RED TEARS.

Written by: Ketsurui and Quoth the Raven.

*************

"Watch out, fox!" Hiei's lightning speed was all that prevented Kurama from meeting an untimely end as the fire demon tackled him out of the way of a dangerous energy blast. Quickly getting up, Hiei surveyed the surroundings grimly. Cries of "Rei-Gun!" and "Rei-Ken!" had echoed across the Makai clearing for almost three hours, and Yuusuke and Kuwabara were rapidly nearing their limit. Not to mention Kurama had caught a grazing blow despite his speed and was now clumsy and seeemed only semi-aware of his surroundings.

The fox demon wiped blood out of his eyes, trying to focus on the bulky form of the youkai. He reached a hand out to steady himself against the side of a building, rose whip gripped tightly in his hand.

The monster grinned at the dazed redhead, at the swirling portal forming behind him. Drawing You Ki into his palm, he blasted Kurama back, the portal closing after he fell in.

"Kurama!" Came the shout of three voices in unison, but it was too late. Just before the portal closed, Hiei ripped off the bandage covering his Jagan and looked hard. He could faintly see Kurama fall hard onto a dirt road, and lay still. And then the portal closed fully, and he could see no more.

The loss of their comrade spurred the three Tantei on, as they battled grimly to defeat this youkai and force him to bring Kurama back. They might be tiring, but by Gods so was he. And they were going to force him to return their friend, come hell or high water.

Meanwhile, the fox demon was waking up, his head throbbing. "Where am I?" He asked aloud. Looking around, his eyes widened slightly; the homes around him looked like those built a hundred years ago.

Himura Kenshin mentally ticked off his chores as he returned to the dojo, bowl of tofu in hand. Do the laundry, done. Sweep the floor, done. Go to the markets, done. He still had to cook dinner, and -- "Oro?" He stared in surprise at the stranger lying on the ground, stirring and groaning, with hair as strikingly red as his own and clothes that looked, well, strange. He approached the stranger cautiously. "Excuse me, do you need help de gozaru?"

Kurama blinked in surprise at the man's old style of speaking and dressing. [He has red hair as well, so he must be kitsune youko, like me. Maybe I'm in hell.] "Where am I?" He asked politely.

Kenshin stared at the stranger. "You are in Tokyo de gozaru. Can I help you? My name is Himura Kenshin de gozaru." This was odd -- didn't this man... yes, he was sure this was a man... know where he was?

Kurama blinked again. Tokyo? "My name is Kurama," he answered rather absently. [I must have hit my head harder than I thought... This must be some sort of strange dream.]

A strange name.... "I see. What happened to you? When I saw you, you were regaining consciousness in the middle of the road. Were you attacked?" One hand slipped over to his sakabatou, in case the attackers were still around. In addition, there was something slightly strange about this man that he couldn't be quite sure about.

The taller redhead nodded. "I was attacked, but... This doesn't seem like the same location." Seeing - Himura, was it? - place a hand over his weapon, Kurama closed his hand around a rose leaf.

Kenshin frowned at seeing the stranger reach for something unknown, and prepared himself for a fight, though he kept his posture as calm as possible. Maybe he could avert a battle created over misunderstanding. "You were attacked in a different location? It seems strange for your attackers to drag you here and dump you. Although muggers are not uncommon - it is sad that such things still occur now in the Meiji era..."

[Meiji era?! That was a hundred years ago!] Kurama swallowed hard. "I was not mugged, nor was I dragged. I fell through a -" here he stopped. [How would I explain a portal to someone like him?]

Kenshin studied this... Kurama... intently. "You fell through something from somewhere, but you hesitate to tell me where. You do not attack, but you are more than ready to defend yourself." He spoke addressing an equal, another fighter. "Your clothes are strange and unfamiliar to me, as are your accent and speech patterns." He hesitated. "You are obviously not from anywhere or any time I am familiar with." Pulling his sakabatou out, just a little, he spoke quietly yet firmly. "Give me your solemn word that you mean no harm to anyone here, and I shall not ask you further questions you cannot answer."

Kurama felt slightly amused. [He's... pretty. Even more so when he's serious.] "I give you my solemn word that I have no intent to harm anyone here." Brushing more of the drying blood off his face, he stood, swaying unsteadily and reaching out to grab onto something.

Kenshin quickly caught hold of his arm, juggling to keep the tofu in the bowl as he did so. "Be careful. Regardless of what has happened to you, you have had a head injury, and they are dangerous de gozaru." Looking at this strangely charming young man, Kenshin sighed. "I suppose you don't know anyone around here who will give you a place to stay? If not, I am sure Kaoru-dono will not object to letting you stay in the dojo de gozaru."

"I don't know anyone. I'm not... from here." [That's an understatement.] "I don't want to inconvenience your friend by having a complete stranger in her dojo." He glanced at the swordsman, jade eyes flashing slightly with the look of mischief he seemed born with.

Kenshin's eyes flashed in returned amusement as he recalled how easily Kaoru had taken him into the dojo, not to mention Yahiko, and the constant food-scavenging made by Sanosuke. "I am sure she will not mind, especially if you come as my guest de gozaru. I live at the dojo also."

[Strange that he would trust someone he just met to stay in his home.] "If it's not too much trouble." Kurama tucked the leaf into his pocket and steadied himself.

Aiding Kurama in the short walk back to the dojo, Kenshin was exceedingly curious, but firmly reminded himself not to break his promise of not asking questions Kurama would find difficult or impossible to answer. Whatever his origin, he certainly did not work too hard with his hands, his skin was too soft for that... Jumping in alarm as he realised where his thoughts had just wandered, Kenshin hurriedly spoke to distract himself, cheeks tinged ever so slightly with colour. "There's the dojo. I'll tell Kaoru-dono you are here, then arrange for sleeping quarters for you."

