dont own YYH

Chapt. 37

Flavor?

"How'd you guys know it was my birthday?" I ask in confusion.

"Botan's the Grim Reaper, remember? She likes to research people too," Yusuke grins.

"Yes, it's a hobby," Botan says nervously.

"I guess you gotta have somethin' ta do when there ain't any dead people to escort to wherever. But why would you guys get me somethin' like this?" I ask. All around me were smiling faces. All of them were so happy that I was ok. Even those who we've just met, and almost killed, smiled.

"'Cuz dat's wot fr'ends do fo' each'ther," Jin smiled, plopping down beside me. He places the tanto in my hand and closes it tight around it. "So's ya doesn't ferget us."

"I could never forget you," I wink.

"We've yet to give our present," Shoda says kindly, stepping around the bed. He produces a bluish-gray, cold marble.

"It is steam and water incased in a never melting ice. You could throw it into the hottest part of Hell, and it would not melt," Yasha smirks his fanged smile.

"Good luck in all your journeys," Yuushito smiles solemnly, bowing his head slightly.

"You guys are leaving?" I inquire in shock.

"We must return to the pack, and then return home. We must so we can tell the elder of our findings," Shoda answers.

"We expect to see you again. Soon, I trust," Yasha winks, turning to Yuushito. He nods and they're gone.

"Well, wasn't expecting that. Guess I'm gettin' a lot of that today," I sigh.

"My turn!" Mamoru exclaims, moving to my side. He holds out his fist, palm side up. He uncurls his fingers to reveal a seed.

"Thanks," I smile.

"Don't ya want to know what it is?" he asks.

"Sure," I smile.

"It's a rose seed. When you find your true love, it will blossom, symbolizing your love; it will never die. Well, not until you and your loved one do." I take the seed from my dog friend and place it in an empty cup. I take him up in my arms and hold him tightly.

"Thank you, my inu-youkai," I whisper.

"Where should we go for dinner?" Keiko asks after a pause.

"Did you guys like that sandwich I brought?" I ask, setting Mamoru down.

A chorus of yeses ring in my sensitive ears.

"Then I've got the perfect place!" I grin. "My treat."

"But it's your birthday," Yukina insists.

"And you guys gave me my presents. Now I give you yours."

"Ours?" Kuwabara asks.

"Yes. You've all been here for me when I've fallen to pick me back up. So, why not reward you?"

"If you insist," Yusuke groans sarcastically, "we'll let you treat us to dinner."

I slip out of the bed and pull on my bloodstained pullover. The smell was almost unbearable, but only one with a keen nose could smell it. And I was positive that Yo-Ko wouldn't be joining us with this smell. Mamoru swiftly covered his nose the moment I pulled it out.

"Sorry Mamoru, but it's all I got," I say sheepishly.

He nods in understanding.

I lead the way to the place we would be dining. The look on the old man's face when he sees us will bring such joy to my heart. Old Man Frank was gunna get a surprise like no other. A smile spread widely on my face. He had been so happy about just one sandwich; this would send him into an everlasting happiness.

I can't wait to see the look on his face!

You're taking us to the old man's restaurant?

Of course, Hiei. They liked the sandwich so why wouldn't they like anything else he makes?

I think you're nuts.

Nuthin new! I send a large grin back at Hiei. He rolls his rolls his eyes and steps behind Kurama. I frown. Hn. I'll get 'im later. I stop in front of a rundown building. The neon lights flickered in a few of the letters. Broken windows were bored up or replaced. A few graffiti signatures were along the bottom of the brick front. There was a sign in the door that said OPEN in orange letters.

"This is it," I sigh.

"Creepy," Kuwabara whispers.

I shoot him a glare.

"But welcoming!" he corrects nervously, edging closer to his big sister, Shizuru.

"It smells delicious!" Mamoru exclaims, stepping closer to the store.

"Doesn't it though!" I smile. We step into the small shop. "Frank? I came back for more of your great food!" I call, stepping up the counter.

The old man peers out from his back room; a smile spreads on his face. "And you brought friends!" he smiles, walking up to the bar.

"Yes, they loved your sandwich so much, I thought they might want to try other foods you make."

"Ahaa! I knew I hadn't lost my touch! I'll make whatever you wish!"

"You heard the man, what would ya like?" I ask, turning to my ragtag gang of friends.

"I sa' we each ge' 'r own foo'!" Jin happily suggests, trying his best to keep his feet on the ground.

"Sounds good to me," Kurama seconds.

"Well, order up then!" I step aside and the group lines up before Frank. He swiftly takes down their orders with a happy face. It was a wonderful sight to behold. Making the old man feel wanted again was a great gift. I go to pick a booth to sit at when I see Hiei staring at something on the far wall. Curious, I walk up behind him.

It was a picture. Preserved behind the glass, it still looked old. Five strong, young men stood huddled together. Cheery grins stood on their faces. They looked to be fighters. At the bottom, right-hand corner of the picture, there were five signatures. Kazuki Taka, Nobuy Goshi, Hiro Yoshihir, Yushi Takei, and Frank Anzai. This was Frank's old team! No wonder he's kept it in such good condition; he must miss them terribly.

"No wonder he's stayed so close to this place," Hiei says after a while. "So many memories are tied here."

"Mmm-hmm. That would make sense," I smile softly, looking at the grinning man in the middle. I believed him to be Frank. "Aren't you going to order?"

"Not hungry," he grunts, walking to a small table.

"How 'bout you? What would you wish?" Frank calls to me.

I smile back at him. "A small version of your famous sandwich."

"Can do!" He disappears into the back room. Thinking, I trot after him silently. I carefully poke my head into the kitchen.

"Psst, Frank!" I whisper loudly.

"Yes?" he asks, appearing from behind a screen of smoke.

I beckon him to me. "Do you make ice cream or frozen-snow?"

"Oh do I!" he says jubilantly.

"Shhh, it's a surprise."

"Ah, for whom, might I ask?"

"The dark figure with spiky hair. He's so stubborn he won't get anything."

"I can make him a special batch. Any specific flavor?"

I bite my bottom lip. I hadn't the faintest idea what flavor he liked.

"Uhh…vanilla?" I say with uncertainty. "Does frozen-snow even have a flavor?"

"Don't you worry about it. I'll make something special." He gives me a reassuring smile.

"Thanks!" I disappear from there and sit at a lonely corner table; the only spot not occupied. I remember telling Hiei I loved him, but, God, I don't even know what flavor ice cream he likes! Does he even like ice cream? I'm so hopeless.

I rest my chin on the table lazily and close my eyes. Delicious scents float from the kitchen and dance in my nostrils. My mouth started to water. I sit up and wipe the slobber from my face with the back of my over-sized sleeve.

"That's gross," I mumble to myself.

Time passes and the small room is filled with chatter. Then a shout is heard.