Warped
by Ookami no Kokoro and xDarkxMagicianxGirlx
Disclaimer: Still don't own anything...
Chapter Four
They both slipped down a long, winding tunnel, surrounded only by bright yellow dirt. Quite suddenly and unexpectedly, they were thrown into the air.
Yusuke put his hands in front of his face, expecting to hit something hard.
Suddenly, they were both thrown into the air again. However, this time, only Yusuke landed back on the ground, as Kurama landed in a different pathway attached to the ceiling.
Yusuke felt himself hit the ground and he groaned. Sitting up, he looked around, his eyes widening. "Kurama!?"
Slowly, his eyes opened, as he pushed himself up with his hands. Shaking his head slightly, he looked at his surroundings. "Yusuke?"
Getting to his feet, he dusted his clothes off. What is this place? he wondered. More importantly..... Where's Yusuke?
Yusuke sighed, looking around. Great.. just great.. He stood and tried to concentrate on finding a way out, but his thoughts kept wandering back to Kurama.
Shaking his head, he walked along, keeping his hand on the yellow wall. It wasn't too dark, but it wasn't really bright either. He debated whether or not to use his Youko eyes. All the while, he kept his senses open for any sign of the younger teen.
Seeing a long semi-dark corridor, the detective walked towards it. "I guess this is the only way out," he said to the empty space around him.
So engrossed in his thoughts, he didn't notice the hole in the ground until he fell in it. Letting out a gasp, he could do nothing as he suddenly hit the ground below.
Continuing to walk through the semi-darkness, Yusuke noticed a huge boulder blocking his path. After trying to get around the obstacle, he punched it hard. The punch barely scratched the steel-like boulder, but his knuckles started to bleed in the process.
Groaning, Kurama shook his head again, looking up at from where he fell from. Getting to his feet, he looked around, until he came across a strange sight. What is that? he wondered. It almost looks like....... a red bush?
The teen sighed as he put his back on the boulder and slid down, sitting on the floor. I wonder where Kurama is right now..
Walking towards the bush, he blinked in wonder as the spied green roses growing from the red plant. Reaching out, he plucked one off the bush, admiring its strange beauty. Yusuke sighed and stood up, punching the rock over and over again.
"I... need... to... get... through.." His punches cracked it and the teen readied himself to use his spirit gun.
Suddenly, there was a slight rumbling noise, and Kurama looked up to see that the wall across from him seemed to slowly be moving.
Light started to build on his fingertip, and the blast that came next hit the rock, making it crumble into smaller pieces. When the attack died away, Yusuke realized that, even though his spirit gun had blown up the rock, the smaller pieces were still blocking his path. "At least I can move these.."
The rocks suddenly tumbled, creating a path for the young delinquent, as an eerie laughing could be heard.
Yusuke blinked, stepping through the rubble. "Who's there?" he asked, looking around.
Rising from the ground, a hooded figure appeared in front of the teen, his bright blue eyes burning through Yusuke.
He stepped back in surprise, tripping over a rock and falling backwards onto his rear. Glaring up at the hooded figure, he asked, "What do you want?"
The figure said nothing, his eyes still fixed on Yusuke's.
There was a dull pain in the back of his head. Reaching up, Kurama placed his hand where it hurt, feeling a warm substance. Did I hit my head when I fell? he wondered idly. He shook his head to snap out of it, as he wondered what to do as the wall opposite him slowly edged closer.
Yusuke felt as though he couldn't move as the figure's blue eyes pierced into him. He sat there, looking into the eyes. "Did you bring us here?" he asked, a commanding tone in his voice.
The only answer was a silent nod.
"Why?" His glaring chocolate eyes suddenly filled with wonder.
Saying nothing, the hooded simply extended his hand out from beneath his cloak. Palm faced upward, light began to shine up, revealing a holographic picture of Kurama as he was backed into a corner by the oncoming wall.
The younger teen's eyes widened drastically and he sprang up in the air. "Kurama! W-where is he?" he asked, looking from the hologram to the blue eyes, gulping slightly.
The figure said nothing, instead turning his eyes back to the picture. The hologram showed, just as the fox leaned back against the wall, he gasped, pushing himself away from the wall, as it shook a bit, before starting to move towards him as well.
Kurama! Oh god.. what do I do? Where is he? he wondered. Snapping back, to reality, he glared at the figure. "Fine! I don't need your help!" he yelled, running past the figure.
As the young teen ran by, the figure grabbed him by the collar of his shirt.
"What the?!" Yusuke realized he was being held back. "Let me go! I need to find him!"
Forcing the detective to look at him, the hooded man pointed to the ceiling.
Yusuke watched as the man pointed above him. "He's... above me?" He looked up. How do I get up there?!
Looking at the young man, the mysterious figure formed his hand into the shape of a gun, aiming at the ceiling as he pretended to fire it.
My spirit gun... He looked up at the ceiling. "But what if I hit him?"
The figure looked up at the ceiling, then back at the teen. His glass blue eyes seemed to say, "What choice do you have?"
Tears started forming in the delinquent's eyes as he lifted his arm up, hand formed into a gun. Please... don't hit him.. Before he knew it, a huge blast of light went straight up through the ceiling.
Kurama gasped, shielding himself from the rocks that had seemed to explode from the ground. Momentarily, he thought he had seen a white light coming through from the hole in the ground.
Yusuke took one last look at the hooded man before jumping up through the hole in the ceiling.
Watching the young teen disappear into the hole above them, the hooded figure slowly melted into the ground.
The teen came up through, landing in front of the hole on his knees.
Kurama blinked, almost forgetting that the walls were, quite literally, closing in on them. "Yusuke....?"
Yusuke looked relieved, before running over and taking the other's hand. "Come on, we have to go!"
Slightly disoriented from the injury on his head, he let himself be led along.
The younger teen led Kurama to the hole, letting go of his hand and pushing him towards it. "Hurry, jump down."
He nodded, jumping to the ground further below. He barely landed on his feet, and as he did so, he felt almost as though he were going to fall down.
Jumping down next, Yusuke landed in front of the older teen.
Looking up, the fox watched as the wall passed over the hole, covering it up.
Reaching up, he placed his hand to where the injury was, flinching slightly.
Yusuke looked at the older teen, suddenly walking forward and embracing him. A few tears slid down his cheeks. "Are... are you all right?
Kurama's eyes widened slightly as he felt warm droplets soak into his clothing. Smiling, he returned the embrace. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."
Pulling away, he smiled, then looking around he looked confused. "Where'd he go?"
"Who?"
"The... man... with the blue eyes.."
"The one we saw in the alley?"