"Thank you very much," he replied politely, bowing at a properly respectful level. He watched as the scarred one walked towards the dojo. Pretty and polite... [Was it my imagination, or was he blushing?] Sighing, Kurama wet his sleeve a little and tried to clean his face.

"Kaoru-dono? Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin frowned at the lack of reply to his calling, He found his answer in a note on the kitchen table: "Kenshin: We have all gone over to Genzai-sensei's for dinner. Please come along as soon as you return. Kaoru."

Kenshin frowned. It would be a bad idea to take Kurama-dono to Genzai-sensei's when a guest was not expected -- the man was not rich, and would have barely enough food to go around as it was, with Sanosuke's and Yahiko's keen appetites. Perhaps he and Kurama-dono should stay here. He knew there were some vegetables and noodles in the kitchen, though not a lot, and there was the tofu and other food he had bought today. Making his decision, he left to bring Kurama into the dojo.

"Is everything all right?" He asked as the swordsman returned to him, still trying to make himself look presentable. Kurama winced and pulled his hand away from his face as the gash on his forehead reopened.

"Yes, everything is fine. Kaoru-dono is not home right now, so I think it would be best if we prepared ourselves a meal and tended to your wound while waiting for her return." Kenshin stared at the bleeding gash with a little worry -- the blood loss did not seem serious, but even so, one should never take chances with head wounds, especially on such tender skin -- [Stop thinking about that! What is wrong with me?]

"It's nothing, really. It will probably be gone by tomorrow." Kurama was not bragging; for a normal person, the wound would take weeks to heal, but quick recovery was one of the advantages of being what he was. "I appreciate this," he said sincerely, flashing the other a sweet smile.

Kenshin nodded, a little nervously. [Why should I be nervous of this boy? Just because he has the grace of Tomoe and the brightness of Kaoru-dono and... oh my...] "I- I shall go and make us a meal de gozaru. Please, sit and make yourself comfortable, I will bring you some hot tea while you wait..." [I am babbling. Stop it! I am making myself look foolish in front of him, and that's the last thing I want to do... Oro! Stop it!] He cursed his traitorous mind.

Kurama made himself comfortable on the floor, looking around the dojo. "Is Karou-san your fiancee?" he asked politely as the other redhead began cooking. [I hope not...]

In the kitchen, Kenshin was so startled that he nearly started chopping on his finger instead of the carrot. "ORO? Kaoru-dono? My... no! No, she's far too young for me, she's barely eighteen! I would never even try..." he stammered. [Not to mention that it is not her I am thinking ab- NO! I am thinking about this meal. I shall cook it. Chop the carrot. Chop, chop, chop... that's it...]

Kurama tried to hide his giggling at the shocked reply. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you." [Hm... Not married with his looks? A crime.] The kitsune grinned at his own thoughts.

"You... you did not offend me. The thought was merely a startling one." Fetching the oil for the wok, the rurouni poured a small amount in the heated pan, a dab splashing onto his chest through his slightly open dogi. Absentmindedly, he rubbed it in to get rid of it while using his other hand to scoop the noodles and chopped vegetables into the wok. Under his oily hand, he could feel his heart pounding every time that rich sweet voice spoke, and he didn't even realise that he continued to rub his now shiny chest, which felt a lot warmer than it had a minute ago.

Kurama poked his head around the kitchen entry way. "Can I give you a hand with something?" He asked, his eyes following the caressing motion of Himura's hand on his chest. [Well, now...That's very nice...]

Realising what his hand was doing, Kenshin stopped immediately, cheeks burning. "Oh... no, no, it's fine de gozaru." The small glimpse of his chest through his dogi shone in the sunset that was coming through the window. "It's almost done." Quickly, he turned around, face aflame, lifting the wok over to the bench and scooping the mixture into two bowls.

[He's so sweet...] Kurama unconsciously licked his lips. "All right, then." He slipped back into the other room, neatly tucking his knees under him as he came to the table.

Bringing out the bowls, Kenshin set them down carefully along with two sets of chopsticks before going back out to fetch the tea and two cups. Setting everything on the low table, he nodded to Kurama.

"Thank you," he said, his eyes settling on the shiny skin of his host's chest again. [I wonder what it would be like to touch him...] When he was caught staring, the demon softly said, "You have something on you."

[Nani?] Kenshin wondered. He followed the other's unnervingly intense gaze to his chest, and blushed as he realised his chest still shone with oil. "Oh... I must have spilled it on myself while cooking..." Floundering, he thought he would die of embarrassment. [I wish the floor would swallow me up right now -- or that Kaoru-dono would come in and hit me for having an unexplained guest. Something, anything...]

Kurama pulled his hand into his sleeve, so the material hung limply, and tried to clean the oil up a bit. "It's already ruined," he said sweetly when Kenshin jumped. [Hm... I wonder how uncomfortable I'm making him.] He didn't want to unnerve his host, but... [Perhaps, if he enjoys my touch...] He smiled faintly to himself. [Wishful thinking.]

Kenshin struggled to keep still as Kurama swiped gently at his chest. "It-it's all right, really..." He could swear that those pretty green eyes were sparkling with hidden mischief, but he was desperately torn between wanting to tell Kurama to stop, and his body wanting him to have Kurama's hand touch him without that distracting cloth in the way... "I... uh... Kurama-dono, I..."

"Hm? I'm sorry, am I making you uncomfortable?" He didn't stop, though, waiting for Kenshin to say what he wanted. He glanced at the slightly distressed look on the other's face. [So very, very sweet... I wish I could kiss him.]

