I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. This is the story connecting "Longing for the Thorns" and "Flames of the Dragon". If you have not read both, this first chapter may not make sense. Please read the above stories before proceeding, now.

Chapter One- Fox and Dragon

I want you to have my heart, Kurama because I love you.

Hiei gazed at Kurama who stood on the other side of the boat's deck as it sailed away from Hanging Neck Island. The thoughts he had last night chased themselves in his head, particularly the last line.

He respected Kurama, yes. He even considered him a friend, but love? Did he love Kurama? He found him attractive when he was Yoko, but his current human form was also attractive.

How could I tell him? The thought came unbidden to his mind and he smirked at the irony. He had faced down thousands of bloodthirsty demons in his life without an ounce of fear, but he couldn't bring himself to confess his feelings to the one he loved.

He mentally shook his head. Why was he thinking like this? He shouldn't be afraid to tell him. He should just march right over to Kurama and say it. The only consequences would be either Kurama accepted his affection or he didn't. With his mind made up, he turned and headed for Kurama.

Hiei, I love you.

Kurama sighed as a breeze ruffled his hair. His midnight musings on the fire wielder were still on his mind. He was in love with Hiei, he couldn't deny it. The only thing was he couldn't tell Hiei. He was pretty sure Hiei didn't feel the same way. It was likely the fire demon would scoff at him.

What would Hiei say if I said I was in love with someone, but was afraid to confess? he mused. He paused for a minute before his lips curled into a smirk. Of course. Hiei would most likely say, "Hn. Kitsune no baka. There's no reason to not confess. Quit acting like a lovesick ningen girl and just do it."

Yes, Hiei would say something like that. Truth be known, this was sound advice no matter who said it. Yes, better to get it out rather than keep silent and end up regretting it later in life.

"Kurama."

The redhead looked to his right to see Hiei looking at him. He looked as if he was on a mission. His squared shoulders and determined expression were proof of that.

"Yes, Hiei?"

"I want to tell you something."

"You know you can tell me anything."

"I know." Hiei's mouth suddenly felt dry. It had seemed so easy when he imagined confessing, but faced with the moment of truth, he now felt nervous.

I need a conversation starter. Wait, I got it!

"You fought nicely in the tournament. I enjoyed seeing you fight," Hiei said.

Kurama smiled. "I too enjoyed your fights. I saw every move you made."

Hiei heard the tone of relish in Kurama's voice and knew he could confess very shortly. He had hoped to hear exactly what he was hearing now.

"I will never forget when I saw you as Yoko in the semifinals."

"I imagine it was the power I had that interested you."

"Hn, of course not. It was your beauty I was interested in."

"Really?"

"Yes. I knew of your reputation for one-night stands."

"An aspect of my life I am not proud of, truthfully."

"A part of me wouldn't have minded if I had been one of those flings. My pride kept me from following that impulse."

"A wise decision."

"I still have that impulse and this time my pride doesn't matter."

"What are you saying, Hiei?"

"I want you have my heart, Kurama…because I love you."

Kurama blinked a couple of times as he stared into Hiei's red eyes. His heart began to beat harder and faster. Hiei loved him. It was more than he dared to hope.

Hiei's comment about his one-night stands came back to him. He had said that those flings were an aspect of his life that he wasn't proud of. That wasn't really true. When he took a demon to his bed, it was part of the plan to claim his prize. He wasn't looking to take a mate. His "victims" had thought otherwise…

…except for Hiei. He knew what Yoko had been up to all along. Yet, he too had longed to be robbed by the King of Thieves and what he had wanted stolen was his heart. It didn't matter to him that Yoko felt no love for those he slept with.

All this went through Kurama's mind in a matter of seconds before he said, "I am pleased to hear you say that, Hiei because I want to tell you this: Hiei, I love you."

Hiei's eyes widened for a moment before returning to normal size and a smirk came to his face. "That's a relief. I had hoped I wasn't making a fool out of myself."

"You're no fool, Hiei." Kurama turned Hiei around so that they were facing the same direction before pulling him to his chest. Hiei stiffened briefly before melting into the embrace, his head resting against Kurama's chest. The two demons stayed that way as the island disappeared from sight.