Author's Note: I thank the reviewers for their much-needed support, encouragement, and most importantly, criticism. Thanks to you "What He Said, She Said" continues with one more chapter. I write the chapter and dedicate it to the ones who reviewed.
With that said, couplings are about to be thrown into the air. I hope no one is particuarly fond of a certain couple (excluding Kurama/Botan) and will take the story as it goes. Please review for protests or support.

What He Said, She Said

"Jin!" A scarlet locked young man rushed into the darkened hospital room, his two friends meeting him instantly.

"Kurama, you're here," Touya sighed in relief.

"Jin how is he?" Kurama anxiously questioned. He took a quick glance at his unconscious friend lying in the bed and felt regret. Had Kurama been a better friend, maybe Jin would not be in such condition.

"A little beaten up, but he'll live," Kuronue assured with a firm hand on Kurama's shoulder. He shook his head with worry while fiddling with his pendant. "To think he got lured away by Urameshi's cousin. I've heard rumors about Jin getting together with a Sarayashiki girl, but I never thought he'd pair up with Urameshi's cousin."

"His cousin?" Clenching his fist, Kurama growled, "Jin got hurt because of her?"

'My friend is hurt because of a Sarayashiki wench?'

"Apparently," Kuronue explained with a dark scowl. "Hiei interrogated Rishou's thugs and found out what happened. From what they say, they teamed up against Jin, and then Urameshi saw Rishou beating up on his cousin. Urameshi then entered the fight and beat up every chump there and gave Jin an extra beating." Removing the ruby trinket from around his neck, Kuronue began swinging it side to side from nervous habit. "We entered the scene just as Urameshi made his escape with the girl."

Scene by scene, Kurama could just imagine what had happened. Jin, with his carefree and kind nature, followed the temptress under the pretense she was in need. And just how she lured Jin, the wench had lured in Rishou's band of dogs. Probably for her convenience and entertainment, she pitted the Meiou boys against one another; however, her plan had backfired on her, Rishou taking advantage over her. Luckily for the witch, her cousin had appeared and had punished the innocent along with the wicked. Darkness stirred in Kurama's heart as his rage continued to grow. 'That girl—That girl got Jin hurt.'

"An ungrateful scoundrel, that's what Urameshi is," Touya spat fiercely with his hands crossed in front of him. "And Rishou's followers admitted Jin had been protecting the girl from the gang. Jin didn't deserve anything Urameshi gave him."

"I agree," Kurama murmured coldly, leaving the hospital room without another word.

Touya gave Kuronue a curious glance, frightened by their leader's toneless voice. Sensing his best friend's turmoil and despair, Kuronue earnestly chased after Kurama. He knew Minamino too well to let him go without some words. "Where are you going, Kurama?" he asked carefully while walking down the hallway.

Giving his friend an unreadable glance, he replied neutrally, "I'm going to go blow off some steam."

The dark glint in Kurama's eyes warned Kuronue of the redhead's hidden meaning and chilled his heart. The dark haired boy had known Kurama longer than anyone, even longer than his adopted parents the Minamino's; thus, Kuronue, more than anyone, was aware of the vengeful and violent tendencies of Youko Kurama. Stopping his friend being impossible, Kuronue did the next best thing. "Be careful, Kurama," he warned solemnly, staring deep into Kurama's shadowed verdant eyes. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"That's something funny to hear coming from you, Kuronue," Kurama chuckled darkly. "You've done a lot of things I would never do."

As soon as Kurama entered the elevator and disappeared behind the doors, Kuronue returned to Jin's room with troubled thoughts. He settled into a seat in the corner. 'I know I do crazy things, Kurama,' he thought with a scowl, swaying his necklace and rocking in his chair. 'I do things not a lot of people would do—but I've never killed a person before, Kurama: have never even come close. But you have—you've brought a few close to death, and you're willing to do it again right now.' Brushing a lock of sable from his face, Kuronue habitually swung his favorite pendant from side to side.

The injured Meiou boy began stirring from his unconsciousness, Kuronue and Touya instantly brightening. "Botan-san!" Jin yelled out, rising from his bed. He looked around frantically and searched the room. "Botan-san! Where is she?"

"Calm down, Jin," Touya commanded while holding back his friend. If Jin continued thrashing suddenly, he would find himself face first on the floor! "Who is Botan-san? Is she that girl from earlier?"