"K-Kurama-dono!" Kenshin was blushing furiously now. "What are you doing de gozaru? Why are you touching me?" [Please, Kurama-dono... if you touch me again, I might embarrass the both of us by touching you back...]

With a final, slow swipe, he withdrew his sleeve. "I'm sorry," he whispered, as though embarrassed. "I was just trying to help." He gazed at Kenshin through lowered lashes.

Immediately, the swordsman felt terrible. "No, no, I am the one who must apologize de gozaru. I did not mean to be rude, it was just that, that..." [it was just that when you touched me it was like fire on my skin. It was silk and water and wind and fire and ice...] "It was just that it really wasn't necessary. I was the clumsy one, you should not have had to feel obliged to do anything de gozaru."

"Oh, but I do!" His eyes opened fully. "After all, you took me in. I wish I could pay you back somehow." He looked into Kenshin's eyes, his own irises filled with heat.

"That's not necessary..." Even as Kenshin's polite host side was automatically waving it aside, he was beginning to wonder. [Is he doing this on purpose? Is he... flirting with me? Why? Why flirt with me? Surely someone like him could have anyone else rather than an older, scarred rurouni... I must be at least ten years his senior!]

"Himura-san?" He said politely as Kenshin's eyes blanked with thought "Is anything wrong?"

"What are you doing?" The older, shorter man's face was gentle yet firm, his voice was soft, yet inflexible. It demanded honesty while at the same time giving it. "Please, give me a straightforward answer. What are you doing?"

Kurama's head tilted slightly. "I beg your pardon?" [Hm... I guess he caught on... Well, at least I haven't been thrown out yet.]

"I mean that you are looking at me and touching me in a way that is not commonly done in this place. It may be a common custom where you are from, but such behaviour here usually indicates... a desire for intimacy." Kenshin was certain his face was twelve shades redder than his hair. "So please, I would like an explanation. What are your intentions?"

Kurama tangled his fingers into his own hair a bit. "Well, I'm afraid you guessed my intentions correctly." He sat back on his knees, in case his host was angry. "I didn't follow you because I was intent on seducing you, but, I do think that you're beautiful." He stood smoothly. "I didn't mean to anger you or make you uncomfortable, but if you want me to, I'll leave."

Kenshin didn't know whether to relax or tense up further. He only knew he didn't want Kurama to leave, not at all. "No, no, that's not necessary, it's just... I..." [I'm making such a fool of myself, and I've embarrassed him! I can't believe I did that!] "Please, stay. I am not offended, and I would not be happy seeing you leave with such an injury." [*He*... thinks *I* am beautiful?]

"I told you, it's not a bad injury, and it'll clear up by tomorrow; I've had worse." He sank to his knees once again, and smiled. "Thank you... For letting me stay." [You're hard to read, Himura.]

Kenshin unconsciously ran his hand across his left cheek, feeling his scar. The scar he had received... when Tomoe... [Tomoe. You were so beautiful, so graceful... how long has it been since someone gave me subtle glances such as those you gave me? How long has it been since someone cared... that way?] He shook his head sadly. Wherever this Kurama was from, it could not last. He would have to leave, and that would be the end of it. He would have Kaoru-dono's bubbly companionship, Sanosuke's friendship, an almost-son in Yahiko and almost-daughters in Ayame-chan and Suzume-chan... it would be enough. It would have to be enough.

Kurama watched the changes in his host's face as they ate in silence. [I think I may have touched on something sensitive.] "It was a lovely meal, thank you," he murmured as he finished. [I don't want to hurt him... But he's so beautiful...] The kitsune youko sucked on his bottom lip thoughtfully.

Kenshin kept his eyes on his cup. "Thank you, Kurama-dono. It was nothing, really." [I am NOT looking at him chewing on that lovely lip, I am NOT looking at his lips, I am NOT wondering what his lips would feel like, I am... lying to myself. Somebody help me...]

"Himura-san?" He said silkily, intent on catching the swordsman's attention. "You look depressed and, well, I wanted to apologize for anything I've said, or done, to hurt you."

Kenshin jumped a little in startlement. "Oh, no, no, you haven't hurt me at all. I'm fine, really I am..."

Kurama's eyes softened. "All right, Himura-san, but I don't want to offend you." He gathered up his dishes.

"Oh no, here, I should do that de gozaru--" Kenshin's sentence came to an abrupt halt when the two accidentally reached for the same bowl at the same time, hands touching in the process. The swordsman froze, mouth suddenly dry. [So this is what his hand feels like without a cover of material... soft and gentle and fiery and it gives me chills... oh my... I'm dizzy... why...]

Kurama glanced at Kenshin when he didn't remove his hand. "Himura-san, are you all right?" He asked, slightly alarmed. [He looks like he's going to faint.] The taller redhead quickly moved behind the other, ready to catch him in case he fainted, a hand touching his shoulder lightly.

Kenshin shuddered away from the touch. "Don't!" spilled out of his mouth involuntarily. "I know you don't mean it, but don't! Don't... please. It hurts."

Kurama pulled his hand back as though he had been burned. "I'm sorry - I didn't - I thought you were going to-" his eyes filled with tears. [I didn't mean to hurt him!] The fox demon ran out the door, stung, furiously slapping at the unchecked tears. He felt horrible. [I can stay in the forest until I figure out a way to get home.]

Back in the dojo, Kenshin realised that Kurama was taking off out the door at incredible speed. But Kenshin was extraordinarily fast himself, and immediately chased after him. "Kurama-dono! Please, wait! Come back!" [IDIOT! He was only trying to help you and now look at what you've done!] "Kurama-dono! Please, come back! I'm sorry, I didn't meant to insult you!"

