The Gift of Oneself
by xDarkxMagicianxGirlx and Ookami no Kokoro.
Disclaimers: Neither I nor Ookami no Kokoro own Yu Yu Hakusho, though we can wish, right?
Chapter Three
Yusuke sighed. "Maybe I should leave.."
"No! Please, don't......"
Looking into the teen's emerald eyes he nodded. "All right..."
He smiled softly, then down at his hands as he still shivered.
Yusuke looked at the teen shivering, frowning slightly. I know this is my fault.. somehow..
Noticing something wrong, because of the look in Yusuke's chocolate eyes, he sat up, cuddling up to the younger teen.
Feeling the fox teen near him, he smiled gently.
He buried his head into the younger teen's chest, not caring how much he shivered.
Looking at the teen start to shiver more, he pulled away slightly. "I know that's only happening because of me..."
He looked up at Yusuke. "I wish I can understand WHY it's happening......"
Looking away sadly, the younger teen said just above a whisper, "Maybe it would be better for you if I... you know, wasn't so close.."
"Don't.....don't say that......."
"You were only becoming all tired out and trembling and now shivering because of me.."
"It may stop if you weren't here, but that doesn't mean everything will become better. It will just stop."
Sighing, he replied. "Maybe I should just, not sit so close. I don't want anything bad to happen to you.." Slipping away from the teen, he went to the other side of the room and sat backwards in his desk chair.
Emerald eyes watching the younger teen, he looked down at the bed, defeated.
Placing his arms on the back of the chair and his head on his arms he looked at the fox, and seeing the look in his eyes made him feel suddenly angry with himself.
When he noticed that he indeed stopped shivering, he closed his eyes, wishing that he still was. Lying back down, he pulled the covers over his head, curling up on his side.
Great, now I've made him sad AND I can't get near him.. this day hasn't been very good..
Turning onto his other side, he looked out the window. Why does this always happen? he wondered. Have I been fated so cruelly, that the people I care for are always taken away from me?
Sighing, the younger teen placed his head face down on his arms. I wish someone could just TELL me what was wrong.. So we could maybe fix it..
"So......" Atsuko said suddenly. "First you two get really close, and now you're sitting at different ends of the room. What's wrong with this picture?"
Startled, Kurama sat up, looking at the woman leaning against doorway.
Yusuke mumbled something but didn't lift his head up, eyes still closed.
"You really shouldn't mumble," she said. "Doesn't do your already-poor speech much good."
Not saying anything, the younger teen just took the insult.
"Okay, now I know something is really wrong. Would you like to tell me?"
The red-haired teen looked back out the window.
Yusuke turned his head, resting it on his arms, facing the wall.
"Ooookay.....But you both know that a problem never goes away. Sooner or later, you'll have to deal with it." And she walked away. "I'm going out," she called, just as the door closed.
Hearing the door close, the detective sighed and said softly, "Just wish I knew how.."
His eyes turned from the door to the younger teen, a sad look held there. He then looked back out the window.
Looking back at the older teen, he suddenly asked. "Are you sure you don't remember anything?"
"I don't know, really...Sometimes, it feels as though I'm remembering something, but I can never really remember it...I just know Karasu did something to me...."
He looked back down at the floor sadly. Why is everyone trying to separate us..?
Kurama found himself shivering again, but this time, more from the loneliness that he felt heart, even with only a small distance from Yusuke, then anything else.
Seeing the teen shiver, Yusuke wondered if he had to leave the room. He didn't move, though. He had already told the red head he would stay.
He pulled his knees up to his chest, embracing them.
"Are you still shivering?" he asked.
"No," he replied honestly. And he wasn't. But he was still cold.
Yusuke nodded gently. He watched as the teen continued to hug his knees to his chest. He wanted so much to go over and comfort the boy.
He stretched out again, feeling slightly fidgety. He felt so restless, and he shivered again slightly.
The ebony haired teen watched Kurama, almost as if his eyes didn't want to leave him.
Glancing up at the younger teen, he looked away again, flushing slightly.
Seeing the teen blush, he quickly turned around in the chair, a pink hue covering his cheeks.
Looking out the window, he was about to lie down again, when he froze, a soft gasp escaping his lips. An sudden pain from the base of his spine rose, through his back and into the back of his mind.
