:CHAPTER 3:
The bell that signals the end of classes rang and you were off to see your best friend, a senior. You were surprised to see him/her talking to Shuichi. As far as you knew, as far as he/she told you at least, he/she barely knew the guy. So why are they laughing together like they were good friends.
"Hey. What's up?" You asked as you came up to the two.
"Hey (you). Where did you learn to sneak up like that?" Shuichi smiled your way. If he did that smile to you before, you could've done anything he told you. But since he smiled at you a lot today, during recess and lunch or anytime you'll meet him in the hallway, you were kind of immune to it.
Then his question registered in your head. Where did you learn to sneak up like that? Did you have to answer that? He looks like he's waiting for an answer? Yet all the while, Shuichi was still smiling back. His eyes were moon- shaped closed from smiling so you couldn't see if he suspected anything or not. "If I told you then I'd have to kill you." You quickly covered up, smiling back. You made it sound like a joke but, truth be told, it was half-truth. You can't tell anyone about what you do at your free time. You and your friend.
The truth is, while others work or play or hang out somewhere, you on the other hand travel to a world of your own, where you are known as somebody else. Along with your best friend, you are often assassins or spies for those who can pay enough. Nobody lives to tell the tales of you and your friend's time-to-time merciless killing. Outside, you are a gentle little girl but inside, you can be a heartless fighter. And that was why you can't afford to be too close to anyone or they'll either laugh at you or get frightened.
You live in the Yakuza world of pain, death, sorrow and suffering. You don't exactly know how it happened and you don't care. All you have to do is live it and survive. You haven't got the exact story, but somehow, your damn father had been connected to a Yakuza gang and has gambled everything for it. Including his life. You had no mother and so when your father died, you were just left with more suffering. Bu through your own hard work, you had gotten to get used to your life and incredulously enough, you even found a friend in it.
But sometimes, it didn't help to think that you could've been like others who live a normal and happy life. They might complain the pains and gains of their peaceful lives but they don't know what pain is. Pain is when you couldn't seem to identify what is painful and what's not. It's like something that hurts so much that you think everything feels the same. And you can't help feeling so lonely even when there is like a billion people living with you.
There was a glint in Kurama's eyes that seemed to you like a show of interest. But whatever was in those beautiful green eyes of his, it was only for a moment. He quickly covered it with his warm comforting eyes that seemed to defy his seeming curiosity at you. "Well then. I know you don't have any other plans for tonight so I'm planning to take you two somewhere special."
"Hey man, I don't do chaperone. So if you're planning to make me a third wheel in your little get- together for you two, count me out. I'd rather pay for my dinner alone than a free dinner with two love birds, thank you." Your best friend said leaning back on the lockers and crossing his/her arms.
"Don't worry (your best bud's name). It's not a dinner sort of thing. It's like just a...I'll just take you to it. Don't worry." Kurama raised his elbow waiting for your hand. You wrapped your arm around it and offered the same way to your best friend as he/she wrapped his/her arms around yours too. Shuichi chuckled a deep laugh and you smiled at him. "I feel that this will be the start of a good friendship." Shuichi said looking at both you and your friend. Then he lowered his head. "Or more," He whispered in your ear that sent shivers down your spine. You looked back at him surprised. "Just kidding." Shuichi smiled. "You seem a little tense that's all."
"Right. Tense? It's nothing." You forced a trembling smile. Yeah right. You'll like to see him relax when people says things they don't know could mean something! You thought the notion sarcastically.
"Don't be nervous. I won't ask questions." You looked back at Shuichi but he was just looking straight ahead.
You wondered what that meant. Or what or how he knew whatever it is he could possibly know. Was he some sort of psychic? Nah. Not THE Shuichi, the MOST popular guy in school! HE couldn't be more of a freak than you. You simply ignored whatever he said and looked ahead not knowing Shuichi looked back at you when you faced front.
-
When you arrived at the place Shuichi had told you about, it was already dark.
"Are we here?" Your best friend asked curiously.
"Yup. This is it. This is the place." Shuichi said looking adoringly at the simple residential home.
"Is this your house?" You asked confused as why he looked at it with such fondness.
"No. This is my good friend, Yusuke's house. Sometimes, we hang out here. That is, if we aren't busy doing what we have to do."
You and your friend looked questioningly at each other then back to Shuichi.
"Come on. Let's go and I'll introduce you to them." Shuichi led you two inside the house. Opening the door, you three could already hear shouting and cursing. When you all got inside, you weren't ready for what you saw. An orange-haired guy had a bloody nose and he was stepping on the face of a handsome young man with slick black hair. A girl with green long hair wearing Kimono was standing up holding a tray of food. A pretty brown-haired girl sat nervously at the table telling the two to stop fighting. And a ruggedly gorgeous young man was leaning quietly to a corner with his eyes closed. The place looked totally odd.
