Lemon Cupcakes

It was Raimei's idea to have a Valentine's Day party. "It's perfect!" she said as soon as she had thought of the idea.

"I'm not sure it's a good idea," Kouichi said, "We aren't likely to get approval."

"Then we'll just have to keep it a secret!" The blond said with a wink and a smile.

The owl opened his mouth to give all the reasons why this was a bad idea, but then thought better of it. Raimei missed her bother and Miharu, and she would never, ever change her mind. Kouichi could either spend Valentine's Day with the girl he loves or he could spend every Valentine's Day for his very, very, long life alone.

The next few days were spent planning. Because Yoite would be unhappy, well, unhappier, in a strange place and Miharu would be unhappy without Yoite, the party was to take place at Yukimi's house. Yukimi' was dead against it at first, but after much begging, pleading, and Miharu's "Little Devil" technique, he muttered, "Damn brats," and reluctantly agreed. Everyone was then assigned roles: Raimei would do the planning, Raikou would bring the punch, Gau would bring the cups, plates and napkins, Miharu would bake cookies and cupcakes, Yoite would not run away or kill anyone, and Kouichi would write excuses for everyone, saying where the hell they had been and why the hell they couldn't be reached all day.

Miharu paced around the kitchen nervously. The cookies and cupcakes would be done any time now, but that wasn't what he was concerned about. Miharu was worried about Yoite. He knew that the kira user was uncomfortable around people, even people he knew well. It killed the young ninja to see his companion sitting in the corner, alone. No one to talk to. No one that cares about you. Just alone. Completely alone.

"Miharu?" Yoite said softly. He had come into the kitchen to see Miharu. He had no reason to see Miharu, Yoite knew that he needed no help baking, and Yoite didn't need anything, and even if he did, he could get it himself. He just wanted to see Miharu, to see Miharu.

The younger teenager turned around quickly. His eyes were wide and looked as if, at any moment, tears would start to poor out of them. He ran to the older shinobi and wrapped his arms tightly around him.

Yoite, who was taken by surprise, stumbled and fell. His back hit the floor with a loud crash. He looked up and saw that Miharu still had his arms wrapped. The kira user, gently, and a bit awkwardly, placed his arms around the smaller boy, as said boy mumbled something incoherent into his chest.

Miharu sat up and leaned forward, so that their faces were almost touching, and said what he had said previously. Yoite could barely hear what was being said, but he understood. "You are not alone. I'm here, with you."

Yoite gently stroked the side of Miharu's slightly pink cheek with a gloved hand. He could feel the other's warmth through the fabric. He wished he could touch more of Miharu, but that would be wrong. Yoite knew that he was a dirty thing not meant to have wants. His hands were used to kill, he shouldn't touch someone so pure with his dirty hands.

All of Yoite's thoughts were cut off as he felt the younger press his lips press softly against his own. The kira user's eyes widened a bit, and then fluttered shut. He shyly and almost too softly to notice, returned the kiss.

After a moment that seemed to last for years, their lips parted. Eyes opened and gazed into each other, as if they were in a trance, a lovely dream, inhabited by only them.

The kitchen alarm the sounded next was like an alarm, waking them up.