A/N: Dont have much time for a real note again. Just wanted to thank you all for your reviews, favorites and follows! It really means a lot to me to hear your feedback. I didn't want to leave you too long without any chapters at all. So here this one is! It was hard for me to write. I'm trying to map out the story from here and it gets a little tricky. Please be patient with me. The next update will be probably after I update my Trunks story. I apologize for any grammar mistakes. English is my second language, and I do my best.

Thanks again!

~Red

"So when I found myself injured, I used a large portion of my youkai to grow the ojigi plants around me and infuse some of Suki's spirit energy into the wildlife. I figured since she is technically half kitsune, she should be able to access her demon powers and control plants like I do. After all her energy was shifting the whole time we were in Makai due to the exposure of that atmosphere. However the toll of all that work caused me to go into a light state of unconsciousness out of self-preservation. I knew that Suki could kill the demon and I was ready to gather all my leftover energy to attack if needed; which is how I ended up mistakenly harming that doctor. It seems I slipped past the subconscious state for a bit," Kurama explained calmly as the detectives all sat around Koenma's desk.

As Koenma's glance turned to Suki she continued with her part of the report, "right, so then I realized I was totally fucked until I felt the energies of the plant life around me; which I grew tall enough to conceal both Kurama and I. using that as a distraction, I ran around to cause enough movement to make the demon follow me away from Kurama. Then the grass wrapped around its feet making him fall. Then I basically took my sword and speared my way through its brains, making me puke all over the field. End of story. Can we go home now?"

Kuwabara and Yusuke snickered at Suki's tone, the girl was obviously tired and wanted to go home, yet Koenma wanted a full report from everyone. If anyone knew anything about her, it was her ability to be incredibly grumpy, especially when she was lacking sleep or food. Koenma cleared his throat seemingly satisfied, "well okay. It seems Genkai's training has been sufficient. I'll have her help you train with your youkai so you can tap into your demon energy when you need to. Goodnight guys."

Everyone filed out into the hall where they would say their goodbyes to a certain wind master. The blue-eyed scallywag took his last opportunity to grab Suki by the hand and pucker his lips at her, "last chance to give yer love a kiss me lassie."

Before Suki could react Kurama reached out and smacked Jin's hand off. Giving him a scathing look, "I believe she's already told you before to keep your hands off." Suki gaped at his deadly tone, Kuwabara caught her eye from across the room and giving her a knowing look.

Suki growled turning away from the boys and heading towards Botan, "that's it I've been around way too much testosterone for the past forty-eight hours. Botan let's get the hell out of here please. I need some breathing room. Have a nice life Jin."

Botan caught up quickly followed by a smirking Yusuke, "I'll go with the girls you kids go on home!"

Annoyed, Suki allowed him to tag along knowing it wasn't a good idea to be by herself with just Botan. Yet all she wanted was some much needed space from everything. As Yusuke threw his arms around both the girls' shoulder Suki knew her annoyance was far from over. The boy had a mischievous grin on his face as they walked through the halls of spirit world, "lets get some chow and chat ladies."

Suki glared, "choose your words carefully, Yusuke."

The detective chuckled, "don't worry, I plan on feeding your grumpy ass first."

An hour and two bowls of ramen later Suki quietly watched as Yusuke's Cheshire cat grin reappeared on his face. Botan perked up knowing that the conversation was going to get interesting. "So Botan…interesting things happened in demon world other than our awesome busting of bad guys," the detective began.

Sighing Suki glared in his direction, "Yusuke."

Ignoring her warning Botan leaned forward with interest, "like what?!"

Yusuke ignored the daggers being glared at him and continued, "Jin took quite a liking to our sweet Suki. At first I thought it was hilarious but then I started to realize how pissed off Kurama was getting about it. Like abnormally pissed off. It made me wonder…do you think there is anything going on between these two lovebirds? They are awfully chummy don't you think?"

Botan giggled and looked at Suki, whom gave her the 'don't you dare' look. Botan was the only person that Suki had confided in when it came to all things Kurama. She knew about Suki's feelings towards the handsome kitsune. Botan didn't seemed concerned however, "do you mean Kurama might like Suki?"

Yusuke shrugged nonchalantly, "I mean he was kind of acting the way I would if anyone tried to lay a finger on my girl."