Hearing the gasp, Yusuke turned around so quick he almost toppled out of his chair. "What's wrong?"
Kurama sat up quickly, and the pain dulled, though still throbbed slightly. Looking at the concerned younger teen, he smiled softly. "Never mind," he said, his voice reduced to a whisper. The pain still bothered him slightly, and he began to rub the base of his back. What was that? he wondered.
Yusuke sighed sadly and sat back down in the chair.
As the pain disappeared, he lay back, slowly, just in case. When his head touched the pillow, he relaxed, letting out a quiet sigh.
The teen sat back in his chair, two of its legs on the floor. "Well, if you want to tell me ANYTHING, I'm listening."
"It's nothing really. Just a small pain. But it's gone now."
"All right." He nodded slowly.
He stared up at the ceiling, though every once in a while he would glance at the younger teen sitting across the room from the corner of his eye. I wish he wouldn't do that, he thought sadly. Then again, it's almost, if not exactly, similar to when I was trying to push him away earlier today.......
He tilted the chair back a bit more, trying to see Kurama from the corner of his eyes. I wonder what he's thinking about..
Looking out the window, the fox teen noticed the last of the sun's lights amidst the darkening sky. Getting up, he slid over to the edge of the bed, his feet touching the floor.
Hearing his bed creak, Yusuke tilted back a bit more, forgetting the chair was only on two legs and falling over backwards.
He was brought out of his thoughts as he heard a thump, and saw the toppled chair, and Yusuke, on the ground. "Are you alright?" he asked.
Grinning sheepishly he looked back at the other teen. "Yeah, I'm fine."
He smiled, but then remembered what he was going to do prior to Yusuke falling over. Getting to his feet, he asked, "Yusuke, could I borrow your phone? I need to call my mom and let her know where I am."
Yusuke stood and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, go right ahead."
He nodded slightly. "Thanks." He walked into the kitchen, passing the younger teen, and cursing himself for shivering ever so slightly as he did so.
Seeing Kurama's shiver, he sighed sadly, picking up the chair and pushing it in.
Entering the kitchen, the redhead reached to take the phone off its cradle. He stopped, however, as he noticed his hand for the first time that evening. Now that he had noticed it, the red scrapes began to sting.
The younger teen walked over to his closet, pulling out some different clothes and changing out of his green jumper.
Pulling his hand back, he rubbed it slightly, flinching a bit at the tenderness. "Yusuke?" he called.
Hearing his name, the teen poked his head out the door, wearing a pair of jeans, his shirt in his hands "Yeah?"
Kurama flushed slightly, seeing that Yusuke had yet to put his shirt on. But, pushing that thought aside, he asked, "Do you have any alcohol, or anything? I'd like to take care of this before it becomes infected." He showed the delinquent his scratched up hand.
Yusuke nodded, looking at the teen's hand. Walking past Kurama, the younger went into the bathroom to get the first aid kit.
He patiently waited, looking at his hand. That was when he remembered when Yin and Yang were still alive. When he had injured his head, Yin's negative energy had entered him through the wound. These cuts are small, but still large enough for some energy to enter through....And it would explain what's been going on......
Returning with the kit, he placed the kit on the table, taking out some bandages and alcohol.
Looking up at the teen, he smiled, still rubbing his hand. "Thanks," he said.
Smiling back, the older teen took hold of Kurama's wrist, pulling him over to the table. Standing slightly away from the older teen, he put the alcohol on, then wrapped the bandages around a bit. "How'd you get these?"
He winced slightly as the alcohol was rubbed over the cuts. "I don't know. I just noticed them." He shivered slightly, growling mentally.
Nodding again, Yusuke finished up the bandage and quickly walked into the bathroom, not wanting Kurama to shiver anymore from his presence.
The redhead walked after him, knowing why he left so abruptly. "Yusuke, it's not your fault, really.......I mean......" He was frustrated as he tried to think of what to say.
"No, really." He turned and smiled at the other. "If being near me is making you do that, then I'll just stay away for a while."
"But it's not just you."
Yusuke blinked slightly confused. "Then what else is it?"
