Hello all, some of you might remember this story, it was one of the first posted by me as the old, Sazuko H. Kohana. But I am back and I am newly improved. I promise I won't end this shit like I did randomly I plan on finishing all the ones I had posted under my old Pen Name, and posting some new ones that you have yet to read. I hope you enjoy the new and improved author as well as Whore.

Disclaimer: I own NOTHING! Except plot. Also, I do not make money from my writing and certainly none of my fanfiction. Love you all! Please R&R

Whore

Chapter 1: New Student

Shuichi Minamino, affectionately known as Kurama to his friends, stood in front of the door to his first period classroom. It was his first day and he was already late but he couldn't bring himself to open the blasted door. Taking a deep breath, he finally mustered up enough nerve and opened the door, walking straight to the teacher's desk, ignoring the silence that came when he entered the room. He stood in front of the teacher and cleared his throat to get his attention. The man looked up at him sharply, his voice rather irritable, "Who are you? You are not in this class." He grumbled looking back down at the paper he was correcting.

Kurama's eyes widened slightly and he stammered out a reply, never having a teacher be so rude to him before, "Um, well, sir... I am a new student and Principal Genkai said I was to come to this class straight away." He shifted his weight slightly in his nervousness.

The man looked up again, glancing him over as he searched his memory before he seemed to relax slightly. "Ah yes, I remember now. You are Shuichi Minamino, am I right?" He smiled when Kurama nodded his head and then nodded in return. "Sorry for being rude, but there are always current students trying to walk into this class and stay the entire period because of a certain popular student." He paused, a new light coming to his eyes that Kurama certainly didn't recognize a teacher ever having for a student. "Anyway, class! This is our new student, Shuichi Minamino. I expect you all to treat him with respect and make him feel welcome. And should he ask for it, be sure you assist him." He nodded again to Kurama telling him to go on and say a few things to the class.

Kurama turned and faced his new classmates and ignored the many stares he received. He bit back a sigh knowing they were all probably wondering if he was a boy or a girl like most people did. "Hello, I am Shuichi, but please call me Kurama, as it's just something I prefer to be called." His tone was gentle and polite like he had been bred but he couldn't resist the heat that rose to his cheeks when almost half of the class swooned.

The teacher saw that he would soon be popular as well, but more than likely not as popular as the other student and clapped his hands to gather the class's attention. "Now, all of you back to your assignment. And allow Kurama a few days to get caught up before you decide to try and woo him," the amusement thick in his voice, only caused Kurama's blush to deepen considerably. "Well then, Kurama, if you would, please take the empty seat next to the one right by the window you can get started on the assignment," he gestured to the seat.

Kurama nodded his head slowly before quickly making his way to his seat after the students gave a rather unison greeting, so he could copy down the assignment. As he finished copying it down and began working, he noticed that the attention had be diverted from him and instead of plain staring many of the other teenagers were blushing or drooling. He gave them a curious once over when he realized the door had opened again. Looking toward the front of the room, he noticed that even the teacher had a flush to his cheeks.

The redhead looked toward the door and he noticed a student that looked a little young to be there. He was dressed in the same uniform as everyone else, a black jacket with a white under shirt and black slacks, or skirt for the girls, but he somehow managed to make them into punk-like attire. The slacks were tighter than normal, with tears here and there, and no one seemed to object. The jacket he wore was longer than normal as well and flowed around him like a trench, the jacket was left open and the white undershirt hugged his well-muscled chest and stomach like a second skin. Kurama wondered if he himself could make a few alterations, and glancing around the room he noticed that quite a few students wore the uniform just designed to suit them. So long as the uniform still appeard to be a uniform... The redhead blushed when the teen he was examining so thoroughly caught him staring and gave him a flirtatious wink.

He turned to the teacher and gave him a sultry smirk. "So, teach, who's the redhead?" his voice was far deeper than Kurama would have originally guessed.

The teacher jumped slightly not expecting the student to speak to him. "That's the new student. Shuichi Minamino," his eyes wandered for a moment before he looked up at the raven-haired student and smiled. "So, how have you been Hiei? I haven't seen you in quite a while." His voiced dropped a bit and Kurama looked away not knowing what to think of the scene playing out before him.

Hiei's sharp red eyes watched Shuichi for a moment before turning back to the teacher, his smirk still firmly in place. "That was a one time thing, teach. I have told you that continuously," his eyes glinted showing he wasn't going to play this game much longer with him.

The teacher flushed more but smiled slyly at him. "Yes, I know, but you honestly can't blame me for trying," he said as he sat back and nodded for Hiei to go ahead and take his seat.

Hiei continued his pretense of a smirk and shook his head as he let it fall, his face going blank and cold in the next instant. He took his seat next to Shuichi and turned to him his face once again forming his mask of flirtation. "Hello, Shuichi. I am Hiei Jaganshi. I didn't know we were going to be getting a new student. And definitely not one so cute," his eyes went half lidded as his bangs fell across his face in a slightly mysterious manner.

