Author's Note: Thank you everyone for waiting patiently. Please enjoy the story and review afterwards.
What He Said, She Said
Shinomori Kuronue groaned tiredly as he slumped against the Three's meeting tree, annoying Hiei who tried napping in its branches. Jaganshi HATED when his napping was interrupted. What he loathed even more was a noisy friend. "Kuronue, do you have a death wish or are you just stupid?" the cranky second year snapped from his favorite branch.
"As of right now, both," Kuronue grumbled, his knees pulled towards him and his head in his arms. The young man was obviously sulking, although he was hardly the type to do so. After a few moments of brooding silence, Kuronue tossed his arms in the air and irately shouted, "I can't believe that Ryou punk beat me to asking Momoko out! Argh, it's not fair!"
"Shut your yap," Hiei barked, attempting to go back to sleep. He threw an acorn at his taller friend out of annoyance (also from lack of sleep). "And quit complaining, you idiot. It's your fault for not doing anything sooner."
"But I had everything all planned out!" Kuronue exclaimed, letting out a sigh of frustration. He tossed his long ebony hair out of his face and his dark uniform jacket behind his head. "I had a system, a plan, Hiei. And it would have worked perfectly too, if it weren't for that damn Ryou kid."
Hiei's face twitched as he resisted from impulsively hurting Kuronue. 'He sounds like one of those lame mystery cartoons when they found out who the villain is.' Fighting his violent inclination, Hiei muttered, "You're an idiot when it comes to life, Kuronue, but you're even more pathetic when it comes to girls. Why couldn't you be a man? Why didn't you ask her out when you had the chance?"
Aghast Hiei would suggest something like he just did, Kuronue replied indignantly, "I did ask her out!"
Hiei was clearly confused. "After she already agreed to go out with Ryou?"
"What? She didn't do that," Kuronue said, staring at his friend like he was a moron. On his feet and hands on his hips, Kuronue demanded imploringly, "Why would Momoko do something that? She and I are going out now."
"Then what the hell are you complaining about?" Hiei shouted angrily. He was ready to jump out of the tree and strangle Kuronue, but jovial laughter ceased Hiei from his mad rampage.
"His pride is hurt, Hiei," Kurama laughed merrily as he sauntered towards his two best friends. The redhead, a benevolent atmosphere radiating from him, turned to his oldest friend and punched him playfully on the shoulder. "Honestly, Kuronue, I thought you had the least amount of pride among all of us. After all, you would do things not even we would want to do just to get what you want."
"What are you trying to say, Kurama?" Kuronue asked, his keep eyes now on Kurama's carefree expression. Something was very different about Kurama, something only Kuronue and his many-years experience with Kurama would notice.
"Nothing," Kurama smiled secretly, taking his sitting spot by the tree. The young lad still had a pleased grin all over his handsome face, an expression that made everyone uncomfortable. Kuronue and Hiei stared at Kurama in surprise, not sure what to make of Minamino Syuuichi a.k.a. Youko Kurama.
"Um, Kurama, are you sure you're all right?" Hiei questioned, jumping down in front of his friend.
"I'm fine," Kurama smiled amiably, leaning against the tree's trunk for a nap.
"Are you sure you're all right?" Kuronue repeated.
"Yes, I'm perfectly fine, Kuronue," his friend yawned pleasantly, his green eyes absolutely glowing. "Why is it you ask?"
Kuronue plopped himself next to Kurama and stared at his childhood friend long and hard. "For these past few weeks, Kurama, you've been happy. I'm not saying that you've never been happy before, but this is the first time I've seen you truly happy. I've never seen you this happy, not even when you walloped Mr. All-High-and-Mighty Kaitou in the face back in junior high." The raven-haired boy sighed at the memory but quickly returned to reality. "So tell me, what's up? What's got you really happy, Kurama? What is it you're not telling your buddy Kuronue?"
Waving his friend off, Kurama chuckled, "It's nothing, really. I just--I don't know--I feel a lot happier as of late. A lot of weight has been removed from my shoulders, and I can breathe again. Is it wrong feeling like that?" Kuronue and Hiei, suspicious of Kurama, were about to reply, but the redhead quickly changed the subject. "I wonder what Jin is doing here?"
And sure enough, the orange-haired lad trotted towards the Three, a determined look on his face. His facial expression hinted nervousness, but his blue eyes, reflections of a clear autumn sky, dictated fearlessness and sincerity. Jin was acting odd today.
"Hey, Jin. What brings you here?" Kuronue greeted, waving his lanky arms at the first-year.
"Nothing, really. I-I just--er--I just wanted to ask Hiei something," Jin blushed, stuffing his hands into his pant pockets.
