Last time on The Letter

Kurama and Yusuke announce their relationship to the children and Kuwabara, who have complete opposite reactions. The children are thrilled of course, but Kuwabara has questions, mainly why Kurama feels he can just jump from his sister to his best friend.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Hiei demanded of his mate after Yusuke and Kurama left. Kuwabara was pacing back and forth, lost in thought. He apparently hadn't even heard Hiei addressing him.

"KAZUMA!" Hiei yelled, jumping in his path. Kuwabara stopped abruptly.

"What?"

"What do you mean 'what'? What the hell is wrong with you?" Hiei demanded again.

"What kinda question is that? He just goes from Shizuru to Urameshi, then comes over here and announces it like its nuthin-"

"Damnit! I knew this would happen. I told that damned fox this would happen."

Kuwabara peered at Hiei through narrowed eyes. "So you knew about this? And you didn't tell me?" Kuwabara demanded accusingly.

"Look, Kazuma it wasn't-"

"If you're going to say that it's none of our business then don't bother. I don't want to hear it."

"If you had let me finish Kazuma," Hiei growled, pissed that the fox's revelation and Kazuma's reaction had ruined his day. "I was going to say that it wasn't my place to tell you. Kurama and I talked about it a few weeks ago. I told him to be careful and warned him of how you react," he finished.

"How I would react? And how was that?"

"Exactly the way you are handling it now. Very immaturely."

"What!" Kuwabara yelled, jumping out of his seat.

"There is no need for you to shout at me Kazuma! And yes, you are being immature, and very insensitive; a trait very unlike you. I don't like it."

Kuwabara crossed his arms and looked at Hiei. "What do you mean Hiei?"

"The way you spoke to Kurama. I've never heard you speak to anyone that way before, Kazuma. Not even your enemies."

Hiei was right, but Kuwabara was not ready to let it go so easily. In fact, now he was even more defensive. "Why are you taking his side?' Kuwabara asked Hiei in that accusing tone again.

"I'm not taking anyone's side. I'm just trying to be rational, as you always accuse me of being incapable of."

"Well there's nothing rational about what he's doing. What if it were your sister?"

Hiei glared at Kuwabara. "What did you say?"

"You heard me. What if Kurama were dating your sister-"

"Stop right there," Hiei commanded his mate. He knew far more about Kurama's reputation in the makai that either Kuwabara or Yusuke, and he didn't even want to consider the idea of Kurama even approaching his sister in that way.

"No I will not stop. So how about it Hiei? What if Kurama dated your sister and you knew he wasn't in love with her? How would you feel about it? And then what if Yukina died, and then he had someone else in her spot like she meant nothing to him?"

"This isn't about me, Kazuma. Or Yukina."

"Of course not. Which is why you are pretending not to see my point. There is no way that you would allow Kurama to do something like that. But I suppose its ok since we're only talking about my sister after all," Kuwabara finished bitterly.

"Kazuma, that's not what I meant." Of course he saw Kazuma's point. He was finally seeing this from Kuwabara's point of view. He had warned Kurama that this would happen, but he was only doing that to prepare himself do deal with the fallout. "However, Shizuru died a year ago as you stated. It's not your business to determine a suitable mourning period and decide who Kurama should or should not see."

"I knew you wouldn't get it," Kuwabara said as he grabbed his keys and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" Hiei asked.

"To be alone for a while," he answered before he closed the door.

"Damnit!" He exclaimed, picking up a glass globe from the mantle and hurling it against the wall.

Meanwhile, in the car

"Kurama?" Yusuke asked his partner in concern. His hands were shaking so bad that even gripping the steering wheel wasn't preventing it. And Yusuke could feel his anger. What the hell did Kuwabara go and say that shit for?

"Yes?" Kurama replied without facing Yusuke. He was staring straight ahead. He hadn't changed forms. He was too angry to change forms. Yusuke had always felt that his human form was more terrifying than his Youko form; and didn't like to see him pissed in either.

"Look I know you're not OK, so I won't ask. But maybe I should drive."

Kurama thought on this. He knew Yusuke had his license and could drive, but chose not to. He always said cars were temperamental and too much trouble to maintain.

"Yusuke," Kurama began slowly. "When was the last time you drove a car?"

Yusuke shrugged. "Did a lot of driving before Keiko…you know." Those last few months he had to drive her back and forth to the doctor. After she died he sold the car, not wanting to deal with the maintenance or memories.

Kurama knew he probably could but he was too angry and distracted so he didn't want to risk it. "Fine," he said, getting out of the car and walking around.

He must be really pissed, Yusuke thought. He hadn't expected Kurama to accept his offer.