The redhead turned to look at him and Hiei kept his face the way it was so he wouldn't let on that he found this creature to be the most beautiful person he had ever seen. The red hair cascading like a bloody waterfall down his back, his twisted sort of thinking found it entrancing and beautiful. His eyes were like liquid emerald as they looked at him and seemed to express emotion more clearly that Hiei himself could ever hope. The flush to his cheeks only made him all the more enticing.

Kurama blinked when Hiei regarded him and blushed when he received a compliment. "Please, do call me Kurama instead," before he could continue, Hiei rose a thin black eyebrow curiously.

"Kurama? As in Yoko Kurama? Legendary spirit fox and bandit of the demon world?" he asked, his eyes showing a mild curiosity, even though beneath the mask he was hoping it was true, though he figured the redhead would be intelligent enough to know the legend.

The redhead blinked in surprise but quickly smiled and nodded, "Yes." He flushed a moment. "Some of my friends from my previous school were adamant that if Yoko himself ever became a human then he would probably look like me. It was a joke for a while but soon the name stuck." He couldn't help the pleased smile that crossed his face then as he remembered the days with his old friends. That all happened before... He stopped the thought and shook it from his mind.

Hiei had watched him carefully, his intense ruby gaze taking in every twitch and every flash of emotion no matter how brief. He knew the other teen was hiding something but at the moment he didn't even seem to care. "Hm. Well I have a question," he paused a moment for effect, his face still holding the smirk though it was no longer flirty, "why would a great and powerful demon like Yoko ever sully himself by becoming a human? He was an awe inspiring being and wealthy as well. I see no reason for him to tarnish his own demonic beauty by becoming a lowly human. Doing that would only make him less of a creature than he already was, he would be weak and for all intents and purposes... ugly," his smirk turned a little darker now as he turned to the window, thoroughly assuming that the conversation was over.

Kurama's eyes widened slightly, before narrowing to green slits. "Considering that demons themselves are cold and heartless, it's perfectly possible that Yoko got sick of it," his voice was calm but if it was someone who knew him (which no one there did) then they would have sense the contempt in his voice. "But then again, it's people like you that give humans such a horrid reputation. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but you are the type of person who enjoys flirting with new students, despite their gender, in order to embarrass them and get them flustered. It's also a way for you to grab attention, be it negative or positive. It's something you crave. Am I right?" he asked, his voice becoming as cool as ice by the time he finished. His mind completely focusing on the insult to him, never noticing the slip of Hiei's mask, the look that said he knew the worst of people.

There was a collection of gasps as the other students began to wonder what Hiei would do. The raven-haired teen turned back and looked at Kurama, his red eyes flashing dangerously for a moment before the tense muscles of his back and shoulders relaxed and a look of bored resignation moved across his face. In his mind he was praising the redhead for being too quick-witted and also pleased that even this intelligent being hadn't figured him out. "If I tell you, you are wrong, would you believe me?" he asked, his voice bored, telling Kurama he was used to people thinking what they wanted of him.

Kurama's eyes looked thoughtful for a moment and shrugged. "Does it even matter if I answer that question?" he responded.

Hiei's smirk returned and he shrugged nonchalantly. "I suppose it doesn't. But as to flirting with you, it gave me something to do," with that he ended the conversation there, after checking his watch and standing, gathering his bag he simply walked out the door. Kurama didn't think he liked the way the teacher watched him as he left.

The redhead let out a sigh. That was the oddest first encounter I have had in quite some time. But I suppose that's one of the reasons I can't figure him out, he thought, his brows creasing; he shook his head. 'Well, it doesn't matter. I doubt he will be anyone of importance anyway.' And with that, he set about doing his work for the rest of the period. When the bell chimed, signally the end of class, he asked the teacher for extra work in order to get caught up. The teacher handed it to him with a simple smile, definitely one far different than he gave to Hiei, and bid him a good day.

Kurama groaned slightly as he realized his next class was going to be Physical Education. He wasn't an inactive sort of person but people always made such a fuss whenever he would walk into the boy's locker room. He went to his locker and quickly deposited his books. Throwing his hair into a messy ponytail, he went to the gym in order to acquire the assigned clothes and headed straight for the locker room.

Once again, the boys made a fuss. One particular teen decided to shout, "Hey! This ain't co-ed, go to the girl's locker room and quit trying to take a peek at my hot body!" He and the other guys burst into a fit of uproarious laughter.

The redhead merely let out a patient breath and went to his assigned locker, pulling off his shirt. Another teen, this one with hair as red as Kurama's, but shorter and spiked on top, said, "Oi, Urameshi, I dunna think the lass heard ya!" More laughter until Kurama turned around and gave them all a dark glare.

Everyone fell silent as they realized his chest was rather flat. "Oh shit! You're a guy?" asked the one the redhead that had called Urameshi.

Kurama let out another breath, though this one was more of a haughty huff than anything, if only to show them his irritation. "Yes, I am a guy! Just because my features are feminine and my hair is long doesn't mean I like being stared and gawked at!" he merely continued to change for P.E.

As he left the locker room briskly, he realized with a slight smugness that they were just left staring at him, their faces a clear picture of surprise.

