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What He Said, She Said
Voices rumbled and murmured mysteriously through her mind, darkness overwhelming her sight. What had happened? Was she alive or dead? Was the monster still with her? But—one voice she did recognize, one from her childhood. Slowly fluttering her amethyst eyes open, Botan croaked hoarsely, "Y-Yusuke?"
In a heartbeat, the cousin was by her side, holding her hand securely. "You're awake," Yusuke sighed, a small smile lighting his face. "Wow, you scared me there, Botan."
"Where am I?" Botan wondered, trying to sit up.
"You're back in your room," Yusuke answered immediately, removing the wet cloth from Botan's forehead. He offered her a glass of water to dampen her throat, which she took gratefully.
After some gulps of water and a solid breath of air, Botan observed her surroundings and asked, "How did I get home? And how long have I been out?"
"Genkai-senpai brought you back home, and you've been out for nearly a week." His body trembling, Yusuke tried holding back his bottled emotions; but he was not the type that had much self-control. "You've been out nearly a week and me worried half to death! Damn it, Botan, you do this sort of thing to me again and I'll kill you, got that? You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
The teenage girl gave her cousin a sheepish smile while giving him a hug. "Aw, I'm sorry, Yusuke. It's okay, you don't have to be upset anymore," she cooed like a mother to her whining child.
"I'm not upset," he replied childishly, wiping one tear from his eye. "I just have something in my eye, that's all. And you better be sorry for what you did."
"Is Botan-chan awake?" Keiko demanded as she entered the room with a tray full of food. "She better be awake, or else you're in big trouble, Urameshi Yusuke, yelling like that while someone's trying to sleep!" She grinned joyously when she saw her friend conscious and sitting up in her bed. "It's nice to see you back in the realm of the living, Botan-chan."
"And it's nice to see you too, Keiko-chan." Looking down at the food and tea, the sky-haired girl's stomach growled aggressively. Without another word, she gobbled down a hot pot sticker and took a large gulp of the fragrant tea. "Food: there is no other wonder in the world like it! Ah, the tea tastes wonderful!" Botan sighed happily. Her body agreed to the nourishment. "What kind of tea is this, Keiko-chan?"
"I actually don't know," the brunette giggled sheepishly. "You'll have ask Minamino-san on his next visit. It's his own recipe, he says. He made it from the herbs in his homegrown garden."
"Minamino-san?" Botan repeated faintly. She looked at Yusuke uncertainly. "Kurama was here?"
"Yeah, I was going to tell you," Yusuke mumbled. He did not feel right talking about such matters right now, especially when Botan had just awakened. But Botan could not run from her pain anymore, and she would eventually have to face the ordeal. "That day, when Karasu attacked you, Kitajima Maya saw you. She found Minamino, Shinomori, and Jaganshi, and Minamino is the one who rescued you. Genkai-senpai ran into them and brought them here. While Genkai-senpai treated you, Minamino and Shinomori told me what happened."
"Minamino-san visited a few times while you were still sleeping," Keiko continued softly. She felt awkward talking to Botan about her ex-boyfriend, but it could not be helped. "He sat with you for hours during each visit and left the tea for you. He said it would make your injuries heal quickly."
Soaking in Keiko's words, Botan could imagine her gentle Kurama sitting by her bed, looking at her with the same kindness he had always shown her. Even all he that had gone through for her, he would still treat her kindly. "He's too kind to me," she sniffled, fighting back her hot tears. She stuffed another pot sticker in her mouth, hoping it would help cease her crying. "Why does he always have to protect me? Why can't I do anything for him? Even when we're not together, he's always watching over me." Keiko gave her friend a small hug, trying her best to comfort Botan.
"Argh, I can't take it anymore!" Yusuke yelled, standing upright from his seat and knocking it backwards. Keiko and Botan stared at him in surprise, Hanasaki's tears coming to a halt. "The two of you make me sick, you know that? You both totally love each other and want the other happy but make such dumb mistakes!"
A blush brightened Botan's cheeks while she made an effort to protest. How dare her cousin say that when he and Keiko made dumb mistakes, quarreling most of their time together! "Yusuke—"
"If you really love each other then stay with each other! Don't care about what other people think or do!" Yusuke shouted, cutting Botan off. "The point about being with each other is trying to stay together, through thick or thin. Wishing the other happiness while walking out the door is no way to stay together!"
Botan ceased her protesting while Yusuke's words slowly entered her heart. She suddenly felt guilty, realizing how cruel she had been to Kurama during their break up. Ironically, Yusuke had been talking about Kurama and how he had left Botan. He had no idea about Botan's farewell to her boyfriend. "Yusuke, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"Ahem," someone coughed abruptly. Keiko, Yusuke, and Botan stared at the Daioh Koenma in surprise. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked carefully.
"Sorry if we're intruding," Ayame apologized, appearing by Koenma's side. Urameshi and his girlfriend stared in awe at the Meiou beauty. "The door downstairs was open, so we let ourselves in." Seeing her friend in bed, Ayame ran to Botan and embraced her. "Botan-chan, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for all of this."