"Hey guys." Shuichi said smiling.
How many things could he handle? All the girls in school practically beg him to talk to them every other day. He always has good grades and he has friends like these? How patient is he? You stared at Shuichi who was smiling as if it was the most usual sight—which it isn't.
"I brought some friends over." Shuichi continued.
The two fighting boys froze in wrestling position, on the ground. The green haired girl smiled yet looked a little surprised and so did the pretty brown-haired girl. The guy with raven-black hair opened one eye for a peek then closed it again. The orange-haired guy was the first to stand up; making the other one fall hard on the ground since he was atop the jumble (I know it "atop" sounds gross but it isn't what you think it is.).
"Hi there. I'm Kazuma Kuwabara. We have met. I was the gentleman who helped you when you fell yesterday." Kuwabara said in a manufactured heroic voice.
"Come here, you idiot!" The other man started punching Kuwabara once more. "You made me fall on the ground, you ugly ogre!" They continued fighting.
"That is Urameshi Yusuke. This is their house. He's Hiei." Kurama started pointing the two men but each didn't even give effort to acknowledge Shuichi's introduction of them. "She's Botan and that's Keiko." Botan and Keiko both waved a little hello.
"Good evening." You bowed down and so did your best friend.
"Hey there. You want some cookies?" Botan asked approaching you two.
"Cookies! Yay!" Yusuke appeared behind you making you and your friend jump a little.
The small kind-of dinner soon started. It wasn't the dinner you were expecting. It wasn't a dinner anyone could expect.
Yusuke and Kuwabara, if weren't eating, usually bit each other's head off. Even Hiei, as quiet as he was, joined in sometimes in insulting Kuwabara down. Hiei seemed to you like a good person. Though he had repeatedly reminded all of you that he'd rather be somewhere else than here, he stayed at least. Shuichi, especially, seemed to have a hold on him. Often times, you catch him staring blankly at you. You can't guess what he was thinking. When you'd smile, he'd simply glance away. Botan and Keiko are the best. They gave you the welcoming feeling if the gang's totally at-home attitude wasn't enough. And for the two boys...well, let's just say they're...nice.
"So tell us, (your name), why don't we see you usually at school?" Yusuke asked leaning forward on the table. He propped his elbows on the table and rested his chin above it.
"Well, aside from the fact that you don't exactly go to school," You started leaning in too. "Well, I just go to the places you don't." You straightened and shrugged casually over the statement then drank your soda.
For a second, they were all quiet, staring blankly at you.
Botan was the first to speak. "I like her." Botan said with a little giggle. "Where did you find her?" She turned to Shuichi.
"Oh, just...around." Shuichi said skipping the part of his rude (can you believe Kurama's rude!) interruption. You remembered the face of the guy. At first, he was almost about to shout at Shuichi for his sudden appearance. But when he saw it was him, the guy sheepishly exited the scene. Shuichi is such a nice guy, but even nice guys have their own fun at times.
Yusuke, who looked like he was frozen on ice, suddenly jerked up. "HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT!"
"Oh Yusuke, stop being childish. You're not actually Mr. Punctuality." Keiko said slowly drinking her own cup.
"But, but-"Yusuke stuttered.
"Forgive him. He's stupid, you know." Kuwabara said leaning closer. You simply raised an eyebrow.
"Who're you calling stupid, stupid head!" Yusuke and Kuwabara started arguing.
You barely stifled your laughter.
"WHAT!" The two snapped at you.
"Well, it's just that despite the fact that you argue and fight all the time, you two seem very fond of each other." You smiled politely.
"What! No way, man." Yusuke said untangling himself from Kuwabara's wrestled embrace.
"Yeah right." You muttered moving your head to the side.
"You know what, you?" You prepared yourself for what angry remark Yusuke would say to you. "You're all right." Yusuke smiled putting an arm around your shoulder. You laughed back at him.
"Thanks. You too." You smiled sweetly. "You're all very...nice." They all laughed when it took you a while to have something to say.
"We're going to be good friends. I know it." Yusuke said tightening his grip on your shoulder.
Then a nagging feeling seemed to rise in your chest. Remember, you can't afford to be too close. Your life's too screwed up for any of that remember? You forced a smile to your new friends knowing it couldn't last once they got to know you a little better.
Then you looked at your best friend who was smiling softly at you. His/Her smile was encouraging. It was as if she was telling you "Go on. Have fun and enjoy yourself. It's not everyday we have experienced something like this."
