"It's not home, but…it's comfortable." I tell Hydra as he slides into bed across from me, snug in his little pajamas. I brush his bangs away from his forehead, and his violet eyes actually still look tired. I can tell he's trying to stay awake though. "Something wrong?"

"I have an idea." Nike rests on the pillow next to his head, her fingers pinching his ear affectionately.

"He doesn't want you to disappear." Banriyu stated, his arm flung across both Hydra and I. His chin rested on my head. He's warm and so is Hydra. I smile. So you've forgiven both Hydra and Nike, Banriyu? You're such a softie.

I whisper against the pillow, "I'm not going anywhere."

Hydra's closes his eyes as they flood with water. My fingers wipe the tears away, pulling him closer as Banriyu's grasp tightens. "I know, but…"

"Go on."

He presses his pale lips into a line, "I don't want you to get involved with that Fox. You can't trust him."

This again. I sigh, "How many times do I have to tell you, we're not—"

"No, listen. Aurora, he wants you, I know it. He always wants what he can't have. He's a bandit. He takes and he takes and he takes. But he keeps winning anyway—" Hydra's voice was suddenly cut off, his breathing elevated enough to increase my own breathing. I can feel my heart in my throat.

"He isn't who you think he is." Hydra continues, I can practically taste the bitterness with every word, "He's a silver haired, smug monster. Not to mention, he and Eris—"

I covered his mouth with my hand. "Please…Hydra. I don't want to know something he doesn't want to tell me."

His eyes wide, and his brow furrowed in frustration, slowly he closed his eyes again. More tears.

I removed my hand. "I just want to stay like this…okay?" I tell him, faintly I can hear Yusuke and Kuwabara arguing about socks or something in the other room. "Just you and me, and Nike and Banriyu…like always."

"Date anyone you want…just not him. I hate him." Hydra presses his head into my neck. "MJ would agree. He's too much for you…he's dangerous. And you can never tell what he's thinking. That's not someone you want to love."

I run my fingers through his hair. "We're not like that." I say. I debate on telling him that I had in fact, tried my hand at Hiei and got denied. I debate on telling him, that I would be taking a break from dating for a while. I debate on telling him that I had a crush on Kurama for a long time, before I decided to put that silly longing aside.

"Promise me?"

I kiss his forehead, "I love you Hydra, good-night."

I don't say a word.

()()()

"Pacifier Breath's coming here?" Yusuke asked with unmistakable, almost comical surprise. "Isn't that nice of him. Tch, I wonder why? Is it Hydra's birthday or something?"

"Why would Koenma bother knowing his birthday, nitwit?" Genkai asked with gruff annoyance, sinking down onto a pillow before crossing her arms. "Use your head."

Yusuke scratched his head, "I mean…he could just want to see us. Do you know, Botan?"

Botan started, almost dropping her cup. Her gaze wandered to the floor in thought, a shadow of conflict warring in her eyes, but she pursed her lips, her voice quiet. "I can't say…for sure."

So you know, Kurama thought, eyes passing over her discreetly. It must be a private reason, otherwise, she would have given over the information gladly. We would have no trouble at all. What was it then? Could it be—

"Hey," Aurora's voice pulled him away from the three gathered. A pleasant distraction. Kurama often had a habit of harping on things that held little and great consequence. In this case, it probably mattered little. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that he should know about it, know all about it.

It was habit. Much like his habit of looking over Aurora for any changes. She had changed so much in the last few days, if he didn't make mental notes every other minute, he knew he would miss something. He did not like to miss anything.

Again, a habit.

Kurama noticed first the brightness of her hazel eyes and the golden glow of her skin. Her gaze was clear, renewed. She didn't exaggerate when she said Hydra was an intrinsic part of herself. Kurama hadn't seen her look so confident, so at ease since they met. Having him returned, it was as if she had morphed into an entirely different person. A new being. Even her lips looked fuller, more expressive, every bit as expressive as her brow and sharp tongue. Her hair was a deeper shade of crimson. Even her stance, echoed the cocky, undeniably flirtatious girl he had met all those weeks ago. Somehow, she looked even prettier now than she had then, was it because now he could clearly see her? Her motivations? Prejudices? And virtues?

Was it because he knew for certain that she no longer wanted him? Was it that that made him want her more?

"Kurama?"

He blinked, slowly, turning that thought around in his mind for the second. If only it were that simple.