Botan stared down at her friend in confusion, patting Ayame's back to comfort her. "It's all right, Ayame 'nee-chan. You didn't do anything wrong."
Koenma, walking to the bedside, looked at Botan with deep concern. "Are you all right, Botan-san?"
The first year looked up in surprise at her upperclassman. "Oh, yes, I'm all right, Koenma-senpai."
The young millionaire frowned at his friend's shaky answer. "I'm sorry as well, Botan-san, for putting you in such danger. I should have protected you better than I had, but I never expected things to go this far. Botan-san, I know it seems like a bad moment, but I have something important to tell you," Koenma blushed.
Utterly confused by Ayame and Koenma's sudden actions, Botan gave her two older friends curious glances. What was going on? What in the world were Koenma and Ayame trying to say? "Huh? Whatever are you talking about, Koenma-senpai?"
"I have all of these secrets I have should told you, Botan-san, and I've held them inside of me for a very long time," the young man sighed helplessly. "I've just always been too afraid to share them. Maybe if I had explained things sooner and taken better care of you, thing wouldn't have turned out as bad as they have." He stopped and stared at his hands, ashamed of what had happened. Afraid her boyfriend would lose his nerve, Ayame nudged Koenma forward, urging him to continue the explanation.
"You can do it, Koenma."
"No, I can't."
"What in the world are you spouting? Just tell us already!" Yusuke snapped impatiently. His mahogany eyes afire, he huffed angrily while waiting for Koenma's explanation.
The brunette boy mumbled, "I'm a descendant of the Sarayashiki Clan."
"And I'm a descendant of the Meiou Clan," Ayame murmured after him.
Three minds were stunned. "What?"
"Before you say anything else," Koenma sighed, raising one hand, "please let me tell the entire story. Yes, Ayame and I are related to Meiou and Sarayashiki, even if our surnames are different now. But that doesn't matter, because our family members still feud with one another to this day.
"I first met Ayame during my first year in junior high. We instantly recognized each other because our families had made it a point to know who our 'enemies' were; however, Ayame and I met under peaceful terms. After talking and getting to know each other, we decided to end the pointless feud between our families and make peace between the two districts. Immediately we used our connections to research about our families and secretly initiated plans that would unite Meiou and Sarayashiki."
Ayame then took over the storytelling. "Around our third year of junior high, Botan-chan moved into the Sarayashiki district. Her mother was an old family friend, and I knew in detail about Botan-chan's personality and situation. She moved in just about when Kurama-san and Maya-san broke up. I thought it was Fate's doing, a divine sign, so Koenma and I tried bringing Kurama-san and Botan-chan together."
'That explains a lot of things,' Urameshi thought as he listened to every word. Looking back, Ayame's associations and dating hints to Botan had been ambiguous, but now they made complete sense. What upset him was that Koenma and Ayame had been aware of the danger they had placed Botan in—they had known the risks while they placed his cousin in Meiou's hands. "Then why didn't you get them together sooner?" Yusuke demanded, trying to hold back his temper. Questions first, punishment later.
"Well, knowing about Botan-san's situation back in her hometown," Koenma smiled nervously, "we thought it better if she were in high school for us to begin our plan. Even if Minamino was only one year older than Botan-san, it just seemed better to wait." He recognized the violent glint in Yusuke's eyes and expected some retribution from his side. Koenma had hoped to escape such an encounter; he really hated pain.
"Koenma-senpai, you knew what happened three years ago?" Botan whispered quietly, wondering exactly how much her superior knew about her past.
"Well, yes. Your mother has many connections, Botan-san. In fact, your mother is very good friends with Okaa-san. We were instructed to keep an eye on you while you lived here." Observing Botan, he pitied her embarrassment. He knew quite well she had wanted to keep her past from as many people as she could. "But," Koenma added in comfort, "only Okaa-san, myself, Ayame-san, and her mother know about your situation, Botan-san. Anyone else who knows are those closest to you."
His arms crossed and eyes furrowed, Yusuke growled from his seat, "Okay, you explained your apology. And personally, I don't want to accept it, but that's Botan's choice."
"Yusuke!" Keiko scolded.
"But," he continued, "what I really want to know is how this damn feud started in the first place? If it weren't for the feud, Botan and Minamino wouldn't have had as many problems as they had. Honestly, what reason was so big to have two families, not to mention two districts, fight for hundreds of years?"
Koenma and Ayame looked away from everyone then, pink hinted on their cheeks. Keiko, Yusuke, and Botan narrowed their eyes suspiciously and glowered at the two wealthy second-years. "What are you not telling us?"
"We can't tell you."
"Why not?" the three chorused in unison.
"It's too shameful."
"It's just plain embarrassing, that's why!" Koenma fussed.
"Just tell us what it is!"
A long moment of silence passed between the five teenagers, none willing to speak. Yusuke continued glaring, while Botan and Keiko shot pleading expressions at Koenma and Ayame. In the end, one combated the awkward silence. "It was a stupid fight!" Koenma burst in a tantrum. "It was a stupid fight involving stupid people with stupid ideas!"
