Now that I think on it, the ending isn't all that happy, though you have to admit this chapter is lighter than the last (once you read it, of course). I like things happy, but I also believe some things staying "true to life". So the truth is, that while problems can be solved, there are some that take time to work on.

Well, I hope you enjoy this final chapter, and thank you for sticking with me this far into the story. Thank you for those that have kept with it since I started it a year ago, and thank you to the newcomers. Thanks to the reviewers (I feel like I'm accepting an award...I always have trouble parting with my stories). I hope to do more (and with better scheduling). Cy'all!

"Shut up Urameshi!"

"I'm telling you the truth, Dumbass."

"I...I...I don't believe..."

"Yeah, I know. It's weird to think about, isn't it?" Yuusuke laughed at Kuwabara's expression. Poor guy. First he finds out that the love of his life is the brother of one of the few people he can't stand, and now...

"This isn't just some joke you guys are pulling on me, is it?" The larger teen raised an eyebrow, skeptically glaring at his friend. "I know all of you like to pick on me."

"I'm serious." Yuusuke's face lost the grin, becoming what he claimed to be. "Do you really think I have a good enough imagination to make up a big, long story like that? Two people fusing with a Jagan and all? I barely know what that freaky eye does besides give Hiei another way to glare at me."

"I dunno. You did come up with that one 'turtle in the lead pipe' cover when you were late for school..." Kuwabara sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets as Yuusuke and he continued to walk towards the temple.

"Uh, Kuwabara?" The spirit detective looked over, a slight show of concern on his face. "You look like you have to use the bathroom or something. You ok with this? I mean, it's not like you're in love with Kurama." Yuusuke suddenly stopped.

"Or are you?"

"Idiot!" The sound of rattling bones could be heard to the two present as fist connected with jaw. Despite being winner of the Dark Tournament, Yuusuke still failed to dodge most of Kuwabara's punches.

Then again, it always gave him an excuse to hit back.

The two were tussling as Yukina and Kurama made their way down the steps. At the sight of the ice maiden, Kuwabara pushed Urameshi away and ran over, clasping her smaller hands between his.

"Yukina, my love!"

"Kuwabara, are you ok?" she asked, freeing one of the hands to prod at a few of the bruises on his face. The teen nearly melted into her touch, something both Kurama and Yuusuke found most amusing.

"No, he's not ok. He's dying of a broken heart." Yuusuke grinned, picking himself up and dusting off slightly. "Now I understand why you've always treated me this way, Kuwa-kins." He placed one hand on his forehead and leaned back with a sweeping, dramatic pose. "You were just using me as a substitute for Kurama."

"Urameshi!"

"No, no." Yuusuke backed up from Kuwabara's threatening approach. He was trying and failing miserably at keeping a grin off his face, sentences interrupted by snickers. "Please don't try to apologize, Kuwa-kins. I'll let Kurama have you. Honestly."

"I'll kill you!" The two took off, Yuusuke laughing hysterically as he ran towards the temple, Kuwabara hot on his heels. Yukina and Kurama were left forgotten on the steps. Becoming used to the antics of her admirer and his friends, Yukina was more exasperated than confused at their actions.

"Keiko's waiting for Yuusuke at the temple. I better go make sure she doesn't hurt him too much." She clasped Kurama's hand for a brief second, squeezing it gently. He returned the gesture before she let go, watching as she ran back up the steps. "C'mon, big brother! You have to help me!"

In the trees above, there was a subtle shift in ki. One could barely detect it before it was gone, following the maiden towards the temple. Kurama trailed at a much slower pace, enjoying the walk fully as there was no hurry to get to his destination. It was a very lovely day, and most of the plants in the surrounding forest where at their fullest strength. The youko entwined his ki with them, their living energy strengthening him in both body and spirit.

"Kurama!" His peace was interrupted by the gentle giant that was his human friend. Kuwabara was looking around like a lost puppy, scratching his head as he attempted to glare out whatever was eluding him. "Have you seen Urameshi?"

"I thought you chased him all the way to the temple," Kurama answered, now as confused at Kuwabara.

"Yeah, but he circled around when he saw Keiko there. She didn't look too happy with him." Kuwabara shrugged, not really one to try to solve the mystery that was the Yuusuke and Keiko relationship. Eyes drifting to Kurama, the taller teen jumped as if he had just realized who he was talking to. Kuwabara flushed, embarrassed by his actions, and tried to seem nonchalant about the entire incident

"So Yuusuke told you then." Kurama smiled kindly, not upset with the other's reaction. Kuwabara was too easy to read at times, but it was a nice break from having to solve the simplest situations turned complex. "Is there something wrong with it?"

"Naw..." The hesitation with which that had been said told Kurama that it would take some time for Kuwabara. But at least he was willing to start accepting. "It's just a bit weird, that's all." He shuffled his feet slightly. He looked like he had something else to say but then decided not to say it. "Well, I'm going to go find Urameshi. Later Kurama!"