"Is she all right?" Jin demanded, grabbing Touya's shirt. He began shaking his friend anxiously. "Please tell me she's all right!"

Kuronue promptly released Touya from Jin's grasp and placed a calm hand on the young man's shoulders. "Jin, calm down. That girl should be all right, Urameshi coming to her rescue and all. Just be glad you're alive." With that said, Kuronue gave Jin a well-deserved slap across the head.

"Ow!"

"Kuronue!" Touya barked in alarm. "What was that for?"

"That was for getting us all worked up, you punk!" Kuronue growled, holding Jin by the front of his pajamas. He shook the first year like a maraca. "Do you have any idea how worried everyone has been about you? Next time, if you're going to go all goo-goo eyes for a girl, make sure she isn't related to Urameshi!"

"But," Jin stammered, feeling his mind grow foggy once more, "But Botan-san—she's important to—" And his sight went black, leaving Kuronue and Touya in the dark.

Sighing tiredly, Yusuke left the 24-hour pharmacy and thanked the woman who ran it. A bag of medication and bandages in hand, the young man made his way towards home where a sore cousin awaited him. He just hoped her injuries and light fever were not paining her too much. "What a bubble brain, getting mixed up with Meiou boys!" he snarled in frustration. "I've told her over a hundred times since she's moved here not to mix up with Meiou kids because their trouble, and look what happens to her!"

'At least the worst didn't happen to her,' Urameshi sighed in some relief. Although he hated to admit, Yusuke knew of worse cases where girls became involved with the district feud. His mother was one prime example; however, she had been the one to terrorize the Meiou boys during her high school days.

'Some job I'm doing taking care of Botan.' Waves of guilt beat against the young man, his mind remembering the vow he had given to his uncle and aunt during his second year of junior high. He squeezed the bag of medication against him, gripping it in fury. 'I promised I would take care of her—I promised them Botan would be safe with me. I told them I would take care of her like I took care of Keiko.'

Yusuke took pride in his vows, for he had never broken one in his entire life. True, he lied, stole, played practical jokes, and had questionable morals; but a promise was a promise, and it was unforgivable to break a single one. His father had broken all and any form of promises, and Yusuke refused to be anything like him. He could not change appearance, but his demeanor and character would be nothing like his father: his mother, Botan, and Keiko depended on that.

"Urameshi Yusuke, we finally meet."

Looking up and staring ahead of him, Yusuke glared at a slender, young man with a fiery red mane and piercing emerald eyes: without a doubt, the infamous Minamino Syuuichi. As much as he wanted it, Yusuke did not have time for a fight, nor did Botan. She suffered from a light fever which could turn serious of he did not get to her immediately. "What are you doing here in our district, Minamino? I would think a famous street fighter as yourself would be hanging out on your side of the city," Yusuke questioned while continuing towards home.

Kurama, frozen in his position, glared at Yusuke with equal fury. "I go wherever I want, Urameshi. And why I'm here has something to do with you."

"Cheh, you mean about earlier today, don't you?" Yusuke smirked, running his free hand though his hair. In about twenty paces, he would be face to face with Kurama. "Look, I didn't start anything with those kids that they didn't ask for. Each of those guys got what they deserve."

"And what did Jin get for protecting your cousin?" Kurama demanded, slowly nearing Yusuke. A deadly glow radiated from his emerald eyes, his entire being emitting a murderous aura.

"Jin?"

"Don't pretend you don't know," the redhead growled, standing only inches away from Yusuke.

"Just get out of my way, Meiou," Yusuke snapped in return. He stepped aside and walked around the belligerent fighter. "I have a curfew tonight and need to be at my place right now. So if you don't mind—" At that moment, Yusuke dodged a blow from Kurama, Minamino grazing Urameshi's left cheek. Silently the Sarayashiki boy cursed, his senses high on alert for another attack. He stuffed the medicine into his jacket pocket. 'Damn, I didn't even see that one coming.'

'He's rather quick,' Kurama assessed, jumping back when Yusuke retaliated with a right straight. The redhead had an easier time evading than Yusuke, being ready for an attack. Fortunately for him, Kurama decided, when he noticed a crack in the cement beneath the Sarayashiki boy's fist. 'I can see why he's known as a demon in both districts. His strength is amazing, and his movements are completely random. I can't figure him out.'

"The redhead first year you beat up," Kurama answered coldly.