"Huh?"
Ayame placed a calming hand on Koenma's shoulder and continued for him. "I guess it is proper that we explain. According to our research, centuries ago my ancestor wanted to marry Koenma's ancestor. Many approved of the match, since if the two married, the two clans would finally merge and become all-powerful. The only problem was the head of the Sarayashiki Clan's son, the Sarayashiki prince. He—"
"—Was a complete, mindless idiot," Koenma cut in. "He was the princess' older brother and told Meiou to forget about marrying his sister because of one hot spring accident."
"Hot spring accident?" the curious three repeated.
The dark-haired girl nodded with a woeful expression. "An assassin had snuck onto Meiou grounds, trying to kill my ancestor for a rival clan's honor. The Meiou prince foolishly followed his attacker to the rooftops and through the trees. When he engaged with the assassin in the trees, he lost his balance and fell into the hot springs below."
"And it just so happened," Koenma muttered while clapping a hand to his forehead, "that he fell into the WOMEN'S bath."
Yusuke, Keiko, and Botan's eyes grew large in disbelief.
"So rumors began spreading," Ayame sighed in shame. Her cheeks were beet red, her mind rambling and ranting at the foolishness of her forefather. "Because of that one moment, my ancestor, the great Prince of Meiou, was known as a lecherous old man and was forbidden from marrying the Sarayashiki princess."
"Which makes absolutely no sense!" Koenma remarked with an angry huff. "The Sarayashiki prince was with the Meiou prince throughout the entire hot spring fiasco! And what was even stupider were the clan members, blowing up the argument out of proportions."
"That would explain the story about the Meiou prince trying to drown the Sarayashiki princess," Ayame explained. "It was a twisted, misunderstood version of the truth. Actually, all the stories the two clans have passed down are all lies as well. I'm so embarrassed by my family."
"At least the Meiou prince had brains and beauty. He later became a trusted advisor for the Emperor," Koenma groaned. "My no good ancestor had a handsome face and no gray matter whatsoever."
Yusuke, Keiko, and Botan stared at the two in utter disbelief.
The secret of the centuries-old feud had been revealed.
Humming an old song from her hometown, Yukina sat in front of her vanity and prepared to meet Jin at the hospital. After today, the young man would be released from the hospital, and he had promised to tell her something today. 'I have something important to tell you, Yukina,' he had muttered with a deep blush. 'But I can't tell you today. Tomorrow, when you come to visit, I'll tell you then.'
"I wonder what Jin has to tell me?" the sea-foam locked girl giggled. Her cheeks warmed at the possibilities and the likeliness of what Jin's words would be. Maybe his and her feelings would be truly recognized, and they would become something more than just close friends.
'But what about Kuwabara-san?' A guilty sensation nestled itself in Yukina's stomach, reminding her of the younger boy's infatuation with her. But deep inside, Koorime knew Kazuma's feelings were rooted deeper than just a simple infatuation. The way he looked at her and treated her, spoke to her: everything he did for her declared his unsaid emotions. But what could she do about it? 'Nothing, until he confesses his true feelings,' Yukina sighed despondently. 'But when he does, what will I say?'
How did she truly feel about Kuwabara Kazuma?
Ding. Dong.
"Guests?" Rising from her seat, Yukina exited her bedroom and moved to her door in puzzlement. She had not been expecting any visitors; and at a time like this, she knew no one who could visit. Yusuke and Keiko remained by Botan's side, caring for her and waiting for her to regain consciousness; Kazuma and his gang endlessly patrolled Sarayashiki territory that Yusuke had left unguarded; Shizuru was busy at work; and Jin remained at the hospital. So who would visit her now?
"Hello?" she whispered tentatively as she opened her door. "May I help you?"
"Did I come at a bad time, Yukina-san?" Hiei asked with a curious face, peeking through the crack.
Her face brightening instantly, Yukina swung open the door and cheerily welcomed her foster brother. "No, no, not at all Hiei-san! It's a surprise you're here, but please, come in."
"I brought a friend as well," Hiei commented, motioning to the stylish young lady beside him. "Yukina-san, I would like you to meet Akiyuki Mukuro. She's a classmate and a business associate of mine."
"It's nice to finally meet you, Yukina-san," the tall scarlet haired woman bowed. She smiled at the smaller beauty in front of her. "Hiei-san has told me much about you."
"It's nice to meet you as well, Mukuro-san," Yukina blushed, impressed by the gorgeous young woman before her. The Meiou girl could have easily been a supermodel if she wanted with her slim figure, lovely complexion, and admirable height. "Please, both of you come inside."
Following Yukina into her home, Hiei and Mukuro took off their shoes and donned the offered slippers. Being his first time seeing Yukina's home, Jaganshi analyzed his sister's living conditions and was somewhat impressed by what he saw. The apartment certainly was not as spacious as his but was not small, either; furniture seemed fairly new, and decorations were stylish and neat. Their mother had done well supporting Yukina by herself. "Were you about to go out, Yukina-san?" Hiei asked when he noticed Yukina's purse and jacket lying on the couch.
