I do not own YYH or its characters – sadly.
This is a self-insert/reader-insert/you-insert, if you don't like then don't read!
Please read my A/N's at the end of the story, as I have a question for you, my fellow, readers
I will let you read the story now – I hope you enjoy.
'Why?' You can't stop repeating to yourself.
'Why me? What did I do to deserve this? All I did was love him, and he threw that in my face.'
You are sad, angry. You just want to disappear.
It is about midnight and you are using the moonlight to guide you through the forest you are walking through.
Your heart and head hurt.
In fact your whole body does.
When you had seen him with her that very morning, kissing and cuddling, you just turned and ran.
You ran hard and fast, then when you could run no more, you walked, and eventually wound up here in this forest.
You can't take it, not again.
You had only just gotten back on your feet, only to be knocked back down again.
This time you just aren't sure you want to get back up.
You are hurting, badly.
You just want to wallow in your self-pity and be left alone.
After another 25 minutes of walking, your legs give out from underneath you.
You don't even bother to attempt to catch yourself.
You collapse, your legs bent by your body, tears staining your face although they had dried up long ago.
You hang your head and grip the ground under your hands.
You slowly push yourself up against a tree, leaning your back against it and hiding your face behind your hands.
That is how you are found the next morning.
You hear their voices before you see them.
"The old bat said someone crossed the perimeter last night." A male voice floats to you.
"So why didn't she wake us to investigate?" Another male asked in surprised anger.
"Something about whomever it was not being a threat and that all she felt was sadness from them. She said she felt it best to let them be," The first male replied.
"I see," A third male's voice joined the conversation.
You hear footsteps, but don't bother to look up.
"Hey" The first male was talking. "You ok?"
You didn't move, but felt those traitorous tears sting your eyes.
"Can we help you?" The third voice asked. It was soft and kind, making you look up. Shock crosses their features and assured you of one thing. You looked like crap.
One had red hair and shockingly green eyes, another had slicked back hair and deep brown eyes, the last had ginger hair.
"Just leave me be," You say, looking back down.
"Well, we would, but the owner of this property asked us to see to you." The first male spoke, the one with the brown eyes.
"I didn't mean to trespass…" You say and slowly try to stand; only to fall down again. "Darn it" You curse softly and use the tree for support as you finally manage to stand.
"Tell the owner I am sorry, and I will be on my way," You tell them and slowly start to walk off.
"Wait," the ginger haired man calls. "Please, let me help you miss."
It was the look he gave you.
That look of complete trust and concern. No pity, no anger.
A look of simply wanting to help you.
You let him take your arm gently.
"(y/n)" You say.
"Pardon?" He asked, confused.
"(y/n), as opposed to miss," You say with a small smile.
"Nice to meet you, (y/n)" He smiles back as he helps you walk, leaving the others behind "I am Kazuma Kuwabara. The red head back there was Shuichi, the other was Yusuke,"
"Thanks for helping me," You smile softly, glad that he hasn't asked what had happened.
"Anything for a pretty lady in distress," He smiles. The way he said it wasn't an insult, far from it, it was almost joking. Teasing in a way.
It made you smile a little more.
"So where are we heading, pretty lady?" He asks with a small, cheeky smile.
"To food, I hope," You smile back and he chuckles.
"Your wish is my command" He says as he leads you to a long stair case.
You don't know he was a psychic. That he can feel your emotions.
You are just happy to have someone willing to help and not ask questions.
He seemed like a nice guy, a gentleman in fact.
You stop part way up the stairs. You aren't even a third of the way up and you are finding it hard to breathe...
It isn't because you are unfit. It is because you are hungry and had used so much energy running yesterday.
He notices, and looks back at you.
"What?" You ask at his blank look
"Want me to give you a piggy back?" He offers.
"I haven't had a piggy back since I was a child," You tell him, a small smile once again gracing your lips.
"Is that a yes?" He asks, amused.
"That's a hell yes!" You giggle, as he bends down so you can climb on.
Before you know it, you had reached the top and were standing on the porch of a temple.
"Wow…" You say as he lets you down.
"...?"
"Even if I wasn't tired, I highly doubt that I could get up those stairs that quick." You admit.
"I trained on those stairs everyday for a few years," he informs you
"Why?" You can't help but ask.
"To get stronger and faster," The duh was implied in his voice and on his face.
"Oh," That's your great come back.
"Come," He said as he opened a door and entered the temple.
You follow and he leads you to the kitchen.
"Hello, my sweet Yukina." He said to the lady standing at the counter.
She turned and you hold in a gasp.
She was beautiful; with long aqua hair, but her eyes, the most startling eyes you have ever seen, is what forced you to hold back the gasp.
They were... beautiful, captivating. They were beyond words.
They were a deep crimson, but they shone and reflected the light that hit them.
