checks under christmas tree

;-; still don't own it.

Chapter 3 – Promises and Smiles

Yuusuke had his hands clasped tightly together. Draco was frozen on the bed, unmoving, and Kurama finally let his tears flow, turning his gaze away from the mahogany-eyed punk.

No, please... I don't want Yuusuke to see me like this... Yuu-chan... why...? –

"Get. Off. Of. Him. Malfoy." Yuusuke's voice was dangerous, low. "Or your head might stare up at you from the floor. It's not going to be pretty." Already a blue light was forming at his hands, and his chocolate eyes were narrowed in cold fury.

Draco slid off Kurama cautiously, gaze never leaving Yuusuke's hands, though he could not see the blue light forming at them, he could feel his body replying to severe power. He moved completely off Kurama – and was tackled down by a black blur.

Hiei stood on top of him, ruby eyes cold fire, his katana positioned at Draco's neck. "What the hell happened?" His voice was low, smooth – dangerous.

Yuusuke let himself relax an inch. Everyone was here now. Even if the whole school rebelled against them, right now, they would be able to beat through anything. Yukina and Keiko were looking after Kurama; Botan, Yuu-chan. Kuwabara had Draco by the neck of his shirt, holding him a few inches off the floor, reiken at his chest. "You deserve to die. You deserve to suffer as much as you made Kurama suffer. I'd like to kill you... But I think I'll let Yuusuke take that job."

"No. Wait." A tiny, tear-soaked voice stopped all three boys from further action. Hiei hissed in frustration. This was going to make things a bit harder. Ron stood at the doorway, trembling so severely Kuwabara could see it. "Please... I understand... how you feel. But... wait a second..." He made his way through the quiet room, and requested Draco down. Kuwabara did so, looking frustrated.

"Malfoy." Ron whispered. "No... Draco." He smiled bitterly. "You hate me... don't you? It's okay. I know that. But here... do you feel this?" Ron placed his hand over Draco's larger ones, and placed it over his heart. "See? I live just for you. I just wanted you to know... I know you hate me... But... that's okay." He turned to Hiei with a bitter smile. "Do you mind if I... borrow your sword... for a second?" Hiei looked reluctant for a ningen to touch his sword, but he let it go, and Ron took it. "Draco..." He whispered softly, and dug into the surprised Malfoy's arms. He wrapped his arms rightly around Draco, and choked out, "I love you..."

In an instant, Keiko saw what was going to happen. "Iie! Ron-san! Yamete!!!" She stood rapidly up, but already Ron had driven Hiei's katana through Draco and through himself.

Yukina's eyes widened in horror, and Botan clenched her eyes shut and looked away. Keiko fell to her knees in shock, and started to cry.

Yuusuke bit his lip. What the hell...? Nothing made sense. Bloody fucking Malfoy had just raped Kurama. Ron was supposed to despise him. How was it... Why...

Botan seemed to read his mind. "Ron-san... Yuusuke, Hiei... Doesn't this remind you of something...? The Ghostslayer... by any chance? Ron-san is like Kurama. Kurama chose to sacrifice himself rather than choose between his best friend and the one he loved. Similarly... Ron-san chose his own life rather than live with the fact that the one he loved had hurt one of his friends."

"Nani?! That's different from this." Yuusuke growled.

Botan raised an eyebrow. "How... exactly? Kurama could have helped either Hiei or you kill the other. Now, Ron-san could have helped Malfoy or you. He couldn't choose... So, like Kurama-san... He chose to sacrifice himself."

Kuwabara merely snorted. "C'mon... Hiei. Let's get 'em to the infirmary. I know you ain't thinkin' of killing the trash right now. I mean, that speech has gotta soften your heart, too – and yeah, yeah, you don't have one, blah, blah, whatever. 'Nd I know you want your sword back. So c'mon. Urameshi." Kuwabara looked down. "Listen, I know... you wanna kill this bastard right now. But what Botan said... I mean, I don't know much about the Ghostslayer incident, but y'know... It's true." With that, he handed the bloodied sword to Hiei, and boosted Draco up.

Hiei snorted, and took Ron up, slinging him over his shoulder. "He said something intelligent..." He smirked, and looked over at the suffering kitsune on the bed. "Yukina... Take good care of him."

"I've done all I can, Yuusuke." Yukina wiped her hands on the towel. She seemed a bit paler than usual and she was trembling. "He... He should wake up now... But... I don't think he wants to." She looked pained. "His mind needs time to recover, and the fact that this is winter is really not helping. His youki's dangerously low, and all it can do right now is keep him alive. Nothing can be used for his recovery, mind or body. His only hope is you, Yuusuke, and you know that." She stood up, and took the rose from Yuu-chan, and handed it to Yuusuke. "Arigatou, Yuu-chan. If it weren't for you, too many people would have been hurt."

