The windows grew darker every minute with the storm clouds roving over the town. Every now and then, a streak of lightening flashed in the distance, followed by a rumbling thunder clap.

But all that was outside, and Eris was happily sitting at her work desk in a white fuzzy bathrobe and Spongebob Squarepants slippers. The sound of the shower going in the bathroom told her Kurama was still in the shower, washing off all the mud.

Poor guy, first time on the field and he gets knocked out. That was a pretty awesome save though

Eris smiled and continued dinking around on her computer. Rain continued to pound against the dark windows; first light then in a fierce torrent. Squinting at the screen, she flicked on a lamp.

That's some nasty wind out therelet's see, hey! Ducky's on AIM!

CaptainShortY: BOO!
QuackMeister: AH! Heya Captain! Nice weather we got goin on, huh?
CaptainShortY: Aye, that we do. Whats up?
QuackMeister: The usual. Got my six pack a beer and pirated porn all ready to go. ;)
CaptainShortY: :p You wish.
QuackMeister: Yes. Yes I do. Anyway, what're you up to? Where's my Red Haired Wonder at? Hehe
CaptainShortY: He has a name you know. SHUICHI is in the shower, and I'm sitting here wasting my life with you. And checking up on my scheduled snow day. -_^
QuackMeister: What the hell is wrong with you woman?! Get in there with him! At least that's what I would do.did you say *snowday*?
CaptainShortY: You need to lay off the crack, buddy. And yes, I said *snowday*.
QuackMeister: ::hides stash:: You gotta stop tapping into their system, man. They're gonna catch you one of these days.
CaptainShortY: LOL I'll get the dogs on you! And there's no way they'd know it's me. They all think I'm an innocent little angel. ::adjusts halo::
QuackMeister: ::snort:: Yeah right! You? My ass!
CaptainShortY: brb gotta check my email and schmoo.
QuackMeister: Oh I get it. Sorry Ducky, my email is more important than talking to you!
CaptainShortY: Shut up ya whiner. You know my puter sucks and I can't have loads of windows open at one time.
QuackMeister: You are such a liar!
-Automatic response from CaptainShortY: Quit your bitchin damnit, I'll be back in a minute!
Quackmeister: O.o How rude!

With a shake of the head, Eris typed in her email password. Six new messages were waiting in her Inbox.

Junk, junk, damn pop ups! Yay, a review! Save that for laterchain letter, another chain letterMrs. Swing?! Who the-

AH CRAP!

Eris stared in horror at the screen, mouse poised over a letter from Mrs. Swing.

No, no, no, no, NO! This is BAD! This is very very bad!

What's very very bad?

Eris careened her head back to see Kurama's neck leaning over her. A few drops of water from his hair fell on her head, making her eye twitch.

Who is this Mrs. Swing?

Eris crossed her arms in front of her in a very pissed off manner. She's the school website developer and about the only person on staff who knows anything about computers. We call her Swingy.

I think I missed something. Care to enlighten me why this is bad?

She caught me! she pointed accusingly at the screen.

Well, you shouldn't be muddling with school property anyway. Why don't you read the letter?

Grumbling, Eris clicked angrily on the offending link and began to read the email out loud.

Dear Ms. Bueller,

As much as I find your attempts to rearrange my html codes into the next world amusing, I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from any future virtual vandalism. And don't forget about the Pong tournament next weekend, I need my best player in tiptop shape!

-Swingy
P.S Next time, remember to cloak your IP address. What's the matter with you?!

A resounding BANG was heard as Eris' head hit the computer desk.

Kurama laughed. Bueller? So that's the rest of your name.

Mmph fwou

Something cold dripped onto her neck. Eris bolted up in her seat with a small gasp as the water ran down her back.

What's the matter with you? A red eyebrow went up.

You! You're dripping water everywhere!

He rubbed his neck sheepishly. Sorry, I heard you yell and-

Come on, before you make my house smell like a wet dog. She was about to grab his hand and run to her room, when an annoying ringing sound erupted from the computer speakers. A little yellow man kept bouncing up from the edge of the desktop.