Suki stood up slamming her hands on the table, "alright enough. You two are crazy, nothing is happening. I'm out of here."

Her money for dinner was thrown on the table only to quickly be followed by her friends. Both the idiots snickered behind her. Suki tried her best to calm down as Botan and Yusuke both followed after her, with the dark haired boy boasting about how right he was. Turning around the pair of snickering buffoons almost slammed into Suki as she glared, "would you two knock it off. First I have to hear it from Kuwabara of all people and now you two? Botan you know why I don't want to talk about this. I thought you were on my side."

Yusuke looked at Botan for clarification as she rolled her eyes at her female friend, "Suki here, thinks that Kurama deserves 'better,' claiming she has too much baggage. Also that she is a 'ticking time bomb' and because of her situation shouldn't romantically be involved with anyone, ever. It's quite self deprecating really."

Suki groaned and kept walking only two have her two friends run up to her, linking arms together. Yusuke nudged her, "don't sell me that crap Suki. You deserve to be happy, fox boy deserves to be happy, so what's holding you back?"

"I don't know, maybe the fact that I am right? Genkai would agree, it's stupid for me to think anything else. If anything ever goes wrong with this whole, Apocalypse thing, then I will only end up destroying him. I can't risk that. I love Kurama. It's already going to be hard enough for you guys as it is," she said.

Reaching out and poking her head Yusuke glared at her, "don't be so pessimistic you big baby."

Suki rolled her eyes at him, "I'm being realistic."

"No you're not, just think about it. Kurama isn't some random stupid teenage boy; if he has feelings for you they are serious. You're only stopping yourself from being happy. Just promise me you'll think about it," Yusuke said seriously.

It was almost odd for Suki to see the usually goofy detective have such a serious demeanor. She took a deep breath and decided not to answer, letting Botan and Yusuke make conversation between them as they walked home. She wasn't quite sure how she would keep things from Kurama with everyone knowing about her feelings for him. Even thought it would be hard, she decided she would still do her best. She was sure that it was a bad idea; Kurama didn't need her to complicate his life even more than she already had.

Botan said her goodbyes as they got closer to their destination. Leaving Suki and Yusuke to walk the rest of the way in silence. The closer they to home the more nervous Suki got. How would she be able to look into those green eyes and not think about everything Yusuke and Kuwabara had said? Maybe Kurama would be sleeping? It had been a long day. Unfortunately as soon as the two walked through the door the redhead in question looked up from the book he was reading on the couch. Grinning ear-to-ear Yusuke patted Suki's back, "well I'm beat. Goodnight guys!"

Suki sighed as she looked into the green eyes that kept her up at night, tucking her hair behind her ear she smiled shyly at him. The look on his face made her feel a little guilty. She knew he probably worried about her storming off. Usually the two were so in sync, yet ever since the mission it seemed like they had for a moment fallen out of their comfort zone. Walking over Suki took a seat on the couch next to Kurama, "hey. Sorry about earlier, I didn't mean to walk off like that it's just…this whole day has been…overwhelming."

Kurama watched her carefully, "it's alright. Do you want to talk about it?"

Suki shook her head, "no if anything I think I've over talked. I'm sure I'll need to process some more but for now I just want to zone out and watch tv or something. Anything normal, you know?"

His chuckling made her smile, Kurama reached for the remote and handed it to her. Suki turned the tv on and flipped through channels, resting her head on his shoulder while he read his book. The simplicity of the action felt right, she might not ever tell him how she felt, but she would spend as much time with him as possible until he pushed her away or they grew apart. Heaviness settled over her heart as she thought of his injuries earlier, she had felt like she was so close to losing him. Even though she knew he was strong the image of him being hurt made her come close to realizing how much he meant to her. And how much it was going to hurt if he was ever gone. Tears pricked her eyes as she tried to distract the feeling away.

Kurama looked down from his book sensing a sudden shift in her demeanor. He noticed the small frown on her face and the glassy look in her eyes as she held back tears. Putting his book down he shifted her so that she would rest her head on his chest.

"Are you sure you're okay?" she asked her voice unsteady.

The question surprised him if anything he was about to ask her the same thing, "of course I'm okay." He assured her, not sure what was going on in her head.