Yusuke drove like a teenager whom had recently been given a driver's license. Too slow at some points, too fast at others. His braking was erratic and unsteady. Kurama made an involuntary side note that Yusuke would definitely be practicing his driving more.

When they arrived at Kurama's, Kurama got out of the car and walked stiffly into the house without a word. Yusuke followed, afraid to touch Kurama, and not knowing what to say. There was nothing that he could say that would improve his mood. He wasn't even sure that Kuwabara apologizing would do it. Kuwabara had definitely crossed the line. But Kurama had said this would happen. Damnit, did he have to know everything? And he looked so…serious. Yusuke felt a chill down his spine.

They sat there in awkward silence for what seemed like an eternity. Yusuke couldn't stand it. He had to say something.

"Look, fox. Kuwabara was just pissed off. I'm sure he didn't mean it."

"He meant it, Yusuke. I'm sure he's wanted to say that for years." Now that Kurama thought on that, he was certain of it. Kuwabara had questioned him closely when he thought that he and Shizuru were dating and then even more so when they actually announced that they were. Shizuru had always said that Kuwabara had and idealistic view on love, and wouldn't understand their relationship. She had also told him that no amount of convincing Kuwabara would change his mind when he had made it up on something; that he would have to come to it on his own. He knew Kuwabara would act like this, so why was he feeling so guilty?

Yusuke checked the time. "Look, fox it's time to get the little fox from school. Do you want me to-"

"I appreciate the offer Yusuke, but that's not necessary. I will be fine."

"No, you will not be fine fox. You are still pissed as hell, and she's gonna want to know why. So just cool off why I hang with the kids for a few hours."

"Fine."

At the school

Hiei/Yusuke

"I told the fox this was going to happen," Hiei muttered to Yusuke. The girls were chatting away about nothing, and Hiei and Yusuke were standing off the side trying to talk quietly.

"Yeah man, what the hell is Kuwabara's problem?" Yusuke asked quietly.

Hiei shot Yusuke a look. "What makes you think this is Kazuma's fault?" he asked defensively, feeling a bit guilty for not seeking to comfort Kuwabara.

"Come on Hiei, you heard what he was saying. He basically accused the fox of using his sister."

Hiei said nothing.

Yusuke glared at him. "You don't believe that do you?"

"No I don't. But I know the fox a lot better than you do."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Yusuke growled.

"Keep it down!" Hiei admonished in a loud whisper. "The girls are watching!"

Kanoli/ Gina

"What's going on?" Gina asked Kanoli. "Why does your father have that look on his face?"

"Hmmm," Kanoli said, scratching the side of her face. "I think they're arguing." Yusuke and Hiei shot the girls a look and made a futile attempt to change their expressions.

"They never argue," Kanoli spoke up again. "Wonder what the problem is."

"If your dad said something mean-"

"Stop right there," Kanoli said in defense of her father. "What makes you think it was my father?"

"Because your father says mean stuff sometimes," Gina replied levelly.

Kanoli narrowed her eyes at the foxling. "This is not my father's fault. Uncle Yusuke's the one who keeps getting mad over little stuff."

Gina flushed and clenched her little fists. "Don't you dare blame this on my-"

"Your what? He's not your father, Gina. You don't have two dads like I do," she said proudly.

Gina was really angry, tears were gathering in her eyes, threatening to fall. "I know he's not my real dad. But Uncle Hiei isn't your real dad either."

Kanoli's face hardened. "Who told you that?" she demanded.

A smirk of satisfaction spread across Gina's face. "My mom did. She said that a lady gave birth to you and then gave you to Uncle Hiei and Uncle Kazuma-"

As Kanoli raised her arm to strike Gina, Hiei was there in less than a second with his hand on her wrist. "What the hell are you two talking about over here?" Hiei demanded.

"Nothing," they muttered together.

"Didn't look like 'nothing' to me," Yusuke observed. "Looked like you were about to sock the little fox."

"I wasn't-"

"Don't lie Kanoli," Hiei warned. "Now what the hell is going on?"

Their whole story spilled out together. After shifting through the tirade of words Yusuke and Hiei managed to piece something together.

"So let me get this straight," Yusuke said, scratching his head. "You were arguing because you thought we were arguing?"

They shrugged.

"And what's this real dad business?" Hiei demanded.

"Well, she said-"

"Listen to me very closely you two," Hiei said in a warning tone. "You have crossed the line. Both of you. A real parent has nothing to do with giving birth or contributing genes. Understand?"

"I'm sorry father," Kanoli said, with a genuine look of remorse on her face.

"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to her for your insensitive comment."

"Sorry Gina," she managed. "I was mean and I take it back."

"And you too little fox," Yusuke urged Gina. "Hiei has taken care of Kanoli since she was a baby. That's makes him her father, got it?"