Yuusuke watched the Koorime leave, and Yuu-chan tilted his head, raised his tail, and marched out after her. He sat down next to the bed. "Heya, baka. You know... maybe if this wasn't in the winter. Maybe if it was still summer, in Japan, you'd been able to kill him before he even got the chance to hurt you. Why didn't you tell me...? I should've seen it... right...? Do I even... deserve to be called your boyfriend? If I was, I should've seen this, right? I should've protected you. And kami, it's not even spring yet. Why won't you wake up? Yukina says you should be. Are you scared, baka? You're not... dirty, if that's what you're thinkin'. Ofukuro does it all the time. Shit, half the time I can't sleep 'cause she and whatever bastard she brought home's makin' so much noise. But then again, maybe that's putting you in Ofukuro's position. 'Nd that ain't good, cause you're hella prettier than her, outside and inside." Yuusuke took a shuddering breath. "'Nd now 'm jus' ramblin', and you know how I get when I do that. Please wake up, Kurama... Please..? "

Yuusuke let out a bitter laugh. – What'd you think, Bakayaro? He's damned unconscious. 'S not like he can actually hear you...- He tucked a lock of loose crimson hair behind Kurama's ear and laughed slightly.

"Maa! I don't like how my hair flows in the wind. It's so annoying."

"Then tie it, baka."

"Demo.. I don't want to."

"Then cut it."

"EH!??! IIE!"

Kurama had been so happy then. And when exactly was that? Three, maybe four weeks ago? Now... What the hell was this? Because of Malfoy.

And because of the stupid bastard, so many people's lives were ruined. Kurama was just the beginning. His life, Kuwabara's, Hiei's, Yukina's, Keiko's, Botan's, Genkai's, and even Koenma's. But worst of all, Ronald Weasley was not even close with the eight, and he knew just the knowledge of what the love of his life has done would devastate him. He sighed. Maybe he should feel sorry for the bastard. After all, now he had him, Hiei plus Potter now was going to want to take off Malfoy's head. Plus, if Ron knew, Potter and Granger knew. And if Potter and Granger knew, the whole Gryffindor knew. And if Gryffindor knew, well, the whole school was going to know. So Ron can not not know.

He hated this. He was just rambling, he knew. Anything to get his mind off how pale Kurama was, and how even his hair seemed so limp, and his hands were just so cold, and his lips were blue and he seemed so –

... Okay. Not really helping. But... really. Kurama looked like he was really gonna... die.

And that scared Yuusuke. Hai, Kurama had been near death before. Like that time when Bakken decided to use an unconscious Kurama as a punch bag. He'd been scared then – Kurama was so pale, covered in blood and bruises, not to mention his own Shimaneki grass protruding out of his wounds. Then he'd been even more scared – no, more like angry, jealous – at Karasu. Karasu would have raped him if he got the chance. Yuusuke shuddered. Though what happened was just as bad. Kurama had even considered suicidejust so they would be able to win. Yes, after he'd half-carried, half-dragged Kurama out of the ring, Kurama's bright emerald eyes were a bit dull then, and he was really pale, and even more covered in blood, and even more close to death.

But this... Kurama was so still. He seemed so pale, so... dead.

Move, Kurama. Tell me you're still alive.

... Silence. Fuckin' kami, he hated silence. Especially if it included a certain red-haired, green-eyed pretty boy and death.

"Kurama, talk to me.... Onegaishimasu..."

... Even more silence. He wanted to break a window. Make some noise, kami.

... A slight whimper. Yuusuke turned right away, all senses focusing on Kurama. He reached out to place Kurama's hand in his, but Kurama violently shuddered and convulsed, screaming. "No! Please, don't! Stop!"

... Eego?!? "Kurama! Kurama, Wake up! Kurama!" Yuusuke snatched.

"No!"

"Kurama!" Yuusuke hesitated, but once he saw tears on Kurama's pale cheeks, his hand acted on him own – and slapped Kurama, hard, on the cheek. He bit his lip, and Kurama's dull eyes opened, brimmed red. He looked up to Yuusuke and sobbed incoherently. "Yuusuke...? Yuusuke..."

Yuusuke pulled Kurama in, feeling the small shoulders shake violently in his arms. "Shush... Shizuka ni, Kura-chan. Shush... Shush. Shh... 'S all right, Kura-chan... Won't... Won't let anyone hurt ya..."

"Yuusuke... Yuusuke..." Kurama suddenly broke out of Yuusuke's embrace, looking confused and hurt. "Iie... Yuusuke, I'm... I'm too..."

"Damare!" Yuusuke snatched Kurama's wrist, but his eyes softened and he loosened his grip when Kurama's already dull eyes clouded with fear, muscles tense. "Kurama... Gomen ne... Here." He let go of Kurama's thin wrist. "Daijoubou. I don't think you're dirty. Daijoubou desu yo. C'mere, Kurama... If you're scared, that's okay... But... I'm not Malfoy. You can... trust me." He held out his hand, and smiled gently, hoping to reassure Kurama.

