The Gift of Oneself
written by xDarkxMagicianxGirlx and Ookami no Kokoro.
Disclaimers: Neither I nor Ookami no Kokoro own Yu Yu Hakusho, though we can wish, right?
Chapter Five
Yusuke was sitting on the bed next to Kurama, like he had been doing since the older teen had fallen asleep, his gaze fixed out the window.
The fox stirred slightly, rolling on his side, so he was facing the younger teen. Slowly, his eyes opened, and he blinked, rubbing his eyes to drive the sleep out of them.
Feeling the teen near him move, he turned slightly and looked down at the other.
Looking up at Yusuke, he smiled.
The younger smiled back. "Feeling any better?"
Sitting up, he nodded, stretching.
"That's good.."
He placed a hand to his forehead. "I still might be a little warm, though," he said softly. "But my throat feels better."
Yusuke nodded. "Do you want anything?"
He shook his head. "I think I'm okay. What time is it?"
The teen glanced at the clock. "Almost three.." he replied.
"Really? Guess I slept for a while......"
He smiled. "That's all right.."
He mirrored the smile, stretching again.
The detective smiled and looked out the window again.
Letting out a quiet sigh, the fox leaned against the other teen, resting his head on the other's shoulder.
Yusuke turned to look at the other, wrapping his arm around the fox's waist and gently pulling him closer.
He snuggled closer to him, closing his eyes and enjoying the warmth from the other's body.
The younger smiled, gently leaning his head on Kurama's.
The redhead smiled as well, tracing circles along Yusuke's chest with his index finger.
He shivered slightly and closed his eyes.
Feeling Yusuke shiver, he chuckled softly, continuing his soft touches.
Yusuke lifted his head slightly from Kurama's. Realizing they had both missed lunch, he said, "We should get you something to eat.. It's been a while since you last had something and I want you to have enough strength for when you get better."
He nodded, looking up at Yusuke. "Have you eaten anything today?" he asked.
Pulling away from the older teen slightly, he shook his head.
"Well, that's not very good." Stretching again, he slid off the bed.
The younger teen slowly got off the bed after.
Looking at him, Kurama smiled. "I think I'll cook something this time, if you don't mind."
He nodded in response, giving the other a small smile. "If you're sure.."
He nodded back. "It's my turn to make something for you," he replied, heading into the kitchen.
Yusuke followed the other teen into the kitchen.
Looking around the kitchen, the fox pulled out a pot and pan. "What would you like, Yusuke?"
The younger teen shrugged. "I don't know.."
"Well, that gives me a lot to work with...."
He smiled slightly. "I don't care what you make, Kurama.."
He smiled back. "Now, just trying to decide WHAT to make....." Walking over to the fridge, he opened the door, pulling out some eggs. "Let's see......"
The younger teen walked over to the table and sat down, so he wouldn't be in the way.
"Do you have rice?" he asked.
Yusuke nodded. "Yeah, over there." He pointed to a cupboard in the corner.
Walking over, he opened the cupboard, and scooped some grains of rice and pouring it in the pot. As he was about to close it, he stopped, pulling out a package, opened it, and poured it into the pot as well.
The other watched curiously as the older teen combined things in the pot.
Placing the pot on the stove, he turned on the heat, and mixed what was in the pot. After a few minutes, he took out a bowl, and, cracking the eggs, mixed them and poured them into the pan.
"You know, you don't have to make anything big.." he replied.
"It's nothing, really," he replied, looking at the other over his shoulder with a smile. "Just an omelet and some fried rice."
He smiled back, enjoying the smell of the food cooking on the stove.
After a while, he turned off the stove, pulling out a large bowl and placing the rice in it. Taking two plates, he placed on omelet in each, placing the food on the table.
Looking at the food before him, the teen suddenly realized how hungry he really was.
Placing one of the omelets in front of Yusuke, he placed the other in front of himself, sitting down at the table across of the other.
"Thanks, Kurama.." he replied, smiling softly.
