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Shiori crept down the hall and paused outside of her sons room. She had come home early from her visit to her cousins and as she had opened the door she sensed two presence within but did not panic as she it was as familiars as her son.

She smiled secretly; her beautiful son still thought she knew nothing of his 'other life.'

She didn't know details but she knew it was nothing ordinary. She had always been able to sense things if they where strong enough, some other worldly things. She had noticed the change within Suichi around the age of five. She had decided to wait until he was ready to share with her.

She had always worried, especially when she had noticed an increase in her son aura. It soon accompanied her unusual friends and long absences filled with unmistakable danger, not only to the body but to the soul. Shiori naturally worried as any mother would but she couldn't help but feel some peace knowing Hiei was with him.

She had come to love the troubled and anti-social orphan as her own son and did everything she could to make him feel welcomed when ever he made an appearance. She noticed how protective the man was of her son even though he tried to hide it.

Opening the door she peeked in and smiled lovingly at the scene. Unable to resist she walked quietly to the bedside and her heart filled with joy.

Suichi had Hiei wrapped up in his arms protectively. His head rested on the soft looking hair and a content smile peeked out from the black upswept hair. Hiei's expression was harder to see as he was snuggled against the red head, his pixie face buried in the slender neck.

Shiori lifted the blankets over their naked chest pausing momentarily when something caught her attention. It looked like necklaces but it was hard to tell. Deciding to find out later that day she let the blanket fall.

Bending over she placed a soft kiss on Suichi's cheek. He murmured something that sounded like "fire baby' and snuggled closer to his boyfriend. When she turned to kiss Hiei she was startled to find ruby eyes looking at her alertly but warily.

'Poor thing. He thinks I am going to disapprove. His eyes are always so guarded but this time…' she thought sadly as she gazed at the man. His eyes clearly showed he expected to be rejected.

Sitting on the bed Shiori reached a hand to his cheek and her heart clenched painfully when Hiei winced and shut his eyes the only indication of fear. It was obvious he did not want to awaken the sleeping man next to him.

Hiei's eyes snapped open when he felt a warm soothing hand on his cheek. Looking wonderingly at the woman next to him he was further startled when she smiled. Vaguely Hiei thought this was what Kurama had grown up with.

Whispering so she would not awaken her son or scare Hiei further "I'm glad you are here, Hiei. Later when you both wake up make sure to come down for breakfast, okay?" she asked not waiting for an answer. Leaning down she kissed his cheek and pushed back red hair that had fallen over his pixie face.

Hiei stared at the closed door for a long time before a tiny smile creped onto his face. Snuggling closer to his fox he saw his future coming up in roses.

-.o.0.o.-

It was a week later that Hiei found himself sitting across from the one human woman that had wormed her way into his battered heart to lay claim next to the one person she had given birth to.

It was some stupid ningen tradition they had to celebrate, much to Kurama's insistence. It wasn't until Kurama had explained what it was for that the stubborn fire demon had accepted.

He had taken off and had just returned that day much to Kurama's puzzlement and concern.

Hiei was brought back when he heard Shiori calling his name. Giving a gruff grunt he focused on her. Shiori only smiled "I'm so glad you made it today. I was just telling Su..I mean Kurama that I was very surprised and happy you would join us."

Hiei just nodded his head and looked away a slight blush covering his face. The Minaminos exchanged amused smiles.

Kurama had decided to tell Shiori his secret after Hiei had told him about her late night visit to his room. Hiei was not as surprised as Kurama when Shiori accepted it easily enough. In fact she had been excited and had hugged both boys when they had told her they where mates, insisting they tell her everything.

They had opted to leave some of the most painful memories to themselves. After they had finished, more Kurama than Hiei really, telling her Shiori had been wide eyed and momentarily speechless. Reaching for Hiei's hand she had insisted he call her mother and every time he came to properly greet her.

There was a twinkle in her eye as she said and she laughed delightedly along with her soon when the little ice apparition blushed.

Kurama stood and began collecting the plates where a delicious dinner, courtesy of Hiei and himself, had once been. "Why don't you two go to the living room while I serve up dessert?" Kurama suggested.

Hiei flashed panicked eyes at Kurama, not wanting to be alone with Shiori, but he was dragged away by a gentle but firm hand.

Shortly after Kurama came back with a tray containing Hiei's favorite treat. Placing the tray on the table he gave each a bowl of sweet snow. Kurama sat next to Hiei on the couch facing the chair Shiori had opted for.

"Mother," Kurama began "I don't have enough words to thank you for all you have done. You taught me love, and gave it to me unconditionally. You have been supportive and accepting despite everything I have told you, something no ordinary person would do."

