Authors Note: So guys I am sooooo sorry. I did not realize it was literally a year since I uploaded a chapter. That was completely unintended. I thought I started this year actually so that was my fault. Now i promise I will NOT be waiting another year. Here it is! I hope you like it. Grammar critiques are always welcome!
The Reason for Pain:
Chapter 3: Destination Nightlife
There would be no light, coming in through the tiny window of the apartment. There was no movement among the room, the nightlife taking over outside, as there would be a plethora of youths, cascading down the very lit street, to whatever their destination may be. Yusuke groaned, at the feeling of the dark room, and realizing that he was alone, and with his window open. He sat up, stretching, his arm having no circulation since he slept upon it. He could not figure out why his chest would hurt as badly as it had once before. He knew that he would have to ask his favorite red head about the pain later, hoping that he may be able to give him somewhat of an explanation about the entire feat. Yusuke found himself standing by the window, and could not remember how or why he was even there, but he watched as the others danced among the streets, ran with hand bags, holding hands with their lovers, anything they could get their hands on. He felt that the nightlife would be helpful to clear his thoughts, something to do to not think of the pain.
His ears perked up at a familiar noise, the sound of vibrations. He glanced over at the night stand near his bed and watched as his phone danced on and off, letting him know that someone was either calling, or sending him a massive amount of messages. He sighed and strode over to the phone and looked at the name. Keiko. He sighed again. He knew soon he would have to let her go, he wanted to let her go, but he did not want to break her heart. She had fallen in love with him since the day they met, and grew to love him more and more with every year that they stayed together. Yusuke however knew his love for her had faded. He had not even touched her romantically in over four months, in hoping that she would see the distance growing between them, but she had yet to notice. He felt bad for even keeping himself with her, but he felt obligated to answer his phone. He answered without even thinking about why she would be calling him.
"Yeah?" he answered in a dry tone.
"Yusuke! You just disappeared earlier and no one has heard from you all day! I called and left you two voicemails and now I have left you three or four messages! You need to start caring about everyone else, besides you self and answer the messages when people need you Yusuke."
Yusuke twitched from irritation. "Actually I was sleeping, but I guess I should wake myself up from my sleep to answer a question about what I'm doing right?"
"Yusuke…it's seven thirty at night, and you went to sleep in the middle of the afternoon. We have assignments due that you should be doing. Sleeping around is not helpful to your grades."
"For your information, my grades are fine. You don't own every part of my life Keiko and if I choose to come home and take a nap, that's my prerogative not yours. I didn't ask for your damn opinion on anything that I do, and I will not start asking for it now."
"Yusuke, I'm not telling you what to do or trying to own your life! I just know what is best for you and sometimes I don't think that you know, so that's all. I'm just taking your best interest to heart!"
"I don't want you to do SHIT for me. There is no reason for you to even worry about me. Look I got to go." And with that he hung up. He felt that the fights would be getting worse and worse, and hopefully she would break up with him soon, or he would have to. He knew that if she continued to irritate him he would eventually either do something stupid to get rid of her, or drop her on her ass. He found himself pacing the room, and then looking outside at the nightlife again. He decided to do something he thought he would never do. He trotted over to his closet and pulled out a dark blue pair of denim jeans, and a nice dark green collard shirt. He smiled at the outfit and reached down into his closet for his black and green converse and decided to get dressed. He grabbed his cell phone. Time to see if I can get a certain red head to join me on a night out on the town. He dialed the number and waited for a response. Before long he received an answer.
"Hello?"
"Hey Kurama. Long time no hear from college boy. What you doing tonight?"
"Yusuke." Kurama chuckled. "Yes, it has been a long time. I am finishing up a paper. What about yourself?"
"I am actually thinking about hitting the night and seeing what the hell I can do outside of this apartment and I was wondering if you would join me."
"I would rather enjoy that Yusuke. Should I meet you somewhere or shall one of us go to the others house?"
"How about I'll be at your place in five and we can figure out if we are going to walk or drive to wherever we decide to go."
"Sounds perfect. Well then, I'm going to finish off this paper, so that I can be ready when you get here. Is it formal or casual dress?"