Kurama stopped abruptly. "I told you I didn't want to hurt you. Why did you lie to me? Why did you tell me I wasn't?" His eyes were filled with pain; despite his lighthearted flirting, he really was a sensitive soul, and hated the thought of causing suffering to good people such as Kenshin was.

"Because." Kenshin's voice was a desperate, shame-filled whisper. "Because I... find you beautiful, and I can't imagine how you find me beautiful. Because I find you enticing, and I know that you cannot stay here forever, and you will leave me alone. And when you touched me, it hurt because it was as if you were unintentionally making a promise that you could not keep, and that hurt worst of all. I am sorry. None of this is your fault. Please, I understand if you despise my company, but at least please do not sleep outside here. If you do not wish to stay in the dojo, I will pay for you to stay at a nearby inn." It was the least he could do after hurting Kurama so badly.

Kurama shook his head, sniffing lightly. "I don't despise your company, I was just... hurt." He brushed his tears away on the cleaner of his two sleeves. "I-I'll stay, if you allow me to." [Even if I was angry enough to leave, I wouldn't; he might have not figured out that I'm not human, but others will.] "If - if it bothers you that I touch you, then I simply won't." So saying, he folded his arms behind his back.

"I... it didn't bother me..." Kenshin gave up on that for now. He'd try and apologise better once they were home. "Will you return to the dojo with me now?" He held out his hands in an open, pleading gesture.

Kurama rubbed his face against his own shoulder and nodded, walking back towards the dojo in silence. [Well, this has gone horribly wrong; I guess Hiei is right, and all this living with humans is starting to catch up with me.]

Kenshin trudged slowly beside him, despair etched into his face. [How is it that I only manage to hurt those I care for?] Looking at Kurama's face, tight with sadness, gave him twin urges to tear himself apart piece by piece and to throw his arms around him, kiss him and tell him he'd find someone else more worthy.

"I think I'm going to go to sleep, if you don't mind," Kurama murmured, slipping his hands into his pockets. He was depressed, lost, and was probably going to be stuck here for a long time. [Could things possibly get any worse?] As the thought crossed his mind, a thick bead of hot red liquid ran between his eyes. [Bleeding again; now things are worse.]

Kenshin nodded. "Of course, Kurama-dono. I'll just go and prepare some sleeping arrangements for you." He left the room, worrying about the wound re-opening -- Kurama was bleeding again. But it didn't seem like he'd let him treat it, so he'd have to place a bowl of water and a cloth in the room and hope Kurama would do it himself.

Kurama leaned against the wall inside the dojo as Kenshin walked past. Sighing, he wiped the blood away and licked his fingertips absently. [I'm not tired; I guess I'll just have to pretend to sleep until I am. I don't want him to think I'm avoiding him, even if I am-sort of.]

Later that night, Kenshin cautiously opened the door to his guest's room and slipped inside. [Just to make sure he is all right,] he told himself firmly. In the moonlight, he could see that the bowl of water and bottle of oil he'd provided for the wound had not been neglected, and the cloth was tied around Kurama's head, covering the injury. Kenshin caught his breath as the moon came out from behind a cloud and illuminated the slim figure fully. [He's so beautiful...]

Kurama awoke when he felt the presence of another enter the room. Turning on his side, he slit his eyes open to see that it was Kenshin. [He's probably just checking on me...No need to let him know you woke up.] He could see the red tresses shimmering around the swordsman's head, almost like a halo. [Like an angel... and an angel is too good for me.] Without realizing it, he sighed softly.

Kenshin's razor-sharp hearing caught the faint sigh. Instantly, he looked closer to see what he was sure was a faint glimmer of emerald green. "Kurama-dono? Are you awake?" he whispered. No point in waking him if he truly were asleep, after all.

"Yes," he admitted, opening his eyes a little wider. "Have you been to sleep yet?"

"No. I just wanted... to check on you... make sure you were all right. I'm sorry if I woke you."

"It's all right," Kurama sat up, "but, it's pretty late, and I don't want you to be tired tomorrow on my account."

Kenshin shook his head. "I will be fine." Allowing himself another sad, longing glance at that sweet face, he quickly turned and indicated the water and oil. "Do you mind if I check your wound?"

"No, please do. I don't usually dress my wounds."

Picking up the water bowl and the oil, Kenshin placed them beside Kurama's futon before kneeling down beside him and gently undoing the cloth. To his great surprise, and no little relief, the wound had indeed begun healing much more rapidly than normal, and was no longer nearly as deep as it had been. Gently, he wet the cloth and began cleaning the gash before applying the oil with his fingers tenderly, concentrating fiercely on the task at hand. [Be gentle. Don't hurt him. Be careful of the wound. Watch the wound. Not his skin. Not him.]

"How does it look?" The demon breathed, trying to surprises the shiver from the swordsman's touch. So close to him, he could detect the earthy smells that were Kenshin's personal scent. Kurama inhaled silently.

"It's healed a lot faster than I thought it would. And you're lucky, I don't think it will scar." Kenshin managed a weak joke, touching his own scarred face. "You wouldn't want a scar on your face, scars are permanent de gozaru."

"You're just as beautiful with the scar." It slipped out, but it was true; the X-shaped mark on his cheek added an edge to his otherwise feminine looks.

Kenshin's voice was soft, sad, faraway, his eyes in the moonlight heavy with an old remembered grief. "You wouldn't say that if you knew how I'd gotten this scar." [You'd hate me. As much as I hated myself. As much as I still do sometimes. How could I have doubted her? But... how could I have trusted her after being shown her diary?]

Kurama sighed, a mere puff of breath. "I doubt I would change my mind; after all, you can't tell what kind of horrible person I am, or was, just by looking at me."