Shiori looked at her son with tears in her eyes. Human or not Suichi or Kurama , he would always be her baby.

"All I can say is thank you and I love you Mother" he finished while handing her a wrapped box. Taking it with shaky hands she did not miss Hieis hand grasping Kurama's slightly trembling one.

Tearing the wrappings away a soft gasp left her lips. It was photo album made of wood a beautiful rose carved on the cover. Opening it Shiori could not hold back the tears. The first page had a picture of herself pregnant with Suichi and the one below it of her holding Suichi for the first time.

Flipping through the pages she saw her little boy grow up and a smiled when she realized a shadow in the background on most of the pictures after Suichi had become a teenager. There where some of Hiei and Kurama, others of the whole Reikai Tentei.

She smiled trough her tears and gave a watery laugh when she flipped to the last page. One lone picture dominated the page with vines and full bloom white roses bordered the picture.

The picture was taken recently. It was of the three of them in the park. After the not so awkward breakfast they had decided to have a picnic and towards the end of the day Shiori had insisted on a picture.

Shiori was sitting on a blanket of lush grass with a disgruntled Hiei beside her. She had one arm wrapped around his waist and her head resting on Hiei black clad shoulder. The fire apparition's face conveyed the look of disbelief, longing and …happiness. Kurama was standing besides the sitting pair bending down slightly to wrap and arm around each of his families shoulder.

Shirori held Kurama's hand with her free one and Hiei had lifted a single hand to clutch at the green sleeve that was angled down his chest. Kurama was laughing at the camera his eyes reflecting the joy and love that had filled him.

Standing Shiori carefully placed the precious album on the counter and fell into her sons waiting arms. They hugged tightly conveying many emotions trough the contact. Finally pulling back she kissed his cheek and whispered an "I love you"

Turning she was surprised to see a simple black box next to the album. Slowly she reached for it and gave a puzzled look to her son, he merely smiled and shrugged. Turning her gaze to Hiei she shook her head amused. Hiei had his normal stoic face leaning back against the armrest.

Opening the box slowly she opened her mouth but no words passed her lips. Her eyes where wide and filled with wonder. Curious Kurama leaned over and gasped. Turning shocked eyes Kurama saw Hiei eating his sweet snow unperturbed except for the slight tinge of red in his cheeks.

Slowly Shiori lifted the delicate gift from its satiny cushion. Nestled in her palm was a beautiful necklace. A silver rose was in full bloom each petal and leaf intricately carved. Shiori's eyes filled once again and spilled in silent tears.

There was an unusual stone embedded in the middle of the rose. The precious stone glimmering a blood red that was swallowed by black only to resurface again. On the thick stem the word 'Mother' was inscribed in kanji.

Shiori knew she had seen this stone some where before but at the moment she was focused on the beautiful gift. Turning she looked questioning eyes to her son only to receive a slight smile. He tilted his red head to the quiet demon beside him.

She stood up slowly on wobbly legs and kneeled before the quiet demon. Whispering his name she waited until he lifted his head before she wrapped her arms around the startled apparition. She squeezed him tightly and after a few hesitant moments she felt tentive arms wrap around her.

More tears streamed down her face when the arms contracted painfully around her, but she did not care. Hiei hung onto the woman desperately uncaring at the moment of how weak he might seem, this was the closest he had ever been to something akin to a mothers love.

Hiei felt a stinging sensation when he heard her soft words. "I love you, my son." Leaning back Shiori smiled and kissed his cheek. Offering the gift she asked "Would you do the honors Hiei?"

Shyly Hiei accepted the pendant and clasped it around her neck with slightly shaking hands, gifting Shirori with a half smile when she grabbed on of his hands and squeezed it before kissing him again and standing up.

They spent a few more minutes together, just sitting in silence enjoying the company, Shiori sitting between her two boys. About an hour later Shiori bid them good night and retired to her room after kissing and thanking the boys once again.

They sat in companiable silence after Shiori had left. Turning to Hiei he spoke softly "Thank you Fire Baby. You made mothers day today." When he only got "Hn" in response he smiled and kissed Hieis cheek.

"I am a little puzzled. Where did you get it? I doubt you would ever let anyone near one of your tears." Hiei tensed and looked around the room uneasily. Kurama frowned.

Hiei stood up abruptly and started walking to Kurama's room "I need to go out, I'll be back soon we can talk then."

Kurama sat stunned on the couch before jumping to his feet and running after Hiei. He was relieved to see Hiei standing near the window. "Hiei did I do something wrong?" he asked worriedly.