Oops. Ducky; I forgot about him

Ducky's here?

No, I'm talking to him over the computer.

QuackMeister: Where the hell are you?!
CaptainShortY: Sorry! I gotsidetracked.
QuackMeister: Yeah right. How's my little baby bunker boo? All squeaky-clean? ^_^
CaptainShortY: Yes, and getting me all wet too.
QuackMeister: Reeeeally now? Is he shirtless?!?!

Eris looked over her shoulder to see a naked to the waist Kurama silently inspecting a trivia calendar that usually resigned on the desk. Forcing herself not to blush, she turned back to the computer.

CaptainShortY: I'll leave that to your perverted imagination. I'll ttyl, we've got a date with a hairdryer.
QuackMeister: NO! ELF! You can't shortchange me on the details you evil evil girl!!

She flicked off the machine with a mad grin. Alright, now come with me, Mr. DripPY-WHOA!

Don't worry, I've got you. I think your slipper is tangled on a wire

Eris tried to get her breathing back under control. That's the second scariest thing that's ever happened to me

Curious, Kurama tilted his head to the side. What was the first?

Suddenly realizing she was being supported by his very naked arms, a tickly tight feeling in her stomach accompanied the blush this time.

Mouth gaping like a fish, she struggled to answer and less than gracefully detached herself from him to untangle the mass of computer wires from Spongebob.

Shaking her head a little, Eris stood up abruptly, put on a quick smile, headed to her room, Kurama following and trying not to look amused. She looked quite funny when struck speechless. Which didn't seem to happen very often.

She pointed towards her bed, And went off the root through the junk in her closet.

He sat obediently, watching silently with wondering eyes. When she re-emerged triumphantly with a hairdryer, both eyebrows shot up into his hair.

Eris rolled her eyes. It's not going to do anything bad.

She stooped down, kicking a discarded box of cookies out of the way, plugged it in, and settled herself behind Kurama on her amazingly made up bed.

I've never actually known any boys that weren't obsessed with their hair. And yet- she flicked it onto the lowest heat first, moving it back and forth and smoothly coming through the fiery tresses. -you've got more hair than me and you barely bat an eye when a wind kicks up, never mind fighting demons.

He shrugged a shoulder, enjoying the heat on his skin and the feel of her fingers through his hair. I suppose it's a demon thing. It never actuallybecomes disordered. I have a theory that it has mind of its own.

Eris laughed and turned the hair dryer onto the next level. Yeah I can believe that. It doesn't really feel normal either.



Well not like bad not normal! I mean it's softer. More She leisurely threaded it between her fingers, unconsciously causing Kurama to shudder. I'll probably cut it all off in your sleep by the time you leave!

He smiled, laughing lightly; closing his eyes in pleasure. They opened again when he didn't hear Eris' voice, or feel her tugging gently at his scalp.

You're not talking

She snapped out of her thoughts with a little embarrassed sigh. Sorry, I was just thinking.

Anything wrong? That was a quick transition.

Nothing. Just zoned out for a minute.

Are you sure?

Positive. Lean your head back for me so we can get your bangs.

Hai, Kasan.

She poked his nose and pretended to glare as she dried. Don't get smart with me!

Several moments passed, in relatively comfortable silence, considering if her parents were home and saw a strange shirtless boy in their daughter's room getting his haired dried they'd be extremely worried. This thought passed through Eris' mind a few times, giving her a light smile. Until she brooded upon other things.

she asked in a small voice after switching the dryer off. Can I ask you something?

He opened his eyes. It couldn't be helped, the heat blowing across his skin and the relaxing feeling of her hands wouldn't let them stay open. Now with that gone, his mind cleared and picked up on the tone of her voice.

I knew there was something

Of course. You can ask me anything.

Not being able to hold that viridian gaze, even if it did look funny upside down, she pushed his head up and began playing his hair into a braid.

When are you going home?

He pondered this for awhile, picturing her sitting cross-legged and looping one strand over the other. I'm not really sure. I don't think I'll worry about it just yet.

