Hello gang!
I sure do hope SOMEONE is still reading this. I am so slow with these updates and honestly its mostly due to my own writers block. Life has been hectic I am almost done my doctorate but I've hit some red tape with my research and its left me lots of stress and little time for writing.
Anyhow! There isn't much more left of this Fic. Maybe three to five chapters tops? Maybe less! It all depends on how I wrap up the demon tournament arc. It makes me a little sad. I love Suki and Kurama. And they may return again...playing around with some ideas.
Anyways, I won't start anything new until my other Kurama/OC story is wrapped up. Makes it easier to update when you aren't juggling multiple fics.
I hope you enjoy this. Please rate and review.
Lots of love!
~red
Kurama was sparring when he felt the change. One minute he was trying to avoid Touya's icy blade. Watching as some of his silver hair fell to the ground. The next they both froze. Suddenly the ground started to shake and demonic energy spiked. Causing everyone to drop what they were doing and look for the source. He felt his skin tingle as his legs carried him across the swamp. The first thing he saw was Fukkatsu jumping back. Suki skidded across the ground clearly she had just taken a hit. She sat up glaring but her energy was erratic. His heart sped up uneasily. Fukkatsu straightened into a fighting stance. The demon was very eccentric but could unlock people's energy unlike anything Kurama had seen. Together with Genkai every single one of them was stronger than he had ever imagined. He had focused on Suki in the last two months. Wanting to make sure if Yomi tried to do anything she'd be strong enough to hold her own. Something Kurama had been grateful for. He himself was sure he'd be able to at least go toe to toe with the goat demon now. But it didn't hurt to have strength in numbers.
"Come on, is this best you can do? Is this why I revived you? So you could be this weak," he taunted.
Suki glared wiping sweat off her brow, "shut up! I am doing my best!"
He glared, "how pathetic. You call this your best? I can see why you were so easily killed. Such a weak, feeble little girl. I bet you didn't even put up a fight."
"I said shut up," she yelled through gritted teeth.
Fukkatsu's energy flared, "at this rate you'll just be wasting my efforts. It won't be long until you find yourself in the same position, like some pathetic damsel in distress."
A growl escaped Kurama's chest but he held himself back. He knew what Fukkatsu was trying to accomplish. Water rushed through the air circling suki in huge spirals. While lifting her off the ground and causing her to be airborne. Teal energy glowed around her body and gathered at her fists. His eyes widened as her body morphed furry grey ears with black tips grew on her head. A silky fox tail mirroring the coloring of her ears. Nails sharpening and canines clearly showing under her angry sneer. Her energy was immense. Causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end. And simultaneously filling his chest with pride. Suki let out a warning growl of her own as she lifted her fists before sending her hands forward. The water shooting towards Fukkatsu making him run and dodge. He grinned up triumphantly.
"That's right Suki, focus that anger. Channel it and use it as your weapon. Let go of all the things holding you back," he called out.
Suki pulled a seed out of her pocket. A lotus blooming into her hands. She spun the flower around each petal dangerously sharp and aiming at its prey. Fukkatsu cursed as a few caught him by surprise. Giving her enough time to disappear in a cloud of mist and reappear in front of him. A flurry of punches and kicks raining down on the large man. Fukkatsu finally regaining his senses and striking back only to meet another cloud of mist. Suki reappearing behind him with a ice sword kissing the back of his neck.
The silence was loud. Tense. Suki's eyes were hard and cold yet slowly they cleared. Her breathing slowing and her shoulders slumping as she lowered her weapon. "I think this means I win," she said stepping back and letting her teacher stand.
He stood turning around and eyeing her cautiously, "yes, kit. I believe you're finally finished accepting the transformation."
"Wasn't there a more civil way of doing it? I mean I know you were just trying to piss me off but…" she shrugged a shoulder.
Admittedly as the large man rubbed the back of his neck he did look guilty. "I am afraid you left me no choice. You can be quite the stubborn brat," he responded with a tiny smile.
That only made Suki laugh, "joke's on you. I'm telling Mei."
The two laughed together and slowly Kurama watched the rest of the fighters return to their training. Genkai looming ominously behind them. Kurama stayed put though keeping an eye on Fukkatsu. Suki's emotional health had improved significantly. He knew that Koenma's therapist and the medication had gotten her a long way. But he still watched out for her. Made sure she was moving forward. He wouldn't return to his previous tasks until he was certain she was okay. Fukkatsu looked up at him before turning his eyes back on his student, "not funny. Ten minute break then we're sparring again. It will take some time to get used to balancing with a tail."