She was short, but you didn't see her that way. She had this air surrounding her that made you feel welcomed, but you knew not to upset her.
"Kazuma," She smiles and you smile even though it wasn't directed at you. "It is good to see you."
Her soft voice caressed you ears.
"Yukina, my darling, this is (y/n), she will be joining us for breakfast." He turned to you. "(Y/n), this is Yukina, she lives here at the temple with the owner, Genkai"
"Hello Yukina," you smiled.
"Hello (y/n), it is nice to meet you. Breakfast is just being started. I will call everyone once it is ready. Can I get you a tea or coffee while you wait?" she spoke softly.
"I would love a hot chocolate if you have any," You said, a little self conscious, but you could really use some chocolate right about now.
Yukina gives you a knowing look but only says, "Sure. I'll bring it to you when you are ready."
"Thanks," You smiled.
"Let's go into the lounge and get out of Yukina's way," Kazuma tells you.
You follow him on a short tour, ending with the lounge.
You see the two men from before. 'Yusuke and Shuichi,' You think to yourself. 'But Spike on the window seat is new'
"(y/n), this is Kurama and Yusuke. I mentioned them earlier," You nod. "Shrimp over there is Hiei"
You couldn't help but to giggle. "And here I thought it was Spike."
Kurama hides his face behind his hand while he and Yusuke laugh.
Spike glares at you, but you are used to glares and ignore it.
"It's nice to meet you," You smile at the two on the couch before you.
"Likewise," Kurama replies while Yusuke just nods.
"So why were you in the forest?" Kurama asks.
You sigh and are saved from answering as Yukina enters and places your drink on the table. You note that she also has a pot of teas for the others.
You thank her and she leaves.
"So," Green Eyes points out "You didn't answer the question."
You raise an eyebrow at him "And why should I?" You counter.
Yusuke and Kuwabara smile.
"It is only polite," He responds.
"So is not asking questions like that of someone you have only just met," You throw back with a devilish smile.
You are enjoying the banter.
He raises his eyebrows at you and then says, "But we did find you, so it is only appropriate for you to tell us why you were there."
"I ran," Was all you offer.
"From…?" Yusuke asks.
You smile sadly and say, "Nothing and no one of importance." 'Anymore…' You add in your mind.
"But you still ran," Kurama once again points out.
"You don't like not having all the answers, do you?" You say, staring him down.
He goes to open his mouth, but you interrupt before he can reply.
"Just because you want to know something about someone, doesn't mean you have to."
"I am curious, is all." He says, slightly taken aback.
You can tell the others are enjoying this, but you do not break your stare down.
"Curious huh...? Well, why don't I throw questions at you and see how you like it? Oh, wait, I can already tell you won't like that. So why should I put up with it? I am a stranger in this house and you are being rude and nosey."
Yusuke and Kuwabara are flat out laughing now.
Kurama doesn't reply but watches you closely.
"Who are you?" He says softly.
"I am (your full name)." You say with a small smile.
"I didn't mean that," He says, slightly flustered.
"I know," You smile, amused.
"I like you already," Yusuke says.
"Pity, I don't know what I think of you yet," Was your serious reply.
He looks deflated and even Kurama smiled at that.
You finish your drink, stand, and head into the kitchen. You feel them follow you, but say nothing about it.
"Yukina, that was delicious, thank you. Can I help with anything?"
"I am glad you liked it. There is no need for you to help," She smiled.
You shrug and say, "I am used to cooking, I really don't mind and would rather help then sit around doing nothing," You admit.
"Can you cook?" Yusuke says sarcastically. He was trying to be insulting, but you just smile.
"Ever been to 'The Food Shack' for dinner?" You ask.
"Yeah, that's our favourite place!" He says. "The steak is the best in town."
"Thanks, but I don't work there anymore, so it won't be." You smile and wait as reality hits them all.
"You are the chef?" He asks.
"No. I was, until yesterday." You say and turn back to Yukina. "What do you want me to do?"
Once you two had finished cooking, you set the table and call the boys in.
Even Hiei's eyes widen at the spread you and Yukina had made.
Then an old lady walks in and smiles at you.
"Hello, I am (y/n)."
"I am Genkai," She nods.
You smile and take the seat that Kazuma holds for you after he had done the same for Yukina.
"Thanks," You smile at him. He nods and sits besides Yukina.
You wait until the guys have served themselves before you get what you want.
It is such a large buffet that you can't help but wonder if there will be waste.
After a little while, you realise that there won't be.
These boys could eat.
"So, what did you cook?" Yusuke asks you.
You smile as Yukina answers for you.
"Basically everything, she only let me do little things to help." She then looks at you "Thank you. It is nice to have a break,"
"You're welcome but honestly, I can't help but take charge of a kitchen... It's a bad habit," You smile at each other.
