A/N: sorry for the slow update ! I was going to make this longer but didn't want to keep you guys waiting. I am so happy to be getting towards something here, I have a few more things headed this way before sending this to its first conflict. Sorry if I make no sense I am so tired from school!
Enjoy and if you can review and favorite!
Lots of love
~Red
Sometimes you gotta bleed to know
That you're alive and have a soul
But it takes someone to come around
To show you how
She's the tear in my heart
I'm alive
She's the tear in my heart
I'm on fire
She's the tear in my heart
Take me higher
Than I've ever been
The songs on the radio are okay
But my taste in music is your face
And it takes a song to come around
To show you how
She's the tear in my heart
I'm alive
She's the tear in my heart
I'm on fire
She's the tear in my heart
Take me higher
Than I've ever been
-twenty one pilots
Warm rays of sun were the first thing she felt across her skin as her senses started to awaken. It was almost criminal how well she slept. Almost as if her insomnia had been cured. She wasn't sure if it was the soothing energy of a certain fox demon, or his ridiculously comfortable blankets cocooned her in warmth as the scent of roses and the forest invaded her nose. She kept her eyes closed as the mattress dipped feeling a strong body behind her wrapping muscular arms around her. A small smile appeared on her lips as soft butterfly kisses were placed upon different areas of her bare skin. One on her shoulder, her neck, behind her ear. Each tender touch making warmth swell up in her chest. Butterflies she wanted to so desperately deny but were there nonetheless. All caused by one man.
"Someone is sleepy this morning," Kurama's voice softly reached her ears as he nuzzled her neck. It was always so sexily husky in the morning.
She slowly opened one eye to see him fully dressed smiling down at her, "well I was kept up all night by a ravenous fox."
"I don't remember you complaining," he chuckled as she turned on her back.
Her eyes scanned the clock behind him noticing it was only eight in the morning. She was usually up and about before him. Yet here he was bright eyed and bushy tailed in a crisp dark green polo and jeans. She knew he was excited. They were about to travel to Genkai's reclusive mountains to reunite with his friends. She could see the boyish excitement in his eyes. Truly unfair for anyone to look so beautiful at such an early hour. She cocked her head to the side finding his good mood contagious, "I might have to steal your bed when my apartment is finished. I sleep a little too well in it."
"Maybe it's not the bed that makes you sleep so well," he suggested smirking at her.
She looked up pensively, "no...I'm pretty sure it's the memory foam."
Her heart skipped a beat as he reached up moving some hair off her face and letting his hand trail down. Outlining her face and skimming down her throat to her collarbone. Those emerald gems darkening as he took her image in. His face softened as his eyes traveled back to her face, "you could always just stay. I'm not kicking you out."
Maika licked her lips. Instinct taking over and sirens blaring in her mind. She shouldn't do that. Kurama was already dangerously close to her. She couldn't deny the fact that she had come to care for him in the short time they had spent together. He was more to her than she wanted to admit. But her home would be ready for her in one short week. And she could return there to gain some much needed space. Space to retreat and think. Truly think about what was really going on with her. Kurama was so much to take in. Their relationship was moving so fast it had blindsided her. Feelings she had never wanted to reacquaint herself with resurfacing from the most frozen places in her heart. In all honesty, it terrified her. "Don't you want your space back?" she said honestly confused.
He watched her closely. Analytically as he always did. She knew she was a puzzle to him. One that he would eventually figure out. What she didn't know was what would happen to them once he did.
"Do you?" he said with a little smirk. He obviously was not concerned with lack of privacy or space. Afterall he wanted her to stay. Kurama didn't say things twice. She knew this. And if he had offered for her to stay he truly mean it. Instead of answering her question straight on he just threw it back at her. Forcing her to say what she didn't want to verbalize. Leaving the ball in her court.
She pursed her lips, "you can be a little overwhelming."
She could tell he was trying to not look amused, "which is why you disappear so often, I believe. I just tend not to overthink every last thing to death."
"Liar," she quipped teasingly. The fox thought everything out through. He was just more decisive than her.
"Commitment phobe," he responded.
She rolled her eyes at him, "I'm not a commitment phobe. I let Keiko call me your girlfriend."