"Perhaps. But I find it hard to believe that you could have ever been a horrible person." Kenshin was emotionally tired and wrung out after this day. Telling the truth seemed to slip out of him. "You treated me with nothing but respect and kindness, even when I hurt your feelings."

"I had no reason not to; you didn't mean to hurt me, as I didn't mean to hurt you." Kurama placed a hand down on the futon, close to one of Kenshin's, not quite touching, but close enough to feel the skin's warmth.

Kenshin closed his eyes for a moment. "Then perhaps we are more alike than either of us thought. Each of us hurt the other unintentionally. And each of us... believes the other is beautiful." This last was said in a tone of wonder.

"Yes, and, you are beautiful." He lifted his hand as though to touch the smaller man's face, but held it an inch away. [It hurt him when I touched him before. I don't want to do it again.]

Kenshin stared at Kurama for a second, caught in a turmoil. [run away please touch me don't touch me don't be so cruel don't take it away please touch me please let me think someone cares please something anyone help please...] Taking a deep breath, he slowly inclined his head until his scarred cheek was nestled in the palm of Kurama's hand.

Kurama gently brushed his palm over Kenshin's satiny cheek, over the papery flesh of the crossed scars. [So delicate...]

Kenshin closed his eyes, releasing his breath in a silent, shaky sigh that made his body tremble. [He'll leave. He'll have to. But if only for the moment... if I can have something that he's willing to give me... I need to take it. I need it. I'm sorry, I'm weak, but I need this love...]

"...all right, it's all right," The fox demon heard himself murmuring. [He's shaking.] Carefully, trying not to startle the other, he brushed a few loose strands out of his face, grazing the skin with his fingertips.

Kenshin whimpered slightly at the touch, the sound of need and loneliness warring with control and self-doubt. His hand rose up to clasp Kurama's hand, hold it to his face in case the taller youth decided to snatch it away, leave him bereft.

"Tell me what you want," he whispered, "I don't want to push you too far." He kept his touches light and careful.

"Anything..." Kenshin's voice was barely audible, a ghost of a whisper. "Please, I'll accept anything you want to give... as long as it isn't nothing. Please don't leave me with nothing."

"Kiss me," Kurama whispered, cradling the back of the swordsman's head and drawing it towards him until their lips were barely brushing.

The shorter man leaned forward, closing the gap between them, pressing his lips to Kurama's shyly, yet hungrily, needy. One hand tenderly stroked Kurama's forearm, giving as much gentle affection as he could, wanting to receive some in return but afraid to ask.

Kurama slipped a hand over Kenshin's shoulders, slowly sliding it down his back. He used the hand on his partner's head to press him closer, intent on deepening the kiss.

Kenshin pressed closer, moaning slightly into the touch, his lips slipping slightly open as he did so. Oh, he wanted this, he didn't care if it was temporary, if it was only once - he wanted this tender, delicate, thoughtful touch. He wanted to feel like someone found him special. Not the famous Hitokiri Battousai. Not the warrior of Hiten Mitsuryuugi Ryu. Not the friendly man who willingly helped with all the chores. Just him. Himura Kenshin, the man.

Kurama took advantage of the open mouth to dart his tongue in, tasting the inside of the other redhead's mouth. He was getting a heady feeling from the sweet shyness. [Not just beautiful. Perfect.]

Feeling the soft tongue slipping along inside his mouth, Kenshin languidly began to suck on it, wrapping his arms around Kurama. Everything felt so warm... Kurama was warm, the room was warm, HE was warm, despite the chilly night. In fact, some things were downright hot, he decided, tasting Kurama hungrily.

The taller boy moaned into Kenshin's mouth. [Where did he learn that, I wonder?] Almost without realizing it, he was drawing the swordsman closer, not stopping until their chests were pressed together.

Kenshin held onto Kurama's back tightly with one hand, reaching up to bury his other hand in sweet, red, silky hair so like his own. It felt strange, when he thought of it like that, but also strangely exciting. If this young man, who was similar to him in appearance, was so beautiful, then could he be so as well?

Kurama's hands quested over his back, trying to locate an opening in the clothing that would allow him to touch more of Kenshin's intoxicatingly silky skin. [They wore too many clothes back then], he decided, slightly frustrated. Giving up, he broke the kiss for much-needed air, tracing the scarred one's lower lip with his tongue.

The rurouni blinked as he realized Kurama seemed slightly... frustrated, though he hid it well. Finally realizing the reason for it when Kurama's hands traced a searching pattern over his back, he laughed softly. That one laugh broke the tension within him, shattered it. For that night, he would be free. "Here," he whispered as he began to take off his clothes, removing them with slow, sensual care.

Kurama made a soft sound of appreciation at the swordsman's slim, muscular torso. Wrapping his arms around the small of his back, he lowered his mouth to the pale flesh, tasting the oil that Kenshin had gotten on himself earlier faintly.

Gasping, Kenshin arched his back into that warm, wet touch, head falling back, red hair spilling across his shoulders as it began to work free of the ponytail. "Ku-Kurama... oh..."

"So beautiful," the kitsune murmured, drawing a stiff nipple into his mouth and suckling on it slowly.

"Ah..." the exclamation fell from stunned lips as Kenshin's body reacted strongly to sensations it had not felt in years. Someone else touching him, stimulating him... god... "Kurama," he moaned, "I..." with trembling hands, he clasped the body in front of him and bent his head, placing a reverent kiss on the other's hair.

"What is it?" He whispered huskily before laving his attention on the other bud of flesh. Loosening his grip a bit, he slid a hand over the wanderer's side, stroking his lower stomach, feeling the slender trail of silky hair that disappeared under the waistband of his hakama.

