Title: Ghosts
Author: Yoko-cw
Summary: Yusuke Witnesses Kurama Having An Unusual Conversation.

It had been a long day for all of them. The Urameshi team, respectfully, sat around Genkai's traditionally Japanese table. Kuwabarra argued with a very calm, amused Hiei over who had killed more demons. Yukina soothed their qurral with soft pleas and made an effort not to laugh. Genkai smirked, sipping tea and occasionally making clipped remarks at the pissed off carrot-top.

And Yusuke? Yusuke was finishing his meal, and was the only one to notice their soft spoken redhead was missing. "I'm gonna go fetch fox-boy," he called over the commotion. As expected, no one answered him. He cursed as he tripped over a pillow, and stepped into his tennis shoes and into the cold night air.

"Kurama?" he called out softly. No answer. Only the soothing sounds of crickets and wildlife shuffling through the leaves. "Hey, 'Rama, where'd you go?"

"No, I don't think so." Yusuke perked up at the familiar voice. He walked closer to the sound, treading softly and grinning, preparing to leap out at the redhead, finally startle the ever-calm fox.

But the detective froze and his face fell at the sight before him. Kurama was sitting at the edge of the still lake, knees pulled to his chest, face set in a sad expression.

Yusuke's smile vanished and his expression morphed to curiosity as he ducked behind a tree. Kurama was...saying something? Silently, Yusuke crept closer. "I'm sorry," the demon was whispering, eyes set on the water. Tears had dried on his face. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you." Yusuke started at the sound of Kurama; it wasn't his usual cold confidence. no...

Kurama sounded broken.

The spirit detective leaned closer to hear more of the apology, while silently noting that the whole situation was a little bit creepy. "I don't deserve your forgiveness," Kurama let out a choked sob that made Yusuke flinch, "Please don't forgive me."

He shifted slightly; a twig snapped beneath his shoe. Kurama shot up, still facing the lake, and all the blades of grass stood straight up, as if the ground had goosebumps. "Show yourself," his voice now held a desperate tone, "Come out or die." At this Yusuke practically leapt from his hiding place, hands held up in a gesture of peace, "Woah, settle down, it's just me."

"Yusuke," Kurama sighed. His shoulders slumped and he sank to his knees. Yusuke was there in an instant, hands on the fox's shoulders to keep him steady, "Hey, you okay?"

"I am fine," Kurama wouldn't look up; he kept his gaze on his lap, tears falling silently to his clothing. "You followed me?" Yusuke gave a sheepish shrug of his shoulders, "Yeah...didn't mean to spy or nothin'. I was just worried, with you running off like that."

Kurama smiled and gave a small laugh, wiping tears from his cheeks, "You heard me then. You must think I'm crazy..." The detective gave another shrug, "It's none of my business." Except he was burning to know what was going on.

"I come out here," Kurama's voice was more steady now, "To speak to Kuronue." Yusuke bit his lip; he knew a little about Yoko's past, how he'd lost his lover in a botched raid. "I can see him sometimes, dancing over the water, beckoning me with open arms...he wants me to follow him in death."

"Kurama-!"

"Don't worry, I'm not suicidal." They both stood and returned their gazes to the lake, "It must seem strange, my talking to ghosts." "Not at all," Yusuke grinned and rested his hand on Kurama's shoulder, "I died once, remember? I can't tell you how many times I tried to get Keiko to hear me." Yusuke's face became serious as he turned to face his comrade, "I'm sure Kuronue's grateful someone's listeninng."

And with that, they turned to return to Genkai, leaving a smiling figure alone on the lake.