Class was just about to start when Urameshi and the redhead ran up to him. "Hey, wait up!" called Urameshi causing Kurama to turn slightly. "We just wanted to say sorry, but you didn't say anything in the beginning so we figured you either knew we were right or you were just plain ignoring us. And me and Jin don't necessarily like being ignored," a boyish grin fit easily upon his face.

Arching an eyebrow, he looked over the two and shrugged. "Well, I can't say I blame you, but honestly with people constantly asking me questions and assuming I am a girl, it gets rather tiresome very quickly," his light alto tone returning, knowing the two teens were pretty much the clowns of the school. "Oh, by the way, I am Shuichi Minamino. I just moved here, but please call me Kurama," a calm smile came to his face.

Urameshi grinned and nodded his head, "We heard about you already, but no one mentioned what you looked like, considering this is only second period. I am Yusuke Urameshi, and this here is Jin Fuyukaze," he jerked his head to the redhead behind him.

Jin grinned widely showing surprisingly large canines. "Heya! Sorry 'bout all da jokes but you are just so pretty, it can't be helped." He laughed rather loudly, startling Kurama slightly.

"Uhm, your accent... it's rather different," he looked a little baffled by this particular classmate of his.

The redhead continued to grin. "Yea, well, I was in Ireland for most of my life and came here only about three years back," he explained and winced slightly when the teacher blew his whistle. "Oi, well, that be the start of class, better get movin', K'rama," he and Yusuke went to their lines.

Kurama shook his head slowly, "This is turning out to be a rather interesting day indeed."

The redhead was smiling slightly as he made his way to his next period. It was biology and he couldn't wait. He had always had a love for plants and wildlife and biology made him feel closer to that love. As he walked into the room he glanced around and noticed a striking girl, her hair an unusual teal and her eyes an oddly familiar shade of red. He shook it from his mind, not wanting to think of anything that might bring his mood down now that the day was going so well.

The bell rang and once again, Kurama was up at the teacher's desk to ask for extra work. As he was leaving, the teacher stopped the girl (he had found out her name was Yukina). He paused a moment but seeing the look of discomfort on her face even as she nodded to his request, he knew it was probably none of his concern and left to lunch.

As he arrived he found a few of the friends he had already made: Yusuke and Jin; as well as a few other kids he had yet to meet. Walking up, he smiled when Yusuke noticed and waved him over. "Yo! Kurama, how has your first day been so far?" he asked, shoving another teen over to make room for the redhead. Kurama blinked his green eyes in surprise for a moment before sitting down carefully.

Before he could answer, the orange-haired teen looked indignant as he shouted at Yusuke, "Oi! Urameshi what the hell is the matter with you-" He stopped when he got a look at Kurama and his face flushed slightly. "Oh, you made room for this pretty girl..." He paused and then his eyes brightened. "Hey! You better not be messing around on Keiko, you dirty punk!" He cried suddenly as Kurama sat there his eyebrow developing a steady twitch.

"If you'll excuse me, but I am not a girl, thank you very much. And Yusuke is most certainly not my type," he said matter-of-factly looking down at the teen, who was still surprisingly on the floor. "As for you, Yusuke, the day has been rather decent. First period was a little dissatisfying, but other than that, I have had a pleasant experience so far."

Yusuke couldn't help but laugh. "Damn, well there you have it, Kuwabara. Kurama here isn't attracted to me. And besides I love Keiko. It's not likely that I would just go after everyone I'm attracted to," he smirked, winking at Kurama in a flirtatious manner. "Now, are you going to continue staring like a moron or are you going to get up off the floor? The love of you life is heading over here," his voice suddenly going dry with a bored humor.

Kuwabara blinked and was standing in an instant, his eyes glazing over as they caught sight of his love. "Oh, Yukina!" He murmured in awe. "Yukina!" He shouted this time, speeding over to the diminutive teal haired girl. "How have you been, my sweet? I hope your classes haven't been too hard on you. Do you need my help with anything? Should I carry your school things for you?" he questioned in a rush taking her small hands in his own, a flush crossing his face as he did so.

She gave him a gentle smile, one she gave to everyone, but he took it as a sign from the heavens that she cared for him as much as he cared for her. "No, that's all right, Kazuma. I'm fine. But I was wondering if you've seen my brother around anywhere..." she asked, her voice quiet but held a note of worry.

Kuwabara's demeanor instantly changed, his eyes narrowing to slits as he looked at her. "No, I haven't seen the shrimp and I don't care to. You shouldn't be worrying about him either, Yukina. I know he's your brother and all but you don't need him around and he's always telling you he's fine so I don't see any reason to keep asking about him," his tone was haughty and irritated.

Yukina bit her lip lightly as she looked down the worry shining in her ruby red eyes. "But... He's not a bad person, Kazuma..." her hope to lighten the carrot top's tempter shining through.

Kurama blinked and stood, coming over and smiling at her gently. "Please, Yukina, was it? I am Kurama, can you tell me who your brother is? Maybe I'll be able to help you find him. I would like to try anyway," he said, his tone as soft as his smile.

Red eyes looked up surprised and her smile widened. "Oh, well, uhm..." she began, her cheeks tinting a light pink in her embarrassment.