Biting his lip at the unspoken promise that hand was offering, Kenshin whispered huskily, "I showed you how to remove my clothing. Shouldn't you return the favour de gozaru?" He wanted to touch Kurama so.

Kurama blinked, then smiled, his eyes flashing. "I suppose it would be polite." With nimble fingers, he unbuttoned his school uniform shirt, removing the thin white shirt he wore under it as well.

Kenshin watched, a small part of his mind intriuged with the alien fastenings these clothes seemed to have, not to mention their strange texture, before forgetting such things entirely as Kurama's slim torso was exposed to his view. "Lovely," he whispered, drawing nearer to feel and touch that pale skin, so like white silk.

Still smiling, Kurama slipped his fingers into the long red locks, his eyes fluttering closed as he felt the warm mouth descending in his chest. [Ah, god, he's amazing.]

Kenshin sighed in pleasure as he felt Kurama's fingertips dancing along his scalp and in his hair, teasing at the ponytail. [Please, free my hair, loosen it...] he hoped silently. Only one other had ever done so, had ever been close enough...

Kurama's fingers brushed something foreign in the softness. [What's that? It must be a tie.] Slowly, as to not pull any of the strands out, he removed the binding, stroking the freed locks.

A muffled moan of appreciation was Kenshin's response as he continued to hungrily lave attention on Kurama's sweet chest, touching, tasting, roaming everywhere he could, from the throat to the waistband of the strange lower clothes. Massaging Kurama's shoulders as he kissed a tender nipple, he wondered how he could be so fortunate.

Kurama felt as though he was drowning in pleasure, his skin flushed and heated. Shaking slightly, he embraced the smaller man, falling back on the futon so that the lean figure would be spilled over his. Once on his back, he began easing a thigh between Kenshin's, rubbing his leg against the hardness there slowly.

A gasp of surprise flew from Kenshin's lips unbidden, as he licked at the other's throat, unable to get enough of such skin. [How... how does he know how to do this?] "Please, I like that... more, Kurama..." he pleaded softly.

The demon shivered at the warm, wet swipe. [I'll bet you like that], he couldn't help thinking smugly, grasping onto the loose cloth of the hakama and increased his pace, occasionally moving his leg in a slightly circular motion.

With a sound that sounded suspiciously like a near-sob, Kenshin suckled at that beautiful neck one last time before scooting down to tug ineffectually at those pants that were in the way.

Gently, Kurama batted his hands away, unfastening the button and pulling down the fly. "There," he whispered.

Smiling, Kenshin mouthed back a silent "Thank you" before grasping the waistband and pulling it down carefully, since it seemed to have no other fastenings. He was proved correct when Kurama lifted his hips to allow him to pull them off. Finally, they were off, and he decided that his hakama were much better -- they did not get tangled in feet.

Kurama laughed lightly at the frustrated sound Kenshin made upon seeing his snowy white boxers. "Let me get this off first," he murmured, reaching for the hakama.

With Kenshin's callused, delicate hands assisting Kurama's elegant nimble ones, the hakama was disposed of very quickly. Kenshin caught sight of Kurama trying to stifle a smile, then discovered why looking down. He chuckled a little himself, he couldn't help it. "It seems that no matter where you are from, underwear does not change a great deal de gozaru."

"I guess not," Kurama replied with a smile. He slid a hand down the top of the undergarment, inching his way down the heated skin.

Kenshin bit back a whimper as those magic fingers slid across his most sensitive skin, grazing lightly, cruelly past where he ached most for touch. Reaching for the other boy, he ran his hands over that incredible chest, exploring with his hands where his mouth had wandered earlier.

The fox demon fingered the silky curls that were nestled at the juncture of his thighs. It was strange how much their bodies were alike, and yet so different at the same time. Glancing at the swordsman, and seeing such sweet agony on his face, he took pity on him and gave his member a gentle squeeze.

A gasping moan of surprise and relief flew from Kenshin's lips as he pulled Kurama closer, tilting his head up, silently asking for and demanding a kiss. Kurama captured the soft lips in a searing kiss, his gentle fingers sheathing the rurouni and stroking him slowly.

Kenshin let his own hands languidly explore Kurama's back, free from cloth, trailing fingers in a blazing path down along the spine, but he hesitated when he came to the waistband. How much would Kurama allow?

"Do whatever you wish to me," The taller boy murmured, sensing the hesitation. The emphasize the words, he added another squeeze. With one final brush at the supple shoulders, sensitive spine, Kenshin tentatively slipped his hand underneath the waistband of Kurama's underclothes, softly touching the delicate, rounded flesh beneath his fingertips.

Kurama arched off the futon, allowing better access to his backside. "Kenshin," he breathed after a little more of the delicate touches, "will you take me? Make love to me?"

Kenshin's eyes flew open wide in surprise at that bold statement, mouth going suddenly dry, and his body seemed to start burning from within. "I... is that what you want?" he whispered, transfixed with disbelieving desire.

"Yes," he murmured, "I want that. I want... you." He looked into the deep, violet eyes, his own glittering with desire.

Kenshin felt like he was drowning in that wonderful deep gaze, green flecked with gold to create a blend that was intoxicating to behold. "I want you too. I... I will. Yes." Vaguely, he looked around, having to strive to concentrate on other matters. "We'll need, need..."

"Use the oil you put on my cut," Kurama whispered, wriggling out of his shorts. As Kenshin reached for it, he licked his lips in anticipation. [Oh god, I can barely believe this is happening.]

