Part 6
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"So, do you know of anything that might help?" Kurama asked the toddler sitting behind the desk.

Koenma chewed thoughtfully on his pacifier. "Have you thought about using that time plant you took during the Ankoku Bujutsukai?"

Kurama shook his head. "That won't work. It's used for regression, not progression. Besides, I don't have any of that on hand."

"Hmmm." Koenma scratched his head. "I dunno. Maybe you should try talking to the youkai who concocted that potion..."

"But Koenma-san," Kurama interrupted, face shining with innocence. "He's in the Makai...remember? You know we're not allowed to go there without permission..."

Koenma gave him a narrow-eyed look. "Why, you sneaky fox!"

"Who? Me?" Butter wouldn't melt in Kurama's mouth.

Koenma snorted. That damn kitsune! He could feel himself being skillfully manipulated into a decision he just KNEW he would regret. Damn. He was going to get him for this.

"Very well, "he said, glaring at the redheaded youko. "I'll grant you permission to go to the Makai. However..." he added as Kurama's face lit up. "I expect you to behave yourself. No scandals, no Incidents, is that clear?"

Kurama gave him a mischievous grin. "Trust me."

Koenma rolled his eyes. He had a strong feeling of Impending Doom. *sigh* What had he ever done to deserve this?

* * * * *

Hiei-chan attached himself to Kurama's waist the moment the young man climbed over the last step leading to Genkai's temple.

"Oomph!" Kurama stumbled back, blinking. "What are you DOING Hiei?"

Hiei-chan rubbed his cheek against Kurama's chest. "Where've you been, Kurama-chan? I missed you," he said, pouting adorably. "Let's go play," he continued, heading for the woods, dragging Kurama along with him.

"Chotto matte, Hiei! We have other things to- are you even listening to me? Oi!" Kurama's protesting voice drifted back towards the two watching from the temple garden. Genkai smirked as she turned to go back inside. Kurama didn't stand a chance.

* * * * *

Kurama collapsed under the tree with a loud thud. he thought, unmindful of the fact that he was technically only nineteen years old. Looking over at Hiei-chan, who was still running happily around the little clearing, he scowled.

Hiei-chan turned to look at him and smiled. Kurama immediately braced himself. With a gleeful whoop, Hiei-chan launched himself at Kurama, landing on the unfortunate young man's stomach.

"Hiei....could you please NOT do that?" he asked, gasping for breath.

Hiei-chan stared into his eyes, his face suddenly serious. "Ne, Kurama-chan?"

"What?" Kurama asked warily.

Hiei-chan started to fiddle with the buttons on Kurama's shirt. "Do you...like me?"

Kurama blinked. Did Hiei KNOW? "Well...I.."

Hiei-chan stared at him expectantly, an anxious expression in his crimson eyes.

Kurama's inhibitions gave up the fight with a defeated whimper. "Of course I like you Hiei."

Hiei continued to stare at him. "Do you love me then?"

Kurama closed his eyes, and nodded helplessly. "Yes," he sighed. "Inari help me, but I DO love you Hiei." He waited tensely for Hiei-chan to turn away from him in disgust.

Hiei-chan suddenly gave an excited squeal and wrapped his arms around Kurama. Kurama's eyes opened wide in surprise. "You...don't mind, Hiei?"

Hiei-chan gave him a happy smile. "I love you too, Kurama-chan."

"You-you do?"

Hiei-chan nodded. "Ne, Kurama-chan?"

"What is it, Hiei?" Kurama asked, his mind still reeling from Hiei's shocking revelation.

"Will you marry me when I grow up?"