"Um…I mean I've got on a collard shirt, so whatever you want to wear is fine." Yusuke stood up and walked into the bathroom. He ran his fingers through his hair and then used the gel to keep it in place. He smirked a bit, and then grabbed his wallet and keys. He found himself pacing while talking with Kurama and biting his bottom lip listening to his voice. He was unsure of how or why this would happen, but he felt butterflies in his stomach as well.
"Well then I shall probably wear the same. I will see you soon Yusuke, I'm going to go and get ready."
"Okay, bye red head." Kurama chuckled at hearing Yusuke's cute nicknames.
"Goodbye Yusuke. See you soon." And with that Kurama found himself smiling at the time of talking to him.
Yusuke bit his bottom lip again shyly before grabbing his blazer to go over his shirt and moved quickly out the door. He sprinted out to his car and opened the door, hopping in and smiling. He put the key in the ignition and then began to mess with his I-Pod, turning the song to exactly what he wanted to hear. Something that reminded him of his special red head. Moon. An amazing song that made him tingle with joy as he pulled up to Kurama's house. He got out of the car, and quickly trotted up the steps, which seemed like forever at Kurama's, and then up to the door. He only knocked once before his familiar red head, with those deep emerald green eyes, opened it up staring back into his chocolate brown ones. Yusuke swallowed hard and smiled at Kurama, not really sure if he should feel shy or try to brush the feelings off as normal.
"Hello Yusuke. Come in." Kurama allowed for Yusuke to step in. "Please take off your shoes at the door, it's a rather…habit I have still been used to."
"Oh that's fine. I sleep in my shoes sometimes just because." Yusuke kicked off his shoes that he had realized he had not tied at the house. He had a small blush creep across his face, but he felt that he could hide it from Kurama quickly. He finally stopped to get a good look at his favorite red head and felt himself pulled into a carefree bemuse. Kurama lead him to the couch before turning toward the kitchen.
"Would you like tea, coffee or water Yusuke?"
"Um…tea is good I guess…" Yusuke sat down, and felt the sheer softness of his couch and felt himself drift into fantasyland of all the wonderful events that could be played out on this couch with Kurama. He covered his face from embarrassment and found himself needing to grab a pillow for his lap. He had never had that feeling happen sitting in Kurama's house and he had been here many times before, but he recalled most of the times were with Keiko. He sighed from frustration, as he smelled tea in his nostrils. He looked up at Kurama who was handing him his glass, which he happily took, as he watched Kurama sit down next to him.
"So." Kurama took a sip of coffee. "Where in this town would you suggest going Yusuke? There are not many non-alcoholic places for young teenagers to hang out. And I, though in college, do not feel as if the college life is well suited for me. And I will definitely not be taking the infamous high school boy to any place that could get him into anymore trouble." Kurama chuckled. Yusuke blushed at that last statement, thinking of all the trouble he had caused them in the past, but he knew that it might have been a little more than that. He sipped on his tea and sighed. Yusuke knew that at some point he would have to talk to Kurama about the pain, and about some advice with Keiko, so he felt he would go with the latter instead.
"Hey Kurama…I kind of need to talk to you about some things…pretty um…you know…" Yusuke looked down at the ground, and could not bring himself to look at Kurama during the entire conversation.
"Important?" Kurama turned to look at Yusuke, placing his coffee on the coaster on top of the coffee table inches away from them. He looked at Yusuke, and found himself moving his hand to cup Yusuke's chin and have him look up. Yusuke found himself locked into the red head's immense gaze and could not find the words he wanted to say. He swallowed hard before quickly pulling away from Kurama, who in return to Yusuke's jerk, sat a bit in shock. He had never expected that reaction from Yusuke at all.
"Um…yeah…important. I have this problem…see…you know Keiko and I are together and all right?"
Kurama's heart sunk to his stomach. I am not quite sure why, but the mention of her name is somewhat heartbreaking for me…and I believe it is because I…like Yusuke? Maybe this could potentially be something worth playing out to figure out these feelings. He finally realized he had yet to answer Yusuke's question. He cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Yes Yusuke, I am aware."