Walking towards her kitchenette to prepare some refreshments, Yukina took a quick glance at her belongings. "Ah, yes, I was going to visit Jin at the hospital today."
'Jin?' Hiei's eye twitched nervously while he thought of the energetic redhead. The chatty European first-year, although a good friend, definitely was not one of Hiei's favorites. 'Since when are they on first name only basis?'
A firm hand patted the young man's shoulder. "Calm down, Hiei," Mukuro chuckled quietly into his ear. "She is a grown lady, after all. She'll decide on her own which boy is right for her heart."
Hiei wanted to retort but did not receive a chance. "What's the occasion for the visit, Hiei-san?" Yukina inquired when she returned with hot tea and rice cakes.
"Well," Hiei sighed. His mouth suddenly grew dry, his hands shaking. By now, his anger from earlier had melted away. Why was it so hard for him to say it? What did he have to fear? "I came to tell you, Yukina-san, that I've found information on your father and brother."
"Otou-san and Onii-chan?" Yukina sunk to her seat and looked at Hiei eagerly. She smiled in anticipation, appreciating whatever Hiei had found. "Did you find them, Hiei-san? Did you find Yukito-chan?"
"Not quite," he admitted shyly. "I did find out something important, though. Your father, Yukina-san, took your brother away on family orders."
Shaking her head, Yukina whispered unsteadily, "I don't understand."
"Your father, Kuroi-san was part of a very powerful and wealthy family, and when he married your mother, Hina-san, the clan was most displeased." Hiei growled, furious himself he was related to such manipulative people. "In fact, they disowned Kuroi-san, but even that couldn't be completely done; he had too much influence and power to be manipulated so easily.
"But the clan found another way to bend him to its will. When you and Yukito-san were born, Kuroi-san removed his family from the clan's eyes and went into hiding in Hina-san's hometown. He directed his business far from his wife and children and kept them safe for a number of years. However, the clan has many eyes, and secrets can't be kept from them forever. The family seized Hina-san and you and threatened your lives."
"I think I remember that," Yukina muttered softly. "These strange people visited us and took Okaa-san away. I didn't see her for a long while, and they put me in a dark room by myself. I cried so much because I was afraid of the dark. Then—" Tears stung Yukina's scarlet eyes as she slowly pieced together her past memories, memories she had tried forgetting. "Someone came and found me. He opened the door, and it was so bright. It was Otou-san."
Hiei and Mukuro silently watched Yukina shed her tears, allowing her to express emotions she had long hidden from the world. "Otou-san picked me up and kissed me on my head," Yukina murmured, touching her head tenderly in memory. "He told me he loved me very much and that Okaa-san and I would be with him always." She shook her head, trying once more to wipe away her past. "He said good-bye and I never saw him or Yukito-chan ever again."
"Kuroi-san saved your life that day," Hiei continued. "In exchange for Hina-san and your life, Kuroi-san gave himself and Yukito-san to the clan."
"It's almost as if we were dead. Okaa-san was never the same, although she tried being happy," the girl continued sobbing. "But inside, I knew she died. Without Otou-san, she had no real purpose. Her heart was just never the same."
"No, Kuroi-san wanted you to live, Yukina-san. He needed you to remain alive so he could go on and fight. He fought the clan to the very end, Yukina-san, just so he could give you everything you ever wanted."
"All I ever wanted was my family!"
"And he gave it to you!"
Hiei's unexpected tone stopped Yukina in her tears, causing her to stare at the young man in confusion. "What?"
"Yukina-san," he sighed tiredly, having no desire to further upset his sister, "everything Kuroi-san ever owned, all the money he earned, anything connected to his name, it's all under your name now. He gave it all to you and Yukito-san."
"But why now? Why not years ago when Okaa-san could have used the money?"
He could hear the bitterness in Yukina's voice; he understood her feelings well. If their mother had received better support from their father, possibly she could still be alive or at least had lived for a while in luxury. But their father had a reason for everything. "It would only be yours on your seventeenth birthday, Yukina-san. And that's today, is it not?"
"I completely forgot about my birthday." She let out a sad laugh. "I haven't celebrated it in years."
"We should celebrate our birthday together, Yukina-san. Today, we should celebrate our birthday together from now on." When Koorime stared at him curiously, Hiei cursed beneath his breath and blushed. He hated looking like a fool, but sounding like one was worse. "I mean, I would like it if we started living with each other now."
"Hiei-san, I don't understand. Why are you asking me this?"
Hiei remained silent for a moment, his mind predicting the outcomes that would result from his next words. Would she hate him now or would she accept him? Would she turn away and deny his existence as he had for some years? "Yukina-san, I didn't tell you which clan Kuroi-san belonged to. I haven't told you the rest about your brother either."
"So you know where Yukito-chan is?" Again hope flooded her heart.