Her brow rose, as expected, and she narrowed her eyes at him before reaching forward and pressing the pads of her fingers against his forehead, lifting his bangs. "You good? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Kurama chuckled, unable to help the reaction. She swallowed and he could see her debate whether or not she should take a step back before he gently removed her hand. "No need to worry. I was only lost in thought. Did I frighten you?"

Aurora, indignant at the mere thought, snatched her hand back as if he'd burned her. She crossed her arms beneath her chest, pouting. "No. You're just, ugh, so freaking weird sometimes. Off on the home planet, planning to overthrow the earth."

"Is that what you see when you look at me?" An innocent question. But the sudden appearance of color in her golden brown skin, told him it was the right one for the best reaction. He had to bite down on his tongue to keep from laughing at her. With her first inclination to throw herself into dramatics, she made it so easy.

She put her hands on her hips, frowning, "My bad, Jesus. I just wanted to know what's going on." Still eyeing him suspiciously (he only smiled in return), she carefully asked, "When are we leaving?"

"Right," Kurama gestured toward Botan, "apparently, Koenma thought it not robbery to come and escort Hydra to Spirit World himself."

"Oh," taking a deep breath, Aurora wrapped her arms around herself. "When will that be?"

His eye took in the obvious note of sadness in her tone, and the sudden dimness in her once bright eyes. "Shortly, I'm afraid, but you shouldn't worry…" her eyes snapped up to meet his and she stepped forward. Kurama smiled at her automatic reaction to even a hint of hope. He was only too pleased to be the one to give it to her. "I have it on good authority that both Yusuke and Kuwabara plan to speak on his behalf. I suspect Botan and Genkai have a similar plan in mind. And, since he has yet to leave to Demon World, Hiei may be moved to speak as well. If we state our case carefully…we may be able to convince Koenma to let Hydra stay in your care."

Aurora jumped with a squeal of glee before she threw herself into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck. Short as she was, he had to lean forward so her feet could still find purchase on the floor, and she giggled as his bangs brushed her head. As always, Aurora smelled like lavender and vanilla. Her skin actually smelled like lavender and her hair…vanilla, a smooth concoction he knew well. Her scent drew his attention to the rest of her, the way her form fit perfectly against him. She felt so soft pressed against him. So soft, in fact he didn't dare pull her any closer lest he get distracted enough to cause a natural reaction to such closeness.

And, knowing how mercilessly she would tease him, Kurama refused to live with the embarrassment. He closed his eyes with a sigh. And to think, Kurama mused, hormones could be the death of me.

Wordlessly, he disentangled himself from her excited grasp, deciding instead to give her warm hands a reassuring squeeze. She gave him an apologetic smile, "My bad. I didn't think you'd mind."

"I didn't…believe me," He responded, then found Hiei walking toward them both with his arms crossed. He wore no particular expression, but his eyes seemed to linger on the space between Kurama and Aurora. I have been saved. "Hiei. I didn't think you'd stay."

Aurora shot him a look of disbelief at the obvious lie, but simply shrugged before giving the fire demon a smile, "What's up, Darkness?" Her right hand started forward before she abruptly pulled it back again, her eyes darting towards the view.

Kurama noticed the slight tightening of Hiei's jaw as he spoke to her, giving Kurama the impression that something was bothering him. Kurama knew of course, but he'd do him a favor by not mentioning it. "Where's your shadow?" Hiei asked with his usual balance of annoyance and disinterest.

Aurora rolled her eyes, "He's not my shadow you ass—Hey!" Aurora lurched forward suddenly as Hydra collided into her back, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I can't breathe, Hydra, damnit!"

His grip loosened as he stepped around her to bury his face into her stomach, keeping his arms secured around her waist in a possessive manner Kurama found absolutely revolting. Strange. For some reason, Kurama's dislike for Hydra hadn't abated in the slightest. Not that he expected it to completely. He thought, at the very least, he'd manage to hold onto a least a little respect—anything really—for Aurora's sake. Alas, nothing existed. Only mild irritation. And the need to remove his hands from Aurora as quickly as possible.

He found his lips pressed into a line as he watched the spectacle.

Aurora's surprise was soon replaced by a softened smile, pure, motherly adoration showed in her gaze. "I thought I told you to sleep."

"I missed you," He replied in this irritatingly boyish voice, pitchy and scratchy. Kurama had to wonder if it had been concocted for Aurora's benefit. He didn't put it past the beast. "And I couldn't sleep without you there."