"Can you help me break up with her?" Kurama was caught by surprise. That was not what he had expected from Yusuke and definitely not so bluntly. He chuckled and then thought about it. Yusuke has never been one to beat around the bush. He ran his fingers through his long red locks, before contemplating how to answer Yusuke's question.
"I am not quite sure I can actual "help" you break up with her Yusuke. Giving you advice maybe the best I can do, but you are so quick to the draw, that it might not do you much of anything to listen to me, because you will inevitably do what is second nature for you."
Yusuke twitched, slightly irritated. He had not expected such a mediocre answer from Kurama, and had hoped that he would have all the answers to help him leave Keiko. He found it hard to stay mad thought, staring into those deep emerald eyes only allowed Yusuke's mind to continue to wander through the many things that they could be together, but he knew that would not be what would happen. He found it hard to think straight before he finally opened his mouth to retort. "You can still give me the God damn advice Kurama. I could still use it."
"Calm down Yusuke. There is no need to get completely worked up over something as diminutive as this. I think, you should tell her the truth. Personally, how long have you wanted out of the relationship, why you want out…" Yusuke's heart sank with the out. He had no clear reason other than her irritation for why he wanted to be out. He just knew that love was not in his heart for her anymore. He glanced away from Kurama, looking to the floor again, and wondering how he would get to tell her and when he would ever find the right time for it. He knew that Keiko would never take it well, that no matter, how he might have worded it. He glanced up to notice Kurama moving his hand slightly in Yusuke's face. "Are you alright Yusuke?"
"Yeah…yeah I'm perfectly fine. No big deal." Yusuke gave a halfhearted laugh. "Let's just…not deal with that anymore. No reason for us to dwell on something…so unimportant right now."
"Well…it is important Yusuke, but if you feel better putting it aside for the time being, that we can do. So, where is it tonight, that you so wanted to go?" Kurama picked up his coffee and took another sip. He gazed into Yusuke's deep chocolate eyes and wanted to at least get this night started. He would have to go to get work done tomorrow, and a simple break with Yusuke could not hurt him.
"How about…we just take a walk in the nightlife, just to see what it's like you know? Never been in it before have you?"
"I tend to…stay more away from the nightlife, seeing is to how so many of my classmates, find getting arrested or being harassed by others as something fun and exciting." Kurama chuckled. "But a nice stroll along side you will be good."
"Awesome." Yusuke chuckled. "Let's get this done!" Yusuke quickly stood up and put his hand out to help Kurama get up. Kurama chuckled and placed his coffee done, and took Yusuke's hand. "You look very nice tonight by the way Kurama."
"And you as well Yusuke." Kurama smiled and took his hand standing up. He led Yusuke over to the doorway, where he grabbed his keys and a jacket, letting Yusuke out first. "Shall we drive or walk?"
"Um…let's just drive somewhere and figure out where we want to go and then we'll park my car somewhere, because your car is a hell of a lot nicer then mine, and I would rather something happen to my car over yours you know?"
Kurama chuckled. "Sure thing Yusuke." With that, they both quickly got into Yusuke's car. Yusuke handed Kurama his I-Pod, allowing him to pick whatever song he may have wanted, which did not take Kurama long to find music that intrigued him. He was never one for rather modern music, but the artist that Yusuke had, were not of mainstream radio, as their other carrot top friends was. Kurama wondered what he would be up to tonight, but then his mind fell on Yusuke's hand, that seemed to be tapping the steering wheel. He had let the music play on whatever song it had been on originally and Kurama had yet to pick one that he truly wanted to hear. He placed Yusuke's I-Pod back where it came from and allowed it to play to whatever it would next. He found Yusuke stopping soon, and turned to look at his surroundings. He realized that they were in the downtown area, surrounded by neon lights, and people. Kurama chuckled and watched as Yusuke parked his car, and then looked over at Kurama.
"You ready to start this…crazy idea of mine?" Yusuke chuckled as he unplugged his I-Pod and placed it into his pocket.