Suki sighed closing her eyes, "it's just you were so hurt out there. And I wasn't sure if we'd get back to Spirit World in time. I realized how scary it is for me to think of you being hurt. It's almost hard to believe you're okay, that was a big hole in your stomach. I thought for a second that maybe I'd lose you."

Her arms wrapped around his waist not able to look into his eyes. Suki felt her shoulders relax a little as he ran his hand through her long black hair, "I'm fine. I promise. And you're not losing me; no matter what happens I'm always going to be here. It takes a lot more than what happened today to take me out."

His heart ached at her distress but at the same time he saw finally what he had overlooked this whole time. Suki loved him, and how he missed it he had no idea. He knew her better than anyone else and knew she would be stubborn about her decision. She had made up her mind, and it would be hard to get her to budge. He would have to wait for the perfect opportunity, or else she would only reject him.

"I'll remember that the next time we spar," she joked making him laugh. The two fell into comfortable silence as a random movie played on the television. At some point during the night, they both drifted off into peaceful slumber.

The next morning Suki awoke to Genkai's voice coming from the kitchen. She sat up and rubbed her stiff neck, the couch had

done a number on her back. She noticed the blanket that was draped over her and placed it aside as she walked into the kitchen to find her mentor speaking with Yusuke. They both turned to face her as she sat next to them sleepily.

"What's up guys?" she said as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

Genkai took a sip of her coffee, "eat breakfast and get dressed we're spending the day at the temple."

Suki sighed catching the unspoken meaning behind her words. More talking about her feelings. Grabbing a pop tart she made her way upstairs to shower and change. Her muscles were sore from the mission and sleeping on the couch. She wondered what had happened to Kurama. She felt guilty for falling asleep on him. As she showered; she collected her thoughts. Genkai taking her to the temple meant she needed to get her shit straight. Yusuke had probably blabbed about everything that had happened over the past few days. This was the only time she just wanted to be left alone.

Twenty minutes later the teenager walked out of her room in a comfy pair of leggings and a long sleeve workout shirt. Sure that training was also to to be expected. In the hallway she ran into Kurama and noticed he had a worried look on his face, "Are you alright?" she asked.

Kurama smiled at her and nodded, "mother is feeling ill. She seems to have a severe cold. I'm on my way to see her and take her to the doctor. Kazuya is on a business trip and I don't think she should be by herself so I'll be staying there for a few days."

A frown graced her face as she saw the worry in his green eyes. Reaching out she squeezed his hand and tried to smile reassuringly, "you're such a good son, Kurama. Please tell her to feel better soon. Maybe once she feels better I can visit her."

His answering smile relieved some of her worry, "thank you. She will love seeing you again. I'll see you later."

Suki nodded wondering if she'd ever not feel like kissing him. She felt the tingle in her hand as she let him go; watching him sling a bag over his shoulder and walk down the steps and out the door. Sighing she wished she could take his worry away, yet it was nice to see how much he cared for his mother. She could imagine him becoming a devoted family man one day. The type of man that would become a loving husband and father. The woman that landed Kurama would know much happiness. A deep breath rushed through her lungs as she made her way downstairs. Time to face the Genkai Inquisition.

A short hour later Suki sat dubiously as she meditated with Genkai, Yusuke, and Kuwabara. Not a word had been said thus far and she was having a hard time concentrating with the expecting digging that was bound to come her way. Even with her eyes closed she couldn't fully get into the right state of mind. Her thoughts ran listlessly in circles.

"Suki!" Genkai called making her jump out of her skin.

Teal eyes looked at the old woman, "y-yes?"

Pursing her lips the master got up and turned towards the woods, "let's go for a walk. You're being so antsy right now even Yusuke is doing better at meditation than you are."

"Yeah because I'm mostly napping," the detective answered as he cracked one eye open.

Shooting him a glare Genkai ignored his reply and began to walk away making Suki scramble to her feet. The teenager, being mindful to keep pace with the older woman's shorter legs; began to take the scenery around her. Geinkai's woods were truly peaceful. The day was warm and sunny and made her feel fortunate to be alive and happy enough to enjoy the sunshine and the sound of the birds. If only she could relax. She could tell Genkai wanted to say something but was choosing her words carefully. As she always did.

Coming across a stream the older woman stopped and stared into the water, "tell me child; what do you want for your life?"

