Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. If I did this story would be canon. And alas it's not so infer as you see fit.

Summary: Keiko loved Yusuke all of her life. But he ended it. This was her time to figure out what to do with herself now that he was gone. They say that grief is expressed though five stages. She knew that for sure now.

Warnings: Some naughty words. Angst. Pretty tame.

Author's Note: This idea came to me out of no where. I wanted it to be short and sweet, since I'm trying to finish my other story. I'm pretty much finished with this one and I hope you like it!

'No I don't believe you when you say you don't need me anymore. So don't pretend to not love me at all'

~P!nk

;; D e n i a l ;;

November 21, 1998

The sun was beaming above them - almost mocking them with it's jovial disposition. The birds flew overhead. Their loud cries reaching her ears - like small parts to one large symphony. She wished to be as carefree as them.

And today had started off as such a good day too.

Keiko looked at her feet as she saw them move in front of her. One after the other - somehow moving on their own accord. She snuck a glance at her walking companion. He stood with his bag slung over his shoulder - slowing down his pace to keep up with hers. His face was turned up towards the sky - basking in the rays above him.

A sigh. "Keiko."

When Yusuke had told her he wanted to talk, she knew what it was about. It was a long time coming - she knew that in hindsight. She was still trying to figure out of she blamed him or not.

"Keik-."

"There's this new exhibit at the museum. We should go. I heard it's going to be very interesting." Maybe if they didn't talk about it things wouldn't change. They would stay the same - she wouldn't have to deal with this pressure in her chest.

"Keiko." He tired again. He always used that tone when he was frustrated she knew it well - but he had never used it on her.

"Or we could go out to eat. We haven't done that in a while - we could get your favorite. That th-."

"KEIKO!" She stopped in her tracks and finally willed herself to look up at him. His eyes were closed - he was probably feeling regret for yelling. Good. He had never lost his temper with her before. She didn't want to hear what would come next. She didn't know what made her stop and listen to what he had to say. She could run away? Maybe tomorrow would be different. He would think it over and realize his mistake.

"I think we should stop seeing each other." The way he said it made her blood run cold. That was it. No flowery words. No drawn out speech. Then again, Yusuke had never had a way with words. But, the fact that he could end it so simply hurt her. She could almost feel the dagger in her chest. It felt as if someone was stabbing her over and over again.

"Don't do this Yusuke." She sounded so pathetic to herself. So meek. This wasn't her - she wasn't this girl. Is this what she would be reduced to without him? "Please don't do this.

Keiko pushed her face into his jacket - grabbing on for dear life. Maybe if she held on tight enough he wouldn't leave. She felt the tears coming, fighting them wasn't working anymore, so she gave up trying.

Yusuke pulled her away from him gently. His eyes were sad - maybe he didn't want to do this. Maybe there was still a chance.

"You've been pushing me away. Ever since I came back, yo-."

She didn't know what it was - but something in her snapped. All she could see were her own tears. Wet and full of salt. Full of unspeakable emotions.

"I'm not pushing you away! I'm holding on for dear life!" Keiko could hear her voice shrill and broken. It reeked of desperation. But she couldn't stop. "All I wanted is for you to love me."

He just started at her - almost in some sort of pity. Pity! Towards her - the one who stuck by him through everything? How dare he?

"Why didn't you try to contact me while you were away?" She placed her head into her hands. Her shoulders were shaking uncontrollably at this point. The tears were overtaking her - but she was too far-gone to care. "I waited for you! And now look where it's gotten me? I know you fuck up everything in your life - but why did you have to fuck me over too."

She didn't stay to hear what he said after. She didn't even look at his face - the pity disgusted her. Was he was calling for her? She hoped he was.

Although she was sure he wasn't.