Disclaimer: Don't own YYH, nope….
Scribbles: It's been a while since I last updated… blame school. It's soooo hot in the summer. And under this humid weather we're heating stuff at high temp. Gah. Chemistry is bad for the health. Ooh… pretty color change. Er… anyway. The fire trees are the only things worth watching…
Warning: am getting too vulgar… but nothing too bad of course
Virtual people to thank (just kidding):
First off, those whom I forgot to thank in the 5th chapter, sorry for my rudeness:
Skittles the Sugar Fairy , Starflower Sakura, Rabid Yaoi Fangirl H-chan, kitsune-sama
I admit I've been exploiting more of the Yuusuke X Kurama since, as some have pointed out, there are quite a few of them, as opposed to the number of Hiei X Kurama fanfics. But don't worry, will show Hiei X Kurama scenes and keep you guys frustrated for as long as my demented brain can.
Next, the new reviewers:
Skittles the Sugar Fairy – you again! juz kidding, am not complaining at all. Thanks for being faithful, you're the best!
Clow Angel – Thanks, you woke me up. And you never got bored of me. You're the best too!
Hedi Dracona & Din7 – Yes, chief. Posted a new one.
Starflower Sakura – winkswinks you who knows a lot…
Hieisbestbuddy888 – giving it some thought…
Raining Petals – thanks for the enthusiasm! Am trying to fit everyone's suggestions in (which is so NOT possible )…
Okay, am rambling too much, this now resembles an lj… so here, let's start:
Enjoy the chapter!
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The next room's light,
that too, goes out, and now –
the chill of night.
Shiki
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Chapter 6. Mariposa
(for best results, review chapter 2)
"Then I should ask… Kurama, do you like Yuusuke?"The question was so sudden, so out-of-the blue that Kurama roused fully from his sleepy state. Truth be told, if you looked at the pair's not-so-far past, the query would be considered acceptable, or how should we say it – Hiei had every right to ask.
The hesitation that took over the half-youko worried not only the koorime, who, by now, had removed his hands from his friend's face and turned away to stare at the same darkness facing the redhead. Why was Kurama confused as well, so troubled by the question?
The silence that happened between them was enough for Hiei to assume the worst, "You know how I feel about you."
The conversation a while ago re-surfaced:
"This feeling of attachment… to the point of missing that particular someone."
The redhead wanted to laugh at Hiei's description, "You mean love."
Then I should ask… Kurama, do you like Yuusuke?
Do you like Yuusuke?
Kurama…
Under the pale light of the moon that shone through the window, Kurama's face drained of color until he grew almost transparent. He blurted out, obviously flustered, "But… I thought you were just interested in me. That it was just a passing attraction. When you told me… you never did say that you lo…"
"Isn't my vow sign enough for me to show you that I felt that way?"
"I – " The redhead looked away, obviously pained. The leaves rustled a bit, and the loud sound of chirping crickets suddenly erupted. Kurama's head snapped back to look when the deep voice softly echoed, "Your humanity has made you quite blunt to advances, kitsune."
In a flash, Hiei had leaned closer again, pushing Kurama against the wall, pressing the thin, bony shoulders with his strong and calloused hands. In a blur, he was on the bed, one leg knelt, the other half bent. He removed his right hand and slammed the part of his arm after the elbow on the wall about a breath's away from the redhead's face, eliciting a gasp of surprise from the latter. Kurama moved to turn his head away, but Hiei was the quicker of the two – he pressed his warded forehead on Kurama's, effectively trapping him. The koorime could feel the other's trembling, could sense the panic growing. Hiei wouldn't be surprised if Kurama screamed or struggled at any moment.
But he didn't. The redhead's muscles were still tense, but he didn't give a fight. No sound of protest, no soft pleading to be let go, not even a 'meep'. He was as taut as a stretched rubber band, but was as compliant as a baby to its mother, the grass to the wind.
If only Hiei could sigh, he would have. But he didn't seem to know how, so he opted to gruffly blow some air out, "Always, it's like this. You gladly touch others to help them out, to tend to their wounds or to give comfort. But you are afraid of being touched… or caressed."
He demonstrated this by passing his lips on the redhead's quivering ones. True to what Hiei said, Kurama began to move away, but had nowhere to go. He stopped trying.
"Why don't you struggle and fight? Fight me, fox. Break away!"