-
Kurama smiled affectionately at (your name). Yusuke and the others seemed to like her very well. Even Hiei, who surprisingly seemed rather behave today, seemed to have gotten to like her. Just not too much, I hope. Kurama seemed to notice a few glances from Hiei. He made it as casual as he could but Kurama can't help feeling something about it. Stop, Kurama. It's not like you to be attention seeking. Especially from a girl. Haven't you had enough from all the girls in school? Kurama stood up to grab everyone's attention. "Hey guys, let's go play a game."
"Sure. What game, Kurama?" Yusuke said still having his arm around (your name).
Couldn't he have it removed by now? Kurama was surprised at his own thoughts. He quickly dismissed the notion and turned his attention back to what he was saying. "You guys wanna play Twister?" (do you guys know that? it's the game that says: "put your right hand on color this...something...something..." and you should do everything it tells you to place what on where. If you can't, you lose.)
"Yeah, that's fun!" Botan made a small jump.
"Nah, let's play cards." Yusuke disgustedly waved a dismissing gesture in insolence over Twister.
"Oh, okay. You got some?" Kurama said towering over Yusuke and (you).
"Yeah, you get it from over there." Yusuke pointed to his room.
"Where there?"
"Just there." Yusuke gestured.
"I'll help you." (Your name) suddenly spoke up removing Yusuke's arm over her.
Good. She still knows she's with me in this. "m." Kurama gave a simple nod. They both went to get the cards from Yusuke's room. "Hey, I'm glad you like the gang coz the gang looks like they like you a lot, too." Kurama said kneeling over to a drawer.
"Yeah. They're pretty cool." (Your name) said still standing. "Um, Kurama can I ask you a question?" Kurama turned around to see that she was fidgeting and had her head lowered down looking at her own feet.
"What is it?"
(Your name) opened her mouth as if to say something then closed it again. Then she looked up and smiled. "Well, I was wondering if you guys will still, you know, talk to us in school." She said with hope in her voice.
Kurama could see that there was uncertainty in her beautiful deep dark eyes. He could tell it wasn't enough. She wanted to ask a million questions but maybe she was still doubtful about him so she couldn't get herself to ask. "Why, of course not." Kurama said with a smile.
Her smile wavered as if she couldn't understand. "It's a joke." She finally said mostly to herself.
"Finally, you understand." Kurama sighed. "Start looking." He signaled.
"Right," She kneeled down to start looking for it. Then she stood up to a nearby table and started flipping out some folders and some papers. Kurama looked at her black, black hair and wondered how it would feel to touch. Her pale white skin was milky white as snow and felt like silk when he touched. She turned her head slightly and Kurama looked at the profile of her face. Moist reddish thin lips and the rosy parts of it: her slightly rosy freckled cheeks, and her perfectly chiseled little nose. He watched her gentle hands move through the pile and wondered how it would feel to... "Ah!" Kurama suddenly exclaimed. He backed away when he was stunned at his own thinking, only to be hit by the open drawer. He bruised his side and saw that there was a black discoloration.
"Oh my! Are you okay?" (Your name) asked worriedly over Kurama.
"Yeah. I-I'm fine." Kurama stared back at (your name) surprised at her sudden concern.
"You have a bruise." She said stating the obvious.
Suddenly, the gang appeared through the doorway. "What happened!" Yusuke asked surprised and fretful.
"It's nothing. I just hit myself." Kurama said with a smile.
"He hit himself in the drawer." (Your name) said putting details in Kurama's vague answer.
"I told you, Yusuke, your room's too dangerous for normal beings. It's YOUR room." Kuwabara mocked with a serious expression.
"Yeah right like yours is any different." Yusuke quickly said a snappy comeback. "Anyway, are you okay?" Yusuke turned his attention back at Kurama.
"Yeah, I'm fine, you guys. Don't stress yourselves."
"Come, I'll put some ice on it." (Your name) said pulling Kurama to stand.
Kurama didn't know what to say. Even though they weren't good friends and he knew SHE still doubted him, she unquestioningly and whole-heartedly took instant care of him. Like mother did. Kurama remembered. There are now many things about her that made Kurama remember his loved-ones and even himself. Maybe one day, he'll treat her as one of them. Right now, all he can see is her attending him. When she made a mistake to touch his bruise, Kurama gave a little yelp.
"Sorry." She said softly looking apologetically at him.
Those eyes... He thought he could drown in them. It was so deep and so dark, like his past. Now she reminds me of my past! What is this joke? "You are something, you know that?" Kurama said with a smile.
"Thank you." She curtsied holding on her skirt. Kurama gave out a deep chuckle in amusement over her. "Okay, it's looking a little better now. " She placed down the ice bag still holding onto Kurama's arm.
"Thank you." Kurama mumbled looking at it. Then he looked up and saw that she was looking adoringly at him. "What is it?" Kurama smiled.
"You know, I've noticed you since I first saw you. It's your fiery red hair. It's so...expressive. Unlike your mysterious eyes. Sometimes I feel they hate me because they're so staring."