Kurama was like a frightened kitten, curled up in the corner of his bed, and blankets drawn about him, green eyes wide. He raised a pale hand, but brought it back, shaking his head. "I... Iie...."

"Kurama... Kudasai." Yuusuke whispered softly, hoping not to scare the frightened youko. - Sou desu ne... He is... a scared kit right now...-

Kurama let a trembling hand meet Yuusuke's outstretched ones, closing his eyes, and letting tears roll down his cheeks. He let Yuusuke pull him in, let himself relax into the familiar embrace. – Sou... sa... This is... who I love. This is... how it should be... Yuu... suke... Ai... Aishite... ru... Gomen, Yuusuke. Moshi wake arimasen... -

Yuusuke brought Kurama even closer, feeling tears on his shirt. "Shush... Daijoubou, Kurama. Daijoubou desu yo. Daijoubou..." He repeated, rocking gently in hopes of calming the distraught kitsune.

After a few tense moments, he felt Kurama relax against him, rubbing his cheek cautiously on Yuusuke's shoulder. "Yuusuke... do you mind if... I... turn... kitsune? Not... youko, but..."

"Can you? If you could, wouldn't it... help you feel much more comfortable...?"

"Reiki... may I... borrow your... reiki?"

"Of course, baka. Here. You don't even need to ask..." He grasped Kurama's hands, and let his blue ki mix with Kurama's golden-emerald ones.

Soon he had a silver fox in his arms, nuzzling Yuusuke. Its golden eyes were still dull, yet it was brighter and more full of life.

The kit – yes, kit, Kurama was not old enough to be even an adolescent fox yet – bounded about the room, nine tails quivering, ears twitching once in a while, alert. Yuusuke smiled gently and picked the kit up while it was running across his feet, and hugged it gently. "You... feel... much safer, ne..?"

The kitsune nodded, playfully nuzzling his kareshi.

"Not comfortable with speech yet, ne?" Yuusuke let the fox jump out of his arms. "Y'wanna go visit Genkai and the others..? They're worried 'bout you. Y'okay with that?"

As an answer, Kurama jumped on Yuusuke's shoulder, and keened slightly in kitsune. To any other ningen then Yuusuke, it would be heard as a shrill noise. However, Yuusuke knew Kurama was calling Yuu-chan to him.

Soon enough, Yuusuke had two foxes in his arms, snuggled toward each other. Yuu-chan was thoroughly cleaning his 'master'. Yuusuke laughed slightly. Yuu-chan was probably loads of ages older than Kurama, judging by size.

Kurama was enjoying himself, Yuusuke could see that much. Kurama's ears were down, and he was limp in his arms, purring lowly. Yuusuke smiled and ruffled his ears, earning an even happier purr. "Aishiteru, Kurama..."

::Aishiteru mo... Yuusuke....:: Kurama purred slightly. ::... You'll help me... get better... ne, Yuusuke?::

"Baka. Of course I will. "

"Yuusuke, do you know what wo ai ni means?"

"Huh?"

"Maa! You're so dense, Yuu-kun. It means you'll forever be with the person you tell it to, and you dedicate your life to them. It's the promise of forever."

"Ch! It's just Chinese for Aishiteru. That's just for girls."

"You wait and see, Urameshi Yuusuke! I'll bet you'll say it to someone before I do!"

Yuusuke smiled. – Wo ai ni, the promise of forever.. ne...? I guess... I'll just have to tell him that... Keiko no baka... Why does she have to be always right?-

:: Yuusuke :: Kurama sounded annoyed. Though that might have been just the pitch of the kitsune. :: Daijoubou? I've called you a lot of times. ::

:: Hai, he did. :: Yuu-chan sounded amused. Or maybe that was also the pitch of the language. :: You were thinking about something. ::

Yuusuke smiled slightly. "Don't worry about it. You'll figure it out soon." Kurama tilted his head a bit, and Yuu-chan's ear twitched, but both stayed silent.

"Kurama-san!" Yukina cried, and stood up rapidly, and plucked the silver kit out of Yuusuke's arms. "Daijoubou desu ka?!" She giggled with Kurama happily wagged his tails, and started to lick her nose. "Ee, ne? Here."

Kurama bounded down, and stopped shortly at each other person in the room, starting with Botan, to Keiko, to Kuwabara, to Genkai, then lastly to Hiei.

Hiei picked Kurama up, his ruby eyes flicking emotion on and off. He brought the fox up to his shoulder, and whispered in a language no one else understood. Yuusuke remembered it as the language he'd spoken to the phoenix. Phoenician...

