In the empty kitchen, Kurama slides a hand up Hiei’s front. His eyes linger on the stretch of the fabric over his chest, or perhaps on the play of his fingers against the smooth material. His downcast eyes give him an air of innocence that is wholly undeserved. It sets Hiei at ease, the tightness in his chest smoothing away into familiar anticipation.

Flicking his gaze up, Kurama pins Hiei with a look of such unadulterated lust it sets that anticipation ablaze. It’s improbable how Kurama manages to loom over him and look up at him with such wanton expressions within the same breath.

“I owe you,” Hiei murmurs, licking his lips as he tilts his chin towards Kurama. They’re close enough for a kiss, but Hiei wants Kurama to be the one to close the distance.

“I want you to fuck me,” Kurama says, eyeing Hiei’s mouth. With a pleased sigh he presses a kiss that is far too chaste to Hiei’s lips. “Take me to bed.”

They end up with Hiei sprawled across his mattress, Kurama straddling his face. As Hiei rests his legs, he works at prepping Kurama with his tongue. Kurama squirms atop him, guiding Hiei’s hands to his cock so his own are free to play with his nipples. Hiei doesn’t mind, he likes the singular focus of eating Kurama out.

Hiei’s always been a fan of prepping his partners this way. He enjoys being able to close his eyes and get to work. It’s clear from the sounds Kurama’s making, the way he keeps trying to smother Hiei, that Kurama is enjoying it as well.

After a while Kurama grows impatient, and he turns around so Hiei can finger him while he sucks Hiei’s cock.

“That’s what I wanted,” Kurama says, groaning into Hiei’s groin. He gasps against him as Hiei crooks his fingers, nose buried in his pubes. “Musky.”

“You’re supposed to be getting my dick wet,” Hiei reminds and rolls his eyes.

“Yeah,” Kurama agrees, his tongue swiping against Hiei’s shaft uselessly.

“You’re no help,” he mutters, stretching for the lube he keeps by the bed. He pours some over the head of his cock. As Kurama moves to straddle his hips, Hiei coats his shaft before pressing slick fingers into Kurama.

“It’s your turn to take care of me,” Kurama says, holding Hiei steady as he lines himself up.

Sliding his hands over Kurama’s thighs, Hiei laughs as he squeezes the supple flesh. “Yeah, I’m taking care of you, sure. Mister lay down and don’t move, keep telling yourself that.”

Kurama rolls his eyes, but he’s grinning. Then he sinks onto Hiei, and Hiei can’t bother to argue anymore when Kurama goans and says, “Yeah, you’re taking care of me, trust me.”

He sits there for a moment, settling. Hiei holds onto Kurama’s knees as Kurama steadily clenches around him—squeezing, squeezing, squeezing—adjusting to the change. Hiei grunts and takes a grounding breath as Kurama sinks down onto his knees, Hiei’s hands sliding up to sit at his waist.

“You’re going to let me take care of you?” Hiei quirks a brow, putting on a smooth grin that he knows looks like trouble.

Kurama tosses his hair and smirks back, his shoulders rising and falling as he grasps Hiei’s wrists. Once he’s sure Hiei has a firm hold on him, he begins to move.

“Mm, what else would you call this?”

“Being used,” Hiei offers. Kurama’s eyes are hot as they watch his face, and Hiei licks his lips before adding, “Laying here and taking it?”

Kurama’s mouth opens on a silent laugh, and the sight leaves Hiei’s stomach in knots.

“Is that how you see it? That I’m using you?”

Hiei grunts again, distracted by the slick slide of Kurama lifting up and the way Kurama’s fingers dance up his soft stomach, skating higher to play with his nipples. One finger curls around the chain and gives it a gentle tug. Kurama shivers and moans, and Hiei feels it in every fiber of his begin.

“I certainly remember a number of times you’ve used me, relentlessly.” Kurama bites his lower lip to stifle a groan tilting his head up towards the ceiling.

“Ah, just because I’m on the top does not mean you're the one being used,” Hiei says, hissing through his teeth as Kurama grinds down especially deep. Laughter spills out of Kurama like a bright, joyful bell.

“Trust me,” Hiei pants, “we both know you’re the one in control. Don’t, ah, don’t think you’re kidding anyone.”

“Mmm,” Kurama hums an assenting noise, gasping as he rides Hiei. His fingers stay busy playing with his nipples, and Hiei is happy to watch the show as he guides Kurama’s hips.

“You are being rather good right now.” Kurama reaches a hand down to brace against Hiei’s chest. “Should we order food after this?”

Hiei grunts, he’s starving. He tries to raise his hips to meet Kurama, but as always Kurama has his own ideas. He keeps Hiei pinned down as he rides him—it’s a slow and decisive affair.

Leaning forward so that he nearly slips off of Hiei, Kurama fishes around in the sheets. Hiei lays there and watches as Kurama produces his phone. He thumbs it open as if it’s his own, rocking his body in a pleasant, lazy rhythm.

“We could go pick up something from that café by the honors college?”

“I don’t want to wait. Get something delivered.”

Kurama nods, his thumbs flying far faster over the phone screen then Hiei could ever manage.

“Pizza?”

Hiei nods, not really bothered by what Kurama picks. So long as Hiei doesn’t have to leave this bed any time soon, he’s happy.

Kurama peeks over the top of the phone at him and narrows his eyes. “I’m ordering a dessert.” He squints at Hiei as if he expects an argument. “I deserve it.”

“You really do.” Hiei closes his eyes and smiles up at Kurama, enjoying the quiet heat that’s slowly stirring inside him. Pressure is lazily building within him, permeating his entire core as Kurama rides him.

“Such a good boy,” Kurama whispers, distracted by the phone.

He tells Hiei just how good he is later, when they’ve switched positions. Hiei rocks deep into Kurama, languidly, like he’s trying to prove a point. Kurama twists his fists into the sheets, sobbing like a dying animal as he writhes and begs for more. He won’t allow Hiei to go faster, demands he continue at a torturously slow pace until they’re both drenched in sweat and panting, trembling for release.

After they eat pizza on Hiei’s bed like heathens, the tips of Kurama’s hair curling and clinging to his neck, damp from a quick shower. They’re dark and twisted as if clutching a secret, and they hold Hiei’s attention when he should be working on his homework.

Kurama’s neck always holds Hiei’s focus best, and with his hair pulled up, the homework is nothing more than a pathetic joke. As Hiei sucks grease off of his thumb, he imagines licking the long line of Kurama’s neck instead.

It has been a truly amazing day. Yusuke showing up early to pick up a forgotten textbook before class doesn’t even dampen the hopeful feeling Hiei is fostering deep in his chest.

Yusuke only moderately undresses Kurama with his eyes as he grab a slice for the road, but Hiei doesn’t care much. Kurama is lifting his chin as if he’s unaware of his gaze, fluttering his lashes and shooing Yusuke off in a tone that is nothing less than flirty. It’s Kurama’s baseline and Hiei could be bothered, but Kurama looks back at him with that same flirtatious gaze—only there’s far more heat behind it.

Kurama turns that dazzling, playful smile on Hiei, and Hiei feels okay again. He’s never known somebody like Kurama, has never dreamed of somebody remotely similar being a part of his life in any way.

Hiei feels greedy, he’s had Kurama twice today, and he can’t help thinking he wants to have him again.

“It’s been a good day,” Hiei murmurs, watching Kurama’s profile. He’s bent over a chemistry book, unaware of Hiei’s eyes on him. “Your professor should cancel more often.”

“It has been enjoyable.” Kurama checks his phone and sighs. “It’s getting late. I should probably head home.”

“You could stay a while longer.” Hiei stretches his leg out on the bed. He nudges Kurama’s foot with his own.

Kurama glances up at him then and smiles. Again Hiei feels light as a feather.

“I should go.”

“Should? Maybe, but I was thinking we could, you know—go again?” Hiei shrugs, his face heating.

Early evening sunshine falls through Hiei’s window and catches in his red hair, making it look ethereal. Kurama eyes him, considering. The day feels alive with potential, it’s as if the entire room is holding its breath. Kurama must feel it too.

“As fun as that sounds, it’s getting late.”

Hiei doesn’t often take the selfish path, but he finds it hard to quell his impulses around Kurama. He drags his toe up the sole of Kurama’s foot, unable to back down. Today is a day for winning, for the improbable.

“If you’re worried about getting back late,” Hiei says with all the confidence afforded by a mid afternoon blowjob in a semi public bathroom, “you could stay the night. Yusuke won’t mind.” Hiei is mostly sure, at least. The idea of waking up with Kurama—having him in the quiet of the early morning—sinks its claws into Hiei’s brain and will not let go. He wants that more than anything now.

Gathering his things into his lap, Kurama sighs. “Not today. I really must go, but I’ll call you later if you want,” Kurama offers.

Cutting his eyes to the window, Hiei doesn’t sigh. He won’t act like a sore loser or a child, but he would like to know what Kurama considers late.

“Maybe,” he manages after a moment.

“Sorry.” Kurama is more focused on packing his things into his messenger bag than he is on Hiei. “I just have things I need to do.”

“No, I understand.” Hiei glances from Kurama down to his hands. He picks dirt from under his nails as he asks, “Want me to walk you home?”

Hiei knows the answer before he asks. He knows he was being stupid pushing for more, so he doesn’t need to brace for it, but something compels him to ask anyway. He needs to hear Kurama say it out loud.

“No.”

***

When Hiei gets home from practice on Tuesday, the house smells amazing. He’s already starving and whatever Yusuke is cooking makes his stomach growl loudly.

He spots Keiko’s shoes by the door at the same time she leans into his view and waves from the kitchen.

“Hey, Hiei! There’s food.”

He nods, toeing off his shoes. Yusuke appears next, a frown and a wooden spoon pointed at Hiei. “Hit the shower before you come in here.”

Hiei just flips him off as he heads for the bathroom. He can hear Yusuke yelp, and has to smile. Keiko has likely grabbed him by the ear, a reaction so ingrained in their lives it would feel wrong if she didn’t do it in this moment.

As Hiei’s scrubs shampoo into his hair, he thinks about how he has been orbiting Yusuke and Keiko for nearly half of his life. There was a brief stretch of time—a summer? A year?—where Keiko orbited them, but she was here first, and Yusuke has loved her for so long it’s nearly sickening. Hiei lets the cool water run over him as he wonders if Yusuke will want to renew their lease over the summer.

Yusuke has proposed to Keiko more times than Hiei can count, and Keiko swears they’re not engaged—they both do, recently—but Hiei isn’t stupid. Sometime over the winter holiday, Keiko started wearing a ring. Its quiet appearance fills Hiei with a wild mix of emotions. He’s beyond happy for his friends, but he also hates change more than anything. The idea that their happy little routine will change soon gives him anxiety he will never admit to.

He towels off and wonders how much he plays into their plans. Have they been keeping this quiet partly because of him? If Yusuke wasn’t his roommate, Hiei would have a far harder time overall. He gets along with Yusuke, which is saying something, and Yusuke already knows Hiei’s quirks.

Hiei hopes that’s not the case. He hopes they know he will be supportive whenever they are ready to move forward with their relationship. He’s been planning his best man speech for nearly five years, he wonders if he will get to dust it off sometime soon. He’s been planning how he’ll cut Kuwabara out of the running for the role for the better part of three years.

Possibly, Keiko will pity him and make him the maid of honor.

As he wanders into the kitchen, his clothes clinging to his damp body, he thinks this might be the better option when Keiko offers him a plate of gyoza.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. How was practice?” Keiko asks as she moves back to Yusuke’s side. They’ve destroyed the kitchen, but it’s a magic Hiei is familiar with. They will cause chaos, messes appearing faster than they can clean, as they turn the bulk of the groceries Hiei and Yusuke purchased over the weekend into meals to be had later.

They’re a good team, keeping the mess to a manageable minimum. Hiei knows he would never be able to have so many pots on the fire, literally, and still have meals constantly being packaged, or dishes washed, or counters wiped.

Hiei grunts, too busy stuffing his face to properly answer. Yusuke picks up the slack, handing Keiko a cutting board loaded with diced vegetables as he says, “He ran around in a circle for like an hour. How good could it be?”

“Yusuke, quit.” Kieko trades him their one large skillet filled with fried rice and starts dumping the vegetables into a large pot to sear.

“Did you puke?” Yusuke asks, portioning the fried rice into a variety of mismatched plastic food containers. They save every sturdy take out package they get, and it’s saved them a ridiculous amount of money on food prep supplies.

“Not today,” Hiei says, reaching out to steal a piece of chicken from a plate Yusuke has foolishly left near his spot at the bar. Yusuke smacks at his hand with his spoon, but he isn’t fast enough.

Ginger steals the spotlight, but the chicken is juicy and still a little warm. It’s delicious. Not for the first time, Hiei wonders if they will consider adopting him.

“I guess it was good then,” Yusuke mutters, wordlessly switching places with Keiko so she can finish building fast, grabable lunches. They’re perfect for between work and practice, and Keiko is a saint for helping Yusuke do this. Hiei is beyond lucky to have them as friends, and he knows it.

“I’m surprised you two are so far into this,” he says, nodding at the completed pile of meals. He finishes his snack and hops up to start washing dishes, but Keiko shoos him back to his chair.

“It’s too crowded. If you want to do dishes later, I’d appreciate it.” She gets Hiei out of the kitchen and glances at Yusuke as she says, “I came over early to help him with a paper, but it didn’t take long. So we got started early on meal prep.”

Yusuke grins at Hiei from the stove. “We actually got some work done Hiei, that’s how study dates are supposed to go.” He waggles his eyebrows like the insufferable idiot he is. It makes Keiko laugh and Hiei frown.

“Yusuke mentioned you’ve been,” Keiko pauses, her smile knowing, “hooking up with someone recently?”

Hiei turns his frown on her. He no longer wants to be a part of this insufferable wedding. “Yeah, that’s about it.”

“I’m glad,” Keiko says, turning to hide her smile. “You deserve a,” she struggles to find the right word before landing on, “good time”

Hiei scowls now, his stare burning into their backs. “I am just hooking up with him. It’s not serious.” Much to Hiei’s frustration, they both start to quietly giggle like school children.

“Stop it.”

Laughter bubbles out from them in earnest now.

“I’m sorry, Hiei.” Keiko has the decency to at least look apologetic. She turns to start filling the pot with water, and Yusuke is too busy watching her to tease Hiei further. His gaze is fond in a way Hiei is far too familiar with. He’s seen that look hundreds of times, but he’s not sure what it’s like to wear it.

Hiei glances away, letting them have this moment of softness as he picks up a stray carrot peel. He twists it, not caring how it stains his fingers orange and wonders what it would be like to have something that serious with another person.

Hiei has dated a bit, but he’s never had something serious last long term. Casual relationships are not his thing—which is probably why he feels like he’s going crazy with this stupid friends with benefits thing with Kurama—but he has a bad habit of cutting people out of his life once they start getting close. It’s a trait that makes long term relationships difficult. Hiei’s never minded before, but seeing how happy two of his favorite people are, he can see the appeal.

It’s hard, though, the thought of opening up to another person. Yusuke has baggage too, but Keiko has been there since the beginning, witnessing all of Yusuke’s shit happen in real time and choosing him in spite of it.

As unfathomable as it may seem, Hiei thinks he would like something like what Yusuke and Keiko have—one day. He is impressed every single time with their devotion to one another. Keiko motivates Yusuke without even trying. She exists and he strives to be a better person. And when he fails, she forgives him. She gives him chances like she’s made out of them, is still so attached to Yusuke even when he does something stupid.

He doesn’t think he can have this with another person; too many formative years of his life have already gone by to build such a bond with someone now. It would be nice though, to try for it. Hiei wonders idly what kind of person he would want for a life partner.

He watches as Keiko explains how Yusuke should reserve the asparagus tips from the pan until the stems have had time to start grilling so they will finish at the same time. Yusuke is nodding seriously. Yusuke has told him so many times how he loves that Keiko is smarter than him. Yusuke isn’t stupid, regardless of what Hiei might tell him to his face, but he definitely gets the appeal of having a competent partner.

Kurama’s knowing smile comes to Hiei’s mind, unbidden. Hiei considers this, and wonders if Kurama would be a good candidate. He knows he shouldn’t do this. He should not try to judge if Kurama is the right shape to fit into the life partner slot.

There is no good answer.

Either Kurama is a good fit and Hiei will suffer, always longing for more until they eventually break it off, or he will come up short in Hiei's judgment and this really fun time he’s having will no longer be as worthwhile, and he’ll cut it off early.

So of course, Hiei continues with this line of thought.

Kurama is clearly smart, Hiei gets flustered just thinking about the notes he takes for class. Getting a peek at how his mind works was shockingly intimate. Hiei appreciates that, despite his intelligence, Kurama doesn’t talk down to him. Kurama’s voice is pleasing too, so when he gets lost down a rabbit hole explaining something to Hiei, it’s not so bad.

Hiei adds having a nice voice to the mental list of requirements for his potential, future life partner.

There is also that whole concept of being open and vulnerable with each other that he admires in Yusuke and Keiko’s relationship. His overly cautious nature when it comes to personal matters will make that one difficult. He will need a partner that is patient and level headed, much like Keiko is with Yusuke. The more he thinks about it, the more he just wants to give up before even trying. Yusuke and Keiko can keep the perfect couple award, Hiei thinks it might be easier to stay single.

He can see himself being vulnerable with Kurama, though. He trusts him, to an extent. He’s been able to open up about his wants in bed, and he could see himself opening up more about desires he’s kept hidden.

Could he open up about heavier stuff though? Hiei isn’t sure. He’s hinted at the things he can’t hide— his financial situation, the fact that getting into college was a lot of work for both him and his sister—but the idea of telling anybody about his mom, or his dad, or just the bulk of his early childhood, makes his skin crawl.

Sometimes he hates that Yusuke, and Keiko, and Kuwabara know so much because they’ve been in his life for so long. He is equally thankful he doesn’t have to explain it to them, but sometimes being unknowable would be easier.

Kurama gets a point in the con category for that. The way he knew Hiei was uncomfortable yesterday at the idea of propositioning him for money, it’s clear he will not allow Hiei to be unknowable. He reads him too easily.

It’s obvious Kurama loves knowledge and hates leaving a puzzle unsolved. When it comes to secrets, Hiei can tell Kurama only likes them when they belong to him. He’s nosy, and a bit of a busy body when he thinks there’s something to learn. It’s absolutely annoying behavior, but Hiei also finds it a bit endearing. He’s always playful when he’s digging at Hiei’s secrets.

Hiei rests his head on his arms to hide a smile.

That playfulness is something Hiei enjoys with Kurama. They are able to poke and tease one another without hurting each other. It’s good-natured, much like what Hiei envies from his friends before him.

Hiei wonders how his dynamic with Kurama would change if they had a real relationship. If they weren’t so focused on squeezing in sex and spent real time in each other’s company, would the playful banter last? Kurama is clever, would that sharp wit get him in trouble? Hiei is easily ruffled, he’s honestly surprised Kurama hasn’t stepped on his toes yet. Would he explode at Kurama and ruin it right off the bat, or would they be able to work things out?

Hiei sighs and watches Keiko stir the large pot of curry. He wonders what else would be necessary to love him in a way that lasts. Whoever he ends up with will have their hands full, he knows. He’s surly, and a bit prickly at times. He glances at his friends and knows he isn’t always like that, though. It’s hard to allow himself to be soft with others, so he just needs to find somebody that can hold out for a while so he can get comfortable enough to open up.

Kurama would be a good candidate, but he seems to have little interest in the heavier side of things. Hiei doesn’t hold it against him. Kurama showed up looking for a good time and that is what they are having.

***

Wednesday is normally Hiei’s wide open day, but he ends up picking up a shift at the coffee shop when nobody else would. He hates the thought of leaving somebody short staffed.

He can’t make it in as early as he normally would due to his classes, but nobody holds it against him. His team is just happy for the help, which he understands.

Kurama is also understanding. He has a study group he’s going to meet up with. Midterms are less than two weeks away, and more and more they both have been busy with homework and studying.

At the end of his shift, Hiei makes an iced latte for his free shift drink and heads out of the Union. He wants to see Kurama, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

Without waiting for a response, Hiei heads that way. He has all his stuff for practice, but if he wants time to stop, he needs to get a move on. Luckily, the library is in the right direction.

Hiei rolls his eyes, but he’s grinning. The greenhouses are pretty close to the practice fields, he will still have time. He’s never actually been, but he’s walked by them a few times. His curiosity getting the better of him after practice, when the thrill and excitement of running left him bold enough to search out Kurama’s place of work.

He corrects his course and picks up his pace a little.

Hiei frowns down at that last text. He’s not sure what he was expecting. Anytime he has mentioned walking with Kurama to work, or picking him up from the greenhouses he’s been turned down.

Kurama doesn’t want him there.

Hiei’s work is fine for them to meet at. They can work on homework there, or flirt, or fool around, but Kurama’s work is off limits.

Kurama’s dorm is off limits.

Kurama never carries any of the risk.

Hiei throws the coffee into a trashcan as he heads for the track.

It’s fine. It’s just friends with benefits.

He doesn’t have time for a relationship anyway, so he’s not sure why he keeps trying for more.

Chapter Text

After saying he really should stay home and study, Kurama is still sitting in the bleachers when Hiei makes it to practice on Friday. Midterms are approaching fast, and Kurama has been spending more of his free time in study sessions. He’s constantly texting Hiei pictures of his library table overrun with books or snacks he’s having during breaks.

Hiei has also been more studious. He feels good about most of his classes this semester, but his literature class has him worried. From the moment his professor found out he was an athlete, it has been an uphill battle for Hiei.

Kurama lending moral support is a welcomed sight. He barely looks Hiei’s way for the entire practice, his focus truly on his textbook, but Hiei still feels smug everytime he looks up and sees a smudge of red in the distance.

Jin knocks his shoulder into Hiei’s as they finish a set of footwork. They have ninety seconds before they need to start running, but Jin’s grin looks as upbeat as Hiei feels.

“Look alive,” he says with a wink. “Your boyfriend’s watching.” He nods his head slightly in Kurama’s direction.

Hiei can’t help standing a little straighter even as he says, “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Oh, really?” Jin sounds curious. They make their way back onto the track to get in position for the next sprint. It’s two hundred meters, and Hiei bounces from foot to foot in anticipation. “I just assumed since he’s here constantly. Also, I saw you two making out behind the bleachers last week.”

Hiei wants to curse. Jin isn’t wrong, Kurama is here nearly twice a week, and he had been very handsy the other day.

“You must be mistaken.”

Jin stares at him. “Hiei. I’m not blind. And you two are not discrete.”

Hiei feels his face growing hot. He’s about to say something rude, something he doesn’t mean, but thankfully the whistle is blowing for them to run, saving him from saying something he’ll regret.

As they round the stretch of track he likes to sit at, Kurama looks up long enough to smile as Hiei passes. He eyes Hiei appreciatively before looking back at his textbook.

Jin locks eyes with Hiei, and his smug glance eats at Hiei. His eyebrow dance in a way that screams boyfriend and liar and coward.

As if Jin knows anything.

Hiei feels rage building in his stomach, clawing its way up his insides. He wants to shout about how that look doesn’t mean anything. He wants to yell at Jin that this isn’t funny, it won’t help, and part of him knows it, but the urge is still there.

Jin won’t believe him, that Kurama just looks like that. Constantly. Those looks are nothing more than hollow promises.

Hiei wants to hit something.

Instead, he pushes hard for the last fifty meters and leaves Jin behind. The burn in his lungs and the need for air war with Hiei’s anger, slowly winning. He walks it off, gasping.

He hates having to explain this again and again. He hates how angry it makes him.

He hates how his chest aches long after he’s caught his breath.

Jin catches back up to him, a bottle of water held Hiei’s way like a peace offering. “Sorry, friend. I didn’t mean to strike a nerve.”

“It’s fine,” he says gruffly, taking the water.

“Your face said otherwise. Again, not discrete.” Jin follows Hiei to a bench and sits beside him.

“It’s just casual between us. Friends with benefits, all that.”

Jin nods, turning his face to stare in Kurama’s direction. “Oh, gotcha. Well, he’s hot for sure. If he’s single—and looking for more than a quick fuck—give him my number.” Jin bites his lip, eyes still searching the distance for Kurama’s details. “When you get bored with him, of course,” he says before he turns his grin Hiei’s way.

Hiei focuses on his breathing.

He feels his lungs expand as he breathes deeply through his nose. He focuses on his heartbeat as he blows the air out of his mouth.

He doesn’t punch Jin.

He isn’t going to tire of Kurama, that’s not how this plays out.

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that.”

Jin laughs, “I’m messing with you! C’mon. Back at it.”

Hiei makes it the rest of the practice avoiding the topic of Kurama. It doesn’t change the fact his blood feels hot, and he wants to fight something.

Practice doesn’t help work the emotion out of his system, and while a jog would probably clear his head he refuses to do that to his body. He doesn’t even get the satisfaction of vomiting, the one time it would probably feel cathartic to literally eject what’s on the inside out of him.

Maybe Yusuke will be up for a fight later if he still feels like this.

Kurama is already packed up and ready to go when Hiei makes it over where he is seated on the bleachers. His hair is down and a bit wind blown, but he still manages to look picture perfect somehow. The smile he offers Hiei is openly hungry, promising a good time if Hiei wants it.

“You looked good out there.”

Hiei shrugs and reaches out to touch Kurama’s hair. Kurama stills, his eyes widening in surprise. Hiei never reaches for him first, not in public.

Catching Kurama off guard feels nearly as good as smashing his fist into flesh.

“Hiei?”

“You look nice,” he says as he lets Kurama’s hair fall through his fingers.

Kurama doesn’t move, watching Hiei to see what he will do. Hiei leans down, twisting his fingers tighter into Kurama’s hair. For his part, Kurama eagerly tips his head up, mouth pliant and ready for Hiei’s kiss. His hands are tentative, so unlike himself, as he slides them up Hiei’s bare chest.

“This is okay?” Kurama whispers when they break apart, eyes searching Hiei’s. Hiei doesn’t pull away, just presses his forehead to Kurama’s and breathes deeply.

“Yeah,” he says gruffly and kisses Kurama again. He stands over him, hands tangled in his hair, and slides his tongue into Kurama’s mouth. He hopes Jin is watching. Nobody is getting tired of this anytime soon.

“Let’s get out of here,” Hiei says as he pulls away. Kurama looks a little dazed, then downright confused when Hiei takes him by the hand and pulls him off the bleachers.

“What’s gotten into you?”

“I’ll show you,” Hiei says, grinning back at him. Kurama laughs and Hiei doesn’t drop his hand the entire walk home.

***

Hiei barely has the door closed when Kurama is on him. Having seemingly recovered from the shock of Hiei taking the lead, Kurama is ready to take advantage of the situation. He runs his hands and tongue up Hiei’s torso, making Hiei shudder.

Hiei can feel Kurama’s smirk as he presses kisses into his neck. “You’re salty, I love it.”

“I’m gross,” Hiei corrects, and rests his hand on the back of Kurama’s head. He encourages him to kiss a bit lower, and when Kurama nips along the bottom of his throat, Hiei tilts his head out of the way. “There.”

Kurama hums and bites him a little harder, their hips sliding together effortlessly. When Hiei holds him there, Kurama begins to suck a mark into his skin. He wants to be able to look in the mirror later when Kurama is gone and see the reminder that he was here.

Hiei closes his eyes and groans. He likes the feeling of Kurama against him, solid and firm. He knows Kurama will spend time here, face pressed into his neck, until Hiei suggests more. He likes this routine they’ve created. Sliding his hands over Kurama’s ass, he groans again.

Because he’s still mad about Jin, he says, “Let me go take a quick shower.” He knows it will drive Kurama wild, and he’s right.

Kurama pushes closer, his hands on Hiei’s chest squeezing possessively.

“You won’t.” He says it as if Hiei doesn’t have a choice. His lips are pressed beneath Hiei’s ear as he whispers, “You smell so good.”

This kiss threatens to leave another mark, so Hiei pulls away. He doesn’t need one so visible, although a tiny part of him thinks it might be worth it. Yusuke would torment him relentlessly, but it would also show the world he is wanted.

“I do not,” he insists, because it’s true, but also because it pushes Kurama’s buttons.

Kurama threads his fingers into Hiei’s still damp hair and tugs hard enough to get Hiei’s full attention. His dick takes notice as well.

For a long moment Kurama searches his face, his expression no longer playful. He does not rush this inspection for Hiei’s benefit, merely takes his time cataloging his expression.

Finally, he asks, “Do you feel self conscious, Hiei?”

At this, Hiei flushes. He attempts to shake his head, but Kurama’s grip remains firm, so he has to speak up.

“No.”

“Then you are going to fuck me before you shower.”

He says it so evenly, as if he’s discussing something as mundane as the weather, and that nonchalance does it for Hiei everytime time. Someone as pretty as Kurama unbothered by saying something so crude, it makes his pulse pick up and his stomach twist.

With lips as soft and smooth as his words, Kurama brushes his mouth over Hiei’s. Flirting at a kiss, but not quite following through.

“I know you like to make me happy,” he whispers, sucking all of the air out of Hiei’s lungs, “and I like that you’re a sweaty mess.”

“Okay,” Hiei murmurs against Kurama’s mouth. He searches Kurama’s eyes, finding nothing but lust in his gaze.

“I spend too much of my time presenting myself in a certain light—as someone who’s respectable. Clean. I don’t want to do that here, with you. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

He thinks of how quiet and polite Kurama had been beside his mother all of those weeks ago. About the easy way he makes small talk with people like Mukuro. Hiei gets tired from playing nice for only a couple hours every few days when he serves coffee. The thought of Kurama choosing every word and action all day everyday exhausts Hiei. He does understand.

“I want you to make me just as dirty as you are,” Kurama says, his voice dropping to a filthy whisper. “Can you do that Hiei?” His lips curl into a smile, feather soft against Hiei’s. His fingers curl around his dick, hard and demanding.

“Yeah, I can do that.”

Kurama rewards him with a kiss.

“You’re such a freak,” Hiei says when they break apart, unable to suppress his smirk. “You’re lucky I find it attractive, despite my better judgment.”

“Like calls to like, as they say.”

“I’ve been told I’m fairly tame,” Hiei says as he starts moving Kurama towards his room.

Kurama frowns and looks truly perplexed. “By people you were sleeping with? You might not be the most adventurous, Hiei, but you certainly aren’t tame.”

Hiei huffs. He doesn’t enjoy how not adventurous sounds a lot like getting bored. He’s not tired of Kurama, not by a long shot, but Kurama’s interest is a completely different matter.

Hiei hates the idea that the routine he’s come to enjoy so much might be the very thing that decides when Kurama is done with him.

Hiei makes quick work of undressing Kurama once they’re in his room, his own shorts are kicked haphazardly to the corner of the room.

He presses his mouth to Kurama’s chest and sucks a hickey into it as soon as his shirt is off. Kurama moans, his touch soft and encouraging at Hiei’s back. He sinks his teeth into Kurama’s shoulder next, rougher than normal. When Kurama gasps, shocked but pleased, Hiei grabs his waist firmly and presses him back against the door.

He’ll show Kurama adventurous.

“What’s gotten into you?” Kurama pants, leaning down for a kiss. Hiei turns his face and sucks another bruise into his skin as he palms Kurama’s cock.

He’s growing hard under Hiei’s hand, desperate for attention. Kurama’s body is responsive and eager, arching into him. A breathy whine escapes him as Hiei starts stroking him. Kurama tilts his face down for another kiss, and Hiei sucks on his lower lip. Kurama stiffens then, no longer leaning into Hiei.

“Not that I don’t enjoy being manhandled,” Kurama says as he cups Hiei’s cheek, forcing him to look up, “but you seem off today.”

Kurama doesn’t let Hiei pull away, and his eyes hold concern in their green depths.

“Hiei.” Kurama places his other hand over Hiei’s, making him stop. Together they hold Kurama’s half hard dick in the least sexy way possible. Hiei winces.

“I just have a lot on my mind, it’s not important.”

Kurama nods slowly, consideringly, and runs a hand through Hiei’s hair while asking, “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No.” Hiei says it too quickly, and he hates the way Kurama’s eyes are on him, clearly trying to piece together the correct thing to say to work down Hiei’s defenses.

“Besides,” he gives Kurama’s dick a tug, “that’s not why we’re here. I’d rather just fuck you.”

Kurama hesitates. It’s clear he wants to say more. The way his brows pull together, the careful way he searches Hiei’s face, betrays that whatever he has in mind is something Hiei won’t like. Hiei braces for it, not ready to hear that this is too much baggage, or that Kurama’s not looking to deal with Hiei’s shit when they’re supposed to be having a good time.

He sees the moment Kurama changes his mind, takes pity on Hiei, and says slowly, “Sex does normally put you in a better mood.”

“It does,” Hiei agrees and tips his head back to offer Kurama a flirtatious smile. He has to get out of his head, has to let go of the tightness in his chest at the idea of Kurama knowing he’s off. He’s going to ruin this if he gets too caught up in trying to make it last.

“I want you to sit on my face.”

Kurama lets out a startled laugh.

“Really?”

His fingers scratch pleasantly against Hiei’s scalp, melting away the icy feeling in Hiei’s chest. With one touch, Kurama no longer needs words to bend Hiei to his will. Why talk him down, when he can massage the tension away?

Hiei has a love-hate relationship with how tactile Kurama is. His body is so hungry for every touch Kurama offers, but his heart can’t stay out of it.

Hiei is thankful when Kurama starts petting his hair instead, this touch feeling safer.

“Yes.” Hiei stares up at him hopefully, eager to get Kurama on top of him. Eating him out will get his mind off of things, and make Kurama feel good, and he won’t have to look at anybody for a bit. Honestly, nothing but positives in Hiei’s mind.

“I don’t know, do you think I’ll be too heavy?” Kurama flushes, looking apprehensive.

Hiei frowns at him. “Don’t be foolish, it doesn’t suit you.”

Kurama is solid, but he isn’t heavy. Hiei can’t believe he would say something like that after he’s had Hiei fully sit on his chest before. He settles his hands over Kurama’s hips, possessively pulling him closer. “Get over here.”

Carefully, Hiei pulls out Kurama’s plug and sets it aside. Watching it slowly slide out is Hiei’s favorite. It's a thrill every time when it finally pops free.

After Hiei gets comfortable on his back, Kurama carefully swings a leg over Hiei’s chest. He perches high on his knees, hovering a few inches above Hiei. Snaking his arms up, Hiei hooks them around Kurama’s waist and pulls him down. Once he’s settled, Kurama reaches back to spread himself for Hiei’s benefit.

Hiei holds onto Kurama’s hips as he tongues at him. He lets himself work mindlessly. The pressure of Kurama on top of him is welcomed, grounding, a reminder that Kurama is still choosing him. Hiei closes his eyes, breathing steadily through his nose as he pleasures Kurama.

Soft noises of rapture begin to coax Hiei’s shoulders to relax, ebbing away some of the tension he holds there.

He’s good at this. The tentative way Kurama rolls his hips proves it.

Gripping Kurama’s hips, he encourages him to rock against him again, bigger, harder, more enthusiastically. Hiei can feel the way Kurama’s body trembles all around him. His thighs grip at Hiei’s biceps, his hips threaten to smoother Hiei into the mattress. Hiei licks into him with more ferocity.

“Oh,” Kurama gasps, one hand reaching out to steady himself on Hiei’s bent knees.

Oh is right. Hiei doubts he can get Kurama off like this, but he’s going to try.

Hiei pats a hand against his ass to get his attention, and when Kurama starts to get up, he doesn’t allow him to go far. Strong hands hold Kurama close.

“Just sit up a bit straighter,” Hiei rasps.

Kurama does, and when Hiei tips his head back he can get more depth. Kurama reaches back to grasp at Hiei’s wrist. When Hiei encourages Kurama to grind against him, Kurama tangles their fingers together. He’s whimpering, uncharacteristically quiet. It’s a challenge, and Hiei mouths at him—warm and wet and messy—trying to get him to make more noise.

Unable to help it, Hiei reaches out and wraps a hand around his own erection. He cradles Kurama with one arm, unwilling to allow him to escape.

As Hiei strokes himself, he waits for Kurama to stop him. He expects a coy remark about getting ahead of himself. He braces for a gentle smack, the teasing remarks: How dare he take that upon himself, or It’s not his turn yet, or I’ll take care of that.

They don’t come. Kurama quietly moans on top of Hiei but does not reach for him. He does not attempt to stop Hiei from touching himself.

He licks faster, spearing Kurama’s hot, slick body with more intensity. It doesn’t matter if Kurama makes a comment or not, it’s not like he hasn’t jerked off before when they fool around. He doesn’t have to ask for permission. What is he so bent out of shape about?

But more and more, Kurama has been giving him directions in bed. Telling him when he can touch, telling him when he needs to wait.

And maybe Hiei started liking it too much.

It doesn’t matter.

It doesn’t mean anything.

Hiei grips Kurama's hip harder, dropping his hand so he can pull him further onto his face. He fists his dick furiously, fast and tight and punishingly. He wants to come and be done with this anger that courses through him. He just wants some form of release.

“Stop, stop,” Kurama gasps, trying to sit up.

It takes a few tries before Hiei releases him.

“Come here,” Kurama demands, moving to sit on the bed.

Hiei doesn’t move right away, just sprawls his limbs out like a starfish as he pants. His erection throbs between his legs, but he leaves it alone for now. Turning his head he glances reluctantly at Kurama.

“Come here,” Kurama repeats, “something isn’t right.”

Clearly. Hiei tries not to let his face reveal his frustration. Kurama usually isn't oblivious like this.

The tension is growing unbearably thick; slowly threatening to suffocate them. Hiei manages a steadying breath before rolling towards him. He doesn’t want to talk right now, even though he knows it’s the logical course of action.

As a last ditch effort, he reaches for Kurama’s groin, but Kurama catches his wrist and says, “Stop.”

Hiei pulls his hand back and sits up. He isn’t sulking, but it would be well within his right to do so.

This is exactly what he was trying to avoid.

“Did I do—”

“No,” Hiei says quickly, and when he looks up, Kurama’s eyes are filled with cautious uncertainty. He’s never seen Kurama look like this. Like he doesn’t have the answers.

Unsure, unsettled, searching for pieces to patch together a next course of action.

“No, it’s not you!” Hiei isn’t sure how things always end up going to shit, but he would love for the universe to give him a break this one time.

“I’m sorry, it’s just school and shit I should've left on the track.”

“Hiei.” Kurama takes one of Hiei’s hands in both of his. He focuses on playing with Hiei’s fingers as he speaks. “You can talk to me about stuff. If you don’t feel up to—”

“I’ve just been really stressed about midterms coming up,” Hiei says quickly, “and I would really love to not think about them for a while.” He reaches out to tuck a wiley strand of hair behind Kurama’s ear. After a moment he adds, “I’m sorry I’ve been in a bad mood.”

Kurama looks up then, a small smile returning to his lips. He studies Hiei’s face for an uncomfortable moment.

This is it, Hiei knows. Either Kurama will reach for something more, or he will finally push him away.

“I can take your mind off of it,” Kurama says instead, his tone playful again. “Let me make you feel better.”

“Yeah?” Hiei returns his smile half heartedly, nodding.

It doesn’t matter.

If Kurama wants to pretend the building tension doesn’t exist, Hiei isn’t going to stop him. Kurama is here for the sex, and if Hiei can keep his emotions in check, it’ll be smooth sailing.

“Yeah, I’ve got you. Don’t worry, just lay back.” Kurama slides to his knees at the foot of the bed, pulling Hiei to the edge. “But next time talk to me, okay?”

Hiei nods, biting the inside of his cheek. He won’t be doing that, thanks. He lets his knees fall open as Kurama gathers his hair over one shoulder.

Kurama’s mouth is hot and wet as he swallows Hiei whole. There’s no gradual, teasing build up today. One moment Hiei is studying Kurama’s face, the next his dick is sliding down the back of his throat. Hiei groans and looks to the ceiling as Kurama buries his face against Hiei’s pelvis.

It’s good—it’s always good when Kurama sucks him off—and Hiei closes his eyes to enjoy the ride.

Kurama’s tongue is a wicked thing. Hiei reminds himself that this is what Kurama wants to use it for. Conversation only seems in his wheelhouse if it leads to the bedroom. He doesn’t have interest in pursuing something heavier, messier—more emotionally involved. Far more intent on tasting over talking.

Kurama nuzzles at his stomach, and Hiei rests a hand on top of his head. Kurama blows him enthusiastically, all sloppy, wet kisses and hard, toe curling suction. He’s moaning as much as Hiei, which does distract Hiei from the stifling powerless feeling that he’s been stuck in. Kurama’s enthusiasm shed hopeful, electric thrills up Hiei’s spine.

Hiei groans hopefully when Kurama presses his fingers against his entrance. He spreads his legs wider, encouragingly. Kurama sits back long enough to spit on his hole, before he’s sucking his dick back into his mouth.

As Kurama rubs at him, urging Hiei to relax, Hiei can’t help but think he’s got it made. All Kurama wants is for them to both feel good. Hiei can’t figure out why he has to complicate that. He seems determined to get in his own way.

A moan escapes him as careful fingers press into him. It’s tight, and stings a bit, but he likes it.

Kurama’s fingers are slow, lazy things, intent on savoring the act of opening Hiei far more than completing the task. Hiei clamps around Kurama, he can’t help it. The way his tongue feels against his shaft, the tight, wet heat of his mouth, it’s impossible to stay relaxed.

“God, you smell good,” Kurama murmurs as he kisses the base of Hiei’s erection. He rubs his face there, moaning. It’s indecent and erotic and Hiei whimpers at the loss of Kurama’s mouth on him.

Kurama is so hot for him like this, sweaty and musky. Normally, it makes Hiei feel powerful to see Kurama, so often perfect and composed, reduced to a simpering mess over something Hiei does naturally. Hiei tightens his fingers in Kurama’s hair, trying to enjoy that knowledge. It’s not doing it for him today.

His bad mood lingers, and all he can think is that his teammates are equally pungent after practice. Maybe he would prefer Jin who is always in a good mood and just as sweaty.

“Hiei, you’re in your head again,” Kurama says, wiping at his mouth. Hiei bites the inside of his cheek, furious with himself.

“Yeah,” Hiei admits. “At this point, I’m upset that I’m not shaking the bad mood. I just want to enjoy this to the fullest potential.”

Kurama laughs, and kisses Hiei’s thigh, his fingers curling ever so slowly within him. “Want me to grab the lube?”

“No, not yet. As long as you keep going easy, I like it.”

Kurama hums, swirling his lips over the head of Hiei’s erection. “Tell me if you change your mind.”

“Okay,” Hiei says quietly, feeling pinned when Kurama catches his gaze.

“That’s my good boy.”

Hiei whimpers, he can’t help it, and Kurama smirks up at him.

“Yeah,” here Kurama licks slowly up his cock, “you are a very good boy, aren’t you?”

Hiei bites his lip, nodding frantically, his face is on fire. He’s going to come undone. He casts his eyes up to the ceiling, unbothered by the fact he’s hiding from Kurama’s intense gaze.

“Look at me.” Kurama’s tone is calm, as lazy as his fingers buried within Hiei. Reluctantly, Hiei looks back down at him.

“I’m going to finger your ass and suck your cock until you can only say my name,” he says matter of factly. Hiei can’t breathe as a slow, wicked smile stretches across Kurama’s face. “And after you’ve come in my mouth—like the good boy I know you are—you’re going to fuck me until I say stop. Do you understand?”

His whole body feels charged and exposed. He nods furiously, unable to help it when he closes his eyes for a moment. He doesn’t have to be told to open them.

“Say it,” Kurama demands, eyes unfairly sober and locked on his as he hovers a whisper away from Hiei’s cock. His breath is hot and damp on Hiei’s sensitive skin, and Hiei tastes blood from where he’s bitten the inside of his cheek.

“I understand!”

As soon as he utters the words, Kurama is on him again. Hiei cries out, instinctively tugging at Kurama’s hair as he swallows him yet again.

Kurama laughs, possibly chokes, as he presses his nose into Hiei’s pubic hair. He sits there, breathing in deeply before swallowing around Hiei. It makes his back arch and his hips buck wildly. He wants to fuck Kurama’s throat and his hand simultaneously.

They should be standing. No, Kurama should be on his knees. Hiei needs to buy a more manageable dildo, or a wall mounted fleshlight.

He just wants more.

He needs to be inside Kurama and be filled by him at the same time. Hiei moans, loudly, letting himself get lost in the fantasy of being sandwiched between two Kurama’s. He wants it so badly his toes curl, and since that can’t happen, he’s going to have to buy a fleshlight.

Immediately, Hiei imagines the price of a fleshlight—too expensive—and promises himself he’ll get a dildo instead.

Besides, they both like when he fucks Kurama’s face.

“What are you thinking?” Kurama asks, licking at his shaft and over his sack, mouthing there a few times, and against his hole.

Hiei shivers and moans, and it takes a few tries before he’s able to catch his breath enough to say, “Something perverted.”

“Good.” Kurama licks at his hole, his tongue and hand working in tandem as he fingers him a bit faster. He spits again, making the slide a bit easier. “You should only be thinking about me.”

“Yes.”

And with his mouth on Hiei? It’s true.

***

Later, after Kurama has gone and the day is done, a dark smudge catches Hiei’s eye in the bathroom mirror. His pauses, toothbrush still in his mouth as he stares at a bruise.

The hickey is dark, stamped high on his chest.

He glares at his reflection, at the tentative way his fingers brush over the mark. He spits out his toothpaste, so he won’t have to look at the reminder anymore.

Why was he so upset earlier? Why did he nearly run Kurama off? Because of Jin?

Hiei sighs, meeting his eyes in the mirror once more. This is getting ridiculous. He knows what the problem is. He wants more. He wants a relationship. Despite everything, all the reminders that it’s a hopeless pursuit, he has feelings for Kurama.

And it isn’t going to turn into anything, so it’s pointless.

No it’s clearly not in the cards, Kurama doesn’t want it. Hiei isn’t good enough to be let into any part of Kurama’s life. He has watched Kurama turn away from every serious emotion Hiei has ever brought up. It’s really nice sex, and some enjoyable conversations, and that’s about it.

But is it enough? Is he going to spend every hook up looking for more in Kurama’s lingering touches? And maybe that’s part of the problem. If Kurama wasn’t so generous with his touch, so warm with his expressions, maybe Hiei wouldn’t have gotten his hopes up.

He can’t fault Kurama for being himself.

Hiei takes a deep breath, looks himself in the eye, and decides this is enough for right now. He’s okay moving forward and knowing nothing more is going to come of it.

He can keep his anger in check, can simply enjoy the ride for now—for however long it lasts.

It doesn’t have to be a serious thing. Kurama just isn’t meant to fit into that piece of Hiei’s life.

It doesn’t matter how badly Hiei wants it, wants Kurama. He has to get over these feelings, or bury them, or walk away. He has to see that all the pretty daydreams of his future with Kurama by his side are just that, daydreams. There’s no second act, there’s no inspirational music as Kurama finally realizes Hiei’s something worthwhile.

This isn’t a movie, that’s not how the world works. That isn’t real.

In real life, nine times out of ten friends with benefits ends up exactly where Hiei has found himself: with one half of the equation hurt.

Running his fingers over the bruise, Hiei pushes at the burgundy stain. It aches, but it is real.

Nothing has felt as good as this thing with Kurama. It doesn’t matter that it’s dangerous, that Kurama is an open flame and in this scenario Hiei is the moth. Hiei knows himself, knows he’s going to keep coming back until it burns him.

Digging his finger into the hickey, something similar to melancholy sweeps through Hiei. It’s more bittersweet, just like this pain that comes from such a pleasurable act. Hiei decides he will stay present in the moment moving forward. He won’t get distracted by daydreaming of impossible futures.

He will just enjoy it all before it fades like this bruise.

And then he will move on too.

***

Hiei sighs and slides his phone into his pocket. He’ll respond later. Midterms start on Monday, and he has a funny feeling he won’t be seeing Kurama anytime soon. He does need to study, so he can’t be too upset about it. His brain knows that, but there are parts of him that don’t feel the same way.

At precisely eleven forty-five, and not a moment sooner, Iwamoto appears at his office door. “Come in, please.” It doesn't matter that Hiei followed him up here from their classroom on the first floor fifteen minutes ago, he was made to wait in the hallway.

“Thank you,” he remembers to say as he steps into the shared office space. There’s at least ten desks around the room, but only a handful have people working at them. Iwamoto leads Hiei to a tidy little desk furthest from the door. When Iwamoto drags a chair from one of the surrounding desks over, Hiei takes a seat. Other than the stack of papers they turned in last week, Iwamoto’s work space is clean.

“What brings you in today?”

“I was hoping we could discuss my tardies.” Hiei tries his best to stay polite. He knows it will help him in the long run.

“Ah, of course,” Iwamoto says and has the nerve to smirk. “I figured as much.”

Hiei bites the inside of his cheek and counts to seven before he can say, “I bought the textbook, I have never been late or missed class.”

“Except for athletic events.” Iwamoto frowns as if this leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

“Yes,” Hiei agrees neutrally. “I did all of the readings during the time I did not own the book.”

“I understand.” Iwamoto takes his glasses off and pulls a cloth from his pocket to clean the lenses. “But the syllabus clearly states that students will be counted tardy each class period that they fail to bring required materials, and the textbook is required materials.”

“I know.” Hiei can’t help the frustrated note in his tone, and he tries to reign it in. “I was waiting on my paycheck. I don’t receive a scholarship for books,” thinking it can only help, Hiei tacks on a belated, “Sir.”

“As I’m sure you know, many of our students do not receive any funding. I understand this can cause difficulty, but you are not the first person to have to work for their education.”

“I know,” Hiei grinds out. “I just couldn’t afford all of my textbooks for this semester off of one paycheck.” He had underestimated what he’d needed to save for the semester, and it wasn’t the biggest deal, except when it came to this class.

“Because the readings were public domain, I thought it would be okay to buy your textbook after I had been paid again.”

“Well, I’m sorry you thought that.”

Hiei clenches his teeth, trying to hold his temper in check.

“Professor, I’m trying to find a way to work with you. I want to do well in your class. I’ve been studying the materials you posted for midterms, but I can’t lose ten percent of my grade over this textbook. Is there anything I can do to make it up?”

Iwamoto shrugs. “What can I say? You may have done the readings, Hiei, but you didn’t participate much in the discussions. How do I know you did the work? You didn’t even have a book at that time.”

Hiei wants to kick himself. Iwamoto is correct. He barely spoke up, only when the discussions ground to a halt, and Iwamoto refused to move on until somebody produced an answer. But Hiei had the right answer each time. That should count for something.

“Could I do anything extra to remove the tardies?” Hiei won’t ask again. If he’s told no, he will drop the matter and go. He is not going to beg this man. He will deal with the ten percent off of his grade and just hope he can do well on his midterms and finals.

Iwamoto isn’t a complete asshole as he sighs and says, “I suppose we could figure something out.”

***

Hiei has to write three extra papers over the readings in question, which sucks, but he has until the end of the semester to do it. It’s a better deal than he expected when Iwamoto shot down the logical idea of excusing the tardies for the sole fact that Hiei's never actually been late.

It is one of the only wins Hiei gets in the next week and a half. That time is primarily dominated by studying, working, or actually taking midterms. He has to pick up extra shifts because Juri gets the stomach bug, and he only gets to see Kurama once, briefly, in all that time. They still text constantly—good mornings and good nights, when they’re on a break from cramming and work—but it’s not the same. The phone sex is nice, but Hiei has to admit that he misses getting to see Kurama. He knows the space is something he needs, and he promises himself he will come back with a stronger defense around his heart when midterms are over.

One of the few nice things about midterms is that it frees up his time on the actual days of the tests. Once he’s finished with each test he doesn’t have to stick around for the rest of class. He suddenly has hours of extra time at his disposal. He’s able to actually go home before work a few times.

It’s nice, until he’s halfway through work on Friday when Yusuke texts him:

He follows this up with a picture of their shower—where Hiei has forgotten the green monstrosity still suction cupped to the shower wall.

Hiei’s entire body goes hot as more texts start pouring in.

Hiei wants to crawl in a hole and never come out. He never should’ve taken Kurama up on it when he offered to leave the dildo for him to use. What a nightmare.

He sighs. He hates his life so much right now. Is Yusuke going to move out over this? He wouldn’t blame him.

It takes a long time, but Yusuke finally responds.

It’s quite reasonable, surprisingly so for Yusuke, and Hiei lays his head on the counter and hopes the week will just end.

Chapter Text

With midterms over, Hiei is finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. He managed to get passing marks on all of his tests, and the week of anxiety and fatigue is finally behind him. His Saturday shift isn’t too busy, as most couples prefer spending their evenings browsing Mukuro’s wares. The Saturday morning shift is reserved for those no nonsense buyers that need to restock their lube, or buy a toy they’ve already researched and picked out online.

It’s quiet and peaceful, and Hiei basks in the warm spring light that streams in through the windows. He didn’t even bring a text book today. He’s taking a solid twenty-four hour beak from academics.

It’s fifteen minutes before his shift is over when the bell announces a patron. It’s too early for Juri to be showing up, she will wait until the last possible second to relieve Hiei. Hiei looks up and is met with a far more pleasing sight.

Kurama is situating a large, picturesque, wicker basket over one elbow as he smooths his skirt. He’s wearing a sweater that’s the same soft shade of blue as the flowers that grow outside Keiko’s parent’s house. Periwinkles, if Hiei remembers correctly. He doesn’t really care to dissect that thought, though, because the skirt that Kurama’s tucked his sweater into is much shorter than anything Hiei has seen him in before. The black fabric is full of movement, flowing fancifully around his knees. His hair is down, wind blown and mussed. His legs look smooth and deceptively pristine, and Hiei’s mouth is suddenly dry. He curls his fingers into fists to ensure they behave.

