Bow: Chapter Two already! I just finished writing the first chapter an hour
or so ago! Wow, maybe this fanfic really WILL see the light of day!
Dragon: I would hope so.
Bow: @____________@
Dragon: ORDERLIES!!! SHE'S OVER HERE!!!
Orderlies: ::run over::
Bow: ::hiss, gurgle:: Ngaaaaaahhh! ::runs away::
Dragon: She's insane. I think the winter break is getting to her. Though, it's only been three days, and she has only gotten one extra day thus far, seeing as how today is Sunday.
Bow: ::gurgle, sprint::
Orderlies: ::chase::
Dragon: I think it has to do with the lack of mental stimuli that comes with switching to a crappy-ass high school. ::shrug:: But she has been reading a lot. ::nod nod::
Bow: ::gurgle, sprint, pant::
Orderlies: ::chase some more::
Dragon: And she has been working on The Return of Dragons, her own book- thingy. I guess the whole mental stimuli theory just got shot to hell, then didn't it?
Bow: ::gurgle, pant, run, pant, melt::
Orderlies: ::stare down at pile of Bow-goo. Shrug at each other and walk away::
~*~*~
The school day was over, and Kraiseiya, Kurama, Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Keiko stepped out past the front gate of the school. The sun was shining, and the afternoon was peacefully warm. Kurama glanced over at the others, his fingers interlaced with Kraiseiya's. "I'm going to be showing Kraiseiya around. We'll see you at school tomorrow?"
Yusuke gave him a knowing smirk. "Uh huh." He paused for a moment. "Sheesh, Kurama. I never knew you would be such a lady-killer!"
Kurama stared at him blankly for a moment. "Kraiseiya is only one girl. I don't see anyone else swooning over me."
"So she is swooning over you!"
"Iie, I didn't mean-"
Keiko took hold of Yusuke's ear, and began dragging him away with loud protests. "We'll see you tomorrow, Kurama, Krai-chan."
Kuwabara, hands in his pockets, grinned over at them, and turned and began to walk away. "Good luck, Kurama!"
Kurama flushed, looking down to Kraiseiya, who was an equal shade of red. "Well, now that we're alone, we may as well get something to eat. We can go back to my house."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"My mother will make us something. And she'd probably be thrilled to meet you."
Her heart resumed its normal pace, and she nodded. "A-alright."
"Taking her home to meet your mother already, Kurama?"
Both Kurama and Kraiseiya looked up to the wall around the school, to see a young man standing there. He was short, but that didn't deter from the menacing aura that surrounded him. His black hair was shaped like a tongue of flame, and his irises were a blood-red color. He was dressed in a black cloak, and a white bandana was wrapped around his forehead.
"Hello, Hiei," Kurama said pleasantly.
"Well, are you going to introduce us?" Hiei asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kurama knew full well that the youkai knew what her name was, but he had to play along. "Kraiseiya, this is Hiei. Hiei, Kraiseiya."
Hiei nodded at her, a small smirk playing on his features. "She's pretty. And she seems rather fond of you."
Kraiseiya pressed herself closer to Kurama, looking up at him nervously, but at the same time, was intrigued by him.
Feeling her press herself closer, Kurama released her hand and wrapped his arm around her. He then noticed that she was staring at the short fire youkai, and his arm tightened around her defensively.
"But do you think she will feel the same after she finds out about the truth about you? About the others?" Hiei asked. "Will she still look at you the same way?"
Kurama's eyes widened, and he stared up at Hiei. "What are you trying to do, Hiei?"
He smirked. "You should not get so close to each other, until you know the truth about each other. She needs to know, Kurama. And seeing as how you are so close to her, you should be the one to tell her."
Kurama shook his head. "Iie, she is not ready."
Kraiseiya looked over at Kurama confusedly. What was going on between Hiei and Kurama? What did they know? What did Hiei know about her? What was Kurama hiding?
"Oh? You told Yusuke rather easily."
"But he's a- He already knew about THAT. He didn't know about this," he said, gesturing to himself. "Not about my mother."
"She is not your mother, you know that."
"Hiei, stop! I will tell Kraiseiya later. Just stop," he said desperately.
"You should just tell her now. You are too soft for your own good, Kurama. Just tell her what you are, and what she is, and get on with it."
Kurama was about to protest, but Hiei darted away in a black blur. Kraiseiya blinked. He. how could he move at such inhumanly speeds? And what did he mean by what she was? She was human! .Wasn't she? And Kurama, he was human! She looked up at Kurama uneasily.
He looked down at her, and the expression on her face sent a chill down his spine. Why did Hiei have to upset her like this? She had been perfectly content with him before this, even happy, but now. Now she didn't know what to think anymore.
"Kurama.?"
"What Hiei said was true; I do have a secret, about you and myself. I just don't know if you are ready to find out."
"If you know something about me, then say it. I do not know what I am. Look at me? Do I look human to you? If you know what I am, then tell me!" she blurted out, pulling away from him.