You're... really hurt... aren't you...>

Hiei...>

Don't try to hide it from me, baka... you can't hide it from anyone here... and you know it... You know... it hurts him when you lie to him.> Hiei looked pointedly at Yuusuke.

Yuusuke bit his lips. One look from Hiei, and he knew what this was all about. He'd been afraid Kurama was faking all of this... and that he was just hiding behind his kitsune form... and he was right. Hopefully, when he had in store would bring him out of the darkness. Hopefully...

... I'm okay, Hiei... I'm really ->

"Baka no kitsune! " Kurama flinched at Hiei's voice. "Can't you see we all know?! We all want to help you, baka! If you keep on running, it's not going to help any – turn back, Youko. Now."

Youko... Kurama felt tears spring up. Youko... Hiei had never called him... that... It was always Kurama, or baka no kitsune... never... the cold family name...

"Hiei, yamete." Yuusuke placed a hand on the shorter's arm. "You're scaring him." He took the kit out from Hiei's grasp and soothed it, stroking the tense back slowly. "Demo... Kurama..." He let Kurama down, and looked away. "Please... Can you come out from where you're hiding? Don't you trust... us, Kurama? Don't you know we'll all be here... for you?"

Kurama turned away, sitting at a corner, and his forlorn golden eyes stared silently into Yuusuke's. He turned away again, and muttered a few low pitches. The next moment, Kurama was sitting crouched, crimson hair marked with silver streaks, silver ears marked with crimson, golden eyes colored with emerald, silver tails mixed with red, and the usual silver youko clothing smeared with brilliant crimson. "Hai. I'm here now. Is this enough? I'm not scared of you... any of you. But... there is always a chance. There always can be someone else here."

Yuusuke smiled gently. "Daijoubou, Kurama. We won't let anyone hurt you... I swear, I'll always be by your side. Wo ai ni... Kurama."

Keiko's eyes widened. "Yuusuke! You... actually remembered..?" She smiled slightly, when Botan and Yukina looked confused. "Ah. I guess you two don't know. It's a foolish story, actually. Wo ai ni is Chinese for Aishteru. Girls used to believe if it was said to someone and that person says it back, you'll be with them forever. Wo ai ni.. it was said, is the promise of forever..."

The room was silent, and Yuusuke smiled again. "It's okay if you don't want to tell me back. I mean, I – Kurama?!"

Kurama flung his arms around the half-demon, and started to sob incoherently. "Wo ai ni, Yuusuke, wo ai ni..." He continued sobbing, thick tears falling on to Yuusuke's shirt. Yuusuke was sprawled on the ground, petting Kurama gently, playing with the silver-red ears, smiling and whispering.

Yukina and Keiko were smiling, and Botan was jumping up and down, waving her oar around and laughing. Kuwabara was grinning broadly. Hiei was smirking slightly, and even Genkai had a small smile on her lips. Botan hugged both of them. "Now, Kurama-chan! You've got nothing to be scared of anymore! Yuusuke has your back, and he'll be with you forever! Aren't you happy, Kura-chan? Ne? Ne?"

Kurama smiled radiantly. Yuusuke smiled. It was the first real smile he'd seen in... well, a long time. "Aa, Botan-chan. Genki desu."

"Come on, Kurama. You're going to have to face him one day. He is your roommate... er, dormmate? He won't hurt you... Plus, don't you want to see Ron-san?" Botan coaxed.

Kurama pouted slightly. No, it wasn't that he was scared of Draco anymore. That had gone since two weeks ago when Yuusuke had told him wo ai ni. And no, it wasn't that he didn't miss the red-headed Gryffindor. No, he just wasn't very fond of blood.

Stupid reason, he knew. During the Ankoku Bujutsu, he'd seen more than a little blood. But then again, most of that was his blood. He winced slightly when he realized just how worried Yuusuke must have been. There wasn't just once he'd gotten out of a fight without either slashed or stabbed. Either way, he ended up with a lot of lost blood. Maybe that was the reason why he was so frightened of blood. Most of the shock from the incident with Malfioy-san wasn't because of the rape. No, Youko Kurama had gone through much torture – never as severe as rape, of course, but torture nonetheless. And because of that, he had been able to stand through the mindless intrusion. But when Ron-san had drove Hiei's katana into his stomach...

He shuddered involuntarily, and Botan looked over him worriedly. "Daijoubou desu ka? Samui desu ka?"

"Iya, chigamasu." Kurama smiled slightly. "Daijoubou desu yo. I was merely thinking about Ron-san."

At this recall of memory, Botan shuddered slightly as well. "Ah. Why do you think he did that?"

He shook his head, crimson locks flying side to side. He could not think of a reason why anyone would want to draw so much blood, voluntarily. I mean, he would've donated his blood, except that he'd had to see his own... He shuddered again. "Iie, shirimasen. I don't know why anyone would draw his or her blood like that and kill him or herself and that person's lover with him or her."