[ART BY CRISCURA]

Nothing ever gets Hiei’s stomach in knots quiet like this—Kurama looking up for the first time, catching his eye as a smile breaks out across his face. When Kurama looks at him—mischievously, suggestively, teasingly, happily, it doesn’t matter—he has to take a steadying breath. It’s like the rush of a runner’s high, and he knows this is the point where he should cut Kurama out of his life. Because the high is too good, too addicting—too much like a poison plotting his impending downfall—because he can’t let go just yet.

“Hello Kurama,” Kurama says with a tone that is mockingly sweet when Hiei does nothing beyond stare, beguiled, “it is wonderful to see you. I’ve been counting the minutes! You look go—”

“You look great,” Hiei says quickly, unable to suppress a smile as Kurama keeps talking.

“—oh, I see you have a picnic basket there, how interesting!”

“My life was so… monotoned before you,” Hiei says, shaking his head in fond exasperation. “Is this the surprise?” He eye’s the basket, unsure why a picnic requires that he wear sweatpants.

Kurama had texted him twice today to remind him that this surprise, something to celebrate the survival of midterms, had a very dressed-down dress code.

Kurama hefts the basket up onto the counter, and rests his arm across it as if he fears Hiei will try to peek inside. “It’s a part of it, yes. Very astute of you, Hiei,” Kurama teases. His fingers hover just a few inches away, flexing towards Hiei while he speaks, almost as if Kurama wants to make contact with him the same way Hiei wants it.

Hiei reminds himself that Kurama is just expressive; that he talks with his hands when he gets that mischievous look in his eye.

“Is anybody else here?” Kurama glances towards the doorway behind Hiei briefly. It leads to a small storage space that moonlights as a staff room—the whole two chairs and a folding table—and Mukuro’s office.

“No, Juri won’t be here for another ten minutes or so.”

Kurama nods and makes no effort to hide the way he’s staring at Hiei. If he wasn’t taking the opportunity to do the same, Hiei would squirm. “But there are cameras,” Kurama says ruefully.

Hiei meets that with a raised brow. “Yes. Many.” He narrows his eyes at Kurama in mock disapproval. “Why?” The corner of Hiei’s mouth turns up.

“I haven’t seen you in nearly a week.” Impossibly, Kurama’s eyes grow darker as he licks his lips. “I am keeping my hands to myself right now because I respect you, Hiei. I know you take issue with fooling around on the job,” Kurama tilts his head, considering, before he adds, “most of the time.”

Hiei smirks, thinking of Kurama on his knees. A part of him that isn’t allowed to make executive decisions wishes Kurama wouldn’t respect him quite so much right now.

“Is that so?”

“Indisputably,” Kurama says. “When you are off the clock, I must warn you, I plan to make up for lost time.”

Fighting every instinct in his body, Hiei doesn’t move closer. He doesn’t reach for Kurama’s hand, or the tempting strands of red hair that hang about his shoulder. He does not move around the counter, or press his hands to Kurama’s chest, or his mouth to his lips.

Oh, but how he craves to do these things.

“You have something planned?” he asks, hoping Kurama will be detailed in his answer. Kurama always has a plan for everything.

“I have many plans for you, Hiei. Chief amongst them is to sink my teeth into you, quite literally.” He’s matter of fact. His gaze is suddenly analytical, possessive even, as he appraises Hiei. It’s as if he is mapping out exactly where he will leave his mark.

Heat creeps up Hiei’s neck. “Should we skip the picnic?”

“No, no,” Kurama laughs, his expression bright and playful once more, the lust in his eyes driven back for the time being. “It’s a lovely day, we should take full advantage of the weather. I promise we will have plenty of time together today.”

When Juri comes in, Hiei and Kurama are a respectable distance apart. They’ve filled these slow minutes with more longing looks than are strictly necessary. While the tension is thick enough to cut with a knife, Kurama has been a man of his word. Hiei is quick to grab his things and follow Kurama out of the store.

“Do you want me to carry that?” He asks, eyeing how Kurama has propped the basket on his hip. The handle is nestled in the crook of his elbow, and he waves Hiei’s question away.

“Thank you, but I’m fine.” He reaches over, the back of his hand bumping Hiei’s before it falls back to his side.

Hiei glances down at Kurama’s hand, lingering on his long fingers where they play peekaboo within the shifting folds of his skirt. They never talk about it, but they don’t hold hands outside of sex; outside of that disastrous day two weeks ago—when Hiei had been so furious he hadn’t even realized he’d grabbed Kurama’s hand until they were halfway across campus. And what a cluster that had been.

It’s an unspoken agreement. Holding hands would make this too personal, would toe the line of relationship a little too hard.

Hiei isn’t stupid. He can see there are times, like now, Kurama wants to slip his hand into Hiei’s—possibly tangle their fingers together, maybe squeeze his hand in anticipation or reassurance.

Everytime they’re outside of the bedroom, Kurama will either wrap those foolish fingers around the strap of his messenger bag, or tangle them into his hair, or busy them with his clothing. Hiei knows Kurama is a tactile person. He likes to touch, it’s apparent from his behavior when they’re alone.

Kurama is aware enough, however, to keep this from happening outside of their hookups. Probably, he suspects Hiei will get the wrong idea. Likely, Kurama knows he will fall a little too hard.

Hiei wonders if he’s so obvious. He’s normally hard to read for most people, but Kurama’s clever in a way Hiei covets. He worries Kurama reads him like an open book, will eventually find far more emotional attachment than he’s comfortable with, and will shelve Hiei in favor of a far lighter read.

Hiei doesn’t take Kurama’s hand, but he does offer his arm. Kurama smoothly slides one hand appreciatively around Hiei’s bicep. This, somehow, is safer territory. All the contact they crave, but a little less personal. Hiei’s chest tightens with a variety of emotions as Kurama leans into him.

“There is food in that basket, right?” He glances up at Kurama in time to see a worrisome gleam in his eye before he’s tossing his head back with laughter.

“Of course, I figured you’d be hungry after work. That’s why I chose a picnic.” He squeezes Hiei’s arm reassuringly.

Now, as Kurama leads Hiei into the heart of campus, it’s all too easy to imagine dating him. Having his boyfriend pick him up from work, planning out picnics that are more about enjoying the afternoon and less about heavy petting—which Hiei suspects is Kurama’s current plan. Hiei tears his eyes away from Kurama, as he tries to focus on the beauty of the well manicured campus and not the daydream of something more.

When they pass the student union and head into the gardens that make up The Terrace, Hiei can’t help but smile. It’s his favorite part of campus and it’s perfect for a picnic.

“I love spring,” Kurama says as they slow down to study the new blooms. The gardens are mostly empty. Most students are still recovering from exams, not willing to venture out in the middle of the afternoon.

“It is beautiful,” Hiei admits, talking about the flowers, and the day, and Kurama.

“Come on.” Kurama pulls him along towards the hedge maze. Hiei snorts, heavy petting is definitely on Kurama’s agenda.

As they approach the entrance, however, a wooden sawhorse blocks their path. The words GROUNDS MAINT. are spray painted across it.

Kurama is apparently unbothered by this, stepping around it with little fuss. He drops Hiei’s arm to gather his skirt so it doesn’t snag.

“Kurama,” Hiei says flatly, “it’s closed.”

“It’s fine. I snagged these from work, come on.”

Because of course he did, Hiei already knew he’s an exhibitionist. He cannot fathom Kurama sneaking this bulking saw horse across campus. He assumes there’s another one at the exit.

Hiei frowns, looking around. “This feels like trouble,” he mutters as he follows Kurama into the maze.

“We deserve a bit of privacy, I don’t want somebody interrupting us.”

“During our picnic.” Hiei gives him a pointed look.

“Precisely.” Kurama’s expression is all misplaced innocence as he disappears around the next turn.

At the center of the maze is a large open square of grass shaded by a magnolia tree. Kurama sets the picnic basket onto the solitary stone bench, and begins to dig inside of it. Hiei helps him spread a large quilt over the grass. Kurama drops three small textbooks onto the corners, and sets the basket on the fourth, to hold it down. They sit, Kurama smoothing his skirt, and Hiei finds a bottle of tea being pressed into his hands—it’s the same brand Hiei keeps at home. He watches Kurama place a cheese and cracker plate at his knee, feeling pleasantly known.

“I have a sandwich in here for you as well.” Kurama pops a piece of cheese into his mouth, pulling more goodies from the basket.

“Thank you,” Hiei says quietly, setting his tea aside. He allows Kurama to crowd into his space, straddling his lap while placing a piece of cheese against his lips. He holds that green eyed gaze, unblinking, as Kurama feeds him.

“Of course.” Kurama rolls his hips suggestively as he reaches for more food, a cracker now. Before he allows Hiei to eat it, he steals a kiss. It’s long, and hot, and exposes the pent up energy Kurama has been barely holding back.

Hiei rests his hands over Kurama’s hips, letting one slip down to his ass as he encourages Kurama to grind against him again. Hiei has missed this: tilting his head back for heated kisses, greedy hands groping his chest without remorse, having Kurama’s tall, solid frame looming over him.

Hiei groans softly, trying to keep quiet as Kurama digs his nails into his upper arms. He pulls away then, and feeds Hiei before eating a cracker himself. He rocks his hips steadily against Hiei, his skirt fanning out around them protectively.

“You planned this,” Hiei accuses, untucking Kurama’s sweater so he can slide a hand under it.

Kurama’s eyes shine as he bites his lip. He plays at innocent for a moment longer before he nods. He loses his demure smile, however, when he leans forward to bite Hiei’s earlobe.

“I told you, Hiei, I have many plans for you.” His hands disappear under his skirt, and he palms Hiei’s half hard cock through his sweats. “I haven’t had you in a week,” his words border on desperate, murmured against Hiei’s temple, “I need to touch you.”

“Kurama,” Hiei whispers, but he’s silenced as Kurama kisses him. Hiei rubs his thumb over one of Kurama’s nipples, amazed at how quietly he whimpers into the kiss. He’s wearing the chain today, and Hiei longs to get his mouth on it, on his chest, on one of those sensitive nipples. He groans into Kurama’s mouth and slips his other hand under Kurama’s skirt. He skates it up his thigh, letting it rest on his ass possessively.

“Yes,” Kurama breathes, grinding against him again. His hands grip at his shirt, and Hiei hopes he won’t ask him to take it off. He doesn’t want to be so exposed, despite the perceived privacy.

“Kurama,” he says again, determined to not get distracted despite those playful teeth at his throat. “Tell me your plan.”

Kurama slides his lips up Hiei’s neck, nipping his skin along the way, before settling his mouth into the tender spot just below Hiei’s ear. “You’re going to fuck me,” he says softly. Hiei can’t help but squeeze Kurama’s ass on reflex.

“What?” Not jerking each other off, or fingering Kurama a bit, or even trading sloppy blowjobs? Just jumping straight to it.

“You heard me.” His voice is low and husky, sending shivers racing down Hiei’s spine. “You’re going to to help me out of my underwear,” he punctuates this with a slow roll of his hips, “and then you’ll be so sweet to me and remove my plug—”

“—yeah—”

“Then I’m going to get you nice and hard—” Hiei massages Kurama’s ass in anticipation, swallowing dryly as Kurama says, “—and out of those sweats.”

Hiei can’t wait, he kisses Kurama, holding him a bit tighter. Kurama only has approving noises to offer Hiei, his erection obvious as he grinds against him.

Kurama breaks the kiss, his expression smug as he says, “Then I’m going to ride you until I come.”

“I like your plans, you should make them all the time.” Hiei sucks softly at Kurama’s throat, careful not to leave a mark.

“I should.”

“Are there any other details I should know of?” Hiei can’t think of anything more perfect. “We keep our clothes on?” He asks quietly. He’s not embarrassed to admit, “This is my first time in such a public place.”

Kurama licks at his mouth and his eyes sparkle. “Yes, we’ll keep our clothes on. Nobody should interrupt us, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“And you can stay quiet?”

Kurama laughs softly, steadily rocking against Hiei. “I can, I promise.”

Hiei presses his palm to the front of Kurama’s underwear, cupping the hardness he finds there. “Public sex really does it for you?”

Kurama pulls his wrist away. “It’s thrilling, you’ll love it. Although it’s more about being outside for me than being at risk of exposure. Now, the other details,” he says sternly, “your hands can either be on my ass or above my waist.”

Hiei thinks about this, moving his hands into compliance. “What about your thighs?”

Kurama considers. His own hands are massaging Hiei’s shoulders. “I suppose that will be fine. Your mouth is to stay busy. Kissing me will help me keep quiet.”

Hiei nods in understanding.

“That’s a good boy.” Kurama sighs happily and kisses him again. Then he’s standing, breaking out of Hiei’s grip as if it’s nothing. Hiei’s hands raise to follow him, lingering under his skirt for a moment before sliding down his legs. It must tickle because Kurama twitches under Hiei’s fingers.

Hiei looks up, and as Kurama sways in place, he’s able to catch a glimpse under his skirt for a brief moment. One moment his eyes are locked on Kurama’s impossibly green ones, the next he’s peering into the shadows of his skirt at what might be lingerie.

“Take them off of me,” Kurama says, voice low. They may be in the center of the maze, but they’re not that far removed from the busy campus.

Hiei reaches up and finds a thick, soft band of fabric on Kurama's hips. He slides it down his legs, revealing a surprisingly simple black thong. Kurama tucks them into the picnic basket once they're off and settles himself back in Hiei’s lap.

“I haven’t seen you in a thong before,” Hiei muses, running his hands through Kurama’s hair. They don’t really seem like Kurama’s style.

Kurama hums, reaching into Hiei’s sweats as if he has every right to be there. He pulls Hiei’s erection free and begins stroking it. “I’ve found they are best at keeping my plug in when I wear it for longer periods of time.”

“Oh,” is all Hiei can say, his focus on Kurama’s hands and not his words.

“Get the basket?” Kurama asks, kissing Hiei’s jaw. “I should’ve grabbed a few more things. I’m ready to have you inside of me.”

“I want that.” Hiei groans, pulling the basket closer. Kurama is working his cock into a full erection, and Hiei can’t help but settle one hand on his ass again. He squeezes hungrily.

Kurama produces a bottle of lube. Hiei swears softly when he sees it, being reminded for not the first time that they’re not just fooling around.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t have any condoms on me.” It’s not the biggest deal, but it’s about the convenience.

“I have one, don’t worry.” Kurama pulls an unmistakable silver square out of the basket triumphantly. “I’m the man with the plan, remember?”

“Of course, I should’ve trusted you’d have everything handled.” Hiei watches with interest as Kurama tears the packet open, but frowns when Kurama starts to put it on himself.

“Uh…”

Kurama smiles, clearly finding Hiei’s confused expression amusing. “You won’t be making a mess, Hiei. I’m the one we have to worry about.” Hiei flushes, and his dick twitches with interest at the idea of being buried inside of Kurama, filling him with his come—it has Hiei nearly panting.

“I want inside of you,” he pleads quietly. “Kurama.”

Kurama tosses his hair over his shoulder, his smile blinding. He looks like he’s on top of the world. “Take my plug out,” he says simply, as if it’s the most logical conclusion.

Hiei reaches around and finds the warm, circular base with his finger tips. Kurama kisses him as he carefully pulls it free enough to slip his finger under the base. There’s little resistance, the plug begging to be removed.

“Hiei,” Kurama whines, breaking away to rest his forehead against Hiei’s cheek. “Ah, I’m so ready,” he whispers. “I’ve been thinking about this for days.”

Hiei finds the plug slipping out far easier than he anticipates, he has to make sure he doesn’t drop it. Amazed, Hiei brushes his fingers over Kurama’s hole, finding him pleasantly slick and loose. “God, how long have you had this in?” Hiei sets the plug carefully on the top of the basket as Kurama swipes lube over his cock.

“I put it in before dinner yesterday, not quite twenty-four hours,” Kurama says as he lifts himself over Hiei. “Hold my skirt up.”

“Yesterday?” Kurama has been plugged all day. Over night. Almost twenty-four hours.

He’s been plugged and wanting Hiei’s dick instead.

Hiei doesn’t decide to do it, autopilot thankfully kicking in, as he gathers Kurama’s skirt out of the way while Kurama lines himself up.

“Yeah,” Kurama groans as he sinks easily onto Hiei’s erection. “That’s it, that’s what I’ve been needing,” he whispers happily. “I’ve been plugged most of this week, Babe.”

Kurama’s words catch in Hiei’s chest, tangle in his throat and he can’t breathe for a moment.

Everything is just hot, and tight, and slick, and babe.

Hiei groans, louder than Kurama, and he buries his face against Kurama’s sweater to smother the noise. He can feel the solid closure of Kurama’s nipple piercing press against his lip. He wants nothing more than to stay here, buried in Kurama, prepped and ready for him. He slides in so easily, Kurama flutters around him perfectly, Hiei can’t help it, he groans again.

“Most of the week?” He echoes dreamily. Coming is a real possibility, it’s been just his hand for nearly a week, and he’s missed how perfect Kurama feels.

Taking a steadying breath, Hiei fans the skirt out over their laps, hiding their illicit activity. He slides his hands over Kurama’s ass, shifting his hips to see how much movement he has. It’s not a lot.

“Yeah, I was missing your cock inside of me,” Kurama explains, gripping Hiei’s shoulders again as he rocks forward a bit. “It was all I had. After I gave you—”

“The dildo, yes, yes, of course,” Hiei mutters, helping Kurama as much as he can. There’s not a lot he can do in this position, so he tilts his face up for a kiss. As he loses himself in the kiss, he can’t help coming back to the image of Kurama plugged the majority of the week. It makes him moan into Kurama’s mouth.

“You’re going to kill me,” Hiei manages, biting at Kurama’s lower lip when he pulls back. It makes Kurama chuckle as he rides him.

“How so,” he asks breathlessly.

“Plugged most of the week?” Hiei knows he sounds absolutely mesmerized, he doesn’t care. There’s no mask to hide behind in this moment. “That’s so hot.”

“I was thinking about you the whole time.” He clenches around Hiei, and they both moan. Hiei smothers it against Kurama’s shoulder, Kurama in Hiei’s hair.

“I haven’t come in days,” Kurama whispers against his ear. “Hiei, when I come on your dick it’s going to be so good.”

“Kurama, please–”

He can’t say stuff like that. Hiei isn’t going to survive.

“You feel so good,” Hiei groans, tilting his face up to mouth at Kurama’s neck. “Are you okay? Do you need more lube?”

Kurama shakes his head, biting his lower lip. He closes his eyes, clearly fighting to stay quiet as Hiei’s hands guide his hips, helping Kurama slide up and down his cock.

“It’s good,” he finally whispers.

“Yeah?” Hiei can’t help but ask, enthralled by the helpless look on Kurama’s face. As if this, Hiei, could render him powerless.

Kurama looks at him then, searching his face before he nods. “You’re good, Hiei. You’re a good boy.” His smile turns a bit coy as he says, “You make me feel like this.”

“Kurama…” Hiei shivers, heat creeping up his neck. Hiei‘s going to spend the rest of this day just quietly, desperately moaning Kurama’s name. That’s it. That’s his plan.

“Do you like it when I use you like this?” Kurama presses his mouth against Hiei’s, his voice soft as he asks, “Do you like being my good boy?”

“Yes,” Hiei gasps, allowing Kurama to swallow his words. Kurama grinds on him harder, his hips desperate, his hole greedy.

“Touch my chest, play with my nipples,” Kurama demands, tossing his head back as he rocks steadily utop Hiei.

Hiei does, fumbling his hands out of Kurama’s skirt to slide them under his sweater. He starts with flicking his nipples, tugging at them when they harden beneath his touch. As he plays there, he allows Kurama to hold his face as he seeks another kiss. It’s as if he’s starved for touch, trying to drink Hiei in.

It’s barely been five days and he’s acting like he’s been deprived.

Hiei shifts his hips a bit and Kurama groans, bucking his hips more frantically. Hiei shifts again, unable to really fuck Kurama the way he’d like. Kurama whimpers, pulling away to tuck his face against Hiei’s neck.

Hiei busies himself with tugging at Kurama’s nipple chain as he asks, “Does it feel good?”

“Yes,” Kurama moans, biting carefully at Hiei’s neck. “Mmm, it’s good, oh– do that again. Roll your hips up like that, yes–“ Kurama gasps and starts riding him more enthusiastically—pushing himself further up before grinding down hard. “Stay there,” he hisses, biting at his lip to keep quiet.

It’s a futile effort.

“Don’t move, that’s perfect…” Kurama quiets to soft moaning, his focus absorbed on riding Hiei now.

Hiei stays as still as he can manage, wanting to please Kurama. He stares up at the magnolias and listens to Kurama’s labored panting as he tries to decide if he should tell Kurama how he feels. It’s embarrassing, but being honest about sex has only been a positive experience with Kurama.

Hiei’s cheeks are hot as he quietly says, “I like it when you do that.”

“Do what?” Kurama asks, leaning back to get a better look at Hiei’s face.

He should have opted to take off his shirt, Hiei feels far too warm as he says, “You know…. Take control. I just…” He has to look away before he can say, “I really like it when you’re bossy. When you, I don’t know… tell me what to do?” Hiei lowers his eyes, feeling foolish. It’s incredibly difficult to admit this, to open himself up so fully.

Kurama’s grin turns into a dangerous thing, salacious, licentious, carnal.

“You enjoy it when I tell you how to fuck me?”

Hiei nods, still unable to look him in the eye. Anxiety at what Kurama will do with this knowledge floods through him, chilling his too-hot skin and making his heart hammer in a far less pleasurable way.

“Use your words when I ask you a direct question, especially about what you like or dislike.” Kurama’s tone is stern again, but not belittling. Hiei feels himself nodding, his anxiety fading as quickly as it appeared.

Kurama’s eyes are amused as he watches Hiei’s head bob. His smile softens but it manages to be just as lewd as he asks, “Do you like it when I tell you how to fuck me?”

“Yes.”

It’s nearly inaudible, but Kurama seems pleased. He slides a hand up to Hiei’s neck, his fingers wrapping around his throat softly. He doesn’t squeeze, just holds Hiei there with the promise of pressure. Hiei bucks his hips in response, turning his face away in shame.

“You’re lucky,” Kurama says mildly, inspecting Hiei’s face despite his avoidance. “I’m a bit of a control freak.” He presses that hungry smile to Hiei’s ear. “Does it do it for you when I tell you when you’re allowed to come?”

“Yes,” Hiei whispered, trembling terribly. He clutches at Kurama’s back, just holding on now. Kurama already knows this to be true, why must he say it out loud?

Kurama kisses his temple before sitting up. “Look at me, Hiei.” It takes a moment, but Hiei reluctantly obeys. Kurama’s eyes are hungry, excited in a way Hiei hasn’t seen before.

“Say my name.”

“Kurama,” Hiei whispers. Roiling heat is pooling in his gut, twisting as Kurama’s fingers twitch against his neck.

“Louder.”

“Kurama,” he gasps a bit louder, still soft enough to not draw undesired attention.

“When you come, you will say my name. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” Hiei gasps, swallowing hard beneath Kurama’s hand.

Kurama eventually comes to rest on Hiei’s lap. He tilts his head to the side, rocking forward slowly as he studies Hiei.

“You’re beautiful like this, when you’re so flushed. You look like this after running.” He moves Hiei’s head this way and that. “Open your mouth.”

Hiei does, shallow pants falling from his parted lips. Kurama squeeze his throat the tiniest bit, the pressure still light. He watches Hiei squirm for a minute, until Hiei has to close his eyes from the intensity of his gaze. He still rocks his hips steadily.

“Do you enjoy this?” Kurama asks, loosening his grip but not removing his hand. “I expect you to be honest.”

“Yes,” Hiei says slowly, thinking it over before answering.

“But,” Kurama prompts. He raises an eyebrow expectantly.

Hiei glances away, unable to turn his head. “I don’t think I’d enjoy being choked. Not heavily.”

“Good boy,” Kurama murmurs, his smile all pleasure, and his heavy-lidded gaze feverishly blissful. “Next time do not make me prompt you. I want you to answer me fully.” He squeezes lightly again, and Hiei whimpers. “Tell me you understand.”

“I understand,” Hiei says, panting again with the effort of focusing while Kurama slowly fucks himself on Hiei’s dick.

Kurama hums in approval. He leans down and kisses Hiei. It’s wet, and lazy—nearly as slow as he fucks him—and leaves Hiei breathless.

“Good,” Kurama praises, “holding you like this is enough. If you don’t find pleasure in being choked, we won’t do that.”

Hiei nods, feeling shy under Kurama’s stare.

“If it’s not good for you, then it’s not good for me.” His voice is firm, non negotiable. He moves his hand from Hiei’s throat to pet his hair.

“Okay,” Hiei whispers, shifting under Kurama a bit. He’s ready to come under the heat and pressure of being inside him. “Kurama….” He tries not to whine, hates the idea of being so needy.

“Yes?” Kurama’s voice is teasing, and he rolls his hips to punctuate the question. “Do you want something?”

“Faster,” Hiei groans, “please.”

“I know baby, but I want to go slow. I want to savor you.”

Hiei whimpers, letting Kurama smother the sound with a kiss. When he pulls away he’s a little breathless, too.

“I’m going to ride you like this until neither one of us can stand it. And you’re going to be a good boy and wait.” Hiei shivers at that, unsure of what part gets to him the most. He presses his face into Kurama’s neck, using the pretense of biting him as an excuse to hide.

Kurama takes pity and allows him to stay there. He runs a comforting hand along Hiei’s spine as he continues thrusting his hips.

“It took you a while to voice this kink. Why did you wait so long, Hiei?” Kurama asks, voice amused.

He can’t be serious. Hiei is buried balls deep in Kurama, and Kurama hasn't come in nearly a week, and now he wants to pause and psychoanalyze Hiei?

Hiei is going to die, just wants Kurama to keep moving.

“I thought you were just new to being submissive,” Kurama muses, entirely serious. He eyes Hiei with a knowing gaze, and it should be annoying, and yet…

“I would’ve been far more bossy if I had known you wouldn’t find it annoying,” Kurama teases, as if Hiei has ever been annoyed by Kurama taking charge.

And yet it is doing it for Hiei.

Completely.

His stomach clenched at the thought of Kurama being even bossier. How is that possible? He wants to find out—fuck he just wants to be a good little boy.

He hates that, hates that he wants to be told how to do things, hates how small that makes him seem. He squashes that feeling, at least for now. He doesn’t want to think about anything other than Kurama right now.

“Hiei? Answer me.”

Hiei presses kisses to Kurama’s jaw, focusing on the breathy moan this produces as he quietly admits, “I’m aware of Doms and subs, I mean I work in a sex shop, but I’ve never done anything like… this,” Hiei whispers, “with somebody before. I don’t like to give up control most of the time, and I…. I have a reputation to think about.”

Kurama considers this, scratching his nails pleasantly over Hiei’s scalp as he says, “That rigid control is likely why you enjoy it. It’s a safe space to be vulnerable, I promise.”

Hiei nods and leans into Kurama’s hand. There’s so much positive stimulation coming from so many sources, Hiei feels a little overwhelmed.

“Tell me what you mean by your reputation?”

Hiei tries to shield his face again but Kurama moves away. “Hiei, don’t hide. I mean it when I say you can be vulnerable with me. A lot of this dynamic relies on open communication. I won’t judge you.”

Hiei cannot believe he’s discussing this here, of all places. As Kurama steadily clenches around him, Hiei tries to think of the best way to phrase it. He just has to answer the question, he doesn’t have to go into the gory details.

“Let’s just say I didn’t get a choice in when I came out, and showing weakness wasn’t an option,” he says carefully, making sure to keep the heat out of his voice. Indifference has always given him the upper hand.

“Being submissive does not make someone weak.”

Kurama says it like he’s not talking about Hiei at all. Hiei can’t tell if he appreciates it or if it’s annoying. He’s not the one that has to work on a team of collegiate athletes, where being ostracized will literally change the trajectory of Hiei’s life. Hiei feels good about his team, it’s not like he’s in the closet and nobody has been openly homophobic, but he doesn’t need to give anybody a reason to view him as weak.

He’s not a submissive, just because he like Kurama bossy doesn’t magically turn him into one.

“But,” Kurama admits, “I do understand what you mean with society’s misconceptions, though. You could have told me sooner. I would never make you feel less than for something you find enjoyable. You’ve yet to shame me for my tastes.”

Hiei flushes, looking away. “Well, yes. But you enjoy receiving so much. And I really like being on top,” he adds hurriedly, not wanting Kurama to think he’s blaming him. Hiei can see Kurama frown out of the corner of his eye before he finally sits fully still on Hiei’s lap.

“Hiei,” he says after a long moment, “being a bottom and being a sub are not unanimous.”

“I know, it’s just–” Hiei’s face feels hot as he tries to find the right words. “I just meant–”

Kurama’s smile is kind as he makes Hiei look at him. “I know you enjoy topping, you’re very good at it, but you also like when I finger you, right?”

Hiei nods shyly, biting his lip. He prays Kurama won’t make him verbalize this.

“You’re looking forward to when I finally fuck you, right?”

“Yes,” Hiei whispers desperately. He’s been waiting for that for an embarrassingly long time.

“I’m eagerly awaiting it, too, because receiving is so good.” He rolls his hips slowly, his breath catching momentarily before he can say, “I want to make you feel this wonderful.” Kurama’s smile turns a bit playful as he asks, “Do you think I’m submissive because I like bottoming?”

“Of course not.” Kurama is the least submissive person Hiei knows. Hiei blinks. “Oh.”

“Yeah.” Kurama laughs softly, kissing him again as he thrusts his hips forward. “Being dominant or submissive is all about who holds the control, it doesn’t matter who gives and takes.”

Hiei nods shyly, feeling silly again. As silly as he can with Kurama clenching around him.

“You like it when I hold the control, yes?”

Hiei catches Kurama’s eye before whispering, “Yes.”

“And you enjoy fucking me until I’m delirious,” Kurama says, patiently, relentlessly riding Hiei. His eyes are dark and sensual and pinned on Hiei. “I see how you look at me when you’re getting me off.”

Hiei feels a bit more himself as he nods. “Yeah.”

Kurama looks pleased to see this, and kisses him softly. “Then make me come,” he whispers into Hiei’s mouth.

Hiei wines into the kiss, trying to thrust up into Kurama. There’s not enough space and he doesn’t have the leverage. Keeping them upright is taking most of Hiei’s focus alone. “Kurama—”

“Make me come,” Kurama repeats, “and you can fuck me however you like when we get back to your place.”

Hiei likes this idea immensely, and tangles a hand into Kurama’s hair. He tugs Kurama’s head back as he slides a hand back under his top. “I want to undress you,” Hiei whispers, fingers finding their target.

Kurama moans, but it’s cut short as he bites the heel of his hand. Hiei smirks to see it. He keeps his grip tight on Kurama’s hair.

“Tell me how— ah, how you’ll have me,” he groans. The hot slide of him has Hiei frantically rocking his hips but it’s not enough. He needs more movement.

“On your hands and knees,” he says, imagining how much more he could get out of Kurama from that position. “I’ll keep my hand here though,” he says as he pulls Kurama’s head back again, making him gape up at the magnolias. Kurama is nearly lost in ecstasy, pressing his hand to his mouth in a fruitless endeavor to stay quiet.

Hiei wants to come, and wants to feel Kurama come undone around him. He whispers how he’ll take Kurama apart later, how he’ll be a good boy, if only he’ll let him come now.

Somewhere between Kurama grinding on him, and Hiei pinching his nipple, and biting his neck, Kurama orgasms. It’s strong and messy, despite the condom keeping the physical mess at bay, Kurama’s responses intense and chaotic. He barely manages to tell Hiei he can come as well before he’s lost to his pleasure.

Hiei comes apart embarrassingly fast, Kurama's name on his lips.

They sit there panting, foreheads together, for a few long, peaceful moments. Eventually Kurama presses a soft kiss to the side of Hiei’s mouth and whispers, “I needed that. Grab my plug.”

Hiei does, and carefully inserts it once Kurama has climbed off of him. Kurama quickly cleans up, and steps back into his underwear while Hiei fixes his own clothes. He sits beside Hiei, two paper wrapped subs in his hands. “I promised to feed you. Please eat.”

Hiei is starving, and he thanks Kurama as he begins unwrapping one of the sandwiches. He tears into it, pleased to find savory pork and spicy jalapeños. Kurama holds out one of the forgotten bottles of tea, and Hiei takes it.

He takes a long drink, watching as Kurama starts to eat as well, more slowly. Screwing the lid back onto his drink, Hiei lets the chill of the bottle slowly seep into his skin. Affection swells within him, sudden and unexpected, as he watches Kurama finally take care of himself.

“You’re really good at this.”

“Hmm?” Kurama tilts his head curiously, and Hiei can see his thoughts racing to find understanding.

“Um, the taking control part. Domming? I guess? This is sort of like aftercare, right?”

“Oh,” Kurama says, almost shy, “I’m just trying my best.” He lowers his gaze to his food, his face unreadable. “Everybody deserves a good Dom.”

Apprehension in Kurama always takes Hiei by surprise. He assumed this would be something Kurama was confident in. He seemed to have no problem providing Hiei with a crash course during far more intense activities than eating a late lunch.

“I don’t know if I like the labels,” Hiei admits, taking another bite of his sandwich to avoid having to speak more on the subject.

“We don’t have to use them,” Kurama says plainly. He shrugs and offers Hiei one of his dazzling smiles. “I can see this dynamic isn’t something you want to play with outside of sex—but if that changes please speak up—and I don’t expect much will change. I’m already bossy.” Kurama raises a brow, silently challenging Hiei to correct him.

Hiei snorts, leaning his shoulder into Kurama. “Yeah, I just... This is new for me,” he mumbles.

“Hiei.” Kurama’s cool hand slides along his jaw, making him look up at his face. “Tell me if you are ever uncomfortable. But I want you to understand, humiliation is never in my plan. Being submissive does not mean you forfeit your dignity.” He holds Hiei’s gaze for a long moment, and Hiei thinks he might kiss him again. Kurama simply adds, “Unless you ask me to, of course.”

Kurama drops his hand in favor of finishing his meal, and Hiei prays his face isn’t too flushed.

Hiei finishes his sandwich and is reaching for the cheese and crackers when a new thought makes him groan.

“Yusuke cannot find out about this, he’ll never let me live it down.”

Kurama laughs at that, unable to get his hand up to his mouth in time to smother it.

“Well, I don’t plan on telling him.” Kurama is still chuckling, his expression full of mirth and mischief as he says, “Honestly, he might already know. You two seem close.”

Hiei groans again. He flops back onto the picnic blanket and stares up at the magnolia blossoms. “Kill me slowly, I am not kidding. He will be insufferable if he puts it together.”

“Again, you don’t have to fear. I’m not going around telling people about our sex life.” Kurama stops laughing, his silence heavy before he finally admits, “Except for my roommate. He probably knows more than he should.”

“Same,” Hiei sighs.

“I don’t plan on telling him you’ve discovered a new kink today, if that makes you feel better.” Hiei doesn’t even have to glance over to know Kurama’s wearing that annoying grin he gets when he wants to tease Hiei.

Hiei rolls his eyes but can’t help smiling. “Thanks.”

“And I won’t tell Yusuke if you don’t.”

“Kurama,” Hiei murmurs dismissively, feeling full and sleepy. Kurama lets him doze for a while as he finishes eating.

He cleans up most of the picnic himself, much to Hiei’s embarrassment. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

“It’s fine, you need rest after this week.” Kurama helps him sit up, and crawls back into his lap. “I promise we’ll go back, but let’s make out for a bit first.”

Hiei tangles his hands into Kurama’s hair, pulling him down for a kiss. They stay there for a while, working up an appetite for the next round.

[ART BY CRISCURA]

Chapter Text

Hiei won’t admit this outloud, but Kurama has him trained.

The first thing he does after turning off his alarm, like every morning now, is reach for his phone. He doesn’t have any new messages. The good night he sent to Kurama is still at the top of his texts.

He usually wakes up first, so more often than not he’s sending good morning unbidden.

When he forgets, or decides not to send it to see what Kurama will say, he always gets a little thrill upon seeing Kurama’s response. Often it’s a playful remark asking if he’s forgotten something. Sometimes, and now Hiei flushes to think of how those times always got him worked up, Kurama will simply text him that he knows Hiei is being stubborn on purpose.

So he texts Kurama and doesn’t expect a reply for at least an hour, if not two. He stares up at his ceiling and shyly lets the thoughts of yesterday take over. He’s hard thinking about Kurama in his bed, swallowing him whole, riding him in the late afternoon light, and he shivers at the thought of Kurama whispering he’s a good boy directly into his ear.

A sub. He’s a sub. He likes Kurama telling him what to do—loves it actually. Hiei groans, throwing an arm over his eyes as he reaches into his pants. He never would have guessed this about himself. He’s held the reins so tightly his entire life. He’s struggled to keep Yukina and himself afloat for so long, to make sure his mother doesn’t have to add the worry of him to her plate.

He startles when his phone buzzes, fumbling his hand out of his pants to snatch it up.

Hiei bites his lip, wondering if he should start something. If it were Kurama, they’d already be in the middle of something, so he sends another text before he can think too much about it.

He types out I can’t stop thinking about you, but he can’t hit send until he replaces you with yesterday.

Hiei grins at his phone, waiting to see how Kurama reacts to his tease. His pulse picks up as he reads over their messages. In the privacy of his own room it doesn’t matter if he’s bright red, so he sends another text.

Hiei’s phone starts buzzing violently, the ringer permanently on silent. He feels giddy as he accepts the call.

“I thought you couldn’t call,” he whispers, unable to keep the smug note out of his voice.

Kurama’s voice is low and serious as he asks, “Are you naked?”

“No,” Hiei says softly, glancing at his door. Yusuke can sleep through anything so he shouldn’t have to worry. He keeps his voice down just in case. “Should I be?”

“No, just touch yourself, Hiei.” Kurama’s voice sounds almost needy, and Hiei is quick to obey. “Tell me what you were thinking.”

Hiei recounts his favorite parts of the day before, his cheeks hot and his voice breathy. He strokes himself as he does, pausing to moan Kurama’s name into his phone at times.

“I want to fuck you again,” he whines quietly, straining to hear how Kurama’s own breathes are growing heavier. “What are you doing this afternoon?”

“I can’t today,” Kurama whispers. “I have to go home early to help my stepfather with some chores.”

Hiei groans, and continues to fist his dick. He wants Kurama now, he doesn’t want to share him or be put on a waiting list for his attention.

“I’ll come to your practice on Wednesday,” Kurama says gently, but that feels too far away.

“What about tomorrow? I can go to the gym early. I could be ready to meet you after your lab.” Hiei feels stupid as soon as he says that. He quickly clarifies, “If you’re not too tired. I know those are long days for you.” It just keeps getting worse. Can he look more needy and clingy? Seriously, Hiei, just drive him off faster. “I’d get you dinner.”

Kurama is quiet for a moment, and Hiei wants to hang up. Why did he have to open his mouth?

“I would love that, actually,” Kurama finally says, his voice careful. “Can we see how tomorrow goes? I want to see you, trust me, but I’m booked solid. I don’t think I have anything after my lab, but let me confirm my plans.”

Hiei agrees quietly, the moment lost as he takes his hand out of his pants. “Why are you up this early anyway?”

Kurama sighs, and there's the sounds of shifting fabric on his end of the call. “Oh, trouble sleeping. It’s nothing serious. I’ve been up for a few hours reading.”

“You should go back to bed.” Hiei says softly. He stretches and pulls his blanket back over his body. He’s already late, he’s not going to make it to the gym, so he might as well relax before his shift at the coffee shop.

“Hm, I’d rather talk to you. Did I kill the mood?” Hiei can hear Kurama’s self-deprecating smile, can imagine the way his eyes are crinkling at the edges playfully.

“I think it was me.” Hiei swallows hard and says, “Sorry.”

“For asking me out to dinner? Or for being driven so mad with lust you want to see me?” Kurama’s voice is sleepy and playful.

“For both. . . I guess.” Hiei closes his eyes and imagines Kurama is with him. He’d play with Hiei’s hair. Hiei would be able to hold his hand. A lot of things could happen if Kurama would stay over.

He won't, though. He gets weird about seeing Hiei after dark, like those are his hours.

He thought Kurama was going to end things the last time he offered to let him stay, so he hasn’t done it again. We meet on his terms, his schedule, his locations, Hiei reminds himself sternly. He has to stop wishing for more.

“Hiei, don’t apologize. You are directly stroking my ego with both of those things.” Kurama sighs wistfully and says, “Ah, it makes me wish you were stroking something else.”

“Flirt.”

“Is it working?”

Hiei rolls his eyes. It isn’t, but Kurama isn’t here to know the difference. Hiei knows if he lets Kurama steer this conversation it will start working.

“Yeah,” he fibs and lets Kurama quietly instruct him on jerking off before he gets ready for work.

***

Work is uneventful. People are jerks about their overpriced coffee on Sundays the same way they are on any other day of the week. Hiei knows he shouldn’t be so pessimistic. Work really isn’t bad, he’s just still in a weird mood about his phone call with Kurama earlier.

He knew better than to try to see him after the gym. Kurama has made it clear that he’s too busy on Mondays and Tuesdays to hook up, but beyond that he’s normally able to make something work.

Hiei is in a lousy mood for his entire shift until Kurama stops by near the end to grab a latte for the commute home. It is unfair how happy the sight of him makes Hiei. He can feel his whole mood lift.

“I didn’t expect to see you today,” Hiei says quietly as he hands Kurama his drink. He looks respectful in a sweater over a collared shirt, his slacks are casual. Half of his hair is pulled back, leaving his face open and boyish. Hiei tears his gaze away and grabs a rag to wipe the counter. It's an excuse to keep him from staring.

“I knew you wouldn’t check your phone until after your shift, and I don’t know how available I’ll be once I get home,” Kurama explains. It isn’t too busy, so Hiei can linger.

Koto nearly falls over herself to lean close enough to eavesdrop as Kurama lingers at the pickup area. Hiei turns one of his most venomous scowls her way, and she retreats to her station at the register.

Kurama is smiling over Hiei’s head at Koto when Hiei looks back at him. ”Don’t encourage her.”

“Hey,” Kurama says looking back at Hiei. His gaze is sober, and Hiei searches the green depths of his eyes for any emotion. They’re all hidden. Hiei is enthralled and put off in equal parts by how well Kurama hides himself from the world. Hiei wants to know what he has to hide, why he has built a mask so strong.

Hiei wants to take notes.

When he sees he has Hiei’s full attention, Kurama says, “Can you be in Engineering North tomorrow at two-thirty?” His face stays passive, but his fingers play with the strap of his messenger bag. It might look like boredom, or nerves to an outside eye. Hiei knows what it really means.

Kurama wants to touch him.

Kurama is thinking about something that might happen tomorrow, and wants to put his hands on Hiei now.

“Yes,” Hiei says casually, allowing a beat to pass before he answers.

“You’re sure? I know that the material I need to show you is relatively quick to go over,” Kurama pointedly doesn’t look at Koto, “but will you have time to make it to your practice? I should only need you for ten minutes, give or take.”

“I could stay for fifteen and still have enough time to make it to practice,” Hiei counters, raising a brow. “In case I have questions, or need you to expand on any points that might confuse me.”

An innocent smile spreads across Kurama’s face, but it looks nothing less than devious to Hiei. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m very efficient, I won’t need extra time,” Kurama says mildly, his face and voice the perfect mask.

Hiei rolls his eyes.

“Your confidence is starting to border on arrogance.” He smiles though, longing to have a few minutes with Kurama now. Hiei is getting far too attached, but he can’t help how he is already looking forward to the chance to kiss Kurama tomorrow.

“I’ll get out of your hair, you have work to do,” Kurama says as he takes a step back. “See you tomorrow.” He ducks his head, shooting Hiei a shy smile before he heads out. Hiei doesn’t watch him go, just makes the next drink and avoids Koto’s curious eyes.

***

Hiei is still giddy and grinning over Kurama’s text when he makes it home. He’s so giddy, in fact, that he’s drunk half of Yusuke’s iced coffee.

He has to stop reading it. He’s going to have an issue to deal with if he’s not careful. Hiei thinks of the least attractive thing he can—his sister kissing Kuwabara—and shudders.

He hates that he can see exactly what she sees in him. Kuwabara might be a stand up guy, but he still isn’t good enough for Yukina. Nobody is.

“Why are you so happy? Texting your boyfriend?” Yusuke asks when Hiei finally makes it home. He’s folding a pile of laundry on the coffee table—the only table they own—and shoots Hiei an unimpressed look.

“Stop calling him that. I’ve made it clear we’re not dating.” And Kurama’s made it clear there isn’t much of a chance of it in the future. He refuses to dive into heavier topics with Hiei, is too good to spend the night at his place, and can't be bothered to invite Hiei over to his dorm.

Hiei is a useful sex toy to Kurama, and he has his time and place. Hiei is mostly okay with that; he’s convinced his head at least, but his chest isn’t quite on board just yet.

“Whatever, you are texting him right? You look—hey, is that my coffee?” Yusuke squawks, jumping up and snatching the drink from Hiei’s hand.

Because Hiei is feeling exceptionally petty, he says, “If you must know, I just got done scheduling a blowjob for tomorrow.” He isn’t going to tell Yusuke he had made a fool of himself first, basically begging for a booty call.

He doesn’t need to know the gory details.

Yusuke whistles, trying to steal a peek at Hiei’s phone. It’s harmless enough, so Hiei shows him.

“Damn, I need to know what Kurama is doing to be so horny all the time. Keiko needs to try his diet or something.” Yusuke sighs dreamily. “I want to schedule my blowjobs. That’s not fair.”

“It’s a part of my gay privilege, I can’t help you.” Hiei shrugs and keeps his expression neutral. It makes Yusuke roll his eyes and shove at his shoulder, but he easily avoids it.

“Ass,” Yusuke mutters as he goes back to folding laundry. “You guys do that often? Like in public places, I mean.”

Hiei sits down on the couch with Yusuke to help him sort through the clothing.

“Less than you probably think.” Just because he wants to see Yusuke’s reaction, he casually adds, “Although, we did fuck in the hedge maze yesterday.”

Hiei thinks Yusuke might break his neck with how fast he whips his head around. “You what? Why are you just now telling me this? Like the hedge maze? In The Terrace? In the middle of campus? Hiei, your man has a kink!”

Hiei hums thoughtfully before saying, “I think he’s just horny.” When he sees Yusuke’s salacious grin, he adds, “I don’t think it’s about the public aspect for him. He says he likes being outside.”

He’s too tired to touch the your man comment. He’s honestly sick of correcting Yusuke and Mukuro—and now Koto. She had the nerve to ask him if Kurama was his boyfriend. He knows Yusuke is trying to be funny and rib him a little, but the joke stopped working weeks ago.

Maybe if Hiei didn’t want it so badly it wouldn’t frustrate him so much. He knows it isn’t happening, he’s come to terms with the fact that casual sex is the best he’s going to get with Kurama. He does want it, regardless, and that pisses him off even more than Yusuke beating this dead horse.

“What does that even mean? How are those two things different?” Yusuke looks unimpressed, like Hiei is being purposefully difficult.

“Like…” Hiei frowns trying to find the right words. “I think it’s more about being in nature.” Hiei shrugs, and when Yusuke still doesn’t seem to believe him he adds, “Yesterday, for instance, I think if he could avoid grass stains, Kurama would have wanted to ditch the blanket.”

Yusuke laughs as he rolls his eyes, and hands Hiei one of his shirts. “You’re dating a hippie.”

Anger sweeps through Hiei, hot and fast. He tosses the shirt back into the pile and shoves Yusuke with none of the playfulness Yusuke had tried to use on him before.

“Stop fucking saying that.”

“Hey!” Yusuke pops back up, mouth set in a firm line that promises a fight. “What was that for?”

“I don’t know what part of stop calling him my boyfriend you can’t get through your thick skull,” Hiei seethes, “but I’m done. Next time I’m not going to tell you, I’m just going to beat it into you until it sticks.” He throws himself off the couch then, storming out of the room. He barely shoves his feet into his shoes before he’s out the door.

After a few blocks Hiei is no longer seeing red, and is able to coherently send a text to Yukina.

He considers texting Kurama, but he doesn’t want to bother him when he said he would be busy. What would he even say anyway—hey I'm really pissed that we’re not dating and my friends won’t stop teasing me that we are. I feel like a crazy person because I know you don’t want that, but can you cheer me up anyway? So then I'll be sad that you know how to make me smile but won't hold my hand in public?

Hiei kicks a rock as he walks. He’s such an idiot. Yukina texts him back almost instantly because she is the best sister in the world.

Hiei stops walking and takes a long, slow breath in. As he counts to five, he peers up at the clear blue sky and does not crush his phone. As he slowly breathes out, he also does not smash it on the sidewalk. It buzzes again.

Hiei does not want to upset Yukina’s schedule. Not when he’s being a baby over a situation he not only put himself in but continues to be a part of. He also does not want to tag along to whatever she has planned for the evening.

He starts walking again, feeling a bit better just sending that to her via text.

Hiei smiles a little, his shoulders relaxing a bit. He loves his sister so much sometimes. She really is the best person he knows, and he does not understand how they can be twins. She got all the good genes: the intelligence, the ability to play nice with others, the ability to think logically when angry. He’s not mad, though. He knows she is there for him in his moments of weakness the same way he fills in the gaps for her.

Feeling a little lighter he sends another message.

Hiei sighs and tells her he loves her too. He’s halfway to the practice field, and he’s starting to calm down now. He keeps headed that way, knowing he needs more time before he’s ready to return home. He needs to think it through a bit more, so he doesn’t blow up at Yusuke the moment they see each other again—because he knows Yusuke’s tactless ass will immediately bring up how heated Hiei got over the boyfriend comment.

Hiei is sliding his phone into his pocket when it buzzes again. He expects to see more reminders to play nice from his sister—the twin telepathy is real, and she uses it mostly to be annoying—but he finds Kurama has sent him an image. Hiei glances around to make sure nobody is walking up on him before he opens it.

He needn't be cautious, the picture is wholly innocent. Which, of course it is, Hiei realizes, Kurama said he was busy helping his family.

It’s a picture of Kurama, his hair tied back and his smile wide. He’s changed clothes, a faded, baggy t-shirt replacing his sweater. Hiei has never seen him in something so casual, and for no explainable reason he feels frustrated again. He didn’t know Kurama owned anything more casual than a crew neck. He’s surrounded by blue sky, and he looks beautiful. Hiei wishes he could be there. He wants to set Kurama’s hair free and bury both of his hands in it.

God, he’s hopeless.

Kurama’s text is innocent enough, but Hiei wishes it was more. He wishes it said I miss you, I can’t stop thinking about you, I should have stayed with you and you never would’ve fought with Yusuke and we could just hide in bed for the rest of the weekend.

It’s stupid. He’s stupid for circling back on this again and again. He takes a steadying breath and replies:

He sends another selfie, and Hiei can now tell Kurama is leaning against a roof, the top rungs of a ladder visible. Kurama looks so normal, so attainable it makes Hiei’s blood boil. In desire or in anger he’s unsure.

Ten minutes later Hiei makes it to the practice field. There’s a few people kicking around a soccer ball, and a couple of people walking and jogging on the track, but it’s fairly empty. Hiei starts walking the track, keeping an easy one hundred meters between himself and others.

Hiei feels uneasy, but after the mess of this morning he feels he can only answer yes.

Hiei frowns down at his phone. What does that mean? Kurama did say he talks to his roommate about their hookups but what all is he saying?

Hiei stares at Kurama’s rapid fire texts. He’s not sure how he feels about this, but he did basically the same thing to Kurama. Even if Kurama is off on who was supposed to be jealous from that exchange.

Fair is fair.

Hiei grins down at his screen but quickly schools his features. He feels electric again, the rollercoaster that is Kurama taking him up yet another peak. He refuses to think about when he will come barreling over the precipice into another low. For now he’s just going to ride the high.

Hiei flushes, knowing exactly how Kurama likes to put his hands on him. He hopes the roommate won’t mess up getting to spend time with Kurama after practice.

If Hiei can set Jin up with somebody, maybe he will stop bothering Hiei about Kurama. He hopes Kurama’s roommate can at least provide a distraction for Jin.

Hiei slides his phone back into his pocket and walks for another fifteen minutes.

He feels a lot better about everything as he turns his feet towards home. He can admit he overreacted to Yusuke if the idiot can admit he needs to chill with the teasing.

Yusuke does, and they’re able to make up and move on with nobody getting hurt. They end up meeting Kuwabara for dinner on campus before drinking cheap beer and watching a marathon of old action movies while crammed on their couch.

***

Yukina arrives ten minutes before the end of Hiei’s shift the next day. She keeps her distance, loitering beyond the space people use when waiting to pick up drinks. Hisayo still slides over and elbows Hiei, earning her a glare, and nods in Yukina’s direction.

“Is she waiting on you?”

“Yeah, watch it.” He reaches past her, and grabs a lid, and slides the finished drink into the pick area.

“Koto said you’re dating that red head, who’s she?”

Hiei can’t help the long suffering sigh. “Koto is an idiot. I’m not dating anybody, that’s my sister.”

Hisayo watches Yukina with appraising eyes as she waits on the espresso machine to finish. When her shot is pulled, she merely shrugs and moves back to her station to make her drink.

Hiei finishes his shift, taking a few extra moments to make Yukina something sweet.

“One iced matcha with white mocha,” he says.

“Thank you.” She takes it happily, and bumps her shoulder into his gently. “You don’t look like you’ve been in any fights. Did you make up with Yusuke?”

“I did. You always give the best advice.” He leads her around to the restaurants and they get into the line for their favorite sandwich shop.

“Good. Why were you two fighting?” She sips her drink and sighs happily before pinning him with a curious stare.

They have the same eyes, but they use them in different ways. Yukina’s eyes say take a seat, stay awhile, please do go on. Hiei’s eyes say watch out, you better think twice, this one is prone to biting. He has spent far too many years checking mirrors, trying to figure out how two pairs of eyes can be so similar and yet so very different.