Yusuke nodded.
"When did you see him here?"
"Before I went up to help you. He.... he helped me.."
"He helped you? How?"
"He showed me where you were.. and what was happening," he replied, remembering the hologram.
"Oh...." Yusuke's words seemed to drone out a bit, as the pain in his head increased slightly. He began rubbing the back of his head, ignoring the blood that was catching on his hand.
"Are you okay?" The younger teen's voice was full of concern as he watched the older teen rubbing his head.
Not answering, Kurama stopped rubbing, looking at his bloodstained hand.
Yusuke saw his friend's hand and he gasped. "You're not okay!" He quickly went behind the teen, looking at the back of his head.
Not really being able to think clearly, he wondered if Yusuke would find where he was bleeding with his thick crimson hair in the way.
He noticed some dried blood in the teen's hair and he gently parted it, looking for the source.
He winced slightly, his head beginning to throb again.
Feeling Kurama wince, Yusuke stopped. "What happened?" he asked, pulling off his jacket and then his white shirt.
"I..... fell, and..... I suppose I hit my head, though I.... don't remember doing that......"
Ripping his white t-shirt, Yusuke made a long strip. He nodded gently as Kurama responded to his question.
He began to feel slightly dizzy. He swayed slightly, feeling as though he were about to fall over.
Noticing this, Yusuke wrapped his arms around the older teen's waist, gently prodding him to sit down.
Feeling Yusuke supporting him, he felt himself slowly sinking to the ground.
When he felt the older teen sit on the ground, he started wrapping the cloth around the teen's injury, pulling it tight enough to stop the blood flow and stay on, but loose enough so he didn't cut off circulation or cause the teen anymore pain.
Reaching up into his hair, he pulled out two roses that were beginning to irritate his scalp as the bandage was wrapped around his head. One was a red blossom with a green stem. The other was the exact opposite; a green blossom with a red stem.
Yusuke watched as the teen took the two roses, and he blinked. Shrugging off his confusion, he finished the bandage.
He closed his eyes, the pain in his head subduing slightly.
The younger teen stood, walking around and sitting in front of Kurama. "Are you okay?"
He nodded slightly, though not opening his eyes. "Thanks."
He nodded, moving so he was sitting next to the older teen. He wrapped his arm around Kurama's waist and gently pulled him closer. "I'm glad... I was really scared.." he whispered.
He leaned closer to Yusuke, resting his head on his chest. "I'm sorry I made you worry," he replied.
"Don't be sorry.."
He nodded, enjoying the warmth of Yusuke's body. But he knew that they should get going, though he didn't want to get up at the moment.
Yusuke looked at the spot where the hooded man had been a while ago. That man... why wouldn't he answer my questions.. and why did he bring us here?
He blinked his emerald orbs suddenly, trying to keep awake. Though he wanted to sleep, just the way he was, he knew he couldn't yet.
A small sigh escaped the younger's lips as he continued to stare at the spot and ask himself questions he couldn't answer.
Hearing the sigh from the other, he looked up. "Something wrong?"
Clearing his thoughts, Yusuke looked down at the red head, smiling gently. "No.. Everything's fine."
He nodded, his eyes drooping slightly, before trying to shake himself out of it.
"Why not rest, if your tired?" he replied, seeing the teen's eyes droop slightly.
He shook his head, pulling himself away from Yusuke slightly, despite some protests from within. "We.... we really should be trying to find a way out of here......"
"But.. what about your head?"
He did his best to sit up, trying not to sway. "It's fine. We should....... we should get going."
"Kurama..." He looked at the teen concerned.
Using the cave wall for support, he slowly got to his feet, trying to ignore the pounding in his head as he did so. "Really..... We have to find a way out....."
"But we don't even know which way to go.." He stood up, watching the older teen carefully.
He walked slowly, still using the wall for support. "We..... we can at least try....."
Walking over, Yusuke picked up the teen's arm, placing it on his shoulders. "At least let me help you.."
Looking at the younger teen, he smiled slightly.
He placed one hand around Kurama's waist, helping him walk. His chocolate colored eyes were shrouded in pain as he watched the older walk. This isn't a good idea... I wish he would just stay put until he's better..
Looking straight forward, Kurama walked, trying to ignore the pain in his head. As he walked, however, he noticed something black up ahead.
Even though Yusuke was looking ahead, he wasn't paying attention. Instead he was glancing out the corner of his eye at the older teen.
He suddenly stopped, forcing the other teen to do so as well. Up ahead, was a hooded figure with piercing blue eyes.
After the sudden stop, Yusuke looked up and noticed the hooded figure. "Hey! Can you help us?" He knew the man wasn't going to speak, but it was worth a try.
Turning slightly, he placed his hand on the wall to his right. As he did so, it began to vibrate slightly, before a hidden door opened. He looked back at them, his blue eyes seeming to say, "Follow me." And he disappeared through the secret passage way.
Yusuke started walking forward, following the hooded man.
The fox teen stopped for a minute. "Yusuke, can we really trust him?" he whispered.
He blinked. "He helped me before... why would this be any different?"
"But wasn't he the one who trapped us in this place to begin with?"
The younger teen paused, that was true. "But what other choice do we have?"
He nodded, knowing that they really didn't have any other choice. Besides, his head was hurting far too much for him to argue any further.
Yusuke nodded back and went into the passage slowly, Kurama still next to him.
Kurama looked around the dark tunnel that the hooded figure was leading them down through. He watched as, once again, he opened a hidden door with his hand. Turning to look at the both of them, his eyes indicated for them to enter the mysterious room.
The younger teen followed, moving a bit in front of his injured friend.
As they both entered, Kurama was surprised to see that the room was entirely white. The bright color hurt his vision a bit.
Following after the two teens, the hooded figure shut the door behind him.
Yusuke blinked as the bright white room made his eyes water. He jumped slightly at hearing the door close, and turned to watch the figure.
"Don't be alarmed," the figure said quietly. "I'm not here to hurt you."
He watched the figure with one eye, the other glancing at Kurama from time to time.
"Please, don't be so wary. As I've said, I have no intention of hurting you."
Kurama was suddenly aware of something behind them, and as he looked, he was surprised to discover chairs that weren't there before.
Yusuke looked back also. "Where did those come from?"
The hooded figure nodded to them, indicating for them to sit down.
The dark-haired teen nodded back, looking at Kurama. "Can you sit down?"
Looking at the younger teen, he nodded, slowly seating himself on the chair.
The hooded figure watched them quietly with clear blue eyes.
After the older teen was sitting, he slowly sat down in the chair next to him.