"Honto ne?" Botan laughed. "You're kind of a hypocrite. Think back to the Ghostslayer. Who was it that willingly stood in front of his kareshi and took Hiei's blow, right in the stomach?"

Kurama blushed lightly. "Aa. But then, I had no choice. It was either me or both of them. I couldn't... I couldn't let go of either one..."

"Ee. Exactly. Ron-san, rather than choose his kareshi doomed into prison, chose to kill himself and his kareshi... Rather than mourn with the fact the person he loved so much was... a disgusting person, I'd say, he chose to die along with him. He also had two choices – either sit back and let Yuusuke, Hiei and Kuwabara kill Malfoy-san, and have Malfoy-san killed and no doubt the rest punished or step in and take a simple step, in his mind – give up his life for the sake of so many others. Ron-san is very...... pure...?" Botan smiled softly, and pulled the blanket up higher, examining the two pale boys, one so much whiter than the other. "Ron-san looks... dead..." She shuddered. She closed her eyes. "He suffers. A lot." Her usual, cheerful eyes saddened. "I just wish everything will fall back into place soon." Botan tucked the blankets in, fingering the bandages and the potion bottles on the desk. "I don't want anyone to suffer, even the lowest and the dirtiest of all youkai." She hugged the rusted sword, and tears fell from her eyes. "I don't like anyone to suffer..."

Kurama was curled up in bed, stroking Yuu-chan's soft, black fur. He giggled slightly when Yuu-chan purred. : I'm glad it's all over... well, mostly over... I do wish Malfoy-san and Ron-san would wake up faster... :

Yuu-chan glanced silently at his master. :I do wish,: he cleared his throat, :that my master would have some common sense hammered into his head. Malfoy-san is the one that hurt you, Kurama-sama.:

Kurama sighed and turned around. "... It wasn't him."

"What wasn't him?"

:Hiei-sama?!: Yuu-chan jumped up. He then lied back down, shaking his head. His new masters were too unpredictable...

"He raped you, Kurama." Hiei snorted, glaring. "And you say it wasn't him?"

"... You know, Hiei. Don't pretend like you don't. It wasn't him. Something had possessed him... and you know it. Didn't you sense it, as well?" Kurama's hand paused. Yuu-chan looked up, questioning. He looked back and forth between his master and the fire youkai. He was utterly confused. Something had possessed Malfoy?

Hiei stayed silent, and looked away. "I hoped we could avoid an enemy so soon. Especially in the winter, when you're completely devoid of youki and are surviving merely on Yuusuke's reiki, and I'm relying on my Koorime side. And when we're also burdened with finding the necklaces..."

There was a pause. Yuu-chan was now even more confused. Hiei-sama, of all people, afraid? There had to be a reasonable excuse for the behavior. But what...

"... Hiei, please don't worry about me. Yuusuke's not incapable of protecting me, and I'm not incapable of protecting myself, either."

Ah. So that was it. Hiei-sama cared too much for Kurama-sama.

"Hn." Hiei answered, and jumped to Draco's now-empty bed. "Kuwabara found the earth necklace."

Kurama stood up and looked over Hiei. Hiei had a slight smirk on his features. "Honto ni?"

"Hai. He was fooling around with a creature – a griffin, I believe it was called. Actually, though I hate to admit it, he was quite good at it. The griffin then suddenly decided to take the stupid fool somewhere, and of course, the other lumbering fool was going mad (Kurama assumed he meant Hagrid-sensei)" Hiei chuckled. "It was a humorous sight. Then Kuwabara comes, laughing his stupid laugh and riding the griffin, the stupid necklace in his hand. It was strange, actually. He never told us how he got it."

"Are you sure it's him?" Kurama asked, turning over and stifling his laughter.

Hiei merely nodded, and closed his eyes. He sighed. He had tried to keep everything down. Every emotion, every tear, every smile. However... Hiei closed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. The recent string of events was too much for even his well-fortressed emotions. Not to mention it must have been a havoc for Kurama's open emotions. It was as if someone had planned all this, to tire them out. Perhaps that someone knew that youki and reiki did have a lot more to do about the mind status than these ningen's primitive magic with strange sticks did. He listened until Kurama's breathing was evened out, and stood up, watching the kitsune's peaceful smile.

- It's strange that you're so suddenly okay, even though you are Youko. As far as I know, Kurama, both minds were still virgin, so the impact should have been greater. Is it perhaps Yuusuke...? Does he have greater value to your life than I have percepted? What exactly is Urameshi Yuusuke to you, Kurama...? A lover...? Or something even greater? I'm scared you'll depend on him too much, baka. – Hiei looked away, taking his eyes off the person who took up too much in his heart. – You do know it's not good to depend on one person too much... What if Yuusuke can't be there for you...? - Hiei sighed. For the first time in his life, he was worried about someone.