'Did I beat up a redhead?' Yusuke thought in panic. He moved back and forth in his positions, knowing Kurama could not see through his antics; but was all he had going for him. As soon as he launched at Kurama for a blow, the Meiou boy would sense it and simply move aside. If only Minamino did not have good reflexes!

"You, Urameshi, are just loose cannon who cannot control any of his power," Kurama sighed, dodging Yusuke's attacks easily. Although furious, Kurama had been in too many fights to lose his cool. In fact, as his fury grew, so did his calm. He found it much easier to destroy the enemy with one blow—but Urameshi Yusuke, with his power, would take probably three blows extra.

"Shut up, pretty boy!" Yusuke angrily spat, dashing towards his opponent for another attack. He let out a barrel of punches, only to have Kurama catch every one. Seeing attacks from above were not working, Yusuke gave two quick high kicks with one kick from below: again, Minamino escaped with ease.

"Why should I when it was you who wrongly injured my friend Jin?" Kurama demanded. He caught Yusuke's fist in his hand once again and threw him over the shoulder. Minamino felt rather disappointed when the dark-haired boy jumped back onto his feet a second later, more than ready for another assault.

"Hey, shut up!" Yusuke shouted as he launched himself at Kurama once more. "That guy got what he deserved, luring a defenseless girl to a bunch of worthless thugs! Actually, he deserved a lot more after what he did!"

"What?" Kurama shouted, his patience tested and temper finally lost. "Jin did not deserve the cruel beating you gave him three days ago! He would never do anything to offend anyone, especially a girl! He didn't deserve to be hospitalized!"

Sidestepping Kurama's last attack, Yusuke growled while counterattacking and nailing his foe in the gut. "Dumb ass! He was molesting my cousin with a bunch of your other school friends! All those jerks deserved what they got!"

"I bet that your bitch of cousin was probably asking for it," Kurama shot back icily. He recovered quickly from Yusuke's blow, returning it with a knee to the face. Urameshi flew back, only stopping when his head hit the lamp pole. Smirking slightly, Kurama felt victory in his hands.

However, he was sorely disappointed when an injured but able Yusuke rose to his feet. The Sarayashiki delinquent trembled angrily while building up his energy for the next round. "NO ONE INSULTS MY COUSIN!" he cried out with all the emotion in him. His final fury unleashed, the young man released a wave of powerful punches. Caught of guard by the sudden eruption of anger and passion, Kurama suffered from several attacks before regaining his bearings. Finally, Urameshi fought for blood; now Kurama could do the same and feel no guilt afterwards.

'Be careful, Kurama,' Kuronue had warned solemnly. 'Don't do anything I wouldn't do.'

'I won't,' the young man smirked foxily, wiping the blood from his face.

Botan groaned painfully while she rose from her bed, detesting the stickiness of her clothes and hair with her sweat: all results from her growing fever. Although her cuts still stung and her head ached, she rolled out of her bed and slowly made her way downstairs. She worried for Yusuke, her cousin being gone for more than an hour. 'He said he was going to the pharmacy and promised he would be right back,' she bit her lip anxiously. 'Yusuke should have been here thirty minutes ago.' Her cousin was known to digress and temporarily forget, but he had solemnly promised her he would return shortly.

"Something has happened to him," Botan muttered fearfully, her breathing growing heavy. She took a seat on the couch before she collapsed from her feverish daze. Staring out of the darkened windows, she prayed for Yusuke's safety and return. The nights on the streets were dangerous, and with the new development between Meiou and Sarayashiki, conditions would only grow worse. 'Please be all right, Yusuke. Please be safe.'

BANG! THUD!

Botan shrieked and jumped in fear.

Thud. Thud.

The noise came from the front door. Her nerves winding down, Botan began making sense of the noise. What if it was Yusuke? But why did he not open the door? He had a key, and—A frightening thought dawned upon the teenage girl while she scrambled for the door. She fought back her tears when she found her cousin lying at the doorstep bloody and bruised. "Yusuke, what happened?" Botan gasped, grabbing the young man and helping him into their home. "Oh, Yusuke, are you all right?"

With some difficulty, the two cousins struggled to the couch. Once the young man rested against the furniture, Botan rose to her feet and raced towards the kitchen, returning with a bowl of warm water, a towel, some cotton swabs, and a bottle of painkillers. "Yusuke," Botan cooed gently, washing away dirt and blood from his face, "can you tell me what happened?"

