Disclaimer: Don't own YYH, nope….
Scribbles: Got finals this week… too tired to study @.@ The pair in this chapter will be… *drumroll please* here it is, the couple in this chappie is… -cough- -cough- need to –cough- get a glass –cough- -cough- of –cough- -cough- water! (leaves)
Warning: This chappie's full of cursing and um… a citrusy scene… kinda mild… @.@… erm, just skip it if you don't feel comfortable.
This is a fast-paced chapter, and a long one at that. Fasten your seat belts, everyone! Enjoy the ride!
"I love you"
Is all you want me to say.
You can see it in my eyes
can feel it in the trembling
of my breath
But I will not say it
I cannot say it.
Even if every night I whisper
the words
To my pillow, to the wind,
To the stars…
~Can't Say I Love You, my muse
Chapter 5. Scorch"You keep giving me stuff and do things for me. You go far out of your way to pick me up and bring me home. I don't know what to think of all these." Kurama paused and weighed his words carefully. Yuusuke hung on. Finally, his friend spoke up, "What are you up to, Yuusuke?"
That made Yuusuke stop and think. Haven't really thought about it. I guess… I just do these things. They come natural to me. At least with YOU. It feels as if I've been doing these things way before. As if… As if I've always been beside you. He didn't speak these thoughts out. Instead, he gave a reply that was something akin to his musings, "There's no way to explain it. I can't find any reason, I just…"
The older of the two heaved, "It's just as if this is what I'm supposed to do. Or what I usually do. It's like I've been doing it a million years already."
The half-youko shifted his weight to his other foot, then leaned on his right arm at the window sill. He looked out. The sun was setting peacefully, "If you're looking for a Keiko in me, forget it."
Startled, Yuusuke sat up straight on Kurama's bed. Nervously, he transferred the iced tea he held to his left hand, then looked straight ahead, to the door of the redhead's bathroom. He spoke slowly, "No, nothing like that."
He sounded quite unsure, but this uncertainty was made up by a sentence, "I don't do these things for Keiko. Usually, she'd have to beat the crap out of me before I'd act all gentlemanly."
"Oh…" Inevitably, flashes of those certain instances when he and his friend almost kissed crossed his mind. He winced, "We've…"
Yuusuke looked at his friend, straining for the next words. The latter moved away from the window to his door, where a light switch was. He turned it on, then turned to look at the other's form. He rested his back on the cold wood, and stretched his head backwards to rest his head on the wall. Staring at the ceiling, he continued, "We've been getting pretty close lately…"
Raizen's descendant took a sip from his glass. Swallowing, he said, "Yeah, I've noticed."
A sigh. "Way too close for my own tastes… You know what I mean?"
Yuusuke also replayed those images in his head and felt a pang of regret. Regret towards what? I'd rather not dwell on it. "Sorry. I… really have no excuse for them."
So we're thinking the same things… Kurama just nodded. It was an awkward pause as each stared into whatever their eyes were on at the moment. A few minutes ticked by.
Sighing, the half-youko moved to put his iced tea on the table by his bed. Rubbing his hands together, he spoke, "Yuusuke, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but… I just wish… we'd go back to how we were. Keep the distance between us… I mean, not really distanced, but… you know?"
"Yeah, I know…." Looking quite discouraged, he added, "I'll try."
His mind replayed the incidents of this afternoon in his head.
Yuusuke passed through the kitchen door, just as Hatanaka Kazuya entered the kitchen. Instead of a hostile greeting, Kazuya smiled, "Yuusuke."
"Kazuya- san…"
"Here to see my son again?" The older of the two opened the fridge and took out frozen sandwiches. He took the pile and placed them in the microwave, pressed a few buttons, then closed the door. He also brought out two cans of Budweiser from the fridge, and tossed one to Yuusuke. They both opened their cans and took a few gulps. Observing Yuusuke from beneath his glasses, Kazuya managed to unnerve the young man. None of them spoke. Yuusuke thought better than to try and leave right now.
The beeping sound of the microwave broke that long pause. Kurama's stepfather got the dish out and offered Yuusuke some. The latter declined. Kazuya selected a sandwich, and took a big bite. After a while, he spoke up, "Delicious. Shuu-chan made this."
It took a while for Yuusuke to register that 'Shuu-chan' meant Kurama. His stomach slightly grumbled from the smell. He reached for a sandwich, taking the one on top. He gobbled it up fast. Kazuya was watching him again. He sensed that the older man wanted to ask something. When he was about to ask permission to go up the redhead's room already, the other spoke, "Yuusuke, answer me honestly. Are you courting my son?"
