Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho, so don't even bother. (I still own the annoying Aunt Greta and the world)
Warnings: AU, Yaoi, (Hetero, Language, Violence later...)
Little Myy: I know it's been long time since the last update. But I'm back. My writers block is almost over and exam week started, so I probably have time to write more. But I cut the bullshit short. This chapter isn't as good as the earlier, but –sigh- maybe next time then.
Enjoy the chapter if you can! –Evil laugh-
"Indicates speaking"
::Indicates Kurama's thoughts::
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Chapter 4: Lunch, Nature and Self-discipline
It was a perfect day. Sun was shining brining warmth to the earth and only couple of fluffy clouds floated in the sky. Birds were chirping happily to each others and everything was green. It was a weather that everyone hoped for when they went to a picnic. But for some reason Kurama didn't want to go.
Lady Koorime and her children had arrived a while ago and were now chatting with Keiko and Aunt Greta, except mister Hiei of course. Even though the redhead enjoyed the company, he still didn't want to go. And the reason came to stand right next to him.
"I hope you understand", the dark man whispered dangerously. "That you must behave in front of these guests, unless you want our dear aunt's hatred upon you. And we both know what she is capable of."
"Yes, I do", Kurama said trying to sound calm and self-confident, but he knew Karasu would drive him straight to the edge of losing his politeness.
"Good", the man said and without even seeing it, the redhead could imagine the smug smile on his 'cousin's' face. Not wanting to spend any more time with the slimy reptile, the boy walked to the others to greet them.
After exchanging couple of words with the guests Yusuke appeared from the stables direction bringing with him two horses. A brown gelding which's horsehairs was black, and a white mare which had grey little dots all over her and which horsehairs were grey. They were both prepared with women's saddles. He brought them to Lady Yukina and Lady Koorime. Mister Hiei had his own dark brown noble stallion, as did Karasu have his black one.
As the women adored the beautiful creatures two other geldings were brought there. Keiko's was a copper coloured one, with her hairs golden and Greta's was a bit bigger one, which was brown-white, cow like horse with brown hairs. When Yusuke gave the horse to the brunet girl, they exchanged long gazes.
The women mounted their horses soon after they got them.
And the last one that the farm-hand brought was a white mare, which mane was silvery-grey.
"Servant boy!" Karasu called as he came closer with his stallion. "Are you sure that horse is healthy. It looks like it limp with her right leg. Kurama can't ride with that, you stupid boy."
"What a shame", the green eyed youth said pretending to be disappointed. "It looks like I must stay here."
Suddenly his 'dear cousin' was in front of him and he was lifted in the air by hands that appeared around his waist. He was placed on the black stallion's back sitting sideways.
"Excuse me, but what are you doing?" Kurama asked trying to sound calm, although he wanted to kick the smirking man very badly straight to the face.
"I just though to give you a ride, because your horse must stay here", the vampire like man explained.
"That's so nice of you", Aunt Greta said and explained to her guests. "Our other horses are right now out in pasture and it would be a shame, if our precious time would go waist because of this."
::You just don't have any others and even these all aren't yours.:: Kurama gritted his teeth. Did he actually have to ride with that disgusting creature all the way to the picnic place and back? ::This must be a nightmare.:: But unfortunately it wasn't.
He realized how he was sitting and trying to hold back his anger as he swung his right leg to the other side, so he was sitting properly. Karasu mounted the horse and sat behind the redhead. It took all of his self-control to keep still as the man came even closer and reached to pick the reins up. It was like some kind of punishment, because he had managed to avoid his revolting 'cousin' most of the time at the ball.
Yusuke gave him an apologizing look, before the group left towards the forest nearby. Of course it wasn't the boy's fault that Kurama had to sit there and suffer. How could he have known? It wouldn't surprise the redhead at all, even if this whole thing was a damn plan of the bloodsucker.
It was hell. The dark haired vampire had him in a firm grip, just to 'make sure he wouldn't fall' and whispered things into the boy's ear. How was the green eyed youth supposed to take a part in the conversation sounding relaxing and polite, while the man behind him made everything that he would snap?
Kurama could have sworn that mister Hiei was looking at him, but when he turned his gaze, was the black haired boy looking away.
"Don't worry too much", the reptile whispered. "You are exactly where you should be."
