A/n: Hello lovelies!

Ah finally another chapter! Freshly finished a new semester. Which was by far the hardest one yet. 60 hours a week of clinical over my regular full time nursing job. It was brutal. We might have to settle for smaller chapters with more frequent updating. I tend to forget how long it takes me to write these. Anyways! I hope you enjoy this one. Please review and follow!

Thanks so much Angelvoice15 for the review! I will try to update more often.

Lots of love

~Red

Just another morning
With shaky hands, pounding head
I guess I did it again
Try to leave, but I can't stand
Start to think that I'm better off dead
I'm sick of this condition
Your kiss is my addiction
I can tell you cast a spell that knows no moderation
It's dangerous, the things we do

Under the influence, I got no defense
It might be criminal, but still I just can't quit
Under the influence, I'll take the consequence
Well if it's poisonous, let it take my last breath
Under the influence

Temptation, creeping up on me
Gets under my skin, won't let me be
Haunt my days and haunt my sleep, viciously unrelenting
Oh, lay down again
Oh, give in again
And oh, feel good again
Begging for another beautiful sin
It's dangerous, the things we do

Under the influence, I got no defense
It might be criminal, but still I just can't quit
Under the influence, I'll take the consequence
Well if it's poisonous, let it take my last breath

Under the influence, the walls are closing in
It's inevitable, but I can't see him
Leaving out the destruction of your love
Oh, oh

Under the influence, I'll take the consequence
Well if it's poisonous, let it take my last breath
Under the influence, I got no defense
It might be criminal, but still I just can't quit
Under the influence, I'll take the consequence
Well if it's poisonous, let it take my last breath

~Under the influence

Elle King

"You're distracted," Jay's voice reached Maika's ears making the human psychic turn to him and frown at the shit eating grin on his face.

They were currently sitting on a patio a few towns away from her home. Talking over coffee and getting updated on his latest findings. She scoffed at him, "what are you talking about? I'm not distracted."

His grey eyes only shone with humor as his grin widened, "you totally are. I mean the fox has really gotten under your skin."

It took all self control not to let her face flush at his words, "do you know who you are talking to?"

Unfortunately Jay just laughed throwing that messy mop of dark grey hair back, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to laugh. It's a joy to see really. You have this glow about you now that you're falling in love."

Maika choked on her coffee and glared, "love? Have you lost your damn mind. I'm not in love with Kurama. It has barely been two weeks since we've… I don't even know what to call it."

Jay only kept laughing, "most people would call it dating. Or are you trying to tell me you two are just casually hooking up? You live with the guy."

"Only until my building is done," she responded.

"I'm surprised he's not here. I mean he was there when you checked out that last lead in the warehouse last week. And I've heard about a suspicious medical rehab shut down two weeks ago that has your name written all over it. You normally don't let your men know your business, the redhead however, he's been different. By your side for all of this mysterious demon organization mess. You talk to him, Maika. More than anyone I've ever seen you talk to anyone. And its good. I'm happy for you. It think he'll be good for you," he said sipping his coffee nonchalantly.

Maika scoffed. Looking away from him and at the bustling street, "he was caught in the crossfire. I couldn't keep him in the dark. But that stops now. I admit I like Kurama, but there is no need for him to be caught in my battles. These demons want to take me down. It has nothing to do with him. I can't let him be caught in this."

She glared at him as his grin grew, "and now you're keeping him safe. It's so sweet really. But if you keep scowling like that your face is going to get stuck that way."

Maika stood leaving money on the table. She was...flustered. And annoyed. She had a therapist once tell her it was important to name her emotions. So that she could recognize them and how to properly deal with them. Or some bullshit like that. Obviously he was full of crap. Jay followed closely a little to satisfied with himself for her liking. At least she could use her annoyance to drive her forward this evening. Jay had found someone that was new to the area and reportedly had been asking around. Finding possible colleagues to do less than legal activities in Ningenkai. Jay was sure it had something to do with this new organization. Apparently they were being careful. Because she had expected to know much more than they had already. Which was close to nothing. And it was annoying.

"Are you sure about going by yourself? This guy is trouble Mai," Jay asked as he caught up to her.

She smiled at him happy he had moved on from his previous line of questioning, "of course. I'm just going to do some friendly questioning."