He let out a heavy sigh, and bowed his head in defeat. "You, Kraiseiya, are a youkai. I do not know what kind, but you are not human."
"A-a youkai? B-but, youkais aren't real!" she blurted out, shaking her head. "I'm. a youkai?"
He nodded, still avoiding her gaze. "Hai, at least that is what I and the others think. Hiei. Hiei knows, and we believe him. You see. both Hiei and I are youkai as well."
He explained everything to her. About Yusuke and his being a Spirit Detective. About Kuwabara and Yukina. About Hiei, and finally, about himself. He looked up to see the expression on her face. She stared up at him, her silver eyes fixed upon his green ones, and her face was filled with understanding.
"My mother. she found me when I was a baby." She fingered the pendant around her neck. "She and my father raised me as their own despite how I looked. That would explain. a lot of things."
A better reaction then he could have expected, he was sure. Relief filled him, and he touched her hand with his own. "Are you alright, knowing all of this?"
She nodded slowly, slipping her hand into his. "Hai. I think so."
/You did the right thing, Kurama,/ Hiei told him.
/I didn't want her to find out this way./
/I think she's taking it rather well./
/Just. go tell Yusuke that she knows. Tell him that she knows everything./
Hiei fell silent.
"Do you still want me to show you around the city?" he asked quietly. "I know this is a lot to take in. It must be hard-"
She shook her head. "Iie, it's not. It's actually a very reasonable explanation for a lot of things. It's really odd, when you're three years old, and you get a scrape on your knee, and your blood isn't red, but blue." She chuckled. "And then watching it heal within seconds. I guess I already knew, but just didn't know I knew. If that makes any sense at all."
He nodded, smiling in relief. "Hai, it does. Perfect sense. Now, about the city-?"
"Iie," she said bluntly.
He was taken aback.
"I want to meet your mother first, remember? She sounds a lot like my mother," she said with a smile.
He nodded. "Alright, then."
~*~*~
Dragon: ::blinks:: Sheesh, that was blunt!
Bow: ::bops her:: Silence! I hate troubling emotions of quibbling mortals!
Dragon: o.o;;; You loon.
Bow: SILENCE I SAID!
Dragon: Orderlies?
Orderlies: ::come in and take her away, kicking and screaming::
Bow: IIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!! AIEEEEEEE!!! NGAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Dragon: ::blinks:: Well, anyway, pardon the fact that Kraiseiya accepts everything REALLY easily. I guess there is a decent enough reason as to why. ::shrug:: It just makes it easier for Bow, who, is extremely crazy right now.
Bow: ::gurgle, melt, bubble::
Orderlies: ::shrug, mop up Bow-goo, squeeze into bucket::
Bow-in-Bucket: ::gurgle, echo, gurgle, echo::
Dragon: o.o;;;;;;
Note: For certain circumstances, I will be using Japanese, like watashiiwa for dramatic-ness for example. I will not always use watashiiwa for I.
~*~*~
"But you're really okay with being a youkai?"
"Hai."
"Really?"
"Hai."
"Are you sure?"
"HAI! Kurama, I'm perfectly fine with being a youkai!"
Kurama blinked, looking over at her timidly. "Just making sure."
They were walking up the steps of his apartment building, Kraiseiya practically dragging him behind her. He was too busy pestering her with his questions to focus on walking quickly.
Her face softened, and she stopped walking. "Really, Kurama. I'm fine. Reaaaaaaaally."
Smiling, he stepped up alongside her, kissing her cheek, which made her blush. "Okay. I'll stop asking."
They continued walking, and soon made it to the floor he lived on. Pulling a small key out of his pocket, he slipped it into the lock, turning it with a click before letting them inside.
"Okaasan! I'm home!" Kurama called out with a bright smile as he looked around the living room for her.
The room was modestly decorated, but appeared to have been done so on a low budget. But, it was cozy, with an old squashy couch sitting in front of a small, color television, and pictures of Kurama on shelves and walls, of various ages. Releasing his hand Kraiseiya went to inspect some of these photos, smiling and laughing.
"Oh! Kawaii!" she giggled, looking at a picture of him as a five year old, both of his front teeth missing.
Kurama flushed, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed grin.
"Your hair was so much shorter then," she noted, looking back at him. "But I like it long."
"Shuichi?" came a woman's voice from the direction of the kitchen, and his mother stepped out, drying her hands with a small towel.
Her greying, brown hair was held back in a loose bun, fly-aways giving her a very stay-at-home mom appearance. She was dressed in a pair of beige pants, and a long-sleeve shirt, with the sleeves rolled up past her elbows. Her face was slightly wrinkled, but whether they were from frowns, or smiles, Krai couldn't tell. Maybe from both.
Kurama smiled at her affectionately, and he moved forward to hug her gently. "Okaasan, how was your day?"
"Fine, fine. But what about you?" she asked, smiling. She threw her towel over her shoulder, and Krai could see the scars on her arms.
Kurama had told her that she had gotten them while saving a six year old Kurama from falling onto shattered dinner plates, which had fallen accidentally while rummaging through a cabinet. They had been the reason he had stayed with her, instead of leaving after gaining his power back; he saw how much she cared for him, even after how he had treated her.
