Kurama's eyes went wide. Part of him wanted to leave, another to stay, and another to completely disappear because of the wicked looks being given him by Yusuke and Kuwabara. He couldn't have moved if he wanted to; it seems his feet were turned to lead.

Eris' gasp cut through the air and his thoughts. That is so not fair!

Botan smiled in her innocent way. It's perfectly fair. Now

B-but they're the same person! You can't do that! Eris spluttered.

Kuwabara snickered. Oooh looks like she doesn't wanna answer!

Keiko giggled. Botan, you evil girl!

the ferry girl twirled a blue lock around a finger. I'm just curious is all! Come on, Eris-chan, pick!

If anyone had asked him, he wouldn't have admitted it, but Kurama was subconsciously straining his ears for her answer. Kuwabara and Yusuke were grinning at each other and peeking over the bushes.

Eris hid her face with her hands, shaking her head no. Keiko laughed, seeing the red blush through her fingers.

If you don't pick we'll have to do the penalty! she lied in a warning voice.

Eris peeked an eye through. Dare I ask what the penalty is?

Botan, catching on, feigned horror. It's awful! Keiko made me do it once, you had better pick!

Yes! Pick pick pick pick pick!!

Alright fine!! Eris growled and crossed her arms over her chest.

Awww, I lost the view, Yusuke pouted. A quick smack on the back of the head, and the leader very nearly blew their cover. He rubbed the sore spot, preparing to beat Kuwabara with in an inch of his life, but instead grinned when he saw Kurama kneeling down next to them.

Alright! And I thought you were such a gentleman, Kurama!

Yeah, you're just as dirty as us!

Don't remind me With a look he'd learned from Hiei, Kurama silenced them.

Botan coaxed, giggling. Who is it? Kurama or Youko?

Becoming flustered, Eris shook her head again. I don't know! It's too hard!

Keiko whined, disappointed. Sure you can! I read something once that said a man fights like he works it.

Eris laughed, So Yusuke only gets any with luck?

Botan fell off her rock, shrieking with laughter and spluttering water. Keiko blushed, but hid a smile with her hand.

Yusuke growled behind his bush. Why that little-!

She's got a point, Urameshi! I heard you begging Keiko just the other day! Kuwabara laughed.

Kurama shook his head with a smile, trying hard not to laugh at his friend, and was relieved the subject was off of him. Unfortunately it wasn't for long.

So Eris-chan, said Keiko, changing the subject, seeing as she wouldn't get a straight answer anytime soon. Are you and Kurama-kun very close?

Eris raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

She shrugged and smiled, Just wondering. It's just the way you two were looking at each other this morning.



You mean the way they were looking at each other when one wasn't looking, Botan corrected matter of factly with a giggle.

Eris scratched her neck, averting her eyes to the sky. I don't know what you mean, really!

Botan and Keiko laughed even more, enjoying their teasing, as were Yusuke and Kuwabara, snickering like mad.

Aww! She's in denial! That's so cute!
He shared your home for a while, right? Did you two do anything?

Have you kissed yet?!

OOOH! They did! Look! She's blushing, they must have!

Eris whined, her face redder than ever before. I'm not saying anything!

You don't have to, it's written all over your face! Keiko squealed in delight. This is so cute! It's about time he found a nice girl like you!

Botan crossed her arms over her rock again, chin propped in one hand and pink eyes glinting mischievously. I bet he's a good kisser.

Behind the bushes, Kurama was having a hard time shutting up the two delinquents and their kissing noises. They'd probably never let him live this down

Keiko giggled evilly, If that article is right he's good at a few other things too.

Eris gasped and slapped her forehead. I just had THE most dirtiest thought ever.

Keiko leaned forward eagerly, Do tell, Eris-chan!

No! It's-wow. I feel ashamed of myself for even thinking it.

Botan gasped. You can't leave us on a cliff hanger like that!

I can, and I will, Eris smirked.

You have to tell! Keiko pleaded. Or it's gong to bug me eternally!

And then she bugs you eternally, said Botan from experience. Whisper it to us!

Looking around, like she knew someone was listening, Eris swam over to Botan and leaned over the other side of the rock and cupped her hands around the other girl's ear.

They all watched Botan's eyes grow wide and her mouth hang open before losing herself to laughter again.

Damnit, I want to know what she's saying! Yusuke muttered, then smirked at Kurama. Looks like you're the butt of all the jokes today!

I suppose it was my turn, seeing as you're the butt everyday.

Tell me! Tell me! Keiko was practically hopping in anticipation. Eris had to grab her head to hold her still and whispered in her ear.

The older girl gasped,

Eris laughed and shrugged. Hey, you wanted to know! I warned you it was bad.