He grinned at the word almost rewarding her for having the audacity of saying it out loud, "then move in with me. That's what girlfriends do, isn't it?"
"We've been together for two seconds there buddy. Where's the fire?" she said nervous butterflies immediately springing in her stomach. Her face probably betraying her as Kurama began to laugh. She could feel her face flush as she tried not to pout at him. "What so funny?" she demanded feeling like a little kid.
"I'm sorry, sometimes it's just too easy to get under your skin. I know you're not ready for that yet, but it is nice to hear you call yourself my girlfriend." he said in between chuckles.
Maika huffed moving away from his arms and sitting on the side of the bed. Letting her long hair cascade behind her covering her naked back. She looked over her shoulder as he was still smiling triumphantly. His laughing quickly stopped at the sight of her naked body. She; however, was not interested in the things he was promising with his eyes. Throwing his discarded t-shirt from the night before over her body she stood up and made her way to the bathroom to get ready for the day. Not before shooting him a disapproving glance over her shoulder, "you're an ass." Her words only succeeding in making him smile wider as if he had won some type of prize.
An hour later she found herself nervously tugging at the ends of her silky plum blouse. Kurama was loading the trunk of his car with their two small bags as she sat inside the small blue honda. She had agreed to go a day earlier than the planned party. Kurama insisted she should meet the core members of his group of friends first. They were all anxious to make her acquaintance. Apparently this party was going to be full to the brim with human psychics and demons from all parts of the three worlds. Claiming that it would be a far too overwhelming situation to reunite. Those closest to Genkai had agreed to arrive a day early. So that they could have a quieter gathering before the big festivities. Maika was nervous for a few reasons. One: she was about to meet THE Genkai. The master to her own master and one of the most revered and famous human psychics ever to walk the earth. Two: she was about to meet people she had known about for a long time yet never truly known. The people that had been instrumental in saving the world when she couldn't. Not only that but they were Kurama's precious friends. Ones that he valued like family. Therefore she had told him to share her history with them. She felt like she owed them something for stopping Sensui. And no matter what Kurama thought she would always feel indebted to them.
Lastly was the simple aspect that she wasn't totally sure what she was doing. Even before Sensui turned into a basket case the two had never truly had a normal relationship. She wasn't really used to doing the whole meeting of friends and family thing. She was used to being a free agent. Walking into a room and not giving a damn if anyone liked her or not. If she was acting appropriately or not. She normally didn't even truly socialize unless she had some type of goal in mind. Something to obtain from interactions with others. Sad but true. It was how she had made most if not all her more friendly acquaintances. She met Jay while looking for someone to help her track a shadow demon. Virgil and Kenchi while at the black market looking for rare Makai herbs. And so the list went on. She'd go out on a sweep of the town. Find shady activity. Take care of the problem and often times she'd come out with a contact or two. Once her name got out there people sought her out on her own. Asking for favors, protection, whatever it was that they needed. Slowly she developed a network of trustworthy people but she still kept to herself. She could see from the way Kurama talked about his friends that they were his family. And she wanted them to like her, because they were so important to him. When had she gotten to this point? Was it too late to turn back? Did she even want to do that?
Kurama walked around sitting in the driver's seat and gifting her another one of those breath taking grins. Ever since this morning he had smiled in a way that brightened his whole face. Making him look so young and heart stoppingly beautiful. She had yet to see him so excited. She wondered why they didn't meet up more often. Clearly they all had very busy lives. However she couldn't help but think that when people meant that much to each other making time was important.
"I'm glad you're coming so willingly. I almost expected you to chicken out," he said teasingly as he started the car.
She huffed looking out the window, "this is important to you. For me to meet them?"
A smile came to his face, "yes. I think once you meet them you will see how happy they are. See that you definitely don't owe them anything or me for that matter. Besides, I think you will all like each other."
Maika didn't answer just looked out the window at the moving scenery. Wondering when she would wake up from this crazy dream where she was allowing herself to become the type of vulnerable idiot that let another person worm their way into her heart. For as much as she felt like she was fighting this she tended to give in very easily. When did she become so weak willed? She looked over at Kurama and saw how happy he was...that's right. This is why she was so weak willed. Who could deny that stupidly cute face.