"As ready as I shall ever be Yusuke." Kurama chuckled, and nodded, as they both opened their doors and got out of the car. They started to just walk down the sidewalk, Yusuke admiring all the stores and people whom he never really knew existed, since this was definitely not in the norm for him. Kurama on the other hand, had experienced the nightlife before and was not fond of it, and could care less about futile shopping and the busy sidewalks and people. But he found Yusuke's reactions cute and childlike, for he was not used to doing…normal things after coming from the Makai. He was no longer a spirit detective, nor was he fighting on behalf of the rest of the Makai. Yusuke was getting used to living…a normal life, which was very hard for him to do. He could not go about his days fighting. He had to learn to function, human, something Yusuke would never truly be able to do, but he fought everyday with himself to be human.
Kurama looked down at the ground, only to find himself bumping into Yusuke who had stopped suddenly.
"Yusuke, you cannot make sudden stops without warning."
"Well maybe you should get your head out of the clouds and pay attention." Yusuke stuck out his tongue playfully at Kurama. Kurama found what Yusuke was looking up at.
"A bar Yusuke? Really? Does nothing else…catch your attention?" the last thing Kurama wanted to be doing was sitting at a bar, especially with Yusuke only being eighteen. He felt they should at least walk the nightlife more, or find something to shop for or even go back home. Anything but a putrid drunkard haven that caught his eye.
"Well…I guess nothing really jumps out at me…and I'm picking my comfort zone…" Yusuke didn't even think about Kurama in this idea. He looked back at him and sighed. "Well let's find SOMETHING to do. Walking around makes me tired, and cranky and I'm already ridiculously bored, and would rather not spend forever…standing around." Yusuke chuckled.
"How about…" Kurama looked at a nearby store. "Something for your unrelenting sweet tooth you always complain about?"
"What? I do not have a sweet tooth thank you!" Yusuke scrunched up his nose to protest as Kurama linked arms with him, and dragged him into the small candy shop on the corner. Without even hesitating Yusuke found himself emerged in the sweet smells and different candies. He was like a kid in a candy store, literally. He found that he could always buy a little here, a little there, but maybe he didn't need it. Maybe it would help that restless heart problem…maybe he would only make it worse. Well hell, I'm one to take risk…why not have a few pieces of candy to help me out? If the worse happens so what? Yusuke picked a tiny bag of gummy bears up and looked back at Kurama who had picked up the exact same thing for Yusuke. Yusuke chuckled and smirked and Kurama did the same.
"The more the merrier Yusuke." Kurama waved him over as Yusuke brought the bag with him, Kurama taking it and placing it on the counter.
"No don't. I can pay for it by myself."
"We are not debating this Yusuke." Kurama handed the cashier the money and waited for the change. "I was buying since I suggested. It's candy. It is not like something that is ridiculously expensive Yusuke." Kurama smiled at him, and gave him the candy and nodded to the cashier as they headed out of the store. Yusuke popped open the bag and began to munch down on the sweet pieces.
"I don't know why I try to argue with you, I always lose." Yusuke clarified.
"Yes you do, because you should know by now, a fox never gets cornered."
"Yeah but I don't give up so this is a lose-lose situation." Yusuke stuck out his tongue again. Kurama watched as Yusuke walked ahead of him, beaming at all the lights and stores, that he never seemed to notice before, because everything at night, seemed so much different. Yusuke slowed down, and was walking beside Kurama, and decided he wanted to go back to Kurama's place. "Hey, can we head back to your place in a bit? I got something I want to talk to you about, and I don't want to do it outside…"
Kurama was taken aback. Yusuke generally was not one for secrecy. He tended to be loud spoken and told people no matter what, what was exactly on his mind. But hearing Yusuke talk in a whispered tone, tipped Kurama off, that this would not be a warm talk, as they usually would have.
"Yes Yusuke, of course. Do you want to head back now?" Kurama stopped and looked at him.
"I…I kind of do, but I don't…" Yusuke sighed. "I've never been completely indecisive before, but today feels like one of those days Kurama…"
"I feel if you don't know, maybe now is certainly not the best time to have that conversation, if you are not certain that you want to tell me exactly what it is."
"No. No. I know I want to tell you, it's more of how and some questions and things like that you know?"