"A what?" Suki's fox ear twitched cutely. Making Fukkatsu snort amused before he walked away.
Not taking the moment for granted Kurama made his way towards her. Trying not to chuckle as she slowly reached up to her head. Letting out a little gasp as her hands felt the fox ears that had recently sprouted. He smirked as he reached out to gently caress the grey tail. Making her squeak and almost fall over. His arms threading around her waist just in time to avoid her fall. Suki turned around looking up at him with a surprised look.
"I remember you asking for those not too long ago," he smirked.
A smile bloomed on her face small giggles escaping her. The sound was sweet to his ears, "yeah, but this is still surprising. I feel...off balance."
Shook his head at her as she turned her head to look at the swishing tail behind her. Taking the opportunity to entwine his own with hers. Making that adorable blush rise to her cheeks. Suki turned to face him inspecting the hands that were currently resting on his chest. "Just how much differently do I look? These are pretty sharp," she murmured.
He gave her a light shrug, "not much. Other than the obvious appendages your canines are a bit sharper. You should be able to return to a humanoid form at will with some practice. Foxes are known for being able to manipulate their appearances. You'll find that your back pain will be gone too. Now that you've finished adjusting to your demon form."
Kurama felt a sense of relief was over him. Even just now as he held her he could feel her strength. Should things go south in demon world the two of them would be more than capable to defend themselves. Yomi would likely also note this which would make him less likely to pull any sudden power moves. His hands traveled up through her silky black hair his thumbs lightly caressing her soft fox ears. Earning a small gasp from her lips. A smile quirked up on his lips as he began to lean down towards her, "I'm proud of you, love." He whispered as his lips met hers.
Suki sighed as she stepped out of the shower. Today was their last day in human world. One last day before going off to Tourin and facing Yomi. She tried not to be anxious as she got ready for the day. Willing all the water to leave her body and hair. Leaving her dry as if she had never stepped into the shower at all. She giggled her grey fox ears twitching in the mirror. Sometimes being a demon had its advantages. She concentrated on her image on the mirror. Willing her fox form to hide and her body to return to a normal human appearance. Today was Shiori's wedding day. Kurama had agreed they all needed the day to rest. So while the boys rested up with Genkai, the two of them were going to make sure Shiori had a perfect day. Afterall, no matter how optimistic, there was a chance that this demon world business could get out of hand. There was a chance that things could go horribly wrong. And she deserved one perfect day. One day where her son was not too busy running a double life to be there for her. Suki knew how much his deceit weighed on his mind. How much he wished she knew the real him. But he would tell her when he was ready. Today was not that day.
Today was about her. Making sure she was happy and making sure that everything went without a hitch. After dressing in her undergarments. Suki put on a bathrobe and walked downstairs. Where a few Shiori's relatives were getting ready. Shizuru and a few of her friends were busy doing hair and makeup. Shiori had chosen four bridesmaids. The three cousins were a bit taken by surprise that Suki was not only in the bridal party. But living with the Minaminos. However, Suki knew Shiori was not a traditional mother. Otherwise she would have probably never approved of her son doing most of the things he did.
Soon enough she found that kindness ran in the Minamino family. And although quiet, her cousins were very agreeable and well...ordinary. However she could hardly blame them. She found that spending time with demons truly made humans very plain. The supernatural had a way of making regular life seem mundane. She wondered what would happen once this demon world business was behind them. Would life become boring and routine?
"Suki sit over here and I'll do your hair and makeup," Shizuru instructed. Making her step out of her own thoughts and begin small talk with the bridal party. Sitting very still as Shizuru weaved a crown of flowers through her hair. All the bridesmaids wore small yellow roses in their hair. While Shiori had a large white rose behind her ear. All little details that had let Suki know the woman had dreamt of this day for a long time. Especially since her marriage to Kurama's father had been a quick shotgun wedding due to her pregnancy. This was the lavish wedding that every woman dreamed of. Suki was happy Shiori was getting it. If anyone deserved it. It was her.
It wasn't until she got into her dress that she saw the mop of brown hair trying to hide behind the dining room furniture. Suki smiled and guessed it was time for her to slip away. Giving a secretive nod to Fuyumi- Shiori's youngest cousin who would cover for her. And catching a wink from Shizuru as little Shuichi pulled her hand and guided her out the back door. The two laughing as the ran to the car parked down the street where Kazuya awaited. They had some last minute things to do before Shiori walked down the aisle. She could barely hold her smile back as they made the short trip to the church. Shiori had wanted everything to be westerned themed. So the small white church she had found was something right out of a romantic movie.