"Also I've never brought a girlfriend over before...As far as they know I've never had any kind of relationship. They are very nosy when it comes to my love life. This is a new experience for me too," he said smiling at the slightly perplexed look on her face.
"You've never brought a girl there before?" she said a little surprised. Kurama was handsome. She figured one of the girls he had dated over the past several years had have to at least gotten close enough to meet his friends.
He smiled throwing a wink her way, "of course not. I've had passing flings with women but none that I've ever formally dated. I might even go as far as to say you're my first actual girlfriend."
"Not one girlfriend? Ever?" she gaped perplexed. The man was a thousand year old fox demon. Even Maika technically had two boyfriends in her lifetime. Sure one tried to kill her and the other was for lack of a better term a rebound...but that was more than zero.
"Well I suppose for a very short period of time I did have one girlfriend. In middle school. Her name was Maya Kitajima. She and I briefly dated but an enemy of mine caught wind and tried to hurt her. It was then that I decided it would be best for me to forget any romantic notions. I was sure she would not be the first or the last woman to be placed in danger because of my previous life," he explained a small tinge of regret in his voice.
Maika studied his face carefully. His logic made sense, yet there was something lonely about it. How could this intelligent, beautiful man seclude himself for so long? "Didn't you ever want a relationship with someone normal? Uncomplicated?" she asked.
A wistful smile crossed his lips, "perhaps at one point. Eventually, when my friends found happiness and began to show me how rewarding a relationship could be I reconsidered. I saw how the benefits outweighed the risks. However, finding the right person has been a challenge. I figured if I over analyzed everything to death I might miss out on a person that makes me as happy as they are. Regardless of how complicated or uncomplicated they are. I've decided to keep an open mind."
Keeping an open mind? Benefits outweighing the risks? She had to smile at his point of view. She sighed and returned to staring out the window. Remembering the first time the two kissed in his kitchen. He had told her not to overthink then. To let themselves see how things played out. She hadn't realized then he was following his own advice. Somehow that thought made her smile.
Three hours later Maika stood at the bottom of an impressive amount of steps. She hummed to herself surprised. Master Genkai was a hermit for many years and she saw the appeal. No one wanted to climb that many steps that was for sure. Peace and quiet without complicated drama brought on by general interaction with other creatures. Besides secluding oneself in nature would be so serene. "Say how long did Genkai live on her own?" she said as Kurama walked up behind her with their bags. The fox was too stubborn to let her carry her own bag.
Kurama turned to her with a small smile on his face, "I'm not sure. Yusuke became her successor about twelve years ago I guess. Why? Contemplating the benefits of being a hermit?"
She gave him a grin and began to climb the steps, "perhaps I am."
"I can't be that bad," he joked nudging her with his arm.
Maika pursed her lips at him, "I suppose you have your merits."
"I'm so glad you think so highly of me," he chuckled.
A laugh escaped her lips, "don't worry foxy. I'm far too antsy to ever truly become a hermit. I'd get bored."
Although the closer they got the top the more she was awed by the temple's beauty. The smell of fresh air and the red and yellows of the fall leaves. The entire place made her miss her home. She had been in the outskirts of the city in so long that she forgot how much she loved nature. Her thoughts stopped as the sound of giggling children rang through the air. At the top of the steps Kuwabara and a blue haired woman sat on the porch as two children happily chased each other. The two were absolutely adorable. Twins, one girl one boy with blue hair and brown eyes. The half demons were both obviously the children of the two on the porch. Maika scanned the auras quickly. Yukina the ice maiden had a cool white aura that was gentle and kind. Their children were drastically different. While the little girl was mild and had the same calming aura of her mother. The boy had a lively orange aura that was bursting with life and suggestive of someone that would grow to have immense power. The boy had obviously inherited the Kuwabara bloodline psychic abilities. As a matter of fact the young boy turned to them immediately. He smiled and looked at her with a look she recognized. He was doing the thing she thought no one else could do.
The small child ran to her giving her a goofy grin, "wow! Miss you have the most beautiful aura I've ever seen."
Something in Maika was floored. She knew this boy could see aura's in the same way she could at that age. Scanning his own and seeing through his life map. The only difference was this boy had been raised with parents that understood his abilities. She kneeled down and smiled back at him, "thank you, Koeki."