And that was too much for him. He swished his hand so it hit directly on Karasu's face. The redhead turned to look the others when he heard a gasp. The women were looking at him in shock; expect Keiko, who tried to hold her titters back.
He put the most innocent look on his face and turned his head so he could see the slimy being behind him.
"I'm so sorry", Kurama said sounding apologetic. "I thought I heard some sort of buzz and supposed it was a bee."
The brown haired girl couldn't hold back anymore and started giggling. A smile was formed on Lady Koorime's and Lady Yukina's lips and Greta didn't know what to do. Mister Hiei's expression didn't change at all, but still the emerald eyed boy was almost sure that there was amusement in those red eyes. He just stared in those ruby orbs.
::Is it even normal to have red coloured eyes?::
He got back into reality, when Karasu spoke. "Mister Hiei, I couldn't help noticing how beautiful stallion you have."
::Oh, no. This doesn't mean anything good.::
"I have a suggestion", the vampire man said. "Why don't we race to the picnic place? I'm sure your horse would enjoy it as much as mine and also the ladies wouldn't have to wait, when everything would be already prepared."
The redhead's eyes widened. The man behind him couldn't be serious about this. He tried to gesture to the black haired boy not to accept, but the youth was obviously one of those who wouldn't refuse a challenge.
The green eyed boy didn't want to be there where he was sitting if they raced. "I think I should..." But he couldn't finish when his reptile 'cousin' already spurred the horse to full speed. The faster the horse went, the more Karasu 'had to' bend down and follow the stallion's (and because of that also Kurama's) movements. The redhead was pinned between the horse and the fully enjoying snake.
Luckily it didn't last for long, though it was still too much to him. Soon they came to the edge of the forest, where started a meadow. They had agreed that it was good spot for picnic; not too far, but still beautiful and peaceful. It wasn't any surprise that mister Hiei was already there. No horse could go as fast with two peoples as the dark brown stallion.
The horse stopped and Karasu got off from the stallion's back, but staid close to the horse. "You need help?" he asked smirking.
"No thank you", the redhead answered keeping his cool. "I can dismount myself, I'm not a woman."
"Oh, could have fooled me", the man with mischievous smile.
Kurama clenched his fist, but didn't give his 'cousin' the satisfaction at getting angry. How was it even possible for someone to be as irritating, self-centred and slimy as the reptile?
He started to dismount, but when he was lifting his other leg over the horse he felt hands on his sides, again. In surprise his grip got loose from the saddle and he lost his balance. Unfortunately he didn't hit the ground when he fell. Instead of the little pain he was caught by the vampire caught, which were worse.
"You alright?" the man asked smirking and put him on the ground, but still keeping his hands on the youth.
The boy moved the other's hands and pushed him away. "I'm fine", Kurama murmured angrily. He was just going to continue with something like 'No thanks to you', but then he saw the scarlet eyed boy looking at them with unreadable expression the words got stuck. Quickly he turned to the black horse to get the picnic things and to hide his flushed face, though he didn't know why he blushed in the first place.
The redhead took the blanket and searched a perfect place to lay it down. He didn't look at either of the men, but he had an unpleasant feeling that he was watched very closely. He put the blanket on the ground and straightened it so that there wasn't any crease on it. Then he went back to the horses, some of the picnic supplies were on Mister Hiei's stallion. He was feeling really uncomfortable and hoped that the women would already come. But he didn't have that kind of luck. In matter of fact he felt like Lady Luck had completely forsaken him.
It was total silence while Kurama made everything ready, so that the ladies wouldn't have to wait. He didn't want help and he didn't hurry. In fact he made everything as slow as possible. The little perfectionist inside of him wanted everything to be flawless and he also wanted a good excuse not to keep company to his vampire 'cousin'.
But soon he reached the point that he couldn't delay anymore. He took a deep breath and put a polite smile on his face. He raised his head and at last looked at the two men. He encouraged them to sit down and to make themselves comfortable.