Waiting for the two of them to be seated, the hooded figure turned his attention to another corner of the room.
Yusuke looked at the hooded man, then to where he was staring.
"I suppose you both would like to know why you're here," the figure stated, looking over at them.
Yusuke only nodded.
"For that, I must apologize. I do not know how to justify my brother's actions."
"Brother?" Kurama asked.
The younger teen looked up at the figure, awaiting his response.
"It was my brother that you saw at the club that night. He was the one responsible for what was happening to the people there, and how you two ended up here. Why he is doing this, I'm not sure, but I know it's nothing good."
"Will... we be able to leave?" Yusuke suddenly asked.
"I'm not sure about that yet. I'm trying to find out what my brother is planning to do. Of course, with him being the stronger between us, there isn't much I can do about him."
Kurama did his best to absorb the information being relayed to them, finding it rather difficult through his dizzy haze.
Yusuke glanced at Kurama. He looked kind of dizzy. "Are you all right, Kurama?"
He nodded slightly, not wanting to provoke the pain in his head.
The hooded figure watched them with curious eyes.
The younger sighed slightly, knowing the teen wasn't all right, but getting him to admit it would've put him through more pain.
Looking at the hooded figure, Kurama then asked, "So, what kind of place is this?"
The figure first looked at the fox, then at Yusuke. "You were right to believe that this world is controlled by your feelings," he said.
"But what about the beams, and the spider, and that dust cloud?" Yusuke asked. He sure hadn't wanted any of that stuff to happen.
"Those were created from your fears."
"Our fears?" the fox echoed.
Yusuke looked at Kurama then back, asking the same question.
The hooded figure nodded. "Your feelings for each other are..... quite strong. But, your fears to lose each other are just as strong. This world takes those feelings, and somehow manifests into something to try and tear you two apart."
The detective looked at the ground. That makes sense... When we were in that dust cloud, I didn't want to lose Kurama.. and then I did.
Quickly, Kurama stole a glance at Yusuke, before looking down at the ground.
The hooded figure nodded. "But also, the desire to protect each other allowed you two to stay safe for a long enough time until I was able to find and help you."
"So.. everything that happened, we did it to each other?" he asked, letting the figure's words sink in.
"In a sense. But, remember, some of the things that happened were a result of my brother's interference."
Yusuke looked at the floor again, for the first time he didn't want to get closer to the older teen. I only hurt him when I get closer..
Kurama also looked away from the other teen.
Seeing the looks in both their eyes, the hooded figure then realized his mistake. "Well.... I suppose I should let you two rest for a while. Since my brother won't be able to sense you here, I believe you'll both be safe here." Turning, he disappeared through the opened door, which closed after him.
Why did this have to happen? he asked himself. Why couldn't that guy have just left us in the alley..?
Though it appeared that Kurama was crossing his arms, it was an action to keep himself warm as a shiver was sent through his body.
Yusuke glanced at the teen, sighing. I'll have to stay away from him so he doesn't get hurt anymore.. He suddenly got out of the chair and walked over the wall, sitting down and leaning back on it.
"Yusuke?"
He looked up, but not directly at the teen. It was too painful. "Hmn?"
"Are.... are you alright?"
"Yes.. I'm fine."
Slowly, Kurama got to his feet, carefully walking to where the younger teen sat. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure," he replied, staring straight ahead.
But there was something that told him that he wasn't telling the truth. Getting on his knees, he sat down directly in front of him. "Yusuke."
A pain shot up through his stomach, and he continued to stare past Kurama. "Hmn?" He looked around, noticing that there was no way he could get away with the teen sitting in front of him.
"Yusuke, look at me."
Reluctantly, he looked into the jade eyes before him.
"Now, if you can look at me, and tell me that nothing's wrong, I'll believe you."
"There's..." He tried to say it, but he couldn't. He glanced away. "..nothing wrong."
He sighed, confirming what he knew was true. "Yusuke, what's wrong? You can tell me."
"I...... I don't want you to get hurt anymore, Kurama," he replied, looking back at the older teen.
He gazed into the pained chocolate eyes, before looking down at the ground. "I... I don't want to hurt you either, Yusuke." He looked back up again. "But.... did you ever think that maybe it would hurt more if you were to push me away?"
"I'm sorry..." the younger teen replied, looking at the ground.
He shook his head. "Don't be sorry, Yusuke. I..... I just don't want to lose you."
"I don't want to lose you either.."
He nodded, pulling the younger teen into an embrace.
Yusuke smiled, returning the embrace.
As the fox pulled away, he spied the two roses lying on the ground next to him. Smiling, he picked up the green rose, placing it in Yusuke's hand.
"What's this?" he asked, looking at it.
"I found it earlier, before you came. It was a strange place for a rose bush, but, with the way this whole world operates, I shouldn't be surprised." Still smiling, he looked up at the younger teen. "I thought it would be nice for you."
He smiled. "And it's my favorite color.." His smile soon faded into a small frown.
"What's wrong?"
"I... don't have anything for you.." Yusuke replied, not taking his eyes off the rose in his hands.
"It's alright. You've already done more than enough for me. As nice as a rose is, it will never be enough to repay you for EVERYTHING that you've done for me."
"I think it will." He smiled, leaning over and kissing Kurama on the cheek. "Thank you."
A small blush spread over his cheeks, as he looked shyly at the ground, nodding in reply.
Seeing the blush spread across the older teen's cheeks, he chuckled. "I better not do that again or you'll be as red as your rose."
He punched Yusuke lightly on the shoulder.
"Ow.." Yusuke pouted playfully. "That hurt."
"Oh, did it?" he responded, just as playfully. "I'm sorry." Gently, he placed his hand on the shoulder, pretending to massage it.
Yusuke smiled and looked at the other. "How does your head feel?" He was suddenly reminded about it when he realized he wasn't wearing a top.
"Better," he lied. Actually, it had been pounding painfully for a while, but he didn't mind as long as Yusuke wasn't upset any longer.
Leaning his bare back on the white wall, he lifted the green rose and spun it around between his fingers. "I don't think you're telling me the truth.." He looked up at the older teen.
He looked down at the ground, slightly ashamed.
Yusuke smiled slightly. "Don't worry about it, Kurama."
Looking up, he smiled as well. Leaning forward, he gently brushed his lips over Yusuke's.
The boy smiled first, then gently kissed back.
The feeling that arose within him cancelled out the pain in his head, as he leaned closer to Yusuke.
After a few more seconds, Yusuke broke the kiss but kept his eyes closed, as if still savoring it.
The fox inhaled deeply, enjoying the tingling warmth on his lips.