"Sorry Kanoli," Gina said, bursting into tears.

"Aw, come on little fox," Yusuke picked up the foxling and rubbed her back. "You can't be so sensitive all the time. You gotta toughen up."

"I'm sorry," she sniffed. "I just don't want anybody fighting anymore."

Yusuke and Hiei exchanged looks. Kanoli missed none of it, but knew when to keep her mouth shut. So if this wasn't about her father and Uncle Yusuke that means it could only be…

Hiei and Kanoli's walk home

"How come you didn't let Uncle Yusuke drive us home?" Kanoli asked her father.

"Because he has to go pick up his son from school," Hiei answered. "And all of you in the car chatting away would annoy me. And the detective isn't the best driver."

Kanoli laughed.

"Father?"

"What is it?"

"I want to ask you something. But I might make you mad so-"

"Spit it out," Hiei said, cutting off her little prelude to asking a question that was none of her business.

"Are daddy and Uncle Kurama fighting?" she asked.

Hiei's first instinct was to say 'none of your business' but he knew that she was going to find out so better to warn her now. "Yes they are."

Kanoli was surprised that her father admitted it so easily. "Why?" she asked.

Hiei really didn't want to reveal the subject. But it didn't make sense to tell half a story. "I am sure you know about the detective and Kurama. You children seem to know everything. Well your dad is upset about it," Hiei explained to his daughter.

"Why would he be upset?" she asked.

Damnit, Hiei thought. This is getting annoying. "Because," he replied. "He feels that Kurama is not honoring you aunt properly."

"Oh." Kanoli didn't quite understand what that meant, but if she asked Kohai then he would probably be able to explain it better.

"And I know you're going to tell those nosy cousins of yours. But this affects them too, so they may as well know. I'm sure the detective will tell them anyway. However," he stopped and faced his daughter. "Do not mention this to your dad. And do not confront him about it. He's very upset."

"Yes father."

After picking up Kohai

"Wow dad," Kohai said, climbing into Kurama's car. "You're driving Kurama's car? He must really be in a good mood."

How ironic, Yusuke thought. He's actually letting me drive because he's in a really bad mood.

"Not quite."

"What does that-"

"You two are going to hang out with me for a while," Yusuke announced. "You can play that video game."

"Without Uncle Kurama?" Kohai asked.

"The fox needs some quiet time right now," Yusuke explained, desperately searching for a way to either avoid this conversation or explain it properly.

"Uncle Yusuke?"

"Yeah?"

"Is my dad OK?"

Yusuke didn't want to explain the situation, but he didn't want to lie, giving the 'everything's fine' excuse either. "I'll explain it when we get home."

When they arrived at the house, the children waited expectantly for an explanation.

"Look, the fox and your Uncle are having a…uh…disagreement right now."

"About what?" Kohai asked.

"Well Kuwabara doesn't like the fact that me and the fox are…you know…"

"Dating?" Gina offered.

"Yeah, that."

"Why doesn't he like it?"

Yusuke took a deep breath. Damn this was hard. "Because little fox, your mother…" he paused at the look in her eyes.

"But my mommy is…"

Yusuke gathered the foxling into his arms. "I know that. And because your Auntie Keiko…you know…not too long ago…"

Kohai narrowed his eyes. "What does mom have to do with it?" he asked.

"Look, it's complicated. Probably shouldn't have told you. No, I take that back. But listen, you two. Don't butt in," he addressed the children. "Let them work it out."

Gina crossed her arms and huffed her breath, determined not to cry. "Why does everyone keep fighting?" She demanded at no one in particular.

The Fox

Kurama stared out of the window, silently berating himself. He knew that Kuwabara would be upset. He knew why he would be upset. So why did he get so offended when Kuwabara leveled the accusations that he suspected were held all along?

Was he guilty? Did he feel that he cheated Shizuru out of true love? The whole relationship had been Shizuru's idea. But he could have declined. But he didn't. And they had over twenty years together. Not passionate love, but a true friendship, a companionship. He knew that's what she wanted. And he had suppressed his feelings for Yusuke. He hadn't forgotten about them, just put them on a high shelf that took a lot of trouble to get to. He only went on that shelf occasionally.

He hadn't pondered taking the feelings off of the shelf until he had the conversation with Keiko. She had told him that Yusuke could be happy with him, and that Yusuke could make him happy. She told him that she trusted him to protect Yusuke's heart. Shizuru had told him that destiny couldn't be fought, and that if it were meant to be it would happen. She told him not to deny himself his heart's desire because of guilt or fear that other people wouldn't understand. She had told him that Kuwabara would react this way. He should have been prepared.