Taking the slender flask in his hands, Kenshin poured a small amount into his cupped palm, rubbing his hands together. A sudden urge hit him, and he reached down, touching Kuramna's chest, legs, hips, groin, rubbing gently and as sensually as he knew how. Kurama's skin began to gleam in the moonlight, a shine that only added to his beauty. The kitsune was writhing under the slick touches, his eyes clenched shut. [I wonder what it feels like to die from pleasure], he wondered briefly, lifting his hips off the bed to press against the swordsman.

Kenshin closed his eyes for a moment, heart warm in his chest. To see Kurama affected by him so... that HE had brought Kurama to this state... was almost more than he could bear. Opening his eyes to feast hungrily on the glistening skin beneath him, he leaned down to nip lightly at the pulse on Kurama's wrist.

"Uhn," Kurama gasped, surprised at the sharp jolt of pleasure that raced through him. He'd never expected his wrists to be so sensitive. "Do that again," he commanded huskily, moaning when Kenshin complied.

Kenshin eagerly suckled on the sweet slippery skin in his lips. [I never thought doing something so simple could feel so good, be so...] One oily hand drifted to his own chest and hips, touching and caressing, making him moan around Kurama's wrist.

"Kenshin," he groaned low, slick fingers sliding easily over the pulsing shaft "please, I want you now..."

Kenshin complied, pouring more oil into his hand, coating his fingers liberally before whispering, "How do you want to do this? I want you to be comfortable. Please, tell me which way..." He trailed off, not sure if he'd gotten his point across. He wanted Kurama to choose the position.

Kurama moved around a bit, spreading his legs. "Like this. I want to see your face when you take me." Leaning up, he kissed the wanderer once, lightly.

Nodding, Kenshin returned the kiss, letting his fingers explore and lightly brush Kurama's genitals and perinium before finding the entrance he sought. Slowly, he eased a finger into that tight hole, surprised at the heat that radiated onto him, pressing. Kurama squirmed a bit; this part always took adjusting. Sighing, he began to relax as the digit touched him so intimately, spreading his legs a little wider.

"Am I hurting you?" whispered the concerned rurouni, halting his preparations to ease a second oiled finger into his lover. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Kurama, not again.

"No, no, not at all. If feels good," Kurama assured him, his eyes sliding half-mast. "Please, don't stop."

Carefully, Kenshin added a second finger to the first, doing his best to spread the oil around, to stretch and prepare Kurama for their joining, what they both wanted so much. Not wanting to take chances, he slid a third finger in as well, searching for that spot inside... And the fox demon cried out, throwing his head back and panting. "Kenshin," He moaned, writhing against his hand.

Kenshin smiled softly, and stroked against that spot one last time before withdrawing his fingers, covering his hands with oil from the bottle one last time and stroking it over his erection. Placing Kurama's leg over his shoulder, he whispered "Ready?"

Kurama nodded, bracing himself. "Yes, I'm ready." He bit his lip as Kenshin first entered him. [I forgot how it hurts at first...] Seeing the pained look on his lover's face, Kenshin bit his own lip and controlled himself, easing in as gently as he could, stroking the porcelain face with one hand.

"I'm okay," Kurama assured the flawed beauty. "I just need to get used to it." Kurama nuzzled against his hand gently. "I'm all right now, really."

"You're sure?" Kenshin whispered doubtfully. To ease any remaining sting, he showered kisses upon Kurama's face before reaching down and using one slick hand to stroke the hard erection pressing against his belly.

"Yess," Kurama replied, his sylibants hissing slightly. [Oh, I've missed this so much...] He arched up at the touch, eyes sliding closed.

Gasping at the beautiful sight before him, at Kurama reaching into the touch, demanding more of him, Kenshin began to thrust, not hard, but just hard enough. Gripping onto Kurama's hips as best he could with slippery hands, he angled himself to try and hit that special spot yet again.

"Oh, god!" Kurama cried, shakily tilting his head back. It was almost too much; Kenshin's beautiful face above him, slender fingers around him, throbbing erection inside... The kitsune moaned.

[So tight, so hot... so lovely...] "Oh..." Kenshin held on tight to Kurama as he thrust steadily into him, almost afraid he'd disappear here and now. "Wonderful," he muttered. "Beautiful incredible gorgeous..."

"Harder," Kurama whispered softly "please, Kenshin." He could almost hear his blood singing through his veins, and he opened his eyes. He gazed at the wanderer through a glaze of pleasure. [Perfect...]

Kenshin complied, his body urging him on, Kurama's meeting his own in an eager dance of lust and need and thick, sweet desire. He felt as if his body was made of burning ice. Everything was focused down to Kurama -- his sweet-scented hair, his lovely flushed face, his slender, writhing body, gleaming with oil and perspiration.

Kurama felt the slow burn within reaching its boiling point, and he bit his lip. "Kenshin," he murmured, then moaned sharply as his climax took over, shuddering, his inner walls clamping down as his muscles tensed. Through all this, he kept his eyes open so that his partner could see the intense look in them. One look in those eyes and Kenshin was gone. Crying out softly, he reached the pinnacle, his back arching, hair flying, heated body trembling. "So beautiful," Kenshin panted through his orgasmic haze, staring at the rurouni. He reached up and cupped his face, kissing him lightly.

Kenshin looked down, hair spilling over his face, Kurama's chest. "You," he whispered, so softly it could barely be heard... "you, you, you..." over and over again like a mantra, a prayer of gratitude.

"It was wonderful," the demon whispered, stroking the delicate face. "You're wonderful. Beautiful." his voice fell to a whisper. "Perfect." In answer, Kenshin slowly lowered himself down until he was cradled on Kurama's smooth, shining chest, hair spilling around him like a red halo, holding the taller youth in a tight embrace, nuzzling at his neck. "You... thank you, Kurama. Thank you. How can I show you how much I have to be grateful for? You gave me love, made me feel desired and desirable. Even if it was only for one night, thank you so..."