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Kurama was afraid. Hiei was not himself. Had he been drunk at the bar (chapter 5)? After spending the entire day accompanying Yuusuke (because he didn't want to be alone when he met up with Keiko and her boyfriend), and after having seen Hiei at the karaoke bar, he was expectant of the koorime's visit. He assumed that he had already cooled off or forgotten what it was that bothered Hiei so much a few days earlier. But the fire demon had come in, talked more than the usual, and now this. But there was no smell of alcohol in the air. No whiff of drugs or any sign of mind-control… Hiei was simply… talkative tonight.
And very aggressive. Already feeling quite claustrophobic, Kurama tried to speak to him through his eyes. They were becoming erratic, fear passing in and out of their depths. But Hiei paid no heed.
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"Fight me, fox. Break away!"
It seemed like hours.
Then Hiei slowly released Kurama. The latter was bombarded by the sudden inrush of oxygen. He didn't realize that he had held his breath for so long. The fire demon, meanwhile, had already moved towards the window. He seemed so weary, so… un-Hiei. Before he finally disappeared into the remnants of night, he said a troubling goodbye, "Has Shuuichi's innocence rubbed off on you? It would be best if you educate him. Do you remember the first piece of advice I told you?"
He left, leaving a memory behind.
Your naiveté will be the end of you someday.
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Kurama woke up feeling everything was surreal, wondering if what happened last night was merely a dream, a result of his heart's yearning to patch things up with Hiei. Slowly, he shook his head, trying to be free of this dilemma, this situation that could only happen in cliché love-books. Oh, how he used to laugh at them; he never knew that he'd be trapped in such a plot.
Had the fire demon really entered his room last night, accused him of being too naïve, and undoubtedly professed his undying love for him?
And if it did happen, how would things be between them now? A few days ago, Hiei had acted quite angry, which now Kurama understood to be because of jealousy, and stayed out of sight for a quite a while before finally reappearing last night, after the karaoke incident, only to give a shocking revelation.
How could I have been so blind?
His other persona emerged. The youko snorted quite disdainfully, I can't believe you didn't know!
The Shuuichi side cringed, But I really thought… I took his first confession as -
Baka! I can't believe my human side was THIS stupid!
The human side thought of all the times Hiei would suddenly interrupt the silence between them. He'd stop the kitsune from what he was doing, and wait for the latter to pause, look up, then achieve eye contact. Then he'd ask, "Kurama?"
That one single word, that single name that was transformed into a question, conveyed an inquiry that both felt was not needing to be stated. To which, after a few heartbeats of silence and with an expression of remorse, Kurama would reply, "Not yet."
They never once thought that they weren't as 'on the same track' as they both presumed.
When he first told me… I thought that he was just ATTRACTED to me. That was what he first said, wasn't it? He told me that he felt so 'attached' to me… I really thought it was just some passing fondness…
The youko 'tsked'. And what of his question? I know that he always asked, 'do you love me yet?'
If Shuuichi could only be more flustered, he would have been. But nothing could surpass his ruffled state right now. It was THAT?! But… but…
You're sputtering child.
But I always thought his question was, if it were really about loving: 'Are you READY to love me yet?'
A sigh. I really should never have left you to make most of the decisions, or dominate most of our consciousness. Hiei's right you know… You're just too… INNOCENT for your own good. And yet…
The redhead kept quiet. He knew what line was coming next, And yet, I want to keep you that way. So even for just a short span of time, I'd know what it feels like to be free of malice. To feel 'clean' and free of sin/ I never knew things would be this way…
Although he didn't have a clue as to what the youko was blubbering about, he knew this wasn't the time to ask about it. He just had to leave the youkai to his own thoughts.
And if only Youko Kurama could come out, he would already have, and then enveloped the teenager in his arms. After which, he'd take him away and hide him forever. But he couldn't.
"Yo, Kurama!"
Kurama snapped from his "split-state" and finally noticed that Yuusuke was in the room, "Oh, Yuusuke!"
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Yuusuke was exploring Kurama's room. He walked around, hands absently running themselves on any surface they came in contact with. Glad that his legs finally felt alive, he shook his head at himself. It was only a few minutes ago that he had sat so stiffly on the redhead's newly made bed while he had bathed – BATHED! The thought of water running down the half-youko's body – naked body – was so maddening. Utterly maddening. And Yuusuke had to grip the bed's edge with such ferocity that he was afraid he'd rip the cotton out, and had to grit his teeth to prevent himself from making his way to the bathroom, throwing the door wide open, and yes: taking that innocent-faced beauty right then and there. He could not remove the images of the smooth skin at the redhead's legs shimmering with water from the lake, those moist lips and face damp from the rain. The taste of his skin, his scent, his whole body – Kurama!