Eris couldn't help but smile. Good. If you're not going to worry, then I'm not either. She took his hand and made him hold the end of his braid. Hold this; gotta find a hair thingy.

Kurama blinked. Hair thingy?

Hair tie, whatever she plucked one off the dresser and finished her project with a grin. You kinda look like Duo Maxwell. Only with shorter, red hair and green eyes.

The lights flickered. They both looked up simultaneously in curious wonderment.

Uh oh. Eris grabbed her radio remote and flicked it on.

-severe thunderstorm warning for the following counties: Windsorten, View Crest, Alleworten-

That's us... Eris bit her lip and turned the volume up.

-40-60 mile an hour winds; large pebble sized hail expected. Residents are urged to take shelter in their basements. Warning may be lifted at 3 A.M-

Holy shit Eyes the size of dinner plates, Eris held a hand over her mouth. I remember we had a storm like this when I was in maybe 4th gradeelectric wires down on nearly every street and you couldn't go 3 blocks without having to walk around upraised cement because a 200 year old oak tree had been uprooted*

Shaking her head, she took hold of Kurama's hand and started towards the basement in a scared, stiff sort of way. Whole sides of trees would be missing from being hit by lightning. The whole high school had their community service hours done in one day; going out and collecting the bushes and branches out of the streets-what's that sound?

A strange whirring noise was steadily getting louder. Looking out the dark window, a sudden flash of light hit a telephone pole across the street, severing the telephone wires with a shower of sparks. A millisecond later, the light bulb in the green desk lamp Eris had left on exploded.

Kurama shielded her, like any gentleman would, of course, with his body. Seemed like the right thing to do. Until he felt a little shard of light bulb imbed itself in his back.

Trying to ignore this, he bit the inside of his lip and checked on Eris in his arms. Are you alright?

Shaking slightly, she nodded her head and squinted through the dark. All the lights in the house had gone out. Yeah. Yeah I think so. What about you?

He reached back and pulled out the glass with a wince. I'll live.

Eris took it out of his hand to inspect what it was.



This is glass!

Yes, it appears to be so.

He heard her sigh.

There should be a little table on your left side. In the drawer should be a flashlight, can you get it for me, please, so we don't kill ourselves on any chairs, walls, or glass?

Yes ma'am feeling around for the drawer, he came upon something warm and soft.

Your other left, Kurama. That would be my thigh you're groping.

Ah! Gomen ne! Right now he was glad it was dark and reconsidered his task of finding a flashlight; it probably looked like his hair had melted onto his face.

Ignoring the laughter from somewhere near him, he finally located the drawer and the flashlight, and slid the switch on. A beam of light lit up part of the room and Eris suddenly came into perception.

She took the flashlight from him. Turn around, you!

He did as he was told without objection. She was quite frightening when she was mad. Or maybe it was just because he sort of liked being bossed around by her. It was rather funny when one thought about it: him, a demon, being ordered about by this sprite of a girl.

What are you laughing at?

Nothing. How serious is it?

The light started moving away; he turned and followed her to a closet. Not that bad. It'll get infected if we don't cover it though.

She opened the closet, swished the beam around and located a lantern her father used for camping and a box of scented candles her mother had been planning on giving out as stocking stuffers next year.

Fiddling around with the lantern for a bit, she finally got it to work and stood up, handing the flashlight back to Kurama.

Now, on to the bathroom. We'll come back for the candles and head on downstairs.

Out of habit, she flicked on the bathroom light, only to mentally smack herself and flick it back off. I can't believe I just did thatanyway, take a seat. I'll see if we have any more gauze or something left.

He sat on the edge of the tub, taking the lantern from her and setting it on the floor. By the way, how is your neck?

Just dandy she murmured, looking through the medicine cabinet. Oooh, lighter! Yoink! She yoinked it off the cabinet shelf and stuck it in her pocket, as well as a one time use ice pack (her knee was killing her) and found a little left over gauze with some cut ointment and tape.