"Enough," Kuwabara interrupting anything she was trying to say. "Kurama, you don't want to know him. He's nothing but a liar and a who-" he began his tone hardening.

"Stop it!" Yukina cried, her eyes wide, pain flashing through them as she tried to explain. "You don't know him!" she went silent, knowing that as long as she and her mother were safe, her brother didn't care for anyone knowing about what he went through to make sure they taken care of.

Standing from his place but not moving toward them, Yusuke called out in a rather serious voice, "She's right, Kuwabara... You don't know him and the things he's gone through. So just knock it off." He looked at the tall teen, his brown eyes holding some emotion Kurama wasn't sure he could pinpoint.

Kuwabara looked over at him, his beady eyes wide in shock. "How can you say that, Urameshi? After what happened between the two of you..." He stopped when Yusuke shook his head sharply to silence him.

"Like I said, you don't know the whole story so just drop it," he at least knew a little of what happened and that Yukina's family had their struggles that caused Yukina's brother to make some hard decisions in order to make sure no one else had to suffer.

Yukina had looked down once again, silently thanking Yusuke for his support but paused, her body going rigid for a moment before she looked up, tears in her eyes and hurried out of the lunch area. She knew she had to get to the back of the gym as fast as she could.

Kuwabara watched her go before he seemed to realize his lover was practically running away. "Wait, Yukina!" He reached out and moved to go catch up with her but was stopped when Yusuke put a hand on his shoulder shaking his head once again. "Urameshi?"

"Just let her go, Kuwabara, and let's finish lunch," his voice took on a tone that left no room for argument. Kuwabara looked at him confused but gritted his teeth and let out a sigh before nodding slowly and following Yusuke back to the table.

Kurama glanced at the group, his green eyes shining in confusion. He took his place next to Yusuke with one last glance at the door that Yukina had run out of only a few moments before. "Are you sure she'll be okay? She looked like she was about to cry when she left..." the worry leaking into his voice as he remember the almost terrified look in the girl's red eyes.

Yusuke glanced up and let out a breath close to a sigh and close to a huff. "Yea, don't worry about her too much. As soon as she finds her brother everything will be okay. They have a close bond, being twins and all so the sooner she sees that he's fine the better," a crooked smile crossing his face that both reassured and confused Kurama all the more. However, he nodded nonetheless and went on with his lunch, conversing with everyone at the table and greeting Yusuke's girlfriend, Keiko. He asked Jin if he had anyone special and Jin merely grinned at him.

The brunette rolled his eyes at Jin's grin. "You'll meet him. He's in drama with Keiko and so you'll probably see him there. He's quiet but he's nice enough. Has quite a big sense of pride, but he is a loyal friend," Jin nodded vigorously in agreement.

Kurama smiled, looking forward to meeting the boy, then he blinked. "So, you're gay?" he asked curiously.

Jin blinked and laughed. "Nah, I don't go callin' myself one thing. But I am attracted to both; it doesn't matter to me. But I've known my sweet for a long time so it was jus' bound ta happen sooner or later." He grinned and blinked when the bell rang. "Oi! Lunch is over already? Damn, I s'ppose its time ta head off ta class then," he said, standing and throwing his backpack over his shoulder.

As they all stood, Yukina entered the lunchroom again, her brother leaning on her for support. Kurama blinked, his eyes widening when he recognized the spiked black hair and the white starburst. "Hiei is Yukina's twin brother?" he asked, his voice incredulous as he stared at them in shock.

Kuwabara sneered looking at Hiei, not caring that the teen seemed to be injured. "Yea, that's him all right. I can't believe that she cares about him so much. He ain't nothin' but a lazy punk. Always getting into fights and..." He stopped when Yusuke gave him a pointed look but continued to grumble beneath his breath.

The brunette shook his head in frustration, "If you don' wanna be here then take Kurama and head to your guys' next class. He won't appreciate strangers seeing him like this anyway," he looked pointedly at Kurama and headed over to help Yukina with her brother.

The carrot top grumbled some more, "Whatever, let's go, Kurama. You don't need to get involved with someone like him. He's going nowhere fast and everyone knows it. Come on, we got Algebra next," he said and pulled the redhead out of lunchroom and down the hall. Kurama bit his lip when he saw Hiei look up at Yusuke his cheek beginning to swell as dark bruises could be seen forming around his eye. His nose and lip were bleeding and he looked more tired than ever.

Kuwabara is probably right. He looks like a kid that has something like this happen to him quite often... But... If I can just ignore him then what does that make me? He thought, saddened as he turned away from the scene and followed Kuwabara to their class.

Yusuke watched Kurama glancing them for a moment before turning to Hiei. "What happened? Was it the same group?" he asked, knowing about how often Hiei's work broke up relationships and caused him to be an enemy to quite a few students at the school.