Wiping water from her face, hiccupping a little from so much laughter, Botan shook her head, Well that's my cardiovascular workout for the day! I think we better head back soon.

Yeah, I'm getting a little pruney, Eris looked at her fingertips and wrinkled her nose. I hate that.

As they started wading towards their clothes, Yusuke hopped up from his seat. Startled, Kurama grabbed his leg and pulled him back down. What are you doing? They'll see you!

It won't matter if they get back before we do!

Quietly they stood up, keeping an eye on the girls. Taking a step, Yusuke's foot tangled with a tree root, making him lose balance and topple sideways. Kurama turned just in time to catch a flailing arm in an attempt to stop him. Needless to say, it failed and only succeeded in Yusuke taking Kurama with him.

The two fell and rolled quite far, getting even more tangled in vines and dead roots, until they fell into the hot spring with a big SPLASH.

They stood up, coughing up water (and God knows what else) to face three very angry ladies standing on the bank in towels.

Standing closest with her arms crossed and foot tapping, Eris considered things for a moment. Standing to their waists in water with leaves, twigs, and an array of different stuffs (not to mention a squished mushroom right on the side of Yusuke's head), they flushed a deep red and looked around sheepishly.

hey ladies! How's it, er Yusuke grinned, rubbing the back of his head.

I knew I heard a rat skulking around, Keiko glared at her boyfriend, who flinched and laughed nervously.

Eris snorted, trying not to smile. Sighing, she dropped her hands and picked up her clothes. Come on, swamp things!

Guiltily, they trudged over and crawled out of the spring. Eris smirked and picked out a weed that looked like a long, wet, green noodle from Kurama's hair.

Ugh, that's disgusting, she threw it at Yusuke who didn't notice as he was being scolded by his dear Keiko and thoroughly beaten with Botan's oar. So how long were you watching us, you peeping tom??

Do you really want to know he blushed and prepared for her to hit him.

You mean you actually were!? I thought maybe Yusuke just dragged you along!

He did! I mean, I followed them-



Yes, Kuwabara-

All three of the girls screamed in horror.



Ugh, I feel so violated!

I need a bath!

Where is that orange-haired hentai?! I'll drown him in the river Styx! Botan huffed, cheeks red with fury. Eris was amazed; she'd never seen Botan so angry before. Of course she felt much the same way.

Probably ran away liked a scared pansy when we tripped, Yusuke grumbled, rubbing his sore head.

You mean you tripped and took me with you, Kurama glared at him slightly.

Well, what's done is done, Eris sighed. If we go off into the trees to change, promise you won't peek?

They both nodded heavily and even turned their backs. Exchanging wary looks, the girls finally retread into the cover of the trees. Once sure they were gone, Yusuke turned and tried to follow.

Kurama grabbed his arm. Oh no you don't. You've gotten us into enough trouble as it is!

Listen to the smart one! Eris yelled. Soon a shoe followed the voice and hit Yusuke straight between the eyes.

OW! Hey! You could put someone's eye out like that, you know!

You should have thought of that before, hentai! Botan's voice yelled.

Yeah, that didn't stop you before now did it?? Keiko growled.

Two more shoes were thrown, both hitting their marks.

OW! Alright, alright! I surrender! How come you guys never throw anything at Kurama??

Because he knows when talk equals pain, am I right? Eris appeared, smiling and folding her towel.

he smiled back, glad to know she wasn't too mad if she could smile.

Plus he's cuter, Keiko shot at her boyfriend and started stomping away.

Yusuke's mouth hung open. Hey wait! Keiko! I thought you said you loved me!

Oh dear, Botan summoned her oar and hopped on. I think I'll just meet you all back at the temple, is that all right Eris-chan?

Sure, see you then, she waved and watched the ferry girl zip away over the trees. Blushing a little, she started walking after the arguing couple. So, you guys heard us talking too?

Not really, he lied. He'd rather save them both from further embarrassment. Are you angry still?

Not really. I suppose I should have expected it. Three naked chicks in hot water? There's bound to be somebody skulking around.

SEE! I told you! Yusuke said triumphantly.

Yusuke, that's not a good thing, Kurama said, less than amused.

Go make up with your girlfriend, Eris crossed her arms and sent a commanding look at the black-haired boy.

Do you really think that Orlando guy is better than me? he pouted to Keiko, who let a grin slip.

If you must know, I only said it because I thought you might be around, she tried to say in an angry voice.

Eris smiled, They're cute together. Messed up, but cute.

I admit, I've never wholly understood those two.

She picked out a few more twigs from his hair and laughed to herself. You have no idea how funny you look.

He grinned at her and laughed. I suppose I don't. I may have an idea though. Do you think he'll ever notice that mushroom?