Thankfully, the redhead came out already dressed. Immediately noticing how white Yuusuke's knuckles were, and the flushed face, he approached, concerned, "Are you feeling ill?"
And immediately jolting from his not-so-decent thoughts, he replied, "Err… no. Was just zoning out…" He gave a sheepish grin for effect.
"Ah.. I'm really sorry I woke up late…"
"No, don't worry about it. You looked ravishing lying there, all tangled up in the covers anyway."
Absent-mindedly, Kurama commented, "Wow, your vocabulary's improved." Then, as the meaning of the words sunk in, he blushed and turned away, "You must be hungry, waking up so early. I'll prepare us some food."
So now, with the half-youko downstairs, the other half-youkai began browsing through the books on the shelf. He flipped through them one by one, barely glancing at the titles, and finally, he reached the top shelf. Hands groping, he momentarily got distracted by a framed picture on the study table, wondering why he never saw it before. Letting up on the top shelf, he picked the frame up. A chain slipped from it, and Yuusuke saw that it was a hirusuke. Black?
Looking now at the picture, the teenager felt a clench in his chest. Turning it over, he removed the photo from its case and read the inscription from one of Kurama's random classmates: Minamino-kun. Here's a picture of you and your bestfriend. You really have an odd taste in friends, and both of you are a strange pair. But this was the first time I saw you truly smile. He must be a great person (so he better not hurt you!) –Hayashida-
Placing it back and turning to look again, Yuusuke saw that in fact, he rarely saw this kind of smile on his friend's face. He and Hiei were walking through patches of shade under the trees, each, a cone of ice cream in hand. Hiei was looking up quite amusedly at his companion, and Kurama's face was frozen into a half-laugh, eyes twinkling. Yes, he rarely showed this expression, and usually appeared only when he was beside Hiei.
Putting it back down, Raizen's descendant swore that he would make Kurama smile like that more often.
Going back to the book shelf, he reached up once again to the top line, hoping that there was something there that one of his IQ could devour, and enable him to forget this dull thudding of his heart. His hand suddenly hit something – a hard, rectangular object. Oww… weird book.
He pulled it out slowly, and saw that it wasn't a book, but a large, flat box, around 7X9 inches in dimensions. Blowing the dust from the top, he coughed a little, then proceeded to try to pry it open. It wouldn't budge at all. What's in here? Porn mags?
Pulling and pulling, he was caught off balance, he slid and hit the shelf behind him, where another box, much smaller this time, fell flat on his head. Itai…
Mechanically rubbing the sore spot, he took and examined the little package. This time, it opened easily. Ah… A pack of cards. Perfect boy;s been hiding a deck of cards? Must be porn. Hehe… Why are they so big? Where are the diamonds and clubs?
He picked one and held it up. It was marked '0', and there was a weird illustration on it of a man with a jester's bearing, who looked like he was running away – straight into the waters off a cliff.
"Yuu-chan, I hope you like steak for –" The redhead almost dropped the large tray he held.
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"So, you have, like, the blood of witches/warlocks in you."
Kurama just nodded, not knowing what to expect. How would Yuusuke react? They both knew youkais and other strange beings, so why should he be disgusted by the fact that the redhead was a mage?
"Oh, cool."
"Eh? That's it?" With the many scenarios going through his head, 'Oh, cool' wasn't one of them.
"Yeah? What? What else am I supposed to say?" It took a full two minutes before he realized the half-youko's apprehensions, "This is the modern day. There are a lot of others who practice this openly – "
"But you don't understand. It's in our blood, our heritage. Before 'tousan died, we'd practice it fervently. Before Shiori re-married, there were those little affairs. Being a human, aren't you in the leas bit afraid or repulsed?"
Yuusuke looked genuinely surprised, "You would think that after having faced ugly and foul-smelling beings together, I'd find you 'repulsive'? You're like an angel over them, or… or… a mirage in a desert of brutes."
This caused a large smile to crawl on the other's face. The older was pleased, "That's more like it."
