Pre-claimer: Yomi is one of my favorite characters from YYH he's always a jerk in most stories I've read so I am playing a different angle. He's as slick as ever, though. Here goes.

Setting: Some time after the makai tournament. Yusuke is trying to get used to being a lord and Hiei's hanging with Mukuro. Kurama had planned to go back to the ningenkai after helping Yusuke get settled, but how did he end up in Gandara?

Chapter 1: Breakfast

"So what brings you here, Kurama?" Yomi asked, looking up at his former friend from his desk. Well, looking wasn't really accurate. He was blind, thanks to the person standing in front of him, but he could read Kurama's expression now even better than when he was able to see him.

"Actually, I'm not really sure," Kurama admitted. He had been in the makai visiting Yusuke in his new realm, and Hiei had met him there as well. Being a former Yomi's man, he detested Mukuro on principle and refused to set foot in her territory.

Yomi raised his eyebrow in amusement, and a slight smile curved on his lips. "Ah, I see you are speaking honestly. Or, you have learned how to control your body's actions better."

"I'm sure if I were lying you would know it. Nothing like that would escape your keen senses."

Yomi chuckled. "You flatter me. However, you are welcome to stay until you figure it out. I would like to ask your opinion on a few things."

Kurama was surprised. "You trust my opinion? After what happened last time?" Kurama had let Yomi down yet again when he decided to side with Yusuke on this whole demon world tournament thing.

"Kurama, I have always trusted your opinion and advice. And I have always known that your loyalty to me was subject to scrutiny."

That made Kurama feel sick to his stomach. Yomi noticed, but chose not to comment.

"Why don't you take a seat and we can discuss it over tea?"

"Sure."

Yomi wanted to know his opinion on this new development for the governing of the makai. He wanted to know what Kurama thought of Enki, and whether this new plan of his would work. The truth was, Enki was an ineffective ruler, and his lax policies and lack of assertive leadership were leading to chaos and discontent. Deep down, he knew that Yusuke's martial arts tournament where whomever lucked out in the drawing of lots would get to be king was a fool's errand. But his affection and loyalty to his friend outweighed his sense of obligation to Yomi. He knew what Yomi's plans were before the tournament and did not want to participate in such an undertaking.

"I would rather not say, if you don't mind."

"Of course. However, I have reports of incidents that have been occurring in the other two territories and along the border where they deactivated the kekai barrier. Would you look over them and attend a session with my…council tomorrow?" Kurama knew that Yomi was about to say 'advisors' but since he was no longer king he didn't have 'advisors'. In fact he was technically Enki's advisor on governing and policy. Mukuro served as his advisor on military and security. It was the most intelligent idea that Enki had; too bad he wasn't smart enough to take his advisors' advice.

"Sure." Truth be told, he didn't want to do that either; he knew that he was on every one of Yomi's mens' shit list after that little stunt he pulled last time. However, he didn't want to be rude.

That night, after he settled in his room, he pondered over why he was really here. But he still couldn't come up with an answer. He had run into Shura earlier, who was even ruder than normal, and that was saying a lot because Shura had never really cared for Kurama, and the feeling was mutual.

He started in on the reports that Yomi had given him. Mukuro's team was responsible for escorting humans out of the makai, but they weren't responsible for policing the renegade demons who roamed around, causing trouble. Skirmishes were also erupting between rival camps, mainly Yusuke and Mukuro's. Yomi ruled with gentle hand that packed an iron fist behind it. His voice was smooth and calm but terrifying at the same time. His sheer height alone was intimidating. He can hear, feel, sense, and touch your emotions. Everything but see them; no thanks to present company. He tried to forget. He had tried to convince himself that he had paid his debt to Yomi by serving as his adviser. He tried to convince himself that they had called it even when Yomi threatened his family; but had they really? Is that why he was here? Guilt? He knew that Yomi would never trust him again, rightfully so. But Yomi hadn't turned him away. Why? Perhaps Yomi had sensed how Kurama was feeling and chose to torment him.