"How do you know my name?" he said little brown eyes widening with awe.
"I'm just very good at guessing," she responded cryptically.
"Kurama! Maika! Good to see you guys!" Kuwabara called out coming to greet them with his mate at his side. Maika smiled as Koeki's sister ran to their side. Shyly looking at the new arrival behind her mother's skirt.
"I see you already met Koeki, Maika. This is my wife Yukina and my daughter Kana. Although I'm sure you know that already," he said with a big friendly smile.
Maika loved Kuwabara's aura. There was something so purely noble about it. The man had so much integrity that she couldn't help but feel awed by him. She wondered if anyone had ever told him how much untapped potential he held. She gave them her most sincere smile, "hello, nice to meet all of you."
Yukina's eyes were filled with curiosity as she looked at her. She could tell this would not be a novel thing. Apparently Kurama had made sure they would be the talk of their little get together. Could the fox at least bring one girl every once in awhile? No wonder Keiko had looked at her like she was a freaking unicorn when they met.
"Are you uncle Kurama's girlfriend?" the little girl asked quietly.
Maika wanted to sigh. The word made her itch. Going against every instinct she'd developed over the last decade. She didn't even realized the awkward pause that might have happened as her younger brother butted in, "of course she is! She smells just like Uncle Kurama."
You truly had to love the bluntness of children. Especially those with sharp demon senses. Maika tried to ignore Kurama as he held back a laugh.
Yukina blushed quickly quieting her children, "alright kids that's enough observations for one day. Nice to meet you Maika-san."
Well that had to stop immediately, "please no formalities. Maika is fine."
"Great! You're part of the family already," she beamed.
"It's about time you two got here!" another voice called from the front door. Maika smiled as Yusuke grinned at them from the doorway. Maika followed Kurama towards him as they all made their way inside. Yusuke immediately throwing an arm over her shoulder as if they'd known each other their whole lives. "There is a room of people that don't believe you're real and they can't wait to meet you!"
"Hello to you too, Yusuke," Kurama called out behind them in what was totally a mock annoyed voice.
Maika just laughed with Yusuke, "oh come on. They can't be that surprised."
"That you exist or that you're a woman?" the detective replied with a devilish sparkle in his eye.
Immediately she lost it. Going into a fit of giggles. She thought of the multiple times people had insinuated that the pretty boy was gay. "Trust me. He's definitely not gay," she said as they walked down the long hallway.
Yusuke wagged his eyebrows at her, "why is he a real tiger in the bedroom?"
"I think you've got the wrong animal there," she responded making the obvious joke making Yusuke laugh. She couldn't help but join him finding his playful demeanor contagious.
Kurama sighed shaking his head behind them, "I love being talked about when I'm in the room." The two turned to him with identical grins on their faces. Kurama could only roll his eyes, "I knew you two would hit it off. Perhaps I should have seen this coming."
"Thought you were smarter than that fox boy!" Yusuke responded sticking out his tongue at him. He then turned to Maika with that big infectious grin, "you're going to give me the dirty details right?"
"I don't know. I usually get something back for giving up information," she said with a thoughtful look.
"We can trade stories and make it even!" Yusuke suggested as they walked into a dining room full of people. Maika's thoughts came to a halt as she saw everyone in the room. She felt like a rare zoo animal on display as everyone turned to face her.
Keiko came bouncing down with excitement. Greeting her and giving her a big hug. She then walked her over and sat her down. Introducing everyone in the room that she hadn't already met outside: Shizuru and her husband Jun, their daughter San, Botan (who stared at her dubiously), Hiei, and the most impressive person in the entire room...Master Genkai. In the flesh.
Maika bowed as Keiko introduced the world renowned human psychic. Truly humbled to be in her presence. She had heard so much about her from her own master. "Master Genkai. It's such a honor to meet you. My Master will be so thrilled to know you are well," she said not even daring to look up.
"Wow, pay attention dimwit. This is how you treat your elders," she said humor almost hidden in her voice. Maika looked up to see Yusuke shoot her the finger. The old woman ignored him and looked at Maika with a smile, "how is Sanosuke?"
A smile came to human psychics lips, "as he always is. Healthy, working his students to death, and singing your praises."