Kurama was putting the finishing touches on the flowers in the church when she walked in. The doors opened light pouring in. In one swift moment he forgot how to breathe. The buttercup yellow dress hugged her curves, beautiful raven hair shining in the light. Her face lit up taking in all the hanging flowers and arrangement he had taken so much care to make. All the beautiful blooms paled in comparison to her. Her smile radiant as her teal eyes met his own, "you've outdone yourself."
He didn't respond the returning smile coming to his lips easily as she made her way to him. He pulled her close, his hand low on her waist. His lips finding hers, feeling his heart skip a beat. He wondered if she knew just how much he adored her. How much it scared him that in less than twenty four hours they would be headed into demon world. Suki pulled away her cheeks pink. Eyes sparkling with happiness, "you know Shizuru is going to kill you for messing up my lipstick."
"Somehow, I don't care," he replied giving her a smile.
She shook her head wiping the make up off his face lovingly before moving away from him and over to the speakers. Checking to make sure everything was okay. He was sure everything was fine. Unable to take his eyes off her.
"Are we ready?" Kazuya walked in with little Shuichi and his other groomsman. Maybe it was the occasion but the man looked younger today. His mother finally found happiness after all these years. The family she had always dreamed for. There was nothing that could make this day more perfect.
"She's going to either kill us or love us after we pull this off. Are you sure about this? We could still do a boring wedding march?" Suki asked.
Kazuya grinned shaking his head, "no she's been looking at these videos for weeks now. She'll love it I'm sure. Just try not to give anything away."
Shuichi ran up tugging at Suki's hand and pulling her towards the back where the two had hid some streamer cannons. They were going to put them on the seats as planned. The two were laughing and giggling together. Their bond hand only become stronger than ever since Suki had come home. Everytime he came over the two would spend hours together. Practically inseparable.
"You know Shuichi," Kazuya almost startled him when he walked up next to him, "I am giving your mother a wedding gift today. Seeing that we are married I figured maybe we'd need a new house."
Kurama turned to him surprised, although he shouldn't have been. Their house wasn't large enough to accommodate everyone. Suki already occupied the spare bedroom. In all honesty they should have been searching for an apartment for her. Koenma had secured her inheritance and money was no longer an issue...but they had been preoccupied. Only he should have thought of this. He blinked up at the older man as his hand patted his shoulder, "I think little Shuichi will be thrilled to live with Suki. Although I did make sure she'd have her own space. Found a home with a detached room over the garage with a kitchenette and bathroom so she can have some privacy. Also, I don't mind her living with us at all but we want to set an example for him after all. Figured it would be more proper for her to have a small place to call her own."
Kurama could only blink up at him surprised, "thank you. She will be very touched by your gesture. I know this is not a normal situation by any means. But she's been through so much already. Thank you."
"Hey, no thanks needed. Shiori loves her like her own and so do we. We're family now Shuichi," he smiled. Truly it never ceased to amaze him how kinds humans could be. Yet again it only solidified how right he was for his mother. He could only give away his mother to someone as kind and giving as she was. She couldn't have picked a better match.
It wasn't long before the church was filled with guest. People excitedly talking amongst themselves. Kurama stood outside with all the bridesmaids as his mother excitedly fixed an invisible imperfection on his tie. He could see the girlish excitement in her eyes. How incandescently happy she was to finally be here.
"You look beautiful mother," he said making her smile widen.
"Thank you dear. I can't believe it's time," she said with girlish excitement as they all readied to enter. The groomsmen were already inside with Kazuya.
The doors opened as the wedding march began to play. All the bridesmaids lining up with Suki in front. The plan was for the groomsmen to meet them in the middle and escort them down the aisle. But as planned the music cut off and the steady beat of the pop song Next to you, began to play. Making Shiori blinked confused as little Shuichi and Suki danced towards each other in perfect choreography. Kurama smiled as he watched her face light up. She turned to him grinning. "You guys didn't!"
He laughed as it got closer and closer to their turn down the aisle, "it was Kazuya's idea."
"But I don't know the moves," she said even though it didn't seem to bother her at all.
"It's your day you can dance however you like," he responded smiling.
She laughed shaking her head. Her grin only making his smile wider. The two stood at the entrance ready to go inside. Kurama extended his hand out to her which she took readily as they danced their way towards the altar. Shiori's face only brightened more as the streamer cannons shot out. Each isle knew to release them as the two danced their way past them. Kazuya's face radiating pure joy to see his mother in her white dress. When it finally came time to put her hand in his he felt at ease. Happy to give her away to someone who truly deserved her.