Yuusuke drew Kurama into an embrace, and the latter placed his head on his the older's strong shoulder, feeling the hot pulse there. Raizen's descendant moved him closer to savor the shared warmth and broke the silence when he asked, "You looked like you had a problem this morning. Care to share?"
In the hypnotic heat that threatened to make Kurama doze, he lost all will to deny. He opened up, though kept everything vague, "It's just that Hiei and I are in an awkward situation. We've had quite a few misunderstandings lately. I just don't know what to do…"
"Why don't you talk to him? You're the only one who could draw him in to a decent conversation." This he said, even though the pain in his chest felt unbearable.
The half-youko laughed a bitter melody, "There are some thins in this world that you can't do. Like writing to a part of yourself. To your feet, your hair… or your heart. It is expected that they should already know, right?"
There was that sharp throb again as the redhead's words came back echoing in his head, taunting him, to a part of yourself. He wanted to ask again what was going on between the two, but Kurama had already answered him before. Things couldn't change that quickly, right?
Then what's all these?
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A low rumbling sound awoke him. He looked outside the window and saw that the sky turned dark, and that the trees around were swaying almost violently against the wind. He started to move, but stopped when he felt an extra weight on him. Without realizing it, they had both fallen asleep. Yuusuke took this opportunity to study his comrade. The pale being was looked quite peaceful, despite the turmoil he might be going through right now. One of his arms rested on the older teen's chest, long fingers stretched out to clutch at the cloth on Yuusuke's shoulder. His other hand was resting against Yuusuke's side, and was intertwined with Yuusuke's own. The latter flushed when he realized that his left hand had protectively wound itself around Kurama's waist, only to end up about an inch short of his rear. And that the redhead was nestled comfortably between his legs, his own pair curled up against Yuusuke's right thigh. He could barely prevent himself from letting out a moan, and he knew he had to move somehow, before a premature arousal was to happen. Why was this luscious half-youko torturing him so?
Jolting, he effectively woke the redhead as well. Kurama blinked, rubbed his eyes then gasped, "Oh, sorry, Yuusuke, I – "
"No, it's okay, you're not heavy at all…" It's just that you're so damn irresistible; I need to get away from you before I'll do something stupid…
The two stretched, and finally saw that the sky had partially cleared up, a few of the sun's rays escaping the cumulus clouds that gathered. Sleep got shook off their systems. After a moment, Yuusuke picked up the tarot cards and suggested, "Tell me about these. Can you tell my future?"
Kurama laughed, "I'm not really sure about your distant future, since your fate is murky. You're one of the few who writes his own destiny. But I can tell you your situation now, and your options."
"Really? How do you know that?"
Another laugh, "I was trained for this. Here, come closer."
As they both settled down, the half-youko went on about tarot cards, how they were interpreted, the meaning of the groups, etcetera. It was well into the late afternoon when they started. As Kurama prepared for the reading, Yuusuke noticed one of the cards. It was of this wise-looking woman behind a veil. No, it was a curtain. Intrigued by its mysterious appearance, he inquired, and the redhead's answer was, "Oh, it's the Priestess. Usually, this represents a wise person, a judge, or perhaps an adviser. Sitting behind the curtain, she can either lead you to damnation, or to heaven."
"Adviser eh? So that must be you in my life." Another one caught his attention, "Hey, Lover's card."
The younger of the two merely smiled at Yuusuke. Fully ready now, he asked, "Shall we begin?"
He entered the circle and immediately fell into a semi-trance state. His instruction came out husky, hushed, and Yuusuke began to wonder if he was possessed, or if it was the smoke from the incense sticks. In no time, the cards were placed. In the flickering light of the candles, Kurama's half-lidded eyes looked so beautiful that Yuusuke felt lulled and drawn into the magic. Even through the sanctity of the ritual, he couldn't help but feel that strong attraction rippling through every fiber of his being. How he desired the lithe figure before him!
"Yuusuke…" The voice broke his yearning, "Concentrate please. Don't let your mind wander."
Blushing, he didn't say anything.
Then came the interpretation:
"Wah! I'm the Fool!"
Amused, he replied, "You're really supposed to be the Fool… Look here, and here." Flipping cards expertly, he continued, "Right now, you're undergoing major changes. You are lost and confused, and you don't know how to proceed. But the first step is already presented to you. You merely need to take it."