Suki stared at Genkai, "you mean like as in my future?"

The old psychic nodded her faded pink hair glimmered in the sunlight. Suki looked out into the water looking at the fish that swam by. How could she answer that question?

"I'm not sure really. I don't think of the future much to be honest," she replied.

Suddenly a firm hand smacked the back of her head, "seriously Suki. You mean to tell me you have no idea what you're going to do with the rest of your life? You've been hanging around my dimwit for too long."

Suki rubbed the back of her head, "well I mean. I just want to be okay. I figure once I'm strong enough mentally and physically; I can maybe go to college and get a job. I used to want to have my own family but I've decided that's not a realistic goal. There is too many things that can go wrong in romantic relationships. When things went south for Natsuo and I, it put me in such a bad place. Sure everything else was going to shit too but I'd be lying if I didn't recognize that he didn't change my perspective on love. It's too big a gamble. I know I'll have to deal with losses in my life. I'll watch friends move ahead of me in life like get married and have children. And eventually those I love will die. But as long as I guard myself as much as possible, we will all be fine. I will also die someday, taking Apocalypse with me. If being alone forever means that I can keep everyone I love safe, then it's what I will do."

"So in the meantime, you're going to break Kurama's heart? And if by some miracle the strain of watching him be hurt by you doesn't tear you apart; are you really strong enough to let him go? Watch him eventually find happiness with someone else? Love someone else?" Genkai questioned.

Aching spread through her chest at the thought, "it must be that way. I know it will hurt, but I'm not what's best for him." It wasn't long before she was clutching her hand behind her head in pain, "ouch, stop smacking me!"

"Then stop being an idiot! Do you really think I'm busting my ass training you so could be an emotional cripple your entire life?" she yelled back.

"A cripple?"

An exasperated grunt escaped Genkai's lips, "yes. An emotional cripple. I would dare say that you know Kurama more than anyone else on this planet. The two of you have basically been attached at the hip for the past three months. Kurama isn't some silly teenage boy with a crush. He's a very mature and very intelligent demon. Someone like him doesn't become infatuated with another for no reason. He's fiercely loyal and I know for a fact that the only reason you're denying your feelings for him is because of your own insecurities. We both know he wouldn't leave you. Are you really this scared to place your entire heart on the line. Because I can tell you from experience that not being able to be with the person you love is much harder that you're making it out to be."

At some point tears began falling down Suki's cheeks, "so what? I know Kurama is loyal to me. But I'm taking a huge risk. What if we grow apart? Or down the line I can't be enough for him anymore? What if he won't leave me because he feels obligated to keep me happy? Besides we really don't even know if he does feel the same way about me as I do him? So we could be arguing about all this for no reason."

Genkai shook her head, "life is about risks. We aren't doing all this for you to live an empty life. Trust me, loneliness is just as big a danger as heartbreak. You must trust that you are resilient and live your life. Because living it half assed like you're planning to only lets her win. I might have agreed with you when we first met. But I can see now that one of the reasons you are doing so well is because of him. The two of you are good for each other."

"The way I love him scares me. It's intense, much more than I thought was possible," she whispered.

A warm hand pressed on Suki's shoulder, "I know kid. But love doesn't always have to be scary. You only don't know this because you haven't lived long enough to see the type of love that perseveres. If I were a betting woman I'd say you kids have it. I could tell from day one your bond was special. At the end of the day, what you kids decide is your own business. I'm just saying don't let insecurities stop you from getting what you deserve out of life."

Suki nodded, feeling grateful for her wise teacher. Genkai was really something else. The two women silently made their way back to the temple. Genkai had instructed Suki to meditate in earnest this time as she headed inside for a nap. Half an hour later the raven haired girl laid on the warm grass; arms spread out as she watched the clouds go by. Yusuke and Kuwabara lay near her; the three soaking in the warm sunshine. They talked for a while about everything and anything. She suddenly felt closer to them than before. All this time she mostly bonded with Kurama, but Yusuke and Kuwabara had both turned out to be close confidants. Suki marveled at her luck; a girl that went from having very little in the way of friends to gaining an entire family. Because this is what she thought it would feel like to truly belong somewhere.

"So Suki. What are you going to do now? Will you tell Kurama that you love him?" Kuwabara's gravelly voice reached her ears.