Kurama's heart grew warm at the words. [I didn't know how much this meant to him.] "You don't need to thank me," he whispered "you gave me a gift by making love to me. I should thank you." He wrapped his arms around Kenshin's neck and nuzzled against his head.

"Mmmm," Kenshin muttered, basking in the afterglow, snuggling even closer. "Wish you didn't have to go... I know you will, but I wish..." He trailed off, and smiled weakly. "Never mind."

"Kenshin," Kurama whispered, "I wish I had met you in your time; you're the kind of person one could lose their heart to." He smiled sadly. "But if you knew what I was, you wouldn't want me."

"And if you knew my history... you would not want me." Kenshin and Kurama shared rueful smiles. Their pasts would always haunt them. Kenshin brushed his hand against Kurama's cheek. "But you should not let the past rule you forever. If it pursues you, it pursues you. But do not wallow in it. There is the present to be lived. My friends here have taught me that."

[He doesn't understand], Kurama thought with a wry smile. "Let's sleep," he murmured "and talk in the morning." He pressed closer to Kenshin's warmth, and closed his eyes. [Ah, I hope I don't wake to find this was all a beautiful dream.]

[He couldn't accept the truth of what I said,] Kenshin though sadly. Not that he could truly blame him - he was having a hard time living his own advice. It was one day at a time, and every time a menace from his past came to haunt his friends, he wondered if it was truly worth putting them in danger for his own loneliness. But he knew they would strenuously object to any other way.

As Kurama slept, he dreamt he was in his true kitsune form, chasing a red shadow. Every time he would get close enough to catch, it slipped through his fingers. Frustrated, he awoke, the predawn light shining gently on his face.

Kenshin dreamed a strange, disturbing dream... he was running, from a silver ghost behind him. Half of him screamed, ached to turn back, sure that the silver creature meant no harm, and only wanted to be kind. But the other half of him, his physical self fled, and he had no option but to travel with it. In his sleep, his grip unconsciously tightened on Kurama.

"What are you dreaming about, I wonder?" The taller redhead whispered, kissing his slack lips gently. Kenshin shifted slightly in his sleep, tense body relaxing, a light smile touching his face.

Kurama smiled as well, but the smile faded as his thoughts turned serious. [I wish I could stay with him, but my friends will be worried sick... and will probably come after me anyway...] He sighed silently. [What am I going to do?]

The next morning, Kenshin arose silently, slipping off the sleeping body of Kurama, who had finally dozed off again after much troubled thought. Looking out the window, he was alarmed at how bright it was. [Oro! I'm late.] Slipping hastily into his clothes, he ran out into the yard, quickly gathering up the laundry and beginning his daily chores. He was sure Kaoru-dono was back by now, and he didn't want to face her wrath at all!

Yawning, Kurama woke soon after feeling the warmth leave him. "Kenshin?" He murmured sleepily. Upon hearing no reply, he opened his eyes. [Hn. Must have woken up and left already.] Sighing, Kurama pulled his clothes on.

"Oi, Kurama!" A voice behind Kenshin made him turn. "Oro?" For the second time in as many days, he found himself face to face with people that were, well, strange. Only these three were a lot stranger than Kurama could ever be. One looked a lot like Yahiko, come to think of it... "Kurama! Man, I'm glad we found you at last... hey, wait a minute..."

Kenshin smiled at him. "No, I am not Kurama de gozaru. Are you his friends? He is here, and his injuries were minor. They have all but healed." Inwardly, his heart ached furiously. So, this was it. Kurama would leave now. [So soon... I thought I would at least have the morning!]

Kurama strolled outside in time to see his friends harassing Kenshin. [They found me.] Somehow, he felt disappointed. [I was hoping we could have another day or two. Sighing, he walked over to them, his hand shoved into his pockets.

"Hn. Baka." Hiei was never one for the outside sympathy, though inside he was quite relieved. It had been very difficult for Koenma to find Kurama, and though Hiei would not admit it, he had worried about his friend.

Kurama smiled half-heartedly at his friends. "It took you long enough," he said, trying to joke. The youko stopped next to Kenshin, looking at the older man out of the corner of his eye.

Kenshin smiled, successfully masking his pain to all but the other redhead. "It seems you will be leaving now de gozaru. I wish you the best of luck," he said sincerely. He wanted to give Kurama at least a kiss in farewell, but he didn't wish to embarrass the younger boy in front of his friends.

Kurama coughed lightly and looked at his friends. "Could you give me a moment, please?" The others looked surprised by the request, but wandered off a bit, leaving the two redheads alone. Sighing, the kitsune reached out and took Kenshin's hands.

Squeezing softly, Kenshin whispered, "Return home happy. That's all I ask of you, all I want from you. Please be happy."

Kurama sighed. "I'll miss you," he whispered, kissing the shorter one gently.

"As I will miss you," was the soft reply, murmured in short breaks in the last sweet kiss. Finally, reluctantly, Kenshin broke away, touching Kurama's face one last time. "They'll be missing you, wondering what's taking you so long de gozaru," he said, eyes glistening suspiciously brightly.

The taller one sighed. "You're right," he replied softly, nuzzling his palm. "Good-bye, Kenshin." [If I could find a way back here...though I probably never can...I would return.]

"Farewell, Kurama. Remember me. I shall remember you." Kenshin smiled, even as behind him the sounds of the dojo inhabitants slowly coming to life, and a strange sound around the corner no doubt indicated Kurama's imminent departure, a return to their normal lives for both of them. Normal lives, without each other.