Sure, when Yukina was hurt, he got mad. Extremely mad. But he was never worried about her getting hurt. He was always confident she was able to protect herself. And if not, the stupid fool would be there.

But Kurama... no matter how much he tried to reassure himself Yuusuke would always be there, never be away in Kurama's time of need, he couldn't shake the feeling that sometime, somewhere, Kurama would be in pain. No matter how much times he himself had witnessed Yuusuke risk his own life for Kurama's, he couldn't lay down the surge that screamed that one day he'd find Kurama dead, cheeks strained with tears.

He hated himself. He snatched the cloth off his Jagan. Maybe focusing on something, anything other than Kurama, would calm his nerves down.

He almost lost his balance. He sensed Yuusuke right outside Kurama's window, trying to climb up. What idiots. He snorted, and tied his headband back on. He had no sense to worry. Yuusuke was here even now, trying to get in. Perhaps he should help Yuusuke... He looked outside, and almost laughed. He quickly dashed off before Yuusuke noticed, and chuckled. – Hai, I shouldn't worry... -

No, not when Yuusuke was hanging upside down, his foot caught by Kurama's vine acting in the will of its sleeping master, and still trying to get up.

Hiei reached his own dorm, and for once, for some reason, he was glad to get away from worrying about Kurama and actually come back to Kuwabara's loud snoring.

He realized, for the first time in his life, he was tired.

Yuusuke collapsed in the room, raking leaves out of his hair. "Oi, Kurama. You gotta take care of those goddamned plants of – ehh... Asleep, ne? You were supposed to wait for me, remember?"" Yuusuke smiled. "Guess I can't blame you... I mean, I would be scolding you if you were awake, I guess..." He smiled and stroked Kurama's hair, petting Yuu-chan's head when Yuu-chan opened a golden eye and yawned. "Heya, Yuu-chan. How're ya doing..?"

Yuusuke purred softly in response, and nudged Yuusuke's pocket. "All right, all right. Here ya go." Yuusuke chuckled and fished out a chocolate frog, and let Yuu-chan tear the wrapping apart and play with the chocolate inside. Yuu-chan barked happily and chased after the bouncing candy, despite Yuusuke's efforts to silence him.

"Un... Yuu-chan, nan desu ka...?" Kurama rubbed his eyes, and he rose slightly, stretching. "...Yuusuke? Oh! I forgot to wait for you." Kurama shook his head, making crimson tresses fly. "Gomen!"

Yuusuke laughed, and patted Kurama's hair. "Nah. 'S fine." He laughed. "'S fine. Anyway, baka. How're you feeling? Anything hurt? You're okay now, right? You're not... hurt anymore... right...?"

"Hai." Kurama patted Yuusuke's hand, smiling. "I'm okay now. See? I can move without getting hurt too much." He jumped out of bed and did a few cartwheels, laughing in delight. "I haven't done one in such a long time." Yuusuke rolled his eyes and watched the red-haired kitsune amuse himself with the various gymnastics he'd managed to master. Kurama was now flipping in the air, a bright smile on his lips. Yuusuke laid back, following the kitsune's every move.

Yuusuke caught Kurama's wrist in the midst of his backflip, causing Kurama to gasp in surprise, but he caught Kurama before he managed to crash to the floor. Kurama looked up, and saw the laughter in Yuusuke's eyes and in his voice, no matter how serious Yuusuke tried to sound. "All that flipping can't be good for your legs."

Right, right. His legs. Kurama pouted in disapproval, but let Yuusuke tuck him back in to bed, and giggled when Yuu-chan came back with chocolate smeared all over his snout. Yuusuke sighed and collapsed beside Kurama, staring up at the ceiling.

"Slytherin dorms are so creepy. It's so... dark."

"Well, Yuusuke, it is past midnight." Kurama pointed out, but he couldn't help but agree. Slytherin dorms were cold and managed to be dark even when the sun was shining outside.

"You know what I mean, Kurama. How can you survive here?"

"It's not that bad. Afterall... Makai is much darker."

"No, darker isn't the word. You mean, much more evil." Yuusuke shuddered. He leaned forward.

Kurama acted faster, planting a gentle kiss on the human's cheeks before Yuusuke could ravage his lips. Yuusuke blushed brightly and stuttered, "Ku-kurama!"

Kurama poked Yuusuke's cheek, tilting his head. "Doshite? It's all right for you to devour my lips, but it's not okay for me to do so?"

"No, of course not." Yuusuke grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He climbed over Kurama, a smirk on his lips. Kurama barely had time to take a deep breath in preparation before Yuusuke's lips descended on his, begging silently for approval. Kurama sighed and opened his lips a bit, and Yuusuke's attack on his lips increased, tongue hungrily roaming Kurama's mouth, running over the roof of his mouth and then Kurama's own, and Kurama giggled softly. Oh my... They hadn't done so in ages... "Kurama..." His hands pushed Kurama's shirt up, roaming his pale back. "Tell me if you want me to stop..." He caught Kurama's lips in another fierce kiss, only pausing to allow air into their lungs.