Kurama gave an amused smile. "I didn't know I was being looked at so much." He teased.
"Oh please! Like all the girls in school don't?" She snobbishly placed her hands on her hips.
"Give me a break. It's not my fault that they were born that way."
"They weren't. You made them that way." (Your name) giggled.
"Then tell me, why aren't you?" The conversation took a sudden turn. Kurama crossed his arm slowly, careful not to touch his bump.
"Well because I'm not like any other girls." (Your name) said with pride and dignity in her.
"Does that mean you are immune to my charm?" Kurama said responding with her arrogance.
"Not exactly. You got me here even though I don't trust you right?"
Kurama gave out a deep laugh. "Well said."
"Again, your praises." She gave out a small laugh. "Your flattery, my dear sir, is making my head spin." (Your name) smiled sweetly putting a medieval- English accent in her voice.
"I'm glad. Now may I escort milady to the living room?" Kurama said offering his elbow.
"Only if you use your other arm." (Your name) said pointing towards his bruise by his offered elbow.
"Of course." Kurama said raising the other. (Your name) moved to his other side and placed her palm over his forearm.
When they reached the living room, Kurama almost wanted to turn away. Koenma was standing there, more like floating there. (Your name)'s best friend had a disbelieving look on him/her. "Kurama, I'm glad you're here too. I need you four."
Oh no. Not now. Kurama said looking over (your name) who looked like she was going to faint. Then she did. Kurama quickly caught her in both arms, but hurting himself on the process. "Ow." His bruise only started to heal.
"Kurama!" Botan said helping him with her. Botan took (your name) in her while Kurama carefully held his side so not to make any sudden movements with it.
"KOENMA! Why do you always have bad timing!" Yusuke shouted over Koenma. "Can't you have picked later to do this when they're gone?"
"When they leave, you guys are also gone too. Especially Hiei."
"What do you want?" Hiei suddenly spoke up. "Let's get it over known I have better things to do."
"Oh shut up, midget! You're always saying that!" Kuwabara yelled.
"Oh yeah? What're you gonna do about it!" Hiei challenged.
"HEYYY!" Koenma screeched. "I need you four and you need to come with me now."
"What about them?" Yusuke pointed over to (your name) and (your best friend's name). "And also Keiko." Yusuke added.
"I want to come." Keiko said firmly.
"But you-" Yusuke trailed off. He then sighed in resignation knowing it was impossible. "Fine, but stay close, alright?" Keiko smiled and so did Yusuke. The two obviously just can't get enough of each other. "Well, how about them?" Yusuke pointed to the other two.
"We'll take them. It's okay." Kurama said wincing a bit over his scratches and bruise.
They all turned to look at him. "Are you sure, Kurama?" Koenma asked with concern.
"It's okay. They'd understand."
Kurama looked over (your name). If she's going to not have doubts about me, well, she better get to see my other side first. Let's just hope she does understand.
"Minamino, I know what you're thinking." (Your best friend's name) suddenly stood beside him. "I know you want to know her but letting her know you won't work. She's not easily persuaded by trust. Her mind kicks in first before her heart or her intuition or any shit does. You better not try to know her. She's too frail. Once she realizes someone could see through her, she tends to break. It's her thinking that everyone can't get close to her that makes her close herself. If you want to open her to something, do it very slowly. She's human after all." (Your best friend) smirked. "But so far, you've been doing a good job."
"Thanks for the tip." Kurama said with a serious expression. "But knowing her isn't all what I'm after. And I'll find a way myself to get what I want. But thanks for the advice. I'll try to remember that."
Soon, they were all in Kurama's old world. Kurama felt once again the old feelings of his dark past. He feels it every time he's here. And he doesn't know how he could show her. But someway he will.
-
A little later, (your name) started to wake up. He was alone with her.
"Where am I?"
"You're in my home." Kurama said looking over her.
A/n: How was it? Hey guys, I need help. What could Koenma have for the four? I need advices. I hope you guys like it. Please do. Thanks for the support so much. And I'm sorry if it's boring some. Please still read it. And guys, do you know what Yusuke's mother's name is? Please tell coz I loved her and Raizen's love story. Thanks so much.
A/n: Hey guys. I'm sorry if this thing took so long. I'm actually grieving right now coz my dad just re-formatted our computer without even telling me so I lost all my files! And my pictures! And my songs! How cruel can that be? No seriously guys, I'm heartbroken. You don't know how much those things meant for me. They were all more than a year's hard work. All those facts I've searched for! All that pictures! All the lyrics! God! There were more than hundreds of those things! So please just read this and I hope you like it anyway. Thanks so much. Please pray for me that I find those files on the internet again. It's not as easy as you think. Okay. Read on.