Red eyes looked up at him, a weariness he rarely showed to anyone creeping into his soul; he was just so tired of everything. "Yea, it was them, you would think all my heart-felt apologies would be enough but I guess not," he muttered, the sarcasm layered on thick as he attempted to stand from leaning on Yukina's shoulder. He grimaced slightly at the pain that shot through his abdomen but shook it off. "It's all right, Yukina, you go to class. You don't want to be late to Sensui's," his voice softened as he spoke to his sister. "Yusuke will help me to class and as soon as the period is over I will go to the nurse," his was voice portraying a false honesty. He could tell his sister knew he was lying but even so, she nodded, planted a light kiss on his cheek, and headed out of the room.

Yusuke and Hiei watched her leave in silence before the taller brunette spoke. "Will you ever get tired of lying to her?" he asked, his voice soft as Hiei began to walk toward the nearest bathroom.

Hiei gave a one-shouldered shrug, letting Yusuke know that his other shoulder was causing him pain. "She knows I'm lying but neither of us feel the need to correct each other in the paths we are taking," he answered, his voice calm and even, like it was most of the time he spoke to Yusuke. He walked into the bathroom with Yusuke following incase his injuries were more severe than they had originally thought. He walked up to a mirror and looked himself over for a moment. He sighed slightly and reached into his bag pulling out the cover up he knew he would need to get through the rest of the day. "Does it make me a cross dresser if I know how to put on make up?" he asked, a smirking playing on his lips as he began to apply the cosmetic.

Although he didn't feel it was appropriate and he didn't feel like it, he laughed heartily knowing that Hiei was trying to weakly make a joke out of his situation. His eyes lit slightly with amusement, showing he was trying. "Yea, probably does, but hey, you have to admit you would make a fairly pretty girl if you concentrated hard enough." He grinned roguishly and winked at Hiei. His smile remained even after they fell quiet as Hiei continued to make his face presentable.

With that part finished, they left the bathroom and Yusuke followed him to the gym. "I don't need you to guard me, Urameshi. They only ever do it before school, during lunch, or after school... So I am pretty sure I'm safe right now," he mumbled as they entered the gym and headed to the locker room.

Yusuke nodded, "I know that, but it would be best if I followed you. I need to look at your wounds to make sure I don't need to force you to the nurse's office remember?" his voice was sickeningly sweet as he chuckled when Hiei rolled his eyes but nodded anyway.

"Yusuke Urameshi!" a female voice cried when they had reached the locker room. Hiei flinched and Yusuke whirled around just in time for an open palm to come crashing down on his cheek. "What on earth do you think you are doing here? If I recall correctly you have class with Sensui, don't you?" she questioned though it sounded more like and accusation, placing both hands firmly on her hips as she awaited a sensible answer from her thickheaded boyfriend.

Yusuke recovered from the sucker punch to his cheek and looked at her, rubbing it in a soothing manner. "Aw, c'mon, Keiko, don't be like that! I was just helping Hiei out. I'll go to class as soon as he is settled I promise!" a pleading tone had entered his voice as Hiei flinched once again when she turned sharp brown eyes onto his form standing in front of the door.

Bad move, Urameshi... he thought briefly before he heard Keiko take a sharp inhale of breath and stomp off just as the whistle blew for class to start. "You know how much she hates me, Yusuke... I don't see why you constantly test your relationship with her by hanging around me," his voice held something Yusuke couldn't very well place.

But the brunette smiled all the same. "If she really thinks I'm involved with you as more than a friend than we haven't moved passed the things I thought we had before we even started this relationship... And if it continues this way then we are definitely going to have some sort of problem. Besides, what kind of relationship is it when she can't stand one of my best friends," his voice was as cheery as it always was.

Hiei looked up at him and shook his head. "Moron," he murmured at last and headed into the locker room with Yusuke following. It was only a few moments before Yusuke deemed Hiei fit for the class and headed to his own with a wave to Hiei and a quick kiss to Keiko. Hiei watched him and shook his head; if he had known this is how things would be for his friend, he never would have done what he did... But still, he couldn't change the past and with that thought, he headed to the class, ignoring his pain and completing every activity the teacher threw at him. All the time aware that Keiko was glaring at him and that another teen was watching him as he always did. He glared at Kuronue but ignored him for the most part. It's not like Kuronue could do anything to him. Nothing new, anyway... He thought as he began to jog laps around the gym for the remainder of the period.

Kurama sighed happily as he entered the classroom used for drama. He had always been a fan of drama, being able to play someone else in a play or skit was always something he found endearing. He glanced up at the door and noticed Yusuke's girlfriend walking in with another girl, her hair a light blue and her eyes an interesting shade of pink. Keiko spotted him and smiled heading over even as the girl behind her continued to babble on and on. "Hey there, Kurama," she smiled happily and sat beside him while the other girl stared at him for a long time before smiling widely and extending a well-manicured hand.

"Hi, there! I'm Botan Karitoriki!" she shook his hand enthusiastically. "I have heard a lot about you, your nickname is Kurama, right? Yea, you are spreading around the school like wildfire. You already have a small fan club and you are already getting around at the clubs so don't be surprised if tomorrow your entire locker is filled with invitations and love letters," her words all spoken in a quick breath that Kurama was left entirely confused. Glancing up, he noticed Yukina walking in, worry wrapping itself around her like a shroud. "Oh, are you interested? Her pursuer is Kuwabara but you'd have a hard time getting past her brother; he is quite protective of her and tends to not let anyone get to close to either of them, but I'm positive he'd make an acceptation for you, since you are so good looking," once again her words came in a rush of sounds that after a moment of analysis he took as actual words.