"Aw," Aurora passed her hand through his hair soothingly. She seemed to miss the smug smile of satisfaction Hydra sent his way. Hydra seemed to altogether ignore Hiei, coming to the conclusion that the fire demon posed no threat at all.

Kurama found it pleasing that she hadn't given the information about the past couple of days over to the demon. He wondered why she hadn't bothered. Then, of course, he wondered why he should even think about it, but…he always thought about it.

You treacherous leech. Kurama forced a smile, pulling a pleasing lightness into his tone. "Does he not feel well, Aurora? Perhaps, he should return to bed? I'd be more than happy to prepare a sleeping draft."

Kurama ignored the unmistakable amusement in Hiei's eyes as he wordlessly watched. Hiei wasn't reading his thoughts, but Kurama supposed he knew him well enough to tell when he was being disingenuous. And Kurama was being very disingenuous. Another smile.

Aurora leaned back to look into Hydra's eyes, her hands drawing strands of his hair behind his pale, pointed ears, her thumbs brushing over the crests of his cheeks. "You sure you don't want to get some more rest in? I know you've been through a lot."

Hydra snuggled closer; his words muffled. "I'm okay as long as I'm with you."

"Aww, Hydra. How sweet." Aurora pressed her full lips against his hair. He pulled so close, Aurora had to pull back a little, but she gave him a doting smile none the less.

Yes. How cloyingly, nauseatingly, infuriatingly sweet. What a way with words he has! I never knew he could be so astute. Kurama had to resist the urge to roll his eyes.

Hiei scoffed, feeling no such inclination obviously. "Who's not a shadow?"

Aurora gave him an exasperated look, before she looked over to Kurama. He was sure to fix his face into an expression of apology for Hiei's lack of tact. "Anyway, thanks for the offer."

Kurama gave her genuine smile now, finding the task surprisingly easy, despite present company. As it has always been, "You—"

"Hey!" Hydra grabbed her attention back and started to pull her toward the doors, "Let's go into the kitchen with Keiko and Shizuru." He sniffed the air, "I think I smell food."

Aurora ruffled his hair, "You can go, I'm still talking to Kurama and Hiei."

Still pulling on her wrists, Hydra whined, "But they're boring. Men are boring…and ugly." Hydra looked pointedly at Hiei as if to say, 'see what I mean'. "Ugly."

Aurora's eyebrows had the wonderful task of trying to stay attached to her forehead.

Kurama hid his smile behind his hand as Hiei's eyes sharpened to points. "Come again, you little rodent."

Hydra gave another tug, his eyes delightful in their spitefulness. "You think he's ugly too…don't you, Princess?"

Kurama had half a mind to look in a different direction to keep from bursting out with a laugh. He'd avoided direct confrontation with Kurama, but had, in fact, attacked Hiei in the worst way he could. Such irony.

"That's a weird question, but no, of course not." Aurora gestured toward Hiei, flippantly. "He's no beauty queen like our boy, Kurama—"

"Thank you for that." Kurama responded dryly.

"But he's objectively good-looking. He is good looking." Aurora answered with a nonchalantly shrug.

With that Hydra paused, behind his violet eyes, he seemed to be putting two and two together. His eyes darted between the enraged Hiei and the nonplussed Aurora. Back and forth until, his eyes widened, and he lifted his hand accusingly. "No. You wouldn't. You didn't. This isn't—I know you didn't—he's so…"

Kurama, despite everything he was feeling himself about the past few days, smiled. Oh, it felt very good to have him suffer.

Hydra swallowed thickly, "Don't tell me you're dating this guy? Aurora, the man is two feet tall—"

"NO. I mean, no, I'm not." Aurora took a deep breath and sternly removed his hands. "Go in the kitchen, I'll be there in a second."

"But—"

"I wasn't asking, Hydra." She gestured him forward.

"But I miss you—"

"Miss me in the kitchen." Aurora replied, with such vindication it made Kurama swell with pride. She turned away from him, assuming he'd go into the kitchen, which after glaring openly at Kurama and Hiei, he did, stomping away.

Satisfied, Hiei remarked, "What a child."

Aurora agreed, "He can't help it, I spoil him. Look at him, he's so small and cute."

"He hasn't changed at all," Kurama idly remarked. He's as insufferable as ever.