She walked the street with Jay by her side as they both looked for their target. He had been seen walking around the shipping district several times. This town had a high amount of demon residents. Mostly due to its nature. It had a lot of physically heavy jobs that were easy for low class demons to obtain and keep. Their bodies much sturdier than the average human's. She obtained many looks from workers heading out from a long day. She figured some knew who she was. She just had to ignore them and find that one person that stood out a little more from the rest. A tingle when up her spine as she finally picked up on a suppressed demonic energy. Her eyes zeroed in ahead at a tall man. Sandy blond hair that reached his shoulders. His build was nothing remarkable, long lanky limbs. But his energy. She could tell he was easily an upper A or S class. Jay murmured confirmation in her ear as the demon turned towards her. Locking eyes with her before he smirked and began to walk into the crowd. Obstructing his aura from her view. She picked up her own pace weaving through people and following him through the crowd.

The man ducked and ran through an alley making her chase him. She didn't like this. She knew it might be a trap but either way she needed something to grab onto. She followed him and found herself in the middle of a construction zone. The mountains of dirt and cement all around her. She stopped making sure to tap into all her senses. The demon turned to her and smiled giving her a full view of his mustard yellow aura. He was an ordinary creature. Grew up in Maikai, fought his way to the top. Unsatisfied with current leadership. And currently seduced by promises of power and wealth. A world ripe for the taking with weak feeble humans that would succumb to a more powerful race. However, his knowledge was limited, he was foot soldier. Just another pawn in a bigger scheme. And she could see it, need to know only. That's where he stood. And at the moment, his intent was to be rid of her. And come back triumphant to his superiors.

He smiled at her, "so we finally meet, Maika Benibara."

She raised a brow at him, "you've been expecting me. I suppose?"

He smiled and began to power up. The dirt around him quaking and lifting up from the ground. An earth apparition in the middle of a dug up stripped down construction field. Maika began to power up in response ready to eat a lot of dirt..that much was for sure.

Kurama had an uneasy feeling. His mind was unsettled as he watered his plants. Maika, had disappeared suddenly. No note. No word of where she was off to. But he was certain she was up to no good. Things had been going smoothly for the most part. But it was particularly difficult to get information out of her. The woman knew how to keep secrets. He wasn't an idiot. He knew when she would feed him just enough information to keep him placated. But there was more to what she shared. He had no idea what he needed to do to gain her trust. What he needed to do to get her to open up to him. He thought he was getting somewhere but no matter how many walls he got past there was always another. He had never met a woman this...frustrating?

His heart skipped a beat as her scent reached him, it was laced with the coppery scent of blood. Her blood. He turned his head to see her jumping onto his roof holding an unconscious demon in her arms. It took him a few seconds to recognize Jay. As he was currently too busy noticing the blood flowing from her forearm. She blinked up at him surprised to find him on the roof. "Um...hi, do you mind if Jay crashes on your couch for a bit. You were the closest place I could think of," she said nonchalantly. As she adjusted the man in her arms. As small as he was Kurama was surprised she could hold him at all.

Silently, Kurama counted to ten in his head. Walking up and relieving her of her burden before going inside his home and putting him down on the couch. There were no obvious injuries. He appeared to only be unconscious. A million questions ran through his mind only fueling how angry he was. He heard water running and turned to watch Maika running her bleeding arm under the water in the kitchen sink.

"What happened?" he tried to keep his tone neutral.

"Well Jay found a lead. Some guy recruiting demons near the farming district. I went to see what was up and the demon was a little more confrontational than most. Long story short, Jay got in the way and got himself knocked out. Letting him get away," she said as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

"And you got hurt how?" he continued as she washed out her wound.

He was sure she was testing his patience, "he showed up even when I told him to stay far away. I don't know why he'd do such a thing. It's not like I've never fought an upper A class before. Jay always worries over nothing."

"Maybe because people worry when others do something substantially stupid," he answered leaning against the counter and fighting his instinct to help her with her injury. At the moment he was more angry than anything. He watched as she used some paper towels to hold pressure on her forearm and turned to him. Her face completely neutral as her eyes settled on him.

She tilted her head at him. Analyzing him immediately, he could see her pupils constrict as she took in his aura. Her eyes then widened genuinely surprised, "oh...you're upset with me."

He stopped momentarily flabbergasted by her as she stared at him like he was...wrong? Silly? Misguided? He didn't know which but either way it only insulted him further. He cleared his throat, "of course I'm upset. Why didn't you tell me you found more information?"

He wished her face would give away more. Instead she just kept looking at him like she had no idea why he was 'upset' as she called it. "It was nothing. No need to make a fuss over it. These demons have me in their crossfire no need to get you involved," she dismissed as if it was that simple.

"And you leave without so much as a word? If something happened to you I'd have no idea where you went off to or where to find you," he continued trying not to raise his voice. She couldn't be this dense.

Kurama walked towards her grabbing the first aide kit that was under the sink and opening it. Grabbing the bandages and taking a roll of gauze. He silently wrapped her arm as she studied his face. She was trying her best to figure out what to say next. He quickly finished.