He looked her over for a moment and sighed knowing he would have to choose his words carefully around her from now on before she started spreading unnecessary rumors. "So you know her and her brother then?" he asked, his voice slightly curious as a slender male walked up to Yukina and began to chat with her. He blinked noting that this school must not have a very strict code for hair colors considering this teen had shoulder length blue hair and teal bangs. The teen looked up, eyes finding and locking with the redheads. Kurama was surprised to see that he had no pupils and that his eyes were a striking shade of blue just like his hair.

Botan continued to watch him and looked back over. "Oh, I don't know her brother personally but most other students do if you know what I mean." She winked at him and looked back over waving Yukina and the other teen. "The boy with her is Toya, you may know his boyfriend already. Jin?"

Kurama blinked and nodded his head slowly, slightly surprised. "Yes, I know Jin, but he never mentioned what his boyfriend looked like..." he smiled when the two came over and sat on the other side of him. He was surprised that they didn't even attempt to sit down next to Botan and Keiko. "So you're the mystery man," he looked to Toya with a pleasant smile on his face.

Toya looked at him and seemed to be studying him for a moment before he let a small smile appear on his face as well. "I suppose Jin just likes to surprise people like this. Hello, I am Toya Korishinzo. And yes, I am the mystery man. People are always surprised when they hear that me and him are together so he keeps it secret from new comers until they meet me unexpectedly," his gentle voice was light. He turned to Yukina when she mumbled something and spoke quietly with her. "So you are Kurama, am I right?" he asked rather suddenly.

The redhead blinked and tilted his head slightly, "Yes, I am Kurama..." he looked over towards Yukina and saw her gentle smile. "Oh, I see you remembered my name then." He smiled at her in return.

Yukina nodded. "Yes, you offered to help me find my brother even if you didn't know him. And I know you would have still tried even if Kuwabara had finished what he was saying about him," her voice grew softer until Toya put his arm around her shoulders for support. "Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you. It's... difficult..." she paused a moment looking at Keiko and Botan as they watched and listened with interest. "So many people know what he's like and the things he does... But few people have ever offered him help..." she stopped when Toya gripped her shoulder and he shook his head slowly.

Toya glanced over at the two other girls and resisted the urge to sneer at them both. It was mostly there fault that Hiei and Yukina's private business was made public knowledge. Parents had pulled their kids out of the school since the board could do nothing to kick Hiei out, he can't even fight back when he is attacked by those angry at him. It's their fault that Yukina has to be constantly watched by Hiei or one of the people close to the twins because the other students think they can take advantage of her since her brother was so available. It's their fault Hiei and Yukina's lives had been made that much harder.

But Keiko had heard enough and let an unpleasant sneer come across her face. "Like your brother needs help! He's nothing more that some sick nympho that just has to constantly be getting action. Nothing but a home wrecker and is constantly getting between good solid couples," she stood. She glanced down at Kurama, whose look was unreadable as he listened. "I would suggest you stay away from Hiei, Kurama. You wouldn't want to contract the disease he has," as she spoke her brown eyes glinted fiercely before she turned and left them heading to the opposite site of the room and taking a seat at the front.

Botan nodded her head in agreement and turned as well but paused to look over her shoulder giggling as she saw the discomfort in Yukina's eyes. "Oh, don't worry, deary. I'm sure your brother will succumb to the beatings or diseases soon enough. Then you will be free from the brand he has placed on the both of you," she called over her shoulder in her ever-cheery voice as she began to walk again taking her new seat next to Keiko as the bell chimed once again noting that class had started.

Yukina's red eyes were wide as tears gathered and she stood abruptly, fleeing the classroom at Botan's hurtful words. Kurama watched her go, anger churning in his chest but seeing that Toya made no move to go after her, he remained were he was. "Will she be okay?" he asked for the second time that day and Toya looked at him with a sad smile and nodded.

"It's at times like this that I admire the connection her and Hiei have, he will be out of his class shortly to go and find her," his voice was filled with a calm sadness. Kurama nodded his head slowly and a few moments later, just as Toya had said, he saw Hiei running passed the open door in search of his sister. He bit his lip slightly but continued listening to the teacher and participating whenever his name was called.

Hiei found his sister at the front of the school, sitting underneath the only weeping willow there was on the grounds. He went to her, his footsteps quiet and his face a slight showing of the concern that squirmed in his stomach. "Yukina?" He called gently and when her heard her quiet sob, he knelt beside her and wrapped his arms around her. "Yukina, shh, calm down now, don't worry, everything is going to be fine. You can't let them see how much this gets to you. I'm sorry but just a little longer and we will be able to get away from him," he spoke knowing she would know who he meant.

She shook as she sobbed into his shoulder, "I-I know..." her voice cracked as she continued to cry. He nodded his head slowly and stroked her back tenderly in order to calm her crying. He didn't know or care how long it took for her crying to soften, her tears slowed to a trickle and finally she was pulling away from him and wiping her eyes on her sleeve. "I'm sorry, Hiei, it's just... what they say about you... and they don't know anything. I know you don't think people will help but..." She looked up at him and saw the pain he always tried to keep hidden, shining in his red eyes.