"How does your head feel NOW?" Yusuke asked, almost slyly.
"I.... I don't know....." He had really lost himself in his own little world.
Yusuke chuckled. Using the hand that didn't have the rose in it, he started playing with the older teen's crimson hair.
He smiled slightly, feeling his stands of hair between Yusuke's fingers.
The ebony haired teen stopped, placing his hand back on the ground.
The red head blinked, emerald eyes holding confusion as he wondered why the other stopped suddenly.
"I'm keeping you up," he stated, "and you really need your rest."
He pouted slightly. Though he did need some rest, and he knew that he did, he didn't want to sleep. Not yet.
Yusuke looked at the other's pout. "What?"
"I don't want to rest. Not now, anyway."
He blinked. "Why not?"
"Because..... I want to stay with you."
A small trace of a blush formed over Yusuke's cheeks. "It's kinda bright in here, anyway."
He nodded, edging closer to the younger teen. "Um...Can I ask you something, Yusuke?"
"Sure..."
"Well..... at the club..... were.... were you really mad when my classmate called you my 'boyfriend'?"
Yusuke shook his head. "No.... I just... thought it could never happen.. and I got a little upset.." He looked at the older teen. "I would've gone for that other guy's throat though.. but I figured it would look a little odd..."
"I see....." He nodded. "I never thought it could happen either," he replied, a small smile on his lips. "I never thought I would deserve someone like you."
He blinked. "I think it should be the other way around.."
He shook his head. "No. I really don't deserve someone like you. As Youko, I was such a terrible person. You've told me that you weren't exactly the nicest person before, but you couldn't have possible as bad as I was. Then..... when I discovered my true feelings for you, I thought, even if you had been interested in me, that you deserved someone better than I am."
The younger teen looked at him. "But you've changed Kurama, just like I have. I think everyone in our group has changed.. You, Hiei, Kuwabara, and me. And if you can accept my past, I will gladly accept yours."
Looking up, he smiled, once again brushing his lips over the younger's. "Thank you," he whispered.
Yusuke smiled and whispered back, "I should be thanking you.. Even though you don't realize it, you've done much more than anyone else has in my life."
"Really? How so?"
"You don't know?" He chuckled.
He shook his head.
"Then I guess you'll have to find that out on your own." He gently tapped Kurama's nose with his finger and smiled.
He let out a small sigh. "Alright. If that's the way you want to be. But, you know, Yusuke, you've done so much for me as well."
"Oh? You think so?" he asked, teasing the older boy.
Though sensing the playful tone in the other's voice, he nodded. "Of course you have. After all, not many people would risk their lives for a stranger they just met, especially if their job was to arrest them." He had a sly smile on his lips.
"I was supposed to arrest you?" he asked, mirroring Kurama's smile. It's kinda bright in here... I wish it was a little darker.. he thought and suddenly the walls, ceiling and floor became a deep purple.
Kurama looked up, surprised at the sudden change of the colors of the walls. "What happened?"
"I thought it needed a color change," he replied, pouting. "What you don't like it?"
Kurama laughed quietly. "It's not that I don't like it. It's just...... it strongly reminds me of my school uniform."
"Well then you change it." He grinned.
"To what?"
Yusuke shrugged.
Thinking about it for a while, the color of the room suddenly changed to a dark blue.
He smiled. At least it isn't as bright anymore.
Smiling at his work, he remembered suddenly that he hadn't eaten all day. He shrugged it off, not thinking of it as an important detail.
Yusuke looked around. "I wonder if anyone has noticed we're gone.."
"Probably. I suppose we've been gone for about two days now." Quietly, though not totally undetectable, he added, "I hope Mother isn't too worried......"
"Don't worry, when we get home I'll tell her it was my fault..." He looked at Kurama.
"I highly doubt anyone has noticed I'm not around, though."
"Don't talk like that. That can't be true."
He smiled. "Don't worry about it.."
He frowned slightly, wondering if Yusuke still had that thought in his head. However, not being able to know the answer, he knew he couldn't dwell on it.
Yusuke shifted, trying to make himself comfortable with the hard wall behind him.
Noticing this, Kurama closed his eyes for a moment.
The younger teen looked at him, and wondered what he was doing for a second.
Suddenly, a large bed sprang up underneath them.
Yusuke gasped in surprise as the bed appeared underneath them. "You're getting good at this.."
Opening his eyes, he simply smiled. Then, looking down at the bed, he said, "This isn't quite what I had in mind...."
"What were you thinking of? A tub?" he asked sarcastically.
He stuck his tongue out at Yusuke. "No. I was more of thinking for two smaller beds rather than one large one."
Yusuke laughed gently. "Guess it read you wrong."
"I suppose it did. Or maybe it was wrong on purpose....."
The younger smiled, and looking at Kurama, he remembered the older teen hadn't eaten anything all day. He closed his eyes, hoping that when he opened them Kurama would have a plate with something to eat on it.
Suddenly, a tray appeared in front of the fox, having all different kinds of food on it. Confused, he glanced at Yusuke, who had his eyes closed, and smiled.
He opened his eyes and looked, smiling when he saw the tray.
"Thank you," he said.
"You're welcome," he replied gently.
He ate about a fourth of the food on the tray in front of him, before he felt content. Washing it all down with water, he placed the tray on the ground, which he noted was a bit far from the top of the large bed, and lay back on the soft pillow, his arms folded behind his head, looking up at the ceiling.
Seeing Kurama finish, he gently scooted closer, placing his head on the older boy's chest.
Freeing one of his hands, his arm came around the younger's back, his fingers resting on Yusuke's shoulder, gently pulling him closer.
Yusuke sighed happily as he felt himself being pulled closer. Closing his eyes, he snuggled into the teen's chest.
Smiling to himself, Kurama closed his eyes as well, trying to fight off sleep as much as he could.
The younger teen gently rested his arm over Kurama's waist, the green rose still clasped tightly in his hand. He yawned slightly.
"Tired?" the fox asked quietly.
He nodded gently.
"So, I guess we should both sleep now, huh?"
Sitting up, Yusuke leaned over Kurama. "No, you can stay up as long as you want." He placed a gentle kiss on Kurama's cheek before laying back down the way he was before. "But... I.." His eyes closed again and he fell into a peaceful slumber.
Smiling, Kurama reached over, brushing ebony strands out of the younger teen's face. Then, he liberated his other hand, taking hold of the red rose by his head, before bringing it down next to the green blossom. Slowly, his eyes closed, as he too fell asleep.
~*~
Okay, so they're either in trouble or sleeping at the end of the chapter, but that's okay, as long as you're satisfied, ne?
by Ookami no Kokoro and xDarkxMagicianxGirlx
Disclaimer: Still don't own anything...