You are already thinking of her and Kazuma as friends, something that normally takes a few meetings for you to do.
When everything was finally finished you help Yukina clear the table.
She goes to wash the dishes, but you stop her.
"No," You say.
"No?" She repeats, confused.
"You are not to wash. I will, you go and sit with your friends," You smile and take over the tedious job of washing up.
It took awhile, but when you were finally done, you head off to enter the lounge but stop.
"You fool," None other then Hiei says "Inviting a stranger in. What were you thinking? That's right! You don't know how to think."
You step out and stand in front of Kuwabara before he can respond.
"Back off, Spikes," You growl.
Everyone looks at you like you're crazy, but you won't back down.
"Stay out of this," He growls.
"What, you can't handle an argument with a girl?" You snap.
"What?" He growls again
"You heard me," You throw back.
You feel a hand on your shoulder and look over quickly to see it is Kurama.
"What do you want?" You ask, your gaze going back to Hiei's.
"I want to advise you, this isn't a wise choice to make."
"Maybe, maybe not. But it is my choice." You say back and he takes his hand away.
You watch Hiei for a moment then say, "You know, it's jerks like you that give all males a bad name. You should feel lucky that there are guys like Kazuma here that give you such an outstanding rep; it almost makes up for the asses like you. Grow up, get over yourself, and get a life while you're at it."
You can hear the others trying to contain their laughter, but you can't stop now.
It is hard to turn off once you start.
"You know, just an after thought, but, maybe I can get why you're such a dick. I mean, anyone that short with that hair has to have a lot of baggage," You say as you touch the tip of a spike, only to jump into a back flip a moment later as he tries to catch your hand.
"Oh, did I hit a nerve?" You smile
Hiei just growls in response.
You stare each other down.
"Um, (y/n)?" Kuwabara tries to get your attention. "How did you do that?"
"Gymnastics, I've been doing it since I was little. I don't enter competitions or train everyday anymore, but I make sure I can still do everything. Hard to stop doing something you love." You say, turning to look at him, but keeping Hiei in your line of sight in case he tries something again.
"You made that look so easy and graceful," He tells you, smiling.
"It's not that hard when you know what to do and keep it up," You tell him with a smile.
You see Hiei move out of the corner of your eye and step back only to find he countered in a move you didn't see and now he has a sword at your neck.
Everyone goes silent looking back and forth between the two of you.
You know it's a real sword, as you can feel the small nick it has already made in your neck.
"So, you don't like what I had to say, Spike." You know you're pushing it now, but you are sick of guys trying to control you.
He growls.
"Don't expect me to apologize. Kill me if you will, but I will not show weakness by apologising for something I meant."
He looks at you strangely before disappearing.
You stand there for a moment and then sigh.
"Anyone care to tell me what the fuck that was all about?"
Everyone is silent.
"I guess that's my cue to leave." You say.
"Yukina, it was a pleasure to meet and cook with you. Yusuke," You nod at him and then the red head. "Kurama."
You turn to the tall ginger haired man "Thank you for everything. I am sorry if I have bothered your little friend. That was rude of me. It was nice meeting you and I do hope to bump into you again some time," You go to walk out but are stopped by three words that Kuwabara says.
"Leave to where?"
You turn and stare at him.
'How the hell?' You think. 'I know I never said I didn't have a place to go!'
"Explain," You demand.
He just shrugs "It's something I have always been able to do... I kinda... pick up on what people feel... when you said leave, a wave of loneliness and bitterness washed over you. I took a gamble on what the reason was and turns out I was right."
"I see," You say softly. "Well, you are correct, but don't worry, I have money and am sure there is somewhere with a vacant room around here."
"Nonsense," Genkai's voice says from behind you as she finally speaks after observing everything that had happened. "You can stay here as long as you like if you cook for me like that now and then."
You smile "I think I would like that,"
"Do you have anything you need to get?" She asks.
"My car," You smile. "It has all my stuff in it. I was so angry yesterday that I left it in the parking lot."
"Well, welcome home." She smiled before lighting a smoke and disappearing.
"That was unexpected," You say aloud to no one.
"I am glad you are staying," Yukina says from behind you.
You turn and smile at her "So, I guess I should go and get my car."
It was a statement but she nodded anyway.
Sighing, you pat your pockets to make sure you have your keys still and then head out with out another word.
When you hit the stairs, you feel eyes on you. Turning, you see the four guys standing there.
You raise an eyebrow at them and wait a moment for one of them to speak.
"Do you want us to come with you?" Yusuke asks.
"I'm a big girl. I can handle myself. But if you feel you must, then go for it. Just note that I only have room for myself and one other in my car right now." You inform them before continuing your journey.
You knew if you said no flat out, they would most likely try to con you into letting them come. Not that you felt that was a bad thing, as you had a feeling that he would be waiting at your car...