Aurora sighed dramatically, "Yeah, but I'm glad—wait, you mean from back in the day right?" Her eyes brightened with a smile, "Back when you were that dirty fox, Yoko."

Hiei snickered. "Ha!"

Kurama shut his eyes, ignoring the fire demon's delight. "Spirit Fox, actually."

Aurora held up her hands, "Ohh, sorry. Didn't mean to offend, Mr. Great And Powerful. Spirit Fox, Yoko then." She exchanged a look with Hiei and he smirked back. Kurama always admired their easy camaraderie. Despite the distance between them, they found no issue laughing at him. "So, anyway, Hydra was hinting at your past last night…"

His face flashed into a neutral expression, habit. "Oh?"

"Yeah," Aurora caught his eyes, "You don't have to hide from me, Kurama. Your business is your business, Hydra didn't tell me anything about you. So, you can stop secretly hating him behind your smile."

Admittedly, as much as he hated to be discovered, he was impressed. "You noticed?"

Aurora laughed and playfully pushed his shoulder. "Duh, you're not slick, Kurama. That so call 'smile' you were giving him could freeze fire, Jesus! I can tell when you're genuinely happy and when you're just putting on. You were making him nervous. You were making me nervous."

Kurama admitted, "Hydra wasn't my favorite person from back then."

"Yeah, no shit." She ran a hand through her hair, "You don't have to tell me about your life or whatever, that's up to you. But, I am curious…" she tilted her head as she averted her gaze.

Naturally, as he saw her hesitation, he wanted to know immediately. "About?"

She swallowed, her lips struggling to keep a smile at bay, "He mentioned something about silver hair. So, you didn't look like this back then?"

"That is Kurama's weaker, human form." Hiei explained. "in his true form, even his personality is different, untainted by his humanity."

"'Untainted'. Wow, thanks for that, Hiei." Aurora said sarcastically, "as a human, myself, I appreciate the love and kindness."

Falling prey to her teases, Hiei rolled his eyes. "Don't pretend to be wounded. You know I don't think you're less because you are human—"

"Aww—"

Hiei's eyes sparked, "You just happen to one of the most irritating women I have ever met."

"And you ruin it, well, fine. I'm ignoring you." She put her hands on her hips decidedly, raising an eyebrow in the way Kurama had always found attractive. But, that was a terrible thing to think about. "Anyway…about this silver hair of yours…"

"What? You going to get a piece of Kurama's and compare it to Azriel's?" Yusuke asked, making Aurora jump in the air and hide behind Kurama. The ex-spirit detective marched up with an extremely satisfied expression on his face. It resembled that of an outlaw back from a heist.

"Damnit, Yusuke, you know better." She complained, before clearing her throat and dusting herself off. Slowly, she stepped out from behind Kurama. He didn't mind her being there, she could stay all day if she wanted. "Anyway, who's Azriel?"

Yusuke shot Kurama and then Hiei a puzzled look before raising an eyebrow himself. "Oh, I don't know. The long haired, hot guy with silver hair you kept flirting with yesterday."

Aurora's eyes narrowed in question before realization widened her eyes and she covered her mouth, "Oh, crap! I completely forgot…and he was hot. But, his hair was more white than silver."

"You'd know. You did spend half an hour flirting with the guy."

"Oh, please I was not. You've never seen me flirt—"Aurora paused, looked at the ground before turning away from him, "Anyway, I'm going to the kitchen."

"Don't flirt with anyone while you're gone!" Yusuke called back, making Aurora give him an obscene gesture before she fled the room.

"Anyway, you guys done plotting?" Yusuke asked with a smirk.

"We couldn't get started without you butting in," Hiei remarked.

"Aw, real sweet Hiei. You're a swell guy."

Kurama glanced over to Hiei, "I can't help but agree."

Hiei bristled. "Shut up."

()()()

Noon. It was noon, and everyone was all gathered in the room, waiting for this Koenma to come and take Hydra away from me.

I watched with a smile as Keiko fussed over Hydra's hair, and he made sure to say cutesy, little boy things to make her smile.

"You're so pretty, Keiko." Hydra said, getting this wide-eyed look whenever he spoke to her. To Shizuru, he made himself indispensable helping with the dishes, fetching whatever she liked. She'd ruffle his hair as a reward, and I knew…he loved the attention. While he was nice to both Botan and Yukina, Hydra gave them little attention. It was odd, seeing how fun Botan was and how adorable Yukina looked.