"Please, Yukina, as soon as I get the amount of money I need, I want you and mom to leave... I want you guys to get as far away from here as possible," his voice was hoarse from holding back the tears that threatened to fall. "I know what they say and I know someone would probably help... but... you have to understand, as long as you live there, I will forever be your protector. I don't care who else may have a better way of doing this but I will never ask because as long as I am doing what I'm doing, I know you both will be safe," the conviction ringing through his voice.

Yukina shook her head as more tears spilled passed her lashes. "Then why do we have to leave you? Why can't it wait until you have enough to come with us? I won't do it and you know mom won't either! We stick together no matter how bad he gets!" she threw her arms around him once again. "Don't push us away so you can deal with it on your own... You won't survive long like that," she whispered into his chest as she continued to hold him.

He paused a moment, unsure of what to do or say. He should have known she would react like this and he thanked whoever was listening that he had such a loving sister. "I know... I'm sorry. We'll wait then, till there is enough for all of us to get away," he said at last, wrapping his arms around her once again, and once again no tears fell from his eyes and he closed off his own pain to deal with hers. He didn't care how cold that made him so long as he never hurt his adoring sister. He didn't care how it broke his heart and soul to bottle up things that should have been brought out into the open ages ago. He didn't care about himself at all so long as he could keep the two angels in his life safe. He blinked a moment, 'The three angels... I need to protect three angels...' He corrected himself as he heard the bell chime once again.

"Yukina, we need to go. You have missed your 5th period. I will not have you missing the last period of the day. Come on, we need to finish up our pieces anyway, if we are going to be able to send them in like we want to. Hopefully, one of us will get picked," he stood with her and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

She gave him a smile that they both knew was weak but was the best she could muster and they headed into the school. Looking up, they found Toya waiting for them like he did most days and the three of them left to the art room.

Kurama watched them walk by, Yukina looked less upset and Hiei had his arm securely wrapped around her shoulders. If they heard the whispers going on about them they made no move to silence them. Toya himself walked with an air of purpose as though he would defend them both should the whispers become any louder. The redhead was curious, wondering how one went about befriending such on obviously well-guarded and tortured pair. He sighed and shook his head. I suppose I will find out sooner or later... That or I won't find out at all he thought, wondering now if Hiei's insult towards him this morning was a warning to stay away from him or a bit of a cry for help. He didn't think Hiei was the type to give even subtle cries and walked to his next class saddened by the fact that the teen had so few who actually supported him.

He walked into the class and was once again introduced to the students. Many raised their hands in offering of a seat for him to occupy, instead he went to the one next to another raven-haired teen. Though this time his hair was long, about waist length, and he wore an odd hat. It was odd simply because the top was cut out of it. He too wore his uniform jacket long though this time the buttons were completely done and hugged his toned chest in a slightly different manner than Hiei's did. He smiled slightly, "Uhm, Hi... Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked, his voice light and friendly just as he had always been taught to use it when meeting people.

The raven-haired youth looked up and Kurama was suddenly caught up in the deep indigo blue eyes that looked up at him curiously. The teen smirked but nodded his head, "Sure, go right ahead." He nodded to the chair next to him and Kurama sat down. "You're the new kid I have heard so much about I suppose," his voice held more disappointment than question.

Kurama's green eyes looked at him sharply but when he saw the playful smile he relaxed a bit. "I'm sorry. Am I that much of a let down?" his voice was sarcastic but still held a note of humor.

"Well, everyone was going on and on about how you were the next great beauty to enter the school. Now, being a great beauty means quite a few things, you are feminine, beautiful and have a wonderful personality. Like the art teacher Itsuki. Or the Jaganshi twins, though Hiei is considered the dark prince while his sister is considered the snow princess." He smirked at Kurama's wide-eyed look and nodded. "Oh, don't worry, they will give you a ridiculous title in due time. I'm sure Botan is holding a pole for which one sounds best." He grinned wickedly when Kurama gave a slight shudder. "But then again, while you are very pretty, you don't have the sad beauty about you that Yukina and Itsuki do. Nor do you have a dark charm like Hiei... Even Toya has a title, something like Snow Prince. Now you know he has a boyfriend," once again a statement, "but there is something about both their personalities that scream cold." He fell silent for a moment or two before continuing but this time the subject changed entirely. "So what's your name, although I listen to titles and some gossip I never seem the catch the name."

Kurama smiled, liking this new friend already. "It's Shuichi Minamino, but please call me Kurama," he held out a hand to his newest companion.

Once again, he saw a pair of eyes light up with recognition. "Kurama... Yoko Kurama..." he commented with a nod of his head and chuckled. "Don't worry, Hiei knows more about the legend than I do, sadly... Although it's more like shockingly. Considering both my parents are obsessed with said legend. Bet you'll never guess what my name is..." he gave him another wide grin. "Give up?" he asked too quickly and plowed on, "Kuronue Shi-shi." He ended with a smirk.