At the sound of his name, Hiei faced Jin with a quirked brow. Infamous ruby orbs stared down bright sapphire pools. Although Jaganshi had to look up to Shinobi, Jin felt far from being superior to Hiei; the smaller lad's fighting spirit constantly gave Jin chills. The underclassman nearly jumped when Hiei finally asked, "About what?"
"Um, I wanted to ask you about Yukina-san."
Kurama and Kuronue stared back and forth between Hiei and Jin, having no idea who "Yukina-san" was. Was she someone's family member, a cousin or aunt perhaps? A neighbor? Could she be Hiei's new pet? And if she were, why would Jin ask about her?
"What do you think they're talking about?" Kurama whispered to Kuronue.
"Yeah? What about her?" Hiei growled at the mention of his little sister. He disliked the direction of this conversation, especially if it had anything to do with Yukina and a boy (no matter which boy). If Jin was asking what Hiei thought, then--
"I was--I was just wondering," Jin muttered uneasily with a very small smile, "I was wondering if Yukina-san made it your place and back home all right. I mean after those guys bothered her while going over--"
"She made it fine."
"Ah, well, that's good then," Jin sighed, relieved to know Yukina was all right.
"Sounds like a cat," Kuronue muttered to Kurama.
Hiei narrowed his eyes in suspicion, his scarlet orbs piercing through Jin's soul. The first-year was holding something back; Hiei could feel it in his bones. As much as Jaganshi hated be woken from naps, he hated secrets being kept from him. "Is there something else you wanted to ask, Jin?"
'Yeah, is Yukina-san your girlfriend, and if not, can I ask her out?' Jin shook his rambling thoughts from his head and laughed, "No. Nothing else. I'll see you guys later." The first-year waved good-bye and started running towards his next destination.
When Jin had reached a distance, Kuronue turned towards Hiei and naively asked, "So Hiei, is Yukina-san your new pet dog or cat?"
All the anger Hiei had been holding back earlier no longer had a barrier. How dare Kuronue call his little sister a pet animal! "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
"Ah!" Kuronue cried impishly, mockingly running away from Hiei. "Kurama, save me!"
Keeping a curious eye on his bubbly cousin, Yusuke sat in the dining room wondering about the last few weeks. Directly after the Meiou party, Botan had continually stressed about placing her friends in danger. And now, just a few days ago, Botan had transformed back into her cheery self and lit the Urameshi house with her bouncy personality once more. Something had returned Botan's happiness to her, and Urameshi Yusuke was determined to find out what the something was.
"Yusuke!"
"What?" the young man snapped, looking up to a grumpy Botan.
"I've been asking you for the last five minutes what you wanted for dinner," Botan scolded, shaking a disdaining finger at her cousin. "And you haven't given me an answer yet. So what do you want, noodles or fried rice?"
"Fried rice," Yusuke responded, slowly rising from his seat, "and I'll help you make it." Nimbly rolling up his white sleeves, Yusuke grabbed a pan from the oven, filled it with yesterday's rice, and lit the stove. Botan helpfully brought the necessary ingredients and other needed utensils. Sizzling sound of rice, vegetables, and tempura soon filled the house.
After frying rice and tossing it a few times in the air, Yusuke muttered, "Botan?"
She answered brightly, "Yes?"
"It's not like I'm disappointed or mad that you're happy, but why are you happy so suddenly?" the young man questioned while maintaining his concentration on cooking the food. "I'm glad you're back to how you were a long time ago, maybe even happier, but what changed you?"
"What are you talking about, Yusuke?" Botan laughed as she prepared the side dishes and set them on the dining table. She placed two pairs of chopsticks and spoons on the table and then started filling the water glasses. "Nothing about me is different."
'What is it that makes her so happy? It can't be anything material because Botan doesn't care for that; so what can it be? She didn't get a new boyfriend because everyone in Sarayashiki knows my policy, and Botan doesn't like anyone except for--' Yusuke turned off the stove and set the finished rice aside. He then turned and faced his cousin, staring at her seriously and directly in the eyes. Missing a beat, Botan's heart began thumping quicker at Yusuke's intense gaze. "Botan, did--"
"Yes?"
"Did--"
"…"
"Did Koenma-senpai confess his feelings to you?"
Botan collapsed on the ground, her brain cells diminishing from a million to a hundred. How in the world did her cousin think of such dumb ideas? "Argh, Yusuke!" the girl growled, throwing her apron at Yusuke. "I told you once, I told you a million times; I don't have a crush on Koenma-senpai!"
"Well, then what other reason do you have to be so bubbly?" Yusuke demanded in frustration, ruffling his black hair. "The reason has to be pretty damn big if you're like this, which I've never seen you like. Come on, Botan! Why don't you just tell me? Don't you trust me?"