"Why am I always right?" You whisper to yourself when you hit the parking lot off the park you were meant to meet at yesterday...
You were supposed to be meeting him, before moving in with him.
Hence why you have no place to go.
You had packed everything into your car. You were lucky that you knew the land lord, so you had told him about your moving before you packed... He had already got someone to move in, unfortunately for you.
You had stopped at the edge of the park.
There he was, sitting on the hood of your car.
"Wait here," You told the guys, who indeed had followed you.
"What do you want?" You growl at him as you approach.
"Hello to you too. What's with the attitude?" He asks.
"What's with the kissing other girls?" You growl back.
He doesn't reply, but he doesn't look guilty either.
"Just get off my car and stay out of my life," You say calmly as you go to walk around him, but he stops you.
You step back from him quickly.
He gives you a hurt look "Don't be like that!" He growls.
"Then don't ever touch me," Comes your quick reply.
He walks towards you and you know that you need to get out of there fast. You take a few steps back, suddenly glad you are wearing loose pants.
He watches you closely and you know you need a distraction.
"You know what?" You start as you continue to back up, reaching into your pocket "You can get lost, for all I care,"
Pulling your hand out, you show him the engagement ring he gave you when he had asked you to move in with him. You throw it at him saying, "Keep your empty promises and your job, I can do better."
As he bends to pick the ring up, you run and jump.
You execute a perfect gainer over him and then slide over the bonnet of you car landing on the driver's side. You unlock the door, but before you can open it he is beside you, pushing you into the door.
You move the keys in your hand, so one of the keys is between your middle and ring finger. Turning quickly, you punch him in the stomach, then open the door and get in.
You screech out of the car park in a puff of smoke and stop a few corners away.
Looking at your hand you can see why it hurts so badly. The keys cut you open when you had punched him, but at least it gave you the time to get away.
You shake you hand to trying to get rid of the pain before closing it into a fist.
You looked up and saw the guys walking towards your car in the rear-view mirror.
Getting out, you open the boot (trunk) and pull out the first aid kit. Closing the boot lid, you hop up and sit down on it as they reach you.
"(Y/n)?" Yusuke asks
You look up to see concern on their faces, well except for Hiei, he looks bored.
You look back down and open the kit to pull out the disinfectant. You place your hand between your knees and open your hand as you pour.
You look up when a hand takes the bottle from you, and you see that Yusuke is the one that has stepped in to help.
You smile and release your hold of the bottle and let him bandage you up.
"Who was that?" He asks when he finishes.
You sigh. "My ex. The reason I ran."
"Hn," Hiei pipes up.
"You got something to say, Spike?" You growl.
"Hn," Was the only reply.
"Twenty bucks for the one who can guess what Spike's favourite word is," You say as you get up and put the first aid kit back into your boot, Kuwabara and Yusuke laughing.
"So who's riding with me?" You ask as you open your door and look back at them
"I will," Kuwabara speaks up and gets in.
You drive off, leaving the other three standing there.
You know that Kazuma will want answers, so you speak up before he can ask any questions. "Look, I know you and Kurama, and probably Yusuke, have questions. But, I would rather wait till we get back..." You pause for a moment, no where near used to the idea of it being... "Home"
"That's ok," He replies.
"I just don't want to have to repeat myself,"
"I understand that," He smiles. "So... What are you going to do now?"
"No idea. Find a new job that much I know... But there is no rush. I have money saved up. It was meant to be for a holiday... But now..." You trail off and he leaves you to your thoughts.
The holiday was supposed to be for you and him, to celebrate moving in together.
'At least now I know the truth.' You think to yourself.
You get lost in thoughts of what you have to do now. You still have no definitive answer when you pull up at the bottom of the stairs.
"This is not going to be fun" You sigh looking back and forth between you car and the stairs laid out before you.
You grab a load out of the boot and start walking.
You get to the top and Kuwabara is right behind you.
"You take these to your room; I'll bring the rest up for you." He didn't leave room for objections.
"You sure?" You ask, feeling bad that he is offering to do all the hard work. "I mean, I don't even know where my room is."
"I'll show you," Yukina says from behind you.
"That settles it," the ginger haired man says, before you can even speak "You take the stuff to the room, I'll bring it up the stairs."
With that he places the box down and heads back down for another load.
As you follow Yukina to your room you mutter, "I don't think I will ever get used to those stairs."
"Why don't you think I leave here so rarely?" Yukina giggles and you smile.
"I can understand that."
You head out to grab another load and run into Yusuke on the way. He drags you to your room saying, "You unpack, and I'll bring it in."
Kurama even helps him. Before you know it, your room is full of empty boxes and it is looking very... you.
You smile to yourself, happy with your work.
You sit down on the bed and stretch, sore after moving everything around and unpacking.
