-Chapter 11-

Aneko stared at her sister taking in her appearance. She would have never guessed her baby sister would carry daggers, let alone kill anyone.

"So that's it then you aren't gonna tell us why that THING attacked you?" Aneko asked a bit flustered by Teri's lack of explanation.

"Basically." Teri affirmed

"Well that's just great Theresa! How are we suppose to help you if you don't tell us what the HELL is going on!" Aneko screamed only getting a chuckle from her tattered younger sister.

"That's just it I don't want your help Aneko... I don't want any of your help. This is my problem and I won't allow you to let it become yours." Teri looked up at her older sister who was now advancing upon her.

"Well that's too bad Teri, this is my problem now because you are my baby sister! Besides you just killed someone!" Teri sighed at her sister's persistence

Teri turned for the front door.

"I should be going..." Teri rushed through the words as she grabbed a hold of the door knob in front of her.

"I don't think Koenma wants you to leave yet, besides its raining quite hard out there and you did just get attacked." Kurama stated making Teri's grip upon the door knob loosen.

' I really should be going, but I know fox boy will just follow me'

Teri sighed and let go of the door knob as she turned around

"Fine ... I suppose staying till morning won't kill me... hopefully" she mumbled at the end as Kurama just smiled warmly to her

"Good you can take my room, I'll sleep out here" Teri huffed and glared at the fox annoyed by his suggestion

"Um- no I'll stay out here thank you- like I've said many times before I don't want your sympathy fox" The group around them looked quite confused by the argument that was about to erupt.

"What... what is she talking about Kurama? How does she know you are a fox demon?" Yusuke asked eyebrows raised.

Kurama looked at Teri his placid face covering his obvious annoyance with the misfit's stubbornness. How was he to explain that he had been secretly watching over the hanyou for the last few months...

"I..." Kurama was having a rare moment where he didn't know what to say.

Teri felt her hard exterior soften a bit as she watched the fox demon struggle with his words... a very human trait which she didn't expect to see.

"He told me... just trying to be friendly I suppose - and forget it detective..." Teri could barely believe those words left her mouth but it made the detective's questioning gaze disappear.

Kurama looked over at the wolf mutt a bit of confusion on his face.

"Well anyways enough chit chat I think we have all had enough excitement for one night" Botan bubbled, everyone groaned in agreement as they stood up trying to leave the very awkward situation unfolding before them.

Kurama stayed behind as the group dispersed to their different parts of the temple, he leaned against the wall exhausted by his overworked mind.

Teri looked over at the red headed teen crossing her arms as she awaited his lecture.

"What?" she asked a bit bothered by the silence that was engrossing the room.

"Why must you be so stubborn... please just take my room I know you haven't been sleeping well and I would feel much more comfortable offering the guest the bed over the couch" Kurama's question only got a chuckle and a mumbled whatever from the hanyou.

"I'm sorry I didn't catch that" Kurama stated making Teri turn around now staring at the teen who's calm demeanor quickly turned to aggravation.

"Please if anything I am a prisoner NOT a guest, the couch will be fine and really you should stop worrying about me- I can very well take care of myself" Teri sat down on the couch as Kurama approached her sitting next to the hanyou.

He didn't want to say anything insulting in case the girl would run but the thought of that demon attacking her kept stealing his thoughts... obviously she could NOT take care of herself or she wouldn't be in this situation... but he couldn't say that he knew her reaction and he felt more at ease having her near and safe with him and the team nearby.

"Teri... I just want you to rest however if you feel more comfortable sleeping out here then by all means do so..." Kurama turned and looked at Teri, their close proximity making their conversation that much more intimate

"Well... thanks... I guess I'll see you in the morning then..." Teri murmured as the awkwardness of the situation mounted - Kurama's intense stare made Teri fidget

Kurama turned away not really knowing what to do next... he had never had such a tense relationship with another person before. The fox demon stood and turned to the hallway which lead to his room within the temple.

"Get some rest... I'm sure Koenma will be visiting in the morning and I would suggest you be on your best behavior tomorrow... only time will tell what questions he will have."

Teri rolled her eyes at the last statement as she began to relax and then finally found herself collapse onto the couch.

Kurama turned the lights off and smirked at the actions of the young misfit.

'At least you are safe for the night...'