Okay, you can shoot me. But before you do, let me pitifully attempt to explain myself:

I have actually been trying to write this story ever since the last chapter. I wrote about three drafts before screaming angrily, deleting them all and going to kill things on World of Warcraft. And it's not writer's block this time. Its actually misdirected creativity. A story I've yet to type up and math (yes, math, algebra specifically. I love doing math, it makes me happy) has been stealing all my creativity and successfully brainwashing me. The story I've yet to type is now into it's third notebook and is over a hundred and thirty pages long. If you don't believe me, PM a girl named Skyriia and ask her about it. She will vouch for me because she has read it. (Er…most of it anyway)

Anyway, that's why I haven't updated. Along with my mind being stolen, I've had to juggle two projects, a bunch of language arts stuff, role-playing with my friend over AIM (because she can only get on two nights a week), staggering under the weight of drama in my group of friends, math stuff, eating, sleeping, and then I have to shove family time into all of this. So there's my reasoning.

But none of you actually care about this, just about the story. So I will answer my wonderful reviewers and get on to what you actually clicked on the link to see.

neko1kitty: Thanks for reviewing. Sorry for not updating sooner and I'm glad you like it.

Miki-chan:Aw, thank you. And I'm actually surprised there have been so many reviewers. I'm glad you love it and sorry for updating so late.

Amethyst Tiger Tears: Ah, thank you for pointing that out. Now that I look back, they do seem to be bonding a bit too quickly. Thank you for the helpful criticism.

Kurochan: grin Yup. But don't worry. He'll get it out some time. Thanks for reviewing.

And here we go. (Wow, four reviews.)

Chapter Four

Kurama shoved open the front door and stumbled out, catching himself just before he fell headfirst onto the ground. Drawing in a shaking breath, he lifted his head and looked down the neat, smooth driveway to the towering iron gate that stood between him and possibly acres of forested landscape. Sniffling, Kurama rubbed his eyes to get rid of the tears.

This is stupid. I have no idea where I am or even how long I was knocked out. I could be on another island entirely. This is just not fair.

Rubbing his eyes again, the redhead turned and began to wander around the grounds.

I may as well map out my new home.

This thought made him sigh as he wandered into a small garden. Tears began collecting his eyes as he knelt to finger a soft, yellow tulip.

Mom's favorite…

"Something troubling you, mademoiselle?" Kurama leapt up in surprise, almost tripping over backwards. A strong hand reached and caught him and pulled him forward, making sure he didn't fall. He looked up and blinked in surprise at a familiar face.

"You!" The young man smiled and let his hand loosen slightly. Kurama wasn't sure if this was good or bad. Standing in front of him was a well-known crime lord, Valdez Sakyo. He had seen him on TV before, when the police were trying to arrest him for the murder of twenty-three people. The young man smiled an almost all-knowing smile and his eyes seemed to be stripping off Kurama's clothes, staring straight into the core of his soul. The redhead had the sudden urge to cover himself somehow. Sakyo continued smiling and reached up, touching his face gently.

"Ah, my apologies. You're not a female, just simply beautiful." Kurama swallowed hard, unsure whether he wanted to blush or run away in terror. Sakyo chuckled at his expression and released his arm.

"Apologies again. There is nothing simple or 'just' about your beauty." This time Kurama really did blush. He tore his gaze away and looked down, unsure what to say. Sakyo continued to watch him, still wearing that 'I know everything about you' gaze.

"But where are my manners? I am Valdez Sakyo." He bowed and smiled and Kurama again.

"And may I have your name?" The redhead tried to find his tongue and speak, which only made Sakyo smirk even more.

"If you don't give me your name, I shall have to resort to calling you tenshi-chan." Blushing faintly, Kurama managed to speak.

"K-Kurama." His hand was suddenly taken from his side and Sakyo pressed his lips to the knuckles, giving him an almost predatory look over his skin.

"The honor and pleasure is all mine, Kurama-san." He straightened up, still smiling that damn smile.

"Tell me, Kurama-san, would you stoop low enough to accompany me for a bit?" Almost in a daze, one that was confused and severely terrified, Kurama nodded and slipped his arms around the one that Sakyo offered him. They began walking through the gardens, Sakyo looking at the wildlife and smiling.

"It really is beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes…"

"What's your favorite flower?" Kurama glanced around and spotted the very bloom on his mind.

"Roses." Sakyo followed his gaze and smiled, reaching over to pluck a fresh bloom from the bush. Somehow, the redhead had no idea how, he managed to get one that had no thorns. He tucked it behind Kurama's hair, the bloom standing out a bit against his skin.

"You do the rose justice." Again Kurama felt himself blushing and looked away. They continued walking, Sakyo striking up conversation.

"I don't believe I've seen you around here before. One of his new boys I suppose? Or…" Kurama shook his head quickly.

"N-no, I'm not one of his, I'm just…" There was silence for a bit as they continued along the path, Kurama searching for the right words and Sakyo patiently waiting for him to continue. The redhead sighed and looked at the ground.

"Payment." Sakyo actually dropped his smirk and frowned slightly.

"You borrowed money from Hiei?"

"No, my step-father did. When he didn't pay, Hiei…" Sakyo made an irritated sound.

"Your step-father could not have owed Hiei that much."

"I couldn't tell you." The crime lord sighed and then regarded Kurama with a serious look and then turned back to look at the path.

"What does he intend to use you for? Not slave trade." At this Kurama's head snapped up and he stared at Sakyo with fear. The man noticed the look and smiled kindly at him.

"Don't worry, I won't allow it. And even if he does sell you, I'll be sure you come to live with me." Somehow, that wasn't all too comforting. Sakyo suddenly got a thoughtful look on his face.

"Actually, now I'm starting to hope he'll sell you." That wasn't too comforting either. He wondered vaguely where they were now and looked around, noticing tall trees surrounded them. Sakyo noticed his look and chuckled.

"We're still in Hiei's territory, just in the woods. Would you like to walk a bit more or head back?" Kurama flinched as he remembered why he had been outside in the first place.

"I don't think going back right now would be good for me." The handsome crime lord raised a curious eyebrow.

"Oh? And why not?" It only took Kurama half an hour to explain all that had happened since he had gotten here. Sakyo waited until he was finished before bursting into laughter. It was so sudden that Kurama jumped slightly and stared up at him.

"Valdez-san?" The man finally calmed down, but the amused smile remained on his lips.

"Ah, I don't believe anyone has been able to put Hiei in his place like that. Kurama-san, you are truly a magnificent person." Kurama blushed again and tried not to look too pathetic. Sakyo chuckled and tilted his head up so he was looking straight ahead.

"Looking down is not good for your posture and if you're going to come to my ball tonight, you'll need to look your best." Kurama's head snapped up, eyes wide with surprise. Sakyo chuckled and closed his mouth, which had been hanging open.

"I would be honored if you would come to my ball this evening. It would be wonderful for a new face to brighten up the group of rich and lazy idiots." Hundreds of thoughts were running through Kurama's head and he somehow managed to put a few of them into words.

"But I've never been to any sort of formal occasion! And after my fight with Hiei I doubt I'll be allowed to go within five meters of the gate! And I don't even have anything to wear!" Sakyo laughed, silencing Kurama rather effectively.

"Your pretty head was not meant for worrying, my dear. Let me handle Hiei. I've been able to talk him into anything since before he became a crime lord. As for your lack of experience, you'll be fine. I can tell by just talking to you that you'll become an instant favorite with all that you come across. And as for what to wear, never fear. I know for a fact Hiei has several clothes he barely even looks at anymore, and there must be something in there that will not take away from your beauty." The redhead blushed again. He had never been complimented so much in such a short amount of time in his life. They began heading back to the mansion, Kurama trying to talk Sakyo out of this and the crime lord laughing it off.

"Valdez-san, please-"

"Call me Sakyo." Kurama huffed a bit in irritation.

"Sakyo-san, please reconsider. I'm not cut out for extremely formal occasions." The crime lord raised a curious eyebrow.

"You weren't?"

"No."

"I'm not sure if I understand this. Allow me straighten my thoughts?" Kurama huffed again, but fell silent.

"You are well spoken, especially for your age, very neat and clean, it doesn't sound as though you've ever done drugs or alcohol, nor have you ever gotten into trouble. What's more is you are polite, courteous and articulate, even when insulting someone as you did when explaining what had happened between you and Hiei. On top of all this, you are very beautiful and graceful, attributes well respected in high society where formal occasions occur. Yet you do not believe you are 'cut out' for formal occasions?" Kurama shook his head.

"…Then what are you cut out for?" Kurama shrugged slightly. He had never really thought about what he was cut out to do, but formal occasions didn't seem to be it. Sakyo set a determined look on his face.

"Well, whether you believe it or not, I believe you are cut out for such formal occasions and as such, my invitation to you still stands and you will accept it."

"I will?" Sakyo suddenly gave him a rather smug look.

"It would be rude not to." Kurama just stared at him. He suddenly knew why people often cursed their morals, for he was doing the exact same thing right now. He couldn't bring himself to be rude and decline the invitation. Ergo, he had to go, whether he wanted to or not. And he didn't. The prospect of being surrounded by a bunch of crime lords, wearing something Sakyo was most likely going to pick out for him, was not nearly as appealing as some might think. They were quiet the rest of the way to the mansion, which actually wasn't very far. They had just made it back into the garden when Hiei rounded the corner, stopping dead when he saw them. He looked surprised, then angry as he glared at Sakyo.

"What did you do to him?" Sakyo gave a mock innocent look, even cocking his head slightly.

"What ever do you mean?" Kurama narrowed his eyes at the crime lord.

"He's done nothing to me. We were merely enjoying a quiet walk together and having an intelligent conversation. There's no need to get so possessive." Hiei glared at the redhead slightly.

"I'm not being possessive."

"Then what were you being?" Hiei opened his mouth to reply, then shut it and growled.

"Concerned for your health." Kurama leveled him with an icy look, one that had made others shiver and back away slowly, afraid of painful slow death. Hiei didn't flinch.

"My health is none of your concern, nor is there anything wrong with it."

"Maybe not your physical health." The redhead's eyes twitched, but he hid it quite well.

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you're a crazy psycho." Before this could erupt into an all out war, Sakyo cleared his throat and then jumped slightly as two pair of angry, glaring eyes turned on him.

"Ah…" He coughed to try and cover up his surprise, praying he didn't get caught in the middle of this.

"Hiei, I hope you remembered my invitation." The crime lord grumbled and nodded.

"Yes, I remember your damn invitation and I'll be at your damn party."

"With Kurama-san."

"With Kura-wait what?" Sakyo gave one of his smug smiles.

"I invited Kurama-san to my party as well, and he accepted. Since you two live in the same mansion, I'm assuming you will come together." Hiei stared at him, jaw hanging open slightly. Even Kurama looked a bit shocked. There was quiet for a few seconds and then Sakyo subtly removed his arm from Kurama's grasp before it was ripped off.

"It's decided then. Hiei, I will stop by in exactly two hours to make sure you and Kurama-san have proper attire. Try not to kill each other until then." He kissed Kurama's hand, nodded to Hiei, and quickly exited the garden before either one could think enough to kill him. After a few minutes of the two just standing there, staring at each other, Hiei finally snapped out of it first.

"If that slimy git thinks he's going to get away with using you as his new arm candy he-"

"Excuse me?" Hiei blinked and looked over at Kurama, whom was glaring at him. The redhead crossed his arms over his chest and glared icily at the crime lord.

"I don't need you to defend me, nor do I need you to jump to conclusions. Sakyo was not using me as 'arm candy' nor is he going to." Hiei narrowed his eyes, feeling a growl rise in his throat.

"I'm trying to keep you from being used like a new toy."

"I can take care of myself."

"You don't know who you're dealing with!" Turning his back on Hiei, Kurama snorted and began to head towards the mansion.

"I'll find out on my own." Hiei stared after him for a few seconds before running to catch up. He grabbed Kurama's shoulder and spun him around so he could face him.

"Listen you-"

"I've already heard what you have to say to me." Hiei grabbed Kurama's wrist hard, nearly bruising the skin. He snarled, scarlet eyes flashing.

"Damn it will you just shut the hell up and listen to me!" The redhead winced as the hand on his wrist tightened. He looked down at the ground, not willing to meet the red eyes. Hiei hissed, grip tightening even more.

"Look at me, damn you!" Kurama raised his head, eyes sad and somewhat afraid. Hiei's glare softened slightly, but he refused to relax his grip.

"You have no idea what kind of sick bastard Sakyo can be. I don't want him to do to you what he's done to a lot of others." Kurama let his eyes drop again.

"Why do you even care." Hiei snarled and his grip tightened some. His voice lowered to a low hiss.

"I didn't take you from your family because I like fucking up people's lives. Well, actually, I kind of do…" Kurama gave him a weird look.

"Psycho."

"Shut up. Anyway, the point is, I'm not going to let anything happen to you while your under my protection."

"So I'm your property."

"Yes. Wait, no!" Hiei realized his 'no' was about a second too late. Kurama's eyes turned furious and he slapped Hiei as hard as he possibly could. This made Hiei release his grip on Kurama and when he was finally able to see straight again, a hand grabbed the front of Hiei's shirt and he found himself looking into the most dangerous eyes he had ever seen. The voice that spoke didn't seem to be Kurama's. It was like some demon had possessed him.

"Listen up, brat. We're not anyone's property, especially not some arrogant, thickheaded, selfish wannabe loser like you! So if you ever even think that you own Kurama, or me, be sure that you won't live to see your next birthday! Got that!" Severely surprised, Hiei nodded and the redhead dropped him to the ground roughly before giving him a rather cold look and turning back to the mansion. It took a few seconds for the words to sink in.

Wait, 'we'? Holy shit, he is a crazy psycho!

I AM A LINE PLEASE IGNORE ME BECAUSE I AM NOTHING MORE THAN A LINE

Kurama winced and clutched his head as he stumbled into his (Hiei's) room. He frowned in confusion and looked around.

"Huh? When did I get here? The last thing I remember was…" A stab of anger went through his heart, turning his eyes venomous. Turning, he locked the door for extra measure and went to go take a shower or something. Then he remembered where he was supposed to go. And who he was supposed to go with.

There is no way I'm going anywhere with that bastard! Oh, wait…

Anger was quickly replaced with nervousness and embarrassment. He was supposed to go to a ball. And not just any ball, he was supposed to go to a ball hosted by Valdez Sakyo, possibly the biggest crime lord in all of Japan. And then they were probably a couple hundred factors that all made it that much more worse. Like how Sakyo was obviously interested, and would be deciding how he would look. And then he had to go with Hiei, and would probably have to pretend there was nothing wrong between the two of them.

Oh damn my morals! If I had just said no to him…oh who am I kidding? There's no way I could ever say no to him. I would do anything he asked out of pure fear. Hiei too if he looked at me the right way.

Kurama made a face as he realized just how corny and/or wrong that sounded if taken out of context. Shaking his head, he sighed and retrieved a towel before heading into the bathroom. He winced as his head began to hurt and chucked that onto the 'List of Things That Will Make Tonight a Living Hell', or The List. He rubbed his temples as he started the water, stripping his clothes off and stepping into the water. As the water ran over him, he vaguely wondered if Hiei knew how to pick the lock on his own door. Shrugging, the redhead quickly washed himself and tried to relax his tense muscles. When bored, his mind would go off on its own. Now it was supplying him with images of what Sakyo would do if Kurama wasn't relaxed to his liking. Kurama shivered at the thought and washed quicker, making sure all of the conditioner was out of his hair before wrapping the towel around his chest and stepping out. The question of whether or not Hiei could break into his own room came back. And the answer was, apparently, yes. The bathroom door suddenly opened and Hiei, mouth open as if he was about to say something, stepped in quickly. His eyes widened and his mouth just hung open as he saw Kurama, barely covered by the towel and dripping wet, standing in the middle of the bathroom. Silence rang between them both for what seemed like eternity (about seventeen seconds) before Kurama's face went nearly the same shade as his hair and he pulled his arms protectively around himself.

"Get out!" Hiei blushed a deep red.

"I-I'm s-sorry!"

"Don't be sorry, just get out!" The crime lord quickly closed the door and leaned against it, face still red. His mind howled in laughter at the look on his face. Hiei coughed and then clutched a hand to his nose as it began to bleed.

Oh my god I had no idea he was so…so…oh wow…

Inside the bathroom, Kurama was leaning against the door as well, red blush covering his face, but for a different reason. His blush was from sheer embarrassment.

Oh no, what do I do now?

The redhead took a deep breath before quickly drying off and dressing. As he began to run a comb through his hair, he happened to glance at himself in the mirror and gasped, dropping the comb. Looking back at him with a knowing look were malicious, golden eyes.

Hey Kurama.

"Oh my god…Yoko…"

End of Chapter Four

Hey, it's the introduction of Yoko! …Yeah, I'm gonna drop you there. But hey, on the bright side, maybe my hate for cliffhangers will bug me into writing the next chapter. Eh, one can only hope. Okay, read, drop a review, please don't strangle me, and I'll get to the next chapter as soon as my brain permits me.