Yuusuke nodded, "How will I recognize this 'step'? What else?"
"You know it already, you just need to acknowledge it."
Vague, but Yuusuke understood completely. He leaned onto the silence, until that sultry voice came out again, "You are suspended between two things. Remember that if you chase after two rabbits, you'll end up with none. Make up your mind."
Again, the words hit the mark. Raizen's descendant remarked, "I already have." At this, the kitsune tilted his head in question, to which the other simply smirked. Not wanting to break the momentum, Kurama continued, and looked down at the cards again, "Oh…"
"'Oh' what? What 'oh'?"
Kurama looked at him directly in the eyes, "It's hard, but sometimes things have to be thrown away to make space for new things."
"I understand completely." And leaning forwards, he eagerly asked, "What about my love life?"
The half youko stared at him – through him – and Yuusuke felt that annoying blush creeping on his face again. Suddenly, his friend laughed. "What?"
"Erm… I don't think you'd want to know…"
"OH, so you WERE laughing at me! And you'd be mean if you leave me hanging like this."
"Well, it's just that… remember when I told you that you write your own fate?" A nod. "Well, this - your love life – is included there. Benten (goddess of destiny - i think) is confused if she should let you end up with the person you're meant to be with. Maybe you will, but in three more lifetimes."
Yuusuke gagged, "What? Benten-sama, you're cruel!" He looked quite irritated. 'Hmph'ing quite uncharacteristically, and crossing his arms in front of his chest, he inquired, "Well then, tell me who is the one truly meant for me? I think you can give me a tiny clue at least…"
"Got two right here."
"Great! Let's get on with it." He was nervous for some reason.
Flipping one card, Kurama gasped, then a sly smile crept up. He could hardly prevent tiny laughs from escaping him. Yuusuke complained, "Hey, get a grip!"
"No… It's just that…" Finally gaining some sanity, he asked, "Whom have you been kissing lately, Yuusuke?"
At this, the older teen was silenced, as the redhead continued to silently shake in laughter. Slowly, Yuusuke turned to catch Kurama's eyes, and immediately, the chuckling ceased. The verdant eyes widened. And as if in slow motion, the raven-haired youth's mouth opened to say, "There's only been one for the past few weeks. And perhaps even in the next."
Kurama abruptly stood. Stepping over the candles, he sprinted towards the door, pausing only to say, "I'll just go out to get us more iced tea, ok?"
He exited without waiting for a reply. Yuusuke looked at his glass of iced tea, droplets condensed at the side, and then at the redhead's own glass. Both were full. Somehow, the corner of his eye caught sight of the last card that faced downwards. The second clue. He reached for it as his heart raced. His hands shaking, he flipped it over.
It was the Priestess.
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Finally, the present.
Silence hung in the air like some secret loss.
Kurama stood like a statue near the doorway, staring at the too close bodies of Yuusuke and Keiko. Slowly, the guy moved away from Keiko, breaking the stolidity that had taken hold on them. The redhead also unfroze, closing his eyes painstakingly, then letting out a breath, he opened them again. He smiled, "Sorry to interrupt. I was on my way to the convenience shop and wanted to see if you needed anything Yuusuke?"
Surprised at the coldness of the voice that contrasted the warm smile, he became incapable of lying, "I – Iya."
"Okay then, goodbye." He turned and left.
The word 'goodbye' echoed in the air ominously. Keiko felt remorse, "Yuusuke, I'm sorry. I really am…"
"Sorry for what?" His mind was still trying to make up what to do, but his body refused to respond. He merely stared out the open door.
"So you two really ARE together."
Heavily, he answered, "I really don't know."
Before the girl could retort, Yusuke was gone, running out the door, trying to catch the redhead. Unfortunately, his moment of hesitation had caused him a lot.
There was no one in sight. The kitsune hadn't been to the convenience shop, said the manager.
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I have no right to feel this.
Get a grip on yourself, Kurama.
JUMP OVER A BUSH. KEEP RUNNING. DON'T STOP.
It's not as if we're together. So what if he felt like kissing me everytime we were together? For all I know, they were simply out of whim. Out of lust.
FINALLY, SHELTER. CRASH DOWN. HIDE. HIDE FOR NOW.
I have absolutely no right to feel this hurt. Maybe I was right all along… He used me as a replacement for Keiko. I'm a mere surrogate! I'm worse than a prostitute!