Chapter Four
They both slipped down a long, winding tunnel, surrounded only by bright yellow dirt. Quite suddenly and unexpectedly, they were thrown into the air.
Yusuke put his hands in front of his face, expecting to hit something hard.
Suddenly, they were both thrown into the air again. However, this time, only Yusuke landed back on the ground, as Kurama landed in a different pathway attached to the ceiling.
Yusuke felt himself hit the ground and he groaned. Sitting up, he looked around, his eyes widening. "Kurama!?"
Slowly, his eyes opened, as he pushed himself up with his hands. Shaking his head slightly, he looked at his surroundings. "Yusuke?"
Getting to his feet, he dusted his clothes off. What is this place? he wondered. More importantly..... Where's Yusuke?
Yusuke sighed, looking around. Great.. just great.. He stood and tried to concentrate on finding a way out, but his thoughts kept wandering back to Kurama.
Shaking his head, he walked along, keeping his hand on the yellow wall. It wasn't too dark, but it wasn't really bright either. He debated whether or not to use his Youko eyes. All the while, he kept his senses open for any sign of the younger teen.
Seeing a long semi-dark corridor, the detective walked towards it. "I guess this is the only way out," he said to the empty space around him.
So engrossed in his thoughts, he didn't notice the hole in the ground until he fell in it. Letting out a gasp, he could do nothing as he suddenly hit the ground below.
Continuing to walk through the semi-darkness, Yusuke noticed a huge boulder blocking his path. After trying to get around the obstacle, he punched it hard. The punch barely scratched the steel-like boulder, but his knuckles started to bleed in the process.
Groaning, Kurama shook his head again, looking up at from where he fell from. Getting to his feet, he looked around, until he came across a strange sight. What is that? he wondered. It almost looks like....... a red bush?
The teen sighed as he put his back on the boulder and slid down, sitting on the floor. I wonder where Kurama is right now..
Walking towards the bush, he blinked in wonder as the spied green roses growing from the red plant. Reaching out, he plucked one off the bush, admiring its strange beauty. Yusuke sighed and stood up, punching the rock over and over again.
"I... need... to... get... through.." His punches cracked it and the teen readied himself to use his spirit gun.
Suddenly, there was a slight rumbling noise, and Kurama looked up to see that the wall across from him seemed to slowly be moving.
Light started to build on his fingertip, and the blast that came next hit the rock, making it crumble into smaller pieces. When the attack died away, Yusuke realized that, even though his spirit gun had blown up the rock, the smaller pieces were still blocking his path. "At least I can move these.."
The rocks suddenly tumbled, creating a path for the young delinquent, as an eerie laughing could be heard.
Yusuke blinked, stepping through the rubble. "Who's there?" he asked, looking around.
Rising from the ground, a hooded figure appeared in front of the teen, his bright blue eyes burning through Yusuke.
He stepped back in surprise, tripping over a rock and falling backwards onto his rear. Glaring up at the hooded figure, he asked, "What do you want?"
The figure said nothing, his eyes still fixed on Yusuke's.
There was a dull pain in the back of his head. Reaching up, Kurama placed his hand where it hurt, feeling a warm substance. Did I hit my head when I fell? he wondered idly. He shook his head to snap out of it, as he wondered what to do as the wall opposite him slowly edged closer.
Yusuke felt as though he couldn't move as the figure's blue eyes pierced into him. He sat there, looking into the eyes. "Did you bring us here?" he asked, a commanding tone in his voice.
The only answer was a silent nod.
"Why?" His glaring chocolate eyes suddenly filled with wonder.
Saying nothing, the hooded simply extended his hand out from beneath his cloak. Palm faced upward, light began to shine up, revealing a holographic picture of Kurama as he was backed into a corner by the oncoming wall.
The younger teen's eyes widened drastically and he sprang up in the air. "Kurama! W-where is he?" he asked, looking from the hologram to the blue eyes, gulping slightly.
The figure said nothing, instead turning his eyes back to the picture. The hologram showed, just as the fox leaned back against the wall, he gasped, pushing himself away from the wall, as it shook a bit, before starting to move towards him as well.
Kurama! Oh god.. what do I do? Where is he? he wondered. Snapping back, to reality, he glared at the figure. "Fine! I don't need your help!" he yelled, running past the figure.
As the young teen ran by, the figure grabbed him by the collar of his shirt.
"What the?!" Yusuke realized he was being held back. "Let me go! I need to find him!"
Forcing the detective to look at him, the hooded man pointed to the ceiling.
Yusuke watched as the man pointed above him. "He's... above me?" He looked up. How do I get up there?!
Looking at the young man, the mysterious figure formed his hand into the shape of a gun, aiming at the ceiling as he pretended to fire it.
My spirit gun... He looked up at the ceiling. "But what if I hit him?"
The figure looked up at the ceiling, then back at the teen. His glass blue eyes seemed to say, "What choice do you have?"
Tears started forming in the delinquent's eyes as he lifted his arm up, hand formed into a gun. Please... don't hit him.. Before he knew it, a huge blast of light went straight up through the ceiling.
Kurama gasped, shielding himself from the rocks that had seemed to explode from the ground. Momentarily, he thought he had seen a white light coming through from the hole in the ground.
Yusuke took one last look at the hooded man before jumping up through the hole in the ceiling.
Watching the young teen disappear into the hole above them, the hooded figure slowly melted into the ground.
The teen came up through, landing in front of the hole on his knees.
Kurama blinked, almost forgetting that the walls were, quite literally, closing in on them. "Yusuke....?"
Yusuke looked relieved, before running over and taking the other's hand. "Come on, we have to go!"
Slightly disoriented from the injury on his head, he let himself be led along.
The younger teen led Kurama to the hole, letting go of his hand and pushing him towards it. "Hurry, jump down."
He nodded, jumping to the ground further below. He barely landed on his feet, and as he did so, he felt almost as though he were going to fall down.
Jumping down next, Yusuke landed in front of the older teen.
Looking up, the fox watched as the wall passed over the hole, covering it up.
Reaching up, he placed his hand to where the injury was, flinching slightly.
Yusuke looked at the older teen, suddenly walking forward and embracing him. A few tears slid down his cheeks. "Are... are you all right?
Kurama's eyes widened slightly as he felt warm droplets soak into his clothing. Smiling, he returned the embrace. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."
Pulling away, he smiled, then looking around he looked confused. "Where'd he go?"
"Who?"
"The... man... with the blue eyes.."
"The one we saw in the alley?"