As if to answer her question, Kurama gestured back to Kraiseiya, sidestepping so that his mother could see her. Her eyebrows raised slightly, and she smiled over at her son. "Oh, you found a girlfriend, Shuichi? She's very pretty."
Kurama flushed. "No, Okaasan, she's not my girlfriend. Not yet."
She laughed. "Not yet? Oh, well what is your not yet girlfriend's name?"
Both Kurama and Kraiseiya flushed. "Okaasan, I didn't mean to-" he sighed. "Her name is Kraiseiya."
"Ooh, that's a pretty name. Well, it is nice to meet you Kraiseiya," she said warmly. "Shall I make you two something to eat?"
Kurama nodded. "Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you."
She winked at Kraiseiya before shuffling off into the kitchen.
Krai smiled up at Kurama. "She's a very nice woman."
He nodded. "Yes. I love her very much."
She cocked her head to the side. "But, I'm surprised she wasn't startled by my looks."
"Oh, she's used to it by now. She was a little startled when I brought Hiei over here, but she's gotten used to the others. And I've never brought a girl to the house before, so I think she's ready to except just about anyone now," he chuckled. "But I think she likes you. She seems to get along with all of my friends."
"You. brought Hiei here?" She doubted that was a normal encounter.
"I'll tell you about it while we eat," he said, glancing over at his mother, who was carrying out a tray of small sandwiches for them, all triangle shaped and held together with toothpicks.
"Leftovers from a small dinner party," she said, looking at the astonished look on Krai's face, wondering how she had made all of those sandwiches in such a short time.
Taking the tray, he thanked his mother, and turned to Kraiseiya. "Come on, let's go eat these in my room."
Nodding, she followed Kurama, who closed the door after her. Nothing looked all too out of the ordinary, other then a few fox pictures scattered along his walls, a small water-filled glass vase, and a round flask, still bearing a small amount of a misty, purple liquid. She could only guess that was the stuff that would change him into Yohko, when it still had an effect on him. Stopping near the glass vase, he reached into his hair, and pulled out a red rose, slipping it into the water. Noticing a group photo, Kraiseiya stepped over and picked it up. It was of the group she had already met, the guys looking rather battle-worn, but with a few additions. An old woman with pale pink hair who was, amazingly, shorter then Hiei. And two young women with blue hair were added in, along with another young woman with brown hair, smoking a cigarette. Keiko was also holding come kind of small blue creature in her arms.
Kurama walked up behind her, looking down at the picture with a reminiscing smile. "That was taken during the Dark Tournament. You haven't met most of the women in this picture, other then Keiko. The old woman in Genkai- sensei, the blue-haired girl in the kimono is Yukina, the other blue haired one is Botan, and the one smoking is Shizuru, Kuwabara's older sister. The blue thing is Puu, Yusuke's spirit beast. I'm not sure what happened to him."
She put down the picture, smiling. "A unique group, I'm sure."
He laughed. "Yes, I suppose so."
He sat down at the head of his bed, setting down the tray between them as she sat at the foot. She picked up one, and looked at him expectantly. "Oh, right. Hiei." he began.
"I told you about the three items that I stole with him and Goki, but I didn't say much about how I met Hiei. He was actually the one who found me. He could sense that I was Yohko, who everyone believed dead. He confronted me, and out of desperation, we fought. I defeated him, but I could not kill him. I brought him back here to heal, and hoped that he would not tell those back in the Makai world who I was. After agreeing not to tell anyone, he asked that I help him steal the items. I didn't agree to it at first, but after my mother got sick, I decided it was the only way to save her, so I complied with his request. But while he stayed with us was an interesting ordeal. He complained constantly, and insulted the food, and I was afraid that my mother might find out he was a youkai. Thankfully, she never put the hints together, or she never made any sign that she knew."
"How could you put up with him?"
Kurama laughed. "Well, I can tell you it wasn't easy. Especially with school. Try telling Hiei to stay inside the house, and not get himself into trouble."
Taking in their fill of sandwiches, they put the tray aside, and Kraiseiya scooted closer to Kurama. She turned away from him, and leaned back, feeling his strong arms surround her. He was leaning against the wall behind his pillow, her back to his chest, and his legs bent on either side of her.
"Wouldn't your mother suspect something with your door closed like that?" Kraiseiya asked quietly.
"Okaasan? No," he murmured, his thumb rubbing her stomach. "She trusts me."
At the feel of his touch, her breathing quickened, as did the beating of her heart. She placed her hands over his, shaking.
Smiling, Kurama looked down at her, his breath making the hair stand up on her neck as it brushed her lightly. "You're trembling, and I can feel your heart pound. Why?"
Kraiseiya felt her cheeks grow hot, and she turned her head to look up at him. "K-Kurama."
He slipped one of his hands out from under hers, brushing her white hair away from her face. His hand touched her ear, making her shiver, and his lips turned upwards in a small, knowing smile. "Kraiseiya." he whispered, and he kissed her, ever so lightly upon her slightly parted lips.
Kurama's kiss made her go limp against him, his tender touch against her lips making her weak. Her eyes closed, and after a moment's delay to regain her bearings, she pressed back against him softly. His free hand cupped around the back of her neck, helping him to press back against her, and to hold her up. Fingers buried in strands of white, Kurama pulled back slowly, opening passion-clouded eyes to look down at her. Kraiseiya's eyes remained closed, her lips still parted, the image of one experiencing true ecstasy for the first time. He smiled softly, pressing his hand that was still covered by both of hers flush against her stomach. Gasping softly, she opened her eyes, silver meeting green. She pressed her hands against his more firmly.
"Watashiiwa. Watashiiwa." she breathed, her voice carrying a tone of contentment, while her face looked up into his in desperation.
"You what, Kraiseiya?" he murmured, moving his fingers along her stomach gently.
Her eyes closed slightly as she let out a small moan, but reopened them to look into his eyes once again. "I have never felt like this before. How are you doing this, Kurama?"
He kissed her temple gently, using his hand to coax her head to his chest. "I'm not sure. To be perfectly honest, that was the first time I have ever kissed anyone in. a long time. I care about you very much Kraiseiya."
She was silent for a moment, listening to the beat of his heart, surrounded by his arms and the atmosphere that surrounded him. "Does this make us. a couple?"
He was slightly startled. Did it? He wasn't sure how courting worked with humans. Even though he wasn't human, and neither was she, she was raised as one, and they both lived in the human world. ".Do you want us to be?"
She nodded. "Hai. I would like that very much."
"Then hai. You are mine, and I am yours," he said, a possessive growl in his voice.
They sat in silence for a moment, before Kraiseiya went rigid in his arms, her hearing heightening for a moment as she heard a knock on the door to the apartment.
"Kraiseiya what-?"
"Shh." she whispered, listening as she raised her head from his chest an inch or so.
"Hello, Ms. Minamino. Is Shuichi at home?"
"Oh, hai, he is. He's in his room with a friend. Please, come in."
Her eyes widened, and she placed a hand upon Kurama's chest to push herself away. Surprised, and very much against her moving away from him, he moved to pull her back to him. "Kraiseiya, what has gotten into you? What is it?"
"Iie, Kurama it's-"
The door opened, just as Kurama sat up and wrapped his arms around her to pull her back against him, and Hiei gazed in upon them. His eyes were wide in surprise, but that was soon replaced with a smug expression.
"-Hiei." she finished, face turning red.
Smirking, he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. "Well, well, Kurama. Just keeping an eye on her, are you? You seem to be keeping a lot more on her then just your eyes."
"Hiei, you could have knocked," Kurama said, face reddening.
"I didn't think you'd be doing anything that would make me have to. I guess I should be glad I didn't come a few minutes later." A small chuckle rose in his throat. "Or I really WOULD have needed to knock."
"Hiei, it was nothing like THAT," Kurama protested. He paused. "What are you doing here, anyway?"
"I told Yusuke, like you told me to. Botan happened to overhear," he grumbled under his breath, "and wants to talk to her." He gestured at Kraiseiya.
"About what?" he asked, arms tightening around Kraiseiya protectively.
Hiei snorted. "Please, Kurama. Nothing will happen, you know that. I think she just wants to meet the girl that has finally captured your heart. You know Botan," he said with a shrug. "She also might know something about what kind of youkai you are, Kraiseiya." He turned his gaze to the young youkai. "Just for incentive to see her."
Kraiseiya turned her eyes to Kurama. "I want to go."
Kurama sighed, smiling wistfully. "Of course, Krai-koi."
~*~*~
Bow-in-bucket: ::gurgle, echo, gurgle, echo::
Dragon: The orderlies are gone, Bow. You can solidify now.
Bow: ::gurgle? (translation: really?) returns back to normal, if you can call it that:: And that's the end of the second chapter! Whee! And it's Tuesday, and I still haven't gotten access to a computer, and prolly won't until Sat. or Fri. so hold on until then, folks!
Dragon: ::rolls eyes:: They won't even be able to read this until you get it up, Bow.
Bow: ::points at Dragon accusingly:: INSOLENCE!!!
Dragon: Orderli-
Bow: ::clamps her mouth shut with her arms and legs, tackling Dragon's face:: IIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!
Dragon: O.O;;;
Bow: Onegai?
Dragon: Phbt!
Bow: ::grins sheepishly:: Heh. heh heh.
Dragon: ::tosses Bow to the ground:: Quit it.
Bow: ::sneezes::
Dragon: Bless-
Bow: IIIIIIEEEEEE!!! ::shrieks:: Do not bless me, or I may spontaneously combust!!! O____O!
Dragon: o.o........... Orderlies?
Orderlies: ::run in, and trap Bow in a giant Ziploc baggie.::
Bow-in-baggie: AHHHHHH!!! Iie!!! Even if I do goo-ify, it will do nothing!!! ::shakes fist:: ARGH!!!
Dragon: ^____^ R/R, peoples!
Dragon: I would hope so.
Bow: @____________@
Dragon: ORDERLIES!!! SHE'S OVER HERE!!!
Orderlies: ::run over::
Bow: ::hiss, gurgle:: Ngaaaaaahhh! ::runs away::
Dragon: She's insane. I think the winter break is getting to her. Though, it's only been three days, and she has only gotten one extra day thus far, seeing as how today is Sunday.
Bow: ::gurgle, sprint::
Orderlies: ::chase::
Dragon: I think it has to do with the lack of mental stimuli that comes with switching to a crappy-ass high school. ::shrug:: But she has been reading a lot. ::nod nod::
Bow: ::gurgle, sprint, pant::
Orderlies: ::chase some more::
Dragon: And she has been working on The Return of Dragons, her own book- thingy. I guess the whole mental stimuli theory just got shot to hell, then didn't it?
Bow: ::gurgle, pant, run, pant, melt::
Orderlies: ::stare down at pile of Bow-goo. Shrug at each other and walk away::
~*~*~
The school day was over, and Kraiseiya, Kurama, Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Keiko stepped out past the front gate of the school. The sun was shining, and the afternoon was peacefully warm. Kurama glanced over at the others, his fingers interlaced with Kraiseiya's. "I'm going to be showing Kraiseiya around. We'll see you at school tomorrow?"
Yusuke gave him a knowing smirk. "Uh huh." He paused for a moment. "Sheesh, Kurama. I never knew you would be such a lady-killer!"
Kurama stared at him blankly for a moment. "Kraiseiya is only one girl. I don't see anyone else swooning over me."
"So she is swooning over you!"
"Iie, I didn't mean-"
Keiko took hold of Yusuke's ear, and began dragging him away with loud protests. "We'll see you tomorrow, Kurama, Krai-chan."
Kuwabara, hands in his pockets, grinned over at them, and turned and began to walk away. "Good luck, Kurama!"
Kurama flushed, looking down to Kraiseiya, who was an equal shade of red. "Well, now that we're alone, we may as well get something to eat. We can go back to my house."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"My mother will make us something. And she'd probably be thrilled to meet you."
Her heart resumed its normal pace, and she nodded. "A-alright."
"Taking her home to meet your mother already, Kurama?"
Both Kurama and Kraiseiya looked up to the wall around the school, to see a young man standing there. He was short, but that didn't deter from the menacing aura that surrounded him. His black hair was shaped like a tongue of flame, and his irises were a blood-red color. He was dressed in a black cloak, and a white bandana was wrapped around his forehead.
"Hello, Hiei," Kurama said pleasantly.
"Well, are you going to introduce us?" Hiei asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kurama knew full well that the youkai knew what her name was, but he had to play along. "Kraiseiya, this is Hiei. Hiei, Kraiseiya."
Hiei nodded at her, a small smirk playing on his features. "She's pretty. And she seems rather fond of you."
Kraiseiya pressed herself closer to Kurama, looking up at him nervously, but at the same time, was intrigued by him.
Feeling her press herself closer, Kurama released her hand and wrapped his arm around her. He then noticed that she was staring at the short fire youkai, and his arm tightened around her defensively.
"But do you think she will feel the same after she finds out about the truth about you? About the others?" Hiei asked. "Will she still look at you the same way?"
Kurama's eyes widened, and he stared up at Hiei. "What are you trying to do, Hiei?"
He smirked. "You should not get so close to each other, until you know the truth about each other. She needs to know, Kurama. And seeing as how you are so close to her, you should be the one to tell her."
Kurama shook his head. "Iie, she is not ready."
Kraiseiya looked over at Kurama confusedly. What was going on between Hiei and Kurama? What did they know? What did Hiei know about her? What was Kurama hiding?
"Oh? You told Yusuke rather easily."
"But he's a- He already knew about THAT. He didn't know about this," he said, gesturing to himself. "Not about my mother."
"She is not your mother, you know that."
"Hiei, stop! I will tell Kraiseiya later. Just stop," he said desperately.
"You should just tell her now. You are too soft for your own good, Kurama. Just tell her what you are, and what she is, and get on with it."
Kurama was about to protest, but Hiei darted away in a black blur. Kraiseiya blinked. He. how could he move at such inhumanly speeds? And what did he mean by what she was? She was human! .Wasn't she? And Kurama, he was human! She looked up at Kurama uneasily.
He looked down at her, and the expression on her face sent a chill down his spine. Why did Hiei have to upset her like this? She had been perfectly content with him before this, even happy, but now. Now she didn't know what to think anymore.
"Kurama.?"
"What Hiei said was true; I do have a secret, about you and myself. I just don't know if you are ready to find out."
"If you know something about me, then say it. I do not know what I am. Look at me? Do I look human to you? If you know what I am, then tell me!" she blurted out, pulling away from him.
He let out a heavy sigh, and bowed his head in defeat. "You, Kraiseiya, are a youkai. I do not know what kind, but you are not human."
"A-a youkai? B-but, youkais aren't real!" she blurted out, shaking her head. "I'm. a youkai?"
He nodded, still avoiding her gaze. "Hai, at least that is what I and the others think. Hiei. Hiei knows, and we believe him. You see. both Hiei and I are youkai as well."
He explained everything to her. About Yusuke and his being a Spirit Detective. About Kuwabara and Yukina. About Hiei, and finally, about himself. He looked up to see the expression on her face. She stared up at him, her silver eyes fixed upon his green ones, and her face was filled with understanding.
"My mother. she found me when I was a baby." She fingered the pendant around her neck. "She and my father raised me as their own despite how I looked. That would explain. a lot of things."
A better reaction then he could have expected, he was sure. Relief filled him, and he touched her hand with his own. "Are you alright, knowing all of this?"
She nodded slowly, slipping her hand into his. "Hai. I think so."
/You did the right thing, Kurama,/ Hiei told him.
/I didn't want her to find out this way./
/I think she's taking it rather well./
/Just. go tell Yusuke that she knows. Tell him that she knows everything./
Hiei fell silent.
"Do you still want me to show you around the city?" he asked quietly. "I know this is a lot to take in. It must be hard-"
She shook her head. "Iie, it's not. It's actually a very reasonable explanation for a lot of things. It's really odd, when you're three years old, and you get a scrape on your knee, and your blood isn't red, but blue." She chuckled. "And then watching it heal within seconds. I guess I already knew, but just didn't know I knew. If that makes any sense at all."
He nodded, smiling in relief. "Hai, it does. Perfect sense. Now, about the city-?"
"Iie," she said bluntly.
He was taken aback.
"I want to meet your mother first, remember? She sounds a lot like my mother," she said with a smile.
He nodded. "Alright, then."
~*~*~
Dragon: ::blinks:: Sheesh, that was blunt!
Bow: ::bops her:: Silence! I hate troubling emotions of quibbling mortals!
Dragon: o.o;;; You loon.
Bow: SILENCE I SAID!
Dragon: Orderlies?
Orderlies: ::come in and take her away, kicking and screaming::
Bow: IIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!! AIEEEEEEE!!! NGAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Dragon: ::blinks:: Well, anyway, pardon the fact that Kraiseiya accepts everything REALLY easily. I guess there is a decent enough reason as to why. ::shrug:: It just makes it easier for Bow, who, is extremely crazy right now.
Bow: ::gurgle, melt, bubble::
Orderlies: ::shrug, mop up Bow-goo, squeeze into bucket::
Bow-in-Bucket: ::gurgle, echo, gurgle, echo::
Dragon: o.o;;;;;;
Note: For certain circumstances, I will be using Japanese, like watashiiwa for dramatic-ness for example. I will not always use watashiiwa for I.
~*~*~
"But you're really okay with being a youkai?"
"Hai."
"Really?"
"Hai."
"Are you sure?"
"HAI! Kurama, I'm perfectly fine with being a youkai!"
Kurama blinked, looking over at her timidly. "Just making sure."
They were walking up the steps of his apartment building, Kraiseiya practically dragging him behind her. He was too busy pestering her with his questions to focus on walking quickly.
Her face softened, and she stopped walking. "Really, Kurama. I'm fine. Reaaaaaaaally."
Smiling, he stepped up alongside her, kissing her cheek, which made her blush. "Okay. I'll stop asking."
They continued walking, and soon made it to the floor he lived on. Pulling a small key out of his pocket, he slipped it into the lock, turning it with a click before letting them inside.
"Okaasan! I'm home!" Kurama called out with a bright smile as he looked around the living room for her.
The room was modestly decorated, but appeared to have been done so on a low budget. But, it was cozy, with an old squashy couch sitting in front of a small, color television, and pictures of Kurama on shelves and walls, of various ages. Releasing his hand Kraiseiya went to inspect some of these photos, smiling and laughing.
"Oh! Kawaii!" she giggled, looking at a picture of him as a five year old, both of his front teeth missing.
Kurama flushed, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed grin.
"Your hair was so much shorter then," she noted, looking back at him. "But I like it long."
"Shuichi?" came a woman's voice from the direction of the kitchen, and his mother stepped out, drying her hands with a small towel.
Her greying, brown hair was held back in a loose bun, fly-aways giving her a very stay-at-home mom appearance. She was dressed in a pair of beige pants, and a long-sleeve shirt, with the sleeves rolled up past her elbows. Her face was slightly wrinkled, but whether they were from frowns, or smiles, Krai couldn't tell. Maybe from both.
Kurama smiled at her affectionately, and he moved forward to hug her gently. "Okaasan, how was your day?"
"Fine, fine. But what about you?" she asked, smiling. She threw her towel over her shoulder, and Krai could see the scars on her arms.
Kurama had told her that she had gotten them while saving a six year old Kurama from falling onto shattered dinner plates, which had fallen accidentally while rummaging through a cabinet. They had been the reason he had stayed with her, instead of leaving after gaining his power back; he saw how much she cared for him, even after how he had treated her.
As if to answer her question, Kurama gestured back to Kraiseiya, sidestepping so that his mother could see her. Her eyebrows raised slightly, and she smiled over at her son. "Oh, you found a girlfriend, Shuichi? She's very pretty."
Kurama flushed. "No, Okaasan, she's not my girlfriend. Not yet."
She laughed. "Not yet? Oh, well what is your not yet girlfriend's name?"
Both Kurama and Kraiseiya flushed. "Okaasan, I didn't mean to-" he sighed. "Her name is Kraiseiya."
"Ooh, that's a pretty name. Well, it is nice to meet you Kraiseiya," she said warmly. "Shall I make you two something to eat?"
Kurama nodded. "Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you."
She winked at Kraiseiya before shuffling off into the kitchen.
Krai smiled up at Kurama. "She's a very nice woman."
He nodded. "Yes. I love her very much."
She cocked her head to the side. "But, I'm surprised she wasn't startled by my looks."
"Oh, she's used to it by now. She was a little startled when I brought Hiei over here, but she's gotten used to the others. And I've never brought a girl to the house before, so I think she's ready to except just about anyone now," he chuckled. "But I think she likes you. She seems to get along with all of my friends."
"You. brought Hiei here?" She doubted that was a normal encounter.
"I'll tell you about it while we eat," he said, glancing over at his mother, who was carrying out a tray of small sandwiches for them, all triangle shaped and held together with toothpicks.
"Leftovers from a small dinner party," she said, looking at the astonished look on Krai's face, wondering how she had made all of those sandwiches in such a short time.
Taking the tray, he thanked his mother, and turned to Kraiseiya. "Come on, let's go eat these in my room."
Nodding, she followed Kurama, who closed the door after her. Nothing looked all too out of the ordinary, other then a few fox pictures scattered along his walls, a small water-filled glass vase, and a round flask, still bearing a small amount of a misty, purple liquid. She could only guess that was the stuff that would change him into Yohko, when it still had an effect on him. Stopping near the glass vase, he reached into his hair, and pulled out a red rose, slipping it into the water. Noticing a group photo, Kraiseiya stepped over and picked it up. It was of the group she had already met, the guys looking rather battle-worn, but with a few additions. An old woman with pale pink hair who was, amazingly, shorter then Hiei. And two young women with blue hair were added in, along with another young woman with brown hair, smoking a cigarette. Keiko was also holding come kind of small blue creature in her arms.
Kurama walked up behind her, looking down at the picture with a reminiscing smile. "That was taken during the Dark Tournament. You haven't met most of the women in this picture, other then Keiko. The old woman in Genkai- sensei, the blue-haired girl in the kimono is Yukina, the other blue haired one is Botan, and the one smoking is Shizuru, Kuwabara's older sister. The blue thing is Puu, Yusuke's spirit beast. I'm not sure what happened to him."
She put down the picture, smiling. "A unique group, I'm sure."
He laughed. "Yes, I suppose so."
He sat down at the head of his bed, setting down the tray between them as she sat at the foot. She picked up one, and looked at him expectantly. "Oh, right. Hiei." he began.
"I told you about the three items that I stole with him and Goki, but I didn't say much about how I met Hiei. He was actually the one who found me. He could sense that I was Yohko, who everyone believed dead. He confronted me, and out of desperation, we fought. I defeated him, but I could not kill him. I brought him back here to heal, and hoped that he would not tell those back in the Makai world who I was. After agreeing not to tell anyone, he asked that I help him steal the items. I didn't agree to it at first, but after my mother got sick, I decided it was the only way to save her, so I complied with his request. But while he stayed with us was an interesting ordeal. He complained constantly, and insulted the food, and I was afraid that my mother might find out he was a youkai. Thankfully, she never put the hints together, or she never made any sign that she knew."
"How could you put up with him?"
Kurama laughed. "Well, I can tell you it wasn't easy. Especially with school. Try telling Hiei to stay inside the house, and not get himself into trouble."
Taking in their fill of sandwiches, they put the tray aside, and Kraiseiya scooted closer to Kurama. She turned away from him, and leaned back, feeling his strong arms surround her. He was leaning against the wall behind his pillow, her back to his chest, and his legs bent on either side of her.
"Wouldn't your mother suspect something with your door closed like that?" Kraiseiya asked quietly.
"Okaasan? No," he murmured, his thumb rubbing her stomach. "She trusts me."
At the feel of his touch, her breathing quickened, as did the beating of her heart. She placed her hands over his, shaking.
Smiling, Kurama looked down at her, his breath making the hair stand up on her neck as it brushed her lightly. "You're trembling, and I can feel your heart pound. Why?"
Kraiseiya felt her cheeks grow hot, and she turned her head to look up at him. "K-Kurama."
He slipped one of his hands out from under hers, brushing her white hair away from her face. His hand touched her ear, making her shiver, and his lips turned upwards in a small, knowing smile. "Kraiseiya." he whispered, and he kissed her, ever so lightly upon her slightly parted lips.
Kurama's kiss made her go limp against him, his tender touch against her lips making her weak. Her eyes closed, and after a moment's delay to regain her bearings, she pressed back against him softly. His free hand cupped around the back of her neck, helping him to press back against her, and to hold her up. Fingers buried in strands of white, Kurama pulled back slowly, opening passion-clouded eyes to look down at her. Kraiseiya's eyes remained closed, her lips still parted, the image of one experiencing true ecstasy for the first time. He smiled softly, pressing his hand that was still covered by both of hers flush against her stomach. Gasping softly, she opened her eyes, silver meeting green. She pressed her hands against his more firmly.
"Watashiiwa. Watashiiwa." she breathed, her voice carrying a tone of contentment, while her face looked up into his in desperation.
"You what, Kraiseiya?" he murmured, moving his fingers along her stomach gently.
Her eyes closed slightly as she let out a small moan, but reopened them to look into his eyes once again. "I have never felt like this before. How are you doing this, Kurama?"
He kissed her temple gently, using his hand to coax her head to his chest. "I'm not sure. To be perfectly honest, that was the first time I have ever kissed anyone in. a long time. I care about you very much Kraiseiya."
She was silent for a moment, listening to the beat of his heart, surrounded by his arms and the atmosphere that surrounded him. "Does this make us. a couple?"
He was slightly startled. Did it? He wasn't sure how courting worked with humans. Even though he wasn't human, and neither was she, she was raised as one, and they both lived in the human world. ".Do you want us to be?"
She nodded. "Hai. I would like that very much."
"Then hai. You are mine, and I am yours," he said, a possessive growl in his voice.
They sat in silence for a moment, before Kraiseiya went rigid in his arms, her hearing heightening for a moment as she heard a knock on the door to the apartment.
"Kraiseiya what-?"
"Shh." she whispered, listening as she raised her head from his chest an inch or so.
"Hello, Ms. Minamino. Is Shuichi at home?"
"Oh, hai, he is. He's in his room with a friend. Please, come in."
Her eyes widened, and she placed a hand upon Kurama's chest to push herself away. Surprised, and very much against her moving away from him, he moved to pull her back to him. "Kraiseiya, what has gotten into you? What is it?"
"Iie, Kurama it's-"
The door opened, just as Kurama sat up and wrapped his arms around her to pull her back against him, and Hiei gazed in upon them. His eyes were wide in surprise, but that was soon replaced with a smug expression.
"-Hiei." she finished, face turning red.
Smirking, he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. "Well, well, Kurama. Just keeping an eye on her, are you? You seem to be keeping a lot more on her then just your eyes."
"Hiei, you could have knocked," Kurama said, face reddening.
"I didn't think you'd be doing anything that would make me have to. I guess I should be glad I didn't come a few minutes later." A small chuckle rose in his throat. "Or I really WOULD have needed to knock."
"Hiei, it was nothing like THAT," Kurama protested. He paused. "What are you doing here, anyway?"
"I told Yusuke, like you told me to. Botan happened to overhear," he grumbled under his breath, "and wants to talk to her." He gestured at Kraiseiya.
"About what?" he asked, arms tightening around Kraiseiya protectively.
Hiei snorted. "Please, Kurama. Nothing will happen, you know that. I think she just wants to meet the girl that has finally captured your heart. You know Botan," he said with a shrug. "She also might know something about what kind of youkai you are, Kraiseiya." He turned his gaze to the young youkai. "Just for incentive to see her."
Kraiseiya turned her eyes to Kurama. "I want to go."
Kurama sighed, smiling wistfully. "Of course, Krai-koi."
~*~*~
Bow-in-bucket: ::gurgle, echo, gurgle, echo::
Dragon: The orderlies are gone, Bow. You can solidify now.
Bow: ::gurgle? (translation: really?) returns back to normal, if you can call it that:: And that's the end of the second chapter! Whee! And it's Tuesday, and I still haven't gotten access to a computer, and prolly won't until Sat. or Fri. so hold on until then, folks!
Dragon: ::rolls eyes:: They won't even be able to read this until you get it up, Bow.
Bow: ::points at Dragon accusingly:: INSOLENCE!!!
Dragon: Orderli-
Bow: ::clamps her mouth shut with her arms and legs, tackling Dragon's face:: IIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!
Dragon: O.O;;;
Bow: Onegai?
Dragon: Phbt!
Bow: ::grins sheepishly:: Heh. heh heh.
Dragon: ::tosses Bow to the ground:: Quit it.
Bow: ::sneezes::
Dragon: Bless-
Bow: IIIIIIEEEEEE!!! ::shrieks:: Do not bless me, or I may spontaneously combust!!! O____O!
Dragon: o.o........... Orderlies?
Orderlies: ::run in, and trap Bow in a giant Ziploc baggie.::
Bow-in-baggie: AHHHHHH!!! Iie!!! Even if I do goo-ify, it will do nothing!!! ::shakes fist:: ARGH!!!
Dragon: ^____^ R/R, peoples!