Out of the corner of your eyes you see the box of stuff you no longer wanted. Standing up, you decide to take it out and then finally get around to answering their questions.
You place the box by the front door.
"What's that?" Yusuke asks.
"Stuff I want to be rid of," You answer truthfully.
Keiko (whom you had met earlier), goes over to the box as you flop down on the couch she had just vacated.
"Uh... (Y/n)?" She said, looking at you. "You really wanna get rid of this stuff?"
"Yup," You answer, your eyes never leaving the T.V.
"But, this stuff is valuable." She protests.
"You want it, keep it. It has no value to me." You tell her honestly, eyes still glued to the screen.
No one says anything.
After a few seconds of silence, "If you want an explanation, all I'll say is looking at it, even just thinking of it, makes me think of that asshole." You finally tear your eyes away from the T.V. and look at Keiko.
"I meant it, if you want any of it, take it. I would rather it go to someone that wants it then throw it all into the trash, cause that's where it's heading." You say.
"Why?" Kuwabara asks you.
You look at him and sigh. "I don't want it any more. Isn't that enough of a reason?"
"I know what you are feeling, (y/n), you can not hide that from me." He says softly.
"Betrayal," you whisper and turn your eyes back to the T.V.
"What?" Yusuke asks
"Betrayal," You say louder. "That is why... It all comes down to betrayal." You stand and walk to the doorway, turning you add, "The reason I ran...? Betrayal. The reason I don't want what's in that box anymore...? Betrayal. The reason I didn't have anywhere to go...? Betrayal... All roads lead back to it." You turned back around but you were stopped by one word.
"Explain" It wasn't a request, but it wasn't said with its usual harshness.
"Hiei," You start. "You don't want to know, or even care. Why explain something that almost no one but me cares about? It's not like you'll be the one losing sleep over it. I-" You stop yourself from giving too much away.
"I just want to ensure that no danger finds its way into this house," He states, still looking out the window.
"Danger," You snort, almost amused, but too upset to really be. "No, Danger isn't what haunts me... Danger isn't part of the betrayal... I was lied to, made a fool of... The only person who is of any danger here is me. Most of you wanted to know what happened to make me run... well here ya go." You had started to get sarcastic, but you take a deep breath and slowly let it out.
Keeping your eyes closed, you continue. "The guy from the park today, he is..." You shake your head at your own idiocy "Was... He was my Fiancé... Yesterday I saw him in the park... with another woman... His so called ex to be exact... They were making out. So I took off." You keep your eyes closed, even when you felt a hand on your shoulder.
"(y/n)," Yukina whispers softly as she pulls you into a hug.
Embracing her softly, you add loud enough for the others to hear, "What's worse is my last ex did the same thing... Well, worse actually, I caught him in bed with my ex best friend."
"Oh (y/n)," She whispers.
You are trying hard not to cry. You hate crying in front of people.
You pull back and look at her, giving a small smile, glad that no tears have fallen, even though they are still threatening to.
"Don't worry, Yukina, I'm fine. It's my own fault for not seeing it sooner," You turn and disappear into your room for awhile.
You had just come out of the shower and are tying your robe when a knock sounded on your door.
"Who is it?" You ask cautiously.
"Genkai," Was the reply.
Unlocking the door, you invite her in.
"Thanks for asking me to stay." You start but she waves her hand, silencing you.
"It's fine. And you don't need to worry about rent. Just chip in for food and rates. Oh, and cook now and then," She adds with a smile.
Returning the smile, you reply, "With the deal you are giving me, I'd cook every meal... but then again, Cooking is something I enjoy so it wouldn't take much to convince me."
She gives you a look that clearly states she had another reason for coming to talk
"Would you join me on the porch for some tea?" Ok, you were not expecting that.
"Sure," You reply, unsure what to expect.
You change into jeans and a shirt before Genkai leads you to the porch and sits at a table that already has two cups and a pot of tea on it.
You smile softly as you sit. "So, you knew I would join you?"
"Something like that," She replies, pouring tea for the both of you.
You sit in silence for a few moments before she speaks. "I assume you have no family close by,"
"I have no family left," You admit softly. "My dad passed away when I was young/ I barely remember him, honestly. My mother died a few years back."
"How did they pass?" She asks gently.
"My father was a police officer who was shot in the line of duty. It was a bank robbery gone horribly wrong. He was one of three people killed that day."
You stop and take a sip of tea before you continue. "My mother was killed as a result of a hit and run. She didn't stand a chance; it was a truck that hit her."
The old lady looks at you in sympathy before saying, "That must have been hard."
"Yeah, it was, but at least I was old enough to look after myself and not be handed over to the state," You admit. "I feel bad for all those who are herded into orphanages through no fault of their own."
You sat there, talking about nothing in particular, until dinner was ready.
You learnt a lot from her about the guys and their habits.