Yuusuke did a double take. Not knowing what to say, the question was left unanswered. Kazuya nodded, as if he got a reply, "I wouldn't mind. You're not really my type of… partner for him, but… You will be able to protect him, right? Treat him well all the time. If he says 'yes', congratulations. If he declines, respect his decision. Are we clear on this?"
Not knowing what to say, and still reeling from shock, he could only manage a nod. The redhead's stepfather smiled and seemed to relax. From his position, the half-youkai saw the topic of their conversation, a frown between his brows, "Kazuya – tousan?"
The one called turned and said, "Told you to just call me ' tousan…"
Kurama started, "Ah…hai, gomen, ' tousan…"
Later, when the two youths were climbing the stairs, the redhead reprimanded his friend, "Why did you say yes to 'tousan?"
"I didn't!"
That was perhaps what started this conversation.
Later, the two could be found eating rice balls on Kurama's bed. Yuusuke sat a meter away from the redhead, legs dangling on the side, to the floor, while the other one had his legs curled by his right side, under him. Trading friendly insults, with Cookie Monster ™ as the audience, and Yuusuke on the losing side, they were laughing their heads off. At one point in their bantering, the older flicked his riceball at the other, who caught it easily. He growled, but noticed a grain of rice on the other's left ear lobe, "Hey, you missed a grain."
The redhead tilted his head to the right in question. Yuusuke laughed, "It's on your left ear. Here, let me get it for you."
He leaned forward, closed the gap in between them to reach it.
Something may have possessed Yuusuke to do it, but possessed or not, he did it anyway. Instead of using his hand, his mouth found its way the lobe. Teeth on the sensitive cartilage, he sucked and swallowed the grain of rice. Kurama gasped at the sensation. Yuusuke moved his left hand to pull the redhead closer, his fingers closed in on the other's bony shoulder, his right hand supporting his leaning body. Fighting imbalance, the redhead's hands found their way to his friend's chest, palms flat against those defined muscles. The half-youkai's mind reeled from the heat emanating from those hands. He gently bit the side of the ear, then suckled gently, creating a rhythm of sucks and nibbles. His hand traveled from the other's shoulder to the nape of the redhead's neck. There, he caressed the smooth skin, those few locks of hair that slid in between his fingers, his thumb, slowly tracing circles. Stiffening, Kurama grasped his friend's shirt and closed his eyes. He trembled lightly from the strokes. Mouth still clamped on ear, Yuusuke slid closer, closer to a more comfortable position. No longer needing the support of his right arm, he let it travel to the small of Kurama's back, sliding his fingers on the skin under the pants' band. Pausing his nibbles, he flicked his tongue to trace the ear's shape. The redhead gasped, leaning closer, as if dizzied by what he was experiencing. But like a wake up call, he felt a distant flare of fire ki, and he immediately pushed away, standing up to get rid of the hands that imprisoned him. Face flushed, he hurried to the windowsill to open it. Taking in fast gulps of air, he slowly relaxed, breathing becoming even.
Meanwhile, Yuusuke was also shocked from his own actions. His body still in the act of leaning forward, he righted himself then looked at his hands. Damn. He was feeling that insistent pull below. Dammit, damnit, damn it. To him, it sounded like an anthem. Suddenly, screeching through his thoughts, he felt Hiei's ki and he turned towards the window.
"Hn."
Stepping down from the sill and into the room, Hiei eyed him immediately. Quite angrily, he took his sword, still in its sheath, and growled, "What's he doing here?"
Kurama answered, "He… came to apologize."
Hiei didn't need to see the redhead to know that he was lying. And he wasn't unaware of what had just happened either. He had perfectly good eyesight. Disgusted, he retorted, "My, how quick we are to forgive, Kurama."
The half-youko paid the sarcasm no heed, "Are you hungry? Let me get something for you."
As he strode towards the door and passed near Yuusuke, he spoke, "Yuusuke, it's almost eight. You need to pick some things up for your mom at the grocery store right? You might not make it."
"Right." Taking this opportunity to escape, Raizen's descendant stood, and not even attempting a farewell at Hiei, followed Kurama out the room.
"Tell me what happened in the meeting."