He seemed to have a fondness for human women.

I've heard that before…somewhere. Anyway, although he sat between Keiko and I, he kept one hand in my lap, squeezing my hand ever so often. I hope he wasn't scared. I hope Koenma would listen to everyone—to me. I hoped a lot of things.

"Breathe, Aurora." Kurama quietly reminded on my left. I closed my eyes, focused on the rising and falling of my ribcage.

"What's going to happen?" I ask again, for the fifth time since we began to wait.

Kurama pulled the hair back that hid my eyes, "My guess is that Koenma will want to speak to him and us, about what's happened. We'll take that time to learn more about where he was and why he came to be there. I assume you didn't ask, Hydra yourself?"

Damn. No. "I didn't think about it."

"Don't worry, I figured you wouldn't."

I frowned, "Thanks."

"I mean, that I knew you'd be more concerned with his safety and wellbeing than learning about why he left and became captured." Kurama amended with a playful gleam in his eyes. A bright gleam.

"Hey, Kurama…did you have gold eyes when you were…you know…"

For a moment, my mind flashed back to Hydra's words.

"He takes and he takes and he takes…"

I pinched myself to send those thoughts away.

Lightly, Kurama asked, "The dirty fox?"

I laughed out loud, angst forgotten. "I said I'm sorry, Jesus. Let it go!"

"Fine," Kurama's voice was like liquid gold people, liquid gold! "To answer, your question, yes."

"Cool. Will you let me see?" I lowered my voice like we were talking about something illicit instead of his demon form. With everyone else having their own little conversation, it definitely felt like we were in a world on our own. Had I not been holding Hydra's hand, feeling his strange pulse, I would definitely feel that way.

Playing along, he lowered his voice as well, bringing his lips to my ear. "…no."

"Oh, come on!" I hit his arm, giving us some space because…damn. "I won't tell anyone. It'll be our secret."

Kurama propped his chin up against his fingers. "As tempting as that sounds…"

"Come on! Oh! I know, it can be a birthday present."

"For whom?"

I frowned, "Don't play dumb, Kurama. You're too smart for that."

He chuckled. Conceited. Smug. Gorgeous.

With a professional air, I told him. "My birthday is in December."

"I know that." Kurama's smirk was dangerous up close, man. "So is mine."

I grinned, "and I know that. See, you're not clever."

"Yes, because insulting me will surely allow you to get your way…"

"Stop being mean, Kurama."

"Are you still anxious?"

"I…" I paused, and then hit him. "I hate you. But…thank you."

His voice was quiet, "You're welcome, always."

I took that moment to really look at him, take in the warmth from his eyes, the way his bang delicately teased his brow….

The world did not deserve Kurama, but, he's my friend so I'm going to keep him. No matter what. Past or otherwise.

"Where is everyone?" I hear a strange voice say, slightly muffled.

Genkai sighed, "They're through here, Koenma. Everyone. Aurora is unharmed as I said she would be."

Koenma seemed to chuckle as the footsteps drew nearer, "I knew she was in good hands but…" Genkai stepped into the room first, followed closely by a tall, handsome man around eighteen to twenty clothed in blue and red. My heart shuddered weirdly in my chest as I heard the deliberate click and clack of thick heals against wood. Strong steps. Confident, unapologetic steps. "MJ wouldn't believe me—"

I lurched to my feet as I saw her walk into the room with her arms crossed. Her black hair pulled back into a high, long pony tail except for the two strands of hair on either side of her face that fell into steel grey eyes. I couldn't breathe. My eyes were deceiving me.

MJ.

My MJ stood before me wearing her Michael Jackson from 'Bad' leather jacket. Those familiar silver hoops sparkled in her ears and dark burgundy, cropped turtle neck .

"MJ?"

In her 'I'm too cool for school way', she shrugged, "Yes. I'm here…dummy."

I screamed, throwing both Hydra and Kurama aside as I leapt to my feet, shoving Yusuke and Kuwabara out of my way, and threw my arms around her.

()()()

Kurama was every bit as surprised as Aurora as he watched Koenma walk into the room with MJ at his heels. At least it explains a great deal, Kurama mused. A great deal indeed.

Koenma stood off from the two sisters, but the look on his face was unmistakable. He was elated, a gentle sort of pleasure. His eyes swam with happiness, relief. A sort of pleasure one would have for someone whom you'd care about a great deal.