"Mm..." Kurama replied, melting into Yuusuke's embrace, wrapping his arms around Yuusuke's shoulders. "No... Not yet..." He pressed his hands on Yuusuke's broad shoulders, tracing the lean muscles playfully.

"It's been so long since I've ever had a chance to - "

"Play like this?" Kurama interrupted, eyes twinkling.

"If you'd call it that, sure." Yuusuke attacked Kurama's pale form again, causing another fit of giggles from Kurama. He let Kurama rest for a second. After all, he'd done it so many times before Kurama, bur Kurama's first time had been with him, then second with Malfoy – no whatever that had controlled Malfoy – and now – wait. Kurama wasn't going to go so far today. Yuusuke pouted in regret, but it couldn't be helped.

He looked down at the kitsune, and a smile crossed his lips. Kurama's crimson, ruby-red hair was spread out on the bed, contrasting greatly with the silver sheets. His large, emerald eyes were full of life, and bright with mischief. His pearl-white skin was softer than silk. "How are you mine, Kurama...? How is someone so beautiful mine...?"

Kurama regarded the amber-eyed delinquent on top of him. "Hmm... Maybe it's because you're such a charmer... or maybe it's because of your good looks... or maybe it's because of your beautiful eyes... or perhaps that you're a criminal - " – Yuusuke laughed at this – "– or perhaps just because you're you."

"Ah." Yuusuke lowered himself to Kurama's pale neck and started to gnaw on his neck, smirking at Kurama's small cry. "You're mine."

"Who ever said I wasn't?" Kurama smiled, stroking Yuusuke's hair. "You're such a child. My flesh can't be that good, ne?" He sat still nonetheless, smiling at the attention. Sure, he didn't like attention from people, but from the one he loved so dearly...

"Let's play, Kurama. Please? I really can't wait much – No, never mind. What's wrong with me today?" Yuusuke frowned. Kurama rested his head on Yuusuke's shoulder, falling slowly asleep at Yuusuke's gentle pets. Yuu-chan found his place in his master's lap, and purred slightly. "Shh... Yuu-chan... He's trying to sleep, see...?"

Yuu-chan nestled in Yuusuke's lap instead, and nudged Yuusuke's other hand. Yuusuke chuckled and petted the small fox, and drew the blanket up to Kurama's neck, laughing slightly at Yuu-chan's struggle to stay uncovered. He suddenly felt like a father, with his wife and child cuddled close to him. Yuusuke looked down at Kurama's sleeping form and smiled, planting a soft kiss on his forehead.

"... What an idiot." Draco snorted, glaring at Madame Pomfrey's retreating back. "Just because she tells me to doesn't mean I have to eat it."

"It'll make you better." Ron pointed out, but he was hurriedly unwrapping a chocolate frog, brow scrunched at the bitterness.

"Yes, yes, whatever. I don't take orders from anyone."

"... Unlike the poor Weasleys, right?"

"I told you I was sorry, Ron. I don't know why I did. But I regret it now – it was the main reason it was able to control me so easily." Draco ran a hand through his platinum hair. "I hate this color. It's so... bland." He eyed Ron's with a hint of envy in his ice-blue eyes.

"My hair?" Ron pulled down his too-long hair to his eyes. "It's just red. And it grows too fast." His silky, fiery locks had grown past his shoulders in the short time of being hospitalized. Ron looked adorable with his hair long, framing his babyish features well.

"It's not just red, you dumbass. It's beautiful." Draco smirked, pulling at his new-found friend's silky tresses. "It's no wonder all the girls are so eager to know how you keep your hair. Think of how surprised they'll be when they hear all you do is wash it and then go to sleep with it wet."

Ron pouted gently, and pulled his hair back from Draco's hand. "You're so mean."

"I'm mean? I think you're too innocent – too naïve, too nice... Don't get hurt."

"What happened to the mean Draco? I don't know if I'm used to this one." Ron giggled.

"... Are you sure you're not lovers...?" Botan smiled from her place at the windowsill. Ron squealed in surprise and hid behind Draco, and Draco looked bored. "You flirt even more than Kura-chan and Yuusuke."

Ron blushed brightly. "How long were you there?"

Botan floated from the outside, and jumped off her oar. "Lessee... Ah! The part where you said, 'it's not just red, you dumbass. It's beautiful.' Wai You guys are so cute!" Botan smiled, and her kimono swished as she helped herself to a small jelly bean, carefully picking out the color pink. A large smile came on her lips. "Ooh. Wild berries. I never get the bad ones. Now – down to business." Botan leaned forward to Draco, noses almost touching.