Hiei looks away from her, frowning. She waits, patient with him when no one else can be. Finally, he rolls his eyes and says to a point in the distance, “He just won't drop the Kurama thing.”

From his peripheral, he can see Yukina nod.

“You’re still seeing him?”

They shuffle forward in line and Hiei nods.

“Yusuke will beat a joke to death, you know this.”

“That doesn’t make it any less annoying.” He frowns at her, expecting better advice.

“Why does it bother you so much this time?”

Hiei squints at her, and wishes she wasn’t so smart. Yukina gives him a small, knowing smile.

“Why do you get so riled when Yusuke says you two are dating?”

It’s their turn to step up and order, and Hiei is saved from answering.

Hiei mulls over her question, and when they finally find a table he says, “It’s just been a stressful semester. I think I’m on edge and this isn’t helping.”

Yukina frowns as she unwraps her sandwich. “Is your literature class still a problem? I thought you passed your midterm.”

“I did, but the professor is still being an asshole.” Hiei unwraps his straw but doesn’t put it in his drink. “He said he’d excuse my tardies if I did extra assignments, but he emailed me saying he has to think more on our agreement. He’s no longer certain the work is adequate for not having the textbook in class.”

Yukina’s frown deepens, and Hiei hates to see it. He chews on his straw, trying to find an outlet for his tension.

“Did you get the agreement in writing? Please tell me you’ve emailed about this.”

Hiei glares down at his sandwich, having already thought about this.

“No. I spoke to him in person. I’ve already finished one of the assignments. I’m going to do all of them. I just hate that he’s dangling my grade over my head like this.”

“Oh, Hiei, I’m sorry.” Yukina’s mouth is set in a firm line as she stares off into the crowd. Her frustration comes off in a pensive way, and she looks more lost in thought than angry. He knows she’s trying to think through his problem logically, taking out the detail of Hiei from the equation.

He can see the way this is one more thing that will not last forever runs through her mind. The way she chews in her lower lip silently screams find a way to work around this.

She closes her eyes for a long moment before looking back at him, the frustration in her eyes now directed towards herself. It’s clear she could not look past the sibling bond as she says, “I’m sorry, I don’t have any good answers right now. Just keep doing your best. Don’t give them a reason to give you bad marks.”

Hiei nods and offers her a smile. She’s his big sister first and foremost, and he loves when she can’t get past that to clinically scrutinize his problems.

“Is something else bothering you? You and Yusuke haven’t butted heads like this in a while.” She watches him, her quiet stare unwavering. He hates being on the receiving end of that stare. She’s the only one that can make him squirm—only Hiei realizes that’s not true anymore since Kurama entered the picture.

“I’m just sick of the dating thing.” He pushes his pickle around on his plate so he doesn't have to look at her. He can feel his cheeks heating and he does his best to ignore it. “It’s not just Yusuke, everybody is blowing this out of proportion.”

“How so?”

Hiei rolls his eyes. She doesn’t seem to accept this as his answer so he says, “We’re just fooling around, but everywhere I go—home, work, practice—people won’t stop saying we’re dating, or how we should be dating, and I’m tired of it. I’m sick of not being heard.”

He stabs his straw into his pickle for good measure. “We’re just friends with benefits. Nothing more.”

Yukina frowns a little, cocking her head to one side as if that will give her a better view into Hiei’s mind. “Hiei,” she says carefully, as if he’s still a small child, “why are you so against the idea of asking Kurama out?”

Hiei can’t say anything for a long time. As always, Yukina doesn’t push. She’s found Hiei’s boundary, and she settles on eating her sandwich while waiting on Hiei to figure out how to answer her question.

He hasn’t admitted to anybody else how badly he wants to have something more with Kurama. How he wants to date him, have him over for dinner, do homework together, eat Saturday brunch with him.

He wants to be painfully domestic with Kurama and he doesn’t know what to do about it.

“Kurama doesn’t want to date me.”

“How do you know that?”

Because Kurama keeps shooting down Hiei’s dreams everytime Hiei suggests anything more.

“Trust me, he doesn’t.” Hiei looks up at her, catching her eye. He gives her the most mild expression he can manage, hoping she will drop this line of thought.

“Unless you’ve asked him out, and he said those words to you explicitly, I don’t think that’s something you can decide.”

Hiei pushes his phone across the table. “Everything is sexual for him. Everything. Anytime I try to branch out from sex, suggest anything else, he shuts it down.”

Yukina picks up his phone and swipes it open. “Am I going to be scarred by anything in here?”

“There’s no nudes.” He always moves those to their own album, he doesn’t like having them in his texts.

Hiei sighs and picks apart his sandwich. He eats each tiny piece one bite at a time.

“Oh, Hiei, he’s cute!” She holds the phone closer to her face, smiling as she inspects Kurama’s selfies from the day before.

“He’s smart too,” Hiei mutters. He also has perfect teeth and a nice laugh, but Hiei keeps that to himself.

“And horny,” she whispers, her eyes frantically reading back over their conversations. She pauses and looks up at him, a smirk slowly spreading across her face. “And a bit… bossy?”

“Okay, I’ll make you give it back.” He holds his hand out, blushing now.

“No way,” she says. Laughing softly, she twists her body away from him, still reading through their texts. “Damn,” she whispers admiringly, scrolling faster now. “Your semester hasn’t been all that bad, has it?”

“Oh, he’s definitely provided a delightful distraction.” Hiei smirks back at her, and she rolls her eyes without ever looking away from his phone.

“He really likes telling you what to do,” she says mostly to herself. “That’s probably good for you.”

Hiei frowns at her, not ready to have his sexlife psychoanalyzed by his sister.

“That was too far.”

“Calm down, Hiei. It’s the same reason I’m a people pleaser.”

Hiei pouts and mutters, “That doesn’t mean you have to just say it, though.”

“We can’t deny that our pasts shaped us into the people we are now. No matter how that manifests.” She grins at him again, her eyes sparkling and only a little teasing.

“Also, this isn’t all sexual.” When Hiei frowns at her, she looks a bit sheepish. “Okay, most of it is, but you guys did way more than sext during midterms.” Her finger stops, hovering over the screen as she takes her time reading something she must find juicy.

“Yeah, we complained about not having actual sex.” He isn’t pouting, he absolutely isn’t, but Yukina nudges his shin under the table like he might be.

“You guys complained about being apart, a lot.” She deadpans, in an impression of himself that shocks others. “I think he said he missed you three times in the span of a week. That’s not normal booty call behavior.” She levels a look at him like he should know this.

“I don’t think he meant it like that, and how would you know?” He can’t imagine her having extensive booty call knowledge. Not without mentioning it before this, at least.

She ignores him and declares, “He’s into you. You can’t read these texts and not think that.” She holds his phone up and waves it in the air as if this is all the proof she needs. “These? These read like you’re together." When Hiei holds out his hand for his phone she waves him off, going back to skimming their sexts.

“C’mon,” he tries for annoyed, but his voice falls more into the weary category, “that’s not what this is. Look at him and look at me.” He catches Yukina’s eye then and gestures to his faded black t-shirt that permanently smells like burnt coffee. “I know those selfies didn’t make this clear, but Kurama is stylish. He’s dressed down for yard work in those. He has money, a big important job in a pharmaceutical company lined up for him after college. We don’t get that,” he spits bitterly. “We don’t get to date, we’re not compatible. It’s just friends with benefits.”

“Does he know that? Because you seem pretty compatible to me.” Yukina gives him one of her I’m your big sister do not argue with your elders looks that he finds infuriating. “Honestly, Hiei, who cares if he dresses nice, or if he has money? You’re training to go to the Olympics! You’re not nobody.”

“I’m only a somebody if I make it. It’s not the same.”

“Either way, don’t say you’re not compatible unless you’re brave enough to ask Kurama—because I don’t think he’d agree.” She throws his own glare back at him. Her face is not used to the harshness required for such a look, and it falls a little short of what he could pull off. “Because it looks like you’re already dating him.”

“Yukina, stop.” Hiei takes a slow, steadying breath through his nose. “It’s not meant to be. Also, don’t go too far back. There are some pictures you don't want to see.”

“I thought you said no nudes?” She frowns up at him, her fingers freezing their continuous scroll.

“There’s no nudes… but you still don’t want to see it.” Hiei feels heat creeping up his neck as he recalls early February and the first few times they’d had phone sex. How when Kurama demanded a picture of his mess, he’d been too arrogant to delete it.

He misses how carefree and easy it used to be. He misses how he used to only feel giddy at the idea of Kurama calling him, or stopping by his work. Now he also has to deal with his stomach twisting into knots in worry of when Kurama will leave. How long do they have? Is he saying the wrong thing? Is Kurama bored?

Yukina raises a challenging brow his way. “Do you want to date him?"

“It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t want to date me.” Hiei grinds out. He came to talk to her because she wasn’t supposed to be annoying about this.

“That isn’t what I asked, Hiei.” Her expression is kind, patient, but won’t allow him to evade her question.

Hiei destroys more of his sandwich, picking it apart as he quietly admits, “I’d love to date him. Kurama is everything I’m looking for, more or less.” His stomach clenches, he’s never admitted that out loud before. Yukina perks up at that, curious to learn he’s looking. He shakes head as he says, “Don’t look so excited. He’s not interested.”

“Are you sure? You both seem quite interested here.” She’s still scrolling, her expression dancing between amused and thoughtful. “These texts are painting a different picture, one where you two are dating,” she sings-songs, holding out dating for a few extra syllables.

“I’m sure. He’s,” Hiei pauses, trying to find the words, “he’s got reservations about us being close.” Yukina glances up at him then, the curious furrow of her brow seeking clarification.

“Anytime I mention meeting him at his work, he completely redirects the conversation.” Hiei chews on the inside of his cheek, thinking about how Kurama has zero reservations about showing up at his place of business just for a booty call. Again, Hiei gets all of the risk.

“Hm,” she’s thoughtful, taking more time with his phone now. “Maybe he’s got a strict boss?”

“Maybe.” Hiei doesn’t think so. He’s bold enough to borrow equipment and his hours are insanely flexible, Hiei can’t see Kurama being so concerned with his boss that he couldn’t have food delivered.

“It’s other stuff too. I know he lives in Rikko Student House, but I’ve never been. I don’t even know what his room number is. The few times I’ve talked about meeting him there—not even in his room, just at the building—he’s quick to suggest somewhere else. He doesn’t want me around his space, so I’ve quit asking.”

“Oh, that is odd.” Yukina frowns down at his phone, her fingers hovering over the screen like she’s touching something precious. “Still, he’s into you.” She holds his phone out to him, and he takes it back carefully.

“That’s not what this is,” Hiei says firmly, he won’t let the defeat he feels into his voice.

Yukina’s eyes widen, soft and aware. Even when he’s wanted to, Hiei has never been able to hide from her. Her foot finds him under the table, sliding alongside his—solid, firm, reassuring—in place of taking his hand.

“Hiei, you like him,” she says gently.

“Yeah.” His voice is quiet, he keeps his eyes on his plate. They aren’t children anymore. He can’t cling to her hand, so he presses his foot back against hers.

“Do you…” She is kind enough not to say it.

“Yeah.” He doesn’t meet her eyes. He doesn’t want to see her pity. He doesn’t want to see Yukina looking at her baby brother once again and, as always, finding him on the losing side of things.

Does he love Kurama? Yes, he wants to scream. Of course there are feelings. They’re not even catching, they’re caught. He’s decidedly smitten with Kurama—heavy on the smiting, he’s been struck so sharply with this infatuation it’s left a gaping wound in his chest—despite telling himself it wasn’t allowed.

“Oh, Hiei,” when Yukina says his name like that—the way their mother never has—he wants to hit something. “I’m so sorry.”

He shakes his head, dismissing her worry.

“I think you should go for it and ask him out.”

“And if he says no, then I don’t even get the sex anymore. I’m good.”

“Then ask him after the blowjob, so you have one last good time,” she teases. She checks her watch, grinning. “Do you have time?”

Hiei rolls his eyes and ducks his head. “I have plenty of time. Please don’t talk about it.” He doesn’t want to think too hard about seeing Kurama after this. He’s been penciled in—for a pity blowjob—because he’s a needy, clingy loser.

Having his sister rub it in isn’t making him look forward to it any more than he’s already struggling to do.

Yukina frowns at him, the older sibling expression so firmly in place Hiei wants to kick her. He doesn’t, but the thought is there.

“I just read way worse stuff, do not chicken out now because I said the word blowjob.”

“It’s making it too real, please,” Hiei whines, scrunching his nose up in an exaggerated show of disgust. “There are things I don’t want to hear you say. And thinking about what I’m doing next with your voice is going to ruin the entire experience.”

She laughs at that, tells him he’s silly, and takes another bite of her lunch. Her smile turns soft as she watches him, chewing. “I’ll always be here for you.”

Hiei glances up at her quickly before picking at his nails. “I know. Sorry about that, your luck is shit.”

She kicks him. “Shut up. I will always love you, because you’re a good person, Hiei. And there are other people out there that can and will see that about you.” She does take his hand then and squeezes it once. “So shoot your shot, and if Kurama isn’t the one, it’s okay. There are others.”

Hiei sighs and nods, because it’s what she wants to see. “The sex is really good, though,” he says, only half joking. “It’s really hard to jeopardize that.”

She squeezes his hand again before letting it go.

“It will work out in the end, Hiei,” she says, undeterred by his misdirection and ever the optimist. “Just keep your head up.”

***

After lunch Hiei meets Kurama in Engineering North, and follows him up to the top floor of the building. The higher they go, the less people they see. Kurama takes him to a room that’s filled with mismatched furniture and a decent amount of dust.

“I helped a professor move some furniture before—nobody comes up here,” Kurama promises.

And with that he locks the door and slides his hands under Hiei’s shirt.

“I’m sorry our schedules don’t work out better,” he says as he brushes his lips over Hiei’s temple. It makes Hiei shiver, his hands finding Kurama’s waist.

“Sorry I’m being demanding,” he murmurs, letting Kurama kiss him.

“That is my job,” Kurama teases, his eyes playful. Hiei smiles back, refusing to let his mood bring this moment down. “Now, we need to be fast.” He presses another quick kiss to Hiei’s mouth and starts to sink to his knees, but Hiei stops him.

“Hey, do you want me to blow you instead?” Hiei doesn’t want to take more than Kurama wants to give, and this feels like he’s asked for too much, even if Kurama is eager. Kurama is always eager to have sex, so it’s hard to gauge his true feelings at times.

Kurama cards his fingers through Hiei’s hair and studies his face. After a long moment he asks, “Do you want that?”

“I do.” Hiei grins up at him, cocky and sure of himself. “I want to make you feel good. I want your hands in my hair, telling me when I do something you like.” Hiei licks his lips to punctuate his point, and his smirk turns genuine when he sees he’s won Kurama over.

Kurama’s eyes are dark, and wide, and hungry. He still watches Hiei, his gaze unwavering.

“I don’t know what's going on in here,” he says as he slides his hands into Hiei’s hair to cradle his skull, “but I do like this idea.” Kurama tilts Hiei’s face up further, his fingers gently massaging Hiei’s scalp. He smiles, slow and calculating, and his voice is husky when he says, “Get on your knees.”

Hiei obeys, and starts undoing Kurama’s fly. He focuses on this as Kurama asks, “Is something bothering you?”

Hiei wants to curse, he has to start hiding himself better. Kurama is too perceptive, no matter how well Hiei thinks he has his mask in place, Kurama always seems to know when something is up. Hiei considers his answer. Kurama has told him he expects honesty, always, so Hiei finds something honest to say.

“Wednesday,” he says carefully, untucking Kurama from his pants. He’s half hard and willing. “I had hoped to have some time with you after practice, but,” Hiei glances up at Kurama briefly, before settling his eyes back on his cock, “your roommate will be there.”

“Oh,” Kurama breathes, guiding Hiei with a hand in his hair to take him into his mouth. He must not need to hear more from Hiei, so Hiei gets to work. “I already told Touya I have plans after the practice. He’s a big boy, he can find his way home alone.” Kurama grips Hiei’s hair harder, as he groans softly. “Now, let's see how well you can swallow my cock.”

Hiei closes his eyes, and lets Kurama use him. He’s a good boy, and he gets Kurama off quickly. He’s even early to practice.

Chapter Text

Wednesday rolls around, and it’s a beautiful day.

April is just around the corner, and for once Hiei isn’t cold in just his track shorts. He’s stretching, and scanning the bleachers that Kurama likes to sit in, but he hasn’t arrived yet.

“Your boyfriend coming today?”

Hiei finds Jin approaching, pinwheeling his arm.

“Sorry, sorry, your fuck buddy,” he quickly corrects, a shit eating grin stretched across his face. “He’s late.”

Hiei grits his teeth and nods, rolling his shoulders a few times before he begins rotating his own arms. “Yeah, actually, take off your shirt.”

Jin doesn’t stop flapping his arms, but he does slow down as he side eyes Hiei. He then scans Hiei’s mostly naked body and grins.

“You getting tired, want to try a different red head?” He waggles his eyebrows at Hiei. “Or is this more of an invitation?” He hedges. He’s going for suggestive, but his grin is too boyish to be anything more than teasing.

“No, idiot,” Hiei snaps, rolling his eyes and pulling one knee up to his chest, “but today Kurama is bringing his roommate—who is single. I thought you might want to show off the goods a bit.”

Jin does stop then and stares at Hiei with an expression he can’t read.

“That’s… oddly thoughtful of you, Hiei.” Jin gives him a smaller, more amiable smile as he continues through their warm up stretches. “I’m not really into the whole casual sex thing, though.”

Hiei shrugs, feeling flustered. He won’t admit his selfish intentions, not because he wants to be thought of as good, but because they’re embarrassing. That smile also gives Hiei pause. He and Jin are teammates, gym partners, but maybe they could be friends too.

Maybe if Hiei tried a little more, they could find each other’s company to be agreeable enough.

“I didn’t say his roommate was looking for a fuck buddy. I said he’s single,” Hiei deadpans. “Kurama is bringing him here so he can get an eyeful, so I thought I’d let you know in case you want me to introduce you after practice.” Hiei shrugs, it doesn’t have to be a big thing. “Just put the goods on display, and if he’s ugly you never even have to meet him.”

Jin laughs with his whole body, head thrown back to the sky.

“Oh, Hiei, I love ya sometimes.” He wipes at his eyes before clapping his big hand onto Hiei’s shoulder. “Thanks brother, I appreciate your conniving little mind.”

Jin wanders over to the bench that holds his duffle bag and strips off his shirt, leaving him in just his compression pants and running shorts.

“I’m going to freeze my nips off like this, I don’t know how you do it,” he grumbles as he rejoins Hiei.

“Stop complaining, it’s not even chilly today.”

“Speak for yourself.”

They head out at a light jog for a warm up lap. Halfway around the track Jin straightens his posture, gesturing with his chin, “They’re here.”

Hiei doesn’t look right away. He focuses on his breathing and making sure his posture is good before glancing over to find Kurama settling onto the bleachers.

His roommate is short, slim, and frowning. Hiei gives him a once over as they approach and finds he’s attractive, his short dyed hair swept back stylishly.

He’s dressed more casually than Kurama, but not by much. His top is tucked into his black pants, but then there’s Kurama—red hair pulled up in a ponytail, sporting a pale yellow sweater and tight jeans—and Hiei doesn’t have much interest in the roommate any longer.

As they pass, Kurama glances up long enough to exchange a smile with Hiei as he ducks his head close to Touya’s ear.

Hiei looks at Jin out of the corner of his eye and smirks. “He’s not ugly.”

Jin nods, grinning again.

“That’s one way to put it. Where do you keep finding these beautiful men?”

“It’s my curse, I can’t escape them.”

***

After practice, when their coach has dismissed them, Hiei leads Jin towards the bleachers as they confirm their plans to meet for weight lifting next week.

Stretching his arms over his head, Jin groans—which does amazing things to his torso—and says, “That was a good practice.”

Jin beat his personal record and neither of them threw up, so Hiei has to agree. There’s nothing like throwing up ten minutes before meeting a cute guy for the first time to really sabotage the whole thing.

“Laying it on a bit thick,” Hiei mutters. He rolls his eyes after he takes a moment to appreciate how Jin’s abs flex and shift. Hiei is nothing to scoff at, but Jin has a slimmer build and he’s sculpted.

“Whatever it takes, ya feel,” he murmurs back, and they’re both laughing as they reach the bleachers.

Hiei looks up to find Kurama’s amused smile, and his roommate—Touya— running his narrowed, appraising eyes over him. He doesn't spare Jin even a glance, just pins Hiei with an icy stare as if he finds him offensive. Hiei sets his shoulders and lifts his chin, allowing Touya to stare all he wants. He isn’t going to shy away from him.

Finally, he nods, and shifts his frown over to Jin. His eyes are a smidge softer, and he must find something more palatable in Jin because he offers him a small, private smile after the fact.

“Hiei,” Kurama says cordially as they step down from the bleachers, “This is my roommate, Touya.”

Touya merely nods his greeting.

Kurama wears that polite, charming smile Hiei has seen only when they are in public. It’s fake, Hiei realizes, at least to some extent. Hiei recalls how Kurama is always on, has said it himself, and wishes they were out of here already. He has to pretend in front of his roommate too? Or is it just Hiei he doesn’t care enough to play the part for?

Kurama turns his attention to Jin. “We haven’t officially met, I’m Kurama.”

“Oh, I know who you are,” Jin says, his grin infectious. Kurama mirrors it as they shake hands. “I’m Jin. It’s nice to meet you, officially and all.”

Suddenly Hiei’s stomach twists. He prays Jin doesn’t open his big mouth and call Kurama his fuck buddy in mixed company. He doesn’t want Kurama to think that’s how he refers to him, how he thinks of him, whether it’s their situation or not.

“Kurama,” Touya’s voice is smooth, and much to Hiei’s dismay, pleasant. “I haven’t eaten yet, so I’m going to head out.”

“Of course. Thank you again, for coming with me, friend.” Kurama’s eyes hold Hiei’s stare for a beat before he glances at Touya. They share a private smile, Touya’s face transforming into something far kinder than Hiei would have thought possible.

“I’m headed towards the dinning hall in Musashi-Kosugi,” Jin says casually, “are you going that way by chance?” He offers Touya an open, friendly smile.

“I am,” Touya says, returning Jin’s smile with a sly one of his own.

“Mind if I walk with you?” Jin looks at him, hoisting his bag a bit higher onto his shoulder.

Touya runs his eyes over Jin once more, sizing him up. Hiei wonders if this is how Kurama looked at him on that first day, like a slab of meat.

“Not at all.”

Hiei is mildly bewildered by how somebody as cold as Touya seems can be interested in a stranger they’ve just met that, for all they know, is the embodiment of a large, energetic dog. He watches them leave, unsure if he’s done Jin a favor or not. Jin can get along with anybody, Hiei isn’t too worried.

“Touya is….”

“You have to give him a chance to warm up. He’s far more personable once he knows someone.” Kurama grins and bumps his shoulder against Hiei’s. “A bit like you, in that way”

Hiei rolls his eyes but leans into Kurama for a moment. “Are you ready?”

Kurama’s eyes linger on his body as he nods slowly. “Very. I want to get my hands on you. Those shorts make it especially hard to be good.” Kurama smirks at him as he grabs his messenger bag, allowing Hiei to lead the way.

“Was he jealous?” Hiei asks after a while. Personally, he feels like Touya was quite the opposite if the looks he was giving Hiei were anything to go by.

“Mhmm,” Kurama hums, his fingers dancing along the strap of his bag. “He was jealous alright. My goal is complete, he’s aware he’s missing out when it comes to the runner’s physique.”

Hiei only allows himself to watch Kurama’s fingers for an instant before he forces his eyes ahead.

“Maybe he and Jin will hit it off.”

He’d do just about anything to have those fingers on him right now. Holding his arm, his hand, pulling his hair.

He’s sweaty and gross, though. While that does turn Kurama on, Hiei would like to be clean and dressed. The thought of showering, and holding Kurama’s hand as he walks him back to campus before they both go to work causes Hiei such a physical ache in his stomach, he has to focus on something else.

In an attempt to distract himself he asks, “How were your classes today?”

Kurama is always happy to fill the silence. He’s jovial as he recounts his day, and how the night before his lab partner, Kaito, made a mess of their report and they had to redo a portion of their experiment. He talks about how he’s currently growing fungi in the greenhouse, and testing how they grow under different conditions.

Hiei listens intently, imagining what Kurama’s busy week must be like outside of their interactions.

Hiei doesn’t entertain what it might look like if there were more interactions, if he was allowed into more of Kurama’s life. He doesn’t think about meeting Kurama for dinner after labs to discuss his day immediately. He doesn’t linger on the idea of dropping by the greenhouses to press a coffee into Kurama’s hand and a kiss to his mouth. He doesn’t imagine how much he would love to listen while Kurama walks him through the rows of mushrooms, explaining his experiments with this much excitement.

It would be foolish to imagine any of that.

When they get back to Hiei’s, Kurama is quick to pin him against the door. He’s still talking about a paper he has to write before Friday as he brushes his lips over Hiei’s neck. His hands are greedy things, exploring below Hiei’s waist.

“What about you? How’re classes?” His lips tease Hiei’s for more kisses, his hands are cruelly distracting, but Kurama’s eyes are clear and expectant, waiting for Hiei’s response.

“They’re going well enough,” he whispers before licking into Kurama's mouth. His own hands clutch at Kurama’s biceps, curling into the soft fabric of his sweater. When Kurama breaks the kiss, Hiei admits, “My literature class is my only issue.”

Kurama hums curiously, bending to press his face into Hiei’s neck so he can talk.

“I have two more extra credit papers to write… I’ve started one of them. My TA informed me this week, though, that they might be for nothing. I might still get my grade docked for tardies I don’t really deserve.” Hiei stares up at the ceiling. He can’t keep the pout off of his face, so he’ll just hide it. He tries not to feel sorry for himself—he’s been in a bad habit of doing that lately.

He tilts his head to give Kurama more room as he sucks gently at his neck. “I have my main paper due for the class in a couple of weeks. I need to start on it since I’ll be out so much for competitions this month.” Hiei scrubs his hand over his face. “It’s just a headache.”

“It sounds like it. If you need any help with it, you know you can always ask,” Kurama murmurs, his teeth as gentle as his words as they scrape over Hiei. He can’t help but shiver.

Hiei can hear his phone buzzing in his bag, but he ignores it.

“Do you want to get that?” Kurama asks as he sinks to his knees, trailing hot, wet kisses down Hiei’s stomach. Hiei does not want that, he wants zero distractions now that he has a tiny bit of time with Kurama. He doesn’t have work for another two hours.

“No, I want inside of you,” Hiei breathes, his hands finding Kurama’s hair. Kurama chuckles, and digs in Hiei’s bag as he presses his face against the hard bulge in Hiei’s shorts. He checks the screen, and Hiei groans as Kurama presses the phone into his hand.

“It’s your sister, are you sure? You have a missed call from her, too.” Kurama nuzzles him once more before resting back on his heels as he looks up at him with those big, green eyes.

Hiei sobers, and manages to say, “Um, sorry, give me a moment,” as he swipes open his messages.

He scans her texts, frowning. She’s asking if he’s busy, and if he can talk.

“Do you want to go…” he nods back towards his room, and Kurama is quick to excuse himself as Hiei quickly taps out a message for Yukina: of course. whats up?

He follows it up quickly with do i need to call you??? as his heart rate picks up. It takes a moment but the little dots appear telling him that she is typing.

No, it’s fin.

Yukina what’s going on????

She never texts like this. Short, to the point, typos. Hiei heads towards his bedroom slowly, his panic growing. He’s going to have to send Kurama home and go find his sister. He doesn’t even know where she could possibly be right now.

Sorry! Everything is fine. ♡ If you’re panicking, stop. •ᴗ•

I just have my hands full at the moment.
I was just wanting to check that we were still good for dinner tomorrow night?
人´∀｀)

dont scar me liek that
fuck

Sorry! (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞
I was hoping we could meet a little early is all.

yeah that’s fine i’m a little busy too. see you tomorrow?

Yeah! I love you! ♡♡♡

love you too
❤️

Kurama is seated on the edge of Hiei’s bed when he walks in. Hiei groans and tosses his phone onto his mattress.

“Is everything okay?” He asks immediately, standing and stepping close to Hiei.

“Yeah, sorry, everything is fine. It’s nothing,” Hiei mutters and allows Kurama to guide him down onto the bed. He ends up taking Kurama’s seat, and stares up at Kurama.

“I’m glad it wasn’t anything serious,” Kurama says as he starts to undress.

Hiei is glad Kurama isn’t mad that he made him wait in his room when he likely has better places to be.

“I brought toys today, if you want to use them.”

Hiei glances over at him from his seat on the edge of the bed. Undressing is far less work for him—his track shorts are embarrassingly easy to slip out of. He wonders how much work Kurama will have him doing using toys this time.

“I don’t see why not. It was fun last time.”

“I hoped you’d say that.” Kurama flashes him a wicked grin and kicks his briefs aside. Hiei admires his naked body as he digs through his bag. He pulls out first a bundle of purple cloth followed by a half empty bottle of lube. He brings his finds to the edge of the bed before pressing the lube into Hiei’s hand.

With his hand now free, Kurama gently tips Hiei’s face up with a knuckle under his chin.

“Get in the middle of the bed and lay on your back.” Kurama’s no-nonsense tone sends a shiver down Hiei’s spine and he’s quick to comply.

Kurama watches from beside the bed and runs a finger lightly over Hiei’s big toe. It tickles, but he doesn’t move his foot. “Bring your legs together, your arms can stay relaxed for now.”

Kurama climbs onto the bed as Hiei shifts. In one graceful movement, he straddles Hiei’s thighs. The purple bundle is still secure in Kurama’s grasp as he gets comfortable.

The weight of him is nice, pinning Hiei down to the mattress. Hiei stares up at Kurama curiously, waiting to see what he’s brought and what he will tell Hiei to do next. Kurama unwraps the shiny material—satin or maybe silk—and lets the scarf fall to the side. It flutters to the bedspread leaving Kurama with a silicone stroker in his hand.

Hiei remembers selling it to him forever ago. It was the first time he had flirted back.

There’s a part of Hiei, a voice that is known for getting him into trouble, that urges him to make a comment, to ask if this is all. There’s the impulse to make a crack about how Kurama isn’t even going to warm it up first—but he keeps his mouth shut. Because he knows Kurama is going to make it good no matter what he has planned, and while the idea of mouthing off and seeing what happens might be a fun fantasy, a larger part of Hiei just wants to be found pleasing.

There’s also Kurama’s commanding tone and the sharp way he watches Hiei to consider, and they make Hiei hold his tongue happily.

Kurama carefully sets the stroker to the side but within reach and runs his hand over Hiei’s dick. He’s still mostly soft, but interested, and Kurama is gentle with him as he grabs the lube and pours it over his fingers.

“I want to explore the sub and Dom dynamic a bit more, if that’s okay with you.”

Hiei nods, unsure of how to even begin to say no. He doesn’t want to, but saying yes outright also seems like a big thing.

“Remember, I need you to vocalize your answers when we talk about this, Hiei.” His hand slides smoothly over his cock as it begins to stiffen. Kurama shifts his hips forward, and takes himself into the hand that is jerking Hiei off.

“I want to explore that with you,” Hiei says slowly. It’s insanely distracting when Kurama slips his index finger between their dicks. Like this he can grip both of them firmly as he strokes them in tandem.

Hiei swallows hard before saying, “But I am a little nervous.”

“Nervous in what way?” Kurama smiles down at Hiei encouragingly. “You will not hurt my feelings, no matter what you say. There is no right or wrong answer here.”

“I want to be able to change my mind.”

“Of course,” Kurama says quickly. “If at any point you want to stop, say so. If we stop today, that doesn’t mean we stop forever. Remember that.”

Hiei nods and bites his lip. Kurama’s hand feels good on his cock, and the slide of their dicks together arouses Hiei immensely.

“Let me tell you what I want to do, and also some of the things I don’t want to do, and you can decide after that.”

“That sounds fair.” Hiei often likes when Kurama explains a plan.

Kurama smiles mischievously at Hiei as he lets go of their dicks. Kurama thrusts his hips forward, grinding against Hiei as he reaches for the stroker.

“You’re getting hard fast today,” Kurama muses as he pours lube into the silicone sleeve. “Something I have no interest in is causing you serious pain. I don’t plan to hit you or spank you.” Kurama slides the toy over his dick, takes Hiei back in his hand, and smirks. ”But you know I love to bite, so I can’t promise no pain.”

Hiei shivers, his breath catching in his throat at the though of Kurama's teeth on him.

As he strokes both of them, Kurama says, “I do not plan to humiliate you. I am not going to belittle you, or make you do something that would jeopardize your dignity.

“I do want to be in control,” Kurama says as he slides the stroker over Hiei’s dick. Hiei can't help but moan, it’s tight and slick and Kurama was just inside it. Kurama thrusts against the base of his shaft and his sack as he strokes Hiei. He squeezes the opening tightly around the head of Hiei’s dick as it peeks through. Hiei feels his jaw go slack as he groans.

“I like when you’re in control.” Hiei pants, and it’s work to move his eyes away from their joined hips to look Kurama in the face.

“I like it too,” Kurama purrs. “I want to tell you how to fuck me, and when you can come. I want to do more of the normal stuff, but with more telling and less asking.”

“This all sounds great to me, Kurama. The answer is yes.”

“Hiei.” Kurama's tone is playfully reprimanding. He removes the stroker and slides their cocks together as he says, “I know this is good, but if I tell you to do something you don’t like, or if I say something that makes you uncomfortable, you tell me to stop, do you understand?”

Their erections are twitching against each other, sliding firm and slick and it’s an unbelievable act of willpower for Hiei to answer.

“I understand.”

The kiss Kurama gives him is steeped in his pleasure. It’s slow, and deep, and leaves Hiei breatheless. Kurama smirks down at his flushed face, but Hiei feels no embarrassment at the arrogant gleam in his eyes.

Kurama leans down, pressing their body’s flush, so he can settle his mouth to the tender spot behind Hiei’s ear. He speaks softly into his skin.

“The first thing I need you to do is say my name.”

“Kurama,” Hiei whispers, happy to obey. His fingers dance over Kurama’s back. They long for a task, hungry to hold, and touch, and play.

Kurama groans approvingly as he rocks his hips. Their dicks are pressed together, bumping and touching and sliding alongside each other. Hiei can’t help but moan as Kurama settles his hands firmly on Hiei’s hips to hold him in place.

“I like it when you say my name like that.” Kurama’s hair has fallen into his face, and it makes his eyes look even darker. “When you’re desperate and needy, moaning my name, that’s my favorite.”

“Ah, Kurama—” Hiei has to bite his lip to stifle the ungodly noise coming out of him. He turns his burning cheeks away, embarrassed.

Kurama’s voice undoes him. Constantly. Hiei would do nearly anything to hear Kurama right there, right behind his ear, speaking low and steady to only him. Kurama could say anything and manage to make it sound sultry.

“When you want something,” Kurama murmurs, “you will say my name.” The weight of his body anchors Hiei to the bed as he thrusts against him. He moves unbearably slow.

“When you enjoy something I do to you, you will say my name.” He sets his teeth against Hiei’s skin now. Hiei whimpers, unable to help it.

“When I have given you permission,” Hiei gasps as Kurama sits up again, “you will come with my name on your lips.”

“Kurama,” Hiei whines, turning his face away in embarrassment.

Kurama takes him in hand again, stroking his erection. His eyes are wild things. They’re intent when he asks, “Do you understand?”

“I understand.” Hiei’s voice is gruff, and he’s panting. Kurama is openly amused by this.

“Good boy,” Kurama murmurs, picking up the stroker again. He slides it over his own cock.

“The second thing I need you to do is keep your hands to yourself. I’m the only one who gets to touch today.”

Hiei presses his head back into the mattress, hating that thought but thrilled by the challenge. Kurama knows how much Hiei likes to be the one giving the pleasure, but Hiei has spent too many nights fantasizing about Kurama having his way with him to truly be mad.

He curls his hands into tight fists, determined to obey.

Kurama’s cool fingers slide over his jaw, and gently he is made to look up at him. “Hiei, you will not hide from me.”

“Kurama…” Hiei hates how he whines, but he can’t help it.

“There is nothing to hide,” Kurama says simply. “I need you to trust me, I told you I won't jeopardize your dignity. I need you to believe me.” Hiei looks up at him shyly and manages to nod.

“That’s good.” Kurama’s thumb is pleasantly cool as it brushes over his heated cheek. “Are you ready for me to make you feel good?”

“Yes.” Hiei says, but he means please. He shuts his eyes tight and squirms beneath Kurama like a trapped animal. “Kurama, I want it.”

“Hiei,” he purrs, “do not be quiet. Tell me what you want.”

“Kurama, touch me, please.” His voice is a whisper, and he chews on the inside of his cheek as he blinks up at Kurama. He feels dizzy and hot, and his heart is hammering in his ears. It’s too much. He just wants to cover his face and feel Kurama’s cool hands on his body.

“Stay with me.” Kurama runs his hands up Hiei’s stomach, and lets his fingers brush teasingly over his nipples. Hiei casts a sulking look at him which makes Kurama chuckle. “Don’t pout. I can hear you thinking, I can see that you want to hide still.”

He’s supposed to speak up, so he takes a steadying breath and whispers, “It’s a lot.”

“I know,” Kurama admits, stroking his cock now. He has them both in his large hand. They’re held flush as Kurama jerks them lazily. “You’re doing a good job, just keep looking at me.”

“Kurama—” His voice is barely more than a whine and he shifts his hips helplessly. He’s thoroughly trapped beneath Kurama. “I need more.”

Kurama smirks and jerks them faster. “I like it when you say please.”

“Please, Kurama. Please touch me more.” Hiei feels like he’s going to burst into flames. His ears are uncomfortably hot, and he knows from experience he’s flushed all the way down his chest. Kurama looks pleased, and that makes it bearable.

“That’s my good boy.” Kurama slips the stroker back over his own dick, before hooking his index finger under the silicone and stretching it to the side. Hiei gasps when Kurama slips the head of his cock inside the toy next.

“Fuck, yes, Kurama!” Hiei groans loudly as he pushes in next to Kurama. Kurama grips them tightly, and Hiei sobs out Kurama’s name when he starts stroking them together. He’s never said yes and Kurama so many times in a row before.

This spurs Kurama on, and in no time he has stopped stroking them in favor of shifting forward and fucking the toy instead. He thrusts against Hiei in a delicious frenzy.

“Please don’t stop!”

“Say my name,” Kurama reminds, his voice steady and calm, in stark opposition to his actions.

“Kurama!” Hiei gasps and it’s as if he can get enough air in his lungs.

He has to hold onto the sheet, he’s so desperate to touch Kurama. He badly wants to get his hands on them, to help squeeze them together, or run his hand over their heads each time they push through the end of the toy. Kurama’s finger sweeps incessantly back and forth over the opening of the stroker, sending shivers down Hiei’s spine each time he pushes his hips forward, but he still wants to help.

Kurama is rocking on his thighs, less intense now. He pulls the stroker lower, focusing on jerking their shafts as his fingers touch and tease the head of Hiei’s cock.

“You’re so flushed,” Kurama pants. He smiles, jubilant and boyish, and Hiei moans at that sight alone.

When Kurama shares that smile with him, Hiei understands why people act like idiots when they’re in love. This feeling is what makes people foolish enough to drive all night for a precious few hours together, or move across the country with little to know plan, or go to war. His guts twist, and Hiei wants nothing more than to fuck this beautiful man on top of him.

Hiei has to blink several times before he can get a grip on that emotion. He places it in a box, like all the difficult parts of his life, and sets it on a shelf that is far less assuming in theory than in practice.

“What are you thinking?” Kurama’s eyes are sparkling, and his face is flushed. He looks perfect: aroused; on top of Hiei; a little mussed.

“That I feel good,” Hiei whispers. He holds Kurama's eyes, and offers him a timid smile of his own. “Kurama, I feel really good.”

It’s an understatement. He feels phenomenal, extraordinary, fantastic—and a little overwhelmed.

“Good, you’re doing so well.” Kurama focuses his attention on the tips of their erections. They both moan at that, and Hiei arches his back up off the bed.

Hiei pushes up on his elbow to watch. He reaches out, but doesn’t touch. He blinks up at Kurama. He lets his face be honest despite the fear that curls in his guts. It’s improbable that Kurama can look at him and not know how Hiei feels.

Even so, he turns hopeful, needy eyes up to Kurama and pouts.

“Kurama.”

Kurama tangles their fingers together and squeezes his hand. “I’m right here, tell me what feels best.”

“I…” Hiei isn’t sure how to say what he wants. Kurama squeezes his hand reassuringly as if he has all the time in the world. Hiei takes a steadying breath. There’s no reason for him to be embarrassed. He’s said far worse to Kurama over texts. Saying it to his face shouldn’t be so different.

“Tell me,” Kurama’s tone isn’t cruel, but it leaves no room for argument. When he says things in that voice Hiei wants to obey. It’s like it tugs at some secret part of him that has been hardwired to listen.

Hiei knows that tone doesn’t just affect him, Kurama has used it on others before and they are always quick to listen.

“I like it when you fuck the toy,” Hiei says shyly. He bites his lip, hoping Kurama will find that answer enough.

“That’s it, that’s my good boy.” Kurama’s panting, and he tosses his head to get his hair out of his face. “You like it when I fuck the toy?”

Hiei jerks his head up and down as Kurama sits up off of Hiei’s thighs. He thrusts his dick further up so that his shaft keeps rubbing the sensitive underside of Hiei’s head.

Kurama licks his lips, his glutinous grin wide, salacious, vulpine as he asks, “Do you like when I get off on you? When I use you, Hiei? Do you like being my toy?”

“Yes!”

He rocks forward, pressing long and hard against Hiei’s leaking cock. Tilting his face, Kurama sets his mouth against Hiei’s ear and whispers, “Do you like when we fuck it together, like feeling our cocks against each other?”

“Yes, Kurama, please—”

Hiei sobs as Kurama does just that. Hiei’s cock is trapped by the stroker, throbbing and needy, as Kurama begins to thrust without restraint. Hiei watches slack jawed, mesmerized, unable to quiet himself, as Kurama’s cock slides against him.

“Oh, oh, fuck,” Hiei chants watching as the fat wet head of Kurama’s dick pushes past his own, thrusting so far through the opening of the toy it hits his stomach. He glances up to find Kurama panting, open mouthed. He lowers his gaze to watch his cock, it’s too hard not to. It keeps pushing, pushing, pushing, Kurama’s hips jerking so hard he keeps lifting up off of Hiei.

“Hiei.”

He looks up, and Kurama claims his mouth in a hungry kiss. Hiei’s moan is swallowed up, along with his embarrassment as pleasure builds in his groin. He’s going to come—it feels so good. Kurama is making it tight and slick and fast and Hiei breaks away to choke out his name.

“I-I’m close— Kurama—”

“Not yet, babe, you have to wait.” Kurama slips the stroker off of their cocks much to Hiei’s dismay. He groans, loudly, and drops Kurama’s hand to reach for his dick. He’s brushed aside immediately.

“I told you not to touch,” Kurama says firmly. He guides Hiei’s hand back towards the bed, and Hiei falls to his back as he clutches the sheet with a petulant shake of his head. He squirms pitifully when Kurama does not immediately give him more. His cock throbs, needs friction, more pressure—anything to make him come.

“Patience,” Kurama reminds, grasping Hiei’s erection and jerking him slowly. “Soon, just hold on a little longer.” He works his own dick far faster, moaning over Hiei like he’s trying to unravel Hiei at the seams. Hiei is transfixed as Kurama strokes himself to the edge, his grip firm and steady on Hiei the entire time.

His heart pounds loudly but less fervently in his ears. He matches his breathing to the slide of Kurama’s hand on his dick. Kurama is not faring so well. His chest heaves, and his eyes are half lidded as he struggles for breath.

Hiei loves watching Kurama work himself up like this. He’d stay here all day if he could. He remembers Kurama’s words, to speak up when he enjoys something. Hiei’s cheeks heat as he realizes he’s going to do it. Kurama will be proud of him for obeying, he will likely praise him. Hiei’s stomach clenches with gnawing desire, and painfully he whispers, “Kurama.”

“Yes?” Kurama catches his eye. He’s breathless, and slips the toy back over Hiei’s cock so they’re pressed together once more.

“I like watching you jerk off.” It’s sobering to say it outloud.

Everything no longer feels too intense, and Hiei is starting to relax again. His dick still aches, but he’s breathing normally again. He watches Kurama work their cocks together and knows this calm won’t last. He doesn’t want it to.

Kurama's smile is smug as he says, “Oh, yeah?”

Hiei shrugs as he grins back. “You’re good with your hands. You put on a good show.” His heart is still hammering as Kurama starts sliding the stroker over their cocks again. He feels wild knowing what comes next. He’s started to come down a bit from the edge, and he’s ready for Kurama to work him back up again.

“I’m ready now,” Kurama breathes, excitement clear in his voice. “Are you ready for me to make you come?”

“Yes.” There’s nothing else he wants.

Kurama smirks as he presses Hiei down into the mattress, rocking his hips forward experimentally.

“Hiei,” Kurama watches him, his gaze dancing from his mouth to his eyes, “you were such a good boy for telling me what you like.”

Hiei shivers at his words, he can’t control it.

“Don’t be quiet when you come.”

Hiei groans involuntarily and doesn’t feel bad. He bites his lip to keep his mouth from falling open, not to stifle the moans that are building within him, as he watches Kurama’s cock grind against his.

“Ah, Kurama,” Hiei whines as he fists the sheet. Kurama’s weight pins him to the mattress in the best way possible. Hiei doesn’t feel trapped, only pleasantly kept. He can’t roll away with these larger than life feelings that keep bubbling up within him. With each firm slide of Kurama against him, he wants to burst.

The room is filled with Hiei’s needy whines and Kurama's hungry grin.

Everything builds again deep within Hiei, and he squirms uselessly. Kurama is the only one that holds power here. He decides how much pressure, how much friction Hiei is allowed.

Hiei cries out for more, Kurama’s name a plea on his lips.

Kurama pins Hiei’s cock to his stomach within the stroker and fucks against him mercilessly. Hiei claws at the sheet, and arches his back as far off the bed as he can manage. The heated drag of Kurama’s dick along his makes him want to sob. He’s desperate to come. He’s so hard, and Kurama’s dick is rubbing against him so fast—all he wants is to have relief from the rising pressure inside him.

With a mischievous smile, Kurama reaches up and pinches one of Hiei’s nipples.

“Yes, yes, yes— ahhh—” Hiei can only throw his head back and moan. He grabs Kurama's thighs, desperate for more. “Please, Kurama, I want to come.”

“Should I let you?” Kurama tugs at his nipple gently. Hiei nods frantically, unable to find words as a whine gets stuck in his throat.

“Please,” he finally chokes out. “Please Kurama, I need it— please just let me—”

His chest is heaving from deep, ragged pants, and he can’t keep his legs still. They kick fruitlessly at the comforter.

Kurama reaches up and brushes his fingertips over Hiei’s lips, his chin, his throat.

“Come for me, Hiei.”

Hiei sobs, sweat or tears gathering in his lashes, he’s unsure, as Kurama slips his own cock out of the stroker and jerks Hiei’s dick alone. Kurama moves the toy over him, firm and fast. Hiei can’t hold on, there’s no savoring left in him.

He comes hard, making a mess of his stomach as he cries Kurama name.

There’s no moment of refuge, Kurama immediately pushes his way back in. Hiei’s too sensitive, but Kurama is there, and he’s hard, and he’s grinding against Hiei like a madman.

“Kurama, Kurama—”

Hiei writhes, trying to squirm away from the overwhelming sensation. It’s too much, he can’t—Kurama’s killing him, Hiei will combust.

Hiei gasps, tries to pull air into his lungs. Everything feels too tight and too close.

“Shhh.”

Hiei takes smaller, gulping breaths in time with Kurama’s thrusts.

A small voice in the back of Hiei’s head calmly reminds him the discomfort will fade—and it’s just the slightest kiss of pain, nearly pleasure already—but he can’t focus on that right now.  

“I have you,” Kurama grunts, pressing harder against Hiei. “Be my good boy, hold on for me.”

“Kurama,” Hiei moans. He’s ready to crawl out of his skin, and his toes are curling as his cock twitches pitifully. He’s still half hard, and the heat is quickly rekindling within him.

“Fuck, ahhhh,” Kurama groans right before he stops thrusting his hips. “I’m coming,” he gasps and Hiei watches as he pushes the stroker further down their dicks. Their cocks are flushed an angry red, and Kurama’s come shoots over Hiei’s stomach, mixing with his own.

A low, guttural noise crawls out of Kurama as he continues to slowly thrust against him, spilling come over Hiei’s dick.

“Aaah,” Kurama groans, catching Hiei’s hands in his own as he regains his composure. “That was good.”

Hiei makes an affirmative noise as he tries to lift his hips. Kurama still sits atop his thighs, solidly pinning him down. Hiei whimpers as he starts to squirm. Kurama tangles their fingers together and squeezes. He sits up enough to slip out of the silicone stroker.

“Kurama, please,” Hiei gasps, gripping his hands tighter.

“Yes? What do you need?” Kurama watches him with sober eyes despite the pleasant flush of his cheeks.

“Please keep touching me.” Hiei is panting again, his dick hard and twitching. “Please, I want more.”

Kurama smirks, grasping both of Hiei’s hands in one of his own. He grips Hiei’s aching cock in his large hand but does not stroke him.

“You want more?”

“Yes— Kurama, please!” Hiei whines and he doesn’t care. All he wants is for Kurama to move his hand and make him come again.

Kurama hums thoughtfully. His hand gives Hiei one slow, loose tug before settling again against his sack. “Good boys get to come.”

This sobers Hiei. He focuses on Kurama’s face, searching for what he’s missed.

“Kurama?”

Has he not been a good boy? He’s spoken his mind and been embarrassingly honest about how good he feels. What more could Kurama expect?

“I told you to keep your hands to yourself.” Kurama says gently. He lets go of Hiei’s dick to grab the silk scarf he’d discarded earlier.

“But I—” he tries desperately to recall when he touched himself. “ I didn’t!” Hiei shakes his head, feeling overwhelming despair at the thought that he’s being wrongfully blamed.

He’s been nothing but good, and Kurama should be touching him.

“You didn’t touch yourself,” Kurama agrees, “but you nearly did. And you did touch me.”

“Kurama, I—”

“After I told you to keep your hands to yourself.” Kurama gives him an encouraging smile, holding a hand up to stop him when it’s clear Hiei wants to protest.

“I know you didn’t mean to, it’s okay.” Kurama holds him steady and rubs the soft silk of the scarf over the back of Hiei’s hand in soothing circles.

“I am not mad,” Kurama promises. “I’m very proud of how well you did overall, but you need a punishment before we move on. We can’t ignore that you broke a rule.”

Hiei sulks and turns his face away to hide it. He feels unreasonably emotional. He blinks rapidly as sweat stings his eyes.

“Hiei,” Kurama’s voice is as gentle as his hands, “don’t hide.” His fingers are cool as they slide over Hiei’s heated cheek. He turns Hiei’s face back towards him and meet’s Hiei’s emotional eyes with a patient stare.

“Look at me,” he says firmly. “You are not to hide, we need to face our mistakes. Besides, you’re cute when you pout.”

Hiei sniffs and starts to glance away before he remembers he can’t and sets his eyes on the top of Kurama’s head.

“That’s my good boy,” Kurama breathes, his thumb caressing Hiei’s cheek. “I know you can be good, but I think a physical reminder might help you. I’d like to bind your wrists.”

Hiei meets his eyes then, his pulse fluttering at the idea of being tied down. He glances at the scarf and looks back to Kurama, curious.

“Breathe Hiei.” Kurama’s soothing tone is a steady contrast to his rising pulse. “Listen to what I’m saying.”

“I’m listening,” he whispers. He wets his lips, his mouth has gone dry out of nowhere. He’s nervous about being bound to a specific spot, but he can’t deny it’s arousing to think Kurama will be the one holding him in place.

“I’m not going to tie you down, just bind your wrists together. It’s to help you remember not to reach for things you shouldn’t,” Kurama explains.

Hiei nods, the arousal quickly overpowering his nerves.

“Do you still feel comfortable with that?”

“Yes.”

“Good, come here.” Kurama wraps the silk scarf around his wrists, tying them together with precise, deft movements. Once he’s confirmed Hiei is comfortable and the binding isn’t too tight, Kurama pushes Hiei’s hands to his chest. Hiei is left looking as if he’s in the middle of praying.

Kurama shifts in his seat, reminding Hiei’s dick of their proximity. Hiei’s desperate to be touched again, he thrusts his hips up as much as he can with Kurama holding him down. Kurama takes pity on him and wraps his large hand over Hiei’s growing erection.

“If you touch again, I’ll make you put your hands above your head. Do you understand?”

Hiei nods his head vehemently. He won’t mess up again. His hands rest against his chest, and he slides his fingers together as a further reminder to hold them in place.

“Use your words, Hiei. Speak up when I ask you a question.”

“Yes, Kurama. I understand.” Hiei’s ears feel hot, his heart is beating rapidly, and he’s suddenly shy under Kurama’s steadfast attention. Hiei feels dizzy with all of the overwhelming stimulation, but he doesn’t want it to stop.

With his hands bound, he feels more exposed. He feels silly because he knows that makes no sense—but Kurama is pinning his legs, and he’s unable to stretch out his arms. Kurama has him under his thumb, and if Hiei wants to truly move, he will have to ask for permission.

“You’re blushing,” Kurama murmurs. His hand is firm on Hiei as he strokes him. “What are you thinking, babe?”

“I’m just, um, I’m glad…” Hiei wets his lips, his breaths coming out in ragged pants as Kurama slowly jerks him off. “I’m glad you’re here, holding me down.”