This should work. Oh wait she quickly grabbed an old washcloth and ran a half under the faucet. Okie dokie, now we set up camp in the basement. A tree branch banged against the bathroom window as if to say, Move your asses!

Eris happily obliged, taking her supplies, and Kurama, down the steps into the basement. Exotic scents from the lighted candles helped ease the frightened feeling in the pit of her stomach.

You really don't enjoy thunderstorms, do you? Kurama asked gently from his position on the floor. He lay on his stomach, chin propped on his folded arms as Eris cleaned and bandaged the cut on his back.

Not violent ones like these. I actually love to stand on the porch and watch the lightning. I'm not hurting you am I?

No, I rather like the feeling of your hands on me. Wait-that came out wrong! I-

Calm down already! It's fine. I'm she bent down and cut the bandage tape with her teeth, a few stray hairs tickling his skin and her breath raised gooseflesh. rather flattered actually. Well that's interesting

Hmm? What's interesting? The perfume of the room was starting to have interesting effects on him, if that's what she meant.

Are you cold? You've got goose bumps all over. She ran a finger down his lower back, feeling the little bumps, smirking a little when more appeared.

Really? I thought it was getting a bit warm.

Well, I'll go and find us some blankets anyway. I'll be right back.

As she stood up, Kurama rolled over onto his back. Something wasdifferent about him.

He was smirking. Hurry back now.

That's not his voice

What's the matter with you? she asked cautiously, kneeling back down and peering into his face. He said nothing. Apparently something amused him because he started laughing to himself.

Did I say something funny? Stop messing around, you're creeping me out!

And then she saw it: little streaks of silver in his hair. And it wasn't the candlelight reflecting gold in his eyes.

I'll have to find a way to thank you. With Shuichi so preoccupied with his own desires, it's much easier to gain control.

Eris tried to stifle her gasp. and started backing away slowly on her hands and knees.

He sat up, stretching his back, and appeared even more amused.

Something in the air moved as he changed further. the candles flickered and Eris backed her way into the edge of the couch, able to do nothing but stare as two fox ears sprouted up. The sudden taste of a coppery liquid snapped her out of her trance. Her lip was split. She hadn't even realized she had been biting it.

A sharp intake of breath; Youko could smell the blood and watched her wipe it away with hungry eyes. His tail twitched in agitation.

Thinking the worst, Eris dared not move. Not even to clear the new gush of blood on her lip. Her arms began to shake from being so tense.

She almost fell over when he rolled his eyes at her. I'm not going to kill you. He grit his teeth, a white canine peeked over his lower lip. I'd have hell to pay. Just get rid of the blood.

I-I can't. It's too deep.

Picking himself up and brushing imaginary dust off his trademark clothes, the tall frame of Youko Kurama stood over Eris. For some reason she had the sudden urge to laugh and let her head fall forward so she wouldn't have to look at him.

I currently have a class A demon, who also happens to be a legendary bandit and a hair shy of being illegally sexy, in my house. Sure, why not?!

He muttered something that strangely sounded like and picked her up like she was nothing more than a feather.

Ah! What are you-oh.

Feeling extremely foolish, Eris adjusted herself on the couch so that her knees were folded up underneath her and fixed her grey eyes on the floor. At least she tried to look at the floor. A certain someone's hand on her chin was proving this difficult.

She met his gold eyes with her own uncertain ones only to wince and rear back as something burned her lip. He caught her again; his long nails grazing her jaw.

I said I wasn't going to hurt you. What makes you so afraid? he asked, genuinely curious.

Eris glared. Three days ago, neither you, Shuichi, nor demons existed to me. Now you think you can just pop in here and expect me not to be scared out of my mind?!

Fear, much like pain, is only a trick of the mind, my dear. He ran the pad of his thumb across a canine and pressed it to the split in her lip. Again, Eris felt the burning sensation and realized what he was doing.

Demons heal faster than humanshe's using his blood to heal me. Well, this certainly is interesting.