You even witnessed Yusuke and Kuwabara fighting when you went into the house.
Watching them made you laugh.
They were throwing insults back and forth while trying to choke each other.
You looked at Genkai, amused, and she just sighed. "The dimwits always do this; I did try to warn you."
"It's ok," You smile. "Watching apes fight can be amusing," You tell her as you both continue to the kitchen.
You heard a few choice insults thrown at you, but you just laugh them off.
"Dinner," Yukina calls out in her soft voice, bringing the rest of the group into the room instantly.
You look at each other and smile.
"Looks like you have a bunch of kids to deal with on a daily basis," You say to Yukina, knowing from the silence behind you that they are listening. "Don't worry; I'll punish them if they are naughty."
Yukina giggles as you both start to place the food on the table.
"Hey, Yukina?"
"Yes, (y/n)?" She stops on the way back to the counter to look at you.
"Tomorrow you have the day off. I will prepare the days meals," You declare.
"But you just got here. You haven't settled in yet," She opposed.
"Rubbish. Besides, cooking will help this feel like what it is," You smile at her confused look.
"Home," You state as you place the dish in your hands on the table.
After the food is finished and just before the boys get up to leave you stand up and say, "Wait a minute."
They all turn to look at you. Well, Hiei glares while the others stare.
"Don't look at me like that. I have a warning. I will be in here a lot tomorrow, and I can get rather territorial with kitchens. So I am asking that you stay out of my way. I am not saying that you can't use the fridge, but I am saying that after breakfast, I will put snacks on the table, so you have no reason to enter my side of the kitchen. Got it?"
"Yes" Kurama, Yusuke and Kuwabara say before leaving
"Hiei?"
He turns and glares at you.
"You didn't answer me," You state.
"Hn,"
"I am going to take that as a yes. Now get out of here and let me clean. It's a mess in here and I hate messes." You shoo him out with your hands, receiving another glare, but he does leave.
Once again, you return to the living room after cleaning up.
You walk in to find 'the dimwits' (As Genkai dubbed them) on the floor fighting.
The compromising position you find them in has you smiling and laughing before you could stop yourself. You give them a mock glare "Boys! Please, do you mind? There is a time and place for that, and I can assure you, in a lounge room in front of others in not the time nor the place!" You smile at there red faces and walk off, waving over your shoulder "Night all,"
You giggle all the way to your room, listening to the indignant replies that follow you along the way.
You closed your eyes and think over everything that had happened. You find yourself shocked, recalling how quickly you agreed to stay.
You couldn't explain it, but somehow you felt that you belonged here.
You felt that you were finally home, even though it still felt strange to call it that.
After having a shower and lying in bed for what felt like hours, you finally give up on sleep and grab a few things before going and sitting in the dark lounge.
You pull out your acoustic guitar and strum a few chords. After you are satisfied that it was tunned properly, you start to play.
You just strum the first few songs, and then, feeling worried that you would wake the household up, you move outside.
You walk a few meters into the forest and sit against a tree.
You play a few of your favourite slow songs, plus a couple of faster ones.
You get lost in the music, and before you know it, you were actually trying to sing the songs, which, with you, makes a huge difference.
It was starting to get lighter by the time you decided to head inside to start cooking.
You stand up and dust yourself off. As you walk away, you miss the eyes watching your every move.
You clean up and change before starting to prepare the first meal of the day.
When everything is done, you start cleaning up. You had placed the food in the oven to keep everything warm.
Yukina enters as you finish the last of the washing up.
"Good morning" she greets you cheerfully
"Morning," You reply.
"Did you sleep well?" She asks as she starts setting the table and grabs herself a coffee from the pot you had been refilling all morning.
"Not at all, but I am all jacked up on caffeine, so don't worry," You smile.
You have just sat at the table after grabbing a fresh coffee when the boys and Genkai enter.
"You sure you should be having that much caffeine?" Yukina asks, concerned.
"Don't worry, I live on caffeine. It is what helped get me through all those long nights at 'The Shack.'" You tell her, using the common nickname the staff and customers used for the restaurant.
"So, you're a caffeine junky?" Yusuke – who else would say that?
"Not really, I hate the stuff honestly, but it keeps me awake and is much cheaper then energy drinks." You admit to him. "Enjoy breakfast. I'll be back soon" You say, downing the last of your coffee as you walk to the sink and place the cup down.
"You won't be joining us?" Kurama questions.
"No. I ate as I cooked," You tell him, before walking into the lounge and turning on the news.
Once you'd checked the weather (Sunny all day), you go back in. Standing in the doorway, you watch them interact.
It was rather entertaining, and informative.
You found out that Kazuma liked slightly sweet things, but not too sweet. Yusuke (although he probably wouldn't admit it) liked fruit salad and plain pancakes with butter and jam. (You noted that you would have to make him small pancakes and get some cream for him to add as well.)