But he wasn't. He wasn't prepared for how much Kuwabara's opinion of him would mean. He always knew that even though Kuwabara respected him as a teammate and even a friend, he still mistrusted Kurama to some degree. Kurama had never let it bother him, he knew that either Kuwabara would come around on his own or he wouldn't; either was fine with him. But what had upset him so?

Kurama knew that for the children's sake, for Yusuke's sake and for the sake of their relationship he would have to reconcile with Kuwabara. But Kuwabara had insulted him. He had…dare he say it…hurt him? That comment about waiting for Shizuru to…how dare he think such a thing! What kind of heartless monster did Kuwabara think he was? He had loved Shizuru, she was very dear to him, the mother of his daughter, a lifetime companion. It had torn him up to watch her shrivel up and die.

He was walking. He knew where he was going. He walked there in silent thought. When he reached the park, it was twilight. The park closed at sunset. He didn't need long. He stood over Shizuru's grave, deep in thought. He sighed.

Shizuru, he thought. I informed Kuwabara and about Yusuke and me. He did not take it well. He accused me of using you and implied that our love was not genuine.

Did you explain? A voice echoed in his head. He didn't take the time to discern whether it was Shizuru's or his own.

He didn't allow me to, he thought. He just leveled accusations at me.

Did you try? The voice asked him.

He thought on this. Had he tried to explain the relationship to him? No, he thought. It hadn't made sense to try at the time.

Well perhaps you should try anyway. Is timing so important?

Time. A four letter word. He and Yusuke had a disagreement about when the right time for Kurama to reveal his feelings were. Kuwabara had asked him if enough time had passed between Shizuru and Keiko's death to pursue a relationship. I used to think so, he thought.

Well just explain it to him. If he won't accept your explanation, then so be it.

What about the children? He thought to whomever he was having this mental conversation with.

Put the children out of your mind for now. Just focus on your relationship with him.

Kurama decided that this made sense. Thank you, he said to whomever he was talking to.

I'm here for you…always, the voice replied.

It was dark; time to go.

Earlier, at the same site

Kuwabara stared down at his sister's grave. After driving around for what seemed like hours, his car sort of steered itself to this spot.

"Shizuru," Kuwabara began. "Kurama and Urameshi came over today. They told me that they were…dating. I got upset, really upset. I mean the nerve of that guy! You've only been dead a year, you know? And Keiko only seven months. How can he just pick up and move on like that? Did he even love you? I never believed it, you know. I never-"

He stopped. Had he really come to his sister's gravesite to rant about this? Was this honoring her properly?

"Look, sorry about that," he apologized. "I said some pretty mean stuff. I mean even Hiei said so. I guess I should apologize, but not for how I feel. I don't know what's going to happen between us, but the kids, I mean we gotta do it for them at least. Been too much fighin' as it is. Well, that's all. I'll let you know how it turns out." He turned to leave.

You're being very judgmental.

He paused suddenly, almost losing his balance. What was that voice? His conscience? Shizuru?

Shizuru? Is that you?

Does it matter?

Guess not, he replied to the voice.

And you're being very insensitive. So unlike you.

That's what Hiei said, Kuwabara confirmed to the voice. But I was only thinking of Shizuru, or your feelings, if this is Shizuru I mean.

You are only thinking of yourself. Shizuru is dead. He flinched at that, but the voice kept on. You are happy with Hiei. Why should Kurama and Yusuke not have the same chance at happiness?

Guilt hit him like a punch in the face. He even staggered a little.

I guess you're right. Thanks voice, whoever you are. He turned to leave. As he got in his car, he saw Kurama entering the park.

At Yusuke's place

"Hello?" Yusuke answered his cell phone.

"Detective." It was Hiei.

"What's up?"

"Is the fox with you?"

"Nope. Been calling him and he won't pick up. Drove by his house and he ain't there either." Yusuke didn't want to admit that he was worried. He knew the fox could take care of himself, but he had been so upset. And now he wasn't answering his phone.

"Same thing with Kazuma." Hiei was just as worried about Kuwabara. He hadn't answered his phone either. He had no clue where he was. He could probably find him with the jagan but he didn't want to invade his privacy.

"Maybe they're together."

"There's a thought," Hiei reasoned. "In any event, get over here."

Back at the park

As Kurama left the park, he saw a shadow approaching him. He would have taken an offensive stance if he didn't know who it was.

"Kuwabara."

"Can we talk?"

What will these two talk about? Will they be able to move past this? And what's going on over at the Kuwabara residence, now that Yusuke and company are there? Find out as The Letter continues.

Notes: I tried to separate better here, to transition better. And I purposely left the voice thing ambiguous so that you would draw your own conclusions. Do you like my metaphor about the feelings on the shelf?

A little shorter than my other chapters. Sorry. But if I had included the conversation between the two it would have ran way long.

Review, review, review!