"Well…would writing them down for me suffice? And then I could call you with possible answers?" Kurama noticed that he and Yusuke had started walking again, towards a bar. "Yusuke, no bars. You aren't old enough."
"Yeah, but…" Yusuke grumbled. "I don't see what the big deal is anyway…"
Kurama chuckled at him. "Impatience will bring you nothing but pain Yusuke. Just wait it out for a little while, soon you will be able to go into the bar and have exactly what you want."
"Sure, whatever." Yusuke muttered and then started to head back towards the car, pulling the candy that he had shoved into his pocket, out to munch on. He looked up at Kurama and then felt a small pain in his chest. He brushed it aside, knowing that it would not come as severe as it had earlier. Before long they reached the car, Yusuke letting Kurama drive. He played with his I-Pod in hopes to finding a decent slower song then they were used to. He found the perfect one, and left it alone. The car ride to the house would be a long and silent one. Yusuke's mind wandered through all the possible thoughts he could tell Kurama and when. I mean I could tell him now, or maybe I shouldn't…maybe I should just…I don't know, wait it out. But I can't keep waiting if it keeps getting worse. He should know. I should tell him…I'll tell him the moment we enter the house. He sighed and waited until they reached Kurama's and they both jumped out of the car, walking up to the doorstep. Kurama smile and unlocked it letting Yusuke in.
"Okay…so now that we are here I want to talk to you." Yusuke immediately started and made his way to the couch, as Kurama closed the door, and followed behind him.
"You don't have to rush into things Yusuke."
"I'm not rushing, I just…got to get this off my chest, now or I'm never going to do it." Yusuke sighed and plopped down on the couch, looking at Kurama who took a seat in the recliner next to him.
"Well, whenever you are ready go ahead."
"I…" Yusuke started. He sighed, closing his eyes and inhaled for a moment, letting the thoughts not overtake him, so he could be understood and he could make it easier for Kurama to not have to worry about him panicking or hyperventilating. He opened his eyes and looked into Kurama's deep emerald orbs. "I...lately have been having these problems…these chest problems…and with each one, the next one comes in more and more severe. I used to think it may have been gas, or maybe even a heart attack but none of them are that bad, and I'm not going numb on one side or anything, it's just…ridiculously painful."
"And exactly when did this start?"
"I don't know…it's been a while…like a long while."
"Yusuke, why didn't you say something when this first started? A heart complication is nothing to be taken lightly, no matter whether you are half demon or not."
"Yeah I know…I just thought they would go away, but they aren't…"
"Is it exactly over your heart?"
"Yeah…" Yusuke touched where the pain was currently. "Actually it's happening right now…"
"What?" Kurama quickly sat up in his chair, and rushed to Yusuke. "Lie down."
Without really a second thought, Yusuke lay down and felt the pain grow. He sat up a bit, his breathing growing harder. He shook his head to let Kurama know that it was more painful lying down when it wasn't that severe to begin with. Without giving Yusuke a warning, Kurama began to undo his shirt, to see if he could place his ear to Yusuke's chest. He did, only to hear that Yusuke's heart was racing. He looked up to see Yusuke trying to breathe slower, and it was working some, but not enough to slow down his heart.
"Relax Yusuke…"
"I…I…trying…kind…of…hard…with…you…touching…my…chest…" Kurama looked down to realize he had been moving his hand back and forth along Yusuke's chest, as a way to soothe him. Even for a slight of a moment as it was, he had lost his composure and a small amount of red crept across his face. He removed his hand to let Yusuke's breathing come to normal and he listened extremely carefully, noting that Yusuke's heart rate slowed tremendously. Kurama watched him sit up on his elbows, his shirt open, as the lights seemed to dance off of Yusuke's chest and abs. Before he could realize it, he found himself moving closer and closer to Yusuke.
Yusuke's breath hitched as he closed his eyes, Kurama's lips barely touching his, before he found Kurama completely on top of him, feeling on his chest and running his fingers through his hair. They shared this deep passionate kiss for what felt like hours, before pulling away, looking directly into each other's eyes.
"I…guess…I have to …leave…Keiko…now huh?" Yusuke panted.
" I…suppose…this…is the benediction."