Could it be I'm Falling in Love?

Demon World. Outside one of the realm's largest castles, a group of thieves exit the building with items in hand. The group's leader, spirit fox Yoko Kurama, runs outside last with the most treasured item, a ruby/rose gold, six point crown. In front of him, is his second-in-command Yomi and newcomer, a spirit fox herself, Hayoeway.

"They're coming," Yomi points out, "Who set off the alarm?"

"What shall we do," Hayoeway asks.

The two stop running when Yoko does. "Hayoeway, burn them," he demands with a voice devoid of any emotion.

"Whatever you say," Hayoeway steps forward with her flames at the ready, the ends of her many tails also light up for added effect. When the lot of castle guards approach the three, Hayoeway lets herself go. With the powers of the fire and sun gods at her side, the guards don't stand a chance as they are incinerated instantly. When the job is done, the three bandits return with their group. Along the way, both Yomi and Yoko think about the young fire fox.


The gang of bandits eat and drink around a campfire in celebration of their recent pillage. Hayoeway joins them as best she could by serving libations. Unfortunately, things don't go her way as she stumbles and spills drinks on the other thieves. In a nearby camp house, Yomi watches her smiling and laughing at her antics with a drink of his own in his hand. "You know, that girl can be quite clownish when she's not on a mission," he states, "Is she really necessary to have around?"

Yoko is in the middle of studying a map stolen from a previous adventure, "Her control of fire is necessary. Plus, she's young. With proper training she'll fit in just fine."

"Are you sure you're not just saying that because she's a fox too?"

Yoko looks up at Yomi, "She's stays, nothing more."

Yomi looks back at Yoko, "Admit it, you like her."

"Blasphemy."

"Oh, come on. A cute fox girl like her should be able to handle a stone heart like yours."

"I don't need that type of companionship."

"Right. Everyone else has had their share of lovers except you. You may be a kleptomaniac, but that doesn't mean you have other desires as well."

"Leave me. Love is not on my list of priorities."

Yomi steps outside, "Think about it, Yoko. You can't spend the rest of your days alone, nor should you."


Later that night, as the team sleeps, Hayoeway uses the opportunity to clean herself up. Heading towards a nearby river, she notices a figure already bathing. Upon a closer look, the figure in question is Yoko. Hayoeway's heart beats immediately as she comes up with a plan, "Easy now. The last thing you'd want to do is goof in front of him." She attempts to imitate her leader's stealth like moves as best as she can. That is, until she steps on a bamboo stick. "Oh…crap," she thinks, "Please don't notice, please don't notice, please don't notice…" Concluding that she's in the clear, Hayoeway keeps going. A twitch of one her tails against one of the bamboo trees sets off an alarm.

"Hayoeway," Yoko calls catching her scent.

She shrieks, "Y-yes master?"

"It's alright. You can come out, no harm will come to you."

Hayoeway shyly steps out into the open. Standing a few feet in front of her is the most beautiful man she's ever met. Silver hair that shined ever so perfectly in the moonlight. A body ever so crafted, it should be in a museum with eyes so piercing death could come just by a single glare. In awe and slightly out of fear, Hayoeway immediately falls to her knees, "Please forgive me! I wasn't spying on you, I swear!"

"You can relax…its fine. In fact, I needed to have a word with you."

"A word? W-what for?"

"I've noticed something. You're attempts at controlling your powers are paying off. The job you've done today was admirable. You should be proud."

Hayoeway's eyes light up with pride, "Really?!"

"You're becoming useful. It's a good thing."

She rises to her feet, "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Her face beaming red. Those are the first words of praise she's ever received from him. By the time she's finished cheering for herself, she finds her face mere inches from Yoko's. "Um, master," she questions, immediately nervous.

After a few moments, Yoko's lips meet hers, confusing her at this point. "It's just as I thought," he concludes before stepping away from her.

"Um..."

"I'd think nothing of it if I were you. That was merely a test for me."

"Master, wait!"

"Hm?"

"U-um…I…um…"

"Speak your mind, Hayoeway."

Hayoeway gets back on her knees, "Thank you master. F-for letting me be a p-part of your team."

Yoko walks back towards her returning her appreciation with a pat on the head, "Relax. With a little bit of training, you'll get better," he heads for camp, "For now, you should bathe and rest for the night."

As he walks away, Hayoeway is mentally giggling like a schoolgirl, "H-he kissed me. He really kissed me." Upright on her knees, she touches her blessed lips, "I shall not fail, master. Especially if it involves rewards like that." After her bath, she later follows her master's orders and settles for bed. The sweet dreams of her recent encounter become a blissful summary of a job well done.


I participated in the YYH DA Fanclub's Secret Valentine this year and the recipient requested a one-shot of her OC with Yoko Kurama. This was another challenge for me because 1. This is someone else's OC and not mine and 2. This features Yoko Kurama and not Shuichi. Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed this as much as my recipient.

Happy Valentine's Day!