"Kuwabara, wait!" The teen stopped in mid-run, turning around with a puzzled expression. Kurama slowly walked up to him. This made the other a little unnerved. Kurama's ki was gently swirling around him in a comforting manner. That was way different than the seductive yet deadly form his friend's ki usually took.

The fox put one hand on Kuwabara's arm, smiling up at his friend.

"Thank you for what you did." The words were heartfelt, and, for once, Kuwabara actually felt useful to this man that had done so much for him. "What you told Hiei forced him to take action. To confront his own feelings. And because of that, I was also forced to confront mine.

Both Hiei and Yukina gained a sibling and a father. I now have two children where I once tentatively held onto one. You've changed all our lives. There is no possible way we can repay you."

"Hey, hey!" Kuwabara waved his hands hurriedly before himself, trying to brush off Kurama's gratefulness with that simple move. He was obviously a little embarrassed. "I just did what I thought would be best for Yukina, ok? I'm not a hero or anything."

Kurama nodded, understanding to the other's modesty. First his mother for her love. Then Yuusuke for his mother. And now Kuwabara for his son. Kurama was finding that this new life was requiring him to depend on many different people. Dependence, he had always believed, was a weakness. After all, he now owed at least four people his very life.

Yet, he was happy. Strange.

"Hey, Kurama." He looked up at Kuwabara, tilting his head to one side to show his curiosity. The large boy rubbed the back of his head, almost uncomfortable to be asking what he would be asking. "Hiei's doing a lot better now, isn't he? I've noticed a few changes in his aura..."

"We're still working some things out." Kurama suppressed a sigh. His son was difficult in many respects. He had his own way of going about his life. "But, yes. I don't worry about him nearly as much." He winked to lighten his words and the mood.

A huge smile crossed Kuwabara's face, and his posture straightened as well to signify his delight.

"I'm really glad." He looked both ways quickly before leaning over. One hand at the side of his mouth, the teen whispered to his friend. "But don't tell him I said that."

"My lips are sealed," Kurama replied with an easy smile.

The two walked together in comfortable silence until they reached the temple. Kuwabara immediately ran to Yukina's side then, adoringly watching her as she bandaged Yuusuke's wrist. The grumpy detective was yelling at an equally perturbed looking Keiko. She replied by yelling in kind. Genkai simply walked over and smacked Yuusuke over the back of the head before he could continue the argument.

Hiei was leaning against the wall, watching crossly as Kuwabara continued to babble on about various nothings to the fire demon's sister. Chuckling, Kurama walked over and leaned back as well.

The subtle shift away did not go un-noticed by him, but Kurama allowed it. Things were awkward between the two now; a deep friendship had been broken by the secrets revealed. The unanswered question now was, should they attempt to repair their friendship, or should they allow something else to build around it? And whether that something would be good or bad, neither could say.

"I told Kuwabara," Kurama said quietly, watching as Yuusuke pulled away from Yukina to chase after Genkai. "You should swallow your pride. He deserves to hear it from your own mouth."

"We both wanted to say it. Why bother him twice over it," Hiei stated, not looking over at the other. Kuwabara placed his hands on Yukina's shoulders, yelling at Yuusuke to be more considerate. Keiko looked concernedly at the puzzled koorime. "Besides, Yukina will tell him as well."

"You know you should," was the curt reply. Yuusuke had now turned around to hit Kuwabara. Genkai took this chance to smack him over the head again.

"Maybe someday." Hiei closed his eyes and pushed off against the wall. Midway to the group, he suddenly turned back and looked Kurama in the eyes. Red and green met for a long moment.

"You don't have to keep looking out for me." It wasn't said in the frustrated tone that most teens take with their parents. Hiei spoke casually, as if stating a fact that he knew wasn't completely apparent to his audience. Kurama nodded.

"Old habit," He replied. The green eyes narrowed. "And I'm afraid it's not going to break anytime soon." The fox stayed firm in his words, making it hard to argue.

Red eyes widened briefly, then blinked, breaking the spell. Hiei turned away, shaking his head and chuckling.

"Stubborn idiot," he muttered as he walked towards Kuwabara and Yukina. Kurama smiled as he watched Yukina greet her brother, Kuwabara pointing out some ridiculous fact about Hiei's appearance to impress her. Hiei rolled his eyes, the corner of his mouth ticking in irritation. Yukina hid her laughter behind a hand, though it gleamed brightly in her eyes.

"Hey, Kurama, whatcha doin' by the wall?" Yuusuke was apparently no longer trying to argue with either of the girls. "That's where Hiei usually is."

Yukina looked up, noticing the red-head as Yuusuke shouted at him. She smiled brightly and waved.

"Yes Father! Come join us!"

So he did.