Keeping her eyes on the sky she quietly thought about it, "I'm not sure I have the guts to. I still don't know if it's the right thing to do."

A yelp left Suki's lips as Yusuke yanked her over and began to ruffle her hair, "you're one stubborn brat ya' know!"

Green eyes stared out into the sunny day for the hundredth time that day, it had been five days since he had come home to care for his mother. She had caught the flu and pneumonia. She was quite frail but was improving every day. At first her condition had reminded him on the fear of her mysterious illness. The reason for him being so involved with spirit world. It was a stressful endeavor but he knew that she would be okay. She was after all, bound to become ill from time to time. It's common of the frail human disposition. Yet it did not really ease his worries to think of it in such a manner. Suki had called daily to check up on the both of them. He could hear the genuine worry in her voice as well. It was sweet, she had taken such a liking to his dear mother. It was also hard to ignore the knowing smile that came to mother's lips during these calls. She knew him well, and could plainly see the happiness and excitement whenever her name showed on the caller ID. It couldn't be helped really. Kurama had just discovered his true feelings for the raven haired girl and now he was away from her. Although it was only a few days it did seem that absence indeed makes the heart grow fonder. He even found himself having trouble sleeping, as odd as it may be, it was not only comforting for Suki to have him near by. It appeared he had also grown accustomed to her scent and warmth at night.

"Spacing out again darling?" Shiori's voice snapped him out of his trance.

Kurama smiled guiltily, "I'm sorry mother. Did you need something?"

Shiori giggled, "you know I would be jealous if she wasn't such a lovely girl. I never thought I'd see the day that my Suichi would be love sick. I was saying that I feel okay enough. If you wanted to go out for a bit I could certainly manage."

Kurama fluffed the pillows behind his mother's head and felt her forehead. She was getting better but was still weak, "nonsense mother. I will not be going anywhere until I see that you are stronger. Now get some sleep and I will make you something to eat for lunch."

Shiori sighed a small smile on her face, "ah, but you didn't deny that you are love sick, it makes me so happy! Now if you'd only ask Suki on a proper date. Maybe I can help you plan one out today."

Kurama couldn't help but laugh at his mother. Always the hopeless romantic, "I didn't confirm your suspicions either. Now nap and maybe I'll indulge you in your feverish delirium."

"Alright, alright, I'll nap but we will talk about this later. You can't fool your mother sweetheart," Shiori said as she laid back on her bed.

Kurama quietly shut his mother's door and made his way downstairs when he felt a familiar energy outside his door. At first he thought he must have been mistaken, but then the soft scent of apples filled his nose. A soft knock came to the door, the fox demon found himself feeling a bit of nerves as he opened it; revealing the dark haired girl that filled his every thought. Standing at the door she smiled and walked in holding grocery bags, "hey there stranger. I came to make you guys some lunch. I hope that's okay."

Kurama didn't respond as his arms automatically snaked their way around her small waist. Pulling her close he closed his eyes and inhaled the sweet scent of her shampoo. He never noticed how soothing it was. Suki's free arm wrapped itself around his body, returning the embrace. He could feel her heart beat quickening. Suddenly feeling embarrassed, Kurama hesitantly released Suki. Her teal orbs peered at him tenderly as she reached up and cupped his cheek.

"Hey, are you ok?" her voice was laced with concern.

It was an odd sensation for Kurama. His cheeks must have colored in embarrassment, yet the feeling of her hand on his face all but reverberated through his body, "yes I am. Sorry. You surprised me is all, and it's good to see you."

Pink graced her cheeks as she removed her hand. Kurama couldn't help but marvel at the way the color brought out the bright hue of her teal eyes. Shifting the bags in her hand she removed her shoes the shut the door behind her. Making him remember his manners and grab the bags out of her hand. Suki made her way into the kitchen, "come on. I'll show you how to make my grandpa's famous chicken soup. He always said it was good enough to bring someone back from the dead."

"That's quite a claim," he said as he watched her take out the ingredients from the bag. A cold front had swept over the country suddenly. Suki wore jeans and a light cream sweater to keep warm.

"That's what you say now but wait until you have a taste. How's your mother doing? We should open the windows and let the house air out a bit," she said as she began to wash the vegetables.