The redhead would be ready to stake his life on that his 'cousin' would try to take an advantage on this situation; and he was right. The man came to sit right next to him and extremely close. For Kurama's rescue there was hoofs clatter coming closer from the forest. He quickly stood up and moved away from his slick relative and waited as the four horses with their riders arrived. As a perfect gentleman he helped the ladies dismount and let them choose places where to sit. It was a mistake, in a way. In the end the only free place was between Karasu and Lady Koorime. He swallowed hard and sat right on the middle of the open space. Next to the vampire was Aunt Greta, then Keiko, mister Hiei, Lady Yukina, Mrs. Koorime and then Kurama, of course. In the middle of the blanket were the foods and drinks; chicken wings, salad, baguette, cheese, butter, fruits and wine, that the poison snake had brought. The emerald eyed youth had meant to go to the near spring to get some water also, but he had decided to go there later, hopefully alone. He liked it there. But instead of being in a peaceful forest pond he had to suffer next to the slick 'cousin' of his.
The boy tried to ignore the vampire by taking part in the conversations, but the reptile was se obstinate that it was no use. The revolting creature made up all kind of excuses to get closer, to touch or to talk to him. It was getting harder to keep clam every time the man tried something. One thing he was lucky in, was that while had poured the wine, Karasu hadn't noticed that Kurama didn't take any. He really didn't want to drink wine in this kind of situation, especially when it was his 'cousin's' wine.
::Speaking of the devil..::
"Would you want some grapes?" the long haired man suggested trying to feed the youth.
"No thank you", the red haired boy said sharply rising his hand to block the fruit's way. "I can eat my self."
"How about wine then?" the man asked mischievously leaning closer.
"No", the youth said emphatically.
"Then what have you been drinking?" Aunt Greta joined, everyone's gazes turned at them, like it was something important.
"Nothing", Kurama said calmly then figured something. "I'm so sorry", he hurried to explain. "I forgot to get some water from nearby spring. I should go now if someone would want it later." He excused himself and stood up moving towards the black horse. Now was the best time to go calm down. He searched couple of empty bottles from the stallion's saddlebag and turned to leave. There was his nightmare again. The lilac eyed man walked right towards him, like so many times before.
"I thought you might like some company", he smirked.
"Don't bother", the redhead said and moved past him. "I'm not interested in your company." He could at last speak little freely, now that others didn't hear.
The boy started to walk towards the forest, when Karasu walked past him, grapping him on his wrist. "I don't mind", he commented as he started to lead the way.
Kurama jerked his hand away, but followed the dark man. He didn't want to attract the other's attention by creating any loud argue, at least not so close to them.
They walked deeper into the old forest. There were many different type of trees, some young and some really old and thick. After walking for quite awhile and when the redhead was sure that anyone didn't hear, he started speaking. "We are going to the wrong way."
"I know that", the man answered. It was just like the emerald eyed boy had feared. The vampire was again plotting something. Maybe it wasn't so good idea to be so far away...
The boy stopped walking. "I've had enough of this. What do you want?"
His dark haired 'cousin' stopped also and turned around to face the redhead. "What do I want?" he smirked with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "I think it's pretty obvious."
"Well, I'm sorry but I'm not willing to help you", the youth said turning around and starting to walk away.
All of sudden he was pulled backwards so that his back was against an old oak. The bottles Kurama was holding drop to the ground as Karasu took hold on his wrists and raised them above the green eyed boy's head and against the rough tree bark.
"I don't care about your willingness", the man whispered to the boy's ear.
The redhead didn't know what to do. Aggressive actions would probably be useless and sooner or later he would have to face his 'cousin' again. "Would you mind letting go of me?" he tried to be calm and talk his way out of the situation.
"What if I don't?" the man asked smiling mischievously. His other hand, which wasn't holding Kurama's wrists, started to move along the redhead's side.
::Yes, what if he don't:: the boy thought. He sure was in difficult and very unpleasant situation. He held his breath waiting.
"Hn. I don't see any springs here", said a deep voice. Karasu's grip loosened as he turned to see the interrupter, as did the redhead. The spiky haired boy was leaning against a pine tree and his red eyes fixed on the two men.
"Mister Hiei", Kurama started pushing his 'cousin' out of his way, picked up the bottles and walked quickly to the youth. "In fact I have something important to talk with you." Without slowing down he took the black haired boy's hand and walked away, hoping that the repulsive man wouldn't follow.
As soon as the lilac eyed man wasn't seen the emerald eyed youth slowed down a little and the spiky haired one yanked his hand back.
It was then that the redhead realized that he had actually held the other youth's hand. He felt like his cheeks would flush again. "I'm sorry about that", he apologized looking away, but still continuing walking.
The other boy followed, but didn't say anything.