"Do you remember, when I injured my head that one time, and then, when we fell asleep, how it was hard for me wake up? And Yang told you it was because some of Yin's negative entered my body through the wound?"
The teen nodded.
He held up his bandaged hand.
"Oh.." he replied, looking at the bandaged hand.
"It wasn't a whole lot, but I'm pretty sure there's at least some of that energy inside me, since Karasu possesses Yin's powers. It's probably why these things are happening......"
"Maybe Kuronue can get it out then.. since he possesses Yang's powers.." he thought aloud.
He nodded. "That does seem our only option now."
Yusuke nodded back, then asked, "Were you still going to call home?"
"Oh...right...."
Nodding, Yusuke walked out of the bathroom.
He followed after the younger teen.
Taking hold of the phone he handed it to Kurama. "Here.. I don't want your mom to worry.."
Taking the receiver, he nodded, dialing his home number, and waiting for someone to pick up.
Turning around, the teen walked into his bedroom to retrieve his shirt. Even if it isn't ONLY me, I am still a cause.. and I don't want to make it worse.
He heard someone pick up. "Hello?" he heard his step-brother say.
"Shuiichi?"
"Hai. Shuu-ani?"
"Hai. Could you tell Kaa-san I'm at Yusuke's place? I don't want her to worry."
"Sure. Whatcha two doing?" he asked playfully.
Kurama blushed slightly. "N-nothing......"
Yusuke looked around his room, and totally forgetting that Kurama was on the phone, he yelled, "Kurama? Is my shirt out there?"
"His shirt?" the younger boy said. "Shuuichi-san, I didn't think you and Yusuke-san would go that far yet...."
His blush deepened. "That's not it!" he almost yelled into the phone. "We're not doing ANYTHING!!"
"Right......"
Walking into the kitchen, the teen suddenly realized what he said and blushed almost as much as the older teen on the phone.
"What kind of influence are you? Look what I'm learning from you....."
The color deepened at his younger brother's playful voice. "Just....tell Mom I'm alright and at Yusuke's place, alright?"
"Okay. I'll tell her you and Yusuke-san are....."
"Don't you dare!"
"I won't," Shuiichi said, dripping with fake innocence.
Grabbing his shirt off the table and pulling it over his head, Yusuke watched the older teen.
"Shuiichi, I swear, if you tell her that, I'm going to......"
"Don't worry, don't worry! I'm just joking around. You get really defensive about this, don't you? I bet you're blushing and everything."
More blood rushed to his face.
He chuckled slightly as the fox's face got redder.
The fox sighed. "Just....tell Kaa-san that I'm at Yusuke's place."
"Okay. I'll let her know. Anything else?"
"That's about it. Oh, tell her I'm spending the night here....And, before you say anything, it's not the reason you're thinking of."
The younger boy chuckled. "Alright, alright. I'll let her know. Bye." And both boys hung up the phone.
By now the younger teen was sitting on the counter. "You're going to spend the night?"
He looked at the younger teen, before looking down at the ground. "Sorry. I guess I should have asked you and your mother first......I didn't mean to impose......"
He smiled. "Don't worry about it, you can stay whenever you want."
Looking back up, he smiled. "Thanks. I just don't feel right going home right now."
Jumping off the counter he nodded, still smiling softly.
"Could I have a drink?" the fox asked suddenly. He had just noticed how thirsty he was, and hadn't drunken much that day.
"Sure," he replied, pulling the fridge door open and looking in. Pulling out a bottled water and a can of soda, he held them out for the teen.
Taking the bottle, he smiled. "Thank you," he replied, unscrewing the top and drinking some of the water.
"You're welcome," he replied, putting the soda back in the fridge and closing the door.
Noticing that he wasn't shivering, he carefully moved closer to the younger teen.
Noticing this action, the younger teen wondered what Kurama was doing. Feeling the counter behind him, he knew he couldn't scoot away.
He embraced the younger teen, his head resting on Yusuke's shoulder. He smiled as he noticed that he no longer shivered.
Yusuke waited a few seconds, and not feeling the other shiver, he embraced him back.
Some blood colored his face, as his smile deepened, feeling Yusuke embracing him again.
Yusuke smiled happily, drawing closer to Kurama, enjoying the embrace.