He smiled in turn, scooping some rice onto his plate.
Yusuke did the same. When he had as much as he wanted, he started eating.
Kurama smiled, watching the other boy eat, chopsticks in hand.
The teen looked up at the other across the table and smiled. "You cook better then I do."
He blushed slightly, looking down at the table. "I used to watch my mother cook when I was younger.....If it wasn't for her, I'd probably still be eating raw fish...."
He chuckled slightly before taking another bite of his omelet.
Kurama smiled softly, eating some rice.
Yusuke finished his food and gently put the chopsticks on top of his plate, smiling at the older teen across from him.
Placing his chopsticks down on the table, Kurama took the empty dishes, placing them in the sink and running water over them.
Standing up and stretching, Yusuke took the bowl of leftover rice and sealed it, putting it in the fridge.
Taking the sponge by the sink, the redhead began to wash the dishes, including the pot and pan.
Coming up beside the older teen, Yusuke gently took the sponge from Kurama. "You cooked, so let me do the dishes.."
"It's fine. As part of being the cook, I should be the one to wash anyway."
"Then at least let me help," he replied, looking at the other.
Taking the sponge back from the other teen, Kurama handed him the dish he had been rinsing. "If you want, you can dry them."
Yusuke picked up the dish towel and started drying the dish he had been handed.
Both teens continued to wash and dry the dishes, until all were gone. Turning the water off, Kurama dried his hands with a nearby dish towel.
Drying the last dish off, the younger teen put it back where it belonged.
Placing the towel down on the counter, the fox turned to the younger teen. "Now that that's done," he said, a playful smile on his lips, "I think it's time we had dessert."
Yusuke blinked, and looked back at the other. "Dessert.. right now?"
He nodded, still smiling.
Scratching the back of his head, he shrugged. "All right.."
Wrapping his arms around the other teen, he whispered, "Now, what would be good for you?" Gently, he placed a small kiss on the other's lips.
The younger returned the kiss, closing his eyes in the process.
Pulling the teen closer, he deepened the kiss slightly, just before pulling away. He smiled mischievously.
Opening his eyes, the younger teen smiled back. "That was good. I might just want seconds."
He chuckled, kissing the other again.
Yusuke leaned into the kiss, deepening it.
After what seemed like a minute or two, Kurama finally broke the kiss, reaching up and brushing ebony strands from the delinquent's chocolate eyes.
He smiled, resting his head on the older teen's shoulder. "Guess you really know how to plan a meal.." he whispered.
"I'm glad you like it," he replied.
The teen smiled again and gently kissed the other's neck.
He shivered slightly, feeling the other's warm lips brush against his neck.
Yusuke chuckled slightly when he felt the other shiver.
"I should call home," Kurama whispered. "Tell them I'm staying over again......"
The younger teen pulled away, nodding. "That might be a good idea."
"But maybe I should stop by home......To get some clothes and stuff....."
"If you do go home, I'd like to go with you.. just in case.." he replied, smiling slightly.
He nodded, smiling as well. Looking out the window, he noticed it had begun to rain.
Looking out the window as well, Yusuke blinked. "When did it start raining?"
"I'm not sure. Probably just a little while ago."
Nodding, the younger teen looked down at his clothes. Noticing he was still wearing the clothes he had fallen asleep in, he started toward his room. "Guess I better change then.."
"I should too.....But I have nothing to change, and I don't feel like wearing my uniform again."
"You don't have to change, I don't mind if you wear that stuff," he replied walking into the bedroom.
"Well, if you're sure...."
Walking back out in a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, Yusuke smiled. "It doesn't bother me any.."
Smiling as well, Kurama walked into the bedroom, grabbing his school uniform to take home. Joining the younger teen back in the kitchen, he said, "Let's get going, then."
Nodding, he grabbed a key off the rack and opened the door for Kurama.
Nodding his thanks, he left the apartment, waiting for the younger teen. "Maybe we should bring an umbrella....or two..."