While trying to reply, Yusuke coughed up a little more blood, sending the young lady in further panic. Before she could run to get more supplies, the dark haired lad pulled the girl down on her bottom and shoved a beaten package into her arms. "First, you take your medicine and treat your cuts," Yusuke firmly ordered. He took out some antibiotic cream from the bag and started applying it to Botan's face. "After you're done taking care of yourself, then you can take care of me." More blood spurted from Yusuke.

"But Yusuke—"

"No," he silenced with a heated glare. "I've been in worse condition than this, Botan, and you know it. Don't worry. Just take care of your fever and cuts, and I'll answer your questions." Nodding in understanding, the sky haired girl quickly obeyed her cousin and treated her cuts, bruises and fever, immediately treating her cousin afterwards. And true to his word, Yusuke answered Botan's questions while she administered him.

"Ugh, I met Minamino while walking back home. The stupid bastard, don't know why he was in Sarayashiki territory," Yusuke spat as he massaged his wounds and knots. "He kept going on and on about me injuring a redhead named Jin—and I didn't even touch him. You made sure about that, if I remember correctly."

"What? You fought with Minamino Syuuichi?" Botan gasped as she paled. Her hand began trembling, so much she could not continue applying medicine to Yusuke's cuts and scrapes.

'He fought with Kurama. Kurama and Yusuke fought each other—they fought each other, willing to hurt the one another.'

Noticing her shaking, the young man placed a calm hand over Botan's. He misunderstood his cousin's fears and patted her hands fondly. "Don't worry—I'm alive, aren't I? Besides, I couldn't let him go with a fight anyway," Yusuke huffed with a dark glare. "The idiot was saying bad things about you so I had no choice but to try and beat him."

"Yusuke, was the fight really bad?" Botan asked with a shaky voice. Her amethyst eyes were lined with beady tears, her cheeks already rosy with emotion.

"It wasn't anything I couldn't handle," Yusuke assured, pulling his kin into a comforting hug. Patting and making circles on her back, he cooed and murmured sweet drabble like he had done when they were children. "I'm just glad, Botan, that you're safe and with me."

And Yusuke's words answered Botan's questions and ignited her fears.

The battle had been ferocious and merciless.

Ring. Ring.

"Hello?"

"Jin-san, how are you doing?" Yukina hurriedly asked with a sigh of relief. Her nerves had been strained for two days, uneasy about Jin and Botan's meeting. She had received no word from either and had decided to discover Jin's wellbeing on her own terms. So, Yukina had called him on his cell, which he thankfully answered. "You haven't called, and I was beginning to—"

"Oh, I'm sorry," a gentle voice replied. Some scrambling was heard while Yukina waited for an explanation. "According to the caller I.D, you're Shinobi-san's girlfriend, yes? I'm sorry but Shinobi-san can't answer his phone right now. The hospital has a policy of no cells in the rooms, and—"

Yukina jumped to her feet with the sudden news. "Jin-san is in the hospital? Which hospital? Where?" she demanded without pause. The doctor, hearing the concern in her voice, gladly gave the young lady the information she desired and told her she would be free to visit as soon as she arrived.

Hastily Yukina changed into civilian clothing and prepared to embark to the hospital. Donning her precious necklace, packing her cell-phone, and grabbing her jacket, young Koorime rushed from her apartment, only to collide face first into a taller young man. She stared down at Kuwabara Kazuma lying on the ground. "K-Kuwabara-san! What are you d-doing here?" she stuttered while standing on her feet and helping the young man up.

'Why is he here?'

Blushing sheepishly, Kazuma answered with a grin, "Well, today is Sunday, and I just thought you would want to go out instead of sitting around all day. I heard a good band is doing a secret concert at the park, and thought you might like that since they're from your hometown."

"That's very thoughtful of you, Kuwabara-san," Yukina pinked, bowing to the underclassman. She bit her lip apprehensively, the image of a hurt Jin flashing through her thoughts. Was he well? Was it serious or was she jumping to conclusions? 'Did he get hurt while protecting Botan? Or—or maybe he was caught while trying to visit me?' Guilt eagerly gnawed at the young lady.

Kazuma's grin fell when he heard the anxiety in his maiden's voice and noticed her troubled expression. The emotion was very slight, but he could feel it nevertheless. "Is there something wrong, Yukina-senpai?"

'Why are you hurting like this? Why won't you smile?'