Yukina wasn't fussy, and had a bit of everything, but she did like her green tea. Kurama liked that fruit salad as well, but you noticed that he really seemed to enjoy the waffles.
Genkai, much like Yukina, liked everything and enjoyed it with a glass of water and a pot of earl grey tea.
Which left Hiei... He seemed cautious of everything, but did try the whole spread.
He even looked up at you at one time and gave you a nod, you smiled and nodded back, not sure if the nod was thanks, or that the food was ok... either way you didn't care. If he wasn't glaring that would make your time here easier.
You walked forward and grabbed the last chocolate chip pancake and went and sat on the counter watching them.
They didn't seem to want to say much, so you sat in the relative silence with them.
Once they had finished eating, you start to clean the empty plates up, taking them to the sink and washing each load as you took it.
Yukina dried up and packed away for you.
When there was nothing on the table, you turn and say, "Ok, everybody out. I will have snacks on the table in about… let's say an hour. As I said last night, you can come to the fridge, no further. Oh, and if you hear any cuss words, don't worry, I am fine." You smile as you start to pull ingredients out of the pantry.
You hear them leave, and you start to hum to yourself.
You marinate some steak and leave some plain, as well as using the leftover marinate to cover the slow roasting chicken you are preparing with roasted vegetables.
After that, you put out some snacks for the guys. Then, you make shish kebabs, potato salad, coleslaw, salad, and even a pasta salad, and you had sausages, steak, plus the shish kebabs and lamb cutlets.
You smile to yourself when you had finally finished. You were happy with the spread you had thrown together.
What made you happier, though, is that you had found what you needed to make your hot and spicy sauce.
Altogether, you were in a good mood.
Looking over at the table, you notice that almost all the snacks were gone.
They had done as you requested, and you went to find them to say thanks.
You found them training. Not wanting to interrupt, you sit and watch them.
They were good. Well, Yusuke and Kuwabara could be reckless, but they were good, none-the-less.
After about ten minutes, Genkai came over to you.
"(y/n)? Would you help me with Kuwabara and the dimwit?" She asks.
"I heard that, old lady!" Yusuke screamed from the yard, but you both ignore him.
"How could I help you?" You are rather confused.
Genkai lights a smoke before answering. "As you can see, they can fight well enough. However, I want them to learn how to jump better."
"So you want me to teach them gymnastics?" You say, catching on.
"Yes. If you would." She looks at you, awaiting your answer.
Watching them, you turn to her. "I don't know if they'll even listen, let alone be able to learn anything, but, for you, I will try"
"Then you will start tomorrow, before I train with them." With that, she walked away.
Sighing, you knew you were going to have to pull out some of your old routines to impress them.
After watching for a few minutes, you walk back into the temple and find Yukina sitting on the couch in the lounge, looking at her tear gem necklace.
You sit down beside her.
"Are you ok, Yukina?" You ask softly.
"I'm just thinking about my brother," She tells you with a sad smile.
She then proceeded to tell you the story.
You felt sad hearing about it, you felt sorrow and cold and compassion. You want to help her.
"I will help you if you want me to," You say, smiling gently.
"Thanks, (y/n). I'd like that," She smiles.
You stand and go into the kitchen after giving her a hug.
She comes in as you are pulling stuff out of the fridge.
"Can I help?" She offers.
"Sure, you can start by placing a table cloth on the table out side. I'll start bringing everything out in a minute." You smile as she grabs a table cloth from a drawer and heads out.
Once everything had been taken out and set up, you ask her to tell the others that you are starting to cook as you light the BBQ.
Within minutes, the boys are there and so are Keiko and Shizuru (whom you are introduced to). Genkai had told you about her, so you were not surprised to see her there, but you were glad that you had made more then enough food.
Once you had finished, you take a seat at the table between Genkai and Yukina.
You watch as everyone digs in and serve yourself.
You pull out the spicy sauce you had made and drown your steak in it.
Everyone looks at you.
"What?" You ask.
"You gunna share that?" Yusuke asks.
"If you think you can handle it," You smile.
He takes the bowl you had put it in and smells it.
"What the hell?" He asks as he leans away from it while you laugh.
"It's my hot and spicy sauce." You inform him.
Pushing it away, he says "Oh, hell no!"
"Pussy," You mutter under your breath.
He hears you "What did you say?" He growls.
You laugh, repeating louder, "Pussy,"
"I am not!" He says irritably. "If you want to burn your mouth out, then go ahead, but don't expect me to!"
"Like I said, pussy." You say, taking a mouthful of steak and sauce.
They watch you like they are expecting you to get up and run for water or something.
Once you swallow, you shake your head. "And here I thought you were all big strong men."
Genkai, Shizuru, and Keiko are laughing. Yukina looks confused and the boys look disgruntled.