He buried himself deeper into the younger teen, sighing slightly.
The other placed his head on the older teen's shoulder, sighing also.
Clearing his throat, he suddenly pushed himself away from the other teen, looking almost slightly uncomfortable.
"What's wrong?" Yusuke asked, a little surprised.
"Nothing, really. I.....guess I'm still not used to being so open with anyone....." He walked into the bedroom.
The younger teen sighed, his eyes holding a tint of sadness as he looked at the floor, wondering if he should follow the older boy into the bedroom or not.
Sitting on the bed, Kurama looked out into the city as it was covered in night. He let out a sigh. He wasn't TRYING to push Yusuke away, but it was a new feeling for him to be really open to anyone, for anyone to really know what he was thinking, that it almost scared him.
Pulling his body back up on the counter in a sitting position, the ebony haired teen looked out the window over the sink, watching the lights flicker on in other buildings.
His conscience was beginning to get the better of him, and he got out of the bed and went back into the kitchen.
Turning his body slightly, the younger teen rested his head on the wall behind him, drawing one leg onto the counter, pulling it close to his chest while the other one continued to hang off the side. He closed his eyes and sighed.
"I'm sorry," the older teen said quietly.
Opening his eyes again, Yusuke looked at the red head. "It's not your fault, Kurama."
"Yes it is.....I guess, I've just held up these images for so long, that it's too hard to let them go........"
Sliding his leg off the counter and turning, the younger teen hopped off the counter. "It isn't your fault... they're your feelings Kurama, and I'd like it if you told me things, but if you don't want to, I don't care.."
"I want to tell you, I really do. But... I just don't know how....."
He smiled, walking over and brushing a few crimson bangs out of the other's face. "I can wait.."
He smiled as well, closing his eyes as he felt Yusuke's fingers through his bangs. "I wish I were more like you," he whispered.
"Don't wish that.." he replied, grinning slightly. "The world can only handle one of me."
"It's just that, you're so open, and are never afraid to tell exactly how you feel. I wish I could be more like that......"
"But that's what makes you... you, Kurama. I don't want you to change.."
"It can get pretty lonely sometimes, when people THINK they know you, but they really don't. Everyone expects me to be a certain way, even back as Youko. Fearless, strong, dangerous... In some ways I was, I suppose, but there were times when I wished others could see how I really was, few times that they were.
"Even now, it's not that different. I'm still expected to keep up a certain image. A perfect son, a good older brother, a diligent student, responsible, a strong warrior, always there when I'm needed, someone to go to when one has problems, a good friend... I don't mind, I enjoy it sometimes, but I just wish I had somewhere to go to with MY problems...."
Yusuke took hold of the teen's wrist, gently pulling him into his bedroom. Sitting down on the bed, he looked up at the other. "I've always been listening, and I still am.."
He sat down on the bed next to him, a small smile on his lips, though his eyes still glittered with sadness. "I know you are. You have no idea how much it means to me........"
He smiled back, crossing his legs and looking at the older teen, waiting for the other to talk to him.
"I guess...I've just been so used to keeping everything hidden inside, hidden from others, that..when you and I...I got a little scared, because it felt as though the mask that I've been wearing for so long was beginning to break..."
Yusuke nodded, a small reassuring smile still on his lips.
He looked up at Yusuke, then down at his hands. "I'm...not used to telling people this," he said quietly, feeling slightly self-conscious.
"It's all right.. you don't have to tell me if you don't feel comfortable," he replied, looking down at Kurama's hands.
He shook his head, a smile on his lips. "It's not that...I'm just glad to finally be able to tell someone all these things.."
Smiling back, Yusuke nodded, showing he understood.
"I..I don't mind being everything everyone wants me to..I'm glad they're happy, but...it's been so long since I've thought about what I'VE wanted, that I don't seem to know anymore...."
"Well, maybe you should think of yourself for a while.. The only thing I want is for YOU to be happy.."
Looking up, the redhead smiled, embracing the younger teen again.
Mirroring the older teen's smile, he embraced him back, placing a small kiss on his forehead.
"I'm happy whenever I'm with you," he said softly, burying his head into the younger teen's chest. "I know that much....."
"Me too.." he replied, placing the side of his head gently on top of Kurama's.