The ceremony was full of smiles and happy tears. Suki could barely hold back her own emotions as she watched the beautiful couple pledge to live the rest of their lives together. At the reception the table was full of lively conversation. Kuwabara and Keiko had come as Shiori wanted to extend invitation to a few of their friends so that they wouldn't be outnumbered by the adults. It was nice to have a meal with them. Even if Keiko looked a bit melancholy. She figured she missed Yusuke as much as they all did. This truly would have been more fun with him. Yusuke had always been the life of the party.
When it came time to dance Suki was surprised by her first dance partner. She smiled as Kuwabara was quick to stand and offer his hand. "I think I'd better get my dance in before Kurama sweeps you away for the rest of the night," he said offering a big smile.
Suki could only grin as they walked out on the dance floor. Thanks to her demon growth spurt she was no longer too far off from him in height. As a matter of fact she was only a couple inches shorter than Kurama. Which made her able to look up at the ginger comfortably. She smiled thankful to see the relaxed look in his brown eyes. She had so many long talks with her friend after she'd been back. The guilt he felt after her death had weighed him down. Thankfully the therapy she had gone through only helped her to guide Kuwabara through his feelings. Bringing them closer together.
"Thanks for coming. I know it means a lot to Kurama, and I am so glad to spend time with you guys before we go," she said as they danced to the band's music.
"No thanks needed, Suki. We are both happy to be here. Just promise me that you two will come back in one piece," he responded.
She nodded, "I promise."
"And drag Urameshi back when you see him," he said irritation clear on his voice.
Suki sighed, "I can try my best. You know how Yusuke is, but I'm delivering a letter and a kick in the ass for Keiko. What would you like for me to tell him?"
"No, a kick in the ass sounds just perfect," Kuwabara snickered, "just make sure you actually do it."
She shook her head, "I am a woman of my word."
"Good, and keep those three from getting too crazy. I know Kurama is level headed but us guys can get a little carried away," he joked.
She chucked, "don't worry. You, Yusuke, Kurama, Hiei are all my family. I spent my life waiting for better days. Waiting for the light in the horizon. And when life opened up and dropped me here, I found it. It was a dark road but...i'm not about to let you guys go anywhere."
She wasn't ready for the big bear hug, "aw you had to get all mushy on me!"
They both stopped when their heard a throat clearing, "any more of this and I will get jealous."
Suki turned to see Kurama smirking at them. She couldn't help but note how handsome he was in his suit. What is it about suits that make men look so incredible? She shook her head at him ready to tease when Kazuya placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Not so fast son. She's gotta dance with an old man first," he said with a smile. And who was she to deny the groom? The night went on and Suki felt as if there was a small conspiracy to keep her from her boyfriend. Little Shuichi, groomsmen whose names she couldn't remember, and Kurama's now step-grandfather all danced with her. Shiori had inherited a big family. However it wasn't like Kurama didn't have dancing partners of his own. And it was too much fun. At some point all the girls were dancing around Shiori. Keiko had a face splitting grin as she waved around the bouquet she caught. They had both jumped up and down like school girls when it had landed in her hands. Suki knew it was only a matter of time before that promise came true. Yusuke might be a hot mess but he does keep his promises. It all depended on Keiko waiting for him. Afterall she still had four long years before she became 18.
When two strong arms finally wrapped around her waist the night was starting to wrap up. The band started to play one last slow dance before the reception was finished. She blushed as Kurama held her close. His hands low on her waist as hers wrapped over his shoulders. Getting lost in his viridian irises and how they sparkled in the soft lighting of the ballroom. "How is it that we've been in the same room all afternoon yet I've missed you?" he asked softly making her smile.
"Well we had a lot of people to mingle with. I've missed you too," she responded giving him a shy smile. "Shiori is so happy. I'm glad we were able to help make today perfect for her. It was the perfect way to spend our last day here."
She leaned her head against his shoulder enjoying the way they swayed to the music. Wondering idly how she didn't miss the steady beat of a human heartbeat. Kurama's was so soothing and steady. She could hear it even over the music with her demon hearing. His lips brushed against her hair, "well the day is not over yet."
That was enough for her to look up at him curiously. Those green eyes sparkled mischievously at her, "what do you have up your sleeve?"
"Something that has been long overdue," he answered with a sly smile, "let say goodbye to everyone."