Genkai laughed throwing her head back, "he always was a kissass. However, it's your praises he sings now. I was surprised you didn't come to try and become my successor. He always bragged about his star student."
"Ah, well. I wanted to, but Master Sanosuke said it wasn't in my destiny. He knew even then that Yusuke was to become the successor to your spirit wave," she responded. Clearly remembering how upset she was. How different would everyone in this room be if she had truly come that day.
Yusuke snorted as he sat next to Genkai, "who's the hell is that grandma? One of your old boyfriends?"
She rolled her eyes at him, "he was one of my best students. Back in my younger days when I was stupid enough to have a dojo."
Maika heard the concealed wistfulness in the old woman's voice. It was true. Genkai had a dojo way back in the day. Just as she had. It was with her lover Toguro. The dojo was full of hopeful students. Her master being one of them. He was the one lucky student that left before the great tragedy that set Genkai's life down a tragic path. She had heard her Master tell her the story many times. How a hateful demon murdered all the students of that dojo. Forcing Genkai and the toguro brothers to fight in the dark tournament. As a matter of fact Sanosuke and Genkai kept in touch briefly but never saw each other face to face. Her Master figuring that his face would only bring back painful memories of the past. She had learned everything she knew from that man. And he learned everything he know from her. Maika was grateful for the old woman. It was like meeting her childhood hero.
"Small world huh. Now that everyone's here we can get the drinking started!" Shizuru yelled loudly. Holding up a full bottle of beer. Maika almost laughed at everyone's faces. It was only noon.
"Mom it's not even late yet," Shizuru's daughter said rolling her eyes. The girl was about ten. She had her mom's sassy aura and looks.
"It's five o'clock somewhere! I'll take that beer!" Yusuke said happily.
The detective quickly got up getting drinks for everyone. Botan quietly cleared her throat next to Maika, "hey there."
The human psychic smiled back. Kurama had made sure that Maika knew Botan was decent girl. And deep down the human psychic knew she was just another one of the unfortunate underlings of spirit world, "Hi Botan. How are you?"
The bluenette looked overjoyed at the friendly tone of her voice, "I'm fantastic it's great to see you!" Where it anyone else, Maika knew it would have been harder to bury the hatchet.
And so the group began to drink eat and catch up. Maika was happy to join along in polite conversation. They all reminisced and laughed about old times. Kurama looked the happiest she'd ever seen him. She could see how good it was for him to be in the same place as those that he loved. Good friends, ones that knew him and understood him. The whole uncomfortable part of meeting his friends. Having them stare at her like she was make believe. It was all worth it for that smile that was on his face. His green eyes turned to her catching her as he watched him. She felt her heart almost skip a beat as he winked at her grabbing her hand under the table.
The moment was too good. Too nice to be true. Especially for someone like her. In the true fashion of her life a portal suddenly appeared. The energy on the other side of it making her stomach queasy. It was the one person she never wanted to meet. The one person she didn't ever want to see face to face. Out of the portal stepped out the one person that she despised with all her being. Koenma, the prince of spirit world. She felt her body go cold at the sight of him. He didn't sport that ridiculous baby body anymore. Instead his appearance matched that of a man in his late twenties. The deity waltzed in and smiled warmly at everyone. Bowing to Genkai and giving her a proper greeting. She felt so out of place being the only person in the room that was NOT happy he was there.
The prince made his way inside and sat at the table. Directly across from the human psychic his eyes landing on her. The tension became palpable as Maika's shoulders tensed. "Ah, and the infamous Maika Benibara. I have to say this is the last place I'd expect to meet you," he said making the entire room silence.
Kurama squeezed her hand bringing her mind back to earth, "likewise, I see you've finally outgrown your diaper rash."
Snickering could be heard from Yusuke in the corner. Everyone else was quiet as the two stared each other down. Koenma cleared his throat, "very funny. I've been out of my toddler stage for quite some time now."
"Right. Different body same bullshit?" she questioned raising a brow. She knew she should be playing nice but the words just kept spilling out of her mouth.
Koenma shifted in his seat glaring at her, "it would behoove you to be nice to me."
"What's the worst that could happen, you'll have a warrant out for my arrest? Oh wait...you've already done that. How are your SDF men recovering by the way?" she questioned.