Hiei searches Kurama’s face, desperate to know if he’s saying the right thing. Kurama likes it when he speaks up, so in an attempt to hear he’s done well, he adds, “I really love it when you have the control, Kurama. I can’t drift away—” his words are lost to a whimper. He can’t think straight between Kurama’s touch, and his stare, and the solid weight of his body over him.

“You’re so good, Hiei.” Kurama sits up for a moment, but he doesn’t go far. “You look beautiful, your eyes—” Kurama groans, unable to finish his thought.

“I want to be good, for you.” Hiei feels on top of the world, the adrenaline pumping through his veins has him high on the pleasure. “I feel like I’ve just won a race,” he pants.

“Yeah?” Kurama’s smile is knowing, like he’s not surprised by Hiei’s admission. Hiei watches as Kurama grabs the bottle of lube, and is surprised to find his plug is already out.

“You took your plug out?”

Kurama gives him an affirmative hum as he slicks Hiei’s cock. Hiei pouts, and can’t keep the whine out of his voice as he says, “I wasn’t watching. I like watching your face when you take it out.”

“Do you?” Kurama grins down at him as he positions himself.

“Yes.” Hiei shivers as Kurama thumbs the head of his dick. He wants to be touched and be inside of Kurama all at the same time. “You always look so fucking lost right before it pops out, it’s my favorite thing.”

“I didn’t know.” Kurama watches him, his expression amused and inviting, encouraging him to keep talking.

“I think about it a lot, ahhh— when I jerk off. Can I fuck you now, please?” He tries not to squirm, but it’s a losing battle. His dick keeps sliding between the dip of Kurama’s cheeks, and Hiei’s going to lose it if he brushes over his hole again without getting inside.

“Are you ready for that?”

“Yes, Kurama.”

“I’m going to ride you until you are begging me to let you come—” Hiei sobs at the thought of it, desperate to be in that position now, “—and if you’re good, I’ll let you.”

“Please, I want it, I want it— Kurama—”

Kurama sinks down onto Hiei slowly then, groaning softly as he does—or maybe he’s loud, Hiei can’t tell. The noise he’s making drowns Kurama out. He yelps, thrusting up as the warm heat of Kurama envelopes him.

“You’re so tight,” he whispers and throws his head back. “God, it’s good.”

“Open your eyes, Hiei,” Kurama’s voice is steady.

Hiei opens his eyes but can only manage to stare at the ceiling.

“What are you feeling?” Kurama asks as he rides him. Hiei takes deep breaths, in time with his words, hoping to calm his wild heart.

“A runner’s high, maybe?” Hiei guesses.

Kurama’s smirk is clear from Hiei’s peripheral vision. Hiei can’t help a tiny, startled laugh as he grins at Kurama.

“You are so beautiful.” It isn’t what he meant to say, so he laughs and tries again. “I feel crazy good, just, fuck— my dick might explode? Like you feel so good around me. Kurama, I feel like, like—like I could float away if you weren’t on top of me.”

Kurama leans forward and grips Hiei’s wrists as he rolls his hips. He tosses his hair over his shoulder and pants with his efforts. “I’m not letting you go anywhere, you know that right? I have you.”

“I know, and I love it.” Hiei arches his back and twists his wrists in Kurama’s grasp. He doesn’t want to escape, merely wants to feel how he’s being restrained. “I like this, I really like that you are holding me down like this.”

“Tell me what else you like, Hiei. What else do you think about when you’re jerking off?”

Kurama’s eyes are sparkling, and fishing for compliments, and Hiei loves when they’re like this. Bright and clever and focused on him.

“You.” Hiei grins when Kurama rolls his eyes, pleased with himself. He wants to kiss Kurama’s amused smile, he wants to lick the sweat from his chest and bite his neck, and he wants to get his hands in his hair.

“Be more specific.”

“I like it when you tell me I’m good—ah, when you, when you call me a good boy I want to come and kiss you all at the same time.” Kurama laughs at that, and Hiei pouts. “I’m serious.”

“You are being a very good boy for me, but you can’t come yet.”

“Yeah?” Hiei whispers, pushing his hips up as much as he can.

“Yeah, you’re my good boy,” Kurama promises and Hiei stretches against the scarf, desperate to get ahold of Kurama.

“I like when you put your hair up,” Hiei blurts, desperate to make Kurama happy, “but only when it’s just us.”

Kurama smiles down at him encouragingly. His voice is so smooth and warm when he asks, “Why’s that?”

“I don’t like other people seeing how pretty you are. You look so good and I hate sharing,” Hiei whispers.

Kurama hums, and rewards his honesty with a kiss. “Tell me more,” he murmurs as he rolls his hips exceptionally slow.

“I like to think about getting more toys,” Hiei admits. “I like to jerk off to the thought of you—fuck, Kurama you have to buy a flesh light.”

“Okay?” Kurama chuckles, “Tell me why.”

“I want to fuck you. And you would like, get a wall mount, and fuck the flesh light. And just. I want you to be a sandwich.” Hiei groans, nearly coming at the thought. “You’d make such a good middle. But also, I want to be in the middle. Sometimes I just want to get a dildo and fuck it while you suck my dick.”

“Hiei,” Kurama moans.

“I get off on that one a lot,” Hiei admits. “It’s one of my favorites.”

“Then I’ll have to see what we can do about making it a reality.”

“Fuck, Kurama you can’t say that.”

“I mean it. Tell me what other perverted thoughts you have about me.”

“I think about when you finger me, and how I want you to fuck me one day. I think about that a lot,” Hiei whispers, and he shifts pitifully, unable to properly fuck Kurama from this position. “I don’t want it like this the first time,” he says quietly.

“Oh? How do you want me to take you the first time?” Kurama grins down at him, this line of thought encouraging him to lift himself higher, and faster, and to clench harder.

“Kurama,” Hiei whines, “When you do that I want to come!”

“You have to be patient.” Kurama squeezes his wrists gently, which does not help Hiei in the slightest. It has the opposite effect really. “Tell me how you want me to fuck you.”

“I just, it’s that right now you’re doing a lot of the work,” Hiei flushes, not wanting Kurama to think he’s being unreasonable, “and I want to do my part, but—”

“But you want me to take care of you our first time,” Kurama finishes easily, no malice in his voice. He rolls his hips slowly, which drives him wild more than it does Hiei.

Hiei likes watching, though. Kurama is all sated sighes and elegant lines and he’s nearly glistening in the late afternoon light. Hiei’s eye gets caught on the full pout of his lower lip, it’s so wet and red and puffy from being bitten. He could get a little lost, if he’s not careful. In Kurama’s voice, in his eyes, in the idea of being under his careful hands.

“Yeah. . . I’ve never gone that far with somebody before, and I want to take it slow.”

“You’ve never—”

“No,” Hiei cuts him off quickly, “but I want to. With you. I’m, I mean, I love it when you play with my ass, and it’s not like I’ve never done anal at all. I’ve used toys. I’m just… It’s a lot with somebody. But I want it to be you. Honestly, we could do it now if you wanted. I’m ready, I think.”

“Shh, shh, Hiei,” Kurama soothes gently as he slides his hand up to his biceps. He holds onto his arms firmly. “I will take the utmost care with you when we get to that. I want to show you what a good time it can be.” Kurama leans forward and cups Hiei’s face. “I am going to take such good care of you, but not today. I need you to be able to consent when you’re thinking clearly.”

“I am—”

“No, baby, you’re not. You’ve already told me you feel dizzy, like you’re experiencing a runner’s high. You are not acting like yourself, not where I can trust you to say no if you ended up not liking it.”

Hiei doesn’t know how to feel about that. Hurt, maybe. Pleased to be so protected. Mad that Kurama doesn’t trust his judgment.

“Don’t pout, Hiei.” Kurama runs his thumb over Hiei’s lower lip before sitting up and rolling his hips again. “I am going to have you, and it will be worth the wait. I’ll take care of you.”

“Kurama, I want that,” Hiei whispers fiercely. He’s suddenly blinking back tears, unsure of where they’ve come from.

“I’ll make you feel so good, Hiei, just wait.” Kurama is starting to get worked up again, his pants turning into moans as he rides Hiei. His hand finds his erection and strokes it steadily.

“I do feel good,” Hiei cries, wanting nothing more than to be his hands. He wants to make Kurama come. All he ever wants is to make Kurama feel good.

“I just want to be good,” he whispers.

“You are good.” Kurama uses the tone that leaves no room for negotiation. It makes HIei tremble terribly and whimper.

“Kurama, please, I want to make you come. I want to make you feel like I do.”

“Hiei, darling, I do feel good, but right now it's about you.” His tone is so careful, as gentle as the scarf holding Hiei’s wrists, as solid as Kurama’s thighs holding him in place, as sweet as his kisses. Hiei is going to lose it, he can’t help the tears that slip down his cheeks as he gasps for breath.

“Please— Kurama!” Hiei chokes on a sob before he can manage, “I want to come!”

“Say my name when you come for me, baby,” Kurama whispers.

“Kurama, Kurama, Kurama—”

Hiei’s shouts have died down to quiet, rattling sobs by the time his hips have calmed their sporadic jerks beneath Kurama. He shivers, trying to draw his knees together with no luck. “Kurama…” He whimpers, feeling sensitive and exposed. The endorphins are still rushing through him, and when Kurama climbs off of him he’s scared he’ll float away.

“Don’t go!” He reaches both hands out, still bound, in blind search of Kurama.

“I’m right here, I’m not going anywhere.” Kurama’s hands are steady as one cups his face and the other grips his hand. “Look at me, Hiei.”

It’s a struggle but he manages to open his eyes a bit. Kurama is right there, smiling at him like he’s hung the moon. Hiei can’t help but smile back.

“You did so good, I’m going to untie you now.”

Hiei watches dumbly as Kurama removes the scarf from his wrist. He tosses it aside, but Hiei still holds his hands together as if he is still restrained.

“Come here.” Kurama’s voice is gentle as he pulls Hiei to him. He wraps surprisingly strong arms around Hiei, and guides Hiei’s head to his chest. “You were so good, how do you feel?”

“Amazing,” Hiei hears himself whisper. He didn’t even tell his mouth to answer, it just did. He can’t help smiling shyly at that. “I feel like…” Hiei presses his face into Kurama’s chest, a bit distracted by the nipple ring before him. He carefully pokes at the barbell, sliding it back and forth as he says, “I feel on top of the world.”

Kurama’s hand keeps sweeping pleasantly up and down Hiei’s back, and he’d be happy to take a quick nap before work. He doesn’t get the chance, because suddenly Kurama is trying to slip away.

“You can’t go,” Hiei whines, snaking his arms around Kurama’s middle.

“I’m just going to get a washcloth and some water. Aren’t you thirsty?” He is somehow able to unwrap himself from Hiei’s embrace, despite Hiei’s best efforts.

“Stay here,” Hiei all but begs. He just wants Kurama to keep holding him, the thought of him leaving for anything, for any amount of time, is unacceptable. “Kurama,” he whines, stretching each syllable of his name.

“We need to clean up, I’ll be right back.”

Kurama disappears out the door, and he is gone for not a short moment, but a long moment in which Hiei stares at the ceiling and marvels at how his body feels feather light.

As Kurama pushes open his door, Hiei curls into the blanket to blink slowly at him. He has a glass of water in one hand and a washcloth in the other.

“See? I’m back.”

“You were gone forever,” Hiei mumbles. He allows Kurama to roll him onto his back, and he sighs contentedly as the warm washcloth is run over his chest, and then his stomach, and then his thighs. It feels better to be clean, he won’t deny it, but he hopes Kurama won’t ask because he doesn’t really want to admit he was right, either.

“Better?”

“Mm,” Hiei nods and reaches up for Kurama, “hold me again?”

Kurama’s smile is nearly tender as he brushes Hiei’s hair back from his face. “Of course, drink some water first.”

Hiei does, and pulls Kurama back into bed with him. He lets Kurama spoon him this time, which allows him to trace his fingers over Kurama’s. It’s aimless, and he likes the feel of Kurama’s delicate fingers beneath his rougher ones.

“You’re still feeling it, aren’t you?” Kurama asks eventually, his lips pressed to the back of Hiei’s neck. Every so often he brushes them back and forth, and it tickles.

“Feeling what? Floaty? Yeah. I just…” Hiei tries to think, and finally he says, “I feel like I have a runner’s high, but better.”

“I’m not surprised. It will fade eventually.” He squeezes Hiei closer, and Hiei traps his arms beneath his biceps and against his ribs. He’s not letting Kurama go anytime soon.

“I want to cuddle.” Hiei presses his face down so his mouth is hidden behind Kurama’s hands. “I like it when you hold me like this.”

“I can see that.” Kurama lets the quiet stretch for a bit before he says, “Hiei, I think we should consider a safe word.”

“Why? I was fine with everything we did. More than fine.” Hiei turns to look back at him over his shoulder, surprised. He hadn’t done anything that was safe word level. He hadn’t hit him, or called him names. Not once did Hiei consider calling it off. “Honestly, that was some of the best sex I’ve had. Ever.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, but sometimes it’s nice to have that safety net.” Kurama’s lips are tickling him again, nipping at his earlobe distractingly.

“Okay, I don’t mind.” Hiei will do whatever Kurama wants so long as he will continue to fuck him like that. Because wow, talk about life changing.

“What should we use? It should be something we wouldn’t normally say in bed but that we can both remember.”

“Oh, that’s easy,” Hiei rolls his eyes, “Rubiginosa.”

Kurama laughs once, the puff of startled air moving Hiei’s hair. “Hiei.” It’s all he says for a long time. Hiei is pulled closer, and Kurama presses his face against his shoulder. He heaves a sigh and finally says, “Rubiginosa is perfect. Hiei, I. . .” Kurama trails off again, still squeezing Hiei a bit.

“Yeah?” Hiei squeezes back, and lets his feet slide between Kurama’s shins.

“I, um…” Kurama clears his throat and says, “You’re a really good boy, you know that right?”

“I love it when you say that,” Hiei says happily as he closes his eyes. “I could stay here all day. I don’t want to go to work later.”

Kurama chuckles, his chest rising and falling against Hiei’s back pleasantly. Hiei leans into him and is rewarded with Kurama’s knees tightening against his thighs. He wants to be swallowed whole, maybe then he’d be close enough to Kurama.

“Later? What time did you say you’re scheduled?”

“I’m late start. I go in at seven.” Hiei closes his eyes and focuses on the way Kurama’s lips make his skin tingle as he speaks against his ear. “Don’t worry I have like an hour.”

“Honey, it’s six-forty right now. You have fifteen minutes, at most.”

Hiei groans. He should be springing up, throwing on clothes, but he only turns into Kurama’s embrace and presses his face into his chest. “How? It can’t be that late. It’s only been like ten minutes,” he whines.

“You’re not even close, it’s been almost an hour,” Kurama corrects, his tone amused. “I don’t know if you should go to work like this.” He tucks Hiei’s face against his chest and slides his fingers into his hair. He massages Hiei’s scalp with technique reserved for the Olympics. If scalp massaging was a sport, Kurama would rank.

“You could win gold with those fingers.”

“Huh? What was that?”

Hiei groans again and wraps himself around Kurama. “Grab my phone. Can you just tell them I can’t make it? Tell them I got hit by a car, and that I can’t come in. Hisayo will understand.”

“How about I just blame it on food poison?” Kurama sounds far too reasonable, Hiei doesn’t know how he can be so calm when everything still feels so good. Hiei curls in closer and is startled to hear Kurama say, “Yes, hello. I’m calling to inform you Hiei won’t be able to make it in today. He’s been throwing up all afternoon and has a temperature. Yes. . .Yes. Of course, thank you.” Kurama hangs up and tosses Hiei’s phone back onto the bed.

Hiei peaks up at Kurama feeling unreasonably warm. “Did you just call me in sick?”

“Isn’t that what you wanted?” Kurama smiles down at him, and Hiei can’t help it, he tilts his face up for a kiss. Hiei wants to melt as Kurama’s large hand runs up his spine, as his tongue brushes along the back of his teeth, as his fingers curl possessively into his hair.

“Keep doing that,” Hiei gasps, clutching at Kurama’s bare chest with little to show for it.

“Keep doing what?”

“Taking care of everything.”

Kurama smirks and pulls Hiei’s head further back by his hair. His eyes are dark, nearly forest green, as he studies Hiei’s face. “I can do that.” And he kisses him again.

Chapter Text

Hiei’s really done it this time.

He yelled at a customer. Really yelled.

Everything is a blur. There’s just cup after cup. Fill with ice. Pull the shot. Drizzle the caramel.

What had he been thinking?

That’s the problem, he didn’t. He had just been so angry, he hadn’t meant—why hadn’t he just bit his tongue?

Hiei blinks down at the blender in his hand. He doesn’t even know when he drifted away from the register. Looking over, he finds Koto is managing the line just fine. He’s supposed to be over there, but he locks his eyes on the drink he’s making and allows muscle memory to take over.

The guy had been holding up the line, cursing at Hisayo, and Hiei had just wanted him to move on. He never should have opened his mouth, should’ve left it at taking over her position. But no, he just had to mouth off—had to tell him what a fucking asshat he was being.

“Hiei?”

The white hot rage has simmered down into quiet dread. Hiei doesn’t know what he was thinking, why did he do that? What did he say? Ignorant bastard rushes to the forefront of his mind.

I’ll be calling corporate.

He’s going to lose his job.

“Hiei.”

He winces, startles out of his daze, grabs the next cup.

“Hiei,” Hisayo repeats. Her hands are steady as she takes the cup from him. “It’s okay, just… why don’t you head out a little early?”

Koto steps over to put another cup in the line. “We got this,” she assures. “You only have like fifteen minutes left of shift, just… you look like you could use a breather.” She retreats back to the register, and when Hiei looks over, the line is no longer backed up.

“I—”

“Hiei, just go.” Hisayo’s face is calm and stubborn, and Hiei fears this is her way of saying his goose is cooked.

He grabs his bag and escapes, his stomach churning as every muscle seems to coil within him. He can’t afford to lose the coffee shop. Where else is he going to find a job that will work around his meets? No where, at least not after he gets let go for being hostile to customers.

Hiei should go to the library. He should work on homework. But he can’t. How can he sit down, sit still, pretend like it’s a normal day when he could get a call at any moment that he’s out of a job?

Practice is nearly two and a half, torturous hours away. Hiei needs to run, needs to let his body take over. How can he just sit down and wait for practice when he doesn’t even know if he still has a job?

The most he can do for now is walk.

Hiei shoves his hands in his hair to keep them busy. It very likely could be tomorrow before he hears anything about this, possibly longer. His fingers twist, scraping at his scalp. His stomach churns, he hates waiting. The thought of being in limbo for so long causes him to tug at his hair.

He could hit something.

When his phone buzzes in his pocket, his heart drops into his stomach, and he feels cold. It can’t be about work. It’s not enough time.

Taking a steading breath, he pulls his phone out. A text meets him, not an email.

It’s Kurama.

Are you going to the library?
Send me a pic???
I would much rather be looking at you then looking at these equations~

Hiei grits his teeth, takes a long, slow breath and starts walking towards the library. He does not have the patients to fool around right now. He should be doing something, he can’t just stomp around and cry about something he can’t change.

sorry i can’t

He does not have time to play right now. He can deal with Kurama later, after practice, after he’s cleared his head.

?
Can’t?
Why not? Are you not doing homework?

Hiei glares down at his phone. Why should he have to explain himself? Shaking his head, he shoves his phone back into his pocket. Hiei only makes it a few steps before the idea of pushing, of poking at Kurama hits him. Why should he be the only one frustrated?

Fishing his phone back out, he shoots Kurama a quick text: I’m not sending you a picture.

?

I’m not sending you a picture.

It takes Kurama a long moment to reply, and Hiei’s blood is rushing behind his ears the entire time. He’s never said no to Kurama before. He’s not sure how he will react. He hopes it’s ugly. He hopes that perfect mask of his falls away completely.

Are you okay?
What’s going on?

Of course Kurama has to ask questions. He’s always irksome when Hiei wants him to do something. He wants Kurama to feel as frustrated as he does. He sends a nonanswer, something he knows Kurama doesn’t like.

it’s been a long day

Heart racing, Hiei follows it up with something a little meatier: idk if ill be up to sending a good night text

The little dots appear to tell Hiei that Kurama is responding. And then they disappear. After a long moment the return.

Hiei waits, anxious to see what Kurama will say. Will he call off meeting up today? Will he yell? Hiei hopes it’s mean. He wants to see Kurama ruffled, livid, any emotion other than teasing.

The dots disappear yet again and still there is no text. Hiei frowns, but he isn’t going to cave. He will not forfeit the control, he is willing to wait this out.

Finally a text appears.

You will find your way to a bathroom, and you will have a marker in your hand.

Hiei starts to tap out a reply, how he doesn’t have to do anything when a voice memo comes through.

Hiei stops and stares down at his phone. Glancing around, he makes sure nobody is nearby before he turns the phone volume down. What could Kurama have to say? He left class to. . . it’s not even five seconds long.

Butterflies fill Hiei's stomach—their fluttering far from exciting, he thinks he might vomit—and his hand shakes as he lifts the phone to his ear. What can Kurama say in five seconds? What is worthy of pulling him away from class? That Kurama isn’t here to deal with Hiei’s attitude? Is it an ultimatum —deliver or else? Is it worse than potentially being ignored? Why did he have to poke? Is Kurama going to tell him that it’s over?

He presses play.

“Be a good boy and send me picture proof when you have done this. Do not leave me waiting, Hiei.”

Kurama’s tone is so controlled, so unaffected, as if Hiei hadn’t just told him no. It’s the voice he uses when he wants Hiei to listen, the voice he uses when there are to be no arguments.

His feet are moving before he’s even aware, he’s headed towards the library.

Hiei moves through the busy foyer, past the study tables and stacks towards the computer lab. He has to pass the study rooms, and the dozen whiteboards that are left haphazardly around the tables, some halfway into the study rooms, forgotten in open doorways. Hiei heads for the bathrooms at the back of the building and snags an expo marker from a whiteboard as he passes.

got it
now what?

It only takes a minute, but Kurama sends three messages rapid fire, a text that reads: Make sure you’re in the bathroom before you listen to this. Send me a picture Hiei, please.

It’s followed by another, longer voice memo and one more text.

And you’re going to do it because you’re my good boy.

The bathroom is blessedly empty, and after shutting himself into the only stall, Hiei snaps a picture of the marker with the toilet out of focus behind it. The expo is blue.

Hiei blinks down at it before hurrying to send the picture to Kurama. Pulling the phone close, he wastes no time in listening to the memo. It’s nearly thirty seconds and Hiei is desperate to know what Kurama has to say.

“Take the marker and write my name anywhere between your navel and your knees,” Kurama says steadily, and there is an eerie lack of echo—as if he wasn’t secluded in a bathroom when he recorded this. The idea of Kurama huddled in a hallway, or somewhere equally public, while giving Hiei these instructions makes heat sweep through him.

“Anywhere you want, and it can be covered by your clothes. You are going to write my name, Hiei, and it’s going to remind you that I’m waiting for you. That I will be there when you’re done with practice. I will be there, and we will have time to figure out whatever is going on, together.”

Eyes wide, Hiei stares down at his phone. His gaze shifts over to the marker. He’s supposed to write Kurama’s name… On himself… like…

Hiei flushes and nearly drops the marker. With his heart pounding yet again, Hiei considers telling Kurama he won’t don’t this—that he can’t.

He cannot… brand himself with Kurama’s name.

Peeking back at his phone, Hiei swipes open his messages again. Kurama’s text looms there, testing him.

Is Hiei good? Is he Kurama’s good boy?

Groaning, Hiei rips the cap free from the marker and shoves his joggers down to his knees. The marker tip is unpleasantly damp as it drags across his skin. Slowly, with an embarrassingly unsteady hand, Hiei scrawls Kurama’s name along his hip bone.

The ink spreads, distorting the edges so the lines aren’t crisp, but it’s Kurama’s name, stark against his skin.

Hiei’s a little lost staring at it. There's no reason he should feel so warm, and as he carefully traces a finger along the edge of one of the lines, Hiei realizes he’s holding his breath. He sucks in a lung full of air and doesn’t know why he suddenly feels so shy.

Nobody is going to see. Nobody will know.

Except he knows.

Let me know when you’re done.

Hiei flushes, the text judging him as he stares up at the ceiling for a long, flustered moment. Hiei snaps a picture and quickly pulls his pants back up.

Nobody will know except for Hiei, and Kurama.

***

And Kurama is waiting for him. He’s already in the bleachers when Hiei makes it to practice. For the first time, Kurama does not busy his hands with a book or with notes. Hiei feels Kurama’s eyes on him for the entire practice, and every time he dares to glance over, Kurama is watching him. He makes no show of disguising his actions.

Hiei can blame his racing heart and flushed cheeks on practice, but the way his skin tingles over his hip? The hug of his compression pants isn’t the issue, that‘s for sure.

When practice is over, Kurama is waiting at the edge of the track. It’s the farthest he’s ever wandered from the bleachers. His face is stoic, the crease of his brow the only indication of an underlying emotion. He hesitates though, unwilling to step onto the red polyurethane.

Kurama doesn’t hesitate to put his hands on Hiei as soon as he’s within reach. He wraps his large hands around Hiei’s biceps and squeezes gently, reassuringly.

“Are you okay?”

Kurama searches Hiei’s face, his own showing the appropriate amount of concern for mixed company, and squeezes his arms again. It grounds Hiei back to the moment, and suddenly he doesn’t feel so flustered.

“Yeah,” Hiei says, and his voice is unnecessarily rough. “Maybe.”

“Hiei.” Kurama says his name like it’s a gentle thing, like it’s something to keep safe.

Hiei has to look down. He can’t look at Kurama when he says his name like that. He blinks rapidly, pushing the storm of the day’s emotions down as he says, “I can’t do anything about it, so I’m as okay as I can be.”

They’re still standing by the track. People are still milling about, but Kurama places careful knuckles under Hiei’s chin and tips his face back up until their eyes meet.

“What happened?”

“I,” Hiei has to suck in a ragged breath, the words getting stuck as he blinks up at the unfairly blue sky. “I’m probably getting fired.”

“The coffee shop?”

“Yeah.”

Kurama purses his lips, the expression unpleasant but still lovely. He wraps his arms around one of Hiei’s and pulls him close to his side.

“Let’s get out of here and you can tell me what happened.”

***

They’re barely through the door when Kurama pulls Hiei into a tight embrace, and Hiei is happy to fall heavily into his arms.

“You’re going to be okay,” Kurama says softly into his hair. “There’s other jobs, you will find something.”

Hiei grunts and presses his face further into Kurama’s shirt. He smells earthy, like soil and green things, the way he always does after he’s been in the greenhouse. All Hiei wants is to stay here, close and warm and comfortable. He wraps his arms around Kurama’s middle and squeezes back.

“You might not lose your job, you don’t know for sure.”

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” Hiei says quietly, breathing in deeply. This isn’t something Kurama can fix, and he doesn’t want to think about it anymore. “Can you just… keep holding me for a little bit?”

“Of course,” Kurama promises, his mouth pressing gentle kisses along Hiei’s temple.

And Kurama does hold him, for many long moments. Hiei knows he’s being greedy, pushing the limit. Kurama starts to rock from foot to foot, shifting their weight back and forth. Hiei presses closer, his face completely hidden, and he’s not sure if Kurama will be able to hear him when he asks, “Can we go to bed?”

Kurama pulls back, but doesn’t let go. He smiles down at Hiei with so much softness it makes Hiei’s stomach churn once more.

“Is that what you want?”

Hiei nods, helpless to keep the heat from rising to his cheeks. He feels so much better now, like this, but it’s only a matter of time before Kurama will go. Hiei isn’t ashamed of his greed. He wants Kurama’s scent on his sheets, and today he deserves it.

Ever accommodating, it takes no time at all for Kurama to draw him down into the blankets. It’s a little strange. They’re still fully clothed when Kurama wraps his arms around Hiei and pulls him close, Kurama’s expansive chest blanketing all of Hiei's back.

His hand sweeps lazily across Hiei’s stomach.

Kurama isn’t a small person. Hiei knows he’s tall, knows he’s broad shouldered—but it’s easy to forget how much smaller Hiei is in comparison. Kurama doesn’t hide necessarily, but he’s constantly diverting attention off of his body, allowing himself to appear slight, unassuming, modest.

Now Kurama doesn’t disguise his size. He envelops Hiei like it’s the simplest thing. It makes Hiei’s chest ache. He wants so much more, and he knows it’s stupid, and it would be easier if they stopped—but he doesn’t want Kurama to let go.

Hiei shifts, caught between being uncomfortable and too comfortable.

Kurama hums behind him, his hand still gliding slow and unbothered up and down Hiei’s stomach.

“Is this okay?”

“Yeah, I…”

“Still overthinking?” Kurama asks, his lips a featherlight distraction against Hiei’s ear. There’s no safe way to answer that question. The easiest thing for Hiei to do is nod.

“Can you just,” Hiei whispers, “I don’t know—can we…?”

Kurama shifts behind Hiei and sits up a bit. His hand rests over Hiei’s hip. “Do you want me to take your mind off of things?”

Hiei nods, not wanting to break the quiet that’s settling over them as heavy as Kurama’s hand.

“I need you to use your words, baby.”

Scorching anticipation coils in Hiei’s stomach, it’s going to be like that. Hiei clears his throat, and his tongue is unfairly thick as he whispers, “Please.”

Kurama makes an appreciative noise behind him, and his fingers curl over Hiei’s hip. “How about you show me what's under here? Does that sound like a good place to start?”

“Yes.” Hiei has never felt this shy with Kurama, it makes no sense why he wants to hide his face.

Maybe it’s the way Kurama calls him baby again, or how he easily rolls Hiei to his back. Kurama positions him in the middle of the bed as if manhandling Hiei is a normal thing for them.

Maybe it’s the way Kurama’s hands stay gentle as he moves Hiei where he wants him, careful as he pulls Hiei’s pants off. The concern Kurama pays each task leaves Hiei flushed. It’s incredibly satisfying to feel so… valued.

“Put your hands by your head. I don’t want you to touch.” Kurama’s steady tone pulls Hiei back to the moment. Glancing up, he finds Kurama’s dark eyes are on his own. His thumb keeps sweeping over Hiei’s hip, over the ink there. His gaze is too intense, his pupils wide and seemingly endless, and Hiei wishes Kurama would just look down at it already.

“I can’t touch?”

When Kurama merely offers an affirmative noise, Hiei slowly raises his arms. He can’t keep the frown off of his face as he grabs ahold of the pillow.

“That’s a good boy, listening so well,” Kurama coos. Hiei can’t pout for long, not when his smile is so pleased, not when his eyes sparkle with such satisfaction it’s nearly proud. “Right now, I want to focus on you and your pleasure. You did so good in telling me what was upsetting you.” Finally, Kurama tears his eyes away from Hiei’s face. The ink on Hiei’s hip steals his full attention. “I think you deserve to be spoiled a bit.”

“Kurama.” Hiei isn’t even sure why he’s protesting.

“Hiei,” Kurama whispers back teasingly as he curls himself over Hiei’s body. He brushes his mouth feather soft over Hiei’s hip. It tickles, and a pleased, possessive sound rumbles out of Kurama. His tongue swipes hot and wet over Hiei, and Hiei squeezes his eyes shut. The touch leaves him throbbing. He feels so exposed—he’s crackling like a live wire.

“Mm.” Kurama sits up and studies Hiei’s art. “This is just for me.”

“Yes,” Hiei rasps, his fingers digging into the pillow. He’s so hard, and Kurama hasn’t even touched him yet. Hiei shifts, too hot, and he knows the wetness on his stomach isn’t from Kurama.

Kurama leans back down, and his warm breath sends goose bumps spiraling across Hiei’s flushed skin. He runs his lips over his name again, this time mouthing at it. Dull, flat teeth scrape at Hiei, and Hiei whimpers.

“Hold still, baby,” Kurama murmurs, “I’d hate to smudge it.”

Hiei’s face burns.

With his tongue slowly playing over Hiei’s hip, Kurama looks up at him. Blinking those bright eyes up at Hiei, Kurama’s expression is as satisfied as it is hungry. It makes Hiei’s cock twitch, and heat coils tight and heavy inside him.

“If anybody else saw this, they’d know who takes care of you,” Kurama says, the roughness of his words the only other indication he’s affected by this too. His lips keep brushing over Hiei’s skin as he speaks.

“They would know who you listen to.”

“Yes.”

“Good boy,” Kurama murmurs, and his lips are moving, brushing soft and purposefully inward, and then he’s pressing the flat of that horribly wicked tongue to Hiei, licking up his shaft.

Hiei whimpers and squirms, he wants nothing more than to reach down. To tangle his hands in Kurama's hair. To guide his mouth to…

“This is just for me, too.”

Hiei gasps as Kurama wraps his mouth around his cock, and it’s warm, wet—perfect.

“Kurama, please.” Hiei isn’t sure what he’s begging for, but he needs something. He is going to explode if Kurama doesn’t touch him, or if he can’t touch Kurama.

Kurama isn’t distracted by Hiei’s cries, just continues to work him over. After a few more minutes of Hiei squirming and whining, he relents. His large hands hold Hiei’s hips down and he presses a playful kiss to the head of Hiei’s cock.

“I told you, this is just for me,” Kurama says, catching Hiei’s eye, “and it’s my job to take care of you like this. Just lay back, baby.”

“Kurama,” Hiei gasps, his arms flexing under the weight of obeying, “please, please touch me more.”

Kurama’s mouth is already full again, he can’t comment, but he hums in an agreeable way as his hands move over Hiei’s torso. Kurama gropes at his chest and grabs at his side. His grip is solid, firm enough to not be ticklish.

“Ah,” Hiei pants, eyes locked on the ceiling. He feels better, less like he’s going to blow away. Kurama’s hands are so big, and they leave scorching paths over Hiei’s stomach. Hiei tries to get his feet underneath himself, he knows he shouldn’t, but he jerks his up needily. Kurama wraps one hand around his knee and bends it up and out of the way while his other hand slides down, down, down… and anchors Hiei’s pelvis to the mattress.

Kurama doesn’t pull away, just keeps bobbing his head in time with Hiei’s spasms. He starts to swallow Hiei deeper, and a cry falls from Hiei’s lips unbidden. He turns his face away, panting into his arm as cool embarrassment floods his system.

“Do you like it, baby?” Kurama asks when he pulls away. His mouth finds Hiei’s thigh, and he begins pressing kisses in a winding trail up to Hiei’s bent knee. Kurama catches Hiei’s eye and has the gall to flutter his lashes.

Hiei groans his disapproval, but he has to lay an arm over his face to hide his grin.

“Oh, now,” Kurama teases, brushing his lips back and forth over Hiei’s cock. It twitches pitifully under his touch, it needs so much more. “Don’t be like that. Do you like it?”

Hiei meets Kurama’s eyes and nods, whispering, “Yeah.”

“Good boy,” Kurama breathes, licking a long, teasing stripe over Hiei’s length. “I think you need a finger while I suck your cock.”

“Yes,” Hiei pleads. A strangled noise claws its way out of him, and Hiei doesn’t even care, he wants that so bad. “Please, please!”

“Be a good boy and get these wet,” Kurama murmurs, one hand sliding up Hiei’s body. He’s already back to sucking Hiei’s cock when slender fingertips brush over Hiei’s lips. Hiei opens his mouth without hesitation.

He sucks on Kurama’s fingers as Kurama sucks on his cock. There’s a brief moment of competition, to see who is capable of being the most lewd, but Kurama is a cheater. He swallows Hiei’s cock, straight past the ring at the back of his throat, at the same moment he presses two fingers firmly to his sack and begins to rub. Hiei’s whole body tingles with urgency, and he’s left bucking his hips up into Kurama’s willing mouth.

Kurama makes an amused, muffled noise as he gently tugs at the sensitive skin of Hiei’s sack, playing there as he swallows him.

“Ah,” Hiei moans, and he tries to squirm, but Kurama’s fingers are still in his mouth. He sucks on them with new vigor, and when Kurama withdraws his hand Hiei whines.

That’s all the complaint he’ll give, because Kurama presses those wet fingers against his hole. Hiei shivers in anticipation and lets his knees fall open even further.

When Kurama only sweeps his fingers around in a slow circle, Hiei shifts. The petting makes him squirm, he wants to be filled, he needs it. His fingers ache from how hard he grips the pillow.

“Kurama, please,” he whispers desperately.

Relenting, Kurama carefully pushes a finger inside. Hiei gasps, and his back arches up off the bed. It stings a little, but it’s a good sting. Hiei loves the first moment of penetration the most.

Kurama lifts his head and grins. “Okay?”

Hiei nods, and then gives a verbal assent. He looks down at Kurama and offers him a smile. “I’m great.”

“Good, you deserve it,” Kurama says, and he presses another kiss to Hiei’s thigh before he leans away. “Let me get the lube.”

Hiei flexes his hands over the abused pillow and waits as Kurama stretches for his bag. The expectation has his breath coming in rapid pants, his chest heaving.

“Hurry,” Hiei urges, trying to press himself further onto Kurama’s hand. He is still moving that one finger within him, curling it in and out so slowly, but Hiei wants more.

Laughing, Kurama presses a kiss to Hiei’s aching cock. “I know baby, just be a little patient.”

Hiei groans as Kurama plants wet, trailing kisses lower. The cool press of plastic against his leg excites him. He’s ready to be full, he wants the easy slide of Kurama within him as his mouth swallows him whole.

Kurama presses lower, his nose nudging and nuzzling at Hiei’s sack.

“Kurama!”

“Mm?” Kurama licks at him, sucking teasingly at his balls. “Do you want my fingers?”

“Yes, yes!”

Kurama's hot breath leaves Hiei trembling, and Hiei can feel the way his mouth stretches into a wide, hungry smile. “And I’m going to fill you up, but first let me eat that ass,” he coos as he moves lower.

Hiei shifts, hot panic crashing through him in an unexpected wave.

“Wait, wait! Kurama!”

Kurama pauses, his head raising enough Hiei can see his curious expression.

Hiei flushes, and shakes his head. “Just—just your fingers. Kurama, I just had practice… I need a shower.”

A feral grin unfurls across Kurama’s lovely face and Hiei feels trapped. He looks ready to debate the issue. Hiei shakes his head more fervently.

“Kurama, please, it’s embarrassing.”

It’s clear Kurama wants to say something, but he nods and presses more hungry kisses to Hiei’s thigh.

The snap of the lid hangs heavy in the room as Kurama opens the bottle of lube. With slick fingers, he presses into Hiei, and the shyness within Hiei evaporates. Kurama’s fingers leave him begging, unbothered by how his voice breaks and trembles when Kurama takes his leaking cock back into his mouth.

Hiei closes his eyes and tries to focus. Those long, knowing fingers push deeper, and Kurama won’t give his cock a break. He’s not going to last long, so he bites his lip as he contemplates asking for more. Hiei could take a third finger, the thought of being so full makes him moan.

He wants to come.

“What’re you smiling at, baby?”

Hiei looks down and finds Kurama watching him. His eyes are soft, affectionate, his mouth is a mess. Hiei wets his lips, unsure what he wants to say just as Kurama crooks a finger.

“Ah, fuck,” Hiei gasps and lets his head fall back against the pillow.

Having found a sensitive target, Kurama attacks it relentlessly.

“I couldn’t hear you, say that again please.” Kurama is grinning up at him like a fox that’s found its way into the henhouse. Hiei tries to find his voice, but all he can manage is a moan and an unintelligible string of sounds.

“Sorry, sorry,” he rasps when Kurama‘s fingers finally move on to other prospects. Kurama keeps tonguing the head of his cock and Hiei buries his face in his elbow. He just wants to reach down and take.

Kurama pauses his work and rests his chin on Hiei’s hip. “You don’t have to apologize for smiling. I just wanted to hear you.” Kurama pulls his fingers all the way out and rubs soothing circles over his entrance. After he’s sucked a stinging mark onto the soft cleft of Hiei’s ass he murmurs, “I need to hear you—“

“—it’s just so good—“

“—because I need to know what feels good.”

“It all feels good,” Hiei whines, twisting in Kurama’s grasp as his fingers sink back inside.

Kurama hums encouragingly, kissing Hiei’s cock yet again. “Tell me what you want, Hiei.”

“More, please, I want another— another—“

A third finger appears, and everything is so tight as it crowds in. Hiei can’t do more than cry out, the stretch euphoric, the pressure grounding.

“There, did you need another finger, baby?”

Hiei moans, unable to find his voice. He manages a nod, his face still hidden in his arm.

“Mm, I make my boy feel good,” Kurama murmurs, twisting his hand a little Before he begins to thrust in earnest.

“Yes!” Hiei can’t keep himself still, he isn’t going to make it. “Ah, Kurama, please!”

Kurama sits up, and Hiei finds his face is pinched in concentration. His neck looks strained, the muscles of bicep defined as he fingers Hiei.

“That’s it, you’re doing so good,” he praises, his own breath growing ragged. Hiei is pinned under his hungry gaze, and he might rip his pillowcase if he isn’t careful.

“So greedy,” Kurama purrs, his mouth against Hiei’s knees. “You’re taking my fingers so well. Do you need more?”

Hiei can’t say yes, just cries out as he nods.

“I brought toys, Hiei.”

Hiei’s back arches, he wants it.

“Do you need to be filled?”

“Haa, please!”

His skin feels too small, each time Kurama presses into him it’s like he’s going to rip open.

“Do you need this tight ass full when you fuck me?”

“Kurama, please, please, please—“

Wet, puffy lips down his thigh. Hair tickling his legs, his stomach. He’s going to burst. A hot tongue over his cock. Those clever, clever fingers inside of him.

“Come for me, Hiei.”

Kurama’s hungry mouth is on him, and he’s swallowing around him as all that pressure finally releases. Hiei’s hands hurt, he wants to grab Kurama’s head, wants to push him closer, but all he can do is gasp, and blink back sweat from his eyes and stare up at the ceiling.

Kurama swallows all of it, and after he presses tender kisses to Hiei’s over sensitive cock. Kurama’s fingers are still, happy to keep Hiei stuffed, as he comes down from the orgasm.

When Hiei starts to feel human again—better than human–Kurama has moved to press kisses across the cleft of his ass. Hiei hums, he’s boneless and sated and can’t think of a better place to be right now.

And there's still the promise of more to come.

Kurama nips at him playful, and Hiei can’t help but shift. He’s nearly ready for more now.

“Ah, Hiei,” Kurama looks up at him, and the heat in his eyes makes it apparent he’s ready for more too. “I want to eat this ass, are you sure I can’t taste you?” Kurama pulls his fingers back slowly, and lowers his mouth over the ink on Hiei’s hip. It glides back and forth, back and forth, as soft as a whisper.

“Kurama!” Hiei hates how he whines, how heat rushes to his face. He’s sweating, and it’s been such a full day. The thought of Kurama with his mouth on him, breathing in work, and practice, breathing in stress and Hiei.

His toes curl at the thought.

“Hiei?”

“I’m gross,” Hiei protests.

Kurama frowns, his expression puzzled in the most adorable way Hiei has ever seen it. He wants to reach down and smooth the crease in his brow. He clutches the pillow tighter, and his arms ache dully.

Kurama sits up slowly, his hands never leaving Hiei’s body.

“Hiei, we don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Kurama says firmly. “But you’re not saying no, and I don’t want to push if you’re really uncomfortable.”

Kurama’s hands keep moving, caressing, ever gentle. Hiei bites his lip, he is messing this up.

“Hey, what’s the safe word?” Kurama asks softly.

Hiei closes his eyes in embarrassment as he whispers, “Rubiginosa.”

“That’s a good boy. If you ever feel uncomfortable—with what we’re doing, with saying no, with anything—or if I’m not hearing you, that’s a great time to use it, and we can check in like we are now.”

Hiei nods up at the ceiling, “Yeah.”

“Remember, I said if we stop something now, it doesn’t mean we have to stop forever.”

“I know.”

“So let me tell you where my head is at, and then I’ll ask you again.” Hiei looks at Kurama, and his patient, sober eyes are refreshing. “Right now, I feel like you enjoy when I push at these boundaries.”

Hiei flushes, and his stomach twists at how exposed he feels. How does Kurama see him so easily? Kurama just glances and seems to pull back layers without any warning.

“When you offer reasons not to, but don’t directly say no, I take that as a sign I can keep pushing without hurting you. I do not want to actually overstep or ignore you, Hiei. So can you tell me how you’re feeling, baby? Do you want me to stop?”

Hiei bites the inside of his cheek and looks away. What can he say? Hiei’s never even verbalized these wants, and here’s Kurama trotting them out on a leash, in clean little turns of phrase, as if reading Hiei is a hobby sport he dabbles in on the weekends.

“It’s okay, think about it. I’m not going to be upset if we skip ass eating,” Kurama says, his grin suddenly boyish. “I promise I have more fun things in store for you.”

Hiei has to say something.

“I, um,” he clears his throat and manages, “I think you’re right about a lot of it.” Kurama’s eyes are patient but expectant, so Hiei says, “I am kind of embarrassed, like, Kurama we’re gross.”

Kurama’s grin turns sly, and Hiei pointedly ignores it as he says, “But I do like when you, uh, push me, I guess? I like when you talk me into things.”

“Mm,” Kurama hums and brushes his thumb over Hiei’s hip. It tickles when he traces his name. “So what does my good boy want? Should I eat you out or stuff you full with the dildo?”

“Ah,” Hiei gasps, his hips jerk, his cock twitches. How can Kurama just say that? Hiei wants to hear it again, he wants to be Kurama’s good boy.

“You’ve been so good, baby, you pick what’s next.”

Kurama brushes interested fingers between Hiei’s cheeks, and Hiei wants to tell him not to call him baby. That’s not what he wants to hear. It’s childish though, and his stiffening cock reminds him there’s more important things to worry about.

”Can you use your mouth?” Hiei asks quietly, and he bites his lip as Kurama sinks lower.

“Of course I can.”

Hiei closes his eyes and settles back, shivering when Kurama’s large hands grab his ass. He squeezes appreciatively, peppering kisses over Hiei’s thighs, his balls, and finally his hole. Hiei trembles as Kurama lays the flat of his tongue to him and drags it slowly over the entire length of his ass. He presses another teasing kiss to his sack.

“Mm, you taste so good,” Kurama murmurs, and Hiei’s sure it’s just to drive him crazy.

Hiei feels stretched to the brink, Kurama pushing his cheeks wide apart as he buries his face between them and just breathes. Hiei could die. He wants to protest as Kurama inhales deeply, but the only thing to come out of his traitorous mouth is a moan.

Kurama doesn’t dally long, as he greedily inhaled Hiei in short, hurried huffs before he gets to work.

Hiei’s toes curl as Kurama’s tongue presses inside him. It’s thick and firm, and slips away when Hiei clenches around it. He tries to relax, but Kurama keeps flicking it over his hole teasingly, dragging needy little sounds out of Hiei as he swirls it around his opening in overwhelmingly quick circles.

“Ah, ha, mmmm, Kurama!”

Hiei knows he’s loud, but he can’t be bothered. He thinks back on every time he’s held Kurama down like this, how he always sings so beautifully under Hiei’s tongue, and his cock twitches with interest.

Hiei loses track of time as Kurama’s tongue thrusts into him, again and again. He would lay here all day if Kurama wished, until his boundless appetite was slaked.

“So good,” Kurama murmurs eventually, pulling back enough to tilt his face up. That tone suggests the crook of his grin, but Hiei can’t look. His head feels so heavy, and he presses himself further into the mattress when Kurama sucks at his sack.

“Please,” Hiei begs, “please!”

Kurama relents, sliding a finger into Hiei to keep him full as he looks up from his work. “What is it baby? What does my good boy want?”

“Haa, please, God, just let me touch!”

“Oh, baby, all you had to do was ask,” Kurama coos, reaching for the lube again as he slides a second finger in with the first. “Toss me my bag?”

With one hand Hiei snags Kurama’s bag and with the other he reaches down and grips his throbbing cock. He shields it behind his fingers, as if he can manage how sensitive he feels if he just holds on tight enough.

Kurama is suspiciously quiet, his fingers finally slipping away. Hiei peeks down and finds Kurama is slicking lube over the dildo. Its green heft is a bit intimidating, but Hiei has taken it before. He remembers the girth of it, and anticipation leaves him whimpering as he presses his dick down towards Kurama’s face.

Kurama sucks the tip into his mouth without protest. A jovial noise vibrates around Hiei, as if he has provided Kurama a surprising treat. There’s a satisfyingly wet pop when Kurama pulls back.

“Is my good boy ready to be fucked?”

Those words leave Hiei in knots. His heart has suddenly been replaced with a dozen little butterflies, and they’re all fluttering tiny wings, crashing around in an attempt to escape. He wants so badly to be fucked by Kurama, wants to be his, wants to be good.

“I want it,” Hiei says, and he’s bold enough to add, “I want you to fuck me.”

Kurama catches his eye. Hiei doesn’t look away, just lifts his chin as the thick, silicone head presses against his hole.

“I want you to fuck me, Kurama.”

“I know baby, let me take good care of you.” And then Kurama is pushing his knees further apart as the toy slowly slips into Hiei.

For a few moments Hiei is filled with a slightly uncomfortable sensation. The room seems to hold its breath as they both grow quiet with focus. Only Hiei’s ragged panting and feeble cries breach the hushed, humid air. It’s like he’s bitten into something heavy, delicious, savory—only to find that it’s too hot. After a slow breath out and an inhale of determination, Hiei sees the mark. He groans quietly, that pressure building to a titillating peak.

He mewls, writhing as Kurama steadily fills him. The girth of the phallus is no small thing, but the stretch becomes euphoric, the depth intoxicating and when Hiei exhales, the meal has cooled to a manageable heat. He sinks into a state of delicious, dizzying consumption.

As Kurama carefully pushes, Hiei's body eagerly devours the toy. The fullness grows, the pressure builds, and Hiei finds Kurama is watching his face with a look of concentration. It makes warmth bloom in Hiei.

“How’re you doing?”

Hiei opens his mouth, but it takes time before words come out. “I feel full.”

“Yeah,” Kurama runs a soothing palm over Hiei’s leg. “Can you tell me if that’s a good thing?”

Hiei nods. “It’s great, just big.”

Kurama’s warm chuckle washes over Hiei, and it’s just one more thing that sinks in and presses at him. “It is that. Do you want to take more? Or are you ready for me to get started? You’ve taken a little more than half, at this point.”

Hiei groans. He’s not sure he can take much more. He already feels stuffed to the brim. Throwing his arm over his eyes he moan loudly and laments, “Just fuck me.”

Kurama does, and Hiei remembers why it’s called the Green Monstrosity.

It slides smoothly with each thrust, but there’s no reprieve. It’s just constant fullness and consistent stimulation over his most sensitive spots. The pressure is growing, and it’s so good, coiling in his groin, his stomach, his chest. His cock is leaking pitifully, and Hiei cups himself to stave off some of the ache.

He feels surprisingly vulnerable.

One of Kurama’s hands is wrapped around his ankle, and it’s all Hiei can focus on beyond the steady force of the dildo penetrating him.

It’s not enough.

“I need— Kurama, I,” Hiei starts, unsure what he wants to ask for.

“What do you need, Hiei?”

“I don’t know.”

“Are you still feeling good?” Kurama’s questions are as steady as the thrusting of the dildo.

“Y-yeah, I just, I want you to touch me—no, not that,” Hiei yelps when Karma reaches for his cock. He tries to pull his knees together and can’t, Kurama’s body is in the way. Somehow with his knees hugging Kurama, the phallus slips in deeper. Hiei plants his feet on the mattress and arches his back—it’s so good he’s going to burst!

“Hiei, I need to know what’s going on,” Kurama reminds gently.

Hiei takes several deep breaths and finds Kurama’s eyes. He blinks several times and manages, “I’m really sensitive, just…I want—ah, Kurama, I-I want you to hold me down.”

“Shhh, what a good boy,” Kurama says, his hand moving up to grip Hiei’s thigh. “I can do that. Raise your hips a little, baby.”

Hiei does, and Kurama presses Hiei’s feet further apart.

“Good boy, I’m going to hold you down, just be patient. Keep your feet flat.” Kurama shifts, crawling over Hiei so he’s no longer seated between his legs. “Do you want me to hold your arms?”

“Yes,” Hiei gasps, watching as Kurama crouches beside him.

“Look at me baby, watch my face.”

Hiei blinks up at him, and his pretty mouth opens on a soft inhale, his eyes are dark and intense as they stare at Hiei. He looks beautiful.

Kurama tosses his plug into the sheets, and straddles Hiei.

“Keep breathing, babe.”

Kurama clamps one hand firmly over Hiei’s bicep, the other hand disappears beneath him. “Breathe, tell me how you feel.”

“Good,” Hiei says, and he knows it’s going to be a lot even before Kurama touches him, but he wants it. He can handle it, he wants to be inside of him.

“Good,” Kurama murmurs. He finds Hiei’s cock and lines himself up. He’s panting almost as much as Hiei, and when he catches Hiei’s eye he smiles. “Are you ready to fuck me?”

“Yeah.”

A wicked grin slides over Kurama’s face as he sinks onto Hiei’s cock. “Mm, yeah, that’s it.”

Hiei opens his mouth but chokes on the noise before he can get it out. Kurama squeezes around him so hard it’s as if he’s being crushed, and he’s so full.

“Breathe, Hiei. Do you feel okay?”

“Fuck, clearly—ah!”

Kurama chuckles as he presses a hand to Hiei’s chest to stabilize himself. He clenches around Hiei experimentally, and Hiei moans again.

“You’re so spoiled,” Kurama teases as he starts to move, “but you deserve it. You’ve been such a good boy.”

Hiei doesn’t argue, he just allows Kurama to rock his hips slowly, and the motion rocks Hiei too. It makes the dildo sinks deeper within him.

“Fuck!”