Nodding, he quickly went back to the closet. "I only have one," he called to the other teen.
"Hm....That's a bit of a problem, then."
Instead, he grabbed a jacket with a hood and went back to the door. Handing the umbrella to the older teen, he smiled. "Don't worry, I'll wear a jacket, you use the umbrella." He then locked and shut the door.
Taking the umbrella, he nodded. "Thanks," he said.
He nodded back and started walking, pulling the jacket on as they walked.
Opening the umbrella, the fox walked alongside Yusuke, shivering slightly because of the cool weather brought by the rain.
Pulling the hood farther over his head, he looked at the older teen and smiled slightly.
The two walked in silence, finally reaching Kurama's house. Looking up, the fox saw Kuronue on the roof. "I should have brought his cape and pendant," he said quietly, seeing the bat sitting in the rain.
"If you want, I can run back and get them while you go get some clothes.."
"No, that's alright. He might drop by tonight before he has to leave, so I'll give it to him then."
Yusuke nodded. "All right."
Looking up, he saw that the bat finally noticed their presence. He smiled, walking up to the door and opening it with his key.
The younger teen looked up at the bat and gave him a small smile also, before following the other to the door.
"Mom?" he called, closing his umbrella and removing his shoes.
Shiori entered the living room from the kitchen. "Welcome home, Shuuichi," she said. Seeing Yusuke, she smiled, bowing slightly. "Greetings, Yusuke."
Yusuke removed his shoes and took the hood off from his head, bowing slightly also. "Hi, Mrs. Minamino."
"I'm not staying for too long, Mother," the fox teen said. "If it's alright, I'm going to
be staying at Yusuke's place for a few days."
"Oh?" the woman asked. "May I know why?"
"Yusuke's working on a project for school, and I'm helping him out."
The teen blinked. "Yeah, he's been a big help.."
"I see. How long do you think it would take?"
Kurama shrugged. "We still have a lot to do. But we'll see."
She nodded. "Alright. That sounds fine."
"Thanks, Mom. I'm going to get some stuff."
"Alright." Smiling, she returned to the kitchen as the two teens headed up to Kurama's room.
When they got to the top of the stairs, Yusuke looked at the other and raised an eyebrow. "School work?"
"It was the only thing I could think of at the time," he replied, holding out his school uniform to the other. "Unless you want me to try explaining the truth to her....."
"Uhh.. no that might not be a good idea.." he replied, smiling.
As they walked towards the fox's room, Shuiichi came up to them. "Hi Shuu-ani!" he said cheerfully. "Hi Yusuke-san!"
Kurama smiled at his step-brother, entering his room. "Hello, Shuiichi-kun."
"Hi," he replied gently, before following the other into his room.
"Whatcha doin' Shuu-ani?" the young boy asked.
"Just getting some stuff," he replied. "I'm spending a few days at Yusuke's place."
"What for?" he asked mischievously.
Kurama flushed slightly, knowing what the younger boy was thinking.
Yusuke chuckled slightly when he saw Kurama's cheeks turn slightly pink.
"Shuiichi-kun?" the redhead asked, suddenly serious. "Has anybody been going out, lately?"
"Out?" the younger boy asked. Thinking, he replied, "I don't think so.....Tou-san has been feeling sick lately, you should remember, and I've been on vacation from school, so Kaa-san and I have been taking care of him. Why?"
"Just asking."
The younger teen knew why the other had asked, and stood silently as the other answered.
Closing his bag, he looked over at Yusuke, nodding once. Then, looking at the young boy, he said, "Well, Yusuke and I should get going."
"Okay," Shuiichi replied. "Bye Nii-san." And he left the room.
Yusuke nodded back and watched the younger boy leave.
Looking at the younger teen, he stood by the door, waiting.
He walked over to the door and smiled slightly, indicating that he was ready to go.
He smiled back, and the two walked down the stairs. "Kaa-san, I'm going now," he called.