"No Fox, it's not you. I…need to do something tonight." Kurama was troughly confused. "You just came back from Makai." he protested.

Hiei turned to face him and it looked like he was debating with himself. A vise tightened painfully around Kuramas heart, apparently Hiei did not trust or did not want Kurama to know or share in whatever he had to do.

"It's fine Hiei, I'll wait for you here." Kurama finally said hoping none of his hurt showed in his voice. Hiei must have heard it though because he flinched.

Hiei walked towards Kurama and took the cold hands in his "No, I'm sorry. It's still hard for me to…share." he whispered. Hiei began pulling an unresisting Kurama to the window. "Come with me." Hiei offered.

Kurama gazed into ruby eyes seeing nothing but acceptance and slight pleading. The uneasiness in Hiei eyes made him hesitate. "It's fine, honestly. Don't worry about me."

Hiei shook his head "I want you to come" he said almost forcefully. His tense shoulders relaxed when Kurama smiled and nodded his head "Let me get my jacket and shoes." He was startled when Hiei did not release his hand.

He looked up to see Hiei smirking playfully. "Foxes don't wear shoes." was all he said before jumping out the window. A thrill went trough Kurama as he caught the meaning of Hiei's words.

Raising his youkai he transformed into a beautiful silver fox with four tails. Yipping excitedly he launched himself into the air confident his mate would catch him and he wasn't disappointed.

"Crazy Fox" Hiei muttered after Kurams liked his face with a warm tongue. Putting the fox down he raced into the night the silver fox close to his heels.

Kurama was thrilled at the chance to run around and momentarily forgot the questions in the chase. It wasn't until they entered Genkai's ground that his questions resurfaced. Kurama followed Hiei into the forest and sat patiently next to him when Hiei stopped.

Seeing the nervous expression in his lovers face Kurama felt worry enter his small frame. Wanting to help Kurama climbed up Hieis black pants and shirt. Hiei stiffened when he felt Kurama crawling up his body but relaxed when he felt the silk and heat against his body.

He grinned a little when Kurama's head popped out of his cloak, his black little nose twitching while intelligent and compassionate eyes asked silent questions.

Hiei's insecurities melted away as he nuzzled the soft head with his cheek. A tiny smile gracing his face when he felt more than heard the soft purring his fox was emitting.

That was how Yukina found them. She did not want to interrupt the touching scene but unfortunately Hiei had sensed her. Lifting his head the smile disappeared to be replaced with slightly tinged cheeks.

Yukina giggled when Kurama turned around and yipped a greeting at her. Kurama sensed this was something important to both of them and despite Hiei's invitation he quickly climbed back down Hiei's body making sure his sharp nails did not rake Hiei.

Once on the forest floor Kurama shivered from the cold. After being against Hiei's warm body the cool night air was nearly frosty to his warm blood. Hiei saw Kurama shiver and scooped the surprised fox in his arms.

Hiei walked to the nearest tree and was pleased to see a hollow at its base with a large smooth rock at its entrance and partially buried within. Setting Kurama down Hiei waited until his fox had made himself comfortable in the little nook before he heated the rocks to keep his fox warm.

Hiei scratched the fox ears when Kurama licked his fingers in a silent thank you and show of affection. Straightening up he walked to his sister who had been waiting patiently for him.

He blushed at the tender smile Yukina had. They twins stared for at each other for a long time before Yukina broke the silence.

"I thought you had forgotten, brother."

Hiei shook his head slowly "I had to do something before, I'm sorry."

In his warm and comfortable place near them Kurama's ears flattened against his head. Hiei was clearly talking about his evening with his mother and him. Kurama felt guilty for keeping Hiei with him and compromising him to something with out knowing if he had something to do before.

His attention was captured when he heard Yukina's gasp. Kurama's heart began to pound wildly and his blood raced. Old feeing surged back to him, feelings that had lain dormant for a long time as he gazed at the beauty Hiei held. Kurama's thief heart sang.

Dangling from Hiei's fingers was an exquisite and one of a kind necklace.

The chain was a blend of silver and gold, the design intricate and clearly defined. What made it precious however was what the chain contained. Two molten red precious stones where surrounding a crystal diamond that lay horizontal on the chain. Within the crystal diamond was a sky blue tear gem.

Hiei words where almost to low to hear "Now you will have your family with you always, little sister."

A single tear rolled down Yukinas cheek only to be captured by Hiei's thumb. Yukina threw herself into her brothers arms. After a moment of hesitation Hiei wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.

After a few minutes Hiei pulled back and clasped the gift around his sisters neck.