And for a moment, Botan wanted to reveal the truth. Looking into Yusuke's deep chocolate eyes, his gentle pools of kindness and warmth, Botan nearly confessed her relationship with the Meiou student Minamino Syuuichi. But the possible consequences of her actions reminded the girl why her love was a secret; and so she buried her secret deep in her heart once more.
"I trust you," Botan smiled, holding Yusuke's hand in her own, "I trust you so much, Yusuke, so please don't think I don't. I just can't tell you why I'm so happy because it's unexplainable. It's just my natural reaction, so it's nothing for you to worry about, Yusuke."
'But I do worry about you,' the young man thought. 'I've worried about you ever since you started living with us, with me.' Useless were his thoughts, since he would never voice them. "All right," Yusuke groaned aloud in defeat. He knew what Botan had done, that she was hiding from him; but Yusuke also knew if he chased after her, Botan would only run further from him. Then, he would never reach her heart again.
'She's holding back on me because she's afraid of what I'll do,' the young man sighed to his self. Taking the pan of fried rice, he started serving Botan her dish. 'But what would make Botan so happy and make her afraid to share it with me?'
"Are you sure it's all right we're doing this?" Keiko wondered as she carried an assortment of snacks into the living room. Dressed in green plaid flannels and matching pajama top, Keiko excitedly entered the Kuwabara living room where Kuwabara Shizuru, Hiigarashi Genkai, and Hanasaki Botan were waiting.
"Yes, after all, we did force Kuwabara-san out of his own home," Yukina muttered worriedly, bringing a tray of tea after Keiko. Koorime was dressed in a fleecy sleeping gown that matched her hair. "Is it really all right if we intrude like this so suddenly, Shizuru 'nee-san?"
"Who cares," Shizuru, Genkai, and Botan chorused simultaneously, the three dressed in their own sleeping clothes.
"It's not like Ototo-kun is here most of the time or paying for rent," Shizuru ranted, hastily chugging down her cup of tea as if it were a shot of beer. "In fact, it's not like he's paying for anything. Men, they're all the same. They're always so--"
"Cheap," Genkai continued for Shizuru, tossing her rose braid behind her, "You ask for a decent night out, and what does he do for you? He asks to come over to your house and forces you to feed him; it's like trying to subdue a bottomless pit. And if you don't go and feed the insatiable beast--"
"He starts nagging at you as if you were his personal slave!" Botan groaned at her turn, stuffing her face with some of the rice cakes off the tray. "I mean honestly, what kind of guy makes a girl his servant?"
"Kazuma," Shizuru muttered beneath her breath.
"Moron," Genkai murmured her boyfriend's pet name.
"Yusuke," Keiko and Botan chimed together. As seconds of silence ticked by and when the girls were done venting, they laughed at their silly selves and felt more relaxed. Shizuru had arranged the other four girls to sleepover at the Kuwabara house, something the five of them had not done in a while. Accustomed to the ritual, Kazuma had taken some of his belongings and crashed at the Urameshi house for the night. With no males around, the girls had littered the living with frilly pillows, down blankets, adorable snacks, and herbal tea; the room reeked of femininity.
"Well, onto more important things than my brother and his obnoxious buddies," Shizuru grinned, settling herself more comfortably on the couch. "I'm proud to announce that tomorrow is going to be the four-month anniversary since Sakyou and I started dating."
As the girls excitedly clapped their hands, Botan grinned, "He's a real keeper, isn't he, Shizuru 'nee-san? I've never seen such a sophisticated and kind man. I bet he's really romantic too."
"You have no idea," Shizuru sighed dreamily, collapsing into the pillows.
"We're all happy for you, Shizuru 'nee-san," Yukina congratulated the older woman, "you deserve someone like Sakyou-san."
"I wish I was Shizuru 'nee-san and had someone like Sakyou-san," Keiko pouted slightly, crossing her arms somewhat sulkily. She grabbed a rice cake for consolation. "But what does Fate give me? Ah, she gives me Yusuke."
Botan giggled while she started braiding Keiko's chestnut hair. "Well, Fate had to pair Yusuke up with someone or else deal with an uncontrollable delinquent. Keiko-chan, aving him fall in love with you is the only reason why he's not in jail or not some part of a mafia right now. Thank you so much, Keiko-chan, for saving my poor cousin's life."
"The fact that she hasn't killed him for all these years," Genkai murmured in fascination, "is a wonder to me. If I or any other girl were Urameshi's girlfriend, I'm pretty sure I would have killed him for all the things he does to you, Keiko-chan. No girl should put up with the things you do."
"The same goes for you and Toguro-senpai, Genkai-chan," Keiko replied with an amused laugh. "Everything Yusuke does to me is what he learns from Toguro-senpai. He's no different than Yusuke, but you two have been going out much longer than Yusuke and I have."