"My friend is in the hospital right now, and I was going to visit him," Yukina answered truthfully. Oddly, tears welled up in her eyes, and her heart thumped unevenly with fear. "I'm very worried about him, Kuwabara-san. It's so sudden and unexpected, so I'm scared something serious has happened."

The orange-haired young man ached seeing the sorrow in the girl's ruby pools. He felt his heart twist in agony while Yukina suffered for her friend. His love for her only grew, seeing her compassion for a loved one. "I understand, Yukina-senpai." Grabbing the second-year's hand, Kazuma pulled her into the elevator, rushed her out once they hit the bottom, and flagged down a cab.

"What are you doing, Kuwabara-san?" Yukina questioned curiously while wiping away some of her tears.

"Visiting your friend, of course," he replied, ushering the petite lady into the cab. He followed her afterwards and had Yukina give the driver directions. With urgency in his voice, Kuwabara ordered the driver to quickly reach the hospital, saying it was a matter of great importance. For fifteen minutes they drove silently, Yukina unable to think of anything to say to Kazuma. She was struck speechless when he paid the driver once they reached the hospital.

"Kuwabara-san, you really don't need to do this for me," Yukina blushed as she entered the large medical facility. "Please, at least allow me to repay you for the taxi." Reaching the receptionist's desk, she asked for directions to Jin's number.

"No, you don't need to. It's all right, I really don't mind, Yukina-senpai," Kazuma replied nobly while helping her search for the room. "Besides, I'll do anything to make you smile."

Struck speechless for a second time, Yukina continued searching for the specific room number, minutes later finding it. She humbly thanked Kazuma for all he had done and invited him to visit her friend; however, the young man politely declined. "I'm sure you need to be alone with him for a moment," Kazuma grinned while waving good-bye. "Just wish him well for me, Yukina-senpai. I hope he's all right and will get better, for your sake."

'A woman like you should smile every moment of the day.'

"Thank you for everything, Kuwabara-san," Yukina blushed as she entered Jin's room.

When the young lady was out of sight, Kazuma let out a dejected sigh and entered the elevator. Pushing his floor button, he leaned against the wall and bowed his head hopelessly. "Another chance lost, eh, love?" he murmured beneath his breath. With a wry smile, he chuckled half-heartedly, "Maybe next time."

"Yukina-san?"

Yukina's heart leaped when she recognized the lively, young voice. A smile lit her face while she eagerly moved to the youth's side. "Jin-san."

"Yukina-san, this really is a surprise," Jin yawned, awakening from an afternoon nap. He carefully rubbed his eyes, not wanting to pressure his tender bruises, and smiled at his guest. "What are you doing here?"

"That's what I want to ask you," the young lady scolded, taking a seat by the patient's bed. Gently grabbing Jin's bandaged hand, Yukina laid her head on it with tears brimming her ruby eyes. "How in the world did you get into the hospital, Jin-san? Did something happen while you were with Botan-chan?"

"Eh, about that," Jin laughed nervously, throwing his uninjured arm behind his head. He wanted to laugh away Yukina's fears but found it rather difficult to do so. Looking down at the concerned girl, he fondly petted her sea-foam locks to ease her worries. "We were ambushed by some gangsters from Meiou High, but in the end, Urameshi rescued our hides."

"Did Yusuke-san do this to you then?" Yukina inquired in alarm, coming nose to nose with Jin.

"Ah, no, he didn't," Jin blushed, highly aware of the closeness between him and Yukina. If either moved an inch closer, they could—"I got all these bruises and scrapes from Rishou's lot. If I had a fight with Urameshi, I would be in my grave, no doubt." The lad's fiery brows furrowed as an abrupt thought struck him. "Yusuke-san? Wait, you know Urameshi, Yukina-san?"

"Yes," she nodded curiously. "He's a first year and a friend of mine."

"First year?" The way Yukina had said "first year" ruffled Jin's mind.

"I'm a second year at Sarayashiki."

Comprehension set in while the young man's mind went back to past encounters. He remembered the times he had overheard Yukina and Kuwabara's conversations, the carrot-top always referring the lady as his upperclassman. 'That's why Kuwabara keeps calling her senpai: she's one year ahead of him and me. Damn, of all the luck—I'm in love with an older woman. And all this time, I should have been doing the same as Kuwabara!'

"Is there something wrong, Jin-san?" Yukina questioned. She held Jin's hand in hers as if it were her lifeline. The young man's silence made her nervous, and she feared she had somehow offended him. Was he upset she knew Yusuke and was his friend?