"You were worried about me…" her voice sounded small. "I'm a big girl, Minamino. I can take care of myself," she said although her tone wasn't as confident as it usually was. It was surprisingly cautious.

Kurama scoffed at her finishing her bandage but keeping a grip at her wrist. He looked up into her eyes and she stilled. Probably taking off guard by the seriousness in his face. "Of course I was worried. I know that you can take care of yourself. I know what you are trying to do by keeping me out of the loop. But none of that matters. I told you. You're not doing this alone. That's not an option. Not anymore."

"So am I supposed to ask for permission to move now?" she quipped back. The sarcasm was there but it was missing its normal bite.

"I care about you Maika," he answered watching in mild amusement and a bit of worry the small amount of panic on her face. Instead of letting it stop him he continued, "I worry because I care. And if anything happened to you when I know I can help I could never forgive myself. Don't make me be the bad guy. I'm not trying to control you. Or keeps tabs on you. But I care about you, so I worry. Because even though I've only known you for a short time I can see how reckless you are. And I want to take care of you."

She flushed looking away from his eyes, "I'm sorry...I didn't realize…" Maika faltered it dawned on Kurama that maybe this was new to her. Having someone to apologize to. To be accountable to someone else.

He grasped her chin. Making her look up into his eyes. A small smile came up to his lips, "and I know this is just your way of protecting me. Because you care about me too."

His smile grew as her face flushed even further, "well if you die I'd have no place to live."

He laughed at her small joke satisfied just to see the embarrassment on her face, "whatever you say my little turnip."

She opened her mouth at him barely suppressing a giggle, "turnip?"

He grinned back, "I believe the direct quote was, 'I have the emotional capacity of a turnip.' Since you're a little slow at this I figured I'd help you along. I'm not expecting any grand confessions, but I can take educated guesses."

"Such an ego," she rolled her eyes.

He leaned down and planted a kiss on her lips, "are you saying you don't care about me? That's very mean."

She closed her eyes as he kissed her again."Of course not," she whispered against his lips.

His kisses trailed down to her neck so that he could whisper in her ear, "than why is it so hard for you to say so?"

"Kurama," she muttered as her hands fisted against his chest. Kurama brought his face up to look into her eyes. Every time she said his name it was like a reward to his ears. He'd never get tired of hearing it. She opened her mouth to say something when her eyes looked over his shoulder. "Jay's awake," she muttered getting out of his arms and walking towards the couch.

He turned to see the grey eyed demon smirking at them, "didn't want to interrupt your lover's spat."

Maika scoffed at him, "next time you get in the way I'm just going to let them kill you."

Jay laughed as she walked away into the bathroom, "yeah right. I love you too, Mai!" They both laughed as she gave him the middle finger before disappearing into the apartment. Kurama turned to Jay to find the demon standing and stretching. The carefree demon studied him for a second before giving him a grin, "hang in there red. You're in uncharted territory."

Maika stood at the kitchen counter peeling potatoes and making dinner. Kurama had given her some space but she felt kind of guilty. She didn't realize that he'd actually be concerned. The thought was irrational. She was strong, made sure of it. Strong enough that one demon alone was not enough to hurt her. She had made sure of that. She also didn't really ever think about the risks. She didn't care about them. She never had to because she made sure that she was the only person in the line of fire. Kurama walked in and she stilled. She turned to look at him as he opened a bottle of wine. Music playing in the background, it was their little routine. He had smug smirk on his face that he always got when he thought he had one over on her.

Her thoughts stopped when he started to sing as he was setting the dinner plates. She couldn't help the smile on her face. His voice was smooth and beautiful. She should have known that it would be. Jackie and Wilson was one of her favorite Hozier songs. She liked it even better when he sang it.

"You sing now," she commented going back to her task. She could feel him smiling behind her as he approached.

"I do when I'm in a good mood," he answered.

"I like it. You have a nice voice," she commented as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Placing distracting kisses on the back of her neck.

"Now if you told me what was bothering you. Then maybe I could help you be in a good mood too," he whispered.

She sighed and put down the knife in her hand, "I'm not scared to die." She turned to look at Kurama in the face and see the confused look his eyes. She gave him a small smile and continued, "I chose this life. I could have stopped and secluded myself after Sensui's death. Could have tried to be someone else. But I didn't. I chose to not turn a blind eye to the changing world I was seeing. And when I did that I knew I wouldn't make friends. I knew that I'd be putting myself in the line of fire. I know that I do things that are dangerous and I don't think twice about doing them. Because this is the life I chose. Its one of the reasons that it's easier to be...unattached. You said I'm reckless and you're right. I'm reckless because I'm okay with the outcome of my choices. No matter what that outcome is. I don't regret a thing. I live my life in the line of fire. But you shouldn't have to."