"Yeah, but I didn't known my boyfriend before junior high," Genkai said in return, "whereas you and Urameshi knew each other since you were in diapers. Now that is a record no one can or should break."
"As long as you have those two delinquents under your control," Botan and Shizuru sighed together while drinking their tea, "no one else cares."
"Speaking of under control," Shizuru chuckled, turning to her latest acquaintance, "Yukina-chan seems to have cast a spell on unsuspecting Kazuma. Of course, I'm not surprised, but it's still amazing how you spellbind him and make him lose his only wit."
"Huh?" Yukina tilted her head curiously, her ruby eyes confused.
"Has Kuwabara-kun said anything to you yet, Yukina-chan?" Keiko questioned excitedly, pouncing on the pillows next to the second-year girl. "I know that he's been trying to meet you all week, but Kuwabara-kun just never got the chance."
"About what?" Yukina wondered. "What would Kuwabara-san say to me?"
"I guess he hasn't said a thing," Botan giggled, starting to braid Yukina's sea-green locks. "I think Kuwabara-kun wants to conquer Yusuke in a fight before he tries conquering Yukina-chan's heart."
"Kuwabara-san has feelings for me?" Yukina inquired, her face reddening at the sudden revelation. She suddenly felt embarrassed and shy. "Oh, I didn't know. I had know idea that he--I didn't think Kuwabara-san would have feelings for me."
"Well, it really doesn't matter what you thought because he does like you," Shizuru chuckled, fluffing her pillows. "The question is if Kazuma ever does confess his feelings to you, would you be able to return them, Yukina-chan?"
Smiling sadly, Yukina honestly replied, "I don't think I would return his feelings, Shizuru 'nee-san."
"Why not?" Keiko gasped. Botan also froze from braiding the Yukina's hair to stare at her friend inquiringly.
"Kuwabara-san is very kind and caring," Yukina admitted sweetly, "and he would be a wonderful boyfriend, but I can't return his feelings because someone else has already filled that place inside my heart."
"Someone else?" Botan mentally frowned, praying that Yukina was not referring to Jaganshi Hiei. How terrible it would be if sweet, dear Yukina was in love with the ruthless Hiei. The blue-haired teen shivered at the thought.
"Oh, it's not who you think, Botan-chan," Yukina assured, allowing her friend a sigh of relief. "I met someone a few weeks ago."
"Intriguing," Shizuru grinned mischievously, sipping another cup of tea. "Although my brother doesn't stand a chance, I wish you happiness, Yukina-chan. After all, we all deserve someone. I'm sure Kazuma will find another girl--eventually."
"Which brings us to Botan-chan," Keiko giggled, hugging a pillow against her. Four young women turned their heads expectantly towards Botan, who scrunched away from being in the spotlight. "Come on, Botan-chan, tell us who it is."
Botan could feel a heart-attack coming. "Who what is?"
"Your new boyfriend of course," Shizuru rolled her eyes exasperatedly. "From your bubbly attitude these past few weeks and that dreamy look on your face, he must be quite the guy."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Botan blushed, turning away from her friends.
Genkai sighed, knowing Botan would never reveal her significant other's identity to anyone. Even if she herself did not know who "he" was, Genkai was sure "he" was the Meiou student Botan had fallen in love with at the costume party. If Yusuke or any of the Sarayashiki fighters, especially Karasu, were to discover Botan's new relationship, the consequences would be disastrous. 'And I couldn't say or do a thing anyway,' Genkai thought frustratingly, 'because Botan needs this. She needs this happiness that she's found.'
"You won't even give us a clue to who he is, Botan-chan?" Keiko pouted. Shizuru was pestering Botan as well; Yukina knowingly remained silent, seeing Botan like herself wanted her relationship as ambiguous as possible.
Shaking her head sternly, Botan replied, "I'm sorry, girls, but I'm not telling anyone anything. My lips are sealed."
"And it should stay that way," Genkai put in suddenly, surprising everyone. Keiko, Shizuru, Yukina, and Botan faced Genkai in astonishment. "If anyone found out anything about Botan's new relationship, then Karasu would be after him or her. We can't forget that Karasu is still a major problem," Genkai explained. "It's safer for Botan and for everyone around her if she keeps that information to herself."
The room was solemnly silent, everyone visualizing the terror Karasu would cause if he discovered Botan's new relationship. Genkai had a legitimate argument, and no one could protest against the martial artist's request. Seeing her friends suddenly depressed, Botan smiled, "Well, since I can't tell you everything, I'll tell you one thing about my boyfriend: he's very caring and kind and has the greatest respect for his mother. I've never met a boy who loves and cares for his mother so much, not to mention obey every request she makes."
"That means he has great respect for women," Keiko brightened, smiling at Botan eagerly. "I read somewhere that men who respect their mothers and female family members generally have great respect for women."