Kurama stood to his feet, watching as Yusuke and Kuwabara finally recovered enough to stand as well.

What was funny to Kurama was Aurora's reaction. Although, she'd been the one supposedly in danger, she fussed over her sister instead, cupping her cheeks, and dropping low to inspect her jeans and boots, "You look so cute! You smell good too. What are you wearing?"

Her sister thought for a moment, her eyes narrowed, "The one your ex gave you?"

Aurora leaned back. "Which one?"

"The one I hated." She replied in complete monotone, the hint of malice in her tone did not surprise Kurama.

"You hated them all."

MJ smiled at that, returning her sister's embrace while also looking her over, checking for imperfections or bruises. "I know. As I should. If it were up to me, they'd all be dead."

Koenma visibly winced at her cruel delivery.

Aurora loosened her hold and sighed, "Minerva."

"Aurora." MJ, standing quite a few inches taller than her sister, somehow managed to look both older and younger than her at the same time. She, like Aurora was also an attractive girl. But, they were not attractive in the same way. If Aurora was a rose, in perfect sunlight, a scene of spring, forever in prime, forever in bloom, but somehow tirelessly fascinating. MJ was a honed blade, cold and silver. Lethal. Striking to the eye, beautiful in the way it flashed and balanced. Aurora's beauty was more dynamic and bright, from her smile to her sense of humor—

Kurama was biased, of course, but he thought the differences merited note. While their eyes had similar shape and size, MJ's face was more angular, her skin lighter, but there was a certain adoration in her gaze when she looked at her sister. It was an adoration that turned to ice whenever it wasn't directed to Aurora. Kurama experienced this first hand when, their eyes locked. Kurama gave her a smile, which she returned with concentrated, instantaneous dislike.

A pleasant girl, to be sure.

Aurora reminded her with a smile, "Be nice."

"But I hate being nice," MJ smirked. But, Kurama was certain that although her words were playful, she was quite serious. "Anyway, you don't look injured. Koenma told me you wouldn't be, but after what you told me about that traitorous little vermin, I couldn't be sure."

"She was very adamant that I take her to see you," Koenma stepped forward, offering his hand eagerly for her to shake. "It's nice to meet you by the way. I'm Koenma, ruler of Spirit World."

"Oh, well, wow! Great to meet you too!" Aurora said, taking a step back to admire his height. Kurama couldn't help but assume that while she observed him, she thought back to the very unflattering description Yusuke had given him. Kurama could see why she seemed so puzzled.

"MJ's told me a lot about you." He said warmly, with an interesting familiarity.

It clicked. Kurama's smile widened with the realization, but he carried on as if nothing had occurred to him.

"Um…" Aurora hesitated, taking a quick glance at her sister, "she's, uh, told me a lot about you too—"

"No, I haven't." MJ quickly, giving her a strange look. "Why did you just randomly lie?"

Kurama covered his smile with his hand. Aurora threw her hands up, "I don't know! You put me on the spot. I didn't want to say, 'well, uh, I didn't know a damn thing about you'."

MJ rolled her eyes, "He already knows you don't know."

Aurora gestured to the heavens, "How was I supposed to know?"

"I don't know." MJ shook her head, "Why would you even put yourself in this weird situation? Why would you care about his feelings? You just met."

"I'm sorry if I don't wake up every day being a savage! I'm a nice person." Aurora proclaimed, "Excuse me if I give a damn about your friends or acquaintances or whatever the hell he is to you—"

"I don't feel such a need."

"I know," Aurora said before giving her sister another hug, "God, I missed you so much. You miss me?"

"Nope." MJ stilled in her sister's grasp.

Aurora laughed, "Stop lying."

"…yeah."

"Yeah, what?"

Raising an eyebrow in defeat, MJ repeated, "I missed you too, dumb-dumb." Aurora leaned forward and kissed her cheek, but MJ didn't fight. For the first time, she actually looked like the younger sibling. Her cheeks pinked at the affection.

Koenma cackled, "I didn't know you could be so sweet, MJ."

MJ cut her eyes at him, "Hush. You're ruining the moment."

Koenma deadpanned. "You do realize I can have you arrested."

"You wouldn't dare," she said with a rather suggestive undertone. Her lips quirked into a teasing smile, a trait she shared with her sister. "Anyway," Aurora stepped away from her, her smile as big as her bright eyes. "which one of you is the spirit detective…Daisuke or Sasuke or whatever."