He was startled out of his thoughts by the sound of laughter and voices in the hall. One was Yomi's; the other a voice that he couldn't place. They were headed towards Yomi's private quarters. This startled Kurama. Yomi never allowed visitors to his private quarters. Being a private person himself, he could understand why Yomi was so protective over his private space. With that being the case, what was this new guy doing down there?

Perhaps he wasn't a new guy. Kurama didn't remember that voice from when he was here last time, but who's to say that he didn't meet him after they…separated. And why did Kurama even care? He decided to sleep on the issue.

He dreamt of 'happier' times with Yomi, before the rift formed between them. How they had mapped out a plan to challenge Raizen and Mukuro and create their own territory; and the thrill of planning and pulling off another heist, about the reputation that they had built. No treasure was safe once Youko and Yomi decided that they wanted it.

He was awakened by a light tap at the door. He opened the door to see a servant. "Master Kurama, Lord Yomi sent me to inform you that the meeting will be held over breakfast in one hour."

"Thank you," Kurama replied.

A meeting over breakfast? Yomi had always insisted that business should not be discussed at a meal, to keep the conversation polite. He didn't like his meals marred by arguing and bickering, which would almost certainly occur this morning since Kurama was going to be there. Kurama shook his head to clear his thoughts. Why was he reading so much into everything? Perhaps he was just overanalyzing the situation.

When he arrived at breakfast, all conversation ceased. Everyone turned to lock eyes with the fiery haired, emerald eyed kitsune. He felt as if he were naked.

Yomi broke the awkward silence. "Good morning Kurama. Why don't you join us? he asked, gesturing to an empty chair on his left.

Kurama looked around the table. He recognized five of the advisers, but one was new. He sat on Yomi's right, where he used to sit. "Kurama, I believe you know everyone here, except Nobuo, that is." Yomi gestured towards the demon that was sitting in his spot. He was a humanoid demon with short black hair and amethyst eyes. Even before he spoke Kurama knew who he was.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Kurama," he said politely, but Kurama detected a touch of coolness in his voice. Yomi noticed as well, and simply raised his eyebrows.

"Let us eat," said Yomi, as servants brought forth platter after platter of exquisite dishes. It was one of the things he had loved about coming here. Yusuke would eat almost anything and the Toushin diet never sat well with his stomach.

As was customary, everyone at the table waited for Yomi to eat first before eating. Kurama wanted to sample a little of everything, but he settled on a few items. He saw that his favorite food was one of the dishes, Orange Kanten Jelly, was being served. Must be a request from Yomi, he decided as he dug in.

"Do you like the jelly, Kurama?" Yomi asked, as if he were reading Kurama's thoughts. "I knew it was your favorite, and asked our chef to make it just for you."

Kurama wondered if it was poisoned. "Thank you," he managed.

After a suitable time had passed, Yomi began the meeting. "I am sure that you know why we are here this morning gentlemen," Yomi began. "I have provided each of you with a report of the actions at the border. We gathered this morning to discuss it and come up with a solution."

"I don't see how we can do that with him here," Yuda snorted. He had been the first to accept Kurama into Yomi's board of advisers, but was highly indignant toward the fact that Kurama had turned on his master.

"I see," Yomi acknowledged. "What is the problem as you see it, Yuda?"

"He is a traitor," another adviser spoke up. "He ruined our plans for unification by siding with Raizen's reckless boy Urameshi. That's why we are in this mess now; an incompetent king and chaos on the borders. And not to mention-"

Yomi raised his hand. The rant ended immediately. He didn't wish to discuss that issue here, or ever again. "You are correct," Yomi confirmed, to everyone's surprise, even Kurama's. "He did turn his back on us in our hour of need. However, his advice and opinion has always been sound, and I asked him to be here. Do you not trust my judgment?"

"Always Lord Yomi," Yuda assured him. "It's just that-"

"Gentlemen," Nobuo spoke up at last. "I understand that you all feel betrayed. However," he paused for emphasis, "Lord Yomi has stated that he trust's Master Kurama's judgment. That should be enough for all of us."

Silence.

