僕たちの季節
Our Seasons
Prologue
Author: jus Kita
Anime: Yuu Yuu Hakusho
Fanfic originally conceived and started: Thursday, November 9, 2006
Chapter posted: Friday, December 1, 2006
Song quote: Boku-tachi no Kisetsu
歩きだそう
すべての朝
愛するために
I can't sleep at night, anymore
All morning
Because of love
...how was it, that fate saw fit to mock him in such a way?
The redhead sighed, slender fingers drumming softly over the book settled in his lap, before him. Jade irises slid upwards, quietly observing the ceiling overhead, woven between the beams supporting the wooden structure above. The corner he was currently occupying was quiet, secluded…--the perfect place to read or think, as it were. Sighing, his hand played against the fraying ends of the old leather bookmark, thoughts idly recurring in their musing as the dark-haired one stood out in his mind, every inch of his stance displaying strength, whether he intended it or not. Tipping his head back against the plush of the high-backed chair behind, clover-colored depths running absently over the beams above as thoughts circled over what could have been, what might have been... and what indeed -wasn't-, given the situation, now. If only he'd seen it sooner… the signs were there. His dark-haired team mate hadn't been overly blatant in showing an interest—but for someone so intelligent for living thousands of years, Kurama could certainly be ignorant.
The news came like a slap in the face. They were dating… 'him', and another of the close-knit team that the kitsune so respected. If he'd known that the other's tastes had leaned that way, he would have made a move, long ago… but now—now, it was impossible. Even if he wished it to be so, the other had gained a mate. A lover. A boyfriend that would treat him how he should be treated, and not as a 'conquest'—a thought that had so enticingly brushed over the fox's mind, the first time they met. Ahh, he could still recall the day… and a nostalgic smile wound over thin lips, at the memory.
Sauntering towards him with such confidence, victory already in his eyes as he approached, expecting the fox to submit to his wishes, follow his plan. Another sigh, albeit warmer than the one given, previously, brushed out to the air gently, at the thought—before then that slight curve over expression dwindled, slowly retreating back to nothingness as recent events crept back to his consciousness.
He'd seen them together. No, it wasn't the first time. The affection the two shared had been anything but blatant, but the ever-perceptive youko could tell that something had shifted between them. His friend--the other team mate left out of the loop--had noted it as well, and remarked upon the change, first. The pair had begun to blush, so faintly, and it was then the kitsune could feel his heart sinking with each passing second, as the truth was revealed.
The taller of the two had been the one to state it, wrapping an arm around his koi's shoulders in support—or, perhaps to show he wasn't ashamed. It worked out for either side, as the act was one of such tender possession and strong care it couldn't be taken any other way. The fox remembered forcing one of his usual 'Suuichi' smiles out, at the news—the look coming across as nothing other than warm and content with the fact they'd both found love, voice echoing the sentiments as the other companion merely blinked at the pair before shaking his head with a low mutter, and making haste to leave lest he catch sight of the two exchanging saliva, or some such thing. Kurama had merely smiled at his friend's departure, before returning his gaze to the couple staring after him, clarifying that he needed to get used to the idea.
Not long after that, the redhead took his leave, as well. It was done as politely as he could manage, of course, presenting the very valid excuse that he had work to attend to, for his step-father's business. They'd seemed reluctant to let him go, though—or, at least the one he'd been admiring so long, from afar.
As he'd turned to leave, he could feel eyes on his back—before then that gaze was averted… and he could only suppose that the other had directed attention back to his lover. It was just as well… the sight of them kissing, or embracing, would only stir up feelings of regret, loneliness and—were he proud of it or not—jealousy. It was best he kept his distance, now… avoided getting too close. If the fox kept that friendship close to his heart, treasured it… he knew he'd want more. He'd always wanted more, but had been unsure as to the other's orientation, in such pursuits. Rather than jeopardize someone that important to him, who knew so much of both sides of his mind—he'd taken the higher, safer route of a friend. The caution that he was famous for in his fights had its disadvantages, as well—wait too long and the opportunity for victory would likely disappear.
Like it had, now.
…Sighing, the fox closed his book, neatly sandwiching the marker between two pages. His mind wasn't on reading, now. Pushing himself up from the lush comfort of the chair he reached for his school bag, neatly tucking the already-borrowed book into the confines as he then sought to wind his way out of the rows upon rows of bookshelves that criss-crossed the library's interior like a maze. Stepping out into the clear sunshine, the fox had to raise a hand to ward off the blinding light, before his vision could adjust to the change from the dimness of the musty, tome-filled halls left behind. He sighed, the wind swirling around in a brush of autumn leaves—reds, oranges and golds fluttering by, some contrasting with the dark magenta uniform that covered him as strands blew about in an attractive-looking cloud of soft scarlet that framed his face… and which ended up half-settling over his shoulders, messily.
Despite his previous mood, he smiled… clear, verdant depths lighting over the sky above to watch as those leaves wound higher and higher, his spirits lifting with them. He -would- ignore this. He wouldn't let his feelings get in the way, just like he had always been accustomed to doing, as a fox spirit in Makai.
No. He would remain by the other's side, and provide support whenever necessary. Thousands of years of strictly instilled self-control would not be breached by the likes of a mere half-human teen… no matter how strong the attraction was.
He owed Yuusuke that much, at least.
This will be continued when I have time. Reviews would be nice, but I'm going at my own pace for this, so don't ask for quick updates, because I don't need the pressure. I'm in college, now—that's no picnic. This fic -will- reach an end. My promise to you guys, because I've always wanted to do a saga fic for Yuu Yuu Hakusho. Don't know when the next update will be, but I'm going to really try, with this one. Sorry about Tatakoe High, as well. That might be discontinued, unless I find the time. Hope everyone is well, and even if I can't respond in fics to reviews, anymore… well… I still love you guys—in a healthy, author-reader sense. n.n; Jaa na, see you again.