You ignore them and keep eating.
Then Hiei shocks you, he reaches over and takes the bowl. Dipping his finger in, he tries some.
"Not bad," He states as he adds some to his food.
You raise an eyebrow in half shock, half amusement.
'So, Hiei likes hot and spicy foods' you note to yourself before you go back to eating.
The other three boys look at each other, then the bowl, deciding to try it.
You laugh at their shocked and not amused expressions.
They all start going red, Yusuke tried to eat other food to cool his mouth, and Kurama and Kazuma down their glasses of water.
Smiling, you go back to eating.
Once their mouths had cooled down, Yusuke looks at you. "You find something funny, (y/n)?"
"Yeah," You reply, pausing to take a sip of water. "You."
He looks like he was about to pound you when Keiko slaps him and says, "Yusuke! You know you would laugh your head off it this was reversed. So get over it and eat your lunch."
You barely refrain yourself from saying something that would make him mad again.
The rest of lunch goes quietly. That is, until your phone rings.
You pull it out and look at the screen confused. It was a private number, so you didn't know who it was.
Getting up, you walk away before answering. "Hello?"
"Hey, where the hell are you? I have been looking for you everywhere!" Your ex's ex yells through the phone.
You hang up and it rings again. This time you don't say anything when you answer it.
"Did you just hang up on me?" She screeches
"Yeah, and I am going to again." You hang up, as promised.
You walk back and sit down just before it rings again.
You are losing you temper.
"What?" You growl.
"So" She starts "I bet you're all upset that you saw us, ain't you bitch... I, on the other hand, couldn't be happier. I-"
You cut her off "You know what, I couldn't care less anymore. He's all yours, bitch. If you want a cheater to be your man, then don't let me hold you back."
Once again you hang up.
You close your eyes and put your head on the table.
The phone rings again and you lose it.
You get up, answering it as you do.
"Listen up and listen good," You growl. "You ever call me again; I will hunt you down like the dog you are. You got it? I don't like you, and I don't know how you got this number, but back the fuck off. If I still wanted that pathetic piece of crap, I would have him. But I guess I ain't as low as you are, to think that the only guy I can get is a cheating bastard. Oh, and I hope you like that engagement ring, cause I know he would have given it to you after I gave it back."
"Hey-"
You hang up, and rip the sim card out of the phone; you crush it in your hand, dropping the bits on the ground.
After a few deep breaths you turn to the table. You know they were watching and listening, but you don't care.
"Sorry about that. Ex's new girl trying to give me a piece of her mind." You say as you take a bite of the salad that's still on your plate.
"I guess you told her though, huh?" Shizuru smiles.
"You could say that." You manage to talk around your mouthful of food.
"There is no guessing about it," Yusuke laughed.
Sighing you stand up. "I'm going to check on dinner, and then I'm going to lay down for awhile. Please. Don't bother me."
You walk away. You really were upset by that call, but you had been trying to stay strong.
You check the chicken and then have a shower to try and calm down. In the end, you end up lying in the bath.
You get out when the water gets cold and head into the kitchen to put the vegetables in the oven.
While grabbing a drink from the fridge, you hear someone behind you. Turning quickly, you find two someone's.
Yukina and Hiei.
They both look at you.
"Are you ok, (y/n)?" Yukina asks.
You shrug and walk away; you just don't want to talk about it.
You stay in your room, ignoring the knocks and questions that get thrown at you when you check on the food
You set the table and place everything out.
Everyone walks in to see the spread and they look at you in awe.
"Enjoy," You say as you turn and walk away.
"Wait. You're not joining us?" Kurama asks, concern coating his words.
"I won't be the best company tonight." You reply, not turning around, before continuing on your way.
You missed the looks of concern that were thrown at you and the comments on how they should do something to cheer you up.
Sitting on your bed you tell yourself it doesn't matter, that you are strong, that you will get through this and come out stronger, but it doesn't help. Within minutes of sitting down, those renegade tears start to flow and you bury your head in your pillow.
You awake sometime during the night, unsure why you have awoken.
Getting up, you change and crawl back into bed, this time under the covers.
And the dreams you dream that night… will never be far from your mind.
(A/N's) So I have a few things to say and a question for you all.
Firstly, a big huge thank-you to my beta, ChuBerry! You are amazing, and I appreciate all that you have done and will do for me! You rock!
And I would also like to thank my Sisi, Alexisminmino! With out your support when starting this, I don't think I would have continued this!
I dedicate this first chapter to the both of you.
Now to all you readers out there, I have a question concerning the next chapter...
Could you please send me single worded prompts that you would like me to use.
It could be anything from orange to zebra, I don't mind. I would just like to be able to have a bit of fun and get you all involved with this story.
Reviews are appreciated.
Thanks again to all my lovely readers.
I can't wait to get replies so I can start on the next chapter!