"N-Nothing, Yukina-s-senpai," he stuttered, the formality uneasy on his tongue.

Yukina instantly recognized the change and frowned. An unexpected rift had come between her and her friend, and it was rather displeasing. "Jin-san, why are you suddenly calling me sempai?"

"You're my superior," he answered flatly. "I should give you proper respect."

"But you don't call Hiei-san senpai, so don't do the same for me," the young lady protested in return. An idea entered her brain when she thought of the dark-haired lad. "In fact, do as you do with Hiei-san. Just call me by my name. Likewise, just call me by my name."

"But Yukina-senpai—"

"That's shouldn't be too difficult, right? Is it all right with you, Jin?" Yukina grinned.

Ten different shades of red, Jin stammered shyly, "N-no, it isn't, Y-Y-Yukina."

As much as he hated to do it, Yusuke attended school, even if his wounds were not fully healed. Surprising Kazuma and Koenma, young Urameshi mainly went to the "hellhole" (as he fondly called it) to assure Keiko and Botan of his fine health. He did, however, force Botan to stay home, her fever still a threat to her health. Fortunately, Atsuko made herself available and attended to her niece's needs during the school day, putting Yusuke and the others' worries about Botan to rest. If only anxieties about Minamino Syuuichi and any other vengeful Meiou fighters could be laid to rest.

"I'm sorry, Yuu-chan, for not stopping Botan-chan," Keiko apologized during lunch that day. Her eyes downcast, she frowned shamefully for her friend and boyfriend's fates. "If I had known, I would have stopped Botan-chan and kept her from even getting near those Meiou boys."

"It's not your fault, and you would've never known," Yusuke assured, wrapping a comforting arm around her shoulders. "It's okay, Keiko-chan."

"Are you sure you're all right, Urameshi?" Kazuma asked cautiously, picking away at his lunch.

"I'm fine."

Keiko bit her lip at her loved one's reply, knowing too well the truth. 'Physically you're fine, Yusuke, but deep inside your heart, you're hurt and beaten. You're scared, aren't you? You're scared that you can't protect Botan-chan anymore, that you can't protect all of us.' She involuntarily grabbed Yusuke's arm and hugged it endearingly.

Yusuke's mahogany eyes softened at his girlfriend's action, knowing the thoughts behind it. "Keiko."

"So, how's your friend doing, Yukina-senpai?" Kazuma questioned, changing the subject. He could feel Yusuke and Keiko's emotions strung and strained and did not wish their relationship to be the same.

"Oh, he's doing fine," Yukina replied with a small smile. Changing the subject was a wise move on Kazuma's part. "The doctor says he'll make a full recovery and will be able to leave in a matter of days."

Nodding in approval, Kazuma nodded with a smile, "That's good to hear."

And for the very first time, Yukina noticed the soft look Kazuma gave her. His homely but kind face warmed her heart while she realized his concern was honest and sincere. 'He doesn't even know Jin, but he feels sympathetic anyway. He actually cares what happens to Jin.' A sudden conflict of emotion rose in Yukina, her heart divided by her feelings for Jin and the awareness of Kazuma's kindness.

"I assume you heard what happened to Botan-san?" Two young people sat at a table for two in an elegant restaurant, filled with similar people of their status. A finely dressed lad stared intently at his associate.

"Yes," a feminine voice replied, full of worry. A small glass of wine settled onto the dining table, a slender hand resting beside it. "And you have probably heard what has happened between Kurama-san and Yusuke-san, yes?"

A young man with short chestnut locks sighed hopelessly and temporarily abandoned his food. "Not only did I hear about it, I saw the wounds Minamino gave Yusuke-san. Like the rest of the district, I'm scared stiff of Minamino right now." Taking a look at city's night skyline, he murmured, "No one, in the history of our district, has defeated Yusuke-san in that manner. And everyone's fear isn't surprising, Yusuke-san being the strongest in Sarayashiki. I have no doubts Minamino did not leave the battle unscathed."

"You're right, he didn't. Everyone was in an uproar when they saw what had happened to Kurama-san." The lad's dining partner stared at the twinkling city lights as well, shaking her head with all the talk of violence. "Botan-chan came by my house this afternoon, asking for Kurama-san's address."

"What?" the reclining teen jumped from his seat. "Don't tell me you gave it to her!"

"Should I not have?"