Smiling, he closed his eyes. He felt a shiver run up his spine, but it passed quickly.
Feeling the slight shiver, he lifted his head, but didn't move as it passed.
Feeling the younger teen move his head, he said, "Don't worry. It's not because of THAT... I just like being with you, that's all."
He smiled slightly, and looked out the window, moving his hand up slightly to twirl Kurama's long hair between his fingers.
Despite the city lights, no one could make out the shadow as it went to Yusuke's window, tapping gently on the glass.
Yusuke jumped slightly, hearing the tapping on the window. He looked over to the window, pulling away from Kurama.
Looking out the window, Kurama crawled over to it, opening it.
Kuronue poked his head inside. "Hey," he said.
Looking at the demon he nodded. Why don't demons use doors..?
"What are you doing here?" the redhead asked. "I thought you were watching over my family."
"Well," the older demon said, "I was, but now that it's evening, there's really no reason to worry."
"Why's that?"
"Because Yin and Yang are technically dead. They're energies can't stay in the living world for too long. Since Karasu has been here longer than I have, he returned to the Spirit World first. I'm going to be leaving soon, but I just thought I would drop in to tell you that, and that we'll both most likely be back tomorrow."
Yusuke nodded his understanding.
The fox teen also nodded. "Thank you for your help, Kuronue. I really appreciate it."
Leaning over, the bat gently brushed his lips against Kurama's cheek. "Of course." And suddenly, he disappeared.
Seeing Kuronue's action, the younger teen averted his gaze slightly, looking at the floor.
Closing the window, the fox turned back to the younger teen. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing," he replied, smiling slightly.
He smiled back, embracing the delinquent. "It didn't mean anything. It was just a friendly action."
The younger teen embraced him back. "I know.."
Kurama smiled, letting out a happy sigh.
Hearing Kurama's sigh, the other smiled, closing his eyes and cuddling closer to the older boy.
Feeling the younger teen move closer to him, he smiled, kissing him on the forehead.
Feeling the warm lips on his forehead his smile deepened and he let out a small, but happy, sigh.
"Okay," Atsuko said suddenly, "I know I said I was happy for you two, but you really have to tone down the PDA."
Yusuke suddenly shot up, eyes wide, a bright red blush on his face as he looked at his mother at the door.
Blushing as well, the fox teen looked away from her and at the ground.
She chuckled. "Well, glad you two worked everything out."
Grabbing the pillow on his bed, Yusuke threw it at his mom. "Don't you know how to knock?" The red blush still spread across his cheeks.
She caught the flying object before it hit her. "Yeah, well, I'd knock if there were a door here. But, as you can see, there isn't one. Besides, I'M the one paying for this place, if you don't remember."
Flopping backwards on the bed, he pulled the green blanket over his face.
She laughed, heading into the kitchen.
Kurama let out a sigh, looking at the covered teen. "She's gone, Yusuke..."
The teen just lay there, the blanket still covering him.
He laughed.
Blushing a bit more, he mumbled something sounding like, 'I need to get a door'.
Bending down closer to Yusuke, the redhead whispered, "I'm thinking of getting my own apartment soon. You're welcome to live with me there, if you want."
Chuckling slightly, he pulled the blanket away and sat up. Suddenly remembering something, he got up and grabbed the pillow, sticking his head out the doorway. "Kurama's staying the night." He stuck his head back in and plopped back down next to the older teen.
Atsuko mumbled something that sounded like, "Whatever," before puffing on her cigarette.
The fox smiled as the younger teen returned. "I'm really serious, Yusuke. But I guess that's only if you want to."
"Of course I'd want to stay with you." He smiled gently.
The fox's smile seemed to deepen, as he looked down at the ground.
Yusuke chuckled slightly, placing the pillow back on the bed.
The fox yawned slightly, though tried to hide it.
"Tired?" he asked, seeing the yawn that the fox had unsuccessfully hidden.
"Maybe just a little," came the reply, as he yawned again.
He let out a small laugh.
He began to rub his eyes, blinking and shaking his head in an attempt to drive the sleep out.
"Why don't we go to bed?" he asked, reaching to turn off the small lamp on his dresser.