"Yukina-san, do you remember during our first encounter? You told me Kuroi-san's family changed Yukito-san's name."
"Yes, they did," she agreed sadly. "When Otou-san and Okaa-san married, they kept Okaa-san's name because her family had no heirs but her. When Otou-san and Onii-chan left, I heard they had taken back Otou-san's family name."
"Do you know what the clan's name is?" Yukina cowered slightly, fearing the look in Hiei's crimson eyes. She felt as if she was staring into the dark depths of her own soul. "The clan's name, Yukina-san, is Jaganshi."
Yukina gasped.
"Otou-san's name was Jaganshi Kuroi." Hiei turned away, suddenly more embarrassed than ever. "Taiyou 'baa-san, Otou-san's 'kaa-san, she told me my name used to be Koorime Yukito."
"You mean—"
Ding. Dong.
Yukina stared at Hiei in silent shock. They stared into one another's identical eyes, Hina's eyes—their mother's eyes. The truth rang silently in the air.
Ding. Dong.
"Just a minute."
In a hurry, Yukina rose from her seat to see to her new guest. While she walked away, Hiei turned his attention to his thoughtful girlfriend. "She hates me for this, I know she does."
"Sh, don't say such things," Mukuro silenced gently. "You don't know for sure, Hiei. Besides, she still has to recover from the shock. It's not everyday you find your long lost sibling, is it?"
"I guess not."
Having heard Hiei and Mukuro's quick conversation, Yukina opened the door and felt surprised by her second guest. "Kuwabara-san, what are you doing here? I thought you were busy in town?"
"Yukina-senpai, I have something I need to tell you—Wah, what the hell is he doing here?" the carrot-top boy demanded angrily, spotting Hiei inside the apartment.
Sensing difficulties arising, Yukina hastily pushed Kazuma back outside. "Um, let's talk outside, Kuwabara-san. We'll have more privacy anyway."
"What is he doing here, Yukina-senpai?" the first year questioned while allowing the girl to shove him out. "Why would Jaganshi Hiei be paying you a visit?"
"It's family business," Yukina excused with a heartrending smile. "It's nothing to be worried about, Kuwabara-san. Um, you said you had something to tell me?"
"I—" Remembering his primary reason for visiting, he grew shy but fiercely held onto his courage. Bowing abruptly, his face beet red, Kazuma sputtered quickly, "I've been wanting to say this for months now, Yukina-senpai, but I never had the courage to say so. So, I think while I still, I should tell you that—that—I need to tell you that I'm in love with you!"
While his words slowly crept into her ear and mind, Yukina blushed. Heat rose from her toes all the way to her head, her cheeks radiating with warmth. "Kuwabara-san."
Hiei and Mukuro, listening on the other end of the door, had mixed reactions: Hiei murderously mad and Mukuro highly amused. She remembered the boy's face from Kitajima's party months ago; and as she predicted, she discovered his identity through a second chance meeting.
"There's no way I'm going to let Kuwabara love Yukina," Hiei growled beneath his breath. "I'll barbecue the bastard alive first."
"You'll do no such thing unless Yukina-san asks you," Mukuro ordered, slapping her boyfriend on the back of his head. "And with her personality, I don't think she'll ever ask you to do anything of that sort."
When Yukina recovered from initial shock, she began sputtering, "Kuwabara-san, I'm flattered that you feel that way—"
"You don't have to feel the same, Yukina-senpai, and you don't have to reply," Kazuma smiled sheepishly, staring down at the ground. "I just thought it would be better for the both of us if you knew how I truly felt." He bowed again and bade his farewell. "I hope you have a wonderful day today, Yukina-senpai."
'Please be happy.'
She waved goodbye until Kazuma had disappeared behind elevator doors and meters away from the apartment complex. Sighing and leaning against the outside of her door, Yukina's face lit with a small smile. "Happy Birthday, Yukina. You got two large presents so far. Do you think you'll get anymore today?"
"Yusuke, I'm all right."
"If you were, we wouldn't be here at the hospital."
Botan punched Yusuke's arm playfully while trying to walk on her own. "We would be here anyway because we're visiting Jin-san. Yukina-chan told me earlier that today would be his release date." She opened the door into Jin's room and entered. The young lady felt very happy when she saw a familiar redhead walking about his room.
"Botan-san!" Jin exclaimed when he saw her. He walked to her and gave her a friendly hug. "It's great to see you. What are you doing here?"
"Well, Jin-san, I wanted to see how you were doing. Are you feeling better?" Botan asked as she took a seat beside Jin's former bed.
Jin wanted to ask her the same question, having heard about Botan's trouble from Yukina and Touya; however, he knew better than to stir up unpleasant memories for Botan and decided to answer her inquiry. He nodded merrily, stretching his arms as if to prove his healthy condition. "There's nothing in the world that can keep me down, lass. I'll be up and running about in no time!" He smiled cheerily. "I'll have to thank Yukina for these clothes. They're quite nice."