Eris snickered. I hope not. I don't think Keiko's going to tell him any time soon either.

A few minutes passed in silence, the soon now high in the sky as they emerged from the trees and started up the stairs to enter the temple. It seemed like Keiko and Yusuke had made up, if only a little, and were speaking almost normally with each other.

Until they saw Kuwabara being chased by a flying Botan.

How dare you peep on us like that?!

I'm sorry! I'm sorry! he cried and continued running, arms over his head as Botan summoned her baseball bat.

Hey Kuwabara! What's with the running off like a chicken?? Yusuke ran after the boy, fully intending to have a few of his own shots.

Keiko rolled her eyes. I'll see you all inside

I hope the ferry girl gets angry at the oaf more often. It's amusing to see him being pummeled by a woman.

Hello Hiei, Kurama greeted the Koorime and looked up to see him sitting coolly in a tree, a bowl of ice cream in his hands. Eris smirked, but didn't say anything.

And this is for being such a pervert!

They all winced as the girl's bat flew through the air and cracked into Kuwabara's skull. Yusuke fell over laughing; it took a few minutes before he went to check on his more than dazed friend.

That was a nice shot, Eris said, amazed. She was pretty high up too.

A little more to the right and she would have killed him. Too bad.

There's always tomorrow.

Eris hit his arm lightly.

You mind telling me why you look like a low class swamp demon? Hiei asked, moving himself and his ice cream for a better view of the twitching orange-haired youth.

They both turned red again and found other things to look at.

an awkward story

Feeling suddenly tired and hot, Eris sat under the tree and yawned. It was a beautiful day, despite the heat.

I wish it was like this back home.

The Sakura trees are in bloom. That means the Sakura Festival should be held soon, Kurama leaned against the trunk and tried cleaning out his hair.

That sounds fun; what happens at the festival?

Everyone dresses in their special kimonos and have parties in the parks. There's lights everywhere, and food. Some set up instruments so the people can sing and dance.

I hate that festival.

Too many drunk idiots, yes? Eris laughed a little, trying to spot the demon through the dense branches.



I love it when he does that. Eris laughed again, happily imaging the festival in her head. All the people in their pretty clothes laughing together under the stars, eating tons of good food and singing-

Kurama watched the girl next to him smile to herself, feeling happy just to watch her enjoy the day. A piece of shorter hair tore away from her ponytail in the wind and curled against the line of her jaw; his fingers itched to brush it back when her eyes suddenly looked alarmed and her mouth opened in a slight gasp.

What is it? he asked. It looked as if she had just remembered something.

She let a string of curse words flow in a surprisingly catchy rhythm.

That was slightly impressive, came Hiei's monotone.

Her actions were starting to worry Kurama. What's wrong with you?

Eris hit her palm against her forehead. The concert!

Puzzled, Kurama shook his head. What concert?

The choir concert! It's tonight and I can't get back! she wailed.

Another thing I've ruined for her. Kurama glowered. I'm sorry, Eris.

It's not your fault, I'm mad at myself more than anything, she sighed and sunk further down the trunk. Well, at least I won't have to embarrass myself in front of everyone.

Don't say that-

Why not?



Eris-chan! Are you feeling any better? Yukina walked under the shady tree, small cup of tea in hand.

Eris sat up and smiled at the little female Koorime. Hai, much better thank you.

I've brought my tea for you to try. It should sooth any future pains before they start.

Ah! Thank you! she grinned and took the cup with a nod of the head, and took a sip. This is good. It tastes like apples and cherries andsomething else.

Octopus juice.

Whether it was because it was his sister, or he really thought it funny, they didn't know, but they could hear Hiei almost laughing.

Eris slowly swallowed the mouthful of tea, suddenly not feeling as good as she had been.

Yukina's smile never faltered. Only joking, it's just seaweed.

Eris laughed. You're kidding again, right?

No, that time I was serious.

Eris contemplated it, then shrugged and continued drinking, Kurama grinning next to her.

Kurama-kun, have you been through the rose brambles near the hot springs again?

Eris turned an interested and amused eye on him. Again, you say?

Oh yes, he seems to do that a lot, coming back with things stuck in his hair.

Really, now? she sipped her tea loudly, keeping steady eyes locked on Kurama who looked rather nervous now.



Yukina called into the leaves. Are you finished with your sweet snow?

In the blink of an eye, the empty bowl was sitting at her tiny feet.

Arigato, Hiei-kun! she picked it up and started towards the temple again.

Eris smiled to herself. She's going to figure it one of these days.

As if he was reading her mind, Kurama spoke up. Hiei, are you ever going to tell her?

They didn't expect an answer, but when they looked up, it was found that no one was there anymore.

Sighing together, they shook their heads.