"She's getting better. I'm sure you being here will make her day. What can I do to help?" He said smiling at the fact that she had already made herself at home. It was the type of thing that only people that were very close would do. The very thought made him smile.

Suki turned to him and pointed to the table, "why don't you sit back and relax. I'm sure you've been busy taking care of Shiori for the past week. Take a break."

Her tone implied there was no room for arguments making the redhead comply and sit back. Not that he minded watching her work, it would give him time to find out what she had been up to. It seemed the tension between them during their mission had fully dissipated. "Did you come down here alone?" he wondered. Although it was eventually the goal to make Suki strong enough so she wouldn't need constant back up, it would surprise him if Yusuke let her go out on her own. She simply wasn't ready yet.

"No, Yusuke dropped me off. He's got a date with Keiko so he'll meet me at the train station later," she responded as she began to prepare what appeared to be a broth. "Genkai has made sure I train with my Youkai energy but I don't seem to be good at it. You make it look so easy," she said smiling.

It wasn't surprising to the fox that her training had gone on without him. Genkai did not waste time, it did surprise him that she would attempt to teach Suki about her youkai however. "How does Genkai manage to do that? Accessing youkai is different than using spirit energy," he asked trying not to be distracted by the way she moved around his kitchen. He could see how much she had improved since he met her. Suki was skittish and clumsy when she had first arrived. Her every body movement was guarded. Now she glided confidently, at ease with herself. It was something he had just noticed, making him feel happy.

"Well she doesn't really do it well. She had Hiei try to explain but he just tries to beat the living tar out of me so I have to use it," she paused and turned to him lifting her sleeve and revealing a bandaged forearm. "This is my latest homework assignment. I have to access my stupid youkai to heal faster. Needless to say it's not working out for me."

At the sight of the injury Kurama frowned, "Hiei did that to you?"

She shrugged and continued on her task. It obviously didn't faze her much, but Kurama couldn't help but feel annoyed, even a big angry. "Tell Genkai that she is not to continue this foolish training. I will help you with that myself once mother is better," he said trying to take the edge out of his voice.

Suki must have found it amusing because she chuckled and shook her head, "no need to get worked up silly. I asked for him to help. It's my own fault really." Turning to face him again she crossed her arms and frowned, "you're not sleeping well are you?"

"I've been sleeping fine. What makes you think that?" he said surprised. Was he really that transparent to her?

Suki rolled her eyes obviously not convinced, "don't try to hide it. You have bags under your eyes and you look exhausted. Let me make you some tea. I know you probably have some handy dandy sleeping plants in that mane of yours. You better start using them. I bet you're worrying yourself awake at night aren't you?"

He didn't want to admit it, but she was right. He worried about lots of things at night. Sometimes about his mother being ill, but most times about the girl standing in front of him. Was she having nightmares? What if there was an attack while he was away? The list of worries was virtually endless. He thought he had covered his lack of sleep well enough. His mother hadn't noticed. Yet here Suki was fussing over him. Before he knew it a hot cup of tea sat in front of him.

"See now you're spacing out on me. Your mother is napping maybe you should do the same and get some rest. I can do whatever housework is on that list on the fridge," Suki said placing her hand on her hip.

Kurama smiled and reached out to grab her hand, "there is nothing to fret over, Suki. I'm quite fine."

A smile came across her face as she squeezed his hand, "uh huh. I'm not buying it. Now sit back and let me take care of you while I'm here."

"You could at least let me help," he insisted, amused by the entire notion.

"Nope," she said pulling away.

"Has anyone ever told you that you are stubborn?"

"Yep."

"Am I only getting one word answers now?"

"Maybe."

The fox demon was amused for the next two hours as Suki made herself busy around the house. Catching him up on what had been happening back home. Other than training, Genkai had given the young girl one of her old guitars. She was staying at the temple with her for now in order to perfect her fighting. The demons in Genkai's forest were good practice for her to use both spirit and demon energy on. Genkai believed something was blocking her ability to reach the youkai in her body. He listened intently but it was hard not to be distracted by his own thoughts. Suki was insistent he relax, going so far as to scold him when he tried to help. The aroma of the soup she was preparing permeated the house and warmed his heart almost as much as her bright smile. He had missed just being in the same room as her, there was something soothing about her presence. He almost wanted to laugh at himself for being so attached. It was utterly ridiculous. His mother's reaction to the entire scenario was by far the best part of his day. She enthusiastically reveled in the attention and made sure to compliment Suki on her cooking. She watched the two young people with such an obvious smile on her face, as if she were watching her favorite tv drama unfold in front of her eyes. It was all too soon before she was ready to walk out the door and meet Yusuke at the train station. He offered to walk her there in order to spend more time with her. Anything to prolong her too short visit.