"You know I didn't say that." Koenma covered his face with his hand.

"You talking about me?" Yusuke walked over, "It's Yusuke by the way and it's ex-spirit detective."

Botan snorted, "Only when it's convenient apparently."

"Hey, I do what I can." Yusuke replied over his shoulder to Botan. He turned back with an infectious grin. "Anyway, so you're MJ? It's good to meet you. Aurora's really been hyping you up. If you're such a badass maybe me and you can go a couple rounds?"

"No. I don't spar unless I'm going for the kill," MJ's eyes didn't immediately sear into Yusuke the same way they did, Kurama. She almost seemed friendly. Odd. Had he caused her some offense? "But the offer is appreciated. You are strong. I'm glad Koenma wasn't exaggerating."

"You thought I was lying?" Koenma asked, but MJ only waved away his concern.

"You can be melodramatic." She told him.

"When am I ever dramatic?" Koenma's voice cracked in octave.

"Counting right now?" MJ paused as if thinking it over, "Always. But we're not here for that."

Koenma shook his head with a sigh, "Right. Let's get this over with." Koenma stood near Genkai as she settled back onto her seat cushion. MJ gave Aurora's hand a squeeze before she let go and stood against the wall behind Koenma. It was almost as if she was standing guard over him.

Just by her posture, Kurama could tell that she trusted only two people in the room and had put herself in a place to be ready for anything. Her eyes were cold, sliding over the room's inhabitants with indifference.

Aurora, the polar opposite, sat back down beside Keiko, pulling Hydra's hand into hers. After a moment, Kurama sat beside her. He was sure to sit close to draw attention, and sure enough, he looked up to find MJ's absolute bloodlust directed at him. It gave him the first hint of her demonic aura, which he hadn't felt at all since she stepped into the room. It was weightless, but much like air, too much of it was suffocating. To much of it, felt like knives against him. It was so potent, he was surprised it hadn't actually drawn any blood. It was directed with such precision as well, straight at him. Everyone else appeared completely unaffected.

His gaze wandered over to Hydra who wore a poisonous grin. He noticed.

Kurama leaned into Aurora's ear, pleased to watch as she held her breath. Every little bit stroked his ego, he was ashamed to admit. "Did I do something to upset your sister?"

Aurora gathered herself before, glancing in MJ's direction. Her eyes narrowed before, she abruptly looked down, her teeth worrying at her bottom lip. "No. She…uh…she thinks…"

Kurama awaited her response with patience, taking note of the hint of embarrassment in her voice.

"I'm pretty sure she thinks that…you know," Aurora decided to finally meet his gaze, before she retreated into his shirt collar. "That you and I are…a thing."

"I see." Kurama moved a breath closer, "What do you think gave her that impression?"

Aurora's eyes flashed up to meet his as she her hushed tone became wild, "Don't you come for me, Kurama! I didn't give her that impression."

He chuckled, "You misunderstand me. I was only asking, I wasn't accusing you of anything. Truly."

"Well, in that case, it's probably this." She pointed to the distance between them. The nearly non-existent distance. "She's very protective. You're too close and so she just assumed."

"Of course." Kurama agreed amicably but made no move to put any distance between them. "That would make sense."

"Are you two done?" Genkai asked in an irritated voice, "If you want to flirt, do it on your own time."

"I wasn't—" Aurora ducked her head in embarrassment. On the contrary, Kurama wasn't the least bit embarrassed, "Just…MJ? Can you stop sending telepathic death threats to Kurama? It's unpleasant and you're making him uncomfortable."

MJ seemed all too pleased to hear it, but her energy reached back into herself despite her obvious joy. Leisurely, she inclined her head. "If it bothers you." Kurama had a feeling, Aurora was one of the only people MJ would ever compromise for.

Kurama knew Aurora could be spiteful, and angry, vengeful. But…seeing those same traits in MJ, but taken to the extreme, wasn't nearly as amusing…or appealing. He'd hoped to make a good impression but instead found himself an adversary. How did always seem to find himself in these situations? It brought back memories…too many memories to be sure.

Author's Note: Guys, if the outline works out this will end in ten more chapters. I am going with a pairing now, if it wasn't obvious.

Damaged Forest Spirit: No need to cry, I won't stop this thing until it is finished with satisfaction.