Draco's silver-blue stared nonchalantly into Botan's bright pink. "Whatever controlled you was after Ron-san. Baa-chan once thought it was after Kura-chan, but Keiko-chan looked into it, and she's pretty sure she was after you, Ron-san. After all, it was you who had almost died, ne, Ron-san? That's why Yuusuke's so furious. Kurama was used as a pawn, a sideshow, and he was hurt so badly... Anyway... You have to be cautious, Draco-san. Whatever took over you is just another enemy. Baachan said I could tell you, because ignorance will kill you this time. We are here this year because of a new enemy – and now we have figured out, new enemies. One, as we've experienced already, is a parasite that controls a person with much animosity. Now... Yuusuke, Hiei, Kuwa-chan, and Kura-chan are here to defeat those enemies. Yuusuke is the wielder of Water, Hiei one of Fire, Kuwa-chan of Earth, and Kura-chan of Air. We already have Yuusuke's and Kuwa-chan's. However... that alone might not be enough to defeat him... So... Baachan said we're going to need help. Ron-san, Draco-san, and... Hermione-san, and also Harry-san. Four people, to be the sub-elementals. Ron-san for electricity, Draco-san for plants, Hermione-san for animals, and Harry-san for time. Time, by the way, for one person only, not turning back time or such. Harry-san and Hermione-san already agreed. Now, you two need to think it over, and - "

"I'll do it, Botan." Ron spoke up, fists clenched. "If I can be any help at all, I'll help."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Well, if the rest of them are going, I guess I should, too. After all, what'll you do without me?" He pinched Ron's cheeks.

Botan smiled widely. "All right, then! You'll see Baachan – um, no, Professor Genkai – at her room, right after dinner, understood?"

"Botan, we can't actually move." Ron frowned, pointing to his torso. "All we can do now is move around inside this room, you know."

Botan smiled widely. "Don't worry! You'll be going on the Botan Express!"

For some unknown reason. Draco was wondering if he would prefer walking to taking 'the Botan Express,'

Junjin-kun: 1. Ningen  - Hiei calls every human this. It means... human. 2. Iie! Ron-san! Yamete! - No! Ron, stop!.. though, that was a easy one...

Andy-chan: 1. Nani?! - What?!.. another easy one 2. Arigatou, Yuu-chan - Thank you, Yuu-chan... super easy! XD

Junjin-kun: 1. Baka - stupid. If you don't know this one... well... 2. Ofukuro - what Yuusuke calls his mom. Truthfully, Prayer doesn't know what it means. If anyone knows, tell Prayer!

Andy-chan: 1. Bakayaro - dumbass 2. Maa! - Ah!

Junjin-kun: 1. Demo... - But... 2. IIE! - NO!

Andy-chan: 1. Kudasai - Please 2. kami - god. Not God, mindya. Jus' god.

Junjin-kun: 1. Eego?!? - English?!? 2. Shizuka ni - Be quiet

Andy-chan: 1. Damare! - Shut up! 2. Gomen ne - S'rry. And I'll type it like that cause it's realllly informal.

Junjin-kun: 1. Daijoubou - it's okay. 2. Daijoubou desu yo - Its really okay (literally, I'm telling you it's okay.)

Andy-chan: 1. Sou desu ne - That's right... (literally, That's right, isn't it.) ... yoola, if you're still reading this, don't chant it. 2. Sou sa - That's right.

Junjin-kun: 1. Aishiteru... Gomen, Yuusuke... Moshi wake arimasen - I love you... Sorry, Yuusuke... I'm so sorry (I have no excuse for myself) 2. kareshi - boyfriend

Andy-chan: 1. Aishiteru mo, Yuusuke - I love you too, Yuusuke. 2. Wo ai ni - It's Chinese for I love you.

Junjin-kun: 1. Keiko no baka - Stupid Keiko 2. Daijoubou desu ka? - Are you all right?

Andy-chan: 1. Ee, ne? - Yes, is it? 2. Baka no kitsune - Stupid fox!

Junjin-kun: 1. Hai - it means yes, but here it means, 'here I am.' 2. Botan repeats, ne? - she's saying, aren't you? Aren't you?

Andy-chan: 1. Genki desu - I'm fine. 2. Iya, chigaimasu – no, not really. (lit. no, it's different.) iya is a less formal way to say iie.

Junjin-kun: 1. Samui desu ka? – Are you cold? (lit. is it cold?) 2. Iie, shirimasen – No, I don't know.

Andy-chan: 1. Nan desu ka? – What's wrong? (lit. what is it?)

Prayer: e.e lotza japnaese... all thanks to my Japanese lessons! -WAI!- anyway, the Botan Express! -prays for Ron-san and Draco-san- e.e and sorry it was so late!