"Yukina-chan came by here?" Botan gasped. She would have remarked about Jin's informality but figured their time had finally come. Had they already confessed their feelings to one another?
Grinning like a fool, Jin replied, "Yes, and I'm very glad that she came. She's been brightening my spirits lately. A lot, actually." He sighed inwardly, remembering the news he had received from the doctors that morning.
'You have leukemia,' the doctor informed after reading his clipboard.
'What?'
'Yes, you must be surprised, Shinobi-san,' the doctor sighed apologetically. 'The reason we've kept you here for an extended week is because we wanted to be sure our results were wrong. Unfortunately, they're correct, and you have leukemia.'
Immediately, Jin questioned, 'How serious?'
'It's not bad enough, and it is very treatable right now. If you'd like, we'll begin as soon as—'
'Noguya-sensei, have you looked at my files?' No longer facing the doctors, Jin stared out of his windows to the hospital's garden in the back. He watched a couple enjoy the warm sunlight and scenic garden view.
'Of course I have, Shinobi-san.'
'Then you would have realized that this is my second case.'
'I know, but—'
'You read it!' the young man snapped, now glaring at his doctor. 'You know!'
'Shinobi-san, you mustn't give up. There's still hope,' the medic tried reasoning. 'There are superior medical facilities in Europe and—'
'You know I won't respond to any treatments! Everything has already been tried—Last time I had to solely depend on medication because radiation therapy wouldn't work anymore. And when nothing happened with medication, I had to rely on prayer. It's a miracle I survived that case, Noguya-sensei!'
'Another transplant then!'
'My blood type is too rare, and my body is too objectionable to anything it didn't make itself.' Jin sighed at his fate. His worst fear for years had now been answered. 'How long would I have at this rate?'
'We're not sure,' the doctor sighed hopelessly, seeing he could not argue with his patient. 'At the very best, we predict four years. If God's with you, then seven.'
'Seven years,' Jin sighed. 'I have seven to do this right.'
"I'm sorry for getting you into trouble like this," Botan cried, abruptly drawing Jin from his troubling thoughts. "If I weren't so useless, then Rishou and the others wouldn't have hurt you like this."
The young man immediately tried quelling the girl's tears. "No," Jin sighed, feeling awkward with a crying girl, "I'm sorry that I've added another spark to the flame. Meiou and Sarayashiki are probably at each other's throat now, if they weren't already at the eyes."
"No, that's already being solved. Koenma-senpai and Ayame 'nee-chan are taking care of that. I'm just really sorry about those guys beating you up," Botan apologized once more. "And I'm sorry that Yusuke thought you were a part of that bad crowd."
"Hey, what are you doing apologizing for him, Botan-san? Urameshi should be here doing the apologizing!"
"I guess that's what I'm doing here," Yusuke muttered as he stepped out from the darkened corner.
"What are you doing here, Urameshi?" Jin inquired darkly. When had he entered Jin's room? How did Urameshi know where Jin was? Did he stalk Botan and follow her to the hospital?
"Relax, Europe. Botan here—She's my cousin," Yusuke replied as he took a seat beside the bed and Botan. "And I've heard your story, so I'm not out to kill you anymore."
Jin gaped. "WHAT?" He pointed at Botan in shock. "Botan-san, you're—you're related to the Urameshi? You're his cousin?"
Botan smiled sheepishly. "Um, I guess I forgot to mention that to you."
The redhead, injured student began to shuffle in his bed, the young lad unable to control his surprise. He thought his legs might collapse beneath him. "Like hell you did, lass!" Jin shouted, waving his around him in frenzy. "You're related to THE Urameshi Yusuke? Damn, I knew Kurama had a fetish for trouble, but this—No wonder the lad is as crazy as he is!"
"Jin-san! Calm down or else you're going to hurt yourself further," Botan pleaded as she tried to restrain the spirited young man.
"We've been telling him that for months now, and does he look like he listens?" The three teens turned around and spotted Kuronue standing at the door. "It's a surprise seeing you two here," he grinned amusedly at Urameshi and Botan.
"Ah, Kuronue-san, I'm glad to see you," Botan grinned back, giving the second year a respectful bow. "I wanted to thank you for saving me that day. Thank you very, very much."
"It was no problem," Kuronue chuckled cockily, reminding Botan of Yusuke. He winked at her playfully. "It was really fun being the knight in shining armor for once. I should rescue more damsels in distress, you in particular. Of course, Kurama would kill me just for saying that."
Tentatively, the young lady asked, "Kuronue-san, please tell me, how is Kurama doing?"
Kuronue sighed and gave her a sorry glance. "Do you really want to know, Botan-san?"
Botan nodded.
"He's not so well, even if he tries faking it," Kuronue muttered. "Ever since you told him off for beating up Urameshi, Kurama hasn't really been the same. He doesn't talk much now, even to his closest friends or family; he tries his best to avoid all of the other girls at school; he's so out of it, he has Shiori-san worried."
Botan could feel her heart sink to the bottom of her soul. "Is it really my fault?"