"Ooh, that's a nice pick, Botan-chan," Shizuru congratulated hardily, patting Botan on the back. "It's really hard to fine men like that, especially a high school boy. You really have a nice guy there, Botan-chan."
"Better than Keiko-chan's boy or mine," Genkai smirked, her pink eyes glowing mischievously, "who need their respect for women pounded into them. Isn't that right, Keiko-chan?" The brunette girl nodded all too earnestly.
"I'm happy for you, Botan-chan," Yukina smiled. "I'm glad you've met someone you can be happy with."
"Thank you, Yukina-chan, everyone," Botan giggled as she thought of her redhead fox. Memories from their first meeting replayed through the girl's mind, warming her very heart. "I've never been so happy."
'Mm, that was nice, having the girls over,' Shizuru grinned to herself while she promenaded towards a café. 'I should do that again sometime or just find someway to permanently kick Kazuma out of the house. Maybe I can arrange Botan-chan and Kazuma to switch places.' The older sister chuckled at her evil thoughts, knowing quite well she would never carry any of them out. But dreaming never hurt anyone, especially if the wickedness remained in her head.
"What are you cackling about, Shizuru?" a deep voice whispered into the woman's ear, two broad hands resting on her shoulders.
Shizuru smiled warmly at the familiar voice. "I was just imagining the different tortures I'd put you through if you were late for our date." She turned to face her boyfriend Sakyou and playfully punched his shoulder. "But since you're on time today, mister, I guess you're off the hook: this time."
Shaking his head in amusement, Sakyou said sarcastically, "I am so relieved." Taking Shizuru's smaller hand, the gentleman led his lady towards an outside table. As soon as they were seated, the couple got their regular orders and started talking about everything and anything that came to their minds. They continued doing this for about an hour before Sakyou stopped suddenly in surprise.
"What's wrong, Sakyou?" Shizuru wondered as she turned her head in the direction her beau was watching. She turned back around when nothing spectacular in particular caught her attention.
Sakyou shook his head, unsure if he was hallucinating or seeing straight. "I thought I just saw a student of mine, Minamino-san, walking with someone, someone unfamiliar. But I think my eyes were tricking me."
"You mean Minamino Syuuichi?" Although Kuwabara Shizuru had been out of high school for some years now, she was still quite aware of the happenings between the high schools and districts. Not to mention her younger brother was quite well versed with the streets, but her boyfriend Sakyou was also a teacher at Meiou high, giving Shizuru various connections to information.
"Yes," Sakyou nodded, taking another look at the couple passing by. "But I was certain that he wasn't going out with anyone anymore, especially after his relationship with Kitajima-san."
Following her boyfriend's gaze, Shizuru caught sight of a strangely familiar couple, although the woman swore she had never seen them before. "Are you talking about that redhead over there? The one walking towards the park?"
"Yes."
Shizuru could not help but to whistle in admiration. "Wow, he's cute."
At the remark, Sakyou immediately frowned with a disapproving glare. His girlfriend chuckled inwardly, knowing very well Sakyou easily became jealous; however, Shizuru's comment earlier had just been a statement, not speculation for teasing. The Meiou teacher in his own was very handsome and had few who could rival him.
"Hm, but I wonder who that girl with Minamino-san is," Sakyou pondered thoughtfully. "I haven't seen her at the school before."
Taking another look at the disappearing forms, Shizuru gasped when she recognized the sky-blue head beside the scarlet one. "Oh, my God! That's Botan-chan--The girl with Minamino is Botan-chan!"
Raising a dark brow, the teacher questioned, "You know that girl, Shizuru?"
"She's a friend of mine--And she's a Sarayashiki student, Sakyou," Shizuru explained, a worried expression all over her face. "She is as Sarayashiki as a girl can get, and she's also Urameshi Yusuke's cousin. Botan-chan has half the district ready to spring on any Meiou student within ten feet of her."
Sakyou narrowed his dark blue eyes. "That could be a problem."
"So you have a younger sibling? A younger sister?"
"Yes," Botan giggled, her arm hooked around Kurama's, "but she looks nothing like me. She's a bit shorter than me and has short red hair with bright green eyes: sort of a miniature you, only more girlish and peppy. She was adopted when she was very young, so she doesn't remember anyone else being her family."
"Have you told her this?" Kurama inquired.
"She found out for herself," Botan answered quietly, a sad smile on her cheery face. "She was a little disappointed at first that she wasn't truly related to Okaa-san, Otou-san, and me, but Hina-chan is happy to know that she has people who love her and want to take care of her. She says it's the best feeling in the world."
"Yes," Kurama murmured in agreement, nodding solemnly. "It is the best feeling in the world." Botan was about to question Kurama about his statement, but the subject was quickly changed. "Exactly how long have you known Ayame-san, Botan?" Kurama asked. "With your reference to her, you must have known her quite a while."