Thank you. She muttered and looked at the ceiling. His laughter caught the attention of her ears again. What now? She was a bit annoyed by now.

You. Am I really that horrible to look at?

Unable to suppress a smile, Eris laughed a little too and scratched the back of her neck. I suppose I am being a bit foolish

Yes, but you haven't answered my question.

Eris snorted and shook her head. Well, Lestat, you do look good in a braid I must say.**

He raised a pale eyebrow and smirked. I assure you, I look good' in anything. Who, may I ask, is Lestat?

Sighing, Eris flung a tired arm over her face. You people need to read more. Trust me though, you'd both get along splendidly. She let out a muffled evil laugh. Maybe a little too splendidly.

I'll have you know I had an extensive library-

-of all stolen books no doubt.

I am a thief after all.

Speaking of which, I made that ashtray for my father in seventh grade. I'd appreciate it if you put it back from whence it came.

The item in question suddenly appeared back in its rightful place. It appeared as if Youko hadn't moved from his cross-armed standing point. You speak annoyingly well for your age.

She shrugged and fought off sleep. All these sudden surprises were taking their toll. I've been corrupted by books, what can I say? That, and I'd rather not sound, act, or think like an idiot. She moved her arm and looked at him curiously. Why so interested? I thought demons only cared about themselves?

His ear twitched. Youko's focus was no longer on Eris.

All of a sudden, there was the sound of breaking glass and the silver haired kitsune was no longer standing in front of her.

What the-?

And then there was the unmistakable sound of whispering coming from upstairs.

Creeping to her feet, Eris silently made her way up the stairs. As luck would have it, a stair creaked loudly and the whispering stopped. Cursing under her breath, Eris stayed still, listening to the howling wind coming through what must have been a broken window.

What, are they fucking nuts? What kind of idiot robs a house in the middle of a storm?!

Her thoughts were interrupted by the clicking sound of the safety being taken off a gun.

Well, well. Looks like we have an unexpected guest tonight, Clem! A rough hand grabbed her upper arm and dragged her up the rest of the stairs.

The silhouette of another person came into view behind his flashlight. Really now? Oh, she's a looker too! We've hit pay dirt tonight, Fergus. Nothin' but a bathrobe on, easy access!

Eris stiffened as the hard point of the gun went up against her back. She could smell the liquor on her captor's breath and tried not to gag. Come on girly, this'll be fun I promise! Hehehe

She shuddered and smacked away a grimy hand that had started to feel up her robe. Get off of me you guts-griping canker-blossom!***

There was a resounding SMACK and Eris found herself nursing the side of her face with her free hand and the blinding light of the flashlight in her eyes.

Who said you could talk you little whore?

There was a sound like the angry growling of a dog somewhere in the darkness.

Hey, d'ja hear that? What the hell is that?

You ain't wussin' out on me now, are ya Fergus? We've got a little angel cake here waitin' for a bite or two!

Eris tried to swing a punch, but only received another slap and both arms now held firmly, and painfully, behind her back as Clem started undoing the tie on her bathrobe.

This time, she made use of her leg muscles and kicked him. Like hell you're gonna touch me, you sick fucks!

You little bitch!

Eris prepared for another blow, but it never came.



A streak of lightning revealed an extremely pissed off looking kitsune, eyes blazing in the dark and clenching Clem's wrist in his clawed hand.

She said not to touch her. You'd be wise to comply.

The one known as Fergus scoffed. The fuck're you supposed to be? Little early for Halloween ain't it Clem?

Eris couldn't help but roll her eyes. Why do they always use the Halloween line?

Youko smiled, baring his dangerous teeth. It's amusing how humans always find excuses for what's actually very, very real.

In a flash, his expression changed and Clem suddenly had half of his arm bent into a pretzel.

Eris had to yell over Clem's screams. NO! Youko, stop!

A yank to the hair and Eris ceased her pleads. Fergus pressed the gun to the side of her head with a shaking hand. Wh-what the fuck are you man?!

Looking down at Clem's whimpering form, huddled around his whimpering arm, in disgust, Youko calmly stepped forward.