Kurama shifts his hand so that he’s holding both of Hiei’s biceps and raises himself up on Hiei’s cock. Hiei closes his eyes and lets Kurama use him as he sees fit. He focuses on the steady rock of the dildo, and the slap of Kurama’s ass against his thighs, and the feel of Kurama’s hands pinning him to the bed.

Hiei is surrounded, and as the pressure builds he is grateful for it.

“I can’t do this for long,” Hiei rasps.

“Come here,” Kurama says, suddenly close. He slides his hands up to Hiei’s shoulders and leans more of his weight against his chest.

When Hiei looks up, Kurama kisses him. He kisses Hiei the way he works his cock, slow and deep, and with joy. Kurama’s fingers dig into Hiei’s skin, and it’s impossible not to revel in the sting.

Kurama sucks on his tongue, and Hiei relishes how Kurama tries not one, but twice before he manages to pull away. They’re so close, but Hiei still reaches up to grip his sides.

“Why don’t we fuck slow more often?” Kurama pants, one side of his mouth quirking up.

Hiei just grunts and throws his head back against the pillow.

“It’s good, right?” Kurama's finger scratches experimentally over his neck. “Hiei?”

“It's great,” Hiei groans, trying to focus on the ragged inhale, the labored exhale.

“Are you ready to come?” Kurama asks, rolling his hips at an excruciating pace. Hiei slides his hands down to grip Kurama’s ass, but it doesn’t spur him on. He still takes his sweet time sinking down on Hiei. He rests there, pressing Hiei down further on the green monstrosity before he inches his way back up.

Hiei twists, and his foot slips as he tries to push himself up in an attempt to crawl further inside Kurama. The pressure is reaching a tipping point, he is going to come. As he shifts, the dildo suddenly starts to slip. The slide of it is surprisingly fast.

“Kurama! The—ah, it’s slipping,” he sputters. Each time he tries to grind down on the thick shaft it slips further. He clenches around it to no avail.

“It’s okay, I got it,” Kurama soothes, sitting up straighter. “Don’t you move, baby.” He braces a hand on Hiei’s knee as he reaches back to fix the issue. It sets him on Hiei properly, and Hiei groans at how deep, and close, and tight Kurama feels around him.

Hiei starts to protest, starts to say he can’t hold out, his dick is throbbing for release when Kurama starts pushing the dildo back in.

“Aahh! Kurama— haa, mm, I’m—“

Kurama smiles down at him like a Hiei’s given him the best idea. “That’s it, baby. You’re so full, come for me,” Kurama coos, those large hands firm on Hiei‘s knees.

Hiei whines as he bucks helplessly beneath Kurama. He can’t get the leverage, and it’s nothing more than minimal rocking.

“Be a good boy and touch my dick.”

Hiei fumbles to listen. He finds Kurama’s cock, wraps a hand around the hard length of it, and there’s enough precum to make it slip easily against his palm. Finally, finally, Kurama starts to ride him with real vigor.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re doing so good. Mmm, keep touching me, you can come baby.”

“Kurama!”

“That’s it, you feel so good,” Kurama promises, and Hiei just wants him to keep talking. Hiei will gladly lay here and let Kurama use him if he’ll just keep saying how good it is, how good he is. It’s addicting.

“You’re going to be a good boy and fill me up, aren't you?” Kurama wraps a hand around Hiei’s.

Hiei babbles some kind of answer, possibly, as Kurama leads him in stroking his cock. His cock is so slick between them, his own hole is stretched so pleasantly, and then Kurama clenches around him tighter than he has before, and Hiei can’t breathe.

He’s coming again, and Kurama just keeps rhythmically squeezing him, milking him for all he has as he murmurs sweet encouragements from atop Hiei.

It takes a moment before Hiei can focus enough to realize Kurama has stopped moving. He sits heavy on Hiei, his fingers playing over Hiei’s stomach.

“Such a good boy,” he whispers, and Hiei realizes his fingers are wet.

He glances down and watches as Kurama drags what must be his quickly cooling come over Hiei’s abs.

“So good for me,” Kurama murmurs, and smiles so sweetly when he realizes Hiei’s paying attention again. He reaches out, and Hiei opens his mouth before he’s even close. Kurama sets a finger softly against his tongue, and Hiei closes his mouth around it to find Kurama tastes pleasantly bitter. Hiei hums in protest when he pulls it away.

“I’m going to get off of you, okay?”

Hiei nods, and watches with heavy eyes as Kurama lifts himself from Hiei. Hiei can’t help but wince as Kurama and all of his close heat slips away, and when he clenches around the phallus his cock twitches, sensitive and nearly painful.

Kurama stands carefully, and Hiei starts to roll when the mattress dips. Hands grasp Hiei’s knees as Kurama steadies himself. Strong, steady hands. Hands that keep Hiei from floating away.

When Kurama straddles him again, Hiei is left with an amazing view of his ass. Hiei reaches out and grabs it. He can’t help it. Nobody can blame him.

Kurama laughs and shimmies under his grip. He’s running his hands over Hiei’s thighs soothingly. “Like what you see?”

“Yeah.”

Kurama looks back over his shoulder and smirks. “Mm, you do such a good job fucking this pretty ass, don’t you?”

“Yeah.” Hiei pets a finger over Kurama’s hole, pleased with himself.

“That’s right, you do.”

Hiei looks—fixedly—as Kurama flexes, as his own come leaks out of him. It falls heavy onto Hiei’s already messy stomach. He moans, clenching around the dildo as he spreads Kurama’s cheeks to just… watch.

“Baby, I’m going to remove this,” Kurama whispers, his hands caressing lower, fingers careful around Hiei’s sensitive hole. Hiei groans and lays back. The room spins a bit and he closes his eyes to stave off the dizziness. A pout pushed his lower lip out as he realizes he can’t keep touching Kurama like this. His hands fall helplessly to his sides, weightless and useless to the world.

“Kurama,” he whines. He wants to touch him more, but he’s too far. The dildo shifts within him and Hiei shivers, whimpering at the pleasant slide of it.

“Breathe, Hiei. I’m here…. Now, ready? It’s going to come out.”

Hiei gasps at how empty he is after.

“Shh, I’m here. You’re doing so good, baby.”

Hiei opens his eyes and instantly regrets it. The afternoon sunshine spilling in through his window is too bright, and Hiei squints as he pants up at the ceiling.

“Close your eyes, I’m right here.”

The bed shifts, and Hiei whines as Kurama climbs off of him.

“Hey, where’s my hand? Do you feel that?” Kurama grips his shin firmly. His hand is heavy on Hiei, and Hiei quiets a bit as that hand holds him down. “I’m here.”

Kurama scoots him around in the bed, and Hiei is dully aware of being wiped down with something soft. Somehow, after he’s been made to eat and drink, Hiei finds himself curled around one of his pillows with Kurama pressed to his side. Legs tangle with Hiei’s, an arm is draped over the back of his thighs.

Soft, slow kisses are pressed over his back, his ass, his thighs. Kurama whispers soft reassurances, how he’s good, how he did well, how Hiei just needs to lay there and let me touch you.

It’s warm, and close, and slowly Hiei begins to feel like himself again.

Sometime later, Hiei’s not sure when, but it isn’t dark yet, Kurama asks him if he wants to talk about work. He’s tracing his finger over the ink in Hiei’s skin like he’s saying goodbye. Hiei is feeling decidedly more human, and it’s safe and warm curled against Kurama’s chest, his head tucked carefully under Kurama's jaw.

“No,” Hiei says quietly. There’s more fingers playing with his hair. They slide, and scrape, and slip over the nape of his neck. He’s already been thinking about work, and he doesn’t feel like talking it over any more.

“Tomorrow I’m going to contact my manager and explain my side. I’m going to ask the girls if they can vouch for me, maybe write a statement about what the customer said before I stepped in.”

Kurama hums agreeably and pulls Hiei closer. “That sounds like a great idea.”

Hiei has to agree. He sighs and turns his face into Kurama’s neck. He most likely won’t lose his job, and it won’t be impossible to find another position around campus if he does. He knows that rationally. Looking at it now, it doesn’t all seem like some impossible feat.

***

Kurama stays tangled up in Hiei‘s bed for far longer than Hiei anticipates. It’s almost seven-thirty when he leaves, and Hiei worries he’s going to turn into a pumpkin.

He doesn’t ask if Kurama wants to spend the night. He doesn’t ask if the constant string of texts he receives before he goes is something to worry about.

He just thanks Kurama for loading his bedding into the washer and watches Kurama slip out the door like his scent from Hiei’s sheets.

After he’s showered, and his bed is made, and the room is aired out, Hiei feels a little better. There is still a weight on his chest, a heaviness in his stomach that leaves him feeling ever so slightly hollow. When he breathes in, his lungs don’t expand all the way.

He’s done this to himself. He’s the one that let Kurama in. Hiei allowed him close, asked him to pull down the box and pretend—to play house for fucks sake.

Hiei lays on his fresh sheets and ignores his homework. He doesn’t feel up to it. His phone buzzes, and because Hiei knows it’s Kurama, he picks it up.

Is it tomorrow yet?

Hiei wants to say i wish or come back, but he doesn’t.

not yet

He rests his phone against his forehead and sighs. He’s being pitiful and he doesn’t really care.

Yusuke came home and scowled at him, but he didn’t say anything beyond, “Seriously?” and Hiei’s pretty sure Yusuke won’t be so kind if he emerges from his room again. He can’t deal with him now.

Hiei’s phone buzzes again, the screen so close to his face the brightness is nearly overwhelming even with his eyes closed.

I need to focus on homework, so I’m going to turn my phone off. Good night. ❤️

If Kurama left it at that, it wouldn’t be so bad. Hiei could just suck it up, and it would only be a manageable number of hours before he got to see Kurama again. But then Kurama sends another text.

I miss you.

Hiei feels empty. He can’t say that back. Because it won’t mean the same thing. He refuses to say it to Kurama and have him misinterpret it. Better to not say anything at all.

Hiei’s phone goes dark, and he knows Kurama is waiting for him to say good night too. He doubts Kurama will tease him about it, not after today, but Hiei can tell.

What would he have to do to get Kurama to stay? What does he have to change to get him to see Hiei when he looks at him?

That’s not even the issue. Kurama does see Hiei, he perceive him in high definition, those eyes are inescapable. Hiei’s not asking the right questions.

What does he have to become to change how Kurama feels?

He’s too restless to lay in bed, and he gets up to pace. He doesn’t know how to be the kind of person Kurama wants. He’s not good at people pleasing.

All Hiei wants in this moment is Kurama's steady hands on his shoulders, his rich, earthy scent in his nose, but he has nothing.

He doesn’t even have Kurama’s name. The last few lines of it washed away in the shower.

There’s a marker in his bag, and he knows he shouldn’t, knows it's not healthy, but when he rips the lid off of the sharpie it’s like ripping a scab off before it’s fully formed. As he writes Kurama’s name over his hip, he realizes he doesn’t care if he ends up with a scar.

As he snaps a picture of his handwork and sends it to Kurama, he realizes this is a hurt he won’t leave alone. He can’t tonight, and he won’t be able to tomorrow, or the day after that.

That’s my good boy. 😌

The vastness within Hiei shrinks, is flooded with the heady power he suddenly feels. He is his, even if it’s only for a moment. Even if it’s only for as long as he can write Kurama’s name on his body. This decides it, he can’t be trusted to leave well enough alone. Not when the potential of more is right there, nearly in reach.

He’s just going to keep picking at it until something permanent is left in its place.

Chapter Text

On Friday, Mukuro is tallying up the invoices for the month at the counter as Hiei works on homework beside her. He tried looking busy when he first got there, but he’s run out of side work to do, and he isn’t going to pretend to wash the windows again.

Mukuro is kind enough not to send him home, and he can’t be anything less than thankful.

“Why not work in your office?” Hiei asks at one point, bored with his reading.

“My back hurts, I prefer to stand.” She totals up a few more papers, and admits, “There’s also the accountability of parallel work. It keeps me from allowing myself to be distracted.”

Hiei finds truth in her words. He’s gotten through more of his reading then he’d expected to, and he knows it’s because she’s there to judge him if he slacks off.

Hiei is silently charmed by how she keeps both a paper record and a digital one. The feeling doesn’t last for long, as Mukuro eventually asks, “Is your boyfriend coming in later,” while plugging her numbers into her spreadsheet.

Hiei glares first at her, and then his text book. “He’s not my boyfriend. Stop calling him that.”

Mukuro rolls her one good eye and smirks down at her laptop. “Forgive me, that boy you fuck, happy?”

“Just drop it.” Hiei sighs. “But yeah, he normally shows up on Fridays.”

Mukuro sets her papers down and turns to Hiei. “Are you really bothered by that, Hiei?” She crosses her arms, and he feels he has to look at her. “Why aren’t you dating? I keep calling him your boyfriend because I assume you’ve finally gotten together each time I see him coming around.”

Hiei shrugs, and he schools his expression into a mask of indifference. “We’re just not.”

He does not have the energy to fight this battle.

“Seems like a waste. He seems to be the total package, wait, does he snore?”

She thinks she’s hilarious.

“Ha ha, on a real note, can I get more hours?” He lays his head down on his book and watches her work. He hopes she will take pity on him. His savings are looking slim. Between buying all the textbooks, and burning through his shoes faster this semester than last, he needs to bring home some extra income.

“What’re you thinking?” She pulls up the schedule on her laptop, already looking for where she can squeeze him in.

“I’d love an extra shift a week. Don’t forget, I’ll start being out for meets in a few weeks, it’s going to fuck up my schedule.”

“I remember,” she says dryly. “I can work with you. Let me talk with Juri tonight, and I’ll let you know what we can do tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Boss.” Hiei looks back to his reading, thankful Mukuro takes good care of them, even if she likes to bust his balls.

***

When Kurama arrives, right on time, Hiei shoots him a small smile as he closes his textbook. Mukuro doesn’t bother looking up. Kurama smiles back, subdued as he studies Mukuro.

“Good afternoon,” he greets them, approaching the counter.

“Kurama,” Mukuro says, not sparing him a glance. “How are you today?”

“I’m well, thank you. I’m just dropping off though, I apologize.” He gives the top of her head a sheepish smile but flashes those green eyes at Hiei.

Mukuro hums, feigning disinterest. Honestly, maybe she doesn’t care at this point, Hiei can’t tell.

Kurama sets a small white bag on the counter near Hiei. “I thought you might be hungry.” His smile is polite, carefully chosen for mixed company.

“Thank you.” Hiei pulls the bag closer, peeking inside. The to-go container is solid styrofoam and offers no clues.

Mukuro groans, sweeping up all of her invoices. “Fine. I’ll go, have your lunch.” She’s rolling her eye, but her smile assures Hiei she finds this whole situation amusing and likely stupid.

“Oh, Mukuro, I’m—”

Hiei raises a hand to cut Kurama off. “Don’t worry about her. She was out here mostly to tease me about the fact you were stopping by. Ignore her.”

Kurama steps closer and leans against the counter. “You won’t be in trouble?”

“No. I’ve got all of my work done, and there’s no customers.” Hiei pulls the container out of the bag. Inside he finds pork fried rice, and two harumaki. “Thanks, this looks good.”

Kurama waves off his niceties. “Please eat. You would tell me if I was getting you in trouble, right?” Kurama glances his way before his hands find one of Hiei’s pens. He begins to doodle something in the margins of Hiei’s notebook. He doesn’t stop Kurama, this page isn’t precious.

“Mukuro needs your business. She would probably yell at me if I tried to kick you out.” Hiei stuffs his face as delicately as he can. Kurama smiles at him, his cheeks rosy. Hiei looks at him longingly, imagining being able to take him home, and to bed, and then to dinner.

Kurama catches his hungry gaze and relishes it. “See something you like?” His voice is so quiet Hiei almost misses it.

“Yeah, I do.” Hiei takes another bite, pausing to chew as he watches Kurama deface his notes. “Do you have plans later?”

“Unfortunately. I can’t stick around after your practice today, I’m sorry.”

Hiei is surprised by this. For one, normally Kurama gives him advanced warning when their usual schedule changes. Also, the way he said that makes it seem as if Kurama still plans on coming to his practice even though he can’t stay for sex after.

“That is unfortunate,” Hiei mutters, pushing his food around the container as he forces himself to ask, “You’re coming to my practice, though?”

“Oh, yes.” Kurama flashes him a coy smile. “It’s great for homework. Sunshine, fresh air, half naked men.” He taps Hiei’s wrist with the pen. “I meant to tell you, Jin ended up asking Touya out yesterday.”

“He said yes?” Hiei hopes so, it would hopefully mean one less person telling him how attractive Kurama is. He knows.

Kurama nods. “They’re going out this weekend. Thanks for helping introduce them. Jin seems great, I think he’ll be good for Touya.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yes. Touya is a bit of a homebody, and I think Jin will pull him out of his shell the right amount.”

“Ah, you think they’ll balance each other.”

“Exactly.” Kurama points the pen at Hiei, clearly pleased with his answer. “Do you have plans tomorrow? Since I don’t get to see you today?”

“I’ll be here at the normal time, then I plan to knock out some homework. I have too many papers I need to write.” Hiei packs up his trash once he finishes eating and is thankful nobody has come in. He likes having Kurama to himself.

“If you need help with homework, or with studying I don’t mind. Is any of this for that literature class? You said you had extra credit assignments you were doing in there. Or if you need some help with Nutrition, it’s still fairly fresh in my mind.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

He doesn’t think he can actually ask Kurama to help him study or work on his papers. He is certain they would spend all of their time in bed, and none of his homework would actually get done. If Mukuro wasn’t here, Hiei would pull a chair up for Kurama and they could work alongside each other, parallel, as Mukuro had done.

Hiei hates how much he likes that idea, hates how clear and pleasant the memory of them doing exactly that springs to mind. He has to stop wanting the domestic, he’s supposed to be yearning for the hot and passionate sex. Friends with benefits.

Want the benefits, he desperately tells himself.

Hiei has to focus, there’s only eight weeks left of classes and he needs to be smart with his schedule. Track meets are going to start eating up a lot of his time.

Mukuro makes noise from her office. Possibly she has pushed her desk against the wall just to remind Hiei she’s still in the building.

Kurama glances at the doorway that leads to the back. “I should probably head out, I think I’ve overstayed my welcome.” He’s still playing with Hiei’s pen, scribbling a little vine around Hiei’s notes.

“Thank you, again. For lunch.” Hiei leans closer to see his work, and smiles at the looping vines. Kurama is working on adding tiny leaves to his art.

“Any time.” Kurama looks up at him. He’s so close Hiei thinks he might tilt his face just so, might jut his chin out enough to catch Hiei’s mouth in a kiss. Hiei’s breath catches in his throat, heat creeps up his neck as he watches Kurama’s smile turn sly.

He waits, his pulse pounding, as Kurama tilts his head. “I’ll see you at the track,” he murmurs, so close Hiei can feel his breath against his lips.

Kurama pushes away from the counter then, and doesn’t look back as he leaves.

Hiei wants to curse. He wants to shove his textbook off the counter. He wants to smash something.

Friends with benefits, that’s it. Casual sex. Just a good time when it’s convenient. He should not be getting butterflies at the thought of a goodbye kiss. He should not feel embarrassed, because he never should have thought it was an option.

He feels like an idiot. An idiot who keeps picking up the box that hold all of his feelings for Kurama and peeking inside every time the redhead shows up.

The flush in his cheeks is no longer shy and flirtatious—it’s crazed, simmering, incensed.

Mukuro of course picks this moment to return.

She hasn’t even sat her stuff down before she’s saying, “Not my boyfriend,” her tone ruthlessly mocking, “my ass.”

“Stop spying on me.” Hiei takes a deep breath through his nose, remembers that he is grateful for Mukuro the majority of the time, and says as calmly and as coldly as he can, “He’s not my anything.”

***

Hiei loves and hates Wednesdays. He has his Literature class on Wednesdays, but he and Kurama also have the largest overlapping chunks of free time. Today is shaping up to be a Wednesday he loves.

When he woke up, he’d texted Kurama his standard good morning and Kurama had almost immediately responded with Good morning! 😘 I have zero plans after class. Wanna study after you're done with lit?

Hiei had made himself wait a full thirty seconds before he responded. He informed Kurama he had plenty of work he needed to get done, but he also doesn’t mind if they spend the entire time in bed. He’ll kick Yusuke out, he does not care.

Should he be more disciplined? Of course. He has a mountain of homework and very little free time in his near future to do it. But, he also knows he has very little free time for Kurama soon as well.

Hiei sits through his Literature class, his phone heavy in his pocket. There’s a text sitting there that says Kurama will pick him up after class. He can’t get it off of his mind. He watches the TA with an unwavering stare, but he’s not absorbing the lecture.

It’s an incredibly dull hour and a half, and the TA spends extra time at the end reminding the class of the upcoming deadline for their analysis papers.

“It’s worth thirty percent of your grade, you need to take this seriously.”

The class murmurs its understanding.

As everybody begins to pack up, the TA approaches Hiei. He sets his jaw, makes sure his mouth isn’t a scowl, and turns his bland expression onto the taller man.

His TA—Karasu, he thinks—is tall, and devastatingly handsome. His long black hair is tied back into a low ponytail today, but Hiei gets why half the class watches him like a hawk when it’s down.

His voice was made for teaching, but despite all of that Hiei hates him.

Superiority rolls off of Karasu like a smog, and Hiei hates the way he looks at the students. The first day he was in the class he turned his gaze on Hiei, and Hiei could clearly see the moment he clocked him as not only prey but also unworthy.

“Wait a moment, Hiei. I need to talk with you,” Karasu says, slimy and unnecessarily demanding, as he rests his hip on Hiei’s table.

Hiei raises his chin, thankful for the amphitheater design of the room. He’s a step up from Karasu, and their height is almost even like this. He doesn’t speak, just waits for whatever Karasu has to tell him. He has a feeling it’s nothing good.

“The professor has come to a decision on your extra credit work.” Hiei doesn’t waiver, refuses to shrink under Karasu’s gaze. He sighs, clearly displeased with Hiei’s lack of reaction. “He will accept the work, but I feel the need to warn you Hiei, you need to try harder.”

“I’m trying my best.” Hiei glances to the open door just a handful of feet away. He knows the news, would it be unacceptable to just walk out?

“You’re coasting, and just because you are an athlete, you need to understand, you will not be graded any less harshly than your peers. Your coaches cannot sway Professor from grading you the way you deserve.”

Hiei will not lose his cool. He has to remember he is not a child anymore.

“I am doing my best and completing all of my work. I am never late to class, and I have never turned in an assignment late. I have never asked for leniency, not for being an athlete or for any other reason. I do not see the reason for this conversation.”

“I just worry. You barely passed your midterms, and with your grade already suffering from your tardies—I just don’t want to see you fail. You’re about to be out for competitions soon… missing valuable information.” Karasu shrugs, reaching out to touch Hiei’s notebook.

Hiei snatches it from the table and shoves it into his bag. “I am doing extra assignments, despite never being late to a single class, to excuse those tardies,” he hisses, and he hates himself for it when Karasu smirks.

“I just worry, Hiei. Your paper and finals need to go well. You don’t want to lose your scholarship, or your spot on the team.” Karasu picks up his textbook and examines the cover before holding it out to Hiei. Hiei takes it and shoulders his bag.

“Are we done?” He holds his textbook to his chest to give his hands something to do beyond punching Karasu. He cannot get into fights. He will be off the team then.

“We’re done, for now. Just be sure to get those assignments turned in. Know you can always talk to me if you need support with your… situation.”

Hiei turns and storms out, unable to find any niceties left within him.

The hallway is noticeably cooler. Once he’s in the middle of it, he sucks in a deep breath and then another. This one he holds, counting to ten before his lungs begin to burn and he slowly releases it. He focuses on his breathing as he glances around. He counts the windows in the hall, then the chairs, and when he’s feeling more human, he looks around for Kurama.

Hiei finds him lurking in the shadows down the hallway. If it had been anybody else, Hiei might have missed him. But it’s Kurama, and without fail his eyes are drawn to him as if by a magnetic force. Kurama is visibly upset, and he does not move from his spot on the wall.

As Hiei approaches him, a mask of calm falls over Kurama’s face. Hiei hates it, almost as much as he hates this stupid Literature class.

“You heard?” Hiei asks quietly, his eyes focused on Kurama’s shoes so he doesn’t have to see how wrong his face looks.

“Yes.” His voice is cold in a way that Hiei has no understanding of. It’s so opposite to everything Kurama has ever said to him before that he looks up to make sure it’s really Kurama who spoke.

“Kurama—”

“Your TA is a cunt.” That flat stare is focused over Hiei’s head at the classroom.

“Um, yeah, do you know him?”

“Unfortunately, our paths have crossed.” When Kurama finally looks back at Hiei, a bit of his normal teasing nature has creeped into his face. “I’ll help you study, okay? Do not let him intimidate you.”

Hiei nods, studying Kurama’s face as he says. “Thanks, I don’t plan to.”

As they turn to head for the exit, Kurama slips his arm around Hiei’s. It’s not uncommon, but it doesn’t feel right. Kurama is normally happy when he touches Hiei, and it’s clear Kurama is anything but. Hiei glances up and finds Kurama’s eyes are far off, clearly thinking through something.

Hiei squeezes Kurama’s arm to his side gently and says, “Let’s grab lunch.”

***

The Student Union is packed, so they end up taking lunch to go. They sit on the stairs to the Performing Arts Building, halfway between the Union and Hiei’s house, and eat in the sunshine. It does wonders for both of their moods, and by the time they make it home, they’re back to teasing one another and easy laughter.

Yusuke is cooking lunch when they come in. Much to Hiei’s surprise, it takes surprisingly little effort to get Kurama away from Yusuke and into his room to do work. They agree to work on homework for at least an hour before they tackle any of Hiei’s extra credit work. He gives Kurama his tiny desk as Hiei sits cross legged on his bed, working through calculus problems with far more ease than what’s to come.

***

Hiei is fortunate that while Kurama does prefer science and math, he’s a well rounded student and he’s read both of the stories Hiei needs to write papers over. They’re halfway through outlining the first paper Hiei needs to write, crammed side by side on Hiei’s bed, when Yusuke enters without knocking.

“Well, well, I'm surprised to find you two working,” he teases, but the disappointment in his voice is real. Hiei rolls his eyes and flips him off.

“What do you want?”

Yusuke scowls at him, but it’s weak, and holds out two bottles of tea. “I brought you two refreshments. The polite thing to do would be to say thank you, Hiei.”

“Thank you,” Kurama says, taking one of the bottles. He opens it, and takes a long drink. Hiei doesn’t watch this. Instead he snatches his own bottle from Yusuke, and glares when he realizes Yusuke is staring at the long line of Kurama’s throat as it works.

“Did you need anything else, Urameshi?” Hiei is not here to have Yusuke ogle Kurama. If he isn’t allowed to, Yusuke certainly isn’t.

“Chill, I was just coming to tell you I won’t be home tonight. I’m going over to Keiko’s later, got a study date of my own.” Yusuke grins, knowing Hiei can’t throw anything at him with Kurama sitting right there.

“Don’t let us stop you, please, feel free to leave,” Hiei snaps, turning back to his laptop.

“You guys are just waiting on me to go so you can fuck, aren’t you?” Yusuke smirks, raising a brow at Hiei, daring him to do anything with Kurama as a witness.

As Hiei seethes, Kurama slides a hand over Hiei’s thigh. His voice is sweet and placid as he asks, “Why are you so concerned, Yusuke?” He blinks those big green eyes up at Yusuke slowly, a challenge clear in them. “I didn’t know you needed to be informed of our plans for the afternoon."

“Oh, I’m not concerned,” Yusuke’s eyes linger on Kurama’s hand, his grin electric. He will tease Hiei about this mercilessly later. “I just wanted to be out of earshot before you two really get at it.”

Before Hiei can open his mouth, Kurama says, “It must be so difficult for you, but I can’t promise we’ll keep it down. I would hate to make you jealous,” Kurama’s words are flirty, his eyes are nearly sparkling, but there’s an edge of the ice from earlier in them.

Hiei wants to be anywhere else but here. He doesn’t know what has come over Kurama. His hand is firm and possessive on Hiei’s thigh, his smile is strangely sharp, and Hiei has never felt more objectified by him.

“Oh, that ship has sailed, I’m afraid.” Yusuke gives them a two finger salute as he backs towards the door. “You guys have fun.”

He leaves, and Kurama turns his smile towards Hiei, the ice and sharpness gone. The bravado leaves Kurama’s expression as soon as he looks at Hiei. He releases his thigh and takes his hand instead.

“Hey. I’m just teasing.” He leans his forehead against Hiei’s. “We are here to work on homework. Our goal is to get you to pass this class, alright?”

Hiei nods, his face hot. Kurama brushes a kiss up Hiei’s cheek, and he squeezes his hand.

“There will be opportunities for that some other time.” Kurama nips at his ear before he pulls away. “I know you might find it surprising, but I can be good.”

“Doubtful,” Hiei mutters and Kurama laughs, high and bright, at his blush.

“Come on, let’s get back to it.”

And they do. They work side by side for another hour, and Kurama helps him outline not only his extra credit assignments, but his final paper as well. He allows Hiei to lead what he wants to write about, and helps him strengthen his counterpoints and transitions.

“I’m sorry, language isn’t my strong suit,” Hiei murmurs as Kurama revises his final thesis for the third time.

“Oh, I don’t mind. I prefer science and math, but I do find language to be an enjoyable subject.” Kurama passes the laptop back to Hiei so he can read over his revisions. “I like the argumentativeness of it all. I love that as long as you can provide enough evidence, you can debate any point.”

Hiei actually hates that very fact about language classes. He’s self aware enough to know he is a strictly black and white type of person. It’s why he loves numbers so much.

“This is what I was trying to say,” Hiei says gratefully as he reads over Kurama’s suggestions. “Thank you.”

Kurama is able to make sense of Hiei’s poorly worded thoughts, and turns them into clear, direct statements. It’s a skill Hiei wishes he possesses. He’s bad at putting his thoughts into words, let alone writing.

“It’s nothing, really.” Kurama points at his screen. “You should start your introduction, to make sure it feels good.” Kurama pulls Hiei’s text book into his lap and grabs the highlighter he’s tucked behind his ear. He starts flipping through the reading, looking for quotes to fit into Hiei’s essay.

Hiei watches him for a moment, and not for the first time this afternoon finds he is shocked by Kurama’s studious nature. He turns back to his computer and starts slowly plugging away at an introduction paragraph. It takes him an embarrassingly long time. Kurama gets up at one point, stretching his arms over his head.

“We should do this in the library next time,” he says as he digs in his bag. He comes back to the bed with an ink pen and a pad of sticky notes.

“Sorry, I didn’t even think about that.” Hiei shouldn't have been hoping to fool around. He should have suggested they work in a real study environment, with tables and chairs.

“Don’t be. You do homework here, it’s good to be in your normal space.” Kurama begins writing down commentary for the quotes he’s highlighted and sticking them into Hiei’s text book.

As Hiei watches him, his stomach twists. Kurama is putting so much effort into these stupid papers, and Hiei isn’t sure why. Because he asked? Because he heard some haughty teacher assistant talk down to him? It’s the first time Kurama has offered him something so substantial without taking something in return.

Everything is transactional with them.

Hiei wonders if Kurama is waiting for him to initiate it on his own. He checks the clock, they still have over an hour before he needs to leave for practice.

Hiei finishes drafting his intro and stretches. “I’m done with this,” he says quietly, not wanting to disturb Kurama’s reading.

Kurama glances up, his eyes unfocused, and sets the textbook aside. “Let me see it.”

Hiei holds the laptop out, but doesn’t set it on his lap. Instead, he slides his hand over Kurama’s thigh, slips it higher, relishes Kurama’s delighted gasp, and palms his groin. “What if we take a break?”

“Hiei,” Kurama groans softly, leaning into his shoulder. “Let’s focus on finishing this. We’ve made great progress today”

Hiei blinks, confused. “You don’t want to?”

“I promise you, Hiei, I want to.” Kurama carefully takes Hiei’s wrist, and moves his hand up to his face. He presses a kiss to Hiei’s palm before resting it against his cheek. “I want to, always, but we are short on time. Next week you’re out for three days for a track meet, and you told me you’re working extra that weekend. We need to get as much done as we can. I don’t know when I’ll have time to help you again before these are due.”

Hiei stares at him. Does Kurama hear himself? He’s explaining exactly why Hiei should keep going. He needs to find a way to adequately thank him. How can he be so considerate and expect Hiei to just pay him back later?

Hiei sets the laptop aside and pulls Kurama down into a kiss. “Please,” he whispers against his mouth, “please let me.”

Kurama’s hands slide over his chest, squeezing his pecs appreciatively before he gently pushes Hiei back. “Hiei, wha—”

“Kurama,” Hiei whispers, crawling into his lap and kissing him again. “Let me thank you. Let me suck you off. I can be fast, we can get back to work after.”

Kurama groans, his hands no longer remembering to be good as they run over Hiei’s back and find his ass. They squeeze possessively.

“We shouldn’t.”

“Why?” Hiei asks, biting his lower lip playfully. “You said so yourself, we’ve made a lot of progress. You’ve set me up with three excellent outlines. Let me blow you, and then I will go back to writing, I swear.”

Hiei can tell he’s going to win this, Kurama’s resolve is wavering beneath his hands.

“You have to promise to finish all three introductions before we go to your practice.”

“I promise.”

“Shut the door.”

Kurama says it in that voice, the voice that always does it for Hiei, the one that activates something primal within him.

Hiei scrambles off the bed.

“You better cover your ears, Yusuke, or get out!” Kurama calls, laughing at the incredulous look Hiei shoots him.

“Kurama!”

“What, he’s the one that’s so nosy about what we’re getting up to in here. I thought I should give him a warning.” Kurama grins, laying back and arching his back. “You know I’m not quiet.”

Hiei can’t help but laugh as he crawls on top of him.

***

On Thursday, Yukina and Hiei decide to bring dinner back to his place. They normally eat somewhere on campus, often close to Yukina’s dorm, but they both want a more relaxed evening than a crowded dining hall would allow.

They sit, as they have for years, with their feet tangled in the middle of the couch and to go containers balanced precariously on their chests. Yukina has put a drama on, and they take turns judging the character’s choices, and the dramatic acting, and the next shocking tragedy to spring up.

It’s nostalgic and makes Hiei think of the best parts of high school.

He probably would pick a different show if she would let him—and she would if he said something. The longer he watches this girl fumble around the suave love interest, unable to win his attention despite her obvious affection, the less Hiei wants to eat.

Half way through the third episode Yukina hits pause. “That’s enough of that, um, how about we watch something else?” She avoids his eyes, trying to let him save face.

Hiei nods, not meeting her gaze. Yukina scrolls through different series, her foot tapping his gently.

“How’s it going for you? Have you talked to him yet?” She looks over at Hiei hopefully, and is kind enough to not look disappointed when he shakes his head no.

“It hasn’t come up.”

Yukina kicks at him, unimpressed by this. “Hiei. You need to talk to him. Are you really okay to just keep going on like this?”

It’s just Yukina, so Hiei doesn’t suppress his pout. He feels pitiful about the entire Kurama situation, and he knows she won’t judge him unfairly. She’s firm but not cruel in her expectations of him. She might not be happy that he isn’t taking action, but she won’t guilt him unnecessarily.

“I mean, when we’re together it’s great. I can keep doing that part of it just fine. After is the issue.” Hiei plays with the hem of his shirt as he talks, trying to get the words out without chickening out. “My mood always crashes after I've seen him. I just get really upset about the fact we aren’t more.”

“Hiei…” Yukina sighs, and tries to be gentle as she says, “You have to tell him how you feel.”

There’s no shame in his voice as Hiei says, “I really can’t handle it if he rejects me. I know it’s not ideal, but I’m happy with what I do get from Kurama. I do not want to screw that up—not now—not in the height of the season.” He’s been at track meets most weekends this month and it’s only going to pick up the further into April they get. He does not need to throw off his game by upending whatever is going on with Kurama.

“Fine, but after you have to talk to him.” Her tone is resolute. “If he rejects you it isn’t the end of the world. There are other people out there.”

“I don’t want other people,” Hiei says bitterly. This thing with Kurama feels like a once in a lifetime sort of love, even if it just a love coming from Hiei. To build something half as rewarding with a stranger feels criminal. It wouldn’t be fair to them or himself.

“I know,” she soothes. “I really don’t think he will reject you... I’m just saying.”

“Yukina,” Hiei hesitates, not sure if he should admit this to her. She’s the only person he can say this to, though, and so he tries to be brave despite the way his heart hammers in his chest.

“Kurama is the first person to like me for me, without having to see all the shit I’ve been through first.”

Yukina looks at him sadly, as if she’s going to contradict him. He knows she can’t. Finally she asks, “Do you want me to listen, or try to fix your problem? I should have asked you that already,” she says quietly.

“Just listen,” he murmurs back.

Hiei sets his dinner on the coffee table and sits up. He can do this.

“Kurama doesn’t like me because I can handle things. Kurama is happy to handle everything,” he says, a startled laugh escaping him.

Kurama’s controlling nature is a breath of fresh air for Hiei, honestly. He actively loves not having to plan a single thing when Kurama is involved. Letting go of control wasn’t something Hiei realized he wanted.

“He doesn’t like me because I'm a good brother, or because we share trauma, or because I can run fast.” Hiei draws in a ragged breath, he doesn’t know when the room got so hot. “He just likes me.”

And it's not enough. And despite telling himself otherwise, Hiei can’t be happy with that for some reason.

Yukina sets her dinner down and crawls onto his side of the couch.

“Hiei,” she soothes, wrapping him in a protective hug. Hiei leans against her without hesitation. Her arms have been his one safe space for his entire life. She is the one person he can count on unconditionally.

“I love you,” he says fiercely, as if she might forget, “but I really need somebody that doesn’t have to love me to love me.” He leans into her, embarrassed to have to say this outloud. “I need somebody that I haven't sacrificed for to love me.”

“I know,” Yukina whispers. “You deserve that, Hiei. Everybody does.”

Tears sting his eyes, and he blinks them away as he manages, “And he doesn’t—”

He can’t say it, the words get stuck.

Hiei clears his throat and tries again.

“Kurama doesn’t love me.”

Hiei takes a careful breath, making sure his voice isn’t going to crack as he says, “I want him to—I think I realize now that I need somebody like him to love me. But he doesn’t, and I can't change it.”

Yukina holds him tighter, pulling his bulky frame into her lap. He allows this, resting his head on her chest. He will allow her to mother him in these times of crisis, and he will feel guilty later.

“I’ve tried,” he whispers, clinging to her. “I don’t know how. I’m not good with people like you are.”

“I think you’re better at it than you think, baby brother.” She presses a kiss to the top of his head, her hand rubbing a gentle, ceaseless circle over his back.

“I just want to hang onto this for as long as I can because when we are together I feel,” he pauses, trying to find the right words, “closer to finally having that.”

“I’m not trying to solve your problem, I’m still listening,” Yukina’s voice is incredibly gentle, “but I must remind you that you can’t know he doesn’t have feelings for you until you ask him.”

Hiei is quiet for a long moment. He knows she is technically right. He has little faith in her line of thinking, though.

“This isn’t one of your dramas, Yukina. This doesn’t end with us getting together.” Hiei blinks away his tears, feeling better having cried. He feels more clear headed, rational, as he says, “Friends with benefits doesn’t actually end with people falling in love. It ends with one person getting hurt.”

Yukina rests her chin on top of Hiei’s head, and he can feel her frustrated sigh.

“Stop that,” she whispers into his hair.

“Stop what?”

“Being realistic, I hate it.”

Hiei smiles despite himself and closes his eyes. “Find something to watch. Let’s finish dinner.”

Chapter Text

Hiei is stretching, trying to keep his mind focused for his four by one hundred meter relay in twenty minutes, when Jin calls his name. There’s only a handful of his team here, and it’s been the longest game of hurry up and wait for the last three days. Hiei raises a brow at Jin, not pausing his stretches. He has three more events today and then he can be done.

Hiei has done incredibly well this season, Jin too, raking in individual points and points for the team as well. That fact is the only thing keeping Hiei out of hot water, as his performance during this meet has been lackluster at best.

“You’ve got your own cheerleading section,” Jin says, grinning as he joins Hiei in stretching. Hiei follows Jin’s gaze, and finds a poster with his name on it in the distant bleachers. Yukina catches his eye and waves enthusiastically at him. Hiei grins up at her, wide and open in hopes she can see it.

Hiei is a little surprised to find another poster barring his name. He expects to see Kuwabara peek around it, forced here by his sister, and is shocked to see it is Kurama. He’s talking with Yukina. Hiei watches as Yukina points him out to Kurama, and he raises a hand in a wave when Kurama locks eyes with him from across the field.

Kurama waves back, and when he raises his hand a wide strip of his stomach becomes visible even from this distance. His white tee shirt rides up so high, Hiei is distracted enough he takes a step in that direction.

Despite what must be a crop top, and the general show of support, Hiei wishes Kurama wasn’t here. All week things have been off between them.

They didn’t see each other Monday or Tuesday. That was all very normal, except for a lack of sexts from Kurama. On a normal Monday, Kurama sends him suggestive texts at least two or three times a day. Tuesdays are normally riddled with Kurama’s detailed plans for Hiei on Wednesdays.

This week, however, Kurama has barely texted him. He still tells him good morning and good night, and he responds to Hiei’s messages, but there’s been no sexts. There’s been zero flirting. The lack of innuendos has left Hiei reeling.

The most consistent thing he’s received from Kurama are vague encouragements for his meet. He was surprised when Kurama didn’t complain at all about not getting to hook up for nearly a week, and then was shocked when he wished Hiei good luck at five thirty in the morning on Wednesday. Hiei had sent him back a confused thank you from the activity bus.

Luckily, this competition isn’t far from campus, and Yukina had promised she would be there for as many of his events as possible. She showed up for a good chunk of time on Wednesday, and called him Thursday night to hear all about his events.

Which he has done poorly in, overall. Thursday was especially bad. Not only did he do his personal worst for the season, he also didn’t win many points for his team. He can’t blame it on Kurama, not really, but while he’s on the track and needs an enemy to push him to do better, that’s exactly what he is going to do. To get back to his hotel room Thursday night and see that Kurama had sent him two short texts throughout the afternoon wishing him luck and hoping he was winning only made it worse.

Out of all the weeks for Kurama to finally grow bored of him, it has to be the week he isn’t around to do anything about it.

He’s spent all morning not thinking about how Kurama might be sending him little encouraging sentiments like Hiei’s a chore. He’s been very deliberate in keeping his head in the game. Genkai already ripped him apart yesterday about his performance, and Hiei’s just trying to follow her advice of stop thinking, and start running.

Now, Kurama is here with a sign that Hiei thinks he made himself. He’s standing with his sister, trading smiles like they don’t cost him a single thing.

Hiei is so over the mixed messages. Is he getting bored or not? Why would he barely text him all week to then spend nearly forty minutes on the train to come see his event?

He’s missing lunch with his mother right now.

Hiei shakes his head to clear it and wanders over to his team. He just has to get through the next three events. The relay, the 100 meter, and the 400 meter. He just has to perform well three more times and he can figure out what is going on with Kurama after.

He’s not worried about the 100 meter. He was born to sprint, and it will be a breeze. It’s his event, the 400 meter, that he’s worried about. Hiei prides himself in his endurance and discipline, it’s why he takes the 400 meter so seriously, and Kurama is not going to fuck this up for him.

At the same time, he hates to think what Yukina and Kurama are talking about. Hiei clenches his fists and takes a slow breath. He clears his mind of thoughts of Kurama. This is muscle memory.

Stop thinking, start running.

Hiei heads with his team to get into position. He looks over the track, sizing up the competition beside his teammates. Jin is the first leg, and Hiei trusts he and the rest of the team will not let him down. It doesn't matter though, Hiei will carry if he has to.

He's been placed last, the fourth leg, because of his speed and level headedness. He’s not one to panic or get distracted mid race—the track is the one place his mind is quiet—and as much as pushing too hard can get him in trouble during practice, Coach knows that Hiei will secure and maintain the lead in the last 100 meters.

Hiei flexes his left hand, ready to grasp the baton already.

As the announcer calls their event, Hiei finds his stance. He watches the mark, and blocks out the noise of the crowd. When the baton is passed to him, Hiei’s already moving, and he does what he was born to do—run.

***

There’s nearly an hour to kill before his next event, and Hiei is allowed to wander a bit as he waits. He leans against the barricade, sipping his water. He’s fairly close to the bleachers, and it isn’t long before Yukina and Kurama make their way to him.

“You did so well!” Yukina gushes as soon as she’s to the barrier. Hiei turns to face them, and gives her a small smile. “Thirty-eight-thirty? Hiei! You closed it, I’m so proud of you!”

“Thanks,” he says, not letting her enthusiasm get to him. They did well in the four by one hundred, but he cannot let this get to him. He has to stay focused for the rest of the meet.

“The way you pulled away from the pack, I don’t think I’ve seen you run so fast.” Kurama’s tone is mild but impressed. He’s wearing his mask—polite, careful, socially acceptable in all situations.

Hiei hates it, but he won’t let it get to him. He has to let everything just roll off his back for the next couple hours. He can care later.

“Did you two come down together?” Hiei glances from Kurama’s imitation smile to Yukina’s honest one.

“We did,” she says, and sends him a meaningful look when she adds, “Kurama reached out to me to see if I wanted to join him.”

“Ah, you give me too much credit.” Kurama turns a self-effacing smile to her, and his eyes close for a moment in humility. This elicits a small smile from Yukina.

She isn’t completely charmed, Hiei can see it in her eyes, but it’s a near thing. Yukina could easily be swept up by this good boy persona, if not given enough time to get to know Kurama. Studying Kurama’s expression, Hiei doesn’t frown, just presses his mouth into a tight line. Kurama wields his manners like a weapon, and in his hands politeness is a tool made to ferret power away from others.

“I originally reached out to Yusuke, and he suggested I get in touch with Yukina,” Kurama explains. To Yukina he says, “I was glad to find you already knew where we needed to be.”

Yukina glances at Hiei. Hiei glances back.

The glance has the heavy burden of holding an entire conversation in the briefest of moments. It says see, he cares, and that’s a bit of a stretch.

It says, he’s putting in effort.

It manages to contain Hiei’s strongest eye roll within the split second their eyes meet.

“It was nothing,” Yukina says, dismissing Kurama’s thanks in a way that is neither rude nor something Hiei could ever hope to replicate in polite conversation. When Yukina is polite, she gives power to the other person.

Kurama hums agreeably, and shares a glance with Hiei. It holds no conversation within it. It’s not a glance he can read at all, veiled by the mask Kurama is presenting.

Hiei looks away, feeling odd.

“I was telling Kurama how the team’s improved tremendously since the preliminaries on Wednesday.”

“We are doing better today, and we’re going to keep it up for the rest of the events,” Jin says, finding a spot beside Hiei. “Yukina, Kurama.” He nods to them, and bumps his shoulder into Hiei’s. “Time to head back.”

Hiei rolls his eyes but pushes away from the barricade. “We still have at least forty minutes, but sure.”

“Good luck,” Kurama calls. Hiei looks back at him, and is rewarded with a real smile. “I’ll be watching.”

As they head back to the track Hiei ignores Jin’s gentle ribbing.

***

There was never any reason to worry over the one hundred meter. Genkai can eat an antacid and shut up.

Hiei steals first, getting a personal best for the season with 10.06 seconds on the clock. He bites his tongue when his cheerleading section screams for his victory and locks eyes with Genkai.

They both know that if he was a better starter, he would have finished in under ten seconds.

He’s getting there, though. Genkai even cracks a smile after a moment. She’ll push him harder some other time, but for this moment she shows him a glimmer of pride. She’s too far away to be heard, but he can see the shape of her words, how good job falls with mock reluctance from her mouth, can imagine the fondness as she mutters Numbskull.

He makes the mistake as he’s lining up for the 400 meters when he stupidly finds Yukina and Kurama in the crowd. They’re laughing about something, looking like old friends.

In that brief moment, Hiei can imagine what the two of them would look like laughing around his coffee table while Yusuke and Keiko host dinner. He can see the way they would drift together at Hiei’s events to cheer him on, or how they would find a quiet space to talk after the festivities of Hiei and Yukina’s birthday party.

It’s not hard to imagine how they would get along if Kurama was a permanent fixture in Hiei’s life.

And it makes Hiei inconceivably angry because those events are no more than fantasies. Kurama is never going to join him for anything so intimate, so domestic.

And then he’s off, head a mess, racing down the track.

For the first time in two seasons, he doesn’t place first in the 400 meter event. Third isn’t anything to scoff at, but he knows he could do better. His team knows he could do better.

“I don’t know what is wrong with that pea sized brain of yours,” Genkai says, voice calm and even. The lack of heat slices Hiei’s nerves far more than when she screamed at him yesterday.

Turning her nose up she starts to walk away, like she can’t be bothered with him anymore. She only makes it a few steps before she says, “But you need to find what’s distracting you and get rid of it.”

***

When he runs into Yukina and Kurama ten minutes later, nobody knows where to look. There’s an awkward moment where Yukina tries to tell Hiei it wasn’t so terrible, which makes everything a thousand times worse, because Yukina is horrible at lying. It doesn’t stop there, the universe couldn’t be that kind—no, then Yukina and Kurama share a look, before Kurama excuses himself to fetch drinks for them all.

They are not allowed to share looks. They can’t silently communicate—about him of all things—when Hiei can’t even look at Kurama and know what he’s thinking. They can’t just glance at each other and decide to divide and conquer Hiei’s blunders like they’re parents out of a sitcom.

Hiei crosses his arms and scowls at Kurama’s retreating figure.

“Okay, you have to talk to him,” Yukina says.

“I said I will,” he grinds out. “After the season.”

“Talk to him now,” Yukina says flatly, crossing her own arms to mirror his. “It’s messing with your running, Hiei, you can’t put this off.”

Hiei snorts, so much for sugar coating it. “It’s fine.”

“Hiei, look me in the eye and tell me you did not just get third because you are hung up on Kurama. Is that why you’ve been off this week? Is something going on between you?” Yukina’s scowl softens. “I thought bringing him here would be a good thing, but,” she sighs and hugs her elbows, “the way you looked when you saw him…”

Hiei sighs and shoves a hand in his hair. “It’s just been a shitty week. Not everything has to revolve around him.”

“But it is,” she accuses, taking him by the arm and pulling him to a quieter spot near the barricades. “Baby brother, this isn’t some fun hookup. This isn’t some casual thing.”

“I’m handling it,” Hiei snaps.

“You’re not, and it’s affecting your running.” Yukina catches his eye and holds his stare. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

Hiei can’t. He starts silently counting in his head. How many seconds until this conversation ends?

Yukina sighs and allows her hand to slide down his arm. She tucks her small fingers into his and squeezes.

“I’m on your side, but you have to think about your future,” she says quietly. “This isn’t healthy. You are so up and down over this, and it’s not worth your mental health, or your career.”

Hiei takes a deep breath, hates how it rattles in his chest, and counts twelve, thirteen, fourteen.

Yukina sighs again and shakes her head. He knows she hates tough love, but she hates the idea of him suffering more.

“Either shoot your shot and make it official, or end it. It’s not worth the extra stress, Hiei.”

***

By the time Kurama returns with three lemonades, Hiei and Yukina have schooled their features into something presentable—it’s not quite cheerful, but it isn’t horribly depressed either.

“Thank you,” Yukina says as she takes her cup. Hiei can only manage a nod.

“Of course, it’s my pleasure.” Kurama says quietly, offering a smile far less sunny than he’s known for.

“I need to go talk to Genkai,” Yukina announces.

Hiei glares at her, because she’s not sneaky, and she’s meddlesome, and she’s being annoying.

“Kurama, our train leaves in about forty-five minutes. I’ll meet you near the concession stand in twenty, okay?”

Kurama and Yukina share another look, one that irks Hiei just as much as the last one. Kurama nods slowly, his face unreadable to Hiei’s anxious eyes.

And then they’re alone.

It's uncomfortably silent for a moment.

“Well—”

“Come on,” Hiei grumbles, and starts walking. Kurama falls into step beside him, hands tucked into his pockets.

“Where are we going?” Kurama asks after they’ve crossed half the field.

“I want to change,” Hiei mutters. He just wants to be away from the track. He wants to be away from judgmental eyes. He wants to wash the taste of defeat out of his mouth.

He can’t just end things now. The season has only just started picking up, and he’s not about to sabotage the rest of it over one bad meet. Even if this week has been a dumpster fire.

Kurama follows him into the locker room, and Hiei is thankful to find it cool, and dim, and empty. The overhead lights flicker on as they pass through, Hiei finding his locker near the back of the room.

Opening it, he busies himself with grabbing his clothes as Kurama leans against the locker beside him. He can’t see Kurama’s face, but he can imagine the careful expression he must wear as he says, “I know the last event didn’t go so well, but don’t let that steal your victories from this week.”

If only Kurama knew how badly Hiei’s done overall, or how bad that last event really was.

“You beat your personal record,” Kurama whispers, his hand appearing around the metal door as he gently grabs Hiei’s elbow.

Taking a deep breath, Hiei steps back and closes his locker. He stares up at Kurama, at his kind eyes and his soft smile. He can see the way he doesn’t want Hiei to beat himself up over the 400 meter in the crease of his brow.

Here, in this quiet, private space, the mask is gone.

“You’re right.”

Hiei can’t dwell on the negatives. The entire week wasn’t a total bust. He earned points for the team, for himself. He made a new personal record.

“I know I am.”

Hiei smiles, and it feels like the closest thing to being honest he’s done all day. It's not all doom and gloom. There’s a lot of highs to this whole thing, and he doesn’t need to end anything just yet.

Kurama leans down and kisses Hiei, soft and slow and reassuring. For the first time in days, Hiei’s feet aren’t moving but his mind is quiet. He reaches up and curls his fingers into Kurama’s soft shirt, closes his eyes, and enjoys how Kurama takes his time exploring Hiei’s mouth.