Goodbyes were short. Shiori made them promise to be good while she was away. They would depart tonight on their european honeymoon. Leaving little Shuichi with his grandparents while they were away. Kuwabara and Keiko both begged them to be careful. All the while, Suki was a bit anxious at the small amount of nervous jitters she sensed from her fox demon. She wasn't sure what he was about to do but she knew he was up to something. The late spring night was beautiful. The air was crisp and clean as they walked home hand in hand. Kurama's suit jacket keeping her warm. She loved the energy of spring in nigenkai. Now that she was fully a vixen she felt the life in all the plants. The way their energy sharpened and whispered to Kurama's demonic energy. She would never be a plant master but she did find she controlled water plants with ease. And she would always be surrounded by the comfort of her demonic energy. To the water surrounding her world. Part of her wasn't ready to return to Makai. Even though things had been hectic they were safe here. She didn't know how things would turn out in demon world. And as much as she tried to reassure those that would be left behind she did have anxiety about returning. On the other hand, she knew that once they dealt with Yomi and the politics of demon world. At least they could come home and live their lives. To live life as mundanely as possible. She looked forward to finishing high school, going to college, and maybe one day having a wedding of her own.
For some reason butterflies fluttered in her stomach as they reached home. Maybe it was the sly ghost of a smile on Kurama's lips. Or the small amount of nervous energy he was trying to hide from her. He opened the door the house dark except a soft flow of lampweeds lining the stairs, roses lining up the walls and wrapping around the stairs. Suki looked up at her boyfriend in surprise a soft smile was on his face. She walked slowly towards the steps. Looking up at the illuminated walkway.
Turning to his amused face she tilted her head, "what's all this?"
"I've thought about this night for quite some time," he started walking past her and up a few steps before turning to her and holding out his hand, "come."
Her hand found his as she followed him. The roses and lights leading all the way into her room. Where the blooms were far too many to count. The wonderful scent filling her nose as she gazed at the tealights that made the room glow softly. Her demon heart increasing in its irregular beat. With a gentle tug he guided her towards her bed. The two sitting on the plush bedding. Kurama gently caressed her cheek before securing both hands in his.
"I've been fighting with myself on how to bring this up for so long. So many things had stopped me. The timing never felt right, and I've never wanted to cheapen the meaning or gesture of what I am about to ask of you. Even now I find my nerves are barely contained," he admits a half smile on his lips.
Suki held her breath unable to respond and allowing him to continue, "you see, love. One day, when we are both old enough in the human sense. We can have the human tradition of marriage. I want everything with you, Suki. I want to live my life with you. Grow old together, have children, build a life. I plan on making the most of our second chance together. I've known since the moment that I fell in love with you that you were my future. And while we're both too young in the human ways to be bonded for life. Demons have a much more permanent commitment. One in which our souls and energy become one. Fused for eternity."
He paused she figured to gauge her reaction. Her mouth was dry, feeling her blood heat under his green gaze. Part of her had wondered why he had never brought this up. Yet she was too insecure to ask. Too unsure of how she would react if he never wanted what he was currently proposing. Her voice was unsteady with nerves, "a mating."
He nodded that small handsome smile on his face, "yes. Not all demons mate for life. But like the animals we embody, the silver fox, our race is one of the few that does. It is not a rule, many do not commit. The weight of being tied to one person for eternity sounds like too much. To me that does not seem so daunting. I knew when I lost you that I would never find another love like the one we have. And I do not wish to return to demon world, to live another day without being bonded with you. Suki, I love you. I wish to cherish and protect you for the rest of our lives. It would do me the greatest honor if you would consent to being my mate."
"Kurama," she all but whispered unsure if she was dreaming. She figured she shouldn't be this surprised. After all she had known his feelings and figured sooner or later this would come up. Still the moment felt so unreal. Too good to be true. She must have been silent for too long as Kurama's eyes filled with apprehension. She smiled blinking away happy tears, "of course. I'd love to be your mate."
His lips found hers making a bubbling laugh escape her lips. She felt unbelievably happy as she kissed him back. Kurama pulling away and resting his head against hers, "you have made me the happiest man on earth."
Suki closed her eyes as he kissed her again this time his kiss was more passionate. Bringing her body to life in a way that only he was able to. She didn't even know if it was possible for Kurama to give her more than he already had. More happiness, more love, more comfort. But that night as the two made love and their energies intertwined molding into one. She realized he had given her so much more than she could hope for. So much more than she knew was out there. Hear heart burst with happiness feeling complete. Feeling whole. Knowing that without a doubt no matter what happened she would never be alone again. Knowing that she would always have a place to belong to, a hand to hold on to, a heart to hold.