Like an old habit the two walked down the street, her hand in his arm. The golden afternoon colored her features romantically. Kurama wondered if he could hold his tongue any longer. Did she really wish to remain as they were? Suki was more than good at overlooking the moments in their day that could Segway into something more.

"Promise me you will get some sleep tonight," she said as they reached the station. She turned to face him, a curtain of her raven hair blew in the breeze.

Kurama nodded making her smile, "I promise. It's touching to see you worry so much but I am quite alright."

Shaking her head Suki let out a chuckle, "of course I worry about you. You spend your time caring and worrying for others. But you often neglect yourself. I'm not going to let you get away with that anymore."

"Is that so?" he said amused.

She smiled as she reached out and poked him playfully, "yep. Get used to it."

Lifting his hand to caress her soft face, green eyes watched as that beautiful shade of pink dusted her pale skin. "I must have done something right in this life to have you in my life."

Teal eyes widened slightly. He could read the hesitancy in her as she searched for a response. "Kurama…" She began, her voice was but a whisper.

"Hey fox boy! How ya doing?!"

Yusuke's voice came out of nowhere making Suki jump back in surprise. The spirit detective walked up behind her with a shopping bag over his shoulder causally. Taking a moment to look at the flustered teen he turned to Suki with a raised brow.

"Am I interrupting something?" He asked tersely.

Suki's face flushed more as she ran a hand nervously through her hair, "what? No. Let's get our tickets before the train gets here. I'll see you later Kurama."

Yusuke and Kurama both watched her scurry away quickly. The fox demon frustratedly wondered what she would have said to him. Just how long would she avoid the feelings growing between them?

"As always, your timing is impeccable Yusuke," he said to the detective.

The brown eyed teen scratched the back of his head embarrassed, "sorry about that. I'll catch you later."

A few minutes later, the reached watched both of them pull away in the train. He realized he was going to have to be a little more persuasive if he was ever going to get what he wanted.

The next dawn came painting the night sky in soft blues and pinks. Stars shone softly as they faded away. Suki watched the moon as it disappeared in the coming morning sky. She was sweaty and tired. Genkai had gone to sleep leaving her outside. The old woman slept like a rock and didn't notice that Suki had spent her sleeping time outside. It felt like old times to look into the woods with a guitar in her arms. Her earbuds in as she modified a song she'd come to like. The distraction was welcome. Yet at the same time the song reminded her of the one person that captivated her every breath. She couldn't get the image of Kurama out of her head. Had Yusuke not shown at the train station at that very moment...she didn't know what would have happened. She would have drowned in those green eyes, her feelings burning through her.

Turning off the song she began to strum slowly, changing the tempo and letting her voice carry out her feelings.

At the bottom of the temple steps a certain fox demon's sensitive ears began to pick up the sound of someone that should have been asleep. Masking his energy he began to walk up the temple steps. He listened intently to the words.

"I don't like to wait too long
Figured out I'm burning slow, but I burn babe
I feel the pain and it feels good, I know it would
Your heart burns slow
I feel the pain and I cry out...

I need you, I need you
Baby I want to breathe you in
Like oxygen, like oxygen
Baby I'm a house on fire
And I want to keep burning"

As he made his way up the steps her voice became more and more clear. The emotion in it made his heart beat faster.

Going on up in flames
And you're to blame
Yeah, you're to blame
Baby I'm a house on fire
And I want to keep burning
I want to keep burning
I want to keep burning
I want to keep burning
Baby I'm a house on fire
I want to keep burning
I want to keep burning
I want to keep burning
Baby I'm a house on fire

So take me to the heavens now
As we burn down, as we are found
Take me to the heavens now
My heart screams out

It was almost surreal when he finally reached her. Her eyes were shut as she strummed her guitar. Her body softly swaying and her voice carrying over the quiet forest. She was alone, glowing in the dawn light. His chance was now. There was no turning back. He wouldn't let her stay silent one more day.

