It Feels Like Waking Up

You can't hide forever. That was what Yoko had been telling himself nonstop for the last month now. He wasn't literally hiding per say, but the fox wasn't fooling himself. He had yet to decide what he would do. So far he had only done a few petty pickpocket jobs and killed a few demons for being bothersome to him.

This was not the life of the infamous Yoko Kurama.

Yoko Kurama led a frivolous life; and while he was secluded from the demons around him he did partake in social gatherings and often found disposable company to entertain him for a time. But it wasn't like that now.

The fox sat bored at the all too familiar table that was much too large for his friend. Yusuke didn't need such a grand castle. It wasn't what he desired, but it came with the crown. Yoko knew he was running out of time though. Yusuke had invited him to dinner and he would be showing up soon. The king would expect some sort of answer form the fox when he was questioned on his future.

Yoko just didn't know yet. He hadn't expected life to be so dull after Shuichi passed on. He knew it would be less interesting, but this was unimaginable. The fox was playing with his fork as it shined in the light when Yusuke burst into the room and slammed the door in Hokushin's miffed face. "Yoko, thanks for making it!" He smiled as he sat near the silvery man.

Yoko was pleased when his king became quiet and collected. The boy had matured nicely over the last century. "It's good to see you. I've been worried, it's been hard on us all since we lost Kurama, and I can only imagine how hard it has been for you. You know I'm here if you ever need to say something or anything." Yoko nodded and smiled a little. And here it comes. "Do you have and plans for the next step?"

Shit. Hm. Well, say something. "Actually, I was-"

"-because I'd like to offer you a spot as my advisor, to be honest." Yusuke rushed on with a grin, and Yoko had to smile a little too. "I don't mean to insult ya by asking you to come to work right after all this happened! I just figured you'd like to keep busy." What was it with everyone wanting Yoko's advice? Did he know something that they weren't letting him in on? Was that possible? The fox admitted that he was pretty damn good, but this was a little ridiculous. "Besides," the mazoku continued, "the Makai ran so smoothly when it was in Kurama's hands last time. I figure if I keep an eye on its wallet it'll do great in your hands too." He said elbowing the fox in the ribs.

"At least my reputation still precedes me. Though no matter how hard you watched me I'd take the land for all it's worth right under your nose." Gold eyes narrowed slyly and Yoko felt good to threaten the boy with promises he could easily keep.

The younger demon laughed at that, knowing it to be true. He quieted and his eyes regained some seriousness. "Well then, do you have plans? Or am I your best offer?"

Yoko sat there a moment, staring the mazoku down. "While you are not my first offer, you are better than previous ones to date." The fox admitted, delighting in the deflation of his friend and king. "Calm yourself, it was merely Yomi." He waited and Yusuke took the bait.

"Damn! You're all hiding up in the mountains and an old blind goat still manages to get to you first! Well that's not fair." He muttered and motioned the serves forward as dinner began.

"Yusuke, Yomi knows me quite well. You know his sightlessness does far from hinder his capabilities." Yoko stated evenly, though he always enjoyed getting Yusuke riled up. He let the serves place dinner before his lord before he moved to touch his own platter. The fox grinned to see Yusuke still kept close to the 'no humans on the menu' rule. His urges had easily had to set in by now.

"Hm, yeah. So, are you going to take up his offer? He's been after you two- er, you for a while now." The king finished quietly. The loss of the fox boy's human counterpart was still hard to grasp for Yusuke, especially since he hadn't seen his redheaded Kurama in years.

The king's chocolate eyes were held by the bandit for a long while as he waited for a response. Yoko shifted his gaze and shrugged elegantly. "I have not decided on what I shall do, but I won't be joining Yomi any time soon. I am not one to be trapped and controlled. And I have no intention of letting Yomi be in power over me." Sliding his stare back to size up his king the fox smirked. "Though, I know I wouldn't feel caged here. I will need time to think over your offer. I don't feel I am ready just yet to tie myself down to a serious job. Shuichi may have enjoyed playing your secretary, but I have little interest in such affairs. I'd rather be productive for my own gain, not yours." He offered honestly.

His king was understanding and cleared his mouth before talking. "Eh, I knew it was a long shot. You didn't seem like the kind of guy to be making my plans and sending out invites and what not. But it would have been great to see Yomi's reaction if I went to discuss border control with you at my side!"

Yoko chuckled as he picked at his dinner. It was wonderful and satisfying, like he knew his life wouldn't be if he agreed to Yusuke's offer. "Yes, I would enjoy that too. Though, I'm sure that any comments Shura would make would out do my old friend's quiet anger." The two laughed and reminisced over the rest of their meal.

Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad after all. Yoko had been asleep for a long time now it would seem and his dreams had been riddled with sadness. If he kept his eyes open to the decent things in life Yoko could see himself possibly enjoying it again.