29: Parent

"Remember," Kurama said softly, sliding his key into the door, "Suichi." Cockily, Yusuke nodded, grinning as Kuwabarra murmured to himself; "Suichi, Suichi, Suichi...not Kurama, Suichi." The door clicked open.

"Suichi dear, is that you?"

"Yes mother," he called back, slipping his shoes off, "I've brought along Kazuma and Yusuke. I hope that's alright..."

The woman swept into the hallway, arms already open and pulling her son in for a tight hug, "Of course it's alright! How was your camping trip? Are you hungry? How was the drive? I missed you so much!"

"Mother," the kitsune laughed, pulling her away and kissing her cheek gently, "The camping was lovely, the weather mild, I am not hungry, and traffic was a little heavy for about twenty minutes. I missed you too. I'm glad you're well." Yusuke and Kuwabarra looked at eachother, incredulous at the lack of pause in their conversation, the openness the fox was exhibiting. It was an interesting change...nice, but interesting.

"Well I finally cleaned up the kitchen! Oh Suichi, it was a disaster, I'm never letting your brother cook again. Would you boys like some tea?"

"I'll make it-" Kurama was cut off by her snapping a dishtowel in his direction, "Nonsense! Sit down and relax. Tea?" She looked over to her company, smiling brightly. "Um..." Yusuke fidgeted nervously, "Yeah. That'd be great, Ms. Minamino. But you shouldn't go to all this trouble-"

"No trouble at all. Suichi grows his own tea, you know," Kurama squeezed his eyes shut toward the ceiling, indicating his embarrassment. "Oh yeah," Kuwabarra nodded enthusiastically, "Suichi makes great tea. We got some for Christmas last year. Dynamite." Shiori made shooing gestures, backing into the kitchen, "I'll get started on that lovely chamomile blend. You boys can watch some TV or something." And then, she vanished behind the swinging door.

Kurama gently took a seat on the rocking chair, smiling, "Forgive my mother. She worries and tends to be a little overbearing at times..." he said softly.

Yusuke scoffed, plopping onto the couch, "Are you kidding? Your mom's awesome! I don't think I've ever seen a woman so happy to see Kuwabarra's ugly mug!" he sniggered, dodging the fist aimed at his head.

"Suichi?" Shiori popped her head through the door, "Is Hiei coming over too? Because I have those cookies he likes, and I could save some for him in the microwave."

"He may be coming over later, mother," he said quietly, tucking his feet under him, "I'm certain he would apprecate the gesture." She winked, beaming as she disappeared again.

Yusuke cocked a brow, "Your mom...knows Hiei?"

"Oh yes," nodding, Kurama leaned his cheek on his fist, suddenly looking very tired, "Hiei comes here when the weather is intolerable. He's been using the window for a few years now... Mother thinks it's a cultural difference. She adores him."

"Why?" Kuwabarra laughed, "Does he not talk around her?"

"Hiei is actually quite genial, I assure you. Granted, I had to threaten his life the first time he met her but they are fond of one another. If you were to ask him this yourselves," he casually waved a hand, "He would deny it."

"Hiei and your mom...didn't see that one coming," Yusuke shook his head. Kurama shrugged noncommittally. When the door opened, Shiori was carrying a tray with a teapot, cups, and a variety of cookies. "Mother, I could have carried that in. There was no need-"

"Tsk, Suichi, let me play hostess for once," she winked, setting the tray on the table and pointing to each item, "Oolong tea, chocolate cookies, cinnamon-sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies, and mochi with red bean jam," she looked over to her guests, smiling, "If you want any of the mochi, I suggest you eat it now."

"Mother!"

She laughed, "I'm kidding dear. Surely your friends know your fondness for adzuki by now!" Kurama sweatdropped 'they didn't until now...' As he poured three cups, she leaned over, kissing his head, "Have fun dear. I'll be upstairs if you need me." Blushing, he pointedly glared at his friends; 'not a word' the look said. "Yes mother. Thank you very much." She nodded, already upstairs. The door clicked.

"...So..." Yusuke grinned, grabbing two cookies, "You like Aduki paste, huh?"