I need you, I need you
Baby I want to breathe you in
Like oxygen, like oxygen
Baby I'm a house on fire
And I want to keep burning
Going on up in flames
And you're to blame
Yeah, you're to blame
Baby I'm a house on fire
And I want to keep burning
I want to keep burning
I want to keep burning
I want to keep burning

Love me, to the beat of a drum, to the beat of a drum yeah
Love me, till the walls give in yeah

Love me, to the beat of a drum, to the beat of a drum yeah

Love me, I don't wanna say yeah

Baby I want to breathe you in
Like oxygen, like oxygen

Baby I'm a house on fire
And I want to keep burning

I want to keep burning

Baby I'm a house on fire

(House on fire by SIA)

Suki could feel the morning breeze as she finished her song. Her eyes opened to the beautiful sky when she saw a figure by the top of the temple steps. She held her breath as her eyes met his. The emerald orbs looking at her so intently. As he walked forward she could feel the familiar longing fill her chest. Her heart sped up as he smiled at her. She ran a hand through her hair. It was messy and matted from training. She wanted to kick herself for not taking a bath as soon as she was done.

"Kurama, what are you doing here?" her voice shook. She drank his image in as he stopped in front of her. Sometimes she wondered if it was possible for one person to contain so much beauty.

Kurama shrugged a shoulder nonchalantly as if showing up at the temple at this time was nothing out of the ordinary, "I don't think I've ever seen you play with such intensity before. Your voice sounded beautiful as always."

Suki felt her cheeks warm as she put the guitar down next to her, "thanks."

"You sang with such intensity that it almost appears you were thinking of someone in particular. Tell me Suki who are you singing about?" he asked his voice low.

The intensity of his stare made Suki's legs turn to jell-o. Turning her gaze down she prayed she was just deliriously dreaming. She found her mind spinning a mile a minute at the track of the conversation, "uh, no one of course."

Kurama reached out and grabbed her chin tipping it up to look at him, "now you're not a very good liar Suki. Should I be getting jealous?"

Her heartbeat thumped loudly in her ear. His voice was a soft seductive purr. It wasn't fair for him to speak like that. To look at her in that way. She could hear her voice shaking, "jealous?"

He smiled slyly, "yes, jealous of the subject of such lyrics."

The moment everything clicked in her mind she felt the blood rush out of her face. He knew. Kurama knew that she loved him. What was she to do about this? Could she really deny her own feelings to his face? He used her silence as an invitation to continue speaking, "I thought we didn't keep secrets from each other. Completely honesty, was that not the arrangement?"

Suki closed her eyes as she wished for strength, "I can't tell you who it is."

As she opened her eyes she saw the amusement in his eyes. The bastard was enjoying the torture he was putting her through, "and why is that?"

Using the small amount of annoyance in her Suki turned away and faced the temple trying to get some space, "why are you doing this. You already know."

She heard his footsteps behind her. Strong hands grabbed around her shoulders. His warm breath in her ear, "this doesn't have to be difficult Suki. Just tell me what you want."

Suki wondered if she could die from the ache in her chest. He was leaving the ball in her court, "I'm no good for you. It's just easier if we never let those words come to light."

His grip tightened slightly, "no. I can not accept that. You're only saying this because you're scared. It's okay to be scared Suki, but not because things could end badly. But because things are changing, they can change. One way or the other. Just tell me what you want. I can walk away and let you be; pretend this never happened, or we can be more. I won't force it."

Suki took a deep breath, "but Kurama…"

His swift hands spun her around making her face those intense orbs. His eyes were pleading, "no more excuses Suki. What do you want?"

"You. I'm always going to want you. No matter how much I try to talk myself out of it, I can't. I love you," she confessed.

Warm lips pressed to hers making her body tingle. It was surreal, making her feel like she was dreaming. But she knew it wasn't all in her head. She could feel his hands in her hair and his strong biceps under hers. The warm tears falling down her face. Kurama pulled away and wiped her face with his thumbs. He smiled at her; happier than she had ever seen him. "I love you too, Suki. I know this frightens you, but my every breath is for you. Know that as long as I live my heart will belong to you."