"Thank you", Kurama said. He could feel that if he didn't speak an uncomfortable silence would fell upon them. "I really wanted to get out of that situation."
"Hn. Figured", the smaller boy youth replied.
"So, what brought you there?"
"They had something to ask you", mister Hiei answered shortly.
"Oh", Kurama really didn't know what he should say. After thinking for moment he spoke again. "I was thinking to finally go get the water, because I didn't get it earlier" ::for some reason.:: "Are you going back or would you want to come with me?"
"Hn."
::Apparently that means that you'll come along.:: the redhead concluded, as the boy continued to walk beside him. The silence fell again, but this time it was pleasant. It was the first time in the whole day that Kurama actually enjoyed himself. Soon their path started to go downhill and the sound of bubbling spring reached their ears.
Every time the emerald eyed boy came to this place, he felt like all his worries would be washed away.
There was a small lake right under a gentle cliff in the middle of a clearing. The water came from the rock face and flowed between mossy little stones into the pond. The whole place was surrounded with tiny red and white flowers, except two paths. One of them went right to the streaming water and the other went around the pond.
Kurama breathed deeply and walked to the spring to fill the bottles. When they were full he went back to the shore, where mister Hiei was standing his arms crossed.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" the redhead asked. The other boy's head jerked up, like he had been deep in his thought. "I come here sometimes, when I want to forget everything", the green eyed youth continued. "It's so full of life and untouched."
"Hn."
"I'm sorry about that", the red haired boy sighed and then smiled again. "We probably should go back."
He turned his head to look at the shorter boy, who at the same time started to walk back where they had come from. Kurama caught the other one whit couple fast steps and then slowed down to walk the same pace.
It didn't take a long time to get back to the picnic place, now that they went straight to there and not to wander around the woods.
"There they are!" Keiko shouted at the same time that they walked to the meadow. She started to gesture to her brother to hurry.
The two youth walked to the others and the redhead gave them the bottles and sat down to the open space that the women made. Karasu of course didn't move a muscle, thanks to that Kurama was now sitting between mister Hiei and Keiko, but directly opposite of his 'cousin'. The man looked at him threateningly, but the green eyed boy decided to ignore it. He had had his dose of the vampire. Now that he didn't have to sit next to him, the only problem was the way back, but Kurama didn't want to think about it right now.
"Mister Hiei said that you wanted to ask me something", the redhead smiled to his sister.
For a second she had a puzzled look on her face, but soon it vanished. "Right! We were talking about music and I couldn't remember the lovely song you always played."
He had to think for a moment. "You mean Járdányi's Sonatina?"he suggested.
"Yes!" then she turned to the blue haired girl. "It's one of my favourites. Come sometime visit and I have Kurama to play it for you."
"Keiko, I haven't played for years", the emerald eyed youth tried, but his sister cut him.
"I'm sure you still can play it. You were genius at playing when you were little, so why wouldn't you still be."
"That's a wonderful suggestion, Keiko", Aunt Greta spoke. "You all should come. Kurama is magnificent piano and violin player."
The boy sighed. ::I haven't played either of them since uncle Ryo's death, because you hated it. You're just trying to take advantage on this situation too, to arrange the marriage. But on the other hand, I'm fine with someone like mister Hiei to marry Keiko. He isn't someone like... Karasu.::
"I wouldn't miss it", the devil smiled dangerously.
The time run and even Kurama had almost nice time. It would have been nice without his 'cousin' there. What had happened in the woods still bothered the redhead. The vampire hadn't gone so far before and he was starting to fear that the interruption had only encouraged the reptile to further actions. He really didn't want to be even a second alone with that man.
"Oh dear, it's running late", Lady Koorime said as the sun started to set. They had just ended the conversation about art.
"Appears so", Aunt Greta agreed. "We probably should start going back."
The emerald eyed boy saw the gleam in the lilac eyes and decided to say something, before he would be lifted on the black horse again. "I think I'll walk back", he said to his aunt, so that the guests didn't hear. "It's so nice weather and all."
"Kurama, it is rude not to say proper goodbye to the guests", Karasu whispered to his ear.
He shivered and for once his 'cousin' was right. He just didn't want to ride with the slick man.
"He can ride with me", the deep voice - that had saved the redhead already once the same day - said. Apparently he had heard what the emerald eyed youth had said after all. "It wouldn't be fair to your stallion to carry two people here and back, when we have another strong horse."