Slapping a hand on his forehead, the young man groaned, "Botan-san shouldn't even be out of bed, nevertheless going into Meiou territory and visiting Minamino! From what I learned this morning, she was bedridden from a fever and wouldn't be better for another day or two."

"She was very desperate," the lady defended, tucking long black strands behind her ear. "And worried—I thought it would be best if she saw Kurama-san herself instead of hearing anything from me."

Taking his girlfriend's hand and kissing it affectionately, he assured, "You did right by guiding Botan-san. I'm just afraid of what this new conflict will do to our plans. If the tension between Meiou and Sarayashiki continues, everything we've strived for the last five years will be for nothing."

"I know."

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Just a moment, just a moment." Shiori's eyes went wide with surprise by a young lady's appearance at her door. "Botan-chan? What an unexpected surprise." The older woman tensed when she noticed the younger girl's scrapes and reddened face. Hurriedly, she ushered the high school girl into her home, seated her, and fetched some aspirin.

"Thank you very much, Shiori-san," Botan murmured, taking a gulp of cool water and two pills. Feeling somewhat relieved from her illness, she then inquired, "Is Syuuichi-kun home?"

"He's out right now with some friends," Shiori explained, watching her son's girlfriend rather carefully. "He should be back shortly."

"I see."

Placing a hand on Botan's forehead, the mother asked quietly, "Are you feeling all right? You look like you're running a fever." She placed her cooler hand all over the girl's face, giving the younger woman some comfort. "What happened to you, Botan-chan?"

"Eh." Blushing from embarrassment and remembering her beaten appearance, she sheepishly explained, "There was a street fight some days ago near my home, and I accidentally got involved. I have a small headache, but it should go away in a little while."

"Oh, dear," Shiori gasped sympathetically. She cupped Botan's cheek endearingly, reminding the teen of her own mother in a distant town. "First Jin-kun, then Syuuichi-kun, and now you. I wish there weren't as many street fights as there were. When Syuuichi-kun came back home a few days ago with all these scrapes and bruises, I thought I was going to have a heart attack."

Fear struck Botan's heart. Seeing Yusuke's injuries, she knew the fight had been ferocious, but she had forgotten Kurama's likeliness of injury. Her cousin had never lost a battle without some small consolation. "Syuuichi-kun was hurt?"

"Not so much he needed to go to the hospital, thank God for that," Shiori sighed with a shake of her head. "But how he got hurt still disturbs me. Kuronue-kun and Hiei-kun won't tell me anything Syuuichi-kun hasn't, and Jin-kun still in the hospital."

A pang of guilt struck Botan. "Jin-san's injuries were that serious?" Looking away from Kurama's mother, Botan muttered shyly, "Shiori-san, I want to thank you for all that you've done for me. We've only known each other for a short time, but you instantly took me in when Syuuichi-kun introduced me. I want to thank you for your relentless kindness, Shiori-san."

"It's not hard loving and being kind to someone like you, Botan-chan," Shiori chuckled, patting the sky haired one fondly on her head. "I'm just pleased Syuuichi-kun picked a woman like yourself. He couldn't have done better, falling in love with someone like you."

Tears welled up in Botan's eyes while she tried controlling her sudden emotions. "No," she cried into her hands, "he could have done much better! He should have loved anyone else but me."

Shiori regarded the young lady with surprise and concern. "Botan-chan—"

"Okaa-san, I'm home."

Immediately recognizing the voice, Shiori remained seated for a moment, trying to solve the hidden meanings behind Botan's words. Something was very different with her, and it was not her illness or injuries. How could Shiori somehow make the younger woman reveal the aches in her heart? How could the mother make Botan confide in her?

"Okaa-san? Okaa-san, are you here?"

"Wait here, Botan-chan," the mother instructed quietly. Rising to her feet, Shiori greeted her son at the door. "Syuuichi-kun, you have a visitor waiting for you in the living room."

"A visitor? Who—Botan!" Kurama froze in surprise, shocked by the girl's tears and bandages. "Botan, what's wrong?" He turned to his mother and questioned worriedly, "Why is she crying, Okaa-san? Has something happened?"

Shaking her head, Shiori made no reply and left the couple alone in the living room. Whatever Botan had come to say was meant for Syuuichi's ears alone; whatever she needed to say was meant for them to solve together.

"Botan, what's wrong?" Kurama asked again when they were alone. He traced the side of her face lovingly. He kissed her hands gently and cupped her chin to face him. The young man's heart broke when he saw the girl's tears.