"Ayame 'nee-chan?" Botan placed a thoughtful finger on her chin. "Um, I've known Ayame 'nee-chan some time before I moved here. In fact, she was the one who suggested I come study in the city for high school."
Kurama gave Botan a cheerful grin. "And I'm so happy you did, Bo--" The young man cut himself off as he spotted familiar students nearing. Quickly pushing Botan into the trees' shadows, Kurama blocked the Sarayashiki girl from view.
"Oh, Minamino-kun, what are you doing here?" a Meiou girl asked earnestly, dragging her boyfriend along with her. The boy with her seemed reluctant to greet another boy, especially one that looked more handsome than his self. The redhead youth could easily sense the other male's hidden hostility.
"I was just taking a night stroll," Kurama replied evenly, hinting nothing. "And what about you, Miyako-san? What are you doing out so late at night?"
"I'm on a date right now," the girl blushed, scrunching closer to her boyfriend. "We were just on our way home." Kurama mentally sighed, wishing the same intimacy between Botan and himself; however, he had to deal with this problem first. "Well, I'll leave you alone now, Minamino-kun. You look like you need time by yourself. I'll see you at school tomorrow. Good night, Minamino-kun."
"Good night, Miyako-san," Kurama said while he watched the girl and disgruntled boyfriend walk away.
"She seemed nice," Botan whispered when the Meiou students were long gone.
"Yes, but her boyfriend didn't seem to like me," Kurama chuckled as he helped his girlfriend from her hiding spot. "I'm sorry, Botan, for tossing you aside like that. I was just afraid they would see you and ruin our secret."
"That's all right. It was for the best." Once Botan was leafless and free of twigs, Kurama led Botan to a bench to rest their legs. They had been walking and standing for two hours now and deserved rest.
The two sat quietly on a park bench as they peacefully admired the starry night sky. Although the city's lights made it impossible to see all of the stars on the sable blanket of night, Kurama and Botan could easily spot the brightest of them. A full moon was cascading its delicate rays of silver upon the couple.
"Why is it you have two names, Kurama?" Botan asked as she snuggly relaxed against Kurama arm. "Everyone in Meiou and Sarayashiki knows you as Minamino Syuuichi, but you tell me to call you Kurama, like it's your original name. Why?" Botan looked up to her boyfriend's face, only to see the serious, passive face Kurama usually wore.
When Kurama did not immediately reply to Botan's question, the girl felt as if she had offended her secret boyfriend. Botan quickly made herself apologize for her blunder. "I'm sorry, Kurama, I shouldn't have asked you a question like that. It's your own business if you have two names or not. I'm sorry that I even asked."
Kurama, out of his daze, only chuckled and gently kissed Botan on the cheek. "It is all right, Botan. I am sorry I did not answer you straight off; I was thinking of an answer to give you."
"Oh." Blushing, Botan looked to the ground.
Smiling, Kurama added, "And the answer to your question is I have two names, Botan, because I was adopted."
"Adopted?"
Kurama nodded, his sad verdant eyes staring off to the stars and moon. "My biological father and mother were not very good people, Botan, and when I was little, I was abandoned by them. My name then was Youko Kurama, the name I had been born with. When I was adopted by my known parents, they renamed me Minamino Syuuichi to remove my terrible past memories from my mind; I only wish ghosts could be removed from thought so easily."
"Kurama." Botan sniffled. The woeful tone of voice Kurama was using was rooting an uneasy, depressing feeling in the usually cheerful girl's heart.
"Otou-san who had adopted me passed away years ago, so now Okaa-san and I live alone. I keep the name Syuuichi because I feel as if it is the only hope and the only gift I can give Okaa-san in return for all of the wonderful things she has done for me."
Botan frowned slightly at Kurama's words. "What do you mean by that, Kurama?"
Chuckling slightly, Kurama replied, "Remember when I told you my original parents were not good people, Botan-chan? Well, as it was, I was just as horrible as them throughout elementary school. Because of the lack of care my real parents had shown me, I believed at a very young age that all parents and adults were heartless animals that had no care for their young; and so, I thought my new parents would never love me because I was not even their real child. I disobeyed Okaa-san recklessly, and I troubled her loving heart to no end. It was not until one day, when Okaa-san risked herself so selflessly for my sake, I finally realized how much she really did love me, even if I was not her biological child."
"Then why do you cling the name of the horrible people gave to you, Kurama?"
"Botan, you must realize that there will always be two sides of me," Kurama sighed, his emerald eyes darkening. "There will always be Youko Kurama, the evil, troubling side, of me and the obedient, sympathetic Minamino Syuuichi, the heart of my soul. I will never be my own self."