Botan jumped up quickly scrambling to get between Maika and the prince, "okay everyone. Why don't we just try to be nice and put everything in the past."
Koenma sighed taking the edge of out his eyes and clearing his throat again, "I actually think that's a good idea. I've been meaning to talk to you…"
"Koenma don't," Kurama tried to interrupt.
But the prince did not do just that, "no it might be good for you to hear my side of the story. What happened to Sensui has haunted me for many years."
"Do you think that's the problem here?" she said trying to stop the rage that ran through her veins.
"The problem is that you're a rogue psychic taking the law in your own hands," he screamed his face turning red.
Maika scoffed, "you're just mad that you've never been able to control me. You've tried to make me spirit detective more than once. You're just upset I'll never submit to the unfair rules of spirit world law. That I'll never see demons as lesser beings. And that I will judge any being the same regardless of their race. For what I see in their being and character not for what race they are."
Immediately Koenma sat back his face twisting uncomfortably, "it may have been that way when my father ruled...but I'm trying to change things."
"Then why do you insist of making children your workers. Tell me Koenma what happened to your last two Spirit Detectives in training?" she hissed crossing her arms.
"That is enough you two!" Genkai screamed Maika's eyes barely left the paling prince.
Maika took a deep steadying breath clearing her throat and bowing to Genkai, "my deepest apologies master Genkai. There is nothing I can say to forgive my rudeness. I'll you'll excuse me." She stood quickly. Walking out and making her way to the nearest exit. Needing the fresh air of the night and quiet.
She felt Kurama's presence behind her he didn't touch her. Or try to stop her. Instead he silently followed her outside. Letting her take a few moments before turning around. She didn't really expect to see the slightly amused look on his face. Part of her thought he'd be upset for ruining the moment. She knew she had been an ass. She could have bit her tongue. She honestly didn't even try to argue as she stared into those green eyes. She opened her mouth to find no words came out. Kurama shook his head his eyes full of mirth, "you just insulted and fought with the Prince of Spirit World. I don't know if I should scold you or worship the ground you stand on."
Maika blinked at him confused, "what?"
"You are an unstoppable, frustrating, force of nature. And I know that his presence here makes things uncomfortable for you. But I hope that you won't leave because of him," he answered walking closer to her.
"You're not mad?" she asked confused. She'd be upset. Any normal person probably would be...yet this was Kurama.
He simply gave her one of his carefree smiles, "I've lived a long time Maika. I've met so many people that claim to believe in fairness and equality but when it comes down to it they do nothing. And here you are demanding answers from a deity when given the chance. When most people would have kept silent. Do you know how rare that is?"
"Not really. My father always said I was born without a filter," she replied trying to ignore the way his words made her feel. He was looking at her like she was something extraordinary when he shouldn't.
"Don't leave," he said as he reached for her hand.
Warmth spread through her body at the feeling of Kurama's thumb running up and down the back of her hand. "I should. I don't want to ruin Genkai's party. You're all having such a good time and I shouldn't get in the way of that. I'm not sure Koenma and I can really get along," she said frowning.
"It will be easy enough for you two to ignore each other once the rest of the guests arrive," Kurama responded pulling her a little closer.
Maika's eyes went behind him as she felt the energy of the small human psychic. Genkai stood there with her hands behind her back, "don't leave on our account Maika. You are a guest in my home and no one in that room is too happy with Koenma. It was obvious he showed tonight just to instigate you. He wasn't even supposed to be here until tomorrow. You might both be adults but he's over a thousand years old. He should know better," she said before turning around, "get some sleep you two. Everyone is turning in for the night."
Maika let out a breath before turning to Kurama, "well... I guess that's what we should do."
Kurama smirked wrapping his arms around her waist and placing a kiss on her neck, "we can turn in but I don't plan on sleeping anytime soon."
Immediately Maika pushed him back. She rolled her eyes at him as she began to walk away, "here? With these thin paper doors? You must be out of your mind."
"What you're pretending to be shy all of a sudden?" he said walking after her.
She looked over her shoulder at him barely holding back a snicker, "take a cold shower you horny fox."
He held his hands over his heart as if she had deeply hurt him, "shot down twice in one day? I don't know if my ego can take it."
"You'll survive," she responded laughing at his pouting face.