Green eyes widened once again. "Really? Wasn't he said to be Yoko's lover and partner in crime?" he asked, feeling a little excited that he found his namesakes friend.

Kuronue nodded. "One in the same, Kurama. Now, don't get me wrong, while you are pretty enough I'm definitely not attracted to you," he gazed up ahead for a moment indigo eyes shining with a light Kurama wasn't really familiar with.

"Oh, what a shame, but why, if you don't mind my asking," he laughed lightly as curiosity got the better of him.

"Oh, I definitely don't mind. You see, I'm more a bottom in my relationships, and I can see you would more than likely be a bottom as well. So we just wouldn't mesh. On the other hand... Someone dominating like our Dark Prince..." His grin was once again wicked. "He is someone I can definitely see me giving myself to," he let a dreamy sigh escaped his lips. Though Kurama could tell the sigh was sarcastic what lurked in the depths of those blue eyes was definitely something darker than what seemed to be a pleasant fantasy.

"Hiei? He seems to have quite a bit of sex appeal, doesn't he? He was flirting with me this morning in first period and honestly, he got on my nerves..." he shook off the agitation that hung around him as he thought of the shorter male. "But... there seems to be something that everyone is either ignoring or keeping secret..." he added as a bit of an after thought.

Kuronue's eyes were studying him as sharply as anyone else had that day. "Really? You have him in your first period? I feel sorry for you man, Hiei can be a bit much in the morning, but you have to know, he doesn't mean anything by it and all in all will probably ignore you like the rest of us except the few friends he has and his adoring little sister. Though, if you ever want to talk to him you might want to start with her," he informed as a bit of "friendly" advice.

Kurama shook his head, "No, I don't really think that will be too much of a problem, we had a bit of a debate about Yoko and in the end, he called me ugly... in a bit of a round about way," he grumbled about knowing he was attractive if only because everyone was saying it.

"He actually spoke with you and his words weren't some sort of flirt or threat?" Kuronue asked, his voice sounding beyond surprised. "Wow... then maybe you have already gotten under his skin," the last was quiet but Kurama still heard him.

The redhead made a sound close to a snort but not quite. "Yes, more than likely in a bad way."

Kuronue gave him a look that Kurama couldn't interpret but they continued talking throughout class until the final bell rang. They were walking out when Kurama finally asked, "Why is it that people either love or hate Hiei?"

Indigo eyes turned to look at him and smiled, "I bet you are a virgin, aren't you?" He asked, his tone teasing as well as knowing. He laughed when a bright flush spread over Kurama's cheeks. "No wonder you haven't realized. Hiei is a first class whore," there was no hint of joking in his voice even as his eyes dance.

"Are you serious?" Kurama asked, green eyes staring at him in uncertainty.

"Scouts honor! He gets paid for sex. Though, he hasn't ever done it with a student and he has only done it with two teachers that I know of. Your guys first period teacher, only because the teacher made a couple of choice threats, and another one I'm not certain of considering they supposedly went through the right connections..." He stopped as he stared passed Kurama.

"If you are so interested to know, why not just ask me in person, fox," Hiei growled from behind the redhead. "I'm sure I could give you a much more elaborate description of the events, but I suppose you are one for idle gossip rather than from the actual source... And from here I suppose you can go one of two directions, sign ups for the fan club are over there," he pointed to a booth at the end of the hall when Kurama had turned to look at him. "Sign ups for my lynch mod are behind the gym, before school, during lunch, and after school. Just show up and your initiation will be presented should I be cornered any more often than usual," he ground out as he put his supplies into his locker and slammed it shut.

Kurama winced at the tone in his voice. "What if I wanted to become your friend?" he asked as Hiei turned to walk away.

Hiei stopped, every muscle in his body tense, "There are no sign ups for that. If you want a new friend, ask my sister. But to become my friend... you need a better understanding of who I am and I will not just hand that to you. I would also appreciate a better understanding of you... and you aren't ready to just hand that over to me," he replied and walked away without even one backwards glance.

Kuronue's eyes were wide as he stared off watching Hiei until he was lost in the crowd. "Wow, do you see what I mean? He dominates all he says and does," he apparently wasn't following the conversation at all. "But, I suppose we should be heading out of here clubs will be starting soon. I have to go to my metal working club but I will catch you tomorrow, clubs are doing their sign ups later in the week," he said as Kurama followed him out of the building heading to the front court yard. "Oh, and you should ask your folks if you can come over sometime. My parents are out of town most of the time so if you ever want to come over just to relax that's fine with me," he prattled on, not noticing the way Kurama tensed at the mention of his parents.

"Yea... that sounds good," his was voice quiet as memory flooded him, luckily his voice didn't crack as more and more thoughts filled him. "Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow. Bye!" he gave a quick wave before he made his speedy exit. He walked several blocks on his way home before he paused and took several deep breaths to calm his shaking and the tears that wanted to spill over his thick lashes. Though little did he know that Hiei had followed and watched him his eyes curious if only to hide his worry. He decided then that he would follow Kurama to his house to make sure he made it in one physical piece.

To Be Continued~