"I'm a demon Maika. I'm no stranger to danger," he said. She realized he was digesting her little speech.

She knew that was one of the things she liked about Kurama. He thought about everything. Listened to her words and really digested them, "I know that. But I don't want you to just go with it because of me. I don't want you to get hurt. I don't want my actions and my decisions to hurt you in any way."

There was something comforting about his strong arms around her, "I understand why you do all of this. I wish you'd be more selfish but then you wouldn't be the woman that walked into flower shop and blindsided me. You're not going to scare me off. I don't like the fact that you risk your life. And I'm not crazy about the fact that you don't care if you die. But I am crazy about you."

It was very unnerving. How the words of one person could make her heart race. How could anyone rationally argue while looking into those deep green eyes? She reached up and caressed his face with her hands. Why didn't he understand? She didn't want to take him down with her. She opened her mouth ready to find something to say. But Kurama silenced her by capturing her lips in his. He pulled away leaning his forehead against hers, "don't. Maika please don't overthink this. We could argue and go back and forth about this for months. But it's pointless, because I don't care."

She smiled at him, "I'm not sure if you're really crazy about me. Or just crazy."

He chuckled running kisses from her mouth to her jaw and stopping at her ear, "maybe a little of both." Maika gasped as he grazed her earlobes with his teeth.

She tried to ignore the goosebumps that ran up her spine, "what about dinner?"

"Dinner can wait," he answered. And just like that all train of thought was ended. As Maika lost herself in him, she wondered how one could become so wrapped up in another person.

The next morning Maika was found herself wandering through the farmer's market when someone caught her eye. A young woman with light brown hair and warm chocolate eyes. Her aura was a vibrant orange and mixed with a certain glow. One that only came from a specific condition. Maika saw a few low life demons circling close by. They closed in and began to talk to her. She could see the discomfort on her face and their malicious intent easily. Knowing where this was going she quickly walked up to them. Making sure to let her aura slightly flared behind the unsuspecting demons.

"Keiko! Long time no see. These guys aren't bothering you, right?" she smiled widely at her.

Thankfully, the girl was far too polite. And instead of asking how they knew each other she just smiled. Trying her best to figure out why this strange woman knew her name. "Um..hey. How are you.." she began stepping forward smart enough to know the men around her were trouble.

Maika quickly pulled her behind her back, "Maika. I'm Kurama's friend. Met your husband Yusuke a few months back. Now if these nice gentlemen move along then we can all just go on with our days. However, if they truly want trouble. I'm sure I could oblige them."

The men tensed immediately as they made eye contact with her. She gave them a disarming smile, but part of her kind of wanted a little trouble. It would save her the trouble of hunting them down later, "what will it be boys?"

"We don't want any trouble miss," one of them muttered before they walked away. Maika was satisfied to see them walk away. She wanted to remember their auras. To keep an eye on them.

A small clearing of the throat made Maika turn to her new acquaintance, "what was that about?"

Maika sighed and smiled at her hoping not to freak her out. But she was married to Urameshi, the chances of her being used to this kind of thing were probably high. "You can't go out on your own anymore. A pregnant female is already a high target for demons...but in your case. Many of them don't like half breeds, you will be an even bigger target. I'm guessing you haven't told Yusuke yet?" she said wondering she would scare the woman too much.

Her big brown eyes were wide, "how can you tell?"

"I can see it in your aura. Sorry to freak you out like this," she responded.

Keiko frowned looking up at her quietly, "you mean those guys were demons...and they wanted to eat me?"

"Well… yeah," she responded trying to figure out if she was more scared or shocked.

Keiko turned to her and gave her the brightest smile, "wow! I guess I owe you a huge thanks!"

She shrugged a shoulder at her, "you're welcome. What are you doing here?"

"Oh! Well we're going to see Kurama but I sent Yusuke ahead because he ate the housewarming gift. He's such a bonehead sometimes. I thought Kurama would appreciate something nice but I have no idea what to get him," she chirped. The woman was positively cheery for someone that almost got devoured. Keiko continued talking without even skipping a beat, "but now you're here! Saving me from god knows what! It's a sign. Yusuke said Kurama finally got a girlfriend. Maybe you can tell me what I should get him."

"Girlfriend…" Maika muttered, "right. Well I guess I will escort you around. It's not exactly safe for you to walk around alone." Keiko grinned at her as Maika lead the way to a little wine store that sold Kurama's favorite red wine, "Kurama is a big wine guy. He really likes this one red from Israel that is in stores right now. He'd actually love a bottle."