Yusuke nodded.
"When did you see him here?"
"Before I went up to help you. He.... he helped me.."
"He helped you? How?"
"He showed me where you were.. and what was happening," he replied, remembering the hologram.
"Oh...." Yusuke's words seemed to drone out a bit, as the pain in his head increased slightly. He began rubbing the back of his head, ignoring the blood that was catching on his hand.
"Are you okay?" The younger teen's voice was full of concern as he watched the older teen rubbing his head.
Not answering, Kurama stopped rubbing, looking at his bloodstained hand.
Yusuke saw his friend's hand and he gasped. "You're not okay!" He quickly went behind the teen, looking at the back of his head.
Not really being able to think clearly, he wondered if Yusuke would find where he was bleeding with his thick crimson hair in the way.
He noticed some dried blood in the teen's hair and he gently parted it, looking for the source.
He winced slightly, his head beginning to throb again.
Feeling Kurama wince, Yusuke stopped. "What happened?" he asked, pulling off his jacket and then his white shirt.
"I..... fell, and..... I suppose I hit my head, though I.... don't remember doing that......"
Ripping his white t-shirt, Yusuke made a long strip. He nodded gently as Kurama responded to his question.
He began to feel slightly dizzy. He swayed slightly, feeling as though he were about to fall over.
Noticing this, Yusuke wrapped his arms around the older teen's waist, gently prodding him to sit down.
Feeling Yusuke supporting him, he felt himself slowly sinking to the ground.
When he felt the older teen sit on the ground, he started wrapping the cloth around the teen's injury, pulling it tight enough to stop the blood flow and stay on, but loose enough so he didn't cut off circulation or cause the teen anymore pain.
Reaching up into his hair, he pulled out two roses that were beginning to irritate his scalp as the bandage was wrapped around his head. One was a red blossom with a green stem. The other was the exact opposite; a green blossom with a red stem.
Yusuke watched as the teen took the two roses, and he blinked. Shrugging off his confusion, he finished the bandage.
He closed his eyes, the pain in his head subduing slightly.
The younger teen stood, walking around and sitting in front of Kurama. "Are you okay?"
He nodded slightly, though not opening his eyes. "Thanks."
He nodded, moving so he was sitting next to the older teen. He wrapped his arm around Kurama's waist and gently pulled him closer. "I'm glad... I was really scared.." he whispered.
He leaned closer to Yusuke, resting his head on his chest. "I'm sorry I made you worry," he replied.
"Don't be sorry.."
He nodded, enjoying the warmth of Yusuke's body. But he knew that they should get going, though he didn't want to get up at the moment.
Yusuke looked at the spot where the hooded man had been a while ago. That man... why wouldn't he answer my questions.. and why did he bring us here?
He blinked his emerald orbs suddenly, trying to keep awake. Though he wanted to sleep, just the way he was, he knew he couldn't yet.
A small sigh escaped the younger's lips as he continued to stare at the spot and ask himself questions he couldn't answer.
Hearing the sigh from the other, he looked up. "Something wrong?"
Clearing his thoughts, Yusuke looked down at the red head, smiling gently. "No.. Everything's fine."
He nodded, his eyes drooping slightly, before trying to shake himself out of it.
"Why not rest, if your tired?" he replied, seeing the teen's eyes droop slightly.
He shook his head, pulling himself away from Yusuke slightly, despite some protests from within. "We.... we really should be trying to find a way out of here......"
"But.. what about your head?"
He did his best to sit up, trying not to sway. "It's fine. We should....... we should get going."
"Kurama..." He looked at the teen concerned.
Using the cave wall for support, he slowly got to his feet, trying to ignore the pounding in his head as he did so. "Really..... We have to find a way out....."
"But we don't even know which way to go.." He stood up, watching the older teen carefully.
He walked slowly, still using the wall for support. "We..... we can at least try....."
Walking over, Yusuke picked up the teen's arm, placing it on his shoulders. "At least let me help you.."
Looking at the younger teen, he smiled slightly.
He placed one hand around Kurama's waist, helping him walk. His chocolate colored eyes were shrouded in pain as he watched the older walk. This isn't a good idea... I wish he would just stay put until he's better..
Looking straight forward, Kurama walked, trying to ignore the pain in his head. As he walked, however, he noticed something black up ahead.
Even though Yusuke was looking ahead, he wasn't paying attention. Instead he was glancing out the corner of his eye at the older teen.
He suddenly stopped, forcing the other teen to do so as well. Up ahead, was a hooded figure with piercing blue eyes.
After the sudden stop, Yusuke looked up and noticed the hooded figure. "Hey! Can you help us?" He knew the man wasn't going to speak, but it was worth a try.
Turning slightly, he placed his hand on the wall to his right. As he did so, it began to vibrate slightly, before a hidden door opened. He looked back at them, his blue eyes seeming to say, "Follow me." And he disappeared through the secret passage way.
Yusuke started walking forward, following the hooded man.
The fox teen stopped for a minute. "Yusuke, can we really trust him?" he whispered.
He blinked. "He helped me before... why would this be any different?"
"But wasn't he the one who trapped us in this place to begin with?"
The younger teen paused, that was true. "But what other choice do we have?"
He nodded, knowing that they really didn't have any other choice. Besides, his head was hurting far too much for him to argue any further.
Yusuke nodded back and went into the passage slowly, Kurama still next to him.
Kurama looked around the dark tunnel that the hooded figure was leading them down through. He watched as, once again, he opened a hidden door with his hand. Turning to look at the both of them, his eyes indicated for them to enter the mysterious room.
The younger teen followed, moving a bit in front of his injured friend.
As they both entered, Kurama was surprised to see that the room was entirely white. The bright color hurt his vision a bit.
Following after the two teens, the hooded figure shut the door behind him.
Yusuke blinked as the bright white room made his eyes water. He jumped slightly at hearing the door close, and turned to watch the figure.
"Don't be alarmed," the figure said quietly. "I'm not here to hurt you."
He watched the figure with one eye, the other glancing at Kurama from time to time.
"Please, don't be so wary. As I've said, I have no intention of hurting you."
Kurama was suddenly aware of something behind them, and as he looked, he was surprised to discover chairs that weren't there before.
Yusuke looked back also. "Where did those come from?"
The hooded figure nodded to them, indicating for them to sit down.
The dark-haired teen nodded back, looking at Kurama. "Can you sit down?"
Looking at the younger teen, he nodded, slowly seating himself on the chair.
The hooded figure watched them quietly with clear blue eyes.
After the older teen was sitting, he slowly sat down in the chair next to him.