"Kurama," Botan whispered through her sobs. Taking his hands in hers, she held them against her like a lifeline. "Kurama, I was so worried about you."

"Me?" Taking a full measure of Botan's injuries, he replied, "I should be worried about you. What happened to you? How—Why are you hurt like this?" His fingers grazed a sealed cut on her cheek, causing the girl to flinch involuntarily.

Pushing herself away from Kurama's touch, Botan murmured softly, "I was attacked by some Meiou boys."

At her words Kurama's blood began boiling, his hand curling into a tight fist. "Who? Who touched you?"

"It doesn't matter now."

"Who did it?" Kurama muttered quietly, shocked now by Botan's reluctance for revenge. He loved her sweetness, only fueling his rage towards her attackers. He would make them pay.

"Kurama, that doesn't matter now," Botan repeated, placing her gentle hands on Kurama's fists. She did not look into his face, knowing if she did she would fail; she would fail to save Kurama and herself. 'I don't want to hurt anyone anymore.'

Noticing Botan's lack of eye contact, Kurama shifted himself and tried catching her eyes. "What happened?" he asked again, his voice quiet and soft. He regarded her with tender emotion, wondering why she suffered needlessly. He was there for Botan, there to listen to her problems and fears, there to make them disappear. Why did she hesitate to tell him?

"Kurama, we can't see each other anymore."

Dumbstruck, Kurama stared at the young woman in front of him in confusion. Where had THAT come from? "Botan—"

She gave him a brisk, polite bow while muttering, "I'm very sorry, Kurama, for the trouble I've caused you. I wish you happiness." Turning away and without a second glance, she moved towards the door.

"Wait." Kurama grabbed her wrist and forced her to face him. "What do you mean trouble you caused? And how am I supposed to be happy without you? Don't I get an explanation? What's wrong with you, Botan? Why the sudden decision?"

The young man would have questioned her further, but Botan began trembling in his hands. Why was it so hard for her to say her feelings outright? Why could she not leave him without hesitation? Why did he have to ask? 'If only he weren't stronger, I could just leave—but even then, I couldn't. Kurama, please forgive me.'

"Why did you confront Yusuke?" Botan sobbed, her tears pouring down her face. "Why did you have to fight him?" Kurama said nothing as he stared at the girl in shock. Yusuke? Was Botan crying for Urameshi? But why did she cry for him?

"Wasn't it enough when Jin-san was hurt?" the girl whimpered. She remembered how battered and beaten the young man had looked during the fight with Rishou. She could see Jin's grateful expression when he saw she had been safe. Botan then remembered Yusuke, her protector for about two years now. She recalled all the sacrifices he made for her, all the things he begrudgingly did for her sake. "Why did Yusuke have to get hurt too?"

"Urameshi got what he deserved, after what he did to Jin," Kurama calmly answered. Talking of the incident irritated him to no end, and hearing Botan cry for the insolent brute grated him further. "Besides, you know what kind of reputation he has. I would think you would stand up for Jin, even if Urameshi came from Sarayashiki. That bastard received his just reward."

SLAP!

"No, Yusuke didn't get what he deserved!" Botan shouted without regret. "Yusuke didn't deserve that at all! He wasn't even the one who hurt Jin-san! It was all of the other Meiou students' faults!"

"Why are you standing up for Urameshi?" Kurama demanded, ignoring his stinging cheek. A woman had never struck him before, and if she were to continue unharmed, she better had a good reason.

Botan could see the fury in Kurama's icy green orbs, but she was not afraid. She had dated a far eviler man that Kurama and had felt his wrath many times before. She would not back down. "Why shouldn't I stand up for my innocent cousin, Kurama?"

"Your cousin?" Kurama felt numb all over, a mental ton of bricks slamming against his mind. Had he heard right? Did Botan just say—"Botan, did you just say Urameshi was your cousin?"

"Yes! Didn't I tell you that I knew Yusuke?" she said in a frenzy manner. "Why do you think I didn't want you to come near my house, Kurama? Why do you think I had you promise not to get caught or to get in trouble in our district? I live with the Urameshi Yusuke."

"Botan—"

"You hurt him, Kurama, and you hurt me," Botan cried, finally able to wrench her wrist from Kurama's limp hold. "And now, I don't think I'll ever see you again, Kurama." And without a final farewell or good-bye, Hanasaki Botan left the Minamino residence without her fury and half of her heart.