When Kurama pulls away, he doesn’t go far. He doesn’t make Hiei let go of his shirt, or ask him to open his eyes. He just presses a gentle kiss to Hiei’s temple and whispers, “I have a little time, we should celebrate. How about I blow you?”

Opening his eyes, Hiei tilts his face up under Kurama’s jar. He clutches his shirt tighter, pulls him closer as he asks, “Did you wear your plug? Can I fuck you?”

Hiei feels Kurama’s chuckle more than he hears it. It’s warm and familiar and Hiei closes his eyes again in hopes of magnifying the sensation.

“What part of I wear it everytime I’m going to see you, do you not understand?” Hiei grins against Kurama’s throat, feels the way his throat bobs as he asks, “Will we be interrupted here?”

“Come on.” Hiei slips his hand into Kurama‘s and lets him tangle their fingers together as he pulls Kurama further into the locker room.

That’s how Hiei finds himself straining under Kurama's weight, feet set wide apart as he hefts the redhead high in his arms. It is uncomfortably warm. The spray of the shower is pointed away from them, but the air is still thick with the steam.

The sex is intense in a way it normally isn’t. Everything feels more desperate, but Kurama isn’t even heavy like this, just a solid, pleasant weight in Hiei’s arms. He’s so warm and tangible, and Hiei’s body is possessed as he fucks up into Kurama.

“Oh, shit,” Kurama hisses, clinging to Hiei.

With Hiei going this fast, he is unable to help it. Kurama keens, ducking his head as Hiei pounds into him, and Hiei has the sense to cover his mouth with his own. He swallows Kurama’s moan, sucks on his tongue, but it’s not enough.

He’s so loud.

Hiei is going to have to adjust, but first he squeezes those full cheeks before smacking Kurama’s ass with an open palm. The crack is satisfying and rings off of the tile walls clear as a bell.

Mouth open and panting, Kurama grunts when Hiei presses him back against the damp wall. He squats low, Kurama moaning as Hiei nearly slips out while readjusting his grip.

Kurama clings to him, his knees nearly over Hiei’s shoulders, his arms locked firmly around Hiei’s neck. Hiei pants into Kurama’s collar, spreading his ass wide as he rocks his hips up into him. Hiei lets him slowly sink down onto his cock, taking a careful, staggering step across the tile. Their corner of the floor is mostly dry, but Hiei is cautious, the condensation is quickly coating everything.

Kurama is right here and so perfect, so tight and warm, and holding onto him like Hiei can do anything.

He slides his hands further down, cradling Kurama’s upper thigh, spreading his ass so wide. It must be uncomfortable, but all Kurama can manage is a desperate, hungry moan.

Sucking in the damp air, Hiei focuses on Kurama’s eyes. Green, glassy, pupils dark and endless and ready to swallow him up.

His heart is hammering in his temple, beating wildly at his chest as if it might escape. With another breath, Hiei anchors himself. He plants his feet and lifts Kurama up, nearly off his cock. Allowing gravity to do the heavy lifting, he lets Kurama slide back down.

The white noise of the shower spray and the heavy, steady panting of their breathing drowns out the voices in Hiei’s head. There’s no room for critique, no room for plans or next steps or worries about how this is going to affect him—there’s only one thing on Hiei’s mind.

Kurama.

Hiei moans, he’s so wrapped up in Kurama—his clean floral scent, the sound of his stifled gasps, the solid weight of him in his arms as he clings to Hiei.

He’s blanketed by Kurama, physically wrapped up in his arms and legs. The tight, slick slide of him around Hiei’s cock—the way his fingers dig into his hair and his back, holding onto Hiei as if he's scared he might drop him—it’s bliss.

There’s enough momentum Hiei doesn’t have to do more than bend his knees, rock his body just so, and Kurama is bouncing on his dick hard, and slow, and deep. Hiei matches his breathing to the solid slap of Kurama’s thighs against his own.

“Haaaa, Hiei,” Kurama cries. “Yes, yes, yes—“

Deep forest green—his eyes are so dark like this—catches Hiei’s eye and steals his breath. There’s a hunger in Kurama, Hiei knows it’s there, has scratched at it on numerous occasions—but now, this close, he’s unable to look anywhere but at that raviousness gaze.

It’s too much.

Hiei closes his eyes, feels his heart beat, beat, beat and it’s the same as when his feet hit the track. Rhythm found, Hiei chases that mark. If he can pull Kurama down hard enough, if he rocks up high enough, plants his feet and pushes up like he knows to—he will find it, they’ll get that release and—

“God, please! More, Hiei, I—” Kurama’s voice is a broken thing, his words lost and unintelligible as he clings to Hiei.

Hiei focuses, and sees moisture clinging to Kurama’s brow, his lashes, his lips. Is he crying? Is it just the shower spray? Whatever it is, Kurama is too loud. His pleading is as frantic as his hips, as he squirms unlessly in Hiei’s grasp.

Hiei stops, holding Kurama’s hips flush against his own as he rocks their bodies. A gasp rips out of Kurama, and that’s all the warning Hiei gets before Kurama begins to thrash his hips in a crude attempt to fuck Hiei the way he wants. He’s quieter, determined as he chants his intentions into Hiei’s hair.

When Kurama says yes, it sounds like he’s saying conquest. When Kurama says more, it sounds like he’s saying victory. And when Kurama says Hiei, it’s sounds like he’s saying mine.

With a groan, Kurama presses his face against Hiei’s sweaty hair as he is filled. He hangs there, knees hooked over Hiei’s elbow, face scrunched in pleasure, and he’s so beautiful. Hiei watches the way his throat flushes pink, how he gasps for breath, and how could he end this?

Kurama’s making a mess, his cock sliding sticky and angry between their stomachs as he attempts to ride Hiei. It’s a struggle, like a captive, wild animal fighting to free itself, unaware of the damage it inflicts upon itself, mind set only on its goal. Kurama cries out, low and frustrated, clenching uselessly around Hiei. It’s never enough. He can never swallow Hiei deep enough, always wants more.

Need burns so hot in Kurama’s stare it makes Hiei shiver. There is so much heat, so much greedy wanting, that Hiei feels exposed. Kurama is the damp, warm steam, clinging and lasting and undeniably here, and Hiei is just a burst of hot breath made visible by chilly, morning air—unable to hide but nearly floating away.

Kurama’s feet flail, shoes hitting the wall and scrambling for purchase. As if he might be able to counter some of his weight and get the upper hand.

Hiei takes a careful step away from the wall. Squatting down, he widens his stance. Kurama wastes no time, eagerly snaking his legs around Hiei’s.

Taking more of Kurama’s weight, Hiei slides his hands up to grasp his back. Kurama sinks onto him, his mouth hungry and demanding as it finds Hiei’s. There’s less desperation now, and Kurama allows Hiei to simply hold him and run his tongue along the back of his teeth.

Kurama is regaining his composure as he grinds down on Hiei, the wider stance giving him far more control. It’s good, and Hiei smacks Kurama’s ass again. Kurama moans into his mouth so he does it twice more.

There’s a pleasant buzz in Hiei’s hand, a familiar pinch in his chest, and he never wants this to stop. He wants to be trapped beneath Kurama’s solid thighs, gasping for breath, being made a mess by his cock, being swallowed by his greedy mouth until he can’t take it anymore.

Because it’s so good. It’s so worth it, to be seen—even if it’s brief. Even if he won’t feel this again. Because if it’s not Kurama it’s nobody, Hiei realizes. How could he find something half as good as this somewhere else?

Kurama tosses his head back and groans, and Hiei is left gasping. He’s there, he’s so close and Kurama is fluttering around him like he might be there too. Hiei closes his eyes and focuses. He can get them there.

With his hands locked together, Hiei slides them down to the small of Kurama’s back. He rocks up into Kurama harder, driving his cock into Kurama over and over again. Kurama clings to him, panting, his feet dangling and knocking into Hiei’s calves. Gulping in the humid air, Kurama shifts higher in Hiei’s grip. Hiei watches Kurama’s mouth, open and wet, and leans forward to bite his lower lip as Kurama makes a big show of wiggling and grinding his ass down on Hiei’s cock in an attempt to climb higher.

It’s completely useless. He’s still slipping lower.

Hiei gets one arm under Kurama’s leg and hoists it up nearly to his shoulder. The other dangles, wrapped around him like a tangled sheet as he rocks their bodies. With one leg hiked up, it’s easy to tilt Kurama a bit. Hiei slides in deeper, smoother, and relishes at how Kurama’s body squeezes at him possessively, trying to pull his cock in deeper.

“Oh,” Kurama gasps, tugging at Hiei’s hair until Hiei has to gaze up at him. “Fuck, Hiei—yeah, like that!”

Kurama shifts, stretching one foot down to the ground. Balanced on his toes, Kurama allows Hiei to brace him back against the shower wall. With the walls supporting most of Kurama’s weight, Hiei is free to curl his hips up with more force and speed.

“Kurama?” There’s so many things in that question. Hiei looks at him, hoping he knows what he needs.

“Keep going, babe, keep going,” Kurama pants, pressing hot kisss to Hiei’s temple. “Don’t stop. You’re being so good for me.”

“Kurama, I’m,” Hiei starts, his words getting caught in Kurama’s kiss.

When they break apart Kurama's eyes are unbearably hollow, wide and waiting, as if Hiei should fill them somehow. Hiei hates how they watch him, half starved, but he can’t look away.

Kurama’s open, panting mouth finally closes, curling into a knowing smile.

“Come, Hiei, I want it.”

That’s all it takes. It’s as if Kurama has poured gasoline over the fire in Hiei’s belly, the flames spreading to every part of him. Hiei comes with a grunt, his hips snapping up into Kurama mercilessly, his orgasm threatening to shake him apart.

Kurama holds him together, his arms still looped around Hiei’s neck as he whispers soft encouragements into Hiei’s ear.

As Hiei comes down from the rush, he finds Kurama is still grinding his weeping cock against his stomach. Kurama’s shirt is a mess, clinging to the head of his cock each time it’s pressed against Hiei.

It’s been such a long week and he finally feels so good. He’s still half hard when Kurama slips off of him, pulling his leg out of Hiei’s grip so he can stand.

With the pleasant buzz of having just come still coursing through him, and the taste of Kurama clinging to his mouth, Hiei feels on top of the world. Coupled with his win in the one hundred meters, restless energy still buzzes within him.

All he can think of is begging Kurama to keep touching him, his breath catching at the ghost of silk around his wrists. Hiei’s half hard dick twitches. It’s only Kurama’s hands, squeezing his wrists as he steadied himself on his own two feet. He knows that, but all Hiei’s brain can process is how good it had been to get off twice, how intense he’d come that second time, the pleasure nearly too much–nearly pain—Hiei wants to go again.

Surly there’s time, or a later train.

“You didn’t finish,” Hiei says, reaching out to stroke Kurama.

“Mm, it’s okay. We’re in a hurry.” His grin tells Hiei he doesn’t plan on leaving unsatisfied, but Kurama’s focus is on getting his plug in before he can start to leak.

Hiei jerks Kurama faster, pressing up onto his toes to steal a kiss. He hasn’t felt this good in so long. It’s like he can breathe easier, like he can count every one of Kurama’s eyelashes here in the dim shower.

“Let’s go again, let me get you off.” They’re still sharing the same heated breath, still panting into each other's mouths, and Hiei craves this closeness. It’s nearly suffocating, the heat and the humidity and all he wants is to breath Kurama in and fill him once more. “I want to fuck you one more time.”

“Mmm,” Kurama hums, leaning into Hiei’s touch.

Suddenly Hiei feels vulnerable in a way he hasn’t in weeks, not since Kurama bound his hands and—not since then.

He wants to fuck Kurama again, he wants to take him slowly, savor the feeling the way he savors crossing the finish line. He has two of the most important things in his life at the moment, running and this thing between them, and Hiei can’t figure out how to express how badly he wants to keep chasing the high of both.

“Get on your knees, Hiei,” Kurama drawls, slow and hungry.

“Kurama?” Hiei blinks, his stomach clenching with something less exciting than butterflies.

“Get on your knees,” Kurama repeats, “and suck my cock.” His hands are heavy on Hiei’s shoulders, encouraging him to kneel.

Hiei blinks, the heat of the shower suddenly oppressive.

“I don’t have time for another round,” Kurama says, “I have to meet Yukina.” He stares at Kurama, confused, and Kurama’s response is only to raise a challenging brow.

“Won’t you be a good boy?” Kurama coos, and Hiei finds himself sinking to his knees.

It’s silly, he shouldn’t feel so small. Kurama only has so much time. Why did he ask for more? He flushes scarlet as he stares at Kurama’s knees.

He just has to poke that stupid box, always has to pull out all the emotions he holds for Kurama everytime he flutters those stupid, lovely lashes at him. Rummaging through his thoughts and feelings never does any good. Why can’t he just leave well enough alone? He has to stop hurting his own feelings.

Kurama’s fingers curl into Hiei’s hair as he guides him towards his erection. This should be fun, it doesn’t have to be serious.

But it turns his stomach to see how Kurama’s eyes are closed, not even noticing him, and his mouth floods with the acrid taste of humiliation. He shouldn’t be so stupid, thinking this moment was about him, thinking he could take from Kurama. He closes his eyes and allows Kurama to guide him.

He might hate the fool he’s made of himself for being so selfish, so childish, but Kurama is hard and Hiei already got off. It's his turn now. He owes it to Kurama.

It’s not like sucking cock is a chore.

Kurama is quick, and Hiei tells him he needs to actually shower after they finish.

Kurama is distracted, fixing his hair at the mirrors. “Okay, I need to catch up with Yukina.”

Hiei sighs from the other side of the wall as he lets the spray soak his hair. It’s not like Kurama gave him any indication things were going to be different. There was the opportunity for sex, so he took it. And now he needed to hurry back to his real life.

“Hey, Hiei, can I take your hoodie?”

Hiei peeks around the shower wall to find Kurama holding up one of his track hoodies, the black fabric swallowing his hand.

“My shirt is a mess,” Kurama pouts, holding the material out from his body as if this will show Hiei. The white fabric is visibly damp, and Hiei thinks it’s safe to say it’s not just water on Kurama.

“Of course, go for it.”

Kurama slips it over his head, and Hiei slips back into the shower.

***

Life is an exhausting whirlwind after the competition. Hiei ends up working all day Saturday for Mukuro, and he picks up the late shift on Sunday after he’s free of the coffee shop. Any free hours are spent on catching up on homework. He was able to do a decent amount of it at the hotel during the meet, but homework is never ending these days.

On Monday, he has to be on campus extra early to drop off a hard copy of his final literature paper. It’s technically due at noon, but he’s worried he won’t have enough time between class and work to get it turned in. Finally getting that horrible assignment over with is one of the few highlights of the busy week.

Hiei feels confident about his work. Kurama’s guidance on his outline helped tremendously, and Yukina was kind enough to proofread it for him on Saturday. He only had to spend a little bit of time making edits Sunday morning.

Because Hiei worked all weekend, and they both have packed schedules on Mondays and Tuesdays, Kurama suggested they go out for a celebratory lunch on Wednesday. Kurama had said he wanted to celebrate Hiei’s wins, and the fact he was able to finish his paper, and Kurama mentioned he also had gotten good marks on a quiz he was proud of.

In the height of Hiei's win on Friday, and the high of having Kurama, Hiei had been easily convinced to get lunch when Kurama had called him that night. Enough space had allowed the embarrassment to fade, and it was quickly replaced with longing. Hiei had hesitated when Kurama suggested a restaurant off campus, thinking about how he wouldn’t be able to use his meal plan, but Kurama had immediately said it would be his treat.

“It’s a celebration, allow me to get the bill this time.” Kurama’s voice had been coy, flirty in a way that made Hiei’s stomach clench. He’d found himself nodding along without realizing it, thinking of what would likely happen after lunch.

That had been days ago, and they’ve both been so busy they haven’t had much time to talk since the meet. It feels like it’s been two weeks and not a handful of days since they’ve seen each other. Hiei just has to get through literature, and then he has Kurama all to himself for four hours.

Hiei has even talked himself into looking forward to lunch. This, and Kurama traveling to his meet, is something he will have to work to repay, and Hiei is ready to work. He’s been a little lost in the fantasy of how Kurama will demand to be reimbursed—it’s far more interesting than listening to Karasu drone on about the reading.

Because of this, Hiei is unsurprised when Karasu requests that he stay back after class. Hiei scowls, hating that Karasu seems to have a radar for when Hiei is least in the mood to deal with him. As the classroom empties, Hiei stands at his desk. He will make Karasu approach him.

“Thank you for waiting,” Karasu says. His voice is slippery and makes Hiei’s skin crawl. He does not like the way Karasu looks at him, like he’s something to dissect, as if he’s looking for the thing that makes Hiei tick so he can pull on it.

“It’s about your paper.”

Hiei perks up at this. His stomach twists slowly, unsure if he should be worried or not. They weren’t promised grades until next Wednesday, but there were only two other papers turned in when Hiei had dropped his off. It’s not unheard of to get it back already, but Hiei can’t imagine he would be the only one held back if that was the case.

There’s no reason for his paper to be graded first.

“What about it?” He finally asks when it is clear Karasu isn’t planning on elaborating.

“I was hoping you were ready to turn it in.”

Hiei feels like the world has come to a startling halt. He must have misheard, but Karasu says, “It will be marked down for being late, but it would be better than taking a zero.”

“What are you talking about?” Hiei hates how his voice sounds hollow. He grits his teeth, anger finally taking hold and fanning through his body in a hot wave. “I turned it in on Monday morning.”

“Are you sure? It wasn’t in the stack at noon,” Karasu says, and it’s clear the words are meant to be remorseful.

It's a blatant facade; they miss by a mile.

“Yes, I’m sure. I had to get up early to drop it off before my first class.”

“Oh, well. That is a conundrum.” He says it with so little concern it’s almost comical. “Was anybody in the office to confirm you were there? That would clear this matter up.” His tone is unassuming, but his smile gives him away. It’s hidden behind his mask, but Hiei can see delight in the roundness of Karasu’s cheeks.

“No,” he grinds out. Of course nobody was in the office. That would've been too convenient. “I don’t recall seeing anybody. It was just after seven.” The earliest any of the professors in that office have hours is eight, if Hiei remembers correctly.

“That’s a shame. All I know is that we don’t have it.”

“So you’ve lost it.”

“You don’t seem able to prove you ever turned it in, so I would be careful what accusations you’re throwing around.” Karasu’s smile turns cruel, his eyes are brighter than Hiei’s ever seen them as they take in Hiei’s anger and helplessness. “You should be thankful you can turn it in at all at this point.”

“How much will be taken off?” Hiei bites out, glaring at Karasu. There’s no point in acting agreeable now, all he wants to do is wipe that condescending look off of Karasu’s face.

Hatred boils within Hiei. He’s jumped through hoops for this class, and it doesn’t even matter.

“The late policy is clearly stated in the syllabus,” Karasu says with so much underlying joy it’s nauseating. His words are unbearable, relishing in the power play so completely, as he says, “Late work will receive a five percent penalty for each day it is late.”

Ten percent.

An entire letter grade.

Hiei is frozen, unable to process this. He should have dropped this class in January when he got his first tardy because he didn’t have an unnecessary text book. He never should have tried to turn this one around. If he didn’t have to be in twelve credit hours a semester, he would have.

After a long moment, Hiei collects himself enough to decide he isn’t going to explode. He has a solid paper. His overall grade isn’t atrocious. He’s unlikely to fail the class.

“Will emailing it work, so it doesn't get lost this time? Or does it still need to be a hard copy?” He keeps his voice in check, only the smallest amounts of contempt slipping in.

“Email should be fine at this point, we can print it ourselves.”

“Can you?”

“Now, Hiei,” Karasu warns. “There’s no need to be rude. I’d hate for the professor to change his mind on allowing you a late submission.” It’s clear in the hungry way Karasu watches Hiei that that’s exactly what he’s hoping for. He’d love for Hiei to lash out so he can rip this away too.

Hiei pulls his chromebook out of his backpack, and feels himself deflate as he emails his paper to his professor. His anger sits cold in his stomach, no longer fueling him to rage.

He sees there’s no way around it. His professor decided he didn’t like Hiei from day one, has a distaste for student athletes, and isn’t pulling his punches any longer. Sicking his TA upon Hiei has made that undeniably clear.

Hiei can only get through the next few weeks.

When he finally walks out of the classroom, he’s resigned to the fact he can only hope for a passing grade in this class, but nothing spectacular. Maybe Karasu will lose interest in using him as a chew toy, if he’s lucky.

Kurama waits for him, again in a shadowy corner. He’s leaning against the wall down the hallway, and Hiei wishes the lighting in this old building was better. He looks concerned, and reaches out for Hiei when he approaches.

“What’s happened?” His hands are solid and grounding on Hiei’s shoulders, his green eyes clever as they search Hiei’s. “What did he say to you?”

“They lost my paper.”

“They what?” The incredulity in Kurama’s tone fans the flame of Hiei’s anger anew, but he shakes his head to rid himself of it. He cannot get worked up over this again. It is a waste of energy.

“They’re claiming I never turned it in.”

“You turned it in on Monday morning,” Kurama says, more to himself than to Hiei. “I remember you texting me about it.”

“There’s nothing to be done, Kurama. I’ve already emailed my professor a digital version. It’s my word against his, it’s not worth it.” Hiei doesn’t have the energy for this fight. He just has to accept that he needs to have a witness and a paper trail from now on. He doesn’t want to be left alone in a room with either his professor or TA again.

“Lets just go to lunch,” Hiei suggests.

Kurama nods and releases Hiei. They head for the stairs and the silence is heavy. It’s an unfairly beautiful day, so at odds with Hiei’s mood. But in the warmth of the sunshine, Kurama settles a hand on Hiei’s elbow. It’s a careful touch, he can feel the hesitance in Kurama’s fingers. Hiei is thankful for the solidarity though, so he tries his best to relax his shoulders and leans into Kurama.

“How was your morning,” Hiei asks, and Kurama is kind enough to fill the silence. Hiei listens as they head off of campus. He’s not really sure where they’re eating today, but he trusts Kurama.

The restaurant is barely a five minute walk away, and Hiei wonders if he should have dressed nicer as they step inside. He’s in all black, which helps, but Kurama knows he lives in joggers and fitted tees. A glance around the restaurant shows Hiei that he’s not the only one sporting activewear. He breathes a small sigh of relief.

It’s short lived, as he realizes the woman in business casual across the restaurant is waving at them.

“Is that your mom?” Hiei whispers, horrified, as Kurama leads him towards her, because it clearly is.

“Yes, is that a problem?” Kurama murmurs and cuts his eyes to Hiei in a quick glance, his smile still intact as he waves back to Shiori.

“It’s not a problem,” Hiei lies, “I just didn’t realize she would be here.”

Why did Kurama suggest they eat lunch today?

“I thought you see her on Fridays,” he tries to keep his voice low, they’re running out of time to talk, “Why did you invite me to this, it’s your time with your mom?”

“Hiei, I just wanted to—”

“You made it!” Shiori is pulling Kurama into a hug. Hiei tries to school his face into some semblance of normality. Shiori turns to him next, and for some reason she pulls him into a gentle hug as well. It’s much shorter than what she gave Kurama, thankfully, and it’s over around the same moment Hiei realizes he should do more than just stand there awkwardly.

“It’s great to see you again, Hiei.”

“It’s nice to see you too,” he says gruffly. He can’t believe she remembers his name. They met months ago, and barely exchanged a handful of words.

“How is track going? Kurama told me you had a competition last week,” Shiori says as she sits back down.

“And he did great at it. Hiei, tell her. I have to use the bathroom.”

And then Kurama abandons him.

Shiori sits there, her smile pleasant, as she waits for Hiei to find his voice. Hiei can only stare at her for a moment before he flushes, and looks down at his place setting.

“Yeah, it went fairly well. I, um, beat my personal record in one event,” Hiei says quietly.

“That’s wonderful. What was it?” She looks at him expectantly. He’s not used to normal people taking interest in his sport, not to a level that demands detail.

“The one hundred meter.” She nods at him, her smile patient but encouraging, so he adds, “I got first. My time was 10.06.”

Shiori’s eyes light up. “Ten seconds? Hiei, that's so impressive!”

Hiei blushes. “Not quite ten seconds, but close. I’m hoping to get under ten at an event this season.”

Shiori doesn’t steal the conversation now, which is what Hiei would expect. She simply waits, allowing him to say more. Hiei doesn’t have much more he wants to say, so he tries to switch the conversation back to neutral territory.

“Kurama surprised me by showing up one of the days, it was very thoughtful of him.”

Shiori beams, clearly happy to talk about her son.

“Yes, he was very excited to surprise you. He was telling me all about your track meet last week.” As she tells him about what she already knows of his meet, Hiei shyly studies her. She laughs, and it’s so much like Kurama’s it startles Hiei. They have the same smile, and when they laugh they both tilt their heads and tuck their chins the exact same way. Kurama has hints of her smile lines.

When Shiori listens to Hiei and thinks of something she wants to say, her eyebrows make the same motion Kurama’s do when he’s thought of something clever.

Hiei knows he shouldn’t be surprised, but he doesn’t think he shares so many similarities with his own mother.

“I’m sorry he had to miss lunch with you because of it,” Hiei says quietly.

“Oh, please do not apologize! I told him he had to go support you. I told him, ‘that nice boy you're seeing will be thrilled to spot you in the crowd,’ and it sounds like I was right.”

Hiei suddenly feels hot. His stomach twists in on itself and he’s unsure if he’s flushed from embarrassment or nausea.

“Oh,” Hiei manages a strangled laugh, “actually, we’re not dating!”

How can Kurama’s mom have this idea? Hiei has to correct this, if Kurama hears and has to explain it will be ten times worse. Hiei can already see the painfully awkward conversation after lunch, where Kurama says they need to put a bit of space between them, so nobody gets confused.

Hiei would rather not sit through that.

“Oh,” Kurama’s voice is a cold mockery of Hiei’s, “what does that mean?”

Kurama has come up behind Hiei.

He didn’t hear him over the ringing in his ears.

Now he stands beside Hiei gripping the back of his chair so tightly Hiei can see where his knuckles are turning white.

He’s heard.

“Your mom was confused,” Hiei scrambles, “she thought—”

“No,” Kurama cuts him off, “I’m confused. What do you mean we aren’t dating?”

Hiei’s heart is going to beat its way out of his chest if his stomach doesn’t get there first with the way it’s churning. When Hiei glances up, there’s no confusion in Kurama’s face, only anger.

“Kurama,” Shiori says gently, her soft mouth pursing into a solemn line.

The room is too hot, and Hiei doesn’t know what he has said to make Kurama’s face look like that.

Hiei can’t look at Kurama. He can hardly hear what’s going on around him, his pulse is pounding so loudly in his ears.

Kurama and Shiori are staring at him. Shiori looks concerned, and Hiei can’t decide what emotion Kurama is going to settle on. His eyes are a storm.

Hiei stands abruptly.

He can’t do this, it was a mistake. He never should have said yes when Kurama offered him lunch. He never should have allowed him to be so touchy. He never should have flirted back. He never should have given anybody a reason to be confused.

“I’m sorry,” he says, and it’s probably too loud—he can’t hear himself. “I–I have to leave. It was so nice to see you again,” he manages to say in Shiori’s general direction. He doesn’t look at any of them, watching his feet to make sure he doesn’t trip, the room is spinning for no reason. He can’t breathe and he has to get out, outside, he just needs air.

Hiei hears his name being called, maybe, it could be something else—but no it’s his name, it has to be Kurama, but he doesn’t stop. He’s gasping by the time he’s out the door.

It feels as if he’s drowning on dry land, but he keeps pushing. He’s made it three blocks when he realizes he’s headed in the wrong direction from his house. He’s running, he doesn’t know when he started. Hiei slows to a walk but he can’t stop moving.

It’s not like he can go back. He can’t go near the restaurant now. He can’t show his face to Kurama. He just ran out on lunch. He just ran out on Kurama and his mom.

What is he doing? Why is he like this? Why is he always the gas being thrown on the dumpster fire?

He’s waiting for the signal to cross the street when somebody grabs his wrist. Ice cold dread shoots through him as he snatches his arm away and whirls around to find Kurama.

“Where are you going?” He demands. He’s breathing hard. His eyes are still horrible, still murky green like a roiling sea.

Hiei stares at him, unsure what to say.

“Why are you running away?” Kurama snaps, irritation finding its home on his face. His nostrils flare as he tries to control his breathing.

“I,” Hiei starts, stops. He blinks, shocked to find such heat in Kurama’s eyes and has to look away. “I couldn’t be in there. I couldn—”

“What do you mean, we aren’t dating?”

Hiei glances back up, mouth ajar. What does Kurama expect?

“Well I can’t very well tell your mom we’re hooking up casu—”

“Oh, I’m sorry!” Kurama scoffs, his hollow little laugh like nails on a chalkboard. He doesn’t give Hiei a chance to keep going as he hisses, “Excuse me? Hooking up? I was under the assumption we had something here.”

Kurama steps closer, his voice low and full of heat, mindful of their very public setting. “I had kind of thought of you as my boyfriend since I sucked you off in the shop, Hiei. What else could you possibly think this was?”

Hiei shifts uncomfortably, and lowers his eyes to Kurama’s throat. It’s flushed and taught with barely concealed rage. “I mean, I thought,” he stammers, trying to take a full breath, “that this was supposed to be casual.” There’s no way around Kurama. He can’t just run away—again.“You know, like, friends with benefits,” Hiei says quietly, suddenly unsure.

"Seriously?” Kurama's voice is razor sharp. The laugh that comes out of him next almost makes Hiei flinch. He won’t though, he’s shown enough weakness already.

Hiei doesn’t know what to say. Because this isn’t a happy moment of clarity where all of Hiei’s daydreams come true. This is Kurama angry in a way Hiei has never seen before.

“Friends with benefits, honestly?”

Hiei feels like he’s being scolded, and he hates it. The condescending way Kurama says honestly reminds Hiei of how Karasu talked down to him and it makes his blood boil.

“You are the first person I text every fucking morning,” Kurama says, shoving his fringe back with one hand, “and the last person before I go to sleep. Every. Day.”

Hiei feels his mouth twist as he watches Kurama’s knuckles turn white against his scalp. He grits his teeth at the sight.

Who gave Kurama the right to be the angry one in this situation? His jaw feels tight, and he knows he should bite his tongue. He knows it’s not wise to open his mouth when his anger pounds this hard within him. It churns dangerously in his stomach. He knows he should keep this mouth shut, and yet.

“How was I supposed to know?” Hiei snarls back, clenching his fists at his sides to keep them in check. He does not want to strike Kurama, would never, but he desperately wants to hit something. “How was I supposed to know what you thought when you never want to do anything outside of sex? You won’t hold my hand or kiss me unless we’re in bed.”

Kurama’s eyes go wide, like he’s ready to yell. “You’re the one who gets weird when I touch you in public. I thought you were uncomfortable about being out.”

“You are the most flamboyant man I have ever met,” Hiei spits. “Have I ever acted like I want to be anywhere other than by your side when we are anywhere? How the fuck can you say I have an issue with being out?”

Kurama sighs, visibly deflates, and rubs at his temple as if he’s soothing a headache as he whispers, “This wasn’t a part of the plan.”

The plan? The fucking plan?

“And that’s another thing,” Hiei snaps, “How can you say I should know anything when you never said a single thing about it? You have never once said anything to me about dating! How could you? You’re always too busy orchestrating everything. You have planned everything out—masterminded all of this—to the point where I don’t even have any agency in this relationship.”

“Oh, stop,” Kurama fires back, anger flushing scarlet up his neck, his eyes darting over to a passerby. “Do you even hear yourself?”

Hiei knows it’s too public, knows this is everything Kurama with his perfect mask and polished exterior hates. He reaches out, snatching Hiei’s bicep before he tries guiding him away from the busy street.

When Hiei doesn’t immediately follow, Kurama begins to drag him.

“Get off of me!” Hiei snaps and rips his arm free, but he follows Kurama to an ally that’s shielded from the majority of the busy street.

“Hiei, I have not manipulated the situation.”

Hiei rolls his eyes and ticks off his points on his fingers as he says, “You manipulated Mukuro into giving you my name back in the beginning. Tell me you didn’t manipulate me at the coffee shop to get my number. Explain what you did there, short of backing me into a corner.”

“Hiei—”

“How can I think you want a relationship with me when the first thing you do is make me pay for sex with you?”

Kurama’s anger slips then, momentarily. “Hiei, I didn’t…”

His eyes are wide and startled, but Hiei won’t be swayed at this point. He’s too far into it, the lid is lost, there’s no hope of pulling back now.

“How do you expect me to take that as you wanting to date me?”

Kurama finally looks properly small, as small as Hiei had felt in the restaurant, and while having the upper hand is a heady thing, it’s supposed to feel better.

Why does it never feel good when Hiei has it?

“Look at you!” Hiei scoffs, throwing an arm out in Kurama’s direction. “With your money, and your perfect family, and your whole fucking future planned out. How am I supposed to look at you and think you could be interested in me?”

“Hiei, what are you talking about?” Again the anger is fading, and wary confusion is slotting into its place.

“I have nothing to my name,” Hiei says, a bitter laugh tumbling out of him unbidden. “You know where you’re going, I don’t even know what I want to major in! I have no career in sight. I want to go to the fucking Olympics! Kurama, do you understand how crazy that sounds? Do you know my odds? Maybe you don’t get it because you don’t have to worry about your future, or your finances, but that isn’t everybody’s experience, Kurama.”

“Hiei, why would you say that?”

Hiei stomach twists at how hurt Kurama looks.

“I don’t expect you to understand.” He never wants to be the one to cause that wrinkle in Kurama’s brow, he would give anything to be the one that gets to smooth it away. He really would, if he could, but despite that he can’t keep himself from saying, “You don’t know what it’s like to have to worry about money.”

“You need to stop, now.” Kurama doesn’t need Hiei to smooth over anything. As his expression and voice even out, there’s an edge of ice to it that Hiei’s glimpsed before, and Hiei shivers involuntarily. It’s familiar, so close to one Hiei knows intimately, but wrong in every way that matters. It’s sharper, for the first time not afraid to do damage if it’s not obeyed. “Who do you think you are to say that to me?“

“Kurama, the amount of money you’ve spent on sex toys alone since we’ve known each other is crazy to me.”

Kurama’s tone is chilly as he says flatly, “I sacrificed elsewhere to buy those, but who gave you the right to judge my purchases? Don’t you dare stand there and assume you know me.”

“What else am I supposed to think? You can have anybody, you flirt with everyone, and yet I’m supposed to magically know you want me? When you can have anyone! Why should I think you want to take me seriously? How am I supposed to think I have a chance?” Hiei shakes his head, stepping back. “I can’t live up to your other options.”

“Other options?” Kurama tilts his head, like he’s trying to hear Hiei better. His brow goes up dangerously.

“Yes! You’re constantly flirting—always unavailable in the evenings! But I’m not supposed to think it’s because you’re uninterested? Right, right, that’s reassuring,” Hiei snaps, and he knows he should stop. He is quickly approaching the point of no return. But he can’t.

“I’m far from the only person that sees you and wants you.”

“That is far from my fault,” Kurama tries, but Hiei is on a roll.

“I’m not even allowed to come to your work! Kurama, you won’t let me fucking walk you home, what part of that sounds like a relationship to you?”

“Hiei—”

“No! That’s not a relationship! Not when you can walk into my life like you own it but won’t even let me know your fucking address! And all the stupid messages!” Hiei sees the shift in Kurama’s eyes, sees the mask slipping into place as Kurama pulls back, and he knows, he knows, he has to drop it.

And then Hiei inserts both of his feet, and his ankles, and his calves directly into his mouth.

“How am I supposed to know who else you text?”

“So that’s it.” Kurama holds a hand up to stop Hiei from talking, his tone disbelieving. “You think I’m out here with other people?”

“How am I supposed to know differently? You won’t let me anywhere near your place. I mention stopping by your work, and you flat out tell me no.” Hiei levels an weary look on him, “Kurama, you won’t even let me see you if it doesn’t match up perfectly for your stupid schedule. It’s like you’re hiding something.”

“That’s what you think, that I’m cheating on you? That I’m… what, easy? You think I’d just fuck anybody, is that it?”

Hiei looks away. “How am I supposed to know I’m what you’re interested in? If it hadn’t been me behind that counter, who’s to say you wouldn’t be fucking somebody else in my place?”

Kurama is quiet for a long, horrible moment. When he finally speaks, the anger is gone. “I thought you were different, but you’re just an idiot.” He smooths his hair, his expression remote, and turns away from Hiei. It’s a relief, Hiei can’t stand to look at Kurama any longer. That temporary reprieve is shattered as he says, his voice just as detached, “And while I don’t think you really mean that, I won’t allow you to talk that way to me.”

Panic courses through Hiei as Kurama takes a step away from him towards the mouth of the alley.

“Kurama?”

“I’m done,” Kurama says with so little emotion that Hiei thinks he might be sick.

“Kurama,” his voice is unrecognizable to his own ears. His palms are sweaty, and he hates how desperate he sounds.

“No. You’re too much of a coward, and I’m through wasting my time. The only thing you’ll pour your heart into is running. The idea of talking about your feelings, of spilling your guts anywhere but the track, is so terrifying you’ll run away from it, from me, the first chance you get? I won’t let someone like that talk to me this way.”

“That’s not—Kurama, it’s not like that!”

“Isn’t it? I shouldn’t have to physically hold you down to be able to talk to you! Hiei, I have worked so hard to make this work. I knew what I wanted, you, and I went for it. I have done nothing but try to show you that I care! I rearranged my stuff, made myself available around your schedule, and when you finally get the chance to say something about it—because we both know you’re too scared to bring it up on your own—you lash out at me? Don’t look at me like that. You decided to snap your jaws like some angry dog, you don’t get to tuck tail and run now. I’m not about to bleed myself dry for you when you won’t even fight for what you care about. You’ll only fight to be the first one to land a blow, and I don’t have to put up with you or your shit any longer.”

“Kurama—”

“I’m done, Hiei,” Kurama snaps, a hint of heat stealing back into his voice for a sharp, horrible instant. “I’m going to go before I say something I regret.”

“So… so that’s it? You’re just—you’re breaking up with me?”

“Hiei,” Kurama glances at him from over his shoulder, and his face is a mask Hiei hasn’t seen before. It’s cold, indifferent, and everything that isn’t Kurama. “We can’t break up if we were never dating, right?”

Hiei can’t find his voice, can’t find the resolve to move his feet, can’t do anything as Kurama walks away.

Chapter Text

It is surprising to find just how many hours in a week Hiei once filled with Kurama. Before it always felt like they were rushing around to steal a few minutes here or an hour there, but now that he’s gone, it's blatantly obvious that Kurama had been draping himself over Hiei’s busy schedule, sinking himself into every available space.

Every time Hiei feels like he’s forgetting something and realizes it’s because Kurama isn’t dropping by, or showing up, or texting him about his day, another layer is slowly carved away from inside his chest. He’s never felt so empty before.

The vastness within him has seemingly no limits, and its shocking depth snatches Hiei’s breath away when he least expects it.

He has tried to fill the void, but it doesn’t matter how much anger, or sorrow, or forged apathy he dumps into the gaping wound. It makes no difference. The surface never becomes visible. It never eases the empty, gnawing sensation.

Because stewing in these emotions do nothing to lessen the pain, Hiei takes to drowning the emptiness out. He resolves to fill all of this suddenly empty time with things to keep himself busy. If he cannot forget the curve of Kurama’s smile when he stares at the shop door in the afternoon light, and if he still must choke on the floral scent of Kurama’s hair after each practice, and if he cannot reason with his heart and stomach to stop leaping each time his phone buzzes, then he will do everything in his power to make himself too tired to care.

For as long as he’s been old enough to realize he must channel his emotions if he wishes to avoid trouble, there has only been one reliable outlet beyond his sister. So Hiei throws himself into running. To an unhealthy degree.

Life becomes an endless cycle of morning jogs, and classes, and work, and practice, and the gym, and homework, and late night runs, and eventually sleep. It numbs the hollowness inside him for a while, but eventually his body begins to adjust. When this happens, Hiei stops taking rest days.

This goes on for nearly two weeks before Hiei gets pulled aside during a practice.

“Hey, Hotshot! Get your ass over here!”

Hiei is struggling for breath, his hands planted firmly on his knees as he gulps in burning lungfuls of oxygen. He glances up as he heaves, and finds Genkai glaring at him from the other side of the track. Her expression leaves much to be desired, and Hiei really doesn’t want to listen to her bitch.

He straightens and abandons the agility ladder as he makes his way to her. He curls his hands into fists so they won't tremble. When he’s a few feet away, he stops and smooths his face into something bland and unaffected.

“Yes, Coach?”

“What the hell is going on out there?” Genkai snaps, waving her clipboard at Hiei menacingly.

“Coach?” Hiei asks and leans back a bit, not liking where this is going.

Genkai’s whole face stands up and takes notice, every part of it growing wide and bristling. “Don’t you get smart with me! Do you think I was born yesterday? You’re out here struggling through two-hundred meters, now you’re about to keel over from a couple reps of foot work?” Genkai crosses her arms, that deadly clipboard tucked safely away for now.

“I’m just having an off day.”

Genkai snorts, and if her eyebrow goes any higher, it will disappear. “Your times have been down all week,” she deadpans. “You look like shit, Hiei. When was the last time you ate?”

Hiei bites the inside of his cheek and stares over her head.

“The last time you took a rest day?”

He won’t lie to her, but he isn’t going to say anything damning either.

Genkai sighs and points her clipboard at him. “You need to get your personal life together. I don’t know what’s going on, but killing yourself on the track isn’t going to fix it.”

“Got it,” Hiei manages through clenched teeth.

“No, son,” she says, “I don’t think you do.” It’s not warm or soft in the slightest, and Hiei hates how his chest still clenches at the words. “I’m your coach, and it’s my job to do what?”

“Kick my ass into a faster PR?”

Genkai smacks his arm with the clipboard, and Hiei doesn’t have the heart to grin.

“Don’t be stupid! My job is to protect you. What three things am I watching out for?” She looks at him expectantly, and Hiei rolls his.

“My head, my heart, and my body,” he mutters, dragging his toe over the track.

“Exactly, and you’re not protecting your body right now,” Genkai scolds. Hiei wants to argue, but before he can say anything, she asks, “When was the last time you took a shit? Or slept all night?”

When Hiei doesn’t answer she raises a judgmental eyebrow.

“You gonna give me an answer on when your last rest day was, or your last meal?”

Hiei jerks his chin to the side, and Genkai sighs.

“Listen here, Numbskull, your head and your heart are not focused, and there is only so much I can do. I get that your little cheerleader has been missing—”

“Coach—”

“—and I get that seems to be a big deal for you, but I am not going to sit by and watch you destroy all of your hard work over a fucking boy.”

“Coach—”

“Head home and rest.”

“Coach!”

She cannot be serious.

“I don’t want to see you for two days, or I will bench your ass at the next meet.”

Genkai raises her chin and glares up at him like she’s just waiting for him to say something. Hiei straightens his shoulders, sets his jaw, and heads home early.

***

Rest does little for Hiei. He still has no appetite, he still can’t sleep through the night, and his mood is still awful. But he’s less sore, so there’s something.

He listens though, and he cuts out the extra runs. He does really well for nearly an entire week.

The mistake happens when he stupidly looks at his camera roll. He wasn’t even thinking. He’d taken a picture of the assignment details his professor had scrawled across the board in class, and now, in his bed, he’s staring at a barrage of old photos of Kurama instead of the instructions for his assignment. He’s half naked in most of them, smiling in all of them, and because Hiei has to poke at every hurt, he taps on the picture from so many weeks ago without thinking about it.

Kurama’s smiling face stares up at him. He’s framed by clear blue skies, and Hiei hates this picture. He hates how attainable and real Kurama looks when he’s dressed in normal clothes, with his hair pulled back for yard work. He hates it, because he never had this Kurama—and he’s never going to have this Kurama—but he could have had this Kurama if he hadn’t been such an idiot. If he hadn’t been such a coward. If he had just told Kurama how he felt, how he still feels, maybe this is how Kurama would have looked at him.

Hiei stares at the photo until the screen goes black. He continues to stare at his shadowy reflection for several long moments. His hand curls into a fist on his knee and he takes a slow, shaky breath. He wants to run, or hit something, or cry. Any of those things wouldn’t make the pain stop, but they would dull it for a brief moment.

Instead, Hiei opens his phone once more and memorizes the gentle curve of Kurama’s smile, drinks in the softness of his eyes. Hiei takes his first full breath in weeks.

When his screen dims, threatening to turn off again, he makes himself find the photo of the assignment instructions.

He works diligently, and after a few hours his homework is completed. He’s even done an extra reading that isn’t due for another three days. Hiei checks the clock, and it’s only nine. He looks up and stares at his ceiling, unsure of what to do. If he ventures out of his room, Yusuke will either ask him how he’s doing, which will piss Hiei off, or he will pick a fight with Hiei, which will piss Yusuke off.

He’s made it abundantly clear that he’s sick of kicking Hiei’s ass, that if he wants to fight he’d better turn up, or else he can fuck off and find a therapist like a normal person.

As if Yusuke has any right to say that.

Hiei doesn’t want to talk, though. And he can’t sleep. His phone is sitting heavy and wanting on his knee. It begs to be opened. It longs to be held and studied.

It would be so easy to pick it up and look through his photos. It would be an easy thing to read over their texts, to read how badly Kurama once wanted him. He should delete them all, but he’s too weak to do something so permanent. There’s always the hope that one day it won’t hurt, that one day he’ll be able to look without his chest seizing.

Hiei grabs his phone and hops out of bed before he can do anything stupid. He grabs his track bag and is out the door before he really knows where he’s going.

His body knows what his mind doesn’t, and his feet carry him where he needs to go. Before long he’s walking into the campus gym. It’s a twenty-four hour facility and still fairly busy.

As Hiei scans his student ID at the front desk, he eyes the rows of busy ellipticals and bikes. He shouldn’t be here. He’s been doing good at moderating his workouts, but he’s so tired of thinking.

One extra workout isn’t going to kill him.

And that’s how Hiei starts his late night affair with the rowing machine. When the homework runs out, when there’s nothing left to keep him busy, when he can‘t stand to stare at the wall with only his thoughts to keep him company for another minute but his body refuses to sleep? Hiei finds himself here.

Cycling is reserved for when he’s adequately tired, when he can’t do more than pedal, but he likes to row. It’s an exercise he can feel in his entire body. He feels pleasantly worn after he lifts with Jin twice a week, but he’s not stupid enough to lift any real weight on his own. Rowing has the same effect, and Hiei likes how he can throw his whole body into it.

It’s just him, and the bar, and the fluorescents, and the heave of all of his problems in one fail swoop.

And then he does it again. And again. And again.

If he plants his feet firmly enough, if he pulls hard enough, if he can haul all of his emotions far enough, fast enough, then maybe they’ll leave him alone for a bit.

It hasn’t happened yet, but he keeps trying.

One night turns into two, and then three. Before long he finds it turning into a habit. Falling into bed at two becomes his new routine on good nights, three on bad ones.

Blisters form on his hands, burst open with the relentless use, but the sting is no comparison to the one inside of him.

He would do this indefinitely, it’s the only sure way he can sleep at this point, until one night near the end of his set he feels a twinge on his left side. There’s a pinch in his ribs as he releases the bar.

Hiei stops and unstraps his feet as he tries to catch his breath. He stands and carefully twists. When there’s no pain he stretches and bends. There’s a bit of a pull in his ribs. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Hiei closes his eyes and tries to keep his cool.

After he’s counted to seventeen, he’s able to reach down and grab his bag. There’s only a slight tremble in his hand. He has half a mind to sit back down and keep going. It’s nothing serious, and what’s a little more pain? But he knows it could easily become a problem.

He can’t let Kurama consume his entire life—which what a joke that is, that’s all Kurama has done since January—and while this feels like it’s everything at the moment, he knows there’s a future somewhere ahead of him where he possibly won’t feel this shitty. And he’d like to be able to keep working toward his goals again then.

Probably.

That’s what the annoying voice in the back of his head keeps telling him, and it sounds suspiciously like Yukina, so he doesn’t completely dismiss it.

With the understanding that he should not wreck his body despite what his instincts tell him, Hiei walks away from the rowing machine. Leaving the gym this early with this much energy feels wrong.

Hiei focuses on his breathing the entire walk home, his attention caught on the expansion of his ribs with each inhale as he tries to decide if he feels pain or if it’s just his imagination. He’ll be fine, it’s nothing a little rest and babying won’t cure.

***

Two days of rest is unsurprisingly not a magic fix, and with every stride on the track the tug at his ribs is undeniably there. The pain is minimal, there’s so many other hurts fighting for Hiei’s attention, but it’s present.

He’s not surprised when Genkai calls him out barely halfway through the practice.

“Where are you hurt?” She demands, the words hissed through her teeth.

“My ribs.” Hiei looks out over the track, unbothered that he refuses to meet her eyes. He does not have the energy to see her face at the moment.

“Can you not listen? I told you to knock this shit off.”

“I did.” Hiei shrugs. “I stopped running, I picked up rowing.”

“What the fuck, Hiei? No, actually I don’t want to hear it!”

“Coach—”

“No, I don’t want to hear you. Go home.”

When Hiei meets her eyes, Genkai’s expression is so heated he has to look away again.

“This is your future, Hiei! Do you get that? We are doing something here, serious work, and I’m not about to let you ruin everything we’ve been working towards for nearly two years!”

Hiei bites the inside of his cheek so hard he tastes blood. He knows. But today is a bad day. Kurama has been thrown in his face at every turn. Hiei can’t care about the future at this moment, not when everything is so horrible now.

He’d awoken with the taste of Kurama’s kiss lingering in his mouth, the ghost of his hands on his body. Hiei had stared at his own hands, holding them over his face for many long moments, before he could accept that his skin was unmarked. Kurama had been holding his wrist so tight—right to his chest—had held him so close. He’d been so covered, completely surrounded by a curtain of red hair and strong arms while clever fingers were buried secretively within him.

Hiei had awoken aching, his leaking cock impossible to consider touching as he’d wiped hot tears from his eyes. Hiei had laid so still, tangled in the warm cocoon of his blankets, trying to feel the fading memory of Kurama.

At work he’d had to stand there and make a latte and pretend he didn’t see Kurama’s mother across the Union. He can’t look at her, even from such a distance. He can’t look at her and see the ghost of Kurama’s smile on her face.

He doesn’t get to do that now.

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t still want it, though.

He glances back to Genkai after a long minute and asks, “When can I come back?”

“I’ll see you on Monday, and I’ll decide if you can join us then.”

“Monday?!” That’s an entire week! They have a meet on Friday, and Saturday! How can she—

“I’m not going to let you fuck yourself over just because you can’t get your personal life straightened out.” Genkai frowns up at him, unimpressed with Hiei’s own glare. “If I find out you’ve been doing anything more strenuous than walking to class, I’ll set you out for two more weeks.”

***

Hiei closes his textbook with a sigh and grabs the window cleaner before stomping over to the door. He sprays it down for the third time this shift and buffs away invisible fingerprints. Stepping back, he scowls at his work and contemplates giving it another pass.

“Stand down, Killer. If you scrub it much harder, you’re going to wear a hole in the glass,” Mukuro says from the counter.

She sounds unimpressed with Hiei. She’s been unimpressed about this whole ordeal since last Friday when she asked where Kurama was and why she hadn’t seen him all week, and Hiei had told her flatly that things had ended between them.

She’d just looked at him and sigh, and asked, “Badly?”

When Hiei had merely nodded she just shook her head and swore.

Now she looks annoyed as she works on completing order forms to vendors. Hiei stomps back to the counter and mutters, “Just trying to do my job.”

Mukuro snorts and doesn’t look up from her computer. “I’d rather you try removing the stick from your ass.”

“I’m not in the mood,” Hiei snaps, pulling his text book further away from her and planting himself at the end of the counter.

“At first I thought Kurama just could never find it to remove it, but now I can’t decide if he’s the one that put it there in the first place.”

Hiei gapes at her as white hot rage floods through him, instinct tells him to move, to raise a hand, to fight this thing attacking him. He glares at Mukuro, at his boss, at someone who most of the time has his back, and he does not move.

“Mukuro.” He grips the counter so hard his hands ache. “I’m not in the mood,” he hisses.

He cannot lose it here, on her. He can’t.

“And I’m sick of your shitty attitude.”

“Mukuro, I’m—”

“No, no, I get it. Your life sucks. You’ve made the pity party abundantly clear.” She turns to him, hand planted on her hip as she asks, “At what point are you going to move on? Kurama clearly has.”

“Could you stop being a bitch?” Hiei snaps. Her clear lack of remorse makes him feel small and alone, and he’s so sick of these feelings. He’s tired of feeling empty and abandoned. All he wants to do is talk to Kurama, but Kurama won’t answer.

He has to stop doing that. It’s been four days since he’s texted him—he gave up trying to call him early on, his voicemail was never set up so it’s not as if he can hear his voice—and while it should get easier with each passing day, the hole in Hiei’s chest feels bigger and bigger each moment he’s not reaching out for what he’s lost.

“No,” Mukuro says evenly, and there’s no heat behind her words. “I told you this would happen. I told you he was going to break your heart. You had fair warning, so I need you to stop wallowing and pick yourself up and start moving past this. You cannot just stay stuck here, it’s not healthy.”

Hiei stares at her for a long moment, unable to muster the energy to glare. His anger is quickly dwindling, being swallowed by the gnawing emptiness once more.

“Can I have any more shifts?” It hurts to be here, where he has spent so much time with Kurama, but it’s better than doing nothing. “Do you think I could pick up Wednesdays?”