"I also have a gift for you." Yukina said while taking Hiei's hand in one of her own. She led the hand to her stomach and placed it flat against it "The gift of a niece or nephew that will love his uncle as much as his mother does." she whispered.

Hiei's startled gaze flew to eyes so like his own. He stared at his twin for a long time before closing his eyes and allowing the jagon to glow. Opening his eyes he smiled gently at his sister.

Kurama couldn't help himself, he ran towards the siblings in time to hear something that shocked him enough to have him tumble over his own feet. Landing against Hiei he looked up dumbly at his mate.

"Happy Birthday"

Shaking his momentary paralysis Kurama jumped to his feet and transformed. He hugged Yukina "Congratulations!" he said joyously. Laughing Yukina returned the hug.

Hiei and Kurama walked Yukina back to the temple. Kurama listened and commented while Yukina talked excitedly about the baby, Hiei grunting or nodding his head when questions where directed at him.

At the steps of the temple Kuwabara was waiting anxiously for his wife a cup of tea and blanket ready for her. Yukina giggled and Kurama chuckled, Hiei merely grunted and rolled his eyes. Kissing Yukina's cheek lightly Kurama transformed back into the adorable silver fox and waved his tails at Kuwabara as a greeting before fleeting off into the forest to wait for his mate.

After a last hug and take care Hiei flitted away. Stopping he called over his shoulder, "As long as it looks nothing like the oaf or take after him we should be fine." Smirking he ran after his mate ignoring Kuwabara's angry yelling.

Feeling his mates ki he followed it to the beach. He found him curled up under the tree they had met under, four years ago when Hiei had returned from Makai. Kurama had wrapped his tails around himself in an effort to keep himself warm from the ocean breeze that blew his way.

Sensing his mate behind him Kurama changed to his human form and waited for Hiei to make the first move. He gasped when he was picked up bridal style for the second time. Kurama wrapped his arms around Hiei's neck while his mate jumped from branch to branch looking for one that would support their combined weight and still give them the view he desired.

Finding one near the top Hiei sat down so his back was braced against the sturdy trunk and re arranged his slightly cold red head so his back was against Hiei's chest. Hiei wrapped his arms around Kurama's waist and intertwined their fingers when Kurama covered his small hands with his own.

Kurama snuggled back against his lover and gave a content sigh when Hiei raised his ki warming his previously cold limbs.

A few minutes of silence passed between them before Kurama spoke up "Where did you get the necklace? I doubt you would relinquish them to anyone you did not trust and I know none of our group members can do that." After silence greeted him he frowned and mused out loud "It …felt familiar somehow."

He fell silent when Hiei's arm tightened a fraction around him.

"I made it"

Kurama's mouth dropped open and he tried to twist around to face Hiei. He was unable to however as Hiei tightened his arms once again. Kurama settled against his mates chest once again and waited impatiently for Hiei to continue.

"As you know I used my own tears and my mothers tears. The reason it felt so familiar was because I used my koorime heritage to manifest that crystal diamond that holds my mothers tear gem."

Shocked silence followed as Kurama's mind whirled with the new information. He had though he knew everything, or at least more than anyone else about Hiei but here where things he had never known in all the longs years they had known each other. He couldn't help but feel a little hurt.

"I was going to tell you everything." Kurama heard Hiei say in a soft, nearly inaudible voice. "But it simply never came up in our conversations. I was going to tell you last week about today but then you mentioned this Mothers Day thing and I thought it was more important. It wasn't that I wanted to keep my birth date a secret or the fact that I can use some techniques from the Koorime. I just…didn't know how to tell you." Hiei finished lamely.

Kurama closed his eyes. He knew Hiei had, had a hard life and opening up was not an easy thing. And Hiei did have a point; things like that just didn't come up in normal, at least their idea of normal, conversations. What saddened him was that he thought something important such as his birth was insignificant though he could see where the notion came from.

Kurama turned his head and nuzzled his face into Hiei's throat inhaling his mates scent and warmth. He was pleased when Hiei returned his gestures of affection with little nudges and rubs of his own.

"I love you Hiei and it will be my pleasure and joy to discover the many layers there are of you in the coming years of our lives together."

The first rays of light peeked over the ocean to illuminate the couple as they kissed to seal the promise of their happy future together.

-.o.0.o.-

Gazing at the burning star that reflected their love the couple missed the silent shadow of a tall woman with powder blue hair and simple blue kimono that gazed up at them with a proud and loving smile as a single tear rolled down her cheek to solidify and crystallize into the tear gem that would one day hang proudly from her first born grandsons katana and a smirk rivaling his fathers.

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