Maika pretended like she wasn't being evaluated right now. But she could see the way that Keiko was looking at her as she opened the door for her. The two made small talk as they looked over the selections. Keiko ended up going with Maika's choice and the two made their way back to the apartment after both of them finished shopping.

The small brunette was relentless. She didn't have a shy bone in her body as she bombarded Maika with questions. She fired off question after question and for whatever reason the human psychic felt obliged to answer her. She tried her best to skirt around anything she didn't really want to reveal but it was difficult. Trying to be vague with Keiko was like trying to hide a bone from a dog. The girl was clever. There was a wave of relief when they both reached the flower shop. Maika felt like she was reaching home base. Sure the fox would be distracting enough to get the attention off herself.

They walked in to find Kurama behind the counter looking slightly annoyed while Yusuke was bent over in laughter. Keiko sighed as she took in the scene sure that her husband was acting obnoxiously again. She pointedly ignored him and smiled at the redhead, "hi Kurama. It's good to see you! Congrats on the new place, the flower shop looks lovely."

Kurama smiled back, "Thank you, it's great to see you too."

Yusuke stopped his laughing and gave Maika a huge grin, "Maika! Happy to see Kurama finally got himself out of the friend zone."

"Yusuke!" Keiko huffed making Maika laugh. There was something contagious about the goofy grin on his face. The detective didn't really care for polite conversation. It was a wonder he managed to get such a proper woman.

"Why don't we head upstairs. I can make us some tea," Kurama said walking around the corner and grabbing the bags out of Maika's hand.

The four of them settled upstairs. Maika was happy to let Kurama take over conversation, "so I see the two of you met at the market?"

Keiko perked up, "yes! Maika saved me from these grubby demons that were bothering me. I can't remember the last time that happened to me. Yusuke's mating mark usually keeps them away."

Kurama and Maika shared a look that let her know the fox had already figured out why. Yusuke however seemed a little slow on the uptake. "What?! What do you mean they were bothering you?" he growled.

It wasn't surprising. Demons were particularly territorial about their mates. When demons courted pheromones and scent would surround each party signaling to other demons about the partnership. This was somewhat a way to make other potential partners back off but Maika knew it to be more of an invitation than anything else. Male demons in particular were very proud and competitive. A mating mark however was a completely different story. When a demon mated, either with a human or another demon. Their energy would imprint with the other partner leaving a unique energy print. One that definitely deterred the majority of demons from trying anything. Mates were sacred. For a demon it was the highest level of disrespect to approach one's mate.

"Well for the next few months you might have to get a little used to this Yusuke," Keiko said quickly. Maika could tell she was scrambling to calm her husband.

The detective stared at her as if she had grown three heads, "why the hell is that?"

Maika wasn't sure she should be here for this conversation she shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Keiko shyly played with the ruffles in her very girly skirt. "Well this wasn't how I was going to tell you but I didn't know this would happen until Maika explained it to me," she muttered.

Immediately a bewildered look crossed Yusuke's face. Keiko quietly fidgeted for a few more minutes with her skirt only making the tense atmosphere more tense. Maika took a gulp of her tea hoping the woman would just spit it out already. Why would she have even brought up how they met if she knew that her husband was such a hot head? "Well turns out I'm pregnant and other demons can tell," she said blushing.

Yusuke was deadly quiet. His eyes large and his mouth wide open. If she had known him better she might have begun to laugh. Kurama seemed amused at the whole scenario. As the silence stretched he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "I'm sure it was hard for you to notice Yusuke. You live with Keiko and the changes in scent are subtle in the first trimester."

"You're pregnant?" he finally responded his tone awed.

Keiko nodded giving him a small smile making Yusuke jump up from his seat and wrap her up in a huge hug. The happiness radiating off them contagious. Maika turned to look at Kurama and smiled at the look on his face. He was genuinely happy for his friends. Beaming at them as they celebrated. "It appears we will have more than just Genkai's birthday to celebrate this weekend," he said turning to her.

"This weekend?" she asked uncertain of what he was talking about.

"You didn't forget did you? You promised you'd come to the party!" Yusuke said turning to her but keeping his arms tightly wrapped around his wife.

Maika thought back on the first time she had met Yusuke. And sure enough she had said she'd come to said celebration. At the time she had never thought it was a real invitation. She barely knew the man sitting across from her. And truly didn't think she would have become so close to him in such a small amount of time. Now the thought of going to a party full of Kurama's closest friends kind of made her feel a little nervous. The entire thing could turn out to be fun or a complete disaster.