He really should. I don't think it's fair to her.

Yes, I know.

She held a hand out. Help me up?

Of course.

He hoisted her to her feet in one fluid motion like it didn't take any effort at all. Eris laughed and squinted her eyes shut, shaking her head in a motion to clear it.

What's that all about?

Eh? What's what about?

You, laughing and shaking your head with that little grin on your face.

She shrugged, cheeks turning pink. Nothing. Just thinking of something funny from earlier today.

He took a step closer, causing her to have to almost look straight up to see his face.

Damnit, I hate being short.

And what might that be? Care to share? He looked innocent enough, but really he knew it was that dirty little thought about him she was talking about. His darker side was dying to know.

Eris coughed to cover a laugh. maybe later

Why not now? Kurama looked at her with almost pouty eyes.

Eris had to bite her cheek. If he keeps that up, I'll be having more than one dirty thought today

Smirking, she quickly moved away and made for a run. Because you'll have to catch me first!

Not a problem, his voice was nearer than expected and suddenly his arms snatched her up from behind.

Eep!! Not fair! she pouted and squirmed to get down. I'll spill my tea on you!

That problem was solved soon enough. Plucking the cup with its contents sloshing about from her fingers, he downed it all in one gulp and dropped it carefully on the soft grassy earth.

Congratulations. Now you will be relieved from any and all cramps.

He laughed, eyes sparkling. Good to know!

Greeeeeat now put me down!

What if I don't want to?

She blushed, but raised an eyebrow. I'll tell you if you put me down.

At the prospect of finding out just how dirty her mind could be, he set her down. Instantly she was off again, laughing her head off.

Hey! What about our deal??

You believed me?! she grinned, 20 yards away and still skipping backwards. Not a chance swamp thing!

Well then, I guess there's just one thing to do, he smirked back, plan forming.

Oh yeah? she said, slightly afraid. She didn't like that'thinking' look in his eyes. What's that?

I'll just have to tickle it out of you.

Her eyes widened in horror and she took off sprinting. NO WAY! You're evil! Stay away from me!

Awww look at them. Isn't it cute Keiko?

It's so sweet it's making my teeth hurt, Yusuke rolled his eyes and walked away from the window.

Botan, Yukina, and Keiko watched the two teens chase each other around the garden, each having a pack of pocky.

That tea really isn't meant for a man's digestive system Yukina mused around her pocky.

I hope they kiss! the three girls giggled behind their hands.

Hiei followed them with his eyes, watching Kurama actually have a hard time catching the girl. She was quicker than she looked, and anticipated his movements with some amount of skills. Although there was a feeling about her he wasn't quite sure of. It annoyed him much like a bug.

It's like he's a kit again. He watched the two romp around, laughing and smiling, then sped off the find a quieter tree.

A/N: Yayy fluff. :p ::bangs head on desk:: Why does it all turn to fluff?? AIIEEEE!! ::flops to the ground:: NO I am not telling you what Eris was thinking either. I'd have to raise the rating for that. == ::cackles:: I'm such a hentai!!

Reviews reviews reviews!

ReiRei-chan- oooooh chocolate. That's such a lovely comfort food. AWESOME!! PENGUINS!!! BWAHAHAHA!!

Everqueen- the day after I posted that chapter, I got to use Eris' line about guys being sissies. hehehe. twas funny.

Reonari- I have to! ::grumbles:: And yes, he should be appearing sometime soon. LOVING your fic too!

TheFireYoukaiPaige- drawing hands sucks. I give up. :p

Kaija Katake- i have honestly no idea.

Kitsune Kit- YAYY!!

Saisaishi- i exploded like three days ago. its too hard!! ::cries::

Wandering dragon- both huh? hehehehe ::dirty thought:: DOH!

Foxy-Kitsune55- Yes, yes i must torture you all! bwahahaha!! It's the only thing im good at. lol

EverKitsune- O.o you're scawwy lady! ::runs away::

Kagomegirl555- :;sighs:: oh dear. you've discovered my plan. now i WILL have to kill you! nah, just kidding.

Koroga- It's all right, I can see you're er...tied up as it were. O.o Can you breathe alright like that? :p I'm not modest, really, I'm not. You should see the size of my ego. Oh, and glad to hear Kurama's enjoying this. == ::innocent yet evil look::
Keiro- Pleasures all mine, Keiro! ::smiles:: You all praise me too much. I only do what I can to please my readers.
Washu- There's only...::counts on fingers::...five people that could get me to answer that question. ::grins mischievously and bounces away laughing::

FireKeeper727- ooooh naughty!! don't get caught, alright? lol

Whew!! Now, it's time to study for finals. ::grabs english book and hides copy of Demon Diary inside to pretend like she's studying::