Waiting for the two of them to be seated, the hooded figure turned his attention to another corner of the room.
Yusuke looked at the hooded man, then to where he was staring.
"I suppose you both would like to know why you're here," the figure stated, looking over at them.
Yusuke only nodded.
"For that, I must apologize. I do not know how to justify my brother's actions."
"Brother?" Kurama asked.
The younger teen looked up at the figure, awaiting his response.
"It was my brother that you saw at the club that night. He was the one responsible for what was happening to the people there, and how you two ended up here. Why he is doing this, I'm not sure, but I know it's nothing good."
"Will... we be able to leave?" Yusuke suddenly asked.
"I'm not sure about that yet. I'm trying to find out what my brother is planning to do. Of course, with him being the stronger between us, there isn't much I can do about him."
Kurama did his best to absorb the information being relayed to them, finding it rather difficult through his dizzy haze.
Yusuke glanced at Kurama. He looked kind of dizzy. "Are you all right, Kurama?"
He nodded slightly, not wanting to provoke the pain in his head.
The hooded figure watched them with curious eyes.
The younger sighed slightly, knowing the teen wasn't all right, but getting him to admit it would've put him through more pain.
Looking at the hooded figure, Kurama then asked, "So, what kind of place is this?"
The figure first looked at the fox, then at Yusuke. "You were right to believe that this world is controlled by your feelings," he said.
"But what about the beams, and the spider, and that dust cloud?" Yusuke asked. He sure hadn't wanted any of that stuff to happen.
"Those were created from your fears."
"Our fears?" the fox echoed.
Yusuke looked at Kurama then back, asking the same question.
The hooded figure nodded. "Your feelings for each other are..... quite strong. But, your fears to lose each other are just as strong. This world takes those feelings, and somehow manifests into something to try and tear you two apart."
The detective looked at the ground. That makes sense... When we were in that dust cloud, I didn't want to lose Kurama.. and then I did.
Quickly, Kurama stole a glance at Yusuke, before looking down at the ground.
The hooded figure nodded. "But also, the desire to protect each other allowed you two to stay safe for a long enough time until I was able to find and help you."
"So.. everything that happened, we did it to each other?" he asked, letting the figure's words sink in.
"In a sense. But, remember, some of the things that happened were a result of my brother's interference."
Yusuke looked at the floor again, for the first time he didn't want to get closer to the older teen. I only hurt him when I get closer..
Kurama also looked away from the other teen.
Seeing the looks in both their eyes, the hooded figure then realized his mistake. "Well.... I suppose I should let you two rest for a while. Since my brother won't be able to sense you here, I believe you'll both be safe here." Turning, he disappeared through the opened door, which closed after him.
Why did this have to happen? he asked himself. Why couldn't that guy have just left us in the alley..?
Though it appeared that Kurama was crossing his arms, it was an action to keep himself warm as a shiver was sent through his body.
Yusuke glanced at the teen, sighing. I'll have to stay away from him so he doesn't get hurt anymore.. He suddenly got out of the chair and walked over the wall, sitting down and leaning back on it.
"Yusuke?"
He looked up, but not directly at the teen. It was too painful. "Hmn?"
"Are.... are you alright?"
"Yes.. I'm fine."
Slowly, Kurama got to his feet, carefully walking to where the younger teen sat. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure," he replied, staring straight ahead.
But there was something that told him that he wasn't telling the truth. Getting on his knees, he sat down directly in front of him. "Yusuke."
A pain shot up through his stomach, and he continued to stare past Kurama. "Hmn?" He looked around, noticing that there was no way he could get away with the teen sitting in front of him.
"Yusuke, look at me."
Reluctantly, he looked into the jade eyes before him.
"Now, if you can look at me, and tell me that nothing's wrong, I'll believe you."
"There's..." He tried to say it, but he couldn't. He glanced away. "..nothing wrong."
He sighed, confirming what he knew was true. "Yusuke, what's wrong? You can tell me."
"I...... I don't want you to get hurt anymore, Kurama," he replied, looking back at the older teen.
He gazed into the pained chocolate eyes, before looking down at the ground. "I... I don't want to hurt you either, Yusuke." He looked back up again. "But.... did you ever think that maybe it would hurt more if you were to push me away?"
"I'm sorry..." the younger teen replied, looking at the ground.
He shook his head. "Don't be sorry, Yusuke. I..... I just don't want to lose you."
"I don't want to lose you either.."
He nodded, pulling the younger teen into an embrace.
Yusuke smiled, returning the embrace.
As the fox pulled away, he spied the two roses lying on the ground next to him. Smiling, he picked up the green rose, placing it in Yusuke's hand.
"What's this?" he asked, looking at it.
"I found it earlier, before you came. It was a strange place for a rose bush, but, with the way this whole world operates, I shouldn't be surprised." Still smiling, he looked up at the younger teen. "I thought it would be nice for you."
He smiled. "And it's my favorite color.." His smile soon faded into a small frown.
"What's wrong?"
"I... don't have anything for you.." Yusuke replied, not taking his eyes off the rose in his hands.
"It's alright. You've already done more than enough for me. As nice as a rose is, it will never be enough to repay you for EVERYTHING that you've done for me."
"I think it will." He smiled, leaning over and kissing Kurama on the cheek. "Thank you."
A small blush spread over his cheeks, as he looked shyly at the ground, nodding in reply.
Seeing the blush spread across the older teen's cheeks, he chuckled. "I better not do that again or you'll be as red as your rose."
He punched Yusuke lightly on the shoulder.
"Ow.." Yusuke pouted playfully. "That hurt."
"Oh, did it?" he responded, just as playfully. "I'm sorry." Gently, he placed his hand on the shoulder, pretending to massage it.
Yusuke smiled and looked at the other. "How does your head feel?" He was suddenly reminded about it when he realized he wasn't wearing a top.
"Better," he lied. Actually, it had been pounding painfully for a while, but he didn't mind as long as Yusuke wasn't upset any longer.
Leaning his bare back on the white wall, he lifted the green rose and spun it around between his fingers. "I don't think you're telling me the truth.." He looked up at the older teen.
He looked down at the ground, slightly ashamed.
Yusuke smiled slightly. "Don't worry about it, Kurama."
Looking up, he smiled as well. Leaning forward, he gently brushed his lips over Yusuke's.
The boy smiled first, then gently kissed back.
The feeling that arose within him cancelled out the pain in his head, as he leaned closer to Yusuke.
After a few more seconds, Yusuke broke the kiss but kept his eyes closed, as if still savoring it.
The fox inhaled deeply, enjoying the tingling warmth on his lips.
"How does your head feel NOW?" Yusuke asked, almost slyly.
"I.... I don't know....." He had really lost himself in his own little world.
Yusuke chuckled. Using the hand that didn't have the rose in it, he started playing with the older teen's crimson hair.
He smiled slightly, feeling his stands of hair between Yusuke's fingers.
The ebony haired teen stopped, placing his hand back on the ground.
The red head blinked, emerald eyes holding confusion as he wondered why the other stopped suddenly.
"I'm keeping you up," he stated, "and you really need your rest."
He pouted slightly. Though he did need some rest, and he knew that he did, he didn't want to sleep. Not yet.
Yusuke looked at the other's pout. "What?"
"I don't want to rest. Not now, anyway."
He blinked. "Why not?"
"Because..... I want to stay with you."
A small trace of a blush formed over Yusuke's cheeks. "It's kinda bright in here, anyway."
He nodded, edging closer to the younger teen. "Um...Can I ask you something, Yusuke?"
"Sure..."
"Well..... at the club..... were.... were you really mad when my classmate called you my 'boyfriend'?"
Yusuke shook his head. "No.... I just... thought it could never happen.. and I got a little upset.." He looked at the older teen. "I would've gone for that other guy's throat though.. but I figured it would look a little odd..."
"I see....." He nodded. "I never thought it could happen either," he replied, a small smile on his lips. "I never thought I would deserve someone like you."
He blinked. "I think it should be the other way around.."
He shook his head. "No. I really don't deserve someone like you. As Youko, I was such a terrible person. You've told me that you weren't exactly the nicest person before, but you couldn't have possible as bad as I was. Then..... when I discovered my true feelings for you, I thought, even if you had been interested in me, that you deserved someone better than I am."
The younger teen looked at him. "But you've changed Kurama, just like I have. I think everyone in our group has changed.. You, Hiei, Kuwabara, and me. And if you can accept my past, I will gladly accept yours."
Looking up, he smiled, once again brushing his lips over the younger's. "Thank you," he whispered.
Yusuke smiled and whispered back, "I should be thanking you.. Even though you don't realize it, you've done much more than anyone else has in my life."
"Really? How so?"
"You don't know?" He chuckled.
He shook his head.
"Then I guess you'll have to find that out on your own." He gently tapped Kurama's nose with his finger and smiled.
He let out a small sigh. "Alright. If that's the way you want to be. But, you know, Yusuke, you've done so much for me as well."
"Oh? You think so?" he asked, teasing the older boy.
Though sensing the playful tone in the other's voice, he nodded. "Of course you have. After all, not many people would risk their lives for a stranger they just met, especially if their job was to arrest them." He had a sly smile on his lips.
"I was supposed to arrest you?" he asked, mirroring Kurama's smile. It's kinda bright in here... I wish it was a little darker.. he thought and suddenly the walls, ceiling and floor became a deep purple.
Kurama looked up, surprised at the sudden change of the colors of the walls. "What happened?"
"I thought it needed a color change," he replied, pouting. "What you don't like it?"
Kurama laughed quietly. "It's not that I don't like it. It's just...... it strongly reminds me of my school uniform."
"Well then you change it." He grinned.
"To what?"
Yusuke shrugged.
Thinking about it for a while, the color of the room suddenly changed to a dark blue.
He smiled. At least it isn't as bright anymore.
Smiling at his work, he remembered suddenly that he hadn't eaten all day. He shrugged it off, not thinking of it as an important detail.
Yusuke looked around. "I wonder if anyone has noticed we're gone.."
"Probably. I suppose we've been gone for about two days now." Quietly, though not totally undetectable, he added, "I hope Mother isn't too worried......"
"Don't worry, when we get home I'll tell her it was my fault..." He looked at Kurama.
"I highly doubt anyone has noticed I'm not around, though."
"Don't talk like that. That can't be true."
He smiled. "Don't worry about it.."
He frowned slightly, wondering if Yusuke still had that thought in his head. However, not being able to know the answer, he knew he couldn't dwell on it.
Yusuke shifted, trying to make himself comfortable with the hard wall behind him.
Noticing this, Kurama closed his eyes for a moment.
The younger teen looked at him, and wondered what he was doing for a second.
Suddenly, a large bed sprang up underneath them.
Yusuke gasped in surprise as the bed appeared underneath them. "You're getting good at this.."
Opening his eyes, he simply smiled. Then, looking down at the bed, he said, "This isn't quite what I had in mind...."
"What were you thinking of? A tub?" he asked sarcastically.
He stuck his tongue out at Yusuke. "No. I was more of thinking for two smaller beds rather than one large one."
Yusuke laughed gently. "Guess it read you wrong."
"I suppose it did. Or maybe it was wrong on purpose....."
The younger smiled, and looking at Kurama, he remembered the older teen hadn't eaten anything all day. He closed his eyes, hoping that when he opened them Kurama would have a plate with something to eat on it.
Suddenly, a tray appeared in front of the fox, having all different kinds of food on it. Confused, he glanced at Yusuke, who had his eyes closed, and smiled.
He opened his eyes and looked, smiling when he saw the tray.
"Thank you," he said.
"You're welcome," he replied gently.
He ate about a fourth of the food on the tray in front of him, before he felt content. Washing it all down with water, he placed the tray on the ground, which he noted was a bit far from the top of the large bed, and lay back on the soft pillow, his arms folded behind his head, looking up at the ceiling.
Seeing Kurama finish, he gently scooted closer, placing his head on the older boy's chest.
Freeing one of his hands, his arm came around the younger's back, his fingers resting on Yusuke's shoulder, gently pulling him closer.
Yusuke sighed happily as he felt himself being pulled closer. Closing his eyes, he snuggled into the teen's chest.
Smiling to himself, Kurama closed his eyes as well, trying to fight off sleep as much as he could.
The younger teen gently rested his arm over Kurama's waist, the green rose still clasped tightly in his hand. He yawned slightly.
"Tired?" the fox asked quietly.
He nodded gently.
"So, I guess we should both sleep now, huh?"
Sitting up, Yusuke leaned over Kurama. "No, you can stay up as long as you want." He placed a gentle kiss on Kurama's cheek before laying back down the way he was before. "But... I.." His eyes closed again and he fell into a peaceful slumber.
Smiling, Kurama reached over, brushing ebony strands out of the younger teen's face. Then, he liberated his other hand, taking hold of the red rose by his head, before bringing it down next to the green blossom. Slowly, his eyes closed, as he too fell asleep.
~*~
Okay, so they're either in trouble or sleeping at the end of the chapter, but that's okay, as long as you're satisfied, ne?