"No," Kuronue sighed. "It's love's fault. None of this is your fault."
Yusuke allowed a small grin appear on his face as he nodded with consent. "You're right, it is love's fault. All of this."
Kuronue walked up to Botan and patted her sympathetically on the head. "Don't worry, Botan-san. Kurama loves you just as much as you love him. And because of what you feel for each other, I won't let Kurama leave without telling you good bye."
"Leave?" Yusuke and Botan exclaimed as they looked up at Kurama's best friend. "Leave to where?"
Kuronue clapped his hand to his face as he realized what he had just said. "Ack, I nearly forgot to tell you! Kurama is leaving to the States sometime this afternoon. He was going to say good-bye earlier or tell you something, but after what happened and what you said to him, he thought better of it. He didn't want you hating him more than you did, especially after Karasu."
"What?"
"That dumb ass, blaming himself for that." Kuronue grabbed Botan's arm and pulled her towards the door. "Okay, you're going to see Kurama and give him a piece of your mind! You're going to teach that sorry jerk a thing or two about manners, got that?"
"Shinomori, you're going to need this!" Yusuke tossed his keys at Kuronue.
Catching them in the air, the Meiou boy stared at the keys curiously. "What—"
"They're keys to my bike," Yusuke grinned. "Botan knows where it is."
Hanasaki smiled gratefully at her cousin while following Kuronue out the door. "Thanks, Yusuke."
"No problem. Just make sure you bring it back in one piece, okay?" he called down the hallway.
"Later!"
As they rushed through the hospital and down to the parking deck, Botan wondered, "Do you think we'll make it time, Kuronue-san?"
As they hopped onto the red speed bike, Kuronue smirked while he put on a helmet. "Only one way to find out."
A red blur exited the hospital's drive and moved down the streets.
"I'm sorry, Yukina-sa—I mean, Yukina, for not telling you about any of this sooner," Hiei apologized solemnly. Now that they both knew who each other was, calling each other without formality was something to get used to.
Yukina, blushing in a corner of the car, replied shakily, "It's all right, Hiei-sa—I mean, Hiei."
"Hiei, we should have just taken the bus," Mukuro sighed. She placed a firm hand on Yukina's shoulder and scolded her boyfriend further. "Yukina-san probably isn't comfortable riding in a limousine like you are. After all, you've been riding in these things for most of your life."
"Better than being caught off guard by those damn photographers in the street," Hiei growled pointedly. "And by now, Miyori-san has probably given the public announcement, so every reporter in the city will be looking for me."
Jaganishi Miyori, Hiei had explained to Yukina, was his stepmother, the woman the clan had forced their father to marry soon after his return to the family. Not a malevolent minion of the clan, Miyori had sympathized with Kuroi and had only married him to save him from greater evils. She had acted as Kuroi's friend rather than his wife and treated Hiei with superior respect. When Kuroi had died from illness, she had cried and mourned for her husband, having no desire to marry anyone else. To Hiei, Miyori was his trusted manager and family friend.
"And a limousine is going to make it harder for them to find us?" Mukuro raised a skeptical brow. "You know Toto-san probably sold you out to the reporters the minute he noticed you missing from the meeting."
Grudgingly and unwillingly, Hiei had also told Yukina of his "drunk, bastard" stepfather as well. Jaganshi Toto was the clan's choice for Miyori's next husband. A powerful clan member on his own merit, Toto's marriage strengthened the clan's hold on Kuroi's wealth and status (which Miyori had controlled until the marriage). However, Toto did not possess a pure or kind spirit as Miyori did and despised his stepson almost as much as Hiei loathed him. Younger Jaganshi's hate for his stepfather and family drove him to search for his sister, regain what was once his father's, and slowly take over the clan. When he achieved his dream, Hiei could force a divorce between Miyori and Toto, free his stepmother, and live with Yukina without fear of the clan.
Shrugging, Hiei replied coolly, "There are plenty of other rich people in Japan, so no one would automatically assume we're in here. Besides, that clueless bastard thinks I'm on my way to Okinawa for a festive birthday celebration."
"I'm sorry, Yukina-san, but you'll have to grow accustomed to Hiei's stubbornness and foul mouth," Mukuro apologized with a small smile. "Undoubtedly, he'll be sweeter to you when you've grown familiar with each other."
"We're here," Hiei cut in, speedily exiting the car. He hoped Mukuro and Yukina had not seen the blush that covered his face. It was like Mukuro to embarrass him in front of his sister!
The trio walked silently towards Jin's room.
"Yukina, I'm glad you're here," Jin greeted immediately as the girl walked in. "You just missed Botan-san and Yusuke-san." He paled when he noticed Hiei coming in right after her.
'Yukina? What the hell is going on between them?' Hiei growled. 'First the carrot-topped idiot and now Jin.'
"We'll be waiting for you outside, Yukina-san," Mukuro smiled while shoving Hiei out of the room. Unlike her boyfriend, she had a better clue what went on around her. "Afterwards, we'll go shopping and find you some very nice things to fill in your wing. And no worries, because Hiei will pay for all of it."