Not even looking at the redhead, he replied, "Nothing to tell. As usual, that goat of a Yomi cheated us out." He resumed polishing his sword.
Sensing something wrong, Kurama held his tongue. His eyes traveled to the table, where Hiei's food lay. The koorime had vehemently refused to eat it when it was brought in, so the redhead left it on the table. It was a moment of long, angry silence. The fire demon peered, from the corner of his eye, at the redhead. The latter was intent on staring at the floor, one hand ruffling Cookie Monster ™'s fur. Hiei spoke again, quite blandly at that, "That Yomi is really such a bastard. He takes advantage of everything and anyone he gets his reach on. I wonder why anyone would stick with him."
Tightening his pull on the stuffed toy's hair, the other fist, clenching, the other opted to hold his tongue. He passed this mood off as a result of the failed meeting. After letting it out, he would soon return to that quiet, 'hn'ing Hiei.
But Hiei was far from finished. He continued, "I wonder what he does to call others to him. Wealth, power? What?"
Chewing on his lips now, the half-youko's nails dug in deeper. Brutally, his friend turned to face him, "What do you get from him, kitsune? It can't be protection. Maybe it's really wealth. Or perhaps…" a sneer, "Sex? It's what you're after, isn't it?"
Patience stretched to the limit, the redhead snapped, "What's wrong with you? You've been trying to provoke me since you got here."
"It's your head that has something wrong with it. Or perhaps it's just that you follow all your urges strongly."
"Right now, my mind's urging me to kill you."
Silence. Not waiting for it to stretch longer, Kurama angrily strode towards his cabinet, took his clothes off and changed into his sleeping ones. Then he lay quietly in bed, ignoring the seething youkai. Moments later, he heard his window closing.
~*~^~*~
And again, the darkness was closing in. Its long, clawed tendrils stretched to make him its own. They moved over his bruised skin, harshly adding to the present patterns, slowly making their way down… He tried to struggle, as he did so, one of the clump of claws clamped down on his thin wrists. The cold clasp kept him down. He couldn't pull away because a heavy weight immobilized him, pinned him down His breaths turned into soft sobs. He gave a muted plea; he wanted to scream, but a sharp slap stopped him, then a moist object covered his mouth, claiming him. And then, it was that again – that pain far beyond anything he had felt before.
Sadly, he didn't black out..
~*~^~*~
The redhead woke up from the phone's ringing. Two days had passed since his fight with Hiei, and still, he felt drained. Lying on his bed, he listened to the ringing, contemplating whether to get up or not. He hadn't heard from Yuusuke yet since… His mind wondered why these kinds of things were happening to them now. Why Yuusuke couldn't seem to keep his hands to himself lately. The ringing stopped. Kurama looked at the communication apparatus, then thought of Hiei. What had gotten into him lately? He still hasn't come back… Does he still feel sour from our light banter?
The phone started ringing again. Pushing himself up, he managed to grab the phone's handle, "Moshi moshi. Hatanaka residence, may I – "
"Kurama, it's me."
He almost dropped the thing, "Yuusuke."
"Listen, I'm really so –"
"Don't. Let's just forget it happened, okay?"
From the other side, Yuusuke doubted he could forget the feelings he had at that moment. And that one, sensual gasp he had managed to elicit from the redhead. Deciding not to beat around the bush, he asked, "Hey, will you be busy next Saturday? Will you accompany me to see Keiko and her boyfriend? She invited me for lunch and maybe to a movie after so she can formally introduce me to… I can't go alone… Please?"
"Why not Kuwabara? Or maybe even your crush, Shizuru?"
"Can you imagine Kuwabara being civil? It might give the wrong impression to her boyfriend."
It was always 'her boyfriend', not 'Jun'. "And Shizuru?"
Yuusuke shook his head as if the other could see it, "She'll end up goading me into kidnapping Keiko and running away with her."
Not sure if he should see this friend anymore, it took a long time for him to give a reply, "Um…. Let me think about it. Give me a long time. The whole week to think, perhaps."
Knowing not to push, the other answered, "Okay, I'll wait for your decision."
~*~^~*~
// // - Youko Kurama's thoughts
:: :: - Shuuichi's thoughts
Thursday. He had to give his reply soon. Kurama really didn't know what it was that prevented him from giving an immediate 'yes' to Yuusuke. After all, they were friends – friends helped each other out, right? Yuusuke needed him, So why can't I? It's not that something will happen again, since we won't be alone… But… If I go, will it give Yuusuke a wrong impression?
Kurama put his pencil down. He looked disdainfully at his neglected homework. He rested his head on his arms, as he thought of his senseless dilemma. It's not that Yuusuke's in love with you or anything… That's why he needs you to be with Keiko, so he can put on a façade when he meets her boyfriend. So he'll have someone to keep him sane when inside he's in a jealous rage.
//Kicking yourself over him?//
Shuuichi, who had gotten used to his youko consciousness popping up randomly, merely sighed a reply, ::I'm not really *kicking* myself over him::
What felt like a derisive snort passed through the teen's head //Close enough though. You're letting him occupy your thoughts too much. It's getting crowded in here, what with all the 'Yuusuke' and 'Yuu-chan' floating. Perhaps you're - //
::Iya!::
//Hmm… Quite defensive, aren't we? I was merely giving you a wake up call. You are HUMAN, after all, or at least partly. Ningen don't seem to know what the want until it's too late too attain it. Or unless someone blatantly tells them so//
::… I know… but…::
//And you know that that fire demon won't accept your newfound interest err… concern, for Raizen's 'kid'. He's still waiting, you know. Make up your mind//
Quite startled, the 'Shuuichi' part tried to cover up quickly, ::I know…::
If Youko Kurama only had tangible eyebrows, he would have raised one. //You forgot. Totally//
::It slipped my mind:: But they both felt the guilt.
//Well then, you better start thinking about it. Although there's no deadline… showering attention on Yuusuke will only give Hiei the wrong idea//
no reply.
Kurama roused from his contemplating stupor. He pushed himself from the table, but continued to stare at the rumpled cloth of his sleeves. Slowly, his gaze turned to the big, blue, stuffed toy on his bed. Before any coherent notion entered his mind, the youko suddenly broke in, //He's here. Why don't you seek his opinion?//
The redhead turned to look outside his window. The koorime had just flitted on the branch of the tree outside and proceeded to enter through his usual entrance. Kurama gave a tentative smile, "Hie – "
"Hn."
To cover the awkward moment, the half-youko turned his attention back to his homework. Pretending to scribble on the pages, he actually just stared at the lines until they became blurry and his eyes, unfocused. They were usually just this way, the teen doing homework, Hiei patiently watching. This time though, something was different. Something had changed. Knowing he couldn't fool anyone longer, Kurama decided to seek his friend's opinion on his dilemma. "Hiei, I need your help."
Looking up, he saw that the short youkai was just sitting on the sill, unmoving, eyes out glaring the sun. Taking this as a 'yes, I'll listen to your problem', he continued, "I think… you've noticed that Yuusuke and I have been getting pretty close lately – "
Quite an angry snort.
"- And about five days ago, he called to ask me to accompany him to see Keiko with her boyfriend. You know, like a sheath for his madness…"
The half-human swore he heard the other mutter something close to, 'Perhaps make you a sheath for something else'.
"It's seems like a simple request, really, but… I'm not too sure if I should go. I mean, I really feel awkward around him – "
"Oh, so awkward's what you call it? I wonder what you'd do if you're already familiar with the person."
They lapsed again in another of their long silences. This time though, they were not communicating. The sky outside was turning dark and gloomy, the blue from a while ago almost completely covered with gray, heavy clouds. The trees swayed harshly against each other, rustling leaves sounding like angry gossips, and from somewhere afar, thunder boomed. Kurama stood and headed towards the door, "I'll prepare something for you."
"And why would I want to eat something from soiled hands?"
"I – "
Hiei shifted his malevolent look from outside to the fox, "No matter how many times you wash your hands, or yourself, the stain will remain. Even if you scrub yourself raw, I can see the blackness of your soul."
His hands at the sides shaking, Kurama let out in a trembling voice, "What's wrong with you, Hiei? You've been having mini-tantrums around me. When you look at me, you either sulk or growl. Do you have a problem being around me?"
"No, it's just that I never thought you'd enjoy playing as a whore. There's Yomi, now you're giving yourself to Yuusuke. And worst of all, to your – "
A loud, resounding smack on the cheek stopped him.
"Get out!"
Darkness was closing in. Its two appendages slid to claim him. They moved over his bruised skin, scratching him again, tracing patterns on the way down… As always, he tried to break free, but he was pinned, clamped down on his thin wrists. The heavy weight kept him down. He couldn't pull away and couldn't breathe, his breaths turned into soft sobs and incoherent pleas. He wanted to scream, but a moist object covered his mouth; he wanted to choke. And then, it was that again – that pain far beyond anything he had felt before.
He prayed fervently that it would be over soon.
He ran; despite the aches of his body, he ran. He had to get away.
The blue sky that had turned dark a while ago had become even darker, flashes of light creeping occasionally in its folds. He didn't care if his parents scolded him in the morning after discovering he snuck out – he just needed to get away. The first, fat droplet hit him on his left shoulder, and he paused to catch his breath. Where to?
At the uncertainty, the sky seemed to weep for him. Thoroughly soaked, he woke up from his sullen disposition and ran again, against the wind, against the water that splashed against him. He kept on, through corners, through dimmed lights, through lost souls. His hair now plastered to his face, he didn't bother brushing them away. He didn't need his eyes; all he needed to follow was his heart.
Yuusuke heard the knock while he was upstairs, and immediately ran down, sensing something wrong. He opened the door, only to be met by darkness and strong rain. He was about to close the door when something urged him to look down. There he saw a crumpled form, soaked to the bone, shivering from the cold. "Kurama -!"
Adrenaline pumping, and without skipping a breath, he collected the semi-conscious form and sprinted upstairs with his load. Opening the door to the bathroom with one hand, he entered, turned on the light, and carefully placed his friend in the tub. He twisted the knob of the hot water, then the cold, halfway. Slowly, Kurama relaxed, the bout of shivering over. He emitted low breaths, but remained motionless. It wasn't until the tub was almost full that Yuusuke noticed that his friend still had his clothes on. He fumbled to turn the water off. If he had gotten calm from waiting, it was soon dispelled and his heart pounded strongly again. At first, the half-youko had been too cold, too wet, and the situation was too urgent for Yuusuke to notice, but for some moments now, he had grown more aware of the flip-flops his stomach was doing. He debated if he should remove the articles of clothing plastered on the redhead's cold skin. When he reached out, Kurama's eyes opened slightly, then fully, disorientation giving his eyes a hazy glaze. After blinking once, he roused fully, and painfully sat up in the tub. Turning his head slightly, his eyes met Yuusuke's.
Despite the situation, the older teen had the strongest of urges to reach and plant a big one on his friend's lips. Wet from the rain and "bath", Kurama's lips shimmered alluringly; his hair had stuck to the sides of his face accentuating his wide, sad eyes. But Yuusuke found the strength to fend off his feelings. I shouldn't.
To control himself better, Yuusuke stood up and said, "I'll see if I can get you spare clothes. And a towel, of course."
Wordlessly, Kurama nodded. Then, as if changing his mind about something, he spoke, "Thank you."
Finding the power to turn and smile, he paused at the threshold to reply, "It's nothing. Wait here."
Minutes later, the kitsune was sitting on Yuusuke's bed, dry, and in comfortable clothes. Raizen's descendant sure had clothes he didn't wear anymore… Somehow, he had dug up a gray sweatshirt that fit Kurama perfectly, except that it only reached about an inch above his knees. He even managed to conjure up a pair of boxers, when, upon giving it to Kurama, he had sheepishly said, "Never used it. I thought I'd lost it on the way home." He didn't have pajama bottoms, so the redhead just shrugged it off, saying, "I'm more comfortable sleeping with only a shirt and boxers on, anyway."
Yuusuke gulped, But I'm not comfortable with that idea at all. He couldn't help but gaze longingly at his friend's long, pale legs, until he reached the arch that was his foot. It was then he noticed something, "Kurama, you've got a lot of bruises on your legs."
Startled, the redhead moved to sit on his legs, then explained, flustered, "I ran through the park because it's a good shortcut. There were those hard bushes in the path. It didn't hurt at that time, in fact, I really didn't notice until a while ago."
"Oh." Yuusuke sat beside his guest and dipped a spoon in the soup he held. As delicately as a brute could, he blew on the liquid, then slowly put the spoon in front of the half-youko's mouth. They were like this until the soup was consumed, and when the older guy placed the empty bowl on the floor, he looked up to see his friend looking at him intently. "What?"
"Why aren't you asking?"
Confused, the raven-haired youth inquired back, "Ask what?"
The sad frown in the other's face turned into a half smile. Kurama shook his head, body wracked with small laughs. Yuusuke feigned to look hurt, "What?"
"It's nothing."
Poking the redhead in the ribs, he retorted, "So, I'm supposed to think you've just gotten crazy? C'mon, give me a break!"
But he wouldn't stop laughing. Using both hands now, Yuusuke tickled Kurama, until he collapsed on the bed, the former half-bent over him. His bright, red hair fanned around him, Kurama gasped when he realized the position they were in: him, lying on the bed, trapped between Yuusuke's hands on either side of his ribs, the redhead's own arms pushing at the other's shoulders. The 18-year old was kneeling between his legs. They took a long pause, but it was Raizen's descendant who moved away. Yuusuke swung his legs from the bed to land on the ground. His back was turned on his friend. It must have been an odd sight – a delinquent twiddling his thumbs.
Looking at the ceiling, Kurama spoke up, "Why don't you ask why I ran away, under the rain?"
Yuusuke sat up, then turned to stare intently at him, "Do you want me to know?"
They lapsed again into those oh-so-common pauses. Slowly, the redhead got up. Both now faced each other, and unhurriedly, Kurama leaned forward to rest his head on Yuusuke's left shoulder. What sounded like a choked sob came out from the half-youko, "Thank you. For everything."
He stroked the red mane softly, smelling the strawberry-rose scent despite the smell of his own shampoo, "Don't say that. You know I lo-" mouth paused, forming the word, 'love'. He immediately changed it, " – care for you."
Thankfully unaware, "And for that, I thank you."
Minutes later, still unclear as to what had happened to Kurama, Yuusuke watched him sleeping. Resting on his right side, the redhead's face lay on the pillow where his left arm also rested on, bent so that his hand rested near his mouth. His exposed legs bent slightly at the knees, as if reaching for the other end of the same pillow, making him look like a vulnerable child clutching on to his last lifeline. He looked peaceful, but Yuusuke knew better. He sighed and reached out to brush away a lock of hair trapped between Kurama's lips, "What happened to you, Kurama?"
~*~^~*~
Yuusuke waited patiently at a store, from where the park, his meeting place with Keiko and Jun, was just across the street. So, it's Keiko and Jun, not Keiko and her boyfriend, huh? Am I over it? How fast things change… He looked at his watch. He panned the area for any sight of his companion. Normally, his thoughts turned towards the one he was waiting for. I heard his parents were too worried to get mad at him the next morning. Good thing okaasan installed a washing machine/dryer in the house, we managed to wash and dry his clothes.
His mind wandered to the night Kurama spent with him. I'm glad Kurama accepted the bed. Neither of us would have slept well that night, had it been otherwise. I know I wouldn't have slept well even if I lay there, knowing him to be so close… And I almost said, 'I love you'. How did I get to love him so quickly? Maybe I already did before, and had ' fallen out of love' with Keiko way before I knew it myself. I remember being so worried about him all the time…
"Did you wait long?"
Yuusuke pushed off from the wall and said, "Iya."
The being in his thoughts had materialized right in front of him, wearing an immaculate white shirt that almost reached his knees. It looked almost like his Chinese-cut shirts, except the light green-colored collar wasn't up. The buttons that were placed almost at the left were hidden by a green line, held down by two brown straps, one near the collar, the other near the bottom of the shirt. It was long-sleeved with green cuffs, still closed by the same straps in the design of his shirt. Although the entire design was masculine, on Kurama it could have passed for a girl's blouse. To match the top, he wore brown, corduroy pants. Yuusuke whistled, "Dressed up, aren't we?"
Kurama laughed, "Tell yourself that too."
For indeed, Yuusuke had forsaken his rugged look, since they were dining at quite a posh place. He appeared quite decent, and boyishly cute in his blue polo shirt, about two buttons forgone to leave the front slightly hanging open. Contrary to his confident outward appearance, he felt quite uncomfortable sporting long sleeves, but the redhead had insisted. The design was somewhat like Kurama's, just abandon the Chinese-style. The similarity lay in the straps, his being on the shoulders, collar and the cuffs. To match his top, he had worn a black, striped with gray, somewhat-fitting pair of pants, and had his hair slicked back.
(*pardon my lack of fashion sense ^_^;;*)
The two headed towards a park bench, Kurama, whipping out a book from thin air, while Yuusuke leaned on him, falling asleep. A few minutes later, Kurama looked up and smiled as he saw Keiko with a guy approaching them. She looked kind of exasperated seeing the other one was dozing, so the redhead prodded Yuusuke to wake up. They both stood up to greet the couple. As in formal meetings, Keiko introduced them all, "Jun, this is Yuusuke, and Minamino-kun. Guys, Jun."
Ex-boyfriend scanned Current Boyfriend, and possible Soon-to-Be-Fiancé. Jun was a tall guy, about as tall as Kuwabara. He had a kind face, a sort of "Teacher Look" and a mature, manly air around him. He had chestnut hair, hazel eyes, and a strong chin. He seemed confident, and carried himself well. Trading awkward hellos, they set off towards the restaurant. As it turned out, Yuusuke wasn't bothered at all by Keiko's new boyfriend. His attention was actually all on Kurama. During conversations, they had kept glancing at each other, trading quiet jokes, to which they both grinned at. Instead of knowing Keiko a little more better, all the information that Jun collected was about Minamino-kun's "cute childhood", to the redhead's dismay. A sample of the conversation:
"So, Mizutani-san, you're a kindergarten teacher?" Kurama asked as he delicately wiped the corners of his lips with the corner of the napkin.
Jun smiled, "Call me Jun. And yes. It's just so fun seeing children run around and laugh, and sing. Aren't children so energetic and wild?"
As both Keiko and Kurama nodded, Yuusuke smirked and said, "I know of a kid who was so quiet and acted so mature. He wasn't annoying at all, only overly-curious, and he preferred staying indoors than playing outside with kids his age."
At this, Kurama blushed, "Yeah, well, not all of us found such joy beating up children twice our age."
"Oh yeah? Heard that the kid I knew was a geek."
"Heard he was quite cute."
"Oh, he surely is. Isn't he?"
The redhead blushed again.
Well, that was entertaining.
When the bill came, Jun had offered to pay for all, but Yuusuke had protested and suggested that they split it both ways: Jun and Keiko, him and Kura – err… Shuu-chan. After which, Yuusuke took a wad of money and paid for both him and he redhead, much to the other's protest. He leaned forward and whispered, "Don't think about it. After dragging you here, I oughta pay more. Besides, this will give me bonus points, right?"
Kurama shut up. As they left the restaurant, Yuusuke couldn't decide whether the bonus points he'll be earning were from Keiko and Jun, or from Kurama.
After watching a movie and strolling at the beach, they had decided to end the day at a karaoke bar. As Yuusuke had accompanied Kurama outside to get some fresh air, Jun and Keiko were left alone. After much milling about, Jun asked, not sure of his girlfriend's reaction, "Keiko, is Minamino-kun Urameshi's new girlfriend? They really seemed close. Extremely close."
"That's ridiculous Jun. If you haven't guessed yet, Minamino's a guy." But somehow, Keiko had this nagging feeling.
When the two came back, the entertainer guy was already calling up the stage random people. He picked their names from those who had submitted them on a piece of paper, and Kurama was surprised when his name was suddenly called. He looked around to see who had written him down, until Keiko spoke up, "I've never heard you sing yet, Minamino-kun." In truth, she was actually just feeling a bit jealous, and wanted to humiliate him.
Unsure, Kurama didn't stand up, much to the urging of his companions. The host had already approached and was pulling his arm. Shyly, he stood up the stage, and barely heard when the announcer said, "Okay, here it is. The random number's 3045. Enter 3045 please."
The title of the song flashed, 'My Immortal. By Evanescence.'
The intro played. Inside, Keiko did a victory dance, until Kurama began to sing.
"I'm so tired of being here… suppressed by all my childish fears." He lifted his head up to look directly over to their table. His eyes spoke of a secret message, "And if you have to leave, I wish that you would just leave. 'Coz your presence still lingers here." He closed his eyes and walked backwards, singing, "And it won't leave me alone. These wounds won't seem to heal. This pain is just too real, there's just too much that time cannot erase."
Opening his eyes, he stretched out his left arm, "When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears. When you screamed I'd fight away all of your fears." Withdrawing his hand, he held the microphone with both hands, "I held your hand through all of these years. But you still have… all of me."
Keiko felt that Kurama was looking straight at Yuusuke. She glanced at her former boyfriend and saw that he was entirely enthralled. As was almost all of the people in the bar. Swinging lightly now, Kurama took a few steps to his right, then looked towards their table. "You used to captivate me, by your resonating light. Now I'm bound by the life you left behind."
He bowed again and half-covered his face with his right hand, "Your face it haunts my once-pleasant dreams. Your voice it chased away, all the sanity in me." He removed his hand and looked at his palm, as if fascinated by it, "These wounds won't seem to heal. This pain is just too real. There's just too much that time cannot erase."
The spotlight illuminated him well, and he looked like an angel who had lost his wings. When he looked up again, his brows were crunched together; his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Yuusuke wanted to get up and smoothen that wrinkled forehead. "When you cried I'd wipe away your tears. When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears. I held your hands through all of these years. But you still have…"
Kurama directed his gaze at the darkened ceiling, "…all of me. I tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone. But though you're still with me," he returned his stare to its original position, pain evident in his eyes. "I've been alone all along. When you cried I'd wipe away your tears. When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears. I held your hands through all of these years. But you still have all of me."
Voice fading, he slowly lowered the microphone, but not low enough that the words he spoke were heard, "All of me."
The entire place erupted with applause. Before the host could congratulate Kurama for a wonderful performance, he had already gotten off hurriedly, running towards the washroom. Yuusuke, paralyzed, barely heard Jun's teasing question, "Wow. He's great. Was that song for you, Yuusuke?"
He answered inside his head. No, because I felt Hiei a while ago. He was standing right behind us.
~*~^~*~
Kurama breathed slowly as he jogged out the house. He had a lot to think about, and what better way to make up your mind, than feeling free? Slowly, he stepped out, the bright sun raining down on him, and began sprinting on his usual route towards Yuusuke's house.
Yuusuke had just finished bathing and was about to step out of the house, when, upon opening his door, he saw someone in the act of knocking, "Keiko." Understandably, he sweatdropped, What is it with me and the people I know taking me by surprise at my door?
She stepped inside before he could say anything else, and spoke, "Are you and Kurama together?"
Shocked, but regaining composure, he replied, "What? You're not even gonna say 'Hey'? Is that the new trend today?"
"Answer the question please."
"What does it matter to you?"
"We're friends, remember? Friends are supposed to tell each other what's happening in their lives."
Folding his arms across his chest, Yuusuke countered, "As if I knew beforehand you were falling for someone else before you announced it so suddenly."
"So you are together."
"No we're not." Raizen's descendant was getting exasperated. Girls had this way of finding out.
"But you're in love. Don't deny it, I can see. The way he sang to you – "
"F.Y.I: He wasn't singing for me. He was singing for Hiei."
Keiko looked thoughtful for a moment, "Yeah… I was wondering were Hiei fitted in." Snapping her head up, she countered, "But that doesn't stop you from being in love with him, right?"
Not knowing what to reply, and too late to actually give an answer, he didn't. Keiko gave a smug smile, "Well then, I've got a request to ask from you, before we finally and officially break up."
"Yeah."
"Give me a goodbye kiss."
Before Yuusuke could protest, Keiko, blushing at her boldness, had already moved closer, and pulled his face to hers. It was, perhaps, a quick, chaste kiss, but both felt guilt. With Keiko, it was understandable. But why Yuusuke? They abruptly broke off when they heard a gasp.
Standing on the threshold, form crowned by the light from outside, was Kurama.
Lotsa OC people… urgh…
Hm… it's easier to write a story between a girl and boy, maybe I should just switch to hetero couples? Right? What do you think? =P
It's been so long since I've last written that I've forgotten how to spell. 'White' is now 'wight', and 'write' is now 'righte'. Gah…
Chapter 6 soon… Maybe after Christmas… =P
Just kidding. Will update as soon as my laziness lifts off…^_^ Am officially done with being a freshman, yay! ^_^
Err… That is, if I pass my finals… x_x should be studying right now…
Please Review!
Chapter 6, Mariposa Preview:
"I can't stop, because you hate me. Why do hate me?"
"Kurama, stop it. I never hated you. I was just angry. I'm not mad anymore. I'll never get mad at you again."
"What? You're going to stay at Yomi's?!"
"Ye – "
"I can't accept that! You're going to stay in my domain, you can't –"
"And who are you in my life, Yuusuke? What right have you to tell me how to live my life or where to spend it?"
"Hiei! What do you mean?"
"You mean Kurama never told you? Didn't you ever wonder where his bruises come from? Why, after seeing him so energetic the day before, he seems so drained the morning after?"
Why? Why? I want to know too! Give me ideas! Just kidding… =P Hmm… is Kurama a druggie?
Wahh!!! Wonder how the next turns out…
Once again, please review! ^_^