He sat still under the large oak tree, eyes gazing out emptily at the surrounding world. Even the little patches of light that passed through didn't bother his eyesight. I'm so stupid.
And again, if only Youko Kurama could come up and embrace him; if only he could come out and take him away, he would already have. But he couldn't.
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Why wouldn't the darkness let go of him? It's harsh appendages stretched once more to torment him. They bruised him, and ripped him free of sanity, or left even a little of it. He tried to struggle; he attempted to give out a plea. But it was useless. Nothing can be done when passion takes over. He was pinned down, made to wait for that final pain. Unable to help himself, sobs came out, softly, then heavily. A sharp slap stopped him, and a moist object covered his mouth, claiming him. And then, it was that again – that pain far beyond anything he had felt before.
When will he ever have a way out?
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Another mission, and it couldn't have come at a worse time.
Genkai couldn't help but wonder what was going on with the team. Kurama and Hiei, who always managed to sit close in every activity were spread far apart, as if… if they touch, they'd die. Yuusuke, who seemed to have gotten close with Kurama these past few weeks was also seated away from the said redhead, but his eyes looked desperately the half-youko's way. She looked at Kuwabara. Hm. Good thing some things don't change.
Finally, the briefing was done. The four headed out to this renegade youkai group's hideout, their intent to defeat and apprehend the rebelling bunch. Kuwabara, the supposed dense one, actually noticed the tension between his three teammates, noting that their fighting skills were sloppy and inefficient. Well, he saw that after watching them fight the few nameless faces they met on the way. It was weird how there were so little guards for this mini-castle.
After a while, they reached a fork in the road. Assuming they were to be paired like they always were when they had to split up like this, the carrot top moved to go with Yuusuke, but was stopped when he heard Hiei's gruff voice, "Come on, baka. We're taking the right."
Visibly stiffening, Kurama hid his face in his hair. Then he proceeded towards the left. Confused, Kuwabara almost squeaked, "Eh.. You meant me?"
"Who else is the stupid one here?"
"I'm not, you darn mushroom. And why me, what about Ku – "
"Shut up, you're too loud."
Ignoring the carrot top now, Hiei walked towards the right. Kuwabara looked towards the redhead, but he had already gone a bit far in the left lane. So he looked at Yuusuke and gave him a 'what's going on?' face. The shorter teen merely shrugged and followed Kurama.
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They had already walked quite a distance, but still, no attacks came. Kuwabara was annoyed by the silence that went with them. Stopping abruptly, he demanded from his short companion, "Oi, what's going on? Did you have a lover's quarrel with Kurama?"
"It would be that, if we were lovers."
"What? Are you saying you two are not together?!"
The death glare sent his way was enough to wither the entire earth, if it were possible. Hiei half-growled, "And why should I be together with a tainted youkai? Someone that weak deserves someone equally pathetic."
Trying to level himself with the fire demon, Kuwabara retorted, "Oi, oi! He's not pathetic at all. For all I know, he rejected you, so now you're all bitter and… and… angry, you Mario-wannabe!"
Oh, how those words hit home. Hiei made as if to draw his katana, "What did you say, mindless shell?"
"I said you're so bitter because you've been rejected! And because of that, you sent us here to this useless path that has nothing in it, while on the other side, Yuusuke and Kurama may be facing demons!"
At this, Hiei paused. Indeed, Kuwabara could say the most stupid, incoherent things at the spur of the moment, but they could also be the most important. Damn it, I was too preoccupied to see… He growled again, "This is a trap. Run back."
These words seemed to put things into action. The path seemed to come alive, and spikes moved their way. As fast as they could, they retreated towards the entrance of the fork. And even through the trouble they were facing, even through his hurt, a thought managed to escape his heart, Kurama…
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Meanwhile, the other two were already slightly bruised and bloodied. Their clothes had a few rips in them too. It was strange for this place to be suddenly teeming with higher than B-class youkai… But through it all, Kurama had managed to keep his distance. Walking forward again, Yuusuke began to speak, "Kura –"
"I would appreciate it if you'd stay one meter away."
Shunned off, again. Heaving a sigh, Yuusuke simply opted to walk slower, watching the red mane slowly disappear from sight. It was a big mistake. As he rounded the corner, he saw that they were already at this throne-like room. At the center was a large, black youkai, with three horns on each arm. He was Akito, and surrounding him were multi-colored beings, smirking and preparing to attack.