When the upperclassmen left the room, Jin inquired curiously, "What was that about?"
Pulling the young man towards the center of the room, Yukina muttered in a slight daze, "Jin, I have a lot to tell you. So much has happened today."
"Really?" Jin smiled. "Can you tell me about it?"
And in an instant, everything poured out of Yukina's heart and soul. She told the young man about Hiei's sudden visit, his confession, and what Yukina had just inherited. She told him of her split feelings of regret, anger, sadness, and happiness that tormented her. Oddly, she confessed about Kazuma's visit and his own profession of love and her confused thoughts on the matter. So much had happened in a span of two hours, and Yukina did not know if she could deal with it.
"What am I supposed to do, Jin?" Yukina questioned quietly, her body trembling. "What can I do?"
"You have to calm down first," he grinned, brushing back sea-foam locks. "Second, you need to realize you don't have to do anything at all—at least, for the moment. Just let it all sink in for a day or two and deal with each thing one at a time, day by day." He chuckled amusedly. "So Hiei really was your brother. That's irony for you."
Yukina remained silent for a moment, deeply considering Jin's advice. He had a point: she did not have to do anything today or even the next day. For the rest of her life she would have the chance getting to know Hiei and having the family she had always desired. Kazuma—kind Kazuma—he had said she did not have to reply to his feelings. He had told her out his own violation. "Jin," Yukina murmured with a shaky smile, "thank you for listening to me and for giving me advice."
"It's not a problem, Yukina."
Wiping away her tears, she looked up at Jin and asked with a smile, "You said you had something important to tell me, Jin, yes? I'm sorry I loaded you with my problems so suddenly. So, what were you going to tell me today you couldn't say yesterday?"
"I—I just wanted to say—I-I—"
'I love you.'
He could not say it. The emotions he had wanted to confess today he could no longer reveal. Yukina already had numerous feelings weighing down on her heart, and his love would only give her another burden. Even if she returned his feelings, he would drag down her free spirit and aid in snuffing it out with his love. Maybe someday, when Yukina had a strong hold on her heart once more, he could tell her how he felt. Someday.
Grabbing a small wrapped box from his pocket and handing it to Yukina, Jin gave the girl a heart-wrenching smile. "I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, Yukina."
"Jin." Slowly she unwrapped the gift and opened it. She wanted to giggle when she saw her gift, a crystal songbird charm for her cell phone.
"I thought you might like it," Jin commented shyly. "Songbirds are rather common in your hometown, and you sing quite often. Besides, the crystal matches your pretty hair." His hand lightly touched some sea-green strands to emphasize his point. Overwhelmed with emotion, Yukina made the boldest move in her life. In one movement, she closed the distance between Jin and herself and pressed her lips against his: her first kiss.
Needless to say, the young man was shocked. Although he enjoyed the intimate moment, Yukina's sudden behavior was unlike her. Through the kiss he sensed her desperate plea for help and for something, one thing in her life to remain stable and constant. He had been right to hold back his love, him being the constant Yukina had found.
In that one, blissful moment, Jin knew he would never reveal his feelings for Yukina.
"Well, this is it," Shiori breathed while staring tenderly at her son. "This is where we must part ways, Syuuichi-kun."
"Okaa-san." The taller young lad pulled his mother into a long embrace, leaning his chin on his mother's shoulder. "Don't worry, Okaa-san, we'll see each other soon. I heard break was in two weeks; besides, you'll be helping me settle into my new home."
"I just wish you would stay for the remainder of the school year," she whispered in his ear.
"It's all right, Okaa-san."
"Well, Syuuichi-kun," Hatanaka smiled, "this is goodbye for now, until you get settled at your new home. Have a safe trip." He shook hands with the young man and gave him and encouraging nod.
Shuuichi shuffled to the front, staring at his older stepbrother sheepishly. "Onii-chan, I wanted to apologize about earlier. I know it wasn't your fault with Botan 'nee-chan, so it was wrong of me to get mad at you."
"It's all right," the older lad pardoned with kindness. He patted Shuuichi's shoulder good-naturedly. "You were concerned for both Botan-san and myself, and I know Botan-san meant a lot to you. You had reasons for being upset."
Impressed by his brother's instant forgiveness, the young man officially placed Syuuichi on his idealist pedestal. "Have a good time in America, 'nii-chan," Shuuichi smiled at his new hero.
The intercom rang above the small family. "International flight, Pacific Airline 009 Japan to San Francisco, now boarding passengers. Repeat: international flight, Pacific Airline 009 Japan to San Francisco, now boarding passengers."
"That's my flight." Kurama gave his mother a final hug, shook his soon-to-be stepfather's hand once more, and ruffled his stepbrother's hair. "I'll give you a call as soon as I'm back on land, but don't stay up waiting for my call."
"Goodbye, Syuuichi-kun! I hope Kuronue and the others said their goodbyes!"
"Bye, everyone! And don't worry, they have." Heading towards his gate, Kurama grinