Panting heavily, the young adult hunched over, palms covering her knees. Sweat trickled down her face, neck, and arms. She was sure her back was sweaty, too. Scarlett stood up, still breathing heavily. With the back of her hand, she wiped the salty liquid from her forehead. The workout had been much more intense than normal. "I should listen to this channel more often," she thought. Slowly, she moved over to the stereo. With a pressing of a button, she shut off the blaring rock music.

She gave herself a moment for her breathing and heart rate to return to normal before stretching both hands to the ceiling. Scarlett yanked on her ear. It probably wasn't such a good idea to listen to rock music at such a great volume. Her eardrums were definitely going to suffer somewhere down the line. Shrugging, she made a grab for her water bottle, which was placed on the desk. It had gotten knocked over a lot by her movements. The plastic thing was pretty beat up despite containing water. Soon, Scarlett would have to switch out.

After sighing, she gulped down the refreshing liquid. She didn't stop until the whole bottle was empty. She bit down on the top, removing her hand from the bottle. Scarlett headed towards the door. This was all a part of the routine she had fallen into. Wake up, eat breakfast, dance for thirty minutes, stretch for ten, do sit ups for fifteen, jog in place for five, eat a couple of oranges, and then go back to sleep. It had gotten pretty boring again. The reason for the uneventful shift—as least for her—was because Kurama and Kuronue had been gone. It had been a few days and yet they had not returned.

Scarlett pursed her lips as she opened the refrigerator. It was troubling, but there was something weird going on. That strange departure had been nagging her ever since two days ago, which is when they had left her. It was… awkward. It seemed Kurama had gone back to acting as he had before towards her. "But I didn't do anything wrong," Scarlett murmured. Her hands gripped two oranges. She shut the refrigerator with her foot. "Did I?" She hopped and sat on the island counter. Then she set one of the fruits down. Narrowing her eyes, the young woman began to peel the orange she hadn't set down.

While Kuronue's goodbye was irritatingly smug, which was expected, Kurama had been mostly quiet. His voice and body were stiff. He even refused to meet her eye. Scarlett swayed her legs as she continued peeling. The memory of that goodbye just wouldn't leave her mind. She shut her eyes for just a moment. "To think I thought we were finally getting along." An exaggerated sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back slightly. "Argh…! Why are you so confusing?! No wonder I never tried writing about you!" Suddenly annoyed, Scarlett savagely torn into the poor orange, causing the juices to squirt and slide down her fingers.

This is how Hiei found her.

"Pathetic," he commented.

After almost choking to death, Scarlett looked up to see the short demon not even a foot away. "H-H-H-Hiei…!" she sputtered. "Stop appearing out of nowhere like that!" Red eyes merely rolled. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

"You are messing with Kurama's mind."

"Well… that helps me out a lot," Scarlett's sarcastic tone did not amuse Hiei in the least. She sat the orange on the counter and rubbed the sticky juice on her legs. She'd clean up later. "Could you be a little more specific? You didn't even say why you, personally, are here!"

"Listen, you foolish wench, Kurama will return to this place any moment now to get a change of clothes," Hiei said. Scarlett's eyebrow twitched. "I came to clear things up with you."

"Eh…?"

"You have caused Kurama to lose focus. It is vital that he composes himself for this mission."

"Still not understanding."

"The enemy has captured the idiot, so we must go into their territory." Hiei was beginning to become irritated. Honestly, it wasn't that hard to understand. "You licked him, didn't you?" Scarlett blinked once before the flush appeared. "Of all the stupid things you could have possibly done, you had to do that?" The red-eyed demon frowned. "Using your tongue that way is a sign of invitation."

"No it isn't. It's kinda disgusting actually."

"Yes it is. Demons use their tongues to symbolize meaning things. It's all about the intention." He actually glared. "Your intention-"

"Was to shock him," Scarlett interrupted. She suddenly found a hand on her throat. He only squeezed a bit, yet she was still pretty shocked. Perhaps a little scared. "Y-Y-You do-don't ha-have to go thi-this far!" Okay, perhaps more than a little scared. For a short person, he was way intimidating. How the hell did he even reach this height? She was still sitting on the island!

"Shut up!" Hiei hissed. Scarlett whimpered a bit, but said nothing more. "Since you know us so well, I assumed that you would also know, at least, the basics of demon culture. Obviously, you have no clue. Like I said, using the tongue can mean many things. You've seen a demon licking their weapon with their eyes on the opponent, yes?" Scarlett nodded. "This means that their intention is to kill. Their opponent is their prey." Okay, that made sense. "To like oneself means either cleaning an injury or to make yourself appear more vulnerable." Hiei's gaze suddenly hardened. "Only the weakest of demons intend to look fragile… and the weaker mate." The human decided she didn't want him to elaborate. "What you did stated loud and clear that your intention was lay him."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! … What?"

Hiei roughly released his captive, and then turned his back to her. Scarlett gingerly rubbed her throat. When the short demon continued, she flinched and stopped glaring at the back of his head. "Kurama may be in the body of a human, but his demon instincts remain. Right now, his logical mind and demon mind are fighting for control. This is a distraction, so you need to fix this."

"What can I do?"

"Do nothing. In fact, ignore him."

"That doesn't seem very nice," Scarlett murmured. She crossed her arms. "Then again, he has been ignoring me just fine."

"You stupid woman."

"Hiei, it's not nice to insult people."

"What alternate dimension are you from to think I care?"

"You'd be surprised what fandom has got you doing."

"… Hn."

Scarlett chuckled once. Hiei was just being Hiei. Thank goodness for consistency. In fact, the only thing wrong—but not really—with him was his love for 'sweet snow.' He probably wanted some right now, but wasn't sure how to go about asking for it. Ha! Hiei asking was like a mountain jumping. It just didn't happen. Seriously though, it was weird that he hadn't said anything about her end of the bargain. The memory of the short demon being hugged from behind by her flooded her mind. She chuckled again. "If you survive, I'll give you ten pints of sweet snow to make up for not giving it to you right away."

"I couldn't care less," Hiei replied with a scoff. Scarlett rolled her eyes and smiled. "Don't get raped." With those parting words, he made his exit, disappearing from that very spot. The human's smile faltered a bit.

"Raped…?" she thought. Kurama wouldn't do something so dastardly. Golden eyes flashed through her mind's eye. "Then again…" Like Hiei said, she knew nothing of the ways of demons. And the Yoko side of him was pretty sketchy. She had better nip this in the bud as soon as possible. Who knew it would be this difficult with just a flick of the tongue? That darn fandom—steering her wrong like this! It said nothing about things like this. However, she didn't really get into those types of fanfiction works. Mostly, she stuck to humorous action stories. Unless it was about a demon lord, she didn't read intimate things. And even in the different universe, marking was the big thing. "Great, I'm stuck in a world where licking means more than kissing." Scarlett let out a long sigh.

She jumped from the island. Still, this information did explain why Kurama had acted that way prior to his leaving. "Hmm…" Scarlett rubbed her chin. Apparently, her host was a lot more reticent than she realized. Why was he such a… Actually, she didn't know what to label him as at this point. The Kurama she was used to watching did not give off an uncommunicative type of presence. If something needed to be said, he generally would be the one to say it. There were times where he was his canon self. However, lately, he had behaved like a… Damn, she still couldn't pinpoint his personality. Scarlett never knew what was going on with him.

The young woman threw away the orange peelings and cleaned off the counter. "Anyway, why is it such a struggle? He should have come to realize that I didn't know any better, thus his logic mind should have won by now." Scarlett knitted her eyebrows as she finished cleaning up. "You're so frustrating…!" The girl crossed her arms and scoffed. Screw all this ignoring crap, she thought. Conflict would not be resolved without some good old-fashioned communication. As soon as her red-headed host returned, they were going to set aside their differences and have a talk. But first, a much needed shower. Scarlett suddenly paused, mid stride.

Did Hiei say Kuwabara had gotten kidnapped?

0-0

Honestly, he was dreading this encounter. Kurama had been staring at the door of his own home for awhile now—most likely for twenty minutes. He did not have time for this, and yet his feet would not move another centimeter forward. He wanted to laugh at himself. This was the first time in many years that he had felt such intimidation. "And because of a human girl," he thought, frowning. Kuronue would laugh hysterically if he knew. For a moment, he closed his eyes. Speaking of his old friend, he remained with Yusuke and the others. Perhaps it would have been better to bring him along. No, this run home was only supposed to take about ten minutes. Kuronue was not needed here at the moment.

It would seem that the enemy wanted Kuwabara for his power all along. They needed him to break through the barrier. The red-haired male slowly breathed out. That's right. Time was of the essence. Hesitation should not be in his mind. Kurama composed himself and moved forward. Once more, he sighed, and then he opened the door. His nose twitched as the smell of his home rushed at him. Sweat and… oranges mixed with her scent, and intertwined with his. An eyebrow twitched. There was another scent, besides Kuronue's. "Hiei…?" His scent was as recent as the orange smell. Why did he come here?

Kurama shook his head. Right now, he needed to focus. He could question the fire demon later. Maybe if he headed straight for his room, he could avoid a direct confrontation with his houseguest. There was always time when this ordeal with the ex-Spirit Detective was over. That is, if things turned out in their favor. Kurama quickly bypassed Scarlett's temporary room, making sure to keep quiet. With any luck, she was too busy reading one of his books to notice his presence in the house. Then again, she could not do that, could she? Still, it didn't hurt to be cautious. He pushed the door to his room open, straining his ear to catch any movement coming from Scarlett's room. There was nothing. Kurama mentally sighed in relief.

"Glad to see you're back, Shuichi-kun."

The red head flinched before turning his eyes to the center of his room. There, sitting with legs folded on the edge of his bed, was his houseguest. Her eyes, though, were not on him. They were scanning the words to one of his books. Principles of Paradoxes—it was a good choice. Kurama frowned. Now was not the time to praise her choice of literature. A page turned. She did not meet his gaze. "Why are you in my room?" Kurama asked. Still, her blue eyes remained on the page. "Scarlett… we have rules." Darn. The intimidation was coming back. And because of that, naturally his aloofness returned. The young woman didn't bat an eyelash. Another page was turned. Had she been waiting all this time for him, lying in wait for his return so that she could strike? Where was his mind going? It wasn't like she was an opponent.

"Sorry," she said, not sounding very apologetic. "I often come into your room in search of a good… resource while you're out for long periods of time." Her eyes narrowed, yet remained on the page. "And I don't recall any rules preventing me from going into any room in this house." Kurama swallowed. More and more it seemed as though he had invaded the territory of a feral tiger. Ironic, seeing as how it was his room she had entered without permission. "Hiei came over you know," Scarlett spoke nonchalantly. "He told me that Kuwabara has been taken by the enemy."

"Yes," Kurama nodded his head. Finally, he moved from the frame of the door. He headed over to his closet. "Which is why I do not have time to speak." With his back turned to her, he could not see the annoyed expression his houseguest was giving. However, he did hear the book snap close. Inadvertently, he cringed.

"You could have called," Scarlett murmured. There was movement, but she did not remove herself form the bed. Kurama tried to focus on finding Chinese-style fighting attire. "Kuwabara-kun's my friend, too."

"I apologize for being careless." The outfit was at the back of the closet. He pulled it and turned to Scarlett. Her eyes were on the floor now. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to change." For a moment, the young woman didn't move. She then sighed and stood. Kurama closed his eyes in relief. This needed to be done.

"No." Her voice caused him to open his eyes again. He blinked in surprised. Scarlett remained rooted to the spot, arms crossed under her chest and eyes staring him down. Kurama's mouth opened to protest. "No," she said again. "We're going to talk right now."

"What do you mean?"

"Clearly, you're beginning to avoid me again. And I don't appreciate it," Scarlett stated. "So if you have anything to say to me, I suggest you say it. I've been considerate of how you were socialized, so it's time you do the same for me. Tell me straight up what's going through your head right now." Kurama cut his eyes to the floor.

"Pardon my tone, but you would not understand."

"Try me," she almost scowled. His attitude was beginning to grate on her nerves. Again, he had become way too detached. Now, he wasn't even trying to answer her. Fine, if he wanted to be that way, then she had no choice. Too bad for him. "You're acting like this again because I licked you, aren't you?" He seemed startled by her question. "What I don't understand is why you're acting this way. It probably meant something significant in regards to Demonology, right? Well, obviously, I don't know any better, so you should have written that action off. Your demon instincts can't be that embedded into your brain that you can't even function because of m-" Scarlett stopped. An idea had suddenly struck her. This… pattern was familiar. She had read countless pieces of fiction, so she was sure she heard of this. A strong male character—or real person for that matter—usually changed when a compatible female—or male—was introduced. The relationship usually spiraled down to romance. "You like me?!" Scarlett blurted out before she could stop herself.

Kurama's head snapped up. Her tone was incredulous as if she couldn't believe it. It wasn't that hard to comprehend. A blush suddenly crossed his face. What was he thinking?! He didn't like her—not in that sense! Admittedly, Scarlett Tate was a unique woman. However, as far as feelings go, she was the same as… as… Botan, Keiko, Yukina… his mother? Perhaps not like them, but the fact still remains. She was not a love interest—at least not to him. The very thought was… laughable. Before Kurama could make his case out loud, Scarlett continued speaking, almost as if she forgot he was in the room.

"Yes, I am attractive and intelligent-"

"You're a narcissist, that's what you are," Kurama commented in thought.

"But none of my attributes could ever compete with yours," Scarlett said. "I am imperfect, while you are perfect… Well, except when it comes to humor. You kinda suck in that department." The red head's finger twitched. He wanted to whack her upside the head. "Besides," she went on. "We wouldn't work in the first place. I would totally dominant you and that won't be accepted, so it's a no go." That is when her logic ceased to make sense. "Not to mention-"

"Excuse me?" Kurama interjected. Scarlett blinked once, and then focused on attention back on his person.

"What?" she asked.

"Could you repeat that last bit?"

"The part where I said I'd dominate you?" Scarlett asked, sounding confused. With a twitch of his brow, Kurama nodded his head. "Well, it's true. I would dominate you, so you'd be the submissive one. And you probably won't like that, thus a romantic relationship won't-"

"That is a bold statement to make."

"It's a factual statement to make."

"How do you know?"

"Based on personalities, of course."

"Care to prove this theory?" His change of clothes dropped to the floor.

"Is he angry? I can't tell," Scarlett thought. A sudden nervous feeling went through her body. Damn, she had made a mistake. To actually come out and question his—cue eye roll—manliness most likely pissed him off, especially since he was the type to be mistaken as a girl. Scarlett almost scoffed. She had never cared about the 'weaker sex' concept. No matter what gender, there was always a dominant and submissive partner in a relationship. However, she did not like it when men automatically assumed they were superior, meaning they assumed they were dominant. Generally, females accepted this. But Scarlett was the type that would not take it—not without trying. "There's nothing to prove," Scarlett coolly told him. "Some pretty boy will never make me change my behavior and submit to him."

It suddenly occurred to her that insulting him was not the best option. However, he had initiated irritation first. It was only fair. Still, she was regretting her decision. She hadn't even seen him move. Out of nowhere, she was no longer standing across from him. One second, she was standing tall and the next second, her back was pressed against the bed. Indifferent green eyes stared down at her. "Me thinks I've said too much," Scarlett thought. Her wrists were being squeezed above her head. Why was it always this position? The book she had been reading before Kurama walked in the room had been left on the bed, and now its corners were digging painfully into her spine. The red head in question hovered over her, knees adjacent to her sides.

"Well…?" he asked.

"You're faster than me. You're stronger than me. You're even smarter than me. However…" Scarlett relaxed her body and closed her eyes. "My mindset won't change. I will not submit."

She opened her eyes again. There was defiance there. Although he had shown his power over her, that look in her eye would not disappear. She was right. No matter what he did, she would not label herself as weaker or submissive. Indeed she was a strong woman, and it would be foolish to try to break her. Green eyes were partially hidden behind eyelids. Kurama had half a mind to try anyway. Scarlett stated her flaws and admitted to not being the best, and yet she still had an air of arrogance about her. What was it? Why did she feel the need to-? Kurama suddenly found a memory planted in his mind. He saw it now.

Scarlett had said this herself. She was an only child. Her father had died, leaving her alone with her mother. She had felt the need to grow up and become strong to protect her last parent. It was no wonder she had this mindset that no one could top her. She needed this mindset. Kurama had never noticed that she had surrounded herself with barriers. "You're quite clever," he thought. "But I can see through you now." Scarlett was pushing and pulling at the same time. She was afraid of someone dominating her, and she desired it as well—for what reason, he couldn't be sure at this point. However, it was clear to him now. This was the reason for her provoking manner towards him and him alone. It was a hidden test of sorts, and he had yet to pass.

"If you're not going to do anything, then get off. You're only wasting both our times." Scarlett scoffed, showing her annoyance. She was only confirming his thoughts. It wasn't a demand. It was a proposition. If he wasn't going to do anything had been the confirmation. Should he choose to accept the proposal, then there was no turning back… for either of them. Kurama frowned. It shouldn't have been this hard to decide. It would be in everyone's benefit if he were to back down and tell her she was right. However, there were just some things even he could be stubborn about. "Then move already! My back hurts!" Slowly, he loosened his grip, and then removed himself from her. Scarlett sat up. "Are you going to apologize for attempting?"

"I will not," Kurama answered. A smirk found its way onto his face. "In fact, this is only the beginning." Scarlett's eyebrows furrowed. His eyes slide down to the young woman. He took her left hand, ignoring her perplexed expression. He turned her palm up and stretched her arm. Willfully slow, he pressed his lips against her exposed wrist. Her eyes expanded in surprise. Kurama mentally chuckled, and then hid his green eyes. His tongue glided out and licked the vein. Her blood was racing, meaning her heart did the same. He opened his eyes as he pulled away. "Yes, this is indeed the beginning."

"Eh…?" Scarlett's arm dropped as Kurama turned his back to her. He said nothing more as he moved to pick up his clothes. He still didn't speak as he left the room. The young woman could only stare, confused, at the spot where he disappeared. Soon, the front door shut, and that is what snapped her out of her daze. She shuddered and grabbed her wrist. It was still wet. "What the hell just happened?!" she screeched. That was definitely not right or okay!

It wasn't until there was a knock at the door did Scarlett finally got up to leave Kurama's room. She was in a state of shock. What was that? How was she supposed to react? Oh, how she hated this—hated it with passion. It wasn't like she was completely left in the dark, but it felt like her flashlight was snatched away from her by that evasive fox. Scarlett scowled as she made her way to the front door.

It's all about the intention.

Hiei's voice reminded her of the earlier conversation. She narrowed her eyes. If licking the cheek was an invitation, just what the hell was licking the wrist? Was there a difference? Of course there was a difference! It had to be. Kurama had no intention to 'lay' her, did he? The thought was highly unlikely. Now, if it had been his alter ego, then the thought was plausible, but not for the docile red head. Docile…? Ha! Although his attempts did not work, he had been quite masculine. Kurama was beginning to become dangerous—as dangerous as his counterpart. Scarlett sighed heavily as her hand touched the doorknob of the front door. There would be plenty of time to ponder her host's sudden change in behavior later. Right now, she apparently had a guest. Perhaps, it was Botan coming to comfort her? "Bah! She's been hanging around Yusuke too much!" she murmured. Seriously, the comments she made were beginning to get annoying. Scarlett opened the front. "Can I…" Her gaze traveled up. By word, this man was tall. "Help you?" The last bit came out in a squeak. She had never encountered anyone as tall as this. Kuronue had nothing on this guy. He bowed his head, and asked for a confirmation about her name. Her eyebrows knitted together. "Who's asking?" Scarlett asked in suspicion.

"Pardon my manners. My name is Sensui Shinobu."

0-0