She poked her head in from the kitchen. "Alright. Be good, Shuuichi."
He nodded, putting his shoes on and grabbing the umbrella, opening the front door. Slipping his shoes on and pulling the hood over his head as well, Yusuke walked out the front door, smiling his thanks to the other.
Closing the door behind him, he locked it before opening the umbrella. Shifting the strap over his shoulder, he let out a relieved sigh.
Chuckling slightly when he heard the sigh, Yusuke looked at the other. "I take it you don't like being there much.."
"It's not that I don't like being there. I love my family, I really do. But, sometimes I feel that they're getting dangerously close to discovering what I really am, and I don't want them to know. That's why I'm going to be getting my own apartment soon, so my secret will stay a secret."
The younger teen nodded gently. "Did you talk to your mom about getting one?" he asked.
He nodded. "She wasn't too thrilled about it, but she said that, if I felt I needed to get one, then she would help me find one."
He nodded also, looking at the semi-empty sidewalk ahead of them.
"Are you going to tell your mother about our.....plans?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'll have to talk to her about them when she gets home."
He nodded, smiling softly.
Yusuke stuck his hands in his pockets and shivered slightly as they made their way to the apartment building.
"Are you alright?" he asked, noting the shiver from the corner of his eyes.
"Yeah, I'm fine.." he replied, smiling slightly.
He nodded, stopping in front of Yusuke's apartment.
Pulling the hood away from his face, the younger teen pulled out his key and unlocked and opened the apartment door.
Shaking the umbrella free from any stray droplets of water, he smiled, entering the apartment.
Following in after, he closed the door and wiped the water away from his face.
"Yusuke? Would you mind if I took a bath?" he asked, closing the umbrella and putting it in the closet.
"No, go right ahead," he replied, pulling off his jacket.
Nodding, he entered the bedroom, placing his bag down, and opening it, he pulled out some clothes and a towel. He walked towards the bathroom, closing the door.
Placing the jacket in the closet, Yusuke sighed and grabbed a towel, rubbing his ebony hair dry.
Turning the knobs of the tub, he found a temperature that suited him, allowing the tub to fill with water. About to remove his clothes, he stopped, as he noticed something strange happening in the water.
Gently flattening his messed up hair, the younger teen walked into his bedroom and sat down on the bed.
He gasped, backing away from the tub as the water began to rise. It began to harden, until Karasu stood in front of him.
"I told you I'd be back," the crow whispered, a glint in his eyes.
Laying back on the bed, Yusuke looked at the wall separating his room from the bathroom.
He made his way to the door, about to unlock it, when Karasu, suddenly beside him, placed his hand on the door. "There's no need to do that," he whispered in the fox's ear. "We don't need to get Urameshi involved with this."
Kurama backed away from him, until he felt the wall behind him.
Hearing the water still running, Yusuke got up and walked out of his bedroom and started toward the bathroom. Something must be wrong.. it doesn't take that much water to fill our bathtub..
Kurama gasped when he felt Karasu's cold hand wrap around his throat, the other around his waist. "Let me go," he hissed quietly.
"And what will you do if I don't?"
He growled slightly, remembering what Yusuke had said about standing up for himself. But what am I supposed to do? I may be feeling better, but I don't have enough energy to fight him off.
Yusuke walked to the door and knocked. "Kurama, are you okay in there?"
The fox was about to say something, but was stopped as Karasu covered his mouth. The crow looked over at the tub, his eyes glowing as he turned off the running water mentally. The redhead's eyes widened at what the crow did next.
"I'm fine," Karasu said, sounding exactly like Kurama.
"Okay.." The younger teen backed away from the door slightly, but not fully believing the teen, he grabbed the toothpick he had used before and silently started to pick the lock.
Taking hold of Karasu's wrist, the redhead moved his hand down enough to bite the crow.
Cursing quietly, the taller demon pulled his hand back, just long enough.
"Yusuke!" the fox called, just before the crow's hand wrapped tightly around his throat again, choking him.