Yuusuke cursed. He looked around for Kurama and saw that the redhead was lying at the foot of the boss. Kurama…
The fight began.
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Finally outside the hellbox, Hiei didn't even pause to check his wounds when he began to move towards the left. Kuwabara wordlessly followed.
Yuusuke breathed heavily. He dodged another blow. His enemies were actually not so strong, but for some reason, his body felt like lead. A few more left… I have to get to Kurama!
The leader spoke, "Oh, not tired yet? Why not be like your friend? The spell's working just all-too-well…"
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM, YOU B$D?!"
"Something to make him more yielding." Yuusuke watched as the horned youkai picked the redhead up effortlessly, then proceeded to stroke the red hair. Distracted and caught off guard, a hard, solid punch landed on his solar plexus. He wheezed before he fell down. Immediately, about three youkai jumped him. Akito laughed at the seemingly pathetic teen, and then looked down at the other one by his knees. Without warning, the heap where the black-haired youth was glowed, and the useless lackeys were blown away. Yuusuke emerged from the charred remains, "Let him go."
"My, my… touchy when it comes to this little one, eh? What if I tell you he's not worth anything?"
"Shut up. Leave him and fight me."
Contrary to what Yuusuke demanded, the black youkai actually snuggled up to the redhead. His hands roamed down the yielding body, going down, and even lower… Surprisingly, those two green orbs snapped open, and with a shout, totally obliterated the person holding him. Akito died without so much as a last word, or even a sign of surprise. Fumbling down the throne, Kurama groggily walked, looking as if he wanted to escape a nightmare.
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Yuusuke had never been so afraid in his life. The half-youko's ki felt alien. It did not give the usual warm, fuzzy and calming feel. It appeared black, biting, dangerous. He stepped back. Kurama began moving forward. The youkai under Akito started running away, only to end up being turned to dust. Crumbling to his knees, the redhead clutched at his forehead, eyes painfully shut, chest heaving, he screamed.
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Kuwabara stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the agonized voice, and felt an invisible blast. It was so.. painful. No, this went beyond pain. How can Kurama stand it?
Hiei moved even faster.
They were close.
Everything was a mess. Yuusuke wanted to move forward and grab the redhead, soothe the ache that seemed to take hold of him. He tried to put a foot forward, only to be stopped by a deep voice. Hiei's voice, "Don't move if you don't want to die."
Yuusuke stopped. Behind him, he sensed Kuwabara, gasping for his breath. And then everything happened surreally. Hiei approached the redhead, slowly, as if trying not to agitate the air around him. Inch by inch, he moved, and Kurama looked up, eyes begging. With every distance the fire demon conquered, the black aura seemed to dissipate. Finally, Hiei was on his knees, the kitsune in his arms, trembling like a little child. He spoke, voice barely heard, "Kurama, stop. I'm here. Stop it."
A whimper. "I can't stop, because you hate me. Why do hate me?" He was sobbing now.
"Kurama, stop. I never hated you. I was just angry. I'm not mad anymore. I'll never get mad at you again." Fingers moving slowly, so as not to startle the half-youko, they caressed the cold skin, the soft, sweat-matted hair.
And the black ki finally disappeared.
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"What? You're going to stay at Yomi's?!"
"Ye – "
Yuusuke grabbed his shoulders and forcefully turned him so they were face-to-face, "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? I asked everyone to be here so I'd break the news. I wasn't asking permission."
Yuusuke turned around to look incredulously at both Hiei and Kuwabara, hoping that they would help in trying to convince the redhead to stay, or at least, not stay at Gandara. It was just about five months when Yomi and Mukuro gained back their power and respective territories from Enki, since the ruler of Makai decided that it would be easier to control the whole world that way, when it was divided into three. The other two most influential people were chosen to watch over them, and these two were Yomi and Mukuro. Of course, within a few weeks, Yomi had assumed his role and taken it to heart – he began seizing and conquering other territories as if he still had the right to. But it was too late now to strip him of his power, Enki found out the hard way. Somehow, Yomi had amassed powerful youkai, and when the big youkai tried to remove the horned youkai from office, they had started to wreak havoc. No one could stop them, so Yomi was put back in place. So it was actually quite understandable the way both Hiei and Yuusuke hate and don't trust him.