"You're wrong, Kurama."
"What?"
Botan grabbed Kurama's hand and placed it on her cheek. "Kurama, I believe that you aren't one or the other but both. You're the middle, a mix, of Youko and Syuuichi."
"A mix?" Kurama wondered.
Nodding, the young woman continued softly, "Youko Kurama may have been a bad person at first, but he learned how to protect his heart, and that was by protecting his loved ones. Youko Kurama is strong physically, in mind, and in will. Minamino Syuuichi may only be a fabricated mask, but a mask always shows some reflection of the real person; like Syuuichi, Kurama, you're kind, smart, and confident of yourself. See? You're a mix of both people you were and are. This is what I see and what makes me love you all the more."
A tear sliding down his cheek, Kurama whispered, "Thank you, Botan."
"For what?" Botan asked. "For telling you the truth?"
"No," Kurama smirked, suddenly pulling Botan closer, "for this."
And while Kurama and Botan kissed, the peony thought, 'I wonder which side this comes from?'
When she was able to push Kurama off, Botan murmured crossly, "You're such a fox, Kurama. Honestly, you could have asked me if you could kiss me instead of sneaking behind my back."
Seeing he was being scolded, the young man slyly asked, "Can I kiss you, Botan?"
"No." Botan quickly stood up and started walking away.
Kurama speedily followed her, indignant with the girl's answer. She was very unpredictable. "But you just said--"
"I didn't say you would get another," Botan cut off, not slowing in her gait.
Kurama quickly caught Botan's hand and forced her to face him. An apologetic smile was on his handsome face, a face Botan could not turn away from. "All right, Botan," Kurama surrendered, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I assumed and for kissing you so suddenly without your permission. And I'm sorry for making you upset."
"Just promise you won't do it again."
"I seem to be making a lot of promises nowadays," Kurama joked, kissing Botan on the cheek. "But I promise if you promise me something, Botan."
"What is it, Kurama?"
"Promise me that you won't involve yourself with Maya-san, ever," Kurama demanded solemnly, his green eyes very stern. "I don't want you near her, Botan."
"Who is Maya-san?" The name sounded familiar to Botan, but she could not place her finger on it. Echoing through her mind, the name tried finding its place in Botan's memory. Then the thought struck her. "She hosted that party where we met," Botan gasped. "I remember her name from the invitation. But why would I ever see her again, Kurama?"
"If you're with me, Botan, you'll very likely meet Maya-san one day," Kurama warned, "and when that day comes, I need you to stay away from her. Promise me that you'll do this."
Botan wanted to ask why, but Kurama's eyes told her the reason was a dark secret that needed more time before Kurama revealed it. Smiling and kissing Kurama endearingly, Botan whispered, "I promise."
'Why would Hiei-san feel so lonely?' Yukina sighed as hoed out the obstinate weeds from the flowerbed. The graceful girl carefully made sure she missed the neglected flowers and only pulled the stubborn weed from its firm lodging. 'With what he has, he's far from lonely. Hiei-san has a family, so why does he think he doesn't?'
Yukina, being a member of the school's gardening club, was doing her service hours for that week. Knowing no one thought much of the school's back garden, Yukina had decided to care for that particular garden. She would then get some time to herself, like now, and be outside doing something she enjoyed, such as gardening; but presently, Yukina was thinking more than the flowers.
'Hiei-san frightens other people, but I can see he has a fragile soul,' Yukina thought sadly. 'His soul is morning ice: so beautiful but very cold and delicate. He keeps to himself because he is afraid others will hurt him. Like me, he doesn't want to be hurt; but we both know that a person cannot survive alone.'
"Um, Yukina-senpai?"
Yukina nearly jumped in surprise because of her unexpected guest. "Huh?" Turning around, the second-year student saw Kazuma standing behind her. "Oh, hello, Kuwabara-san. I didn't notice you were standing there. How are you doing today?"
"Uh, I'm doing fine," Kazuma blushed, keeping his hands hidden behind his back. He slightly shuffled his feet. "What about you, Yukina-senpai? Are you all right?"
The young lady flashed her acquaintance a sincere, kind smile. "I'm doing fine as well, Kuwabara-san."
"Are you sure you're feeling all right, Yukina-senpai?" Kazuma questioned a little more seriously. "Lately, you seemed to be very worried and sad. You seem to have a lot on your mind, so much that you haven't smiled this week."
"I guess I do have something on my mind," Yukina admitted shyly, rubbing her nose with her dirty hands. Doing so resulted with a dirt smudge across her nose. "But it's nothing for you to be concerned about, Kuwabara-san. It is trivial matter. But thank you very much, Kuwabara-san, for your concern."