Mukuro is still watching him, and he doesn’t hide how tired he is when she meets his gaze. Finally, after she’s done scrutinizing him, she says, “I think that could work. Are you interested in any night shifts? Juri was mentioning she’d like more time off when finals roll around.”

Hiei hates the closing shift, but it’s so busy it might keep his mind free of Kurama. He needs to see about getting more hours at the coffee shop. Lately that’s when his mind is the most quiet.

“That could work, yeah,” Hiei murmurs.

When Mukuro places a firm hand on his shoulder and squeezes, he doesn’t brush her away.

***

Days drag by, slowly collecting into weeks, and Hiei longs to feel normal again. The hole in his heart never shrinks, never heals, but it’s a dull ache now, nearly numb. He hates it, but he’s moving on.

No longer does he wake each day with anger brimming behind every word. Dinners are now safer affairs, no longer bristling with the tense anticipation of a fight. Yusuke had told him weeks ago that he was tired of his attitude, and tired of beating the shit out of him, so he’d better figure it out.

And somehow he has.

He works out a normal amount, he goes to his classes, and yesterday somebody walked into Mukuro’s shop, and he didn’t even look up right away. There was no flutter when he heard the bell chime with the opening of the door.

It’s been months since that’s happened.

He hasn’t texted Kurama in over two weeks. The last time he did he’d been shit faced, and he’d sent an embarrassing number of pleading messages. Kurama wasn’t swayed by his apologies, or his promises, or his bargains. Hiei had been mortified when he’d read over the messages the next day, for once thankful for Kurama’s maintained radio silence. It’s easier to pretend he’d never sent those that way.

When Genkai had made him do bleachers after getting one whiff of him later that afternoon, Hiei had taken the punishment without complaint.

But now, nearly two weeks later he’s admittedly doing better. He no longer waits for the phone to buzz with Kurama’s incoming call. It’s not going to happen, not after all this time. And Hiei can admit that without spiraling, or racing off to the gym.

Hiei is slowly, slowly coming to terms with the fact that Kurama isn’t going to reach out or acknowledge him ever again.

It’s hard, but it’s getting a little easier each day.

Today has been good. He didn’t think about Kurama until he was on campus. Entire hours he’d spent this morning without thinking of him or the hole in his chest. The pain might be lessening, but it’s far from gone. It’s not as if he’s jumping for joy and feeling anywhere close to himself.

Without Kurama’s warmth, Hiei can only hope he will be able to feel as if he has a firm hold on his life again. Many days he feels directionless. Without the steady routine of class and work and track, he’s scared to see what his life would become. Summer is a looming beast, creeping ever closer.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t any progress, though.

Today is Wednesday, a historically horrible day, but it’s going surprisingly okay. He's even managing to half pay attention to Karasu’s lecture.

Finals are fast approaching, and the professor has had Karasu teach the last few classes. It’s the most effective way of ensuring the class does the reading. Karasu has a knack for sniffing out anybody who didn’t do the work, and it’s neither quick nor painless when he puts them in the spotlight during discussions.

Hiei has little thoughts about finals. He guesses he will do well if only because he has thrown himself into his studies to escape his own more depressing thoughts. Nevertheless, he jots quiet notes as Karasu lectures.

Much to Hiei’s dismay, Karasu calls his name when class is dismissed. Hiei gathers his things slowly, glancing around to see if any of his peers are going to linger. One girl catches his eye but quickly glances away.

“I can meet you during office hours,” Hiei offers, at least there will be other professors there.

“You don’t need to stay, I’m just returning these to you.” Karasu holds out a small stack of papers. From this distance Hiei can tell they’re more red then not.

“Professor said he’s pleased with your work, and he’s dismissing your tardies.” Karasu does not sound pleased in the slightest.

It's somebody else that takes the papers from Karasu. Hiei doesn’t feel like he’s really here anymore, this room doesn’t feel real. The papers are strange in his hands. He is dimly aware of the passing mark circled at the top of the page, but the red commentary blurs at the edges of his vision. He doesn’t know if it’s criticism, or commentary, or his Professor’s lament over Hiei’s ability to pull this off.

Kurama’s ability.

Everything is tunneling, all he can make out it Well Done underlined twice at the top of the page. He quietly flips through the stack to confirm Karasu’s words. His scores are good across the board.

He’s done it.

His hands tremble.

The tardies are removed.

He’s worked so hard for this, so why doesn’t he feel excited?

When Hiei looks back up, Karasu has already moved on, gathering his things from the podium. The room is empty besides them, and Hiei drawls in a shaky breath before making himself scarce.

He tells himself not to, reminds himself to keep his head down, but as soon as he steps out of the classroom, his eyes dart down to the dim hallway looking for Kurama. The papers protest loudly as Hiei’s fingers curl into tight fists around them. He keeps walking, won’t linger in this spot, won’t stand there wishing for things that won’t happen.

He is supposed to be happy. He finally got what he wanted, but he doesn’t care anymore. It doesn’t matter. Passing this class is no longer his concern.

All he really wants is to tell Kurama thank you. He wants to show him how their hard work, Kurama’s forfeited time, has paid off.

He just wants to talk to Kurama. About anything.

But he can’t.

And he shouldn’t be this angry over it. He was finally starting to let things go. Life was finally getting back on track, and all it took was having Kurama thrown in his face yet again for rage to sweep back through him.

He’s supposed to go to the library. He has homework he can do, but he’s too angry to consider sitting in one spot, eating an overpriced, over cooked bagel while he attempts to focus on his nutrition reading.

The wild thought of texting Kurama a picture of the papers flashes spiteful and urgent in his mind. He could do it. Kurama wouldn’t respond, he never does.

But Hiei could shove himself back into Kurama’s life the way Kurama keeps getting shoved into his.

The tension drains from his shoulders at that thought. How can he want that? How can his mind go to hurting Kurama just because he’s hurting?

That’s exactly what got him in this situation to begin with.

Hiei stops under the large, old oaks that line the sidewalks and shade Nakamura Hall and the surrounding buildings. He takes in a slow, deep breath, focusing on how his ribs expand before breathing out just as slowly. Then he repeats the process four more times.

When he’s feeling more like himself, he slides his phone out of his pocket and snaps a picture of his paper

did it. no more tardies for me

He does not want to hurt Kurama. He never has.

I knew you could do it! ᕙ(•̀ ᗜ •́ )!!

thanks

Are you doing okay?

Hiei sighs and pockets his phone. He can’t lie to Yukina, not even via text.

***

“Hey, what happened?” Yusuke asks when Hiei makes it home. He’s got his pack back open on the couch and is trying to negotiate a few textbooks and disc golf gear into the tight space. “You look like shit.”

“Gee, thanks.” Hiei drops his bag by the door and kicks off his shoes.

“Sorry, it’s just you looked almost in a good mood when you left for class. What happened?”

Hiei shrugs and feels crazy when he says, “I actually got my tardies excused from my lit class. I got my papers back, and the professor was happy enough with them.”

Yusuke’s face lights up in a way Hiei knows his own should. “Hey, man! That’s great! Why don’t you look like that’s great?”

Hiei can’t sit down, he’s starting to feel the anger bubbling up again, and he clenches his fists to keep them in check.

“I don’t know,” he hisses. “I’ve been trying to be happy about this, and I’m not. How can I be? This is like the one nice thing Kurama did for me—” Hiei ignores the way Yusuke’s eyes go wide, that’s a name they haven’t said in a hot minute, “—which isn’t even true. I keep being reminded he did a lot of stand up shit that I just ignored!”

“Hey, hey,” Yusuke says, palms coming up in a soothing gesture.

As if Hiei is some wild animal.

But hasn’t Hiei proven Yusuke should proceed with caution? Aren’t Yusuke’s knuckles still littered with scabs from the last time Hiei blew up over this situation?

“I’m fine,” Hiei spits, eyeing the four feet between them.

Yusuke’s shoulders droop, and that’s more disheartening than his frown. It’s like in one motion he’s given up on being able to trust Hiei’s words. Hiei raises his chin and stares at the window over the sink in their kitchen so he won’t have to meet Yusuke’s eyes.

“Look, man, you’re not okay. Hey, just—just let me talk. You’re not okay. You’re in a helluva alot better place than you were a month ago, but Hiei you’re fucking stressed, and you’re constantly angry. And your whole fucking childhood left you clinically depressed, like—Hiei, you’re not okay right now, and that’s alright. I get it, this has been hard on you, but you need to let some of that go. It’s not healthy.”

Hiei rolls his eyes, but he raises a brow to indicate Yusuke should continue. He’s curious to see what Yusuke thinks the magic cure will be, well aware it will likely just give him a headache.

“All I’m saying is that you need a rebound.” Yusuke’s grin is wide and devious as he shrugs.

“You’re an idiot.”

“No, no, hear me out. If you got laid, you’d feel so much better. You got used to getting off regularly, and now you’re just quitting cold turkey. I think it would improve your shitty attitude.”

“Yusuke, I’m not in the mood,” Hiei warns. A fight with Yusuke might not be such a bad thing, might work some of this anger out of him. But he’s sick of fighting.

“I’m being serious! Get off your ass, and get out there. That old hag isn’t going to kill you if you step into a bar. All you have to do is find a one night stand, how hard is that? You don’t have to get drunk!”

“I don’t need a fucking rebound,” Hiei hisses. “ I don’t need anybody else. I only want Kurama,” Hiei’s snaps, “and I can’t have him. I’m not about to replace him like he was only ever important to me in bed.”

Yusuke just smirks, and Hiei could punch him. He hates that stupid smug expression so much.

“Maybe you should tell Kurama that,” Yusuke says and hoists his backpack onto one shoulder. “Because I’m not kidding about your fucking moody ass getting on my nerves.”

“Fuck you.”

Yusuke shrugs, one palm open to the ceiling as if none of this can be helped. “You were way more fun to be around when you were getting some regularly.”

Hiei is too tired of it all to drag this out longer. He lets Yusuke by without another word, stomping to his room instead.

Tucked safely behind his closed door, Hiei is finally able to read the comments his professor left on his papers. They’re mostly bland, often challenging Hiei’s points in a nitpicking type of way, but continuously coming to the conclusion that his evidence and explanation thereof is sound and well thought out.

Hiei sighs and sets the papers to the side. He scoots down the wall feeling small. He’s done the thing he’s worked for. He’s achieved the goal and feels no better for it.

Rubbing his thumb over his phone, he once more considered telling Kurama about this little victory.

He turns the phone over in his palm.

He can’t text Kurama. This knowledge doesn’t stop him from opening his messenger app. He has to scroll down to see Kurama’s name now. That used to never be the case.

He taps on their message exchange and avoids the stack of sent messages from him with no replies. He doesn’t want to see their desperate, fruitless attempts. He just stares at the keyboard and considers.

His thumbs are clunky, but i’m sorry is easily typed these days. He adds i should’ve told you that you’re my favorite person, and that opens the floodgates.

Clunky or not, Hiei taps away with fingers as heavy as his chest: i should’ve told you that i don’t want anybody else, that you’re all i want even if you’d never sleep with me again. (which lol how long would that last?) i just… i miss having you in my life. you were like my best friend and i miss talking to you. i miss making you laugh.

He erases it quickly and pressed his phone to his forehead.

He can’t send anything like that. He’s already begged, he’s already laid his heart out and Kurama refuses to acknowledge any of it.

Sighing, Hiei pulls his phone back down and swipes it open once more. He can’t text Kurama, not when he’s been so good about keeping that channel closed. It would only cause himself pain to do it, and he’s not really sure what Kurama gets out of it.

He’s not sure why he hasn’t blocked Hiei’s number at this point.

His thumb moves of its own accord, tapping on his photos app. Hiei finds himself opening the album that’s dedicated to Kurama before he’s even thought to do so. It’s an old habit—like muscle memory when he immediately taps on a picture.

The picture features Kurama’s back, starting at his shoulder blades. His red hair is barely visible, braided and tucked over a shoulder. His bare back is a long, lovely line leading down to where a floral skirt is gathered around his waist. It’s held out of the way to expose his lace-covered ass.

Looking at this photo does not fill Hiei with urgency and lust as it once did.

He’s not wholly unaffected though.

Hiei’s mouth remembers the shape of laughter from that day, remembers the taste of melon flavored kisses. Their first date. Hiei traces his thumb down Kurama’s arm.

He’s never thought of it that way before, but that must be how Kurama viewed it. He’d said as much, and Hiei had accused him of teasing…

Hiei quickly swipes away from the photo. The images blur by—most of them of Kurama in Hiei’s bed, in various states of undress, often of his torso or just below his waist—before settling on a photo Hiei knows well.

He doesn’t react when Kurama fills his screen. His stomach clenches, waiting for the sharp inhale, but maybe Hiei is desensitized at this point. The long curve of Kurama’s spine, the black straps hugging his ass, the stockings—Hiei is intimately familiar with them all.

This picture has seen some miles, but nothing stirs within him at this moment.

Hiei doesn’t swipe away, just studies the photo with a new type of hunger. Though Kurama is facing away, the focus of the photo is on his ass, he’s twisted so his chest is partly exposed. There’s a swatch of black lace that sits just below his pec, that Hiei has fantasized running his fingers along for months.

Both of Kurama’s hands rest on his hips, working in tandem with the various black straps that crisscross over the pale skin of his ass and thighs. They all strive to make everything look round and plump.

Hiei traces his eyes along the intricate lines, remembering a sense of longing so very different than what he feels now. The straps that connect Kurama’s garter belts to the tops of his black stockings are trimmed in white lace. Hiei has spent countless nights wanting to touch the delicate frills.

This set, with its sheer little skirt that barely covers anything in the front and doesn’t even try to cover anything in the back, is not easily put on or taken off. Kurama loves it maybe more than Hiei does.

It’s a set that Hiei has seen in countless photos, but has never been able to play with in person. He’s told Kurama over a number of late night phone calls just how he wants to sink his teeth into him while he dons the microscopic maid costume.

Now Hiei simply wishes he could feel Kurama’s soft skin. He would give anything to hold his hand in this moment, or rest his check against his shoulder. Just to feel the warmth of his body.

Hiei sighs and closes his eyes.

He doesn’t need a rebound. That’s a stupid idea. But he has been pretty stressed lately. Wound fairly tight.

Maybe he does need to take the edge off.

Peeking at the photo again, Hiei runs a hand over his groin and palms himself through his joggers. He lets his eye linger on one pert nipple. Imagines the feel of the barbell beneath his tongue. Follows the long line of Kurama’s back and rests his gaze upon his ass. It looks round and inviting.

Hiei remembers how Kurama had sounded when he sent this picture. How desperate and worked up he’d been as he’d told Hiei just how badly he wanted him.

Hiei slips a hand beneath his waistband and wraps a hand around his stirring cock. It’s not such a difficult thing to want Kurama.

As he strokes himself, Hiei’s eyes settle on the round curve of Kurama’s backside. He imagines the feels of the little straps that hug the cleft of his cheeks, is forever curious how they might feel under his fingers and teeth.

One day.

No. Not one day. There is no future date where he gets to experience this in person.

Hiei ignores the yawning pit in his stomach and focuses on the roundness of Kurama’s chest as he tugs at his half hard dick.

After a few more moments of getting nowhere, Hiei reaches lower to palm his sack as he moves further up the picture. He stares daggers into Kurama’s arched, elegant neck. The sight of it sends desire and longing sweeping through Hiei. One emotion fanning the flames within him and the other dampening them.

The picture cuts off Kurama’s face. Most photos of this nature do. Kurama has only ever sent him two pictures with his face that are suggestive in nature, and those are pretty tame.

But Hiei wants to see his eyes. He wants to see the stretch of his smile, those whispers of laugh lines. His cock twitches then, his mind full of long, silky hair.

Hiei thumbs through his pictures as he flicks his thumb over the head of his cock. If he doesn’t start producing more precum soon he’s going to have to get some lube.

Hiei finds the picture he wants. A recent one. Kurama is wearing his track hoodie, the one he took home with him from the competition. He’s kneeling on his own bed, hair swept up in a messy ponytail. Those perfect teeth are on full display, his grin—and it’s so painfully obvious now that this is what Kurama looks like when he’s infatuated, in love—grips at Hiei’s chest. His briefs just barely peek out from where he’s pulling the hoodie down to proudly display their college logo.

Hiei jerks his cock faster, as he attempts to zoom in on Kurama’s face. It takes a few tries to manage it one handed. Kurama’s eyes are so bright, so proud—Hiei remembers the smell of his damp hair from the showers that day, the last time they fucked, and he gasps.

Kurama’s full, red lips smile at him like they hold a secret. Like they know something delightful, and it will take some doing to get the knowledge out of him.

Heat and emotion curl tight and thick in Hiei’s chest. He shuts his eyes as the feeling swells and finds his eyes sting. When he tries to blink the feeling away, hot tears slip down his cheeks. He tips his head back and tosses his phone aside.

He holds himself tightly as the tears run shameful and messy down his face. There’s an attempt to salvage this, a halfhearted jerk of his wrist, but he gasps again, a hiccup really, and there’s no going back.

He pulls his hand out of his pants and pulls his pillow to his chest. The tears are unchecked, won’t be stopped, and Hiei finally gives in a cries into his pillow.

Later, when they finally stop, he shoves his feet in his shoes and goes for a run. He leaves his phone and all of his emotions on his bed.

Chapter Text

Hiei is not excited for this lunch date. He’s been putting off Yukina a lot lately, and her timing on putting her foot down about it couldn’t be worse.

Hiei’s been waiting in the dining hall near Yukina’s class for over ten minutes—he will not eat in the Union, it’s too risky—and even though people clearly try not to stare, most can’t help it. Hiei just hunches over his phone and pretends to not notice their lingering eyes.

“There you are!” Yukina slides into the seat across from him and drops her bag on the neighboring chair. “Sorry I couldn’t get out to the—whoa, what happened to you?”

“Nothing.” Hiei ducks his head further, but Yukina kicks his shin. He snaps his head up to glare at her, and she responds with a victorious grin.

Hiei huffs, rolls his eyes, and allows her to get a good look at his face. The swelling is thankfully gone, but the bruising around his eye is still dark and angry.

“Nothing happened?” She tilts her head to get a better view, frowning as she reaches out to trace a finger tip along his cheek bone. “Last I checked black eyes don’t just pop up like acne. Was it Yusuke?”

Hiei hates how hopeful her voice is. Like he might be picking fights with strangers or getting mugged on his walk home from class as an alternative.

“Yeah.”

“You two have to stop fighting.”

“I know.”

Yukina sits up, her mouth pulling into a small, uncertain line. “You do? That’s… good.”

“Don’t sound so shocked.”

“No, it’s—it’s just very… big of you.”

Hiei scowls at her, but takes her hand when she offers it. It’s not as if Hiei doesn’t understand why she’s done with him—he’s rather done with himself.

But mostly he's done running from this problem, he’s just not sure how to move past it yet.

“So explain to me why you have a black eye,” Yukina says with a gentle squeeze of his hand.

“I told you, I’m not going to pick fights with him any more.”

“That doesn’t answer my question, but it’s good to know you started it.”

Hiei grits his teeth. Yukina raises a brow. He’s missed her, and he needs her insight, so he takes a slow breath and reminds himself to not rise to the bait.

“I picked the fight, yeah. I was having a pretty bad day,” Hiei mutters. “But I don’t want to keep doing that, which is why I wanted to talk with you.”

“I’m glad you want the fighting to stop, but I don’t see how I’m going to be able to help.”

“It’s not that I want to quit fighting,” Hiei says quietly, “I don’t think that’s going to just change. I just realized fighting Yusuke isn’t going to fix the way I feel. He doesn’t fight back in the right way—don’t look at me like that. And I figured this out in the middle of the fight—of course—and while I was distracted by my epiphany, Yusuke clocked me.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No.”

“And who do you want to fight?”

Hiei sighs, his shoulders slumping. “I don’t actually want to fight anybody. I want people to fight me, I think. I mean,” Hiei trails off. How can he say this? He’s just come to this conclusion himself, and now he’s going to share it?

Yukina squeezes his hand encouragingly. Hiei takes a deep breath, fixes his eyes on their joined hands and says with as much indifference as he can muster, “I think I want, or maybe it’s more like I need, somebody to tell me I’ve messed up. I need somebody to tell me exactly how I’ve messed up, without pulling punches. So I keep lashing out in hopes somebody will respond…”

Yukina is quiet in response, and after a moment Hiei begins to squirm.

“It stupid, I know.”

“No, no that’s not it. It makes sense. It’s just a big thing to drop on me out of the blue.” She catches his eye and grins at him. “Just give me a moment.”

Hiei ducks his head and nods, relief flooding through him. So he’s not crazy. Well, he is, but for different reasons.

“How did you come to this realization? In the middle of a fistfight no less?”

Heat rushes to his face, and he can’t help but shrug as he admits, “I just remember getting really fed up. The fight wasn’t making me feel better, and I just had this thought that if mom had been there, at least she would’ve just told me exactly how I’d fucked up.”

“Yikes.”

“Yeah.”

“That must have been…”

“Shocking. And then Yusuke nearly broke my nose.” Hiei sighs, and Yukina gives his hand another squeeze. “But I couldn’t get that thought out of my head. And it made me realize I’ve been doing that basically my entire life? Like I considered picking a fight with Mukuro because—”

“You what?!”

“I didn’t! I thought about it and realized that was a stupid fucking idea. So I didn't.”

“Oh my god, Hiei.”

“Anyway, this all was happening when she was being really… I don’t know. She was just giving me shit about Kurama? And I just knew if I hit her—stop, I didn’t—but if I hit her, she wouldn’t back down. She’d push harder. And… and she wasn’t being nice about it. And I realized I just—I wanted her to keep telling me how I had fucked this up. Specifically and honestly.”

“Hiei,” Yukina whispers.

It hadn’t been fun by any stretch to realize that he likely appreciates Mukuro and her bluntness so much because he’s had so few positive experiences with adult women being soft or gentle towards him.

He doesn’t want to see Yukina’s eyes, has a strong suspicion there’s pity in them—she has been his consistent source of gentle affection his entire life, after all—so he keeps his head down and says, “I did the same thing to Kurama a couple months ago. I was really stressed over work, and I started trying to push his buttons, so he’d lash out at me.”

“You do have a history of self sabotaging.”

Hiei cuts his eyes up to Yukina. He’s not shocked to hear such a thing from her, just surprised to hear it right now. “Gee, thanks.”

Yukina waves away his scowl. “Remind me how Kurama responded?”

Hiei pulls his hand from hers, suddenly feeling small, and slides it into his lap. He’s thought about this quite a bit in the past few days, so the sting of the memory has been dulled from repeat handling. It’s easier than Hiei anticipates to say, “He didn’t push back at all. Not like I expected.”

Hiei remembers Kurama’s calm, but still direct response. Giving Hiei a task to complete when he kept trying to provoke Kurama.

“He just… he took charge, and told me how I was going to get through the really stressful time until we could later talk about it face to face.”

“So kind of a middle ground. Still firm and direct, but without tearing you down.” Yukina hums thoughtfully.

“Yeah.”

Hiei curls his hands into fists. He doesn’t think about how badly he needed Kurama to hold him down and tell him what he had power over in that moment. He can’t linger on how good it felt to let Kurama take control of the situation.

“I realize now I was using Kurama like that a lot. I’d push at him so he would confirm that I was screwing up, but he wouldn’t rise to the bait.”

“But now that safety net is gone.” Yukina nods her head as if the pieces are falling into place.

“Yeah.” He was prepared to talk about this, but his chest still aches to hear it, his hip still burns where Kurama’s name once lived. “Is this crazy?”

“In the sense that you’re making it up? No. I mean it makes a lot of sense. Look at how well you respond to Genkai.”

Hiei frowns at Yukina, he feels warm around the cheeks. “I guess.”

“I mean it! She’s such a hard ass, but you really need it!” She laughs at his sour expression. “You’re doing so much better here than you did in highschool. I think it’s because she’s so cut and dry, I’ve thought that since day one.”

“Maybe.”

Yukina presses her foot to his under the table. Hiei presses back. He does his best to match her hopeful smile.

“So you know you’re self sabotaging, and you know why,” Yukina murmurs, tilting her head thoughtful. “I still cannot understanding where I come into this equation. You said you wanted to talk to me because of all this?”

“Well, as great as it is to know all this shit about myself all of a sudden, that doesn’t mean I know what to do with any of this,” Hiei says hotly. He can feel his face is flushed as he lowers his voice. “Like, cool, now that I’ve ruined it, I can see that the whole Dom/sub thing I had going—”

“Oh, wow.”

“—on was actually really beneficial to my mental health. Great,” he hisses, “but how am I supposed to move forward? I get it: not only did I fuck up, I am fucked up. But I don’t know what the next step is to fixing any of this!”

Yukina’s cheeks are softly flushed, and her eyes are wide as they glance around their table. Nobody is close by, and Hiei’s kept his voice down, but still she gives a nervous laugh before saying, “I don’t know, maybe finding a therapist?”

“Yukina.” He says her name like he’s not here to play games.

“I’m not joking.” She sends his scowl right back at him. “But if you don’t like that answer, why don’t you just go after him? Why does it have to be over?”

Hiei sighs. “I tried, he won’t answer my calls or texts.”

Yukina kicks him again. “You have not! I said go after him, as in go. In person.”

“I don’t know where he lives,” Hiei says, and it’s not a whine, not really. But how many times does he have to point this out to people?

Yukina hasn’t looked this unimpressed with him since their junior year of highschool.

“Didn’t Kurama spend all of January chasing you around campus? He clearly appreciates action! No offense, but texting him is kind of a cowardly way to go about this.”

She’s right, and he knows it. He jerks his head in a tiny nod, and when he glances up, Yukina looks hopeful. “You can do this, Hiei. You know where he hangs out, you know when and where he has classes. I really think you should try.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“Ready to grab food and we can hammer out a plan of attack?”

He’s not really hungry, but Hiei takes her hand so she can pull him up from the table. As they hop in line for food, Hiei feels the slow creep of hope begin to feel the cavernous hole in his chest.

***

“Do anything interesting this weekend?”

Jin pauses, his towel pressed to his mouth, and raises a brow at Hiei. After he’s taken a long look, he shrugs. “Oh, just the usual. You?”

Hiei shakes his head and adds another five pounds to the bar.

“No, I haven’t really been doing much lately. Trying to get out of a funk,” he mutters. “I could use some ideas to get me out of the house.”

Jin frowns as he steps up to the bar. “I mean you can just go out for drinks, that’s pretty safe. Maybe find something interesting at the bar—just don’t get shit faced again, and Genkai won’t kill you over it.”

Hiei hums and watches as Jin reaches for the bar, keeping a critical eye on the bend of his knees and the line of his back.

“Is that what you do, go out drinking?” He asks after Jin’s on his third rep. “You go out with friends or,” he trails off, hoping Jin will fill in the blanks.

Jin sets the bar down, and scowls. “What’s with all this chatter?”

“Nothing.” Hiei looks away, scratching at his neck. He regrets all of this, he never should’ve opened his mouth.

“I don’t believe that. Why are you suddenly asking about my weekend, Hiei?”

“I was just curious if you went anywhere, that's all.”

“Mmhm,” Jin hums, running a disapproving eye over Hiei. “And you want to know if I went out on my own or not?”

“I was just making conversation,” Hiei mutters.

“Hiei, I like working out with you because you’re a quiet bastard. You know what you’re not? A people person. You’ve also never been nosy once in the two years I’ve known you.” Jin plants his hands on his hips and glares down at Hiei. “So what do you want?”

Hiei winces and holds out a water bottle to Jin as a peace offering. “I was just curious if you saw Touya.”

“No you’re not. Again, you’re not a nice person.” Jin doesn’t say it maliciously, just smirks and says, “Nice people make small talk. That’s not you. Try again.”

Hiei scowls, crosses his arms, and admits, “Okay, fine. I want to know if you’ve been to Touya’s place or not.“

A lopsided grin stretches over Jin’s face, and instantly his entire stance relaxes. “This weekend? No.”

“But you’ve been.”

Jin laughs and scratches at his cheek. “Well, yeah. We’ve been dating for over a month, what kind of question is that?”

Hiei bites his cheek and doesn’t let that question affect him. “I just want to know what the room number is. I—I’m trying to talk to Kurama.”

Jin’s smile falls again, this time into something soft. “Look, I understand you’ve been going through it, but I can’t tell you that.”

Hiei nods, looks down at his feet, curls his hands into fists. “Okay.”

“I’m rooting for you, I hope it works out, but I can’t break Touya of Kurama’s trust by telling you something they didn’t want you to know. Don’t ask me to do that.”

Hiei nods again. He knew it wouldn't be this easy, but he had to try.

“Come on,” Jin says as he steps back up to the bar. “Enough chatter, let’s focus now.”

***

“Is that homework?” Keiko is leaning against the arm of the couch as she nods toward the notebook open across Hiei’s knees. He shakes his head, and they both wince as something heavy hits the bathroom tile. Down the hall, Yusuke can be heard yelling at Kuwabara.

“No, this is personal.” Hiei isn’t sure why he should try to hide it. They all know his business already, so blushing, he admits, “I’m working on my apology to Kurama.”

Keiko’s eyes grow wide and soft, her mouth opening into a small, surprised oh.

“How’s it going?” Yukina asks as she stretches out on her side of the couch. She presses her foot encouragingly against his thigh.

Hiei just shrugs. He had thought he was making good progress, but that was before every person he knows decided to gather in his living room. The idea of moving to his room had occurred to him, but he had stayed where he was when he realized they’d just follow after him. It would have started with Yukina, but they’d all have ended up invading his space.

“You got this,” his sister says with a resolute nod of her head. She has always been his biggest supporter.

“I think it’s great, Hiei!” Keiko winks at him, and Hiei realizes she’s also been in his corner, just waiting to be leaned on for years. He flashes her a small smile, and shifts his eyes back to his paper.

He’s got a few lines written out that highlight exactly what he did wrong. There’s also a list that outlines all of the feelings that Hiei wants to be sure Kurama is made unmistakably aware of.

He’s brainstormed all the points he knows he wants to hit, and now he’s been working on how he wants to order and phrase them. Just like with his homework, this repeated handling of the information helps him retain it.

Hiei hopes that he will have written I never should have let my own insecurities get the better of me, and I wrongly accused you of cheating, and I love you, I love you, I love you, it's only ever been you I‘ve wanted enough times that when he finally confronts Kurama it’ll be easy recall, and he won’t freeze up in the moment.

Maybe it’s stupid. Maybe it’ll make it all sound scripted and insincere, but it works for his exams and he’s a notoriously poor test taker.

“You don’t need all that,” Yusuke shouts from the bathroom, “just show up naked at his doorstep!” Kuwabara makes some horrible squawking noise as Yusuke cackles.

Rolling his eyes, Hiei glances at the girls. “When does this movie start?”

“In thirty minutes,” Keiko says, her voice raised. “Yusuke, hurry up before we’re late!”

“You can’t rush perfection!” Yusuke yells at the same time Yukina says, “Just consider what Kurama finds important and start there. Follow your gut.”

“She’s right, showing him you’re willing to work for it will go a long way.”

“Yeah, that’s the hope.” Hiei sighs, “I’m still trying to figure out exactly where he lives. This apology will do me no good if I can’t deliver it.”

“You could always stalk his classroom building,” Yusuke offers, ever unhelpful. “Just corner him and force him to talk.”

“Yusuke, you jerk!” Keiko pushes off the couch, stomping down the hall with a fire in her eyes.

“I think we’re going to be late,” Yukina whispers. The murmur of a heated argument is building down the hall, and her grin turns sly.

“That’s why there’s so many previews.” Hiei shrugs. “To allow for idiots like him.”

She nudges Hiei again. “You’re going to figure this out, I promise.”

He can hear Yusuke bitching, the words echoing around their tiny bathroom.

“You did not tell him to get a rebound!” Keiko squeals, and more arguing ensues. Yukina has the decency to cover her laughter with a cough, but Hiei’s tired all the same.

“I’m going to get some fresh air. All this noise is giving me a headache.”

On the front porch step, he’s able to breathe in the late afternoon air and stare at his notes in peace. He considers what Yukina said, and thinks about what Kurama values most. Honesty, maybe. Reputation certainly. Hiei sighs and starts adding more lines to his apology.

The door creaks apologetically, and Kuwabara joins him on the stoop with a soft, “Hey.”

Hiei just grunts, scooting over to give him room.

“It was getting kinda loud in there,” Kuwabara says, scratching at his neck. His voice holds a self deprecating note to it, like the idea of a laugh got stuck in his throat, even though he really wasn’t the culprit today. “You doing alright?”

“I’m fine,” Hiei snaps. He does not need Kuwabara of all people feeling sorry for him.

Hiei instantly feels bad because Kuwabara has done nothing to deserve this sentiment, and then feels frustrated because he isn't supposed to feel bad for the guy that’s dating his sister. Hiei glares up at Kuwabara, hating how hard it is to dislike him despite his obnoxious qualities.

Kuwabara for his part seems unaware of Hiei’s inner turmoil, at least the part that’s directed at him—Hiei thinks it’s a ruse, has a nagging feeling that Kuwabara has purposefully been acting annoying for years to get a rise out of Hiei—and nods his head towards Hiei’s notebook.

“Yukina said you’re going after your guy.”

“My guy,” Hiei repeats, a little dishearteningly.

Kuwabara grins, and bumps his shoulder into Hiei’s. Years of experience are the only thing that keep Hiei from knocking over.

“Well, hopefully your guy?”

“Yeah,” Hiei breathes, and there is so much longing in that little word. Hiei would do anything if it meant he could have another shot with Kurama. Whatever it takes, no matter how humiliating, or difficult, or time consuming. Hiei just wants the chance to hold his hand again, and make him laugh, and tell him how important he is.

Kuwabara hums and stretches his long legs out, getting comfortable. “Tell me about him. It’s Kurama, right? Is he a good guy?”

That’s what matters in Kuwabara’s book. If a person is good or not. Hiei ducks his head to save himself from being caught smiling.

He really hates how much he likes Kuwabara. Can’t stand it. Can’t stand how good Kuwabara is himself. It makes it hard to dislike him the way Hiei vowed he would back when Kuwabara asked Yukina out in highschool. Back when he hadn’t learned what an inside voice was, back when he was all gangly limbs and too much energy. Before he really proved to be a foundational piece of their little group.

“Kurama’s great. He’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met.”

“That’s not hard to do for you, not with this bunch.”

“He’s funny too, he’s always quick to say something sharp and,” Hiei grins as he says, “he smiles all the time.”

“He sounds special, man.” Kuwabara leans into Hiei’s shoulder again, threatening to rock Hiei right off the stoop for a moment.

“He is. And I really fucked up.”

Kuwabara tilts his head this way and that, gazing sagely up at the afternoon sky. He scratches his chin like he’s really considering this, and Hiei worries what all his sister has shared with him. Kuwabara is a gentleman, a man with a strong sense of right and wrong. He’s not somebody that lashes out at others when he’s overwhelmed—Hiei lowers his eyes as guilt swirls in his gut.

If he knew how he’s treated Kurama, Kuwabara wouldn’t find Hiei to be very good.

“Just give him flowers.”

“Huh?” Hiei glances up, and Kuwabara is nodding his head vehemently.

“That’s what I do when I mess up. And I say sorry.”

“When you mess up?”

“Nobody’s perfect, Hiei.” Kuwabara shrugs, his cheeks flushing a bit as he grins. “Just say you’re sorry, but be sure to say what you're sorry for. That’s a part of it! You have to own up to what you did.”

“Yeah, I,” Hiei winces, “I have a whole list.”

“But you’re honest about it! That’s a big step.” Kuwabara chuckles, glancing down at Hiei’s notebook before shifting his eyes to his clasped hands. They lay open and steady in his lap, and Hiei is so thankful this giant, kind, goofy friend of his has found Yukina. She deserves so much gentle affection. Somebody that isn’t going to be another headache in her life the way he is.

“Hiei, just because you messed up a whole bunch doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the chance to fix it. If this Kurama guy is as great as you say, he’ll at least hear you out.”

Hiei hums, unsure if that’s true.

“I think they’re right, though. I mean not Urameshi, duh. But you need to show Kurama you’re willing to meet him halfway. Show him you’re willing to fight for this!”

“I am,” Hiei promises.

Kuwabara looks like he might be getting teary eyed. Hiei rolls his eyes and shoves his shoulder into Kuwabara. He’s too romantic for his own good.

Kuwabara clears his throat, laughing once more. “And maybe he will see you putting in the work and want that, too! You know you deserve to be happy too, man. You’re a pretty great guy, Hiei.”

“Thanks,” Hiei mutters, ducking his head.

Kuwabara snakes an arm around Hiei’s shoulder and pulls him into his side, squeezing tightly. Hiei just sits still, and he’s not getting teary eyes over this either, he’s not nearly as sappy as Kuwabara.

“This is like, the manliest hug ever,” Kuwabara whispers.

“Just shut up, you oaf.”

***

Because Hiei is a coward he takes his time planning his apology, and he waits until Friday to start making amends. He starts with Shiori because, although she was only a witness, she seems too polite to make a scene in public despite how she might feel. Hiei can hope, at least. He also likes the idea of starting small.

When his shift ends, he retrieves a small vase of flowers from the walk-in cooler. He had taken his time yesterday picking out the right arrangement for this apology, and the demure way the delicate blooms bow their heads is almost as somber and pitiful as Hiei feels on the inside.

Armed with flowers and a steaming sencha, Hiei heads for the Bursar’s office.

As he waits for the elevator to arrive, he runs his fingers over the chilled vase hoping he doesn’t mess this up. He wants nothing more than for this apology to go well. It will hopefully be the boost of confidence he needs to consider actually approaching Kurama.

He arrives all too soon, asking to see Mrs. Hatanaka in the Financial Aid department before he’s ushered through a door into the back of the offices. There’s no turning back now. He’s led through rows of cubicles until he’s deposited at one that’s just as generic as all the rest.

“She’ll be right back, please feel free to take a seat.” The clerk gives him a polite smile and heads back to the front lobby.

Hiei ellects to stand, not wanting to appear too familiar in Shiori’s space after everything he’s done. Her desk is unsurprisingly tidy, and Hiei sees a few pictures affixed to the cubical wall, along with a certificate of excellence, and her degree. There’s a snapshot of Kurama and Shiori at his highschool graduation, as well as one from her wedding. Kurama’s step father and step-brother seem happy enough, but Hiei can’t help leaning forward to inspect a picture of Kurama as a small child. He’s just a chubby, grubby toddler, holding a toy and a cookie in two tiny, meaty hands. The look of pure joy on his face makes Hiei smile a little.

“He was something else back then,” Shiori says softly from behind him.

Hiei can’t help but jump, turning around to find her standing in the entryway to her cubicle.

“Sorry!” Hiei winces, feeling like he’s been caught snooping when it really wasn’t his intention.

“You are fine, please.” she gestures to the chairs in front of her desk, “sit.”

Hiei waits until she has taken her place at her desk before he sits. He holds out the cup of tea to her awkwardly. “I’ve come to apologize.”

“I assumed so.” Her smile is gentle, hinting at teasing, as she takes the drink. She holds the warm paper cup in both hands, letting the heat seep into her skin. “Thank you for this.”

“It’s sencha,” Hiei says quietly, unsure of how to navigate this conversation.

“You remember. This is just the afternoon pick me up I needed.” Shiori seems pleased with this, but her warmth is muted compared to the other times they have met. Hiei knew it would be like this, he’s embarrassed her and Kurama, and he’s hurt her son. He should be thankful she’s allowing him to stay.

“I also wanted to give you these.” He holds out the small vase, its pale green color hopefully radiating a peaceful aura. It’s the entire reason he chose it. Shiori’s expression brightens at this, and she shares a real smile with the flowers as she takes them from Hiei.

“Oh,” she sighs, “I love lilies of the valley.” She sets them to the side, her gaze lingering on them before she turns her polite smile to Hiei.

“Thank you for these. I appreciate your effort.” She tilts her head, and her smile is more sad than anything else. “It can be hard to apologize.”

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes.” Hiei raises his chin and straightens his shoulders. He’s not going to shy away from his mistakes. “I am deeply sorry for how I acted. I would take it back, if I could. I never should have walked out on lunch like that.” Hiei swallows thickly. He might be resolved to do whatever it takes, but that doesn’t make it any less difficult. “I can’t express the regret I feel at hurting your son.”

Hiei looks down at his hands then, catches himself, and corrects his posture. He clears his throat and says, “I know saying I’m sorry doesn’t fix anything, and I understand my intentions do not erase my actions—but I want you to know that I am willing to do better, if you, and Kurama would give me a chance.”

They don’t have to forgive him. He can say whatever he wants. Jump through any hoops they set for him, and Hiei knows forgiveness isn’t something he necessarily deserves.

“Hiei.” Shiori says his name like it’s a fragile thing. He looks her in the eye then, and feels uneasy at her careful expression. “I know you are not solely at fault for what happened. It takes two for there to be a miscommunication of this magnitude. I know my son, and I can imagine the hand he had to play in all of this.” She sighs, and her polite mask slips for an instant, and Hiei is left with a brief glimpse of a tired mother, working hard to support mostly adult children from a respectful distance. It’s only for a moment, but Hiei feels guilty to know he has had a role in that expression.

“Have you talked to Kurama yet?”

“No.” Hiei does look down then, feeling like a child. “I doubt he wants to listen to anything I have to say.” He runs his left thumb over his right, tracing the cuticle. He does not pick at it. “I thought I should apologize to you first, in case I mess up even more with Kurama. I didn’t want to get blacklisted from your office before I had the chance to speak with you.”

“Hiei,” Shiori chides, her frown exasperated in the same way Kurama’s gets when Hiei surprises him with a bad joke.

“It feels like a real possibility,” Hiei admits quietly, shrugging. “I’m really good at saying the wrong thing.”

Shiori shakes her head at him, but her expression is one of concern and care. “I’m sure you’ll find the right words. You did a fine job apologizing to me.”

“I practiced,” he admits shyly.

“That’s not a bad thing. Perhaps you are good at saying the wrong thing, as you say, because you do not always think through your words?” She gives him a knowing smile. “Planning your apology is probably a wise choice. Kurama is a very proud person, and you’ve hurt him.”

Hiei nods, allowing his shoulders to slump. He couldn’t just keep his mouth shut and let Kurama explain his side of things. He couldn’t just say okay my mistake to everything he desperately wanted.

“Hiei, I must warn you, Kurama sees the world as very black and white. He will be able to see where you are coming from, but his personal judgments of things are often very stark. You have to be honest when you speak to him. Trying to shift blame or change your story, even if you think it will paint him in a flattering light, will not work. You must be honest about each part the two of you played, but stay calm.”

Hiei sighs again and nods.

“I know, it is easier said than done. Kurama cares about you, so you have a chance, but you really hurt him.” She hesitates, and Hiei glances at her as anxiety creeps up his neck. “I don’t want to get your hopes up, he’s terribly stubborn when he feels slighted.”

“Yeah,” Hiei murmurs, mirroring Shiori’s small smile, “I know I messed up.” He stands then, feeling he’s overstayed his welcome. “I should go, thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”

Shiori stands too, and takes his hand in both of hers, squeezing it gently. “If it makes you feel any better, I am rooting for you.”

***

Hiei doesn’t get a chance to seek out a way to get in touch with Kurama before the way finds him.

He’s sitting behind the counter at Mukuro’s, too deep into his own pity party to do any homework, when the bell over the door chimes. Apologizing to Shiori went exceptionally well, so Hiei was unprepared for how anxious and hopeless he felt last night at the thought of having to now approach Kurama. It’s Monday, and Kurama has class all day. So even if Shiori has told Kurama about their run-in, Kurama couldn’t be coming through the door now.

This doesn’t stop Hiei’s heart from grabbing his stomach’s hand and leaping into his throat at the idea that maybe this is his movie moment. Hiei frowns, he’s just gotten over this hopefulness, and now it’s back in force. As if maybe this is when Kurama comes rushing in to hear him out, and they’ll share apologies, and tears, and get a happy ending.

Hiei sighs and shakes his head. That’s not how the world works, and he knows it.

When he finally looks up, he’s surprised to find it’s somebody he knows. Touya is headed his way, looking somehow more unimpressed with Hiei’s existence than the last time they met

“Can I help you?” Hiei tries for customer service levels of friendly, but it comes out with heavy undertones of snide. There’s no good reason for Touya to be here, and Hiei is not about to be talked out of making amends with Kurama.

Touya raises a brow, the impervious line of his mouth pulling down slightly at the corners.

“I do not understand what he saw in you.”

Hiei scowls, his blood instantly boiling. He stands from his chair when Touya has the audacity to roll his eyes.

“Is there a reason you’re here?” Hiei’s hands curl into fists at his sides, the counter shielding them from Touya’s view.

“I’m here for you, obviously.” Touya rolls his eyes again. If he plans on getting to the point anytime soon, he isn’t letting Hiei know about it.

“Lucky you, you found me,” Hiei deadpans. He doesn’t want to start anything with Touya, but he also feels like he isn’t being given a choice. Touya doesn’t like him. Hiei has done nothing wrong, not before the big fiasco at least, but Touya hasn’t liked him since the moment they met.

“It’s not luck,” Touya snaps. “I know your schedule. Kurama was obsessed with you.”

The words slice right to the bone, and Hiei is left feeling gutted.

“Was,” he repeats softly. Past tense. As in no longer.

Touya just crosses his arms, unsympathetic, and raises an impartial brow at Hiei. It dares him to suggest that Touya should feel sorry for him. Hiei won’t.

He knows it’s over. He is well aware that he took the moment he could have saved this relationship and drug it through the dirt.

It still hurts to hear it.

Hiei isn’t holding his breath that Kurama is going to suddenly change his mind and answer his texts, but Hiei hopes he can start something new, something real.

He just needs Kurama to give him a chance.

“You found me,” Hiei says again when it’s clear Touya isn’t going to go on. “So what do you want?”

Touya runs his eyes over the counter, over the displays behind the him, everywhere that isn’t Hiei. He looks despondent, as if he’s going against every principle he’s ever subscribed to by being here. Finally he says, “Jin told me you were asking him about our apartment.”

Hiei flushes, but doesn’t look away. He frowns and gives Touya a curt nod. He hates how desperate he’s been, but he won’t deny it.

This confirmation seems to irk Touya. His face twists into an annoyed scowl, and he points a finger at Hiei as if he’s done something offensive.

“I told Kurama to be careful with you, I told him he was going to end up getting hurt again, and I was right.”

“I never—”

“For the record, he deserves better than what you turned out to be. Kurama has dealt with a lot of shit in his past relationships, and I told him it was too soon to start looking. He didn’t need another person only viewing him as a sex item.”

Hiei clenches his teeth. He can’t say much, despite how Touya’s jabs needle him, because they are laced with truth. He didn’t mean to, but intentions don’t matter all that much. He allowed it to happen, and Kurama is hurt, and no amount of intentions erases that.

“I’m only here because it has been a long time since Kurama was that happy,” Touya says hotly. Shaking his head, he glares up at the ceiling and grudgingly ads, “And Jin says you’re a good guy.”

“I’m still trying to figure out if you’re here to help me or just insult me.”

Touya shrugs at that. Hiei tries to relax his shoulders. He wants to put Touya at ease, but he can’t tell what his goal is yet.

“I didn’t mean to do that to him, I thought he didn’t want more. Anytime I tried pushing a relationship he pulled back, so eventually I stopped.”

“Did you ever tell him that?”

“If he would talk to me, I would explain that to him now,” Hiei says, irritation bleeding into his words despite his best efforts. His best efforts are a little lacking at this point, though.

Touya sighs, his expression softening for the first time. “As I said, he’s been through some difficult relationships in the past. He hasn’t walked away from those without some issues of his own. I told him—Look, I tried.”

Much to Hiei’s dismay, Touya steps up to the counter.

“Hiei, I might not think you deserve Kurama, but I don’t think you deserved to be blindsided by his antics either. I told him you’re a person, that he can’t just treat you like one of his plants. I told him he needed to check in sometimes. You have to understand—”

As Touya runs a hand through his hair and collects himself, Hiei frowns down at the counter. He cannot believe Touya would take such a stand for him.

“What do you mean?”

Touya holds his fringe back from his face and sighs. “Did he ever mention his last relationship to you?”

“He’s never mentioned any relationships to me. That wasn’t really the arrangement we had.” It leaves a sour taste in Hiei’s mouth to say it, but it’s the truth.

“I’m not surprised. Kurama doesn’t like to talk about it. He’s not proud of the situation, and I think he’s a bit embarrassed by it as well. Kurama’s latest ex, not counting you,” Hiei rolls his eyes so hard he almost forgets he was just touched by Touya’s concern, “was a real creep. He liked playing mind games with Kurama, and it eventually got to the point he was harassing him.”

“Harassing him how?” Hiei shifts, his hands ache from being clenched and tense. He does not like the idea of somebody messing with Kurama. Kurama, who is always smiling and finding clever ways to make Hiei laugh. Kurama, who did his best to charm his sister and his best friend. Kurama, who took time out of his busy schedule to be with him.

Kurama, who still has his fingers wrapped tightly around Hiei’s heart, whether or not he still wants it.

“There was a lot of unfair power dynamics involved, and eventually stalking.”

Hiei drums his fingers against his thigh, restless, unable to hold still knowing somebody mistreated Kurama. It stirs up anxieties that are as old as they are familiar. It’s the same creeping sensation he gets when he thinks of how Yukina has been mistreated.

“He crossed a lot of Kurama’s boundaries.” Touya shrugs, but he doesn’t look away. Hiei’s stare is steady despite the way he picks at his nails. This may be uncomfortable, but he refuses to be the first to drop their gaze.

“He would show up at Kurama’s work unannounced, and it would be a coin toss on if he would be pleasant. Sometimes he would show up there when Kurama wasn't scheduled.”

Hiei frowns at that.

“He’d just stop in to chat with Kurama’s coworkers and poke around his things. Kurama would find out about it later.”

“That’s odd,” Hiei murmurs. It’s also telling.

“Oh, it gets worse.” Touya scowls as he says, “He’d do that to our apartment too. He stole Kurama’s key, made his own copy, and one day I found him going through our stuff.”

Hiei gapes at that, anger swelling within him and he isn’t even the one this happened too. Instantly he wants to hit something. He cannot stand a transgression of privacy.

“What did you do?”

“I kicked him out, and he just grinned at me the entire time. Acted all polite, like I was being unreasonable for being upset.” Touya wraps his arms around himself, holding his elbows. He may be stoic, but clearly Touya is still upset about the memory.

“I told Kurama to dump him, which he thankfully did, but this was months into it. Karasu didn’t like that, and started threatening to ruin Kurama’s reputation. At one point he was threatening to leak Kurama’s nudes. It was messy.”

“Wait.”

Hiei holds up a hand to stop Touya. His heart is suddenly pounding, he feels hot around the collar.

It cannot be.

“I’m sorry, did you say Karasu?”

“Yeah, that’s his ex’s name.”

The urge to hit something is just growing. He has half a mind to leave the store now, march down to Nakamura Hall and see if Karasu is keeping office hours at this time. Every awful stare, every time he’s called on somebody he knew didn’t have the answer—just to humiliate them, slowly, gleefully—everytime he made it clear he’d singled one of them out for the day, someone who would be hunted like prey with every question asked.

That was what class with Karasu is like. Like being stalked by a cruel, bored predator.

Hiei can only imagine what Karasu would do to somebody he’d taken a personal interest in. Somebody as smart and outgoing as Kurama. What Touya has said can’t even be the tip of the iceberg.

“Karasu,” Hiei says shakily, he takes a breath and gestures towards his head. “Long black hair?”

“Yeah, gives off a really strong stalker vibe.”

“Fuck,” Hiei groans. He thinks of how Kurama would always wait for Hiei down the hall, half hidden in shadows when he would pick him up from class.

“You know him?”

Oh, Hiei’s fist is about to know him really well. “He’s my TA.”

He can’t do that, he knows. Kurama would never forgive him if he ran out and attacked Karasu on his behalf. Not when he clearly tried so hard to keep this information from Hiei.

“Oof,” Touya shakes his head. “That’s rough, he’s horrible.”

If he fights Karasu, he’d also get put on probation, and Hiei can’t miss any more meets.

“He’s a cunt,” Hiei agrees, borrowing Kurama’s words. “This makes sense as to why Kurama avoided my class.”

“Oh, yeah, I’d be surprised if you got him in the building. He was spreading a number of nasty rumors around the literature department about Kurama being fairly promiscuous.” Touya glances at Hiei, “Which he’s not. Just so you know.”

Hiei flushes, feeling shame roll over in his stomach and perk its head up. Touya isn’t here to play nice, he mustn’t forget.

“You said Karasu was passing around his nudes?” Hiei can’t help but think of his countless, faceless pictures of Kurama. How Kurama was always the one to take the photos. How he often reviewed them on Hiei’s phone.

Hiei had just assumed he was vain, or enjoyed the act of photography. But no, Kurama was confirming that nothing could reveal his identity.

“It was a bad time, and I don’t want to overstep and say more than I should. That’s Kurama’s story to tell, but I thought you deserved a little insight into why he’s the way he is.”

Hiei nods, taking it all in. Touya sets a slip of paper on the counter, pats it twice, and takes a step back. “Don’t make me regret giving you that.”

Hiei takes the paper, he doesn’t have to look to know what’s on it. There’s only one thing he needs at this point, and Touya isn’t stupid.

“Why are you helping me?”

“Because Kurama is one of the best people I know, and I’m tired of seeing him hurt, and at one point you made him really happy.”

Touya take another step back and smiles weakly. “He likes it when you text him, by the way. I know you haven’t in a while, but you might consider it.”

“Pft.” Hiei glares at the register, not wanting to show Touya how much it hurts to admit, “I can’t imagine, since he never responds.”

“No,” Touya agrees, with no trace of sympathy in his voice. It’s just him acknowledging this truth the same way he would say the day is sunny. “But it’s an ego boost for him. He likes to know that you’re thinking of him. I also think it helps him realize you wanted him for more than just sex. But, don’t be obnoxious about it, he dealt with a clingy ex, and it was not a good look.”