Kurama had already started to exit the room. Yuusuke ran after him and pulled him by the wrist, "Then at least tell me why."
"I don't have to tell you anything." Still, his voice was cold, and his eyes glinted dangerously. The raven-haired youth gulped, fearing the black ki might appear again. It didn't.
Raizen's descendant tried another topic, "Kurama, about last time – "
"I don't care about last time. I'm sorry I burst in suddenly."
Exasperated, Yuusuke stepped in front of him, "You know that's not what I meant! Let me explain!"
Trying to pass the older teen, Kurama stepped towards an open side. Yuusuke, not caring anymore what the other occupants of the room thought, merely blocked the half-youko's path again. "Let me pass. I couldn't care less what you want to do during your free time, Yuusuke. Take a whore off the street if you want and screw like crazy, I don't really give a damn!"
Pushing the redhead violently against a wall, he half-screamed into the effeminate face, "Then what's this? Why are you acting like this? Why will you leave Ningenkai?! Answer me!"
By now, Kuwabara had gotten out of the room and watched the commotion. Kurama struggled, "Let go! I tell you, let go!"
Somehow, Kuwabara didn't seem himself when he spoke, "Kurama, if you want so much to get away from this house, you can stay at my place. Don't force yourself to go somewhere far just to escape. I'll protect you."
Yuusuke looked confused, and Kurama was… simply put, shocked, "H… how? Hiei's barrier – "
Still serious, the carrot top gestured towards the room, "He may have put a shield around you and your emotions. But your room." He put his hands on his head as if getting a headache, "Your room still has remnants of it. How.. how can you stand it? The memories that hang in there. Those feelings!"
"Kuwabara-kun, please leave."
The tall guy was obviously surprised. He began to protest, "Kurama–"
"LEAVE!"
He stood still as a rock. Hiei had also gone out of Kurama's room and ordered in a low voice, "Leave already, baka."
"Please, leave…" The voice sounded resigned, weary, hurt.
Kuwabara walked down the stairs slowly. Pausing at the front door, he looked up to see the redhead still pinned at the wall by their leader's strong arms, his body threatening to erupt in sobs. Then he exited.
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"Hiei! What do you mean?"
They had left Kurama in his room when he had fallen asleep. Immediately, they had headed out to some secluded area, to talk. After their mission, somehow, the tension between the two had been lifted. Especially since this crisis involved Kurama.
"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? You have seen him all bandaged up, right?"
"Yes, but those were the times that he…" Yuusuke began ticking off the reasons, "Well, the first time, a book had fallen on him, then running through the bushes, and some other random reasons. Why?"
"Baka! Don't you see how stupid those reasons sound?" He drew his sword and buried it in the ground.
The taller of the two paused, "What are you getting at?"
"The reason why he wants to leave Ningenkai desperately. Think, you oaf, or are you actually more stupid than that orange-haired loudmouth?"
A blank look. Gripping the hilt of the half-buried sword more tightly out of frustration, Hiei growled, "He would never leave his mother for anything in the world! Not for fame, not for riches! Why now? He needs to leave, can't you see that? He has to get out of Ningenkai! Even the carrot-top baka felt it. In that room!" Realizing he had said too much at such a little time, the koorime simply opted to grit his teeth.
Yuusuke's mind was racing. He didn't know where the thought came from, "Kazuya-san…"
Harder grip on the sword. "Yes. That bastard of a stepfather. If Kurama only doesn't stop me, I would have made him suffer through hell by now."
The teenager started and his eyes widened.
"Yes, Yuusuke. His bastard stepfather molests him. Hatanaka Kazuya - the source of his nightmares."
Okay, another meaningless chapter.
Sorry, I REALLY suck when it comes to fight scenes. And I was half-drugged when I wrote this…
Hm… Everything's becoming complicated. And I can feel my IQ dropping. Am so dumb I can't think of synonyms for the easiest words.
Chapter 7 will be posted… maybe after summer classes =P
Or, when im in the mood to write… Life is hell right now!
sigh it's so hard when a lot of people yearn for you…xx gets smacked
OKAY!!!!!!! Am giving out the preview!
Btw, please Review!=P
Chapter 7, If Only in Dreams Preview:
The power of words.
"May you love me and yearn for me, but never have me."
"You will love no one else but me."
"You will only be mine. Every part of you, even your heart."
Short, but sweet.
Once again, please review!