Seeing he could do nothing more, Kazuma brought the flowers from behind his back and handed them gently to the second-year girl. "Well, I hope you that these will help you feel better, Yukina-senpai. And if you need to talk to someone, know that you can trust me with anything." With those words, Kazuma waved good-bye and started his way home.
When he was out of hearing range, Kazuma sighed in disappointment, 'There's always tomorrow to tell her how I feel.'
"Thank you, Kuwabara-san," Yukina smiled softly, watching Kazuma walk off the school grounds.
"Hm, is this the right one?" Jin wondered as he ran up to a tall concrete wall. The chipper lad frowned somewhat at the height of the barrier. After a quick analysis, Jin speedily sprinted towards the wall, leaped from the ground, vaulted from the wall, and gracefully landed on the other side. Facing his defeated foe, the young man smiled at his accomplishment. "Wasn't expecting that behemoth of a wall, but I guess it could be worse. Heh, the good thing is I jumped it without much trouble."
"Jin-san?"
Jin turned around and gasped at the sight of Yukina. She was even prettier the last time he had seen her, even with the dirt smudge across her face. In fact, he thought it made her cuter. "Ah, Yukina-san, you're here."
"Yes, because I go here," Yukina nodded, a little confused by Meiou boy's appearance. "But what are you doing here, Jin-san? What are you doing here all the way in the Sarayashiki district, nevertheless on Sarayashiki school grounds?"
Smiling his trademark toothy grin, Jin replied, "Well, I came to see if you made it home all right from the other day. Hiei had said you did, but I just wanted to be sure for myself. After all, you can never be too sure between our districts."
"That's very kind of you, Jin-san, and as you can seen, I made it home just fine. You shouldn't take such risks," Yukina warned sternly. "If one of my friends were to catch you, Jin-san, you would be in very big trouble."
"I think I'll be fine for now, as long as you keep me a secret," Jin winked playfully, placing his finger over his lips as if shushing Yukina. However, his smile fell a little when he saw the bouquet of flowers in the girl's arms. "Those are lovely flowers, Yukina-san. Where did you get those?"
"Oh, my friend gave them to me," Yukina blushed, lowering the flowers slightly. "He was trying to cheer me up."
Jin frowned at the mention of another boy, but his disdain grew to worry when he processed Yukina's words. "What? Cheer you up? Why? What's wrong, Yukina-san? Are you sad?"
"I'm a little sad," Yukina admitted. "I'm just worried about Hiei-san. He seems lonely and needs company, but he doesn't trust other people too easily or opens up to them. I want to do something for him, Jin-san, but I don't know what I can do."
"I can help you with that, Yukina-san," the spirited lad smiled, taking a pen and a piece of paper from his pocket. He scribbled down some numbers and tore the section off, handing it to Yukina. "Here's Hiei's cell-phone number. Don't lose it and don't let anyone else see it."
"What am I supposed to do with it?" Yukina asked curiously, staring at the number in her hand.
"Why, call the bloke of course!" Jin chuckled, his hands on his hips. "You can call him whenever you think he's lonely or when you're going to visit him. That way, he'll be ready to welcome you and you won't be bothered by any lowlife rascals while visiting Hiei." Giving his index finger a quick lick, Jin rubbed away the dirt smudge on Yukina's nose. He lightly tapped her nose afterwards. "I'm sure you'll make Hiei less lonely; and I hope that'll make you less worried, Yukina-san. Honestly, worrying doesn't suit a lovely lass like you at all."
Yukina blushed at Jin's close proximity and his kind words. Her mind and tongue were so tied, all she could whisper was, "Jin-san."
"Well, I have to go, less I be caught," Jin laughed merrily, starting to run off. "I hope you visit Hiei soon, Yukina-san. I'm very sure Hiei would like it if you did."
"Wait, Jin-san!" Yukina threw her lovely flowers to the ground and quickly rushed to catch up with the Meiou student. At the sound of the girl's voice, Jin stopped in mid-step and returned his attention to Yukina. "I-I would," Yukina stuttered, "I would like to see you again too, Jin-san, if that's all right."
"Me?" Jin blushed as red as his hair. He shuffled his feet, rubbed the back of his head, and shrugged sheepishly. Yukina was quite the surprise. "Um--I-I would like that too, Yukina-san."
Holding out the back of her hand, Yukina asked, "Could you give me your phone number as well, Jin-san?" Nodding and blushing like a madman, Jin took out a pen and delicately inscribed his cell-phone number on the girl's hand. When he was done, Jin stood there for a minute admiring his work. Yukina admired it as well.
"Well, I better leave now or I'll really get in trouble. Call me if you need anything, Yukina-san," Jin said as he sprinted off the school grounds. "I'll come to you in a heartbeat as soon as you do."
'Faster if God would let me.'
"I'll be waiting then," Yukina smiled.
'To see you once more.'