That was the longest sentence Kurama had heard from the shorter boy. It was almost scary, but at the same time almost amusing.
"No, we can't let you do that", Aunt Greta hurried to deny. "It would be awfully rude to ask something like that from a guest. And it was our farm-hand's mistake not to check the Kurama's horse properly."
"It sounds like you have doubts towards my horse", the spiky haired young man said. It was a good one, Kurama had to admit. It made it sound like the woman would offend him if she didn't agree. The redhead really owed the boy.
The emerald eyed youth sat behind the shorter one. The way back was more enjoyable than the way to the meadow. Of course it was, now he didn't have to bear the reptile man behind him trying to... Even a thought made him shiver.
Almost as soon as they arrived to the manor the Koorimes continued their trip back to the city. Lady Yukina had agreed to visit at Thursday, which was five days from now and she had said to bring her brother with her, though Kurama doubted if he actually would come.
After the guests had left the redhead went to one of the locked doors and opened it with a little silver key Aunt Greta had given to him. In the middle of the room was a grand piano and on the one of the walls was a shelf full of instruments and many different sheets of music by different composers. On one of the corners were five chairs and three different heights old music stands. There were also a couch, couple armchairs and five normal chairs for the listeners.
He walked to the grand piano looking around. He had been here the last time five years ago, before his uncle's death. After that the room had been locked and forbidden to go in, at least for Kurama. Still it looked like it had been cleaned regularly.
The green eyed boy sat in front of the grand piano and touched the keyboard softly. He pushed couple of the keys to make sure the instrument was in tune, and for his surprise it was. He straightened his back and closed his eyes taking a deep breath. Then he placed his finger on the keyboard and started to play.
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Little Myy: About the Járdány's Sonatina, I'm not sure if there is a piano version to it, but it's so beautiful I had to put it in this. I have played it with flute and it's one of my favourite songs. And even if it might sound like it would be easy, it would be many times harder with piano. Well... is there something else. I don't know horse terminology so sorry about that. And... hmm... Oh well, this wasn't anything it should had been, but it always ends up like that.
Please review, so I have confidence to update. (It took a long time to gather up the courage I needed in this one). So next time.... we follow Keiko... (oops... I spoiled again). I hope I didn't lose any readers because of this chapter. I try to make the next one better!
Answering reviews:
To ko-krama: This time it was horses, not mines... Well, I hope they continue being good... Thanks again –smile-
To evilgoddess1990: I try my best. Or so I like to think. Thanks for encouraging me!
To inumoon3: Though your review was for the first chapter I hope you have read it this far. I'm sorry I can't speed up the two of them getting together; I almost have a plot you know. So you just have to wait patiently if you can.
To mistressKC: It doesn't matter it was short. It still told me you read it and that's what I want to know (and of course your opinion about it).
To KitsuneAkai13: In fact I have a love-hate relationship about Karasu stalking Kurama. I write it, 'cause it gives something to the story, but I hate it, 'cause he is so... Karasu. I hope it doesn't go over.
To Nite Nite: I think I take the bribing as a compliment. Here was the update. Thanks for the cookies.
To Magi Valkyrie: Was it a cliff-hanger? I didn't mean it to be one... well, maybe a little... Hope you continue reading.
To Chelsea Deanne: Thank you. I try to make it interesting. And about when Hiei finds out about the wedding plans... It's a secret.
To Raging Pheonix: -sigh- I would have wanted to know about something, which was bad which was good (if there were anything good), but well, no can do. Hope you read more and then give me something to think about... your choice.
To What2callmyself: No, you didn't annoy me then. It's good to know the mistakes. How would I ever learn if I didn't know them? Yeah, picnic is over and I made Kurama play piano and violin, what's wrong with me... It wasn't my plan at first... Anyway. Thank you very very much.
To Nasa ow/d Maxwell: Ummm... I really don't know what to say. I won't promise you anything, but I don't want to close any doors, 'cause even I don't know exactly what's going to happen. So you just have to read further and see. (And bribing won't work... well maybe it makes me write faster, but let's not talk about that)
To kizna2: It took awhile to update, but I still did. Thanks for your review and support –smile-
To celestial light: This wasn't as good as the first three, at least that's my opinion. It isn't easy you know. I just god my Finnish essay that sucked so my confidence dropped. But well, life is life, no can do. My own fault.
Thanks again!