Something about that silence infuriated Kurama. He had been expecting the verbal attacks; he had dealt with them before. He had not expected this…newcomer to silence them all with his patronizing tone.

"Thank you Nobuo," Yomi said. "Now if you'll all turn to page thirteen of the reports…"

The meeting lasted two hours. Everyone was of the opinion that Enki was an incompetent buffoon but didn't dare say whose fault it was that he was king. At the end of the discussion, everyone concluded that it was Yusuke and Mukuro's problem so they should deal with it.

"Kurama? What do you think?" Yomi asked.

"I am not sure that leaving it to Yusuke and Mukuro is the wisest course of action."

"Oh, yeah?" One adviser sneered. "Why not?"

"Yusuke and Enki's inexperience in governing combined with Mukuro's indifference will only cause the problem to escalate."

"So you do admit that Lord Yomi was the wisest choice as king?" Yuda asked.

"I never said that he wasn't." It was true. If Yomi was king, this nonsense at the border wouldn't be happening-if he didn't want it to. But his indifference towards the ningenkai is what Kurama couldn't support.

"Then why the hell did you betray us then?" another advisor demanded.

"I do not owe you an explanation for my actions," Kurama answered.

"But you do owe one to Lord Yomi," the adviser went on. "I hope you have apologized and begged for his forgiveness."

"That is none of you affair." Kurama thought he was prepared for this onslaught, but now they had begun to touch a raw nerve and he was becoming irritated. He was sure that Yomi had picked up on this by now.

As if on cue, Yomi halted the discussion. "Enough Soko," he said. "You concerns are heard. Now Kurama, are you suggesting that I become involved? Security is Mukuro's department."

"It is," Kurama confirmed, "but she is not too terribly concerned about it, and the problems will only get worse is not dealt with now."

"You should be offering Urameshi this advice," another advisor spoke up. "You all are best buds aren't you? In fact, maybe you should be his-"

"I'll kindly ask you to leave Yusuke out of this," Kurama said, his tone developing an edge to it.

Yomi agreed. "I agree. Yusuke is a fellow lord who has shown no hostility towards us."

"Well, I still don't trust his advice."

"Nobuo? What do you think?" asked Yomi. "You have yet to weigh in on this."

"Yes, Master Nobuo. As Lord Yomi's chief adviser we trust your judgment."

"Well actually I…agree with Kurama."

Everyone at the table, except Yomi, was surprised.

"How-how could you-"

"Whether or not he stabbed Lord Yomi in the back is not the issue here," he said smoothly. "As Lord Yomi has stated, he gives sound advice."

"Well, we may not be able to trust Kurama," one advisor spoke up. "But we can definitely trust Nobuo. I say lets follow his advice."

"Agreed."

"Aye."

"Well it's settled," Yomi stood up to indicate that the meeting was over. "I will look into sending reinforcements to the border. I will send a dispatch to Yusuke informing him of my intentions."

"I have a suggestion, Lord Yomi." Nobuo was speaking.

Yomi paused. "What is it?"

"Might I suggest Kurama to deliver the message? He is on friendly terms with him after all."

Asshole.

"Hmmmmm," Yomi pondered. "Kurama is here on a social call, not for business. He is under no obligation to conduct business for us. I simply wanted to hear his opinion on border matters, since it lies adjacent to the ningenkai, his home."

Nobuo had learned from the master of assholes.

"Lord Yomi," Kurama spoke up. "I will speak to Yusuke if you require it." Actually the thought disgusted him, he was no one's errand boy, but he wasn't about to be shown up by this self serving neophyte either.

"Kurama, that's hardly necessary. We have our own messengers for that, but thank you for volunteering."

So this was it. Kurama was officially an outsider. Yomi had replaced him. Now Kurama had a concrete reason to dislike the patronizing yes-man.

And for getting even.

Uh-oh! It's ON now! We all know Kurama won't let this amateur take his place! But why did Yomi let him return in the first place? And what does Mr. Brown-noser have to say? Find out next time on It's Complicated.

P.S. Special thanks to my 'girls' for giving me the confidence to go forth with this project! You know who you are!