“Thank you, for this,” Hiei says, and Touya nods before turning for the door. Before he can make it out, Hiei calls, “Do I have a chance?”

Touya pauses, hand wrapped around the metal bar. “I think you have one chance, and you’d better make it count.”

Hiei nods, happy to know there is a sliver of hope.

He can’t mess this up.

Chapter Text

Rikko Student House is a squat, unassuming building set between two taller dormitory complexes. Hiei has never been inside it before, but he remembers seeing pictures on the school website when he was first enrolling.

Rikko House is nice. It’s the type of stop on the tour that’s aimed at families willing to sink a small fortune into their scholar’s education and, by extension, their chosen university.

He’s not caught off guard by the well-lit lobby, or the quiet elevator, or the sheer space between the rooms. It all tracks for the type of well-off student he anticipates living here. He counts three doors from the elevator, and he’s standing in front of what’s supposedly Kurama’s with a bouquet of flowers held loosely at his side.

Panic fills Hiei as he wonders if Touya gave him the wrong number—just as a real fuck you? Hiei doesn’t think he’d do that, but he seems completely capable of it.

There’s a bubble of laughter spilling out of a room at the end of the hall from some sort of common space. Heart racing, Hiei knocks on the door before he can lose his nerve or somebody spots him and asks what he’s doing here—or worse, if he needs help.

“Yeah?”

Kurama’s not looking at him when he initially opens the door, and the question is so normal Hiei feels blindsided.

There’s a horrible moment that Hiei’s caught in. On one side of it, Kurama is still looking back into the apartment—his profile drawn in soft, familiar lines. On the other side of it is all hollow eyes, that full mouth pursed in a tight line. But between is a flash of pain and anger so deep and hot Hiei is suffocated by it.

“What do you want?”

This is what Hiei expects: cold, empty, short. Kurama’s face is hard, but it’s also tired. There’s a whisper of dark circles Hiei has never seen before.

“I,” Hiei clears his throat and looks Kurama in the eye. He cannot just stand here and stare. Kurama’s going to close the door on him if he doesn’t get on with it. “I want to apologize.”

Kurama’s mouth pulls down into a frown, his eyes cold as they follow Hiei’s hand as it strays towards his pocket. There’s an index card there that has his talking points, but he doesn’t need it, not really. Ghosting his finger over the pocket is enough. He knows what he has to say.

“I came to apologize, if you’re willing to listen. I wanted to say I’m sorry for—for a lot of things. Kurama, I—” the words catch in Hiei’s throat. He didn’t realize what it would be to say Kurama’s name aloud, to his face, not after everything.

“Hiei.” Kurama’s cheek twitches, his voice a shade warmer than his frown.

“Sorry, I’ve just missed you so much,” Hiei whispers. “It’s a lot, seeing you. It’s good, it’s great to see you, just—sorry,” Hiei murmurs. He lets out a shaky breath and straightens his shoulders. “You don’t have to let me in. I’m fine talking out here but, please, at least allow me to apologize.”

Kurama closes his eyes, and Hiei’s heart sinks into his stomach as he waits. Kurama just stands there, eventually tipping his head back, and still says nothing.

“You don’t have to say anything back, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” Hiei says quietly, mindful of the strangers just down the hall, “but you deserve an apology. And maybe that’s selfish, but I can’t keep going on knowing I’ve never told you to your face how I’d take it all back if I could.”

Hiei watches Kurama’s jaw work, and steps a few inches closer. “I never should’ve turned my insecurities on you. I’m so sorry I hurt you, that I didn’t just talk to you when—”

“Stop, Hiei, just,” Kurama draws a shaky breath as he shakes his head. “Just quit.”

Hiei looks down at his feet. Adrenaline crashes through him, his breath is so fast and shallow, he needs to do something. But he can’t. He can’t. He can’t.

“Kurama, please,” he whispers.

“I can’t look at you,” Kurama says softly, a raw edge to his words. It’s no longer angry, but rather full of sorrow.

“Kurama…”

“Just come in,” Kurama snaps, opening the door and turning away. “Get out of the hall.”

Hiei only hesitates for a moment, just long enough for the image of Kurama reconsidering to flash in his mind, before he steps into the apartment. Kurama’s living room is warm and bright with the afternoon sunshine, and Hiei closes his eyes and breathes in the smell of Kurama while he can.

The door clicks softly, and Hiei turns to find Kurama has pressed the heel of his hand to his eye.

“Kurama? I’m sorry.”

“Stop saying you’re sorry!” Kurama groans up at the ceiling before turning a water smile Hiei’s way. “Just stop. You look so sad, Hiei, I can’t do this. I can’t—”

Hiei lifts his chin. Blinks rapidly. Tries to fight the sting in his own eyes.

“No, no—”

And Kurama is reaching for him, stepping towards him, his arms open. Hiei falls into his embrace, knocking Kurama back a full step. He locks his arms around Kurama’s middle.

“I love you,” he whispers, “so much, Kurama. I love you so much, please, I’m so sorry!”

Kurama is laughing, and maybe crying, and pressing his entire face into Hiei’s hair as he holds him just as tightly.

“Your flowers!” Hiei gasps, but Kurama won’t let him go despite how he squirms.

“I don’t care about the stupid flowers, Hiei,” Kurama says, pressing urgent kisses to his temple, his brow, his hair. “You idiot! I love you so much, but you are so stupid! I was so mad at you!”

Tears streak hot and fast down Hiei’s cheeks. He pulls back enough to look up at Kurama. His face is splotchy from tears too, but he’s smiling. He’s smiling at Hiei, and laughing, and he’s so beautiful it’s like a physical ache in Hiei’s chest. Hiei drops the flowers, curls both hands tightly into Kurama’s black blouse, and just drinks it all in.

“Do you mean that?” His voice is rough, he practically chokes the words out. “Kurama, I—“

“Of course, Hiei, shhh.” Kurama pulls him close again, tucks him under his chin and rocks them both back and forth. “Of course, of course, I still love you!”

“I’ve only ever wanted that,” Hiei whispers against Kurama’s chest, remembering why he’s here. He has to make sure Kurama knows. “From the very beginning, all I wanted was to be with you, to make you happy, and I’m so sorry I ruined it.”

“Nearly ruined it,” Kurama corrects as he pulls back to stare down at Hiei. A gentle knuckle tips Hiei’s chin up, soft fingers brush his tears away. “I’m still here, we can still fix this.”

When Kurama kisses him—slow, and hot, and hungry—fresh tears spring to Hiei’s eyes. He squeezes his eyes shut but is as helpless to keep them from falling as he is from keeping his feet solidly beneath him. His knees might just buckle, but Kurama is steady and sure. He takes Hiei’s weight with ease when he leans into him.

“Shh, don’t cry. Hey, it’s okay.”

“I’m sorry, I just thought—I mean… I didn’t know if—“

“You still have me,” Kurama promises, brushing Hiei’s hair back as he inspects his face. “I’m sorry, too.”

As Kurama kisses away Hiei’s tears, Hiei finds himself laughing. The relief he feels is intoxicating, and the laughter bubbles out of him as unexpectedly as hiccups. He feels light as a feather with the knowledge Kurama is here and his. His, his, his.

Maybe he’s light headed, he isn’t sure.

“Can we sit down?” Hiei asks quietly, turning his face in Kurama’s hands so they’re mouths meet once more.

Once he’s been kissed breathless, Kurama allows Hiei to pick up the crushed bouquet before he leads him to the couch.

“These are for you.” Hiei holds the rumpled roses out, and Kurama is gentle with them as he accepts them.

“Thank you.” He brings them to his face, his eyes closing as he inhales their scent. He looks like a mourner with his tear streaked face and black blouse. Hiei can’t help but smile despite it, can’t stop himself from reaching out and skimming his fingers over the hem of Kurama’s shirt where it flares out over his thighs. Hope fills him, against all odds.

“You deserve them—and somebody that isn’t afraid to talk to you, somebody that respects you. You de—”

Hiei’s entire body relaxes as Kurama kisses him. Kurama’s hand is holding his so tight, the other sliding up over his chest, and Hiei is grinning even before they part.

“Hiei, you don’t have to grovel.” Kurama is grinning like he possibly doesn’t mind that much. “But please, keep telling me how wonderful I am, don’t let me stop you.”

“You know,” Hiei whispers as Kurama presses their foreheads together. “I’m actually fine with you planning everything. You just have to tell me what the plan is. But please, feel free.“

Kurama is quiet, and after a moment of hesitation he pulls away to sit up. Hiei laces their fingers together so he can’t go far. Kurama ducks his head and sweeps his thumb steadily over Hiei’s hand, his gaze fixed on their intertwined fingers as he admits, “I planned a lot.”

“You’re good at it.” Hiei likes the warm flush of Kurama’s cheeks at his words. It’s not often he can get him flustered.

“Would you be upset if I told you that none of it was really accidental? I knew from that first day that I wanted you, and then I got to know you and,” Kurama peeks up, boyish and shy with his sheepish grin, “I knew I wanted to keep you.”

Emotion clenches at Hiei to hear it. His stomach flips, and he squeezes Kurama’s hand involuntarily.

“And I knew I could make that happen if I— ”

“No, I knew that part,” Hiei says abruptly, bringing Kurama’s hand to his mouth. He doesn’t need Kurama to feel bad over this, not any longer. “I might not have realized it was more than sex for you, but it was blatantly obvious that you had an agenda.“

Kurama’s grin stretches impossibly wider, his free hand sliding down Hiei’s chest, over his thigh, squeezes. “Yeah?”

Hiei finds himself grinning back, leaning closer as Kurama skates his hand higher. “Yeah, you weren’t subtle.”

“That’s why I thought you knew! I was trying to be transparent!”

Hiei laughs and presses a kiss to the corner of Kurama’s mouth, amused at how he rolls his eyes. ”You realize if you weren’t an only child, we never would’ve had this miscommunication?”

Kurama blows out an exasperated breath, but he can’t keep the fondness out of his eyes, can’t quite school his mouth into anything less than a slight curve.

Hiei didn’t realize how much he missed this easy banter, the gentle teasing, but it feels so good to be able to laugh with Kurama like this. He finds himself saying, “I’m so glad you didn’t shut the door in my face.”

Mischief lights in Kurama's eyes, his hand slides higher, and he cants his head towards Hiei's mouth as he purrs, “You had nothing to fear, you know I can’t resist you in these jeans.”

It’s Hiei’s turn to roll his eyes. His cheeks are hot, but a different, more demanding heat coils in his gut. It warms him through in a familiar way. There’s urgency in his voice when he breathes Kurama’s name over his mouth like a kiss.

Without warning Kurama is straddling Hiei’s lap—and it’s so right to grab his waist and hold him there—making himself comfortable as he slides their clasped hands into Hiei’s hair. It’s a heady combination, and Hiei is set ablaze.

“Honestly, it’s unfair that you even wore them.” Kurama’s dark eyes are focused on him, and suddenly Hiei's breath is embarrassingly shallow, little more than a ragged pant. “I have missed this, this exact look on your face, so very much,” Kurama whispers. He’s still scrutinizing Hiei, seeing the parts more than the whole. Hiei allows this, letting Kurama drink his fill, and is happy to sit under this intense stare once more.

“What look is that?”

Kurama smirks, rolling his hips as he presses another hungry kiss to Hiei’s mouth. It takes effort for them to part long enough for Kurama to answer.

“That look of exasperation, like you’re going to have to do something about me. I didn’t think I’d miss you rolling your eyes so much, but when you look so flustered with it?” Kurama laughs, and when Hiei rolls his eyes again, he pulls him close for another kiss.

“I love how unapologetic you are about things,” Hiei says when they part. “I’m sorry, I—Kurama wait.”

“Hmm?” He’s not giving up on kissing Hiei’s mouth, merely offers a curious hum. He’s hard and keeps grinding his hips against Hiei urgently.

Hiei turns his face so Kurama’s eager mouth can work at his jaw. “Hey, I’m not done apologizing. There’s more I have to say.”

Kurama grunts and bites at his earlobe. He rolls his hips over Hiei‘s once more, distractingly. “Go ahead. I’m all ears.”

“I’m serious.” Hiei grips Kurama’s hips, holding him still in his lap. “I worked hard on this.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” Hiei whispers into Kurama’s mouth, “I have an entire plan.”

“Maybe hit the highlights? I want to take you to bed.” Kurama grins, amused and curious as Hiei shifts to dig in his pocket. “Is that—Hiei is that an index card?”

Hiei is about to answer, but suddenly Kurama is wriggling out of his grasp and pulling at him.

“Come on, get up, now. No sex on the couch, that's the rule.”

“Okay?” Hiei grins, happy to be bullied towards one of the doors off the living area that must be Kurama’s bedroom. He drags his feet, earning a frustrated groan from Kurama.

“I need to take your clothes off, hurry up.” Kurama’s smile is jubilant as he stops their slow progress toward his bedroom to kiss Hiei once more. His hands are bold and eager, and Hiei can’t deny that he wants to take this to the bedroom as well.

“You wrote notes,” Kurama sighs, voice overjoyed, “Hiei, I can’t not have you right now!”

“I wrote a whole fucking paper.” Hiei smirks and catches Kurama’s lip between his teeth.

Hiei isn’t sure what kind of noise comes out of Kurama, but it’s suspiciously close to a moan. He laughs when Kurama stops playing and begins to push him in earnest towards his room.

“You are giving me that paper after I fuck your brains out, do you hear me?”

“I have it mostly memorized,” Hiei admits as Kurama sits on the edge of the bed. “I could just tell it to you”

“No, your mouth is going to be too busy sucking my cock.”

Hiei sinks to his knees, grinning as they both reach for Kurama’s pants at the same time. Working together it takes no time at all to get them undone, for Kurama to lift his hips, for the material to be pushed aside.

Kurama’s cock stands proud and flushed between them. He’s already leaking, and as Hiei leans forward, Kurama’s cock twitches in anticipation, nearly jumping into his mouth.

“Hiei.”

It’s so soft. Kurama breathes his name like a prayer while the hand in his hair is so firm. Kurama holds him possessively, twisting his fingers down to the roots to keep Hiei still as he lifts his hips—and Hiei moans.

Hiei’s barely started, has just found a rhythm Kurama clearly likes, when Kurama pushes his head down hard. Hiei squeezes his eyes shut as his mouth is flooded, and Kurama’s sharp cry fills the room.

It’s over so fast, but as Hiei stands it’s clear Kurama is far from done. Taking his hand, Kurama pulls Hiei down onto the mattress. He’s on top of Hiei in the next breath, wasting no time in kissing him again as he works the button open on Hiei’s jeans.

“That was quick,” Hiei teases, happy to get his hands on Kurama’s face, his shoulder, his hair—anywhere. Anywhere he can hold him and know he’s whole and here.

“I’ve missed you.”

“Ready to hear the rest of it?”

“I want the hard copy,” Kurama whispers, palming Hiei’s erection once he gets the zipper undone.

“Yeah?” Hiei arches up into his grasp and slides a hand under Kurama’s blouse. It’s too snug to allow him much access, but Hiei is happy to simply run his fingers over Kurama’s stomach. His warm skin is comforting and feels like a promise that everything is going to be okay after all. “Is that an apology accepted then?”

Kurama hesitates, and Hiei freezes in response.

“Kurama?”

Sitting up, Kurama’s smile is small and a little sad as he takes Hiei’s hand. “There’s only one other apology I need.”

“Anything,” Hiei promises. He grips Kurama’s waist, squeezes his hand, will say anything to wipe this expression from his face.

“I believe you got drunk a few weeks ago—”

“Kurama, I’m so sorry.” And he means it, deeply.

“—and I never want you to text me like that again. I was so worried…”

“Kurama, I’m sorry, hey, it won’t happen again. I’m sorry I worried you.” Hiei pulls Kurama down so he’s laying flush against him. He wraps his arms around him and holds him there. Kurama relaxes into the hug after a moment and presses his face into Hiei's neck.

“I’d never seen you like that before.”

“It was pretty dramatic,” Hiei admits. “Hey, I love you.” He runs his fingers through Kurama’s hair. Because he can. Because this is allowed.

Kurama sinks closer, boneless as he quietly returns the sentiment. With a grunt, Hiei rolls them over so he can stare down at Kurama. He’s missed looking at him too much to allow him to hide for long.

Hovering over Kurama, Hiei kisses him slowly. Kurama sighs into the kiss, sweet and warm. Kurama arches—his tongue, his back—as if his whole body must press at Hiei.

As Hiei sucks on his tongue and Kurama groans beneath him, Hiei realizes this isn’t enough. He must be closer, deeper, he needs to be inside Kurama.

“I want you,” Hiei breathes, pulling away despite Kurama’s whine.

“Hiei.”

“Please let me,” Hiei pleads, already halfway down Kurama’s body. “Let me show you how much I’ve missed you, how much I—”

But Kurama is already spreading his legs, his knees falling open and making space for Hiei. Hiei’s heart races as he presses hungry kisses across Kurama’s half hard cock. He breathes in his musk greedily, thankful to be allowed this opportunity again.

“Mm, I’ve missed this,” Hiei murmurs, mouthing at Kurama’s sack. He didn’t get to properly enjoy this before, but now he takes the time to press gentle kisses over Kurama’s sensitive skin. Kurama shivers around him, and Hiei smirks as he drags his mouth up to suck at the head of his cock.

“Me too,” Kurama breathes. His hand finding its home in Hiei’s hair once more. “Hiei, I need it, I haven’t—”

Hiei glances up, flicks his tongue over Kurama, gets a little lost in those lust-filled eyes. “You haven’t…?”

Kurama bites his lip, and Hiei wants to reach up and touch his flushed skin—wants to know how warm he is as Kurama arches and moans under his mouth.

“I didn’t want anybody else,” Kurama admits quietly. “I was… Hiei, it hasn't been an easy time.” Kurama pulls his head up, so Hiei’s forced to look at him fully. Hiei rests his cheek against Kurama’s thigh, presses his fingers softly to his hole as Kurama frowns. “I’ve been so focused on keeping things… buried. I just wanted to ignore all of it.”

“I’m sorry,” Hiei whispers, “I should have figured it out sooner.”

“It’s okay, I’m fine.” Hiei frowns up at Kurama and arches a disapproving eyebrow. Kurama winces and laughs, “Well, mostly. It’s getting much better, at least.” He shifts, pressing his cock against Hiei’s jaw.

“Good. I want to make it better.” Hiei rubs easy circles over Kurama’s entrance, petting and caressing as he says, “I have so much to make up to you.”

“Lots of wasted time,” Kurama agrees. “I’m glad you figured it out.”

Hiei flushes, presses a kiss to Kurama’s thigh and nods. “Me too.”

Kurama tips Hiei’s head back up and zeroes in on that blush. When his mouth stretches into a coy smirk, Hiei’s own cock twitches.

“What exactly did you figure out, Hiei? What has you so shy?”

Hiei rolls his eyes and huffs, but Kurama’s hold on his hair is firm. He nips at Kurama’s leg as he mutters, “I might have realized I really liked subbing. I mean, it’s more than that, but can we just—can we talk about it later?”

Kurama’s eyes are dark and hungry, and Hiei knows he will get his way with this. He’s surprised Kurama has dragged things out this far.

“You missed it? Missed me telling you want to do?”

“Yes.” Hiei can’t say it, can’t say he’d happily let Kurama tell him what to do for the rest of his life, but the thought is there.

“Get me prepped,” Kurama says, inspecting Hiei’s hopeful expression. He grins and releases Hiei’s hair. “I want to ride you. I want to hold you down and take everything I’ve been missing.” After a moment of consideration, Kurama adds, “Use your mouth.”

Hiei doesn’t have to be told twice, and it’s little work to spread Kurama open, spear him with his tongue, and have him moaning Hiei’s name like a desperate creature.

Hiei has missed this, the feeling of being useful and pleasing.

“Here,” Kurama says, holding out a bottle of lube to Hiei. There’s not much left, and Hiei empties it to coat his straining cock

Sliding his slick fingers into Kurama, Hiei murmurs, “You’re out.” That’s going to be a problem. They’re going to need more. Hiei doesn’t anticipate leaving this bed any time soon.

“I have another,” Kurama promises, clenching around Hiei’s probing fingers. “Lay down, I’m going to ride you. And take that shirt off.”

Switching position, Hiei makes himself comfortable in the middle of Kurama’s bed. It’s spacious compared to Hiei’s narrow mattress. Kurama looks angelic above him, and it’s hard to say if Hiei’s breath gets caught in his throat From th sight alone, or if it’s because Kurama is kissing him as soon as he’s in reach. He plants his hands over Hiei’s chest, swings a leg over his hips. As Kurama slips his tongue into his mouth, Hiei’s cock slides over Kurama. He presses his hips up, thrusting against the curve of his ass.

“Kurama, please.”

“Yeah.”

Kurama reaches back, takes Hiei in hand, and suddenly Hiei’s sinking into all that tight heat he’s missed so much. He swears as Kurama groans.

“That’s what I’ve been needing,” Kurama says breathlessly. He gropes at Hiei’s chest as he rocks forward.

“It’s good,” Hiei agrees, and he scoops up one of Kurama’s hands in one of his own and squeezes.

This moment feels perfect. Kurama is heavy over him, pinning Hiei down as he rides him. His face is nothing but concentrated bliss. Hiei reaches up with his free hand and slides his fingers through the loose ends of Kurama’s hair. He’s so beautiful, and he’s squeezing Hiei just right. Hiei’s happy to lay back and let Kurama use him as he sees fit.

He brushes his fingers over Kurama’s jaw, and down the line of buttons that lay over the center of his chest. Hiei wants him naked, and he plays with a tiny button to see how easily it’ll come free.

“I love you,” Hiei says, grinning at how he’s allowed this, “but you can’t just wear something simple, can you?”

Kurama tosses his hair over his shoulder and laughs, sitting up tall as he works himself on Hiei. “Have to make you work for it.”

Hiei grumbles about the work he’s put in as he undoes another two buttons. They’re microscopic, and there’s a million of them, and Kurama is honestly a vision in the high collar and lace, but—and it’s a big but—the bottom of the blouse flares out and obscures Hiei’s view of how they’re joined. He only gets glimpses, the head of Kurama’s cock peeking out now and then. Hiei doesn’t have to see, not really. But it’s been so long, and he’s finally brave enough to tell Kurama exactly how he feels while buried inside him. And he wants to watch.

“Help me with this,” Hiei says, or asks, or whines. Either way, Kurama takes pity and begins working at the buttons at his throat.

“You’re spoiled,” Kurama murmurs, and Hiei feels it. If Kurama keeps smiling at him like that, open and honest, he might just combust. “But I like you spoiled.”

“I’d like you naked.” Hiei focuses on the task at hand. His face is flushed, and while he has desperately missed Kurama’s playful teasing, he’s no better equipped to deal with it. Kurama clenches around him. It makes his breath catch in his throat and he grips Kurama’s hips to ground himself, all that excess fabric bunched in his hands. Hiei stares, mouth ajar, at how Kurama’s hard cock bounces as Kurama rides him.

“Kurama…” Hiei can’t say help, that’s ridiculous. But it’s the only thing he can think of for a solid thirty seconds. He slides Kurama’s shirt up his stomach to reveal more skin and whispers, “I’m going to come.”

“Don’t you dare,” Kurama snaps without any real heat. “God, I’ve missed your dick, so you are going to give me a few more minutes.”

“It’s just for you,” Hiei whispers and is rewarded by Kurama’s eyes going impossibly dark with desire. His mouth curves into something a little sharper, and Hiei is forced to close his eyes. If he looks at Kurama like that there’s no hope for him.

“It is,” Kurama agrees, suddenly finding a new tempo. He rocks his hips faster, his fingers making quick work of his top. In a moment he’s naked and panting utop Hiei, all pale, smooth skin. Hiei can’t help but reach up to touch. “Fuck, Hiei, it’s good.”

“Kurama—”

“You’re good,” Kurama says, leaning down to brace his hands against Hiei’s shoulder and chest. “Mm, it feels good to have you inside me. Are you going to be a good boy and come for me?”

“Yes.” Hiei feels like he’s been dying to do just that for weeks. His whole body feels tense, waiting for Kurama to give him permission.

“I know you are,” Kurama coos, his hair tickling Hiei’s face and chest as he takes a steadying breath and says, “I’m going to count down. Be a good boy and wait until I tell you, okay?”

Hiei can only nod in response. His balls tighten in anticipation as Kurama grinds down against him. He’s impossibly tight, and Hiei bites his lip as Kurama finally says, “Five.” Another slow drag up Hiei’s length, and Hiei lifts his hips to slide back home eagerly.

“Four.” Kurama makes him go two long, slow thrusts before he says, “Three.”

Hiei whimpers Kurama’s name, his fingers crushing Kurama’s hips in an attempt to keep him seated fully on his cock.

“You can’t come until I get to one, baby,” Kurama says gently, his hand cool over Hiei’s cheek. “Are you ready for me to keep going?”

Hiei nods, and it’s torture, but Kurama rolls his hips and he eventually says one, and Hiei’s vision goes white around the edges as he comes.

All too soon Kurama is climbing off of him. He stretches along Hiei’s side, his hands quick to pull Hiei close. He goes without complaint, his body boneless, his pulse pounding. Kurama brushes soft lips over his temple while his hands wander. Fingers trace patterns over his arm, squeeze his side, and Hiei squirms at so much sensation.

“Kurama, stop.” He’s whining, but he can’t be bothered by it.

Kurama chuckles, all warm breath against Hiei’s hair. “I’m sorry, I want to touch you. I’ve missed all of you.”

“Not just my dick?” Hiei peeks an eye open to glance at Kurama. His cheeks are still flushed, but his eyes are soft. Hiei realizes this—this careful fondness, intensity dampened with amusement—this is Kurama in love.

Hiei swallows, and it’s hard, his throat feels so tight as he finds Kurama’s hand.

“Not just your dick,” Kurama says seriously, dark lashes dipping low as he leans closer. “I missed your ass, too.”

“Pft,” Hiei snorts and shoves at him playfully. “You are so stupid.”

“I love you,” Kurama whispers, bringing their clasped hands up to his mouth. “Hiei, I’ve loved you for so long.”

“I’m, um,” Hiei lowers his eyes, his cheeks hot, “I’m starting to get that.”

“I should’ve told you.” Hiei can feel Kurama’s smile stretch over his knuckles. His voice is a little sad as he admits, “I was so caught up in making it perfect—if I had just told you this wouldn’t have happened.”

“It certainly would’ve saved us a lot of heartache,” Hiei says tentatively, watching Kurama’s face to see if it’s too soon to poke at this.

Kurama laughs, and Hiei can breathe again. “That’s an understatement. I just—God, I just wanted to say it at the perfect moment! I was going to tell you that day.”

“You’re such a sap.” Hiei pulls their hands to his mouth and rests a gentle kiss over Kurama’s fingers. “I love that about you.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yes. You’re a walking paradox, but I still love you.”

Kurama pulls him closer, his voice bright and full of amusement as he demands, “What does that even mean?”

Hiei pushes closer now, tucking himself under Kurama’s chin as he plays with Kurama’s hand. Hiei traces his nail down Kurama’s palm and shrugs. “You’re just so… romantic—or, I guess, passionate? You put so much of yourself into whatever you’re doing.” Hiei focuses on the way Kurama’s fingers flex when coaxed and the rich scent of his sweat and shampoo this close to his hair. “But at the same time you keep so much of yourself at a distance. And I get it now, it’s fine, and it always made you mysterious which was unfairly hot.”

Kurama laughs again.

“It’s stupid how hot it makes you,” Hiei says crossly. “You’re always surprising me, and I can’t even be mad because you’re so attractive.”

“Please continue,” Kurama murmurs, his free hand sliding into Hiei’s hair. “Tell me how desperate you are for me, it does wonderful things for my ego.”

“Tch, dangerous things you mean.” Hiei sighs happily and wraps his arms around Kurama’s middle. In one fluid motion he rolls them so Kurama is laying on top of him.

“Whoa!”

Hiei ignores Kurama’s yelp, finding comfort in the solid weight of his larger frame. He loves the full press of Kurama over him, holding him here. His skin is warm and a bit tacky from before, and his legs squirm and slide over Hiei’s—it’s impossible to ignore. With each beat of Kurama’s heart over Hiei’s cheek, he knows this is real, real, real.

“Are you okay?”

“Shut up,” Hiei mumbles into Kurama’s chest. “I like it down here.”

With a grunt Kurama pulls himself free of Hiei’s grasp and flops onto the bed beside him. “I like you there too, but I worry about you getting enough air.”

“I was fine.” He’s not whining, but Kurama grins at him like maybe his is. Hiei rolls his eyes.

Kurama bites his lip as he reaches out to trail his fingers down Hiei’s chest. “I’m serious, I really do like having you under me.” Kurama says it so innocently and with his eyes carefully tracking his fingers, Hiei’s pulse picks up. “I think about it a lot.”

“Yeah?” Hiei's stomach twists.

“Yeah.” Kurama looks at him, eyes dark and half lidded and hungry. “Hiei—”

“Yeah,” he says gruffly. Hiei clears his throat and manages with far less husk, “I want that. Yes. Please.”

Grinning, Kurama pulls him in for a kiss. When they part, he whispers, “Don’t go anywhere.” As if Hiei has any such plans.

Kurama pushes himself up from the mattress and disappears. Hiei closes his eyes and inhales slowly in an attempt to steady his nerves. A drawer is opened near the head of the bed, and then it’s closed. The comforter is soft under Hiei as he curls his finger into it. He digs his toes into it too, reminding himself that this is Kurama. And Hiei loves him. And he trusts him. And Hiei’s wanted this for forever.

The bed dips signaling Kurama’s return. Something plastic bumps into Hiei’s hip. It’s cool and smooth, and Hiei bites his lip in anticipation. Kurama is there, over him once more, and when Hiei opens his eyes, Kurama’s hair is pulled up into a ponytail, his gaze something to get lost in. There’s so much potential staring back at Hiei if he’ll only just invite it in.

So Hiei lets his knees fall open and raises a brow in an expression that’s far cockier than he feels.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Kurama says softly as he picks up the new bottle of lube from Hiei’s side.

“Excited,” Hiei says immediately, but adds, “Nervous. Not in a bad way. Just...” He frowns, trying to find the words. Kurama doesn’t rush him, just rubs slick fingers over his ass. “It’s good nerves—like a relay. I know it’s going to be good, but it’s not just in my hands, and—Kurama I want this so bad.”

Kurama smirks and ducks his head, but his hair isn’t there to shield the expression. His voice is soft, steady, grounding when he says, “Tell me.”

“You know I’ve wanted this,” Hiei says petulantly. He doesn’t want to beg, and he doesn’t really think Kurama would make him. But he shifts against the light petting and glares at the ceiling. “We finally have time, and I’m more than ready to have you fuck me.”

“Hiei,” Kurama calls, getting his attention. He keeps pushing the pad of a finger—wide, possibly a thumb—against Hiei’s hole, and presses up ever so slightly. Hiei likes the steady press, press, press of the pressure. “You can change your mind if it’s too much,” Kurama promises. “You can use the safeword. Just because we stop today—”

“Doesn’t mean we stop forever,” Hiei interrupts in a surprisingly accurate imitation of Kurama. It makes Kurama smile.

“Exactly.” He lowers himself down into his stomach so that he’s propped up on his elbows. “And while I have been dying to fuck this tight ass of yours,” Kurama says as he sinks a finger into Hiei, “I need you to understand that I will be making love to you today.”

Hiei gasps, clenching around Kurama instinctively, before he makes himself relax. Kurama has long, slender fingers, and Hiei’s always been a fan. At first it’s a bit uncomfortable, but then Kurama is thrusting his finger into Hiei slow and steady, and it’s slick and Hiei feels the tension in his shoulders release. He sinks into the mattress as Kurama sinks the finger back in, and Hiei can’t help but groan quietly.

Once Kurama’s worked Hiei up into a squirming mess, he leans down and drags his hot, wet tongue over his sack without warning.

“Ah!” Hiei jerks his hips, and Kurama huffs a teasing little laugh before he closes his mouth over one of Hiei’s balls and sucks. A second finger pushes in with the first at the same moment. Hiei hisses in pleasure, his eyes screwing shut as he focuses on the feel of Kurama’s touching him.

Kurama’s mouth pulls moans and curses out of Hiei, and heat pools in Hiei’s gut. His cock leaks sticky precum on his thigh as Kurama reaches deep into his, brushing his fingers over Hiei’s most sensitive spots.

There’s an obscene pop as Kurama pulls away. He sits up and grabs the lube and drizzles it over Hiei’s thighs, and his balls, and his own hand.

“You’re a sight,” Kurama murmurs. His mouth is wet and red, and Hiei longs to kiss it. “How do you feel? Can you take another?”

“I’m good.” Hiei watches Kurama’s mouth for half a second more before lowering his eyes. He licks his lips and says, “Give me another, Kurama.”

Kurama’s smile stretches, his eyes are so joyful it borders on wild. “That’s a good boy,” he coos as he carefully works a third finger into Hiei. It’s tight, and Hiei feels pleasantly full. He loves the sensation of being stuffed.

“I like it.” He knows Kurama wants him to speak up, and Hiei wants to be good.

“Good, you’re so tight. I know you’re going to feel perfect around my cock.” Kurama takes his time stretching Hiei, thrusting all three fingers into him in a steady rhythm.

“I want that,” Hiei whispers, and while he loves the thick drag of Kurama’s fingers and the intoxicating come hither curl of them deep within him, he longs to have the solid slide of his cock. “I want you so bad.”

Kurama sits up, still working his fingers into Hiei with sure, precise thrusts. He gazes down at Hiei, his expression equal parts lust and affection. “God, you’re beautiful. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to make it.”

Hiei smirks and lets his legs fall open further. “Then stop stalling, put it in already.”

Kurama watches him, his mouth twisted in consideration. His fingers pull back a little bit but don’t slip away just yet. “You’re ready?”

“Yes.”

With a nod, Kurama gives Hiei a final once over. He reaches down to stroke Hiei’s cock before he grabs the bottle of lube. And then Kurama pulls his fingers free, and is stroking lube over himself, and Hiei forgets to breathe. He watches Kurama slick himself up, dizzy with the knowledge that in a moment that cock is going to be inside him. Hiei’s heart is so loud in his ears it feels like it’s trying to beat right out of his chest.

“You’re being so patient,” Kurama says, ghosting his fingers over Hiei’s thighs. He doesn’t feel patient, he feels like he’s going to come out of his skin if he has to wait any longer.

Kurama’s touch is feather light before he grips Hiei’s thighs and pushes his legs up. Hiei starts to bend his knees, but Kurama guides his legs to stay straight, so Hiei’s calves rest against his shoulders. He wiggles his feet in the open air and catches Kurama’s eye.

“I want it, Kurama, please.” Hiei knows Kurama can’t resist him being polite. He bites his lip and blinks up at Kurama, but he doesn't have to try to come across as desperate.

“I don’t think I can wait,” Kurama admits, and he wraps a firm hand around Hiei’s ankle, another on the opposite knee, and makes Hiei cross one calf over the other. Kurama smirks down at him from between his crossed feet, and Hiei’s heart drops into his stomach as Kurama thrusts his hips forward. His dick slides between Hiei’s slick thighs, and Kurama keeps Hiei’s legs pressed tightly together.

“Kurama!” Hiei peers down and can see the head of Kurama’s cock peeking out from between his thighs with each thrust. He groans pitifully. “I want you inside me.”

Kurama grunts, and every so often he angles his hips down and his cock slides over Hiei’s. “I am not finally getting my dick in you just to come in less than a minute,” Kurama says, and his voice is strained. Hiei looks up to his face again, and he realizes Kurama is further gone than he’d realized. His brow is creased with concentration as he fucks Hiei’s thighs. His mouth is open, inviting, and Hiei reaches for it since he can’t kiss him.

Kurama nips at Hiei’s searching finger and moans. It’s driving Hiei crazy. Kurama is hot and hard and pulsing against him, and he clenches uselessly. He feels so empty, and it’s torture when Kurama slips and shoves his cock against Hiei’s balls. He’s so close, but not in, and on second thought, Hiei isn’t above begging.

“Please, Kurama,” he whines, throwing an arm over his eyes.

Kurama snorts, all harsh air through his nose as he grinds his cock over Hiei’s. “Be a good boy, be patient.” The words leave Hiei trembling. How long does he have to wait? When Kurama pulls away from his dick and goes back to fucking his thighs, Hiei wants to cry. He just wants Kurama in him.

“I can’t,” Hiei pleads, and Kurama takes one hand off of his leg to tap at Hiei’s hand. Hiei shifts his arm so he can peek up at Kurama.

“You can,” Kurama says sternly, “and you will watch. Understand?”

Hiei nods and watches as Kurama continues to use his thighs, the angry head of his cock playing peekaboo with each thrust. Kurama’s chest is flushed and heaving, his head tossed back in bliss.

“God you’re good,” Kurama says around a moan. “You’re so good I’m going to come, and I’m not even in you yet.”

Hiei groans, and can’t help reaching up to brush his fingers over his nipples. He’s so hard and slick between the lube and precum.

“You have such a hold on me, Hiei. I want you so bad,” Kurama rasps.

“Yeah, yeah—”

“I don’t want anybody else, just you.”

“I’m yours,” Hiei promises. “Now, please, please just touch me!” Though he shifts, Kurama’s firm grip keeps him in place. He needs to move, he needs to thrust his hips and get friction on his aching cock, but Kurama holds him still. This is Kurama’s show, as it always is.

“You mean it?” Kurama asks low and husky, wrenching Hiei’s legs apart to finally, blessedly rutting their cocks together. “Just mine?”

Hiei feels crazy, blinking as frantically as he nods his head. “Yes, yes, I’m not going anywhere—fuck, Kurama, I’ve never wanted anybody like I want you.”

Kurama sucks in a sharp breath, and suddenly he’s pawing at Hiei’s hip. He’s biting his lip, his hips in constant motion. It drags their cocks over one another in a slow and steady rhythm that has Hiei breathless. He blinks up at Kurama curiously, surprised when Kurama raises something to his mouth and bites it.

It’s a sharpie. Hiei watches in stunned bliss as Kurama spits out the cap and brings the black felt to his chest. He drags the ink over Hiei’s skin.

“You are mine.” He says it in that voice Hiei can never argue with. The one he has to listen to. Hiei makes a small noise of agreement.

Kurama tosses the marker aside when he’s done and stares down at his handy work. His eyes are dark and hungry, and Hiei can’t see, but he knows it’s Kurama’s name across his chest, right over his heart.

“Yours.”

Kurama doesn’t look up, just keeps his eyes glued on his name—his brand—as he behinds to thrust with more purpose. Kurama’s gaze is so intense, it’s like he’s trying to drink Hiei in, like if he stares long and hard enough some of that ravenous need will be slaked.

Hiei feels like he’s seeing right through him. Kurama seems to peer straight into the inner workings of Hiei’s heart. He must find it pleasing, for his mouth curls up approvingly.

“All mine,” Kurama whispers, holding Hiei’s knees for support. A choked noise escapes Hiei as he nods. He can’t look at Kurama’s face—it’s too much.

“Please just fuck me,” he hears himself whisper. “Please, Kurama, please.”

Kurama must be unaffected by his begging as he doesn’t falter in his work. It’s just one firm thrust forward followed by the long drag back on repeat, and Hiei can’t help how he squirms, desperate for more.

“Kurama!”

“Say you’re mine,” he pants, leaning his weight over Hiei.

“I’m yours!” Hot tears stream down Hiei cheeks, and he doesn’t know why he’s crying. He’s so happy, and he’s so overstimulated he could crawl out of his skin, and Kurama is staring at him like he’s a fascinating bug he wants to pin to the wall.

With a grunt of agreement, Kurama comes. The mess paints Hiei’s cock and stomach and thighs—Kurama claiming him just as his name over Hiei’s heart does.

Hiei watches, mesmerized, cock throbbing, as Kurama drags in rapid breaths one after another. He’s already stroking himself again, hissing through his teeth. “Fuck, Hiei. Come here, I need you.”

Hiei twists around and crawls across Kurama’s bed. “Kurama?”

“Be a good boy, suck my dick.”

Hiei is already swallowing Kurama down as he nods. Kurama rests a heavy hand on Hiei’s head, his breathing returning to normal. “Ah, that’s it… such a good boy, Hiei. Keep going, get me hard again so I can get into you.”

Hiei doesn’t need any extra encouragement to enthusiastically tackle this task. It doesn’t take much, not really, before Kurama is gently pushing him back down onto the mattress and settling between his legs.

“Here we are,” Kurama says, and Hiei shivers at the weight of Kurama’s cock against his hole. He bites his lip as Kurama pours a generous amount of lube over them both. It’s cool and slippery, and Hiei wishes he wasn’t on his back if only so he could rock against Kurama.

“Put it in,” Hiei whispers. He arches his back, needy and desperate and long past being embarrassed about it.

“Shh, just relax.”

And finally, finally, Kurama pushes into him. Hiei groans quietly but doesn’t tense. Kurama slides in slowly, and Hiei loves the girth of him. The stretch is nice, solid, and Hiei’s toes curl as Kurama brushes over something extra sensitive.

“Okay?”

“Great,” Hiei says quickly, reaching up to slide his hands over Kurama’s biceps. “Amazing. Would like

to do this nonstop for the foreseeable future.”

Kurama laughs as he plants his hand on either side of Hiei’s head. The change in positions seats Kurama deeper within Hiei, their thighs flush with one another. “I’d like that.”

They stay like that, still and connected, for a long moment. Kurama is watching Hiei’s face, his eyes soft. Hiei doesn’t mind. He’s flushed, and he’s full, and he stares back unapologetically, committing Kurama’s expression to memory. He slides his hands up to Kurama’s shoulders and squeezes. He wants to remember every part of this day.

“I love you so much,” he says quietly. “I never want to be apart like that again.” He clenches around Kurama as if to prove his point.

“I know, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good,” Hiei says as he shifts his hips. “Because I need you to fuck me.” His face grows hot, and he clears his throat and adds, “And maybe tell me I’m yours again. Because in case you haven’t noticed, I’m a little bitch over your possessive streak.”

A bark of laughter escapes Kurama, but he thankfully begins to move. Hiei moans, deliriously happy with this change of events. He closes his eyes to focus on the feel of Kurama thrusting into him in slow, scooping motions. “Tell me I’m your good boy?” Hiei asks as he tangles his fingers into the base of Kurama’s ponytail.

“You’re a needy little thing,” Kurama chides, his hand warm and strong as it gropes Hiei’s side, his chest, his arm. “But you’re my needy little thing. And you are so very good.”

Hiei’s toes curl. He’s going to bloody his lips if he bites it any harder, so he snorts and smirks up at Kurama with all the bravado he can muster. “Bet that wasn’t on your list: me just fully leaning into the praise kink.”

Kurama is already starting to lean down for a kiss, laughter on his lips, and Hiei is all too happy to urge him along. Their mouths fit together, and Hiei feels breathless even before Kurama licks into his mouth.

They’ve barely broken apart when Kurama says, “That was—That was step twenty-four: Hiei admits to being desperate for my constant, and, mmm, copious approval.”

Hiei glares up at him, hating how he can feel himself grinning. “Shut the fuck up, it is not.”

Kurama smirks down at him, and he lowers his eyelids into that hungry, half lidded gaze that has Hiei’s whole body on alter. He feels electric and raw under that stare. Kurama watches his mouth. “You think I’m kidding?”

“Kurama please,” he whispers, turning his face away when that look becomes too much.

“You think I didn’t plan for every step? Hiei,” Kurama chides, clicking his tongue. He thrusts into Hiei slower now, dragging it out. Hiei wants to protest, but he can’t find his voice beyond breathy pleas and hungry moans.

Kurama leans down, his hair falling over his shoulder and tickling Hiei’s neck. He sets his mouth to Hiei’s ear, bites gingerly at the lobe and says, “You know I’m incredibly thorough. Why would I be any less so with you, Hiei? You’ve been the best thing to happen to me in a long time.”

“Kurama—”

“I’m serious. I love you, and I don’t plan on letting you slip away again.” Kurama’s voice is so sure, leaving no room for argument, and Hiei can feel moisture gathering in his eyes again. He tries to blink it away.

“Kurama…” Hiei turns his face away, trying to collect himself, but Kurama’s hand is there on his cheek. He guides Hiei back so they’re face to face again.

“I want you to look at me, understand?” Hiei nods, and Kurama rewards him with a kiss. “Good, I’m not missing a moment of this. Do you feel good?”

“I feel great,” Hiei whispers. Reaching up, he cups Kurama’s face in his hands. “You always make me feel so special.”

“Good, you are special, I want you to know it.”

Hiei gives Kurama a wobbly smile. “You can’t just say shit like that.”

“Watch me.” Kurama brushes his mouth over Hiei’s wrist. “You are my good boy. Fuck, you feel amazing.”

Hiei whimpers, he’s been edged so far and all he wants is release. “Please!”

Kurama’s smile is sharp but affectionate as he wraps a hand around Hiei’s cock. “And I’m going to make sure you feel it too.” Hiei could melt. He’s full and he’s ready to burst, and Kurama’s fingers are wicked things.

“Please tell me I can come. Please, Kurama—”

“Are you close?” As if Kurama doesn’t know. As if Hiei isn’t throbbing under his hand or fluttering around his cock. As if Hiei can be anything but.

“Yes! I can’t take it any more,” he hisses, clinging to Kurama. “Please say it, please—I need you to tell me—”

“Tell you what, love?”

“Tell me I can come, please!”

Kurama chuckles, low and warm as he sits up. He’s still jerking Hiei, his hand and hips moving in tandem, as he grabs Hiei’s thigh. Kurama holds him tight, just below the bend of his knee.

“Then be a good boy and say my name and come on my cock.”

“Kurama! Ah, Kurama!” Hiei cries, and he’s coming, hips jutting up into Kurama’s steady grip. He clenches around Kurama again and again, and while Kurama has been thrusting into Hiei rather steadily, he picks up the pace. Kurama snaps his hips with more urgency. He’s panting, and everything is suddenly much faster and far shallower. He feels boneless, and it feels incredible to be used for Kurama’s enjoyment.

Hiei watches Kurama’s face as he comes, loves getting to see the moment there’s nothing but pleasure written across his features. Kurama’s finally not worried about being in constant control. Hiei smiles as he starts to come back to himself. When he opens those sparkling green eyes, Hiei makes sure his smile is the first thing he sees.

“I love you,” Hiei says, and wraps his legs around Kurama. It doesn’t prevent him from pulling away. Hiei doesn’t enjoy the sensation of Kurama slipping out. He’s suddenly very empty. But Kurama is laying down beside him, and scooping up his hand, and kissing his knuckles.

“I love you, too. I hope you don’t get tired of hearing it because I have a lot of time I need to make up for.”

Hiei rolls his eyes, but he’s pleased. He can’t help grinning as he says, “I doubt I’ll get tired of hearing your voice any time soon.”

Kurama drapes an arm over Hiei’s torso and rests his cheek on his shoulder. His mouth hovers suspiciously close to the ink that marks Hiei’s chest.

“We’re gross,” Hiei says, wrinkling his nose. He has the worst of it. He’s sticky and sweaty and in desperate need of a shower.

“I couldn’t care less,” Kurama says drowsily, his fingers sneaking over to trace his name. “You look good covered in me.”

Hiei face goes hot and he stares up at the ceiling. He has to quietly count to five before he feels like he can breathe again. “You are certifiable.”

Kurama makes a noise in the back of his throat, unbothered. “I hear people do crazy things when they’re in love. I’ve certainly done worse,” Kurama admits. “I have crazier planned.”

“So there really was a plan?”

“Babe, there is a plan. I don’t start something unless I intend to see it through.”

Hiei elbows him playfully. “But I thought we were dating now. Step twenty-four? Seriously?”

Kurama laughs, and tips his face up to smile at Hiei. “Well, there’s a bit more to it. It’s not My Seventy Point Plan to Being a Successful Botanist Married to an Olympic Athlete for nothing.”

Hiei’s heart skips a beat and comes back fluttering like a hummingbird. Married. He takes a deep breath, and reminds himself it’s not that serious. Not yet.

“Sorry,” Kurama whispers, a small self deprecating laugh escaping him. “I mean, you know. I normally just keep—“

“I like it,” Hiei says quickly. He shyly reaches out to lace his fingers with Kurama’s. Kurama clutches his hand and relaxes against Hiei once more. “You should tell me about it sometime.”

Kurama grins, and nods, and pulls Hiei hand to his mouth for a chaste kiss.

***

The sun is out in full force by midafternoon. It’s a lovely, cloudless day, and it makes the track feel like an oven. Hiei wipes sweat from his face and neck as he swishes water around his mouth. He spits it into the grass, decides he’s not going to vomit again, and grabs his duffle bag. He heads across the field, waving goodbye to Jin.

Kurama is on the bleachers, textbook in hand, and he looks utterly angelic basking in the sunlight. It catches in his hair and gives him a soft glow. Hiei’s mouth goes dry as he approaches.

“Hey, I’m almost done,” Kurama says, squinting up at Hiei and patting the spot next to him. “I just need a few minutes.” He’s scribbling something in his notebook, so Hiei keeps his mouth shut as he sits down. He leaves a little space between them. Kurama is wearing that white, flowy crop top Hiei likes so much, and he doesn’t want to brush up against him and get it dirty. He’s still sweaty and gross.

“You know,” Kurama says as he closes his notebook and tucks it and his textbook into his bag, “there’s not that many people out today.”

“It’s the end of the season.” Hiei shrugs and hands Kurama his pouch of pens. “If they’re not selected for meets, Coach doesn’t mind them using this time to study for finals.”

“I see.” Kurama sets a hand on Hiei’s thigh and squeezes. His expression is sultry when Hiei turns an arched brow Kurama’s way. “I could blow you here.”

“Kurama.”

“Okay, fine—a hand job?”

“Stop. I told you: I won’t risk my scholarship.”

“Who will know?” Kurama asks, and his grin is boyish. He raises a mischievous brow at Hiei, leaning close as if they’re conspirators to whisper, “Just us, baby.”

“You are the worst. Nobody believes me, but you are a horrible influence.” Kurama perks up at that, and Hiei says, as deadpan as he can, “I’m not changing my mind.”

“Oh, speaking of things you won’t believe—I have good news!” Kurama takes Hiei’s hands in his own, and he’s practically beaming when he says, “My mom found a scholarship that she thinks you’d be a perfect applicant for!”

Hiei is quiet as Kurama digs his phone out of his pocket. He’s touched Shiori would think of him. Sure, she might have hoped he and Kurama would reconcile, but to have her looking out for him? He isn’t sure how he’ll be able to thank her.

“See, look.” Kurama tilts his phone to show Hiei the screen. There’s a text from Shiori that includes a link to a website. “She said applicants must demonstrate incredible talent in athletics and have financial hardship.”

“That sounds like me,” Hiei mutters. He reaches over Kurama and pokes the link. When the website loads, Hiei skims the page as Kurama rattles off the application details. “Will you send this to me?”

Kurama beams and pulls his phone back to send Hiei the link. “My mom said she doesn’t mind looking over your application before you submit, if you’d like.” Kurama hesitates, and glances over at Hiei from under his lashes. His cheeks are pink. “She wrote you a letter of recommendation, but she hasn’t submitted it. I’m… trying not to plan everything, but if you want—”

Hiei puts a hand on the back of Kurama’s neck and pulls him down into a kiss. What has he done to deserve this wonderful man? When they break apart, Hiei smirks. “I see where you get the meddling from.”

Kurama mirrors his expression and cants his head, so their mouths are nearly touching once more. “No, if I meddled, I’d have already applied for you. This is growth—or something.”

“Impressive,” Hiei teases, “don’t hurt yourself. Maybe take it slow.”

Kurama hums, and their lips are brushing now. They’re in full view of anybody that happens to look their way, and they’re being sickeningly affectionate, but Hiei doesn’t care. “Say thank you, Hiei.”

“Thank you,” Hiei whispers, and slips his tongue into Kurama’s mouth. He’s careful not to lean too heavily into Kurama. It doesn’t matter how many times he kisses him, he always ends up twisted in knots. Hiei’s a little breathless when he says, “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say thank you enough.”

“Again, the blow job is on the table.”

“Kurama.”

“Well, if you won’t let me have you here, let me take you out this weekend.”

Hiei raises a skeptical brow. “Go out? Kurama, it’s my first weekend without an event in weeks. I’m exhausted, why don’t we stay in?” While staying home and sequestered in one of their beds for the weekend does sound like a dream, Hiei wouldn’t mind going out. It’s the fact Kurama said he’d take Hiei out that gives him pause. He’s still not sure how he feels about Kurama treating him.

Kurama pouts, leaning his weight into Hiei’s arm with no regard for his wardrobe. “Hiei, don’t say no, I need to make up for—“

“Not this again.” How many times can Kurama confess his love? Hiei scowls up at him. He isn’t about to budge now.

“Hiei, I had it all planned out,” Kurama laments, a smile starting to creep over his expression even as he sighs dramatically.

Hiei rolls his eyes and stands. He grabs both his duffle and Kurama’s messenger bag as he says, “And it was lovely.”

Kurama lets out an exasperated sigh as he gets up. “It was going to be perfect. I had it all figured out.”

Hiei smirks and helps Kurama down from the bleachers. “Again, I’m sorry for fucking up your precious itinerary.”

“You should be,” Kurama says and bumps his shoulder into Hiei’s. “And you know what would be an adequate apology? Allowing me to woo you!”

“You already have me, you idiot.”

Kurama sighs again, and links his arm with Hiei’s. “You do not understand. There was going to be rose petals.”

“At lunch with your mom?”

“After, obviously. And I was going to have you wear the cock ring.”

“Kurama!”

Kurama laughs, his head thrown back and arm tight around Hiei, and Hiei can’t help but smile too.