Fergus dragged Eris back a few bumbling steps. S-stay back! Stay back or I'll blow her fucking head off! I'll do it!

Youko sniffed. What do I care about some useless ningen? I'm just a demon, after all.

Eris' heart fell. Me and my big mouth

 he reached back and summoned a rose. I do have debts to pay.

Fergus scoffed. Whatcha gonna do with that? Eh, pretty boy? Gonna smell me to death with that piece of shit?

A flick of the wrist and the rose was suddenly a whip of thorns. Both Fergus and Eris' eyes widened.

Youko, please! Don'tif you have to repay me, do it with these men's lives! Don't kill them!

He seemed surprised by this. These men were planning on defiling you and you want them to live? Taking advantage of a woman, the mere thought, is punishable by death even among thieves, and you want me to spare them their rightful reward?

The hand gripping her hair tightened and she winced, almost on the bridge of tears, not to mention having one foot in the grave herself, she nodded.

He growled, tail swishing and rippling with anger. You're lucky Shuichi is so fond of you. The whip disappeared and Youko leaned against the wall, giving the look of death at the two intruders. Thunder clapped outside; a perfect match of his mood.

Eris ground her heel into her captor's foot. The hell are you waiting for?! Get out of here before one of us change's our minds!

Not needing to be told twice, he threw Eris away from him like a disease and grabbed his blubbering partner by the collar. The two clambered out the door and left it swinging open as they ran for their lives into the enraging storm.

Eris maneuvered herself onto her back and covered her face with her shaking hands. Well. That was interesting.

She heard purring the noise of Youko's laughter. Guts-griping canker-blossom?

That damn Shakespeare, I tell ya.

*******************

AN- ::eye twitch:: When I get my hands on the little fucker that thought it would be fun to take the internet jack out of the computer im gonna-

::Eris comes in, waving a technical difficulties sign:: ^_^; Sorry about this, she's been under a little stress and not having internet for 3 days didn't mix too well.

You're darn tootin'! Here I am, ripping my hair out because I can't think of why my damn computer isn't working, and here I find my connection wire unplugged by the brother's computer. ::shakes fist:: DAMN YOU EVIL OFFSPRING!!

Eris: Anyway, onto the starburst footnotes.

* There was actually a storm like this in 4th grade. Some scary schmoo for a::does quick math:: uhh..well, however old I was.

**Lestat de Lioncourt. ::sighs:: Best vampire character ever invented. All hail Anne Rice!! :;bows down:: I am not worthy!! I am not worthy!!

***I found this nifty Elizabethan insult generator. It's quite fun actually. ^_^ Drop me a message on AIM or email for the addy if ya want it.

Shoutouts:

Starkitty- ::huggles Ducky:: he's awesome in'e? I knew his character would be cool. I like Blue a lot too.

Reo*nari- I don't care who you are, if there's fresh mud and you've got an overblown ball coming at you at 20 miles an hour, your ass is going down. Enter two metal posts into the picture, not to mention the ball is more times than not going to a corner, you're more than likely going to bang yourself up on one of them somehow. Trust me on this.
Eris: ::whispers:: She's had lots of experience!
Nefus: ::whacks her:: Shut up! I was only 9! ::mutters:: besides, im a defender now.

Wizardess Gal- yes, I would have updated even earlier this time, but-GRR. I don't even want to think about it. Anyway, yes, it must be pronounced with an . just doesn't cut it. It has to be to have the full effect. ^_^

Koroga- Wow, I seem to be attracting a lot of company with this story! ::ponders:: Now why didn't that ever happen with my other one? Heh, oh yeah. I never update that one. ^_^; If I suddenly drop off the face of the earthmy other readers have probably discovered that I really am neglecting them and they've hunted me down.
Hiei- Damn, boy! You need some anger management or something. You worry me sometimes.
Youko- ::beams:: Indeed not! I'm honored to have attracted your attention. ::bows:: I hope this latest installment was to your liking, as well as to that of your friends. =^_^=