"Could I change first?" he asked. "I don't really like sleeping in my school uniform......."
Almost forgetting, Yusuke nodded, and instead of turning the lamp off, his hand grabbed the top dresser, pulling it open. "Go ahead and choose something comfortable."
"You pick. I don't feel comfortable going through people's things."
Blinking, the teen nodded, pulling out a thin sweatshirt and a pair of sweatpants. "Those okay?"
He nodded, taking the clothes from the younger teen. "Those are fine, thank you." Getting up, he headed to the bathroom.
Smiling gently, he dug through the drawer, looking for something to sleep in. Pulling out a loose white t-shirt, he stripped down to his boxers and pulled the shirt over his upper body.
The older teen returned, clothes still in hand. "Yusuke, your mom..." He stopped, flushing as he saw the younger teen in his boxers. Quickly, he looked away.
Blinking, he saw the older teen's cheeks turn red. He chuckled. "My mom what?"
Finding a certain spot on the floor interesting, he said, "Your mom is in the bathroom, and she locked the door. But, I think she's passed out in there....."
"Did you knock?" he asked, walking closer to the older teen.
He nodded, his face still an interesting shade of red. "Do you have a way to unlock the door?"
Yusuke nodded, walking past Kurama and into the kitchen. Grabbing a toothpick off the counter, he walked over to the bathroom door, dropping to his knees and starting to pick the lock.
Walking into the kitchen, the redhead said, "You know, Yusuke, you don't have to do that. I'll just change somewhere else."
"I've almost got it anyway.." he replied, trying to pick the lock. Hearing it click he took the pick out.
Kurama smiled. "You're almost as good as I am..ALMOST..."
"If you're so good, why didn't YOU do it then?" he asked, placing his hand on the knob and opening to door slowly.
"If your mom was in the bathroom, I didn't really want to intrud.."
Yusuke sighed and opened the door slightly, peering in.
Atsuko was asleep, her head resting on the toilet cover.
Opening the door wider, Yusuke blinked. "Umm.."
Kurama peered over the younger teen's shoulder. "Has that happened before?"
"I.. don't think so.." he replied, shaking his head.
"Should we move her?"
"I dunno.." came his confused answer.
"I wouldn't imagine it would be comfortable like that......"
Walking into the bathroom, Yusuke gently shook his mother's shoulder. "Me either.."
Kurama watched as the younger teen tried to wake his mother, with no success.
He shook a bit harder, but not too much. "Umm.. mom?"
The woman stirred slightly, mumbling something as she slept, but did not awaken. When she moved, however, an empty beer bottle rolled across the floor.
"Great.." Yusuke mumbled slightly. "Guess I'll just have to move her myself, cause I won't be able to wake her.."
Nodding, the older teen moved out of the bathroom, to give the detective more room.
Yusuke pulled his mother up on her feet, he bent over, hoisting her onto his back and walking slowly out.
He backed up a bit, allowing the younger teen more room.
Walking out of the bathroom, Yusuke looked around. Seeing the couch closest, he went that way, walking a bit faster now.
"Do you need help?" he asked.
The teen stopped and looked at the couch. "Well... if you could get a blanket and pillow for me.. that might help.." he replied, walking over again.
Nodding, the teen walked over to the closet, pulling out the requested items.
Standing in front of the couch, the younger teen bent down, gently depositing his mother on the couch.
Returning, he presented Yusuke the pillow and blanket.
Smiling, he took the pillow. "Thanks." Moving the woman into a comfortable position on her back, the boy placed the pillow under her head.
He smiled, watching the younger teen place his mother to sleep.
Taking the blanket next he draped it over her and walked back near Kurama, yawning slightly and smiling gently.
He smiled. "Perhaps we should go to bed as well, Yusuke."
He nodded. "You still need to change.."
He nodded. Looking at Yusuke, he flushed again. "Are you going to stay in your boxers?" he asked.
Looking down then up at Kurama, he replied, "Not if you don't want me to.."
He shook his head. "It's not that I don't want you to.......I mean, if you want to, you can go ahead......." He flushed deeper as he tried to find what he really wanted to say.
He chuckled slightly, starting to walk back to the bedroom, turning the light off in the process. "Don't worry, I'll change."
He let out a small sigh, heading into the bathroom to change himself.
Walking over, he locked the door then into the bedroom. Grabbing a pair of sweat pants he sat down and started to pull them on. When he had one leg in he suddenly yawned, falling backwards on the bed and closing his eyes.
Opening the bathroom door, the redhead walked into the bedroom, his school uniform in hand. Seeing Yusuke on the bed, his pants half on, he flushed slightly, turning away.
Hearing the teen at the door, he sat up slowly. Putting his pants fully on, he looked at the teen. "Sorry."
"It's....f-fine, really," he stuttered slightly. "I-I mean, I'm j-just a v-visitor....."
Placing a hand on the back of his head, he smiled. "Is this how you're going to act when I come to live with you?"
He flushed deeper. "Hopefully, I'll get used to it then......"
Yusuke chuckled slightly. Seeing the teen's uniform, he said, "You can put that stuff on my desk.." he replied, pointing to the desk in the corner.
"Thanks." He placed the clothing on the desk indicated by the younger teen. "So....Who sleeps where?"
"Like you said, you're the visitor.." he replied, standing up and indicating for him to take the bed.
He smiled softly, walking to the bed and taking a seat. But as he did so, he gently grasped Yusuke's wrist, urging him to sit down as well.
Yusuke mirrored Kurama's smile and sat down next to the older teen.
Scooting closer, he cuddled up to the delinquent, placing his head on his shoulder.
Turning, the younger teen turned the light off. Taking hold of the other's wrist, the dark haired teen moved and laid down, gently pulling Kurama with him.
He lay down next to the younger teen, lying on his side to face him. He smiled softly.
Yusuke smiled also, cuddling closer to the older teen.
Gently pulling the other teen closer, his smile slowly faded, a frown replaced on his features.
Looking up, the delinquent noticed the frown. "What's wrong, Kurama?"
"I....was just thinking about......today....."
"Yeah..." he started, indicating that he was listening to whatever the other teen had to say.
"I'm scared, Yusuke. I really am. I mean, I know what Karasu wants from me, and he'll do whatever it takes to accomplish that......"
Wrapping a protective arm around the older teen, he looked into his jade eyes. "I know you're scared.. anyone would be in your position.. but maybe next time.. you should think of yourself for once, instead of everyone else.."
Tears began to fill his eyes. "I....I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me......I lost Kuronue that way......I don't want it to happen again......."
"I don't want to lose you, Kurama.. It would hurt so much more then dying.." he replied, wiping a stray tear from the older teen's cheek.
He closed his eyes as Yusuke's finger gently brushed over his cheek. "I don't want to lose you either.......But, Karasu will do whatever it takes to get his way with me......Even killing you......"
"But I won't let him kill me... and you can't let him get his way.. you have to fight back.. No one is going to let anything happen to your family or you.."
He nodded, tears beginning to flow from his closed eyes.
Yusuke gave the other a small sad smile, placing a small kiss on his warm cheek, before whispering, "I won't let anything happen.. but you have to try and stand up for yourself a little.."
Nodding, he opened his eyes, smiling through his tears. "I'll try," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"That's all I want.." he replied, smiling back.
Closing his eyes again, he tried to wipe his tears away.
Gently wiping a few tears off the other's face and brushing his crimson bangs out of his eyes, Yusuke smiled softly.
"Thank you....for everything....."
"You don't have to thank me.. I would've done it anyway."
He opened his eyes again. "You're always helping me, though, even when you don't realize it. I just wish I could repay you somehow....."
"You are repaying me.." he replied, cuddling closer. "You're here, aren't you?"
He smiled softly. "Right......I just wish I could do more."
He smiled, looking up into the other's eyes, "You don't have to.. you're already the most precious thing I have.. as long as you don't leave.. I'm good.."
He embraced the younger teen, pulling him closer. "You know, as Youko, I spent hundreds of years searching for the most valuable treasure. I even almost died trying to find it. But now, fifteen years later, I finally found it."
The younger teen's smile deepened as he nestled into Kurama's chest.
Closing his eyes, his hold on around Yusuke gently softened as he drifted off to sleep.
Feeling the grip around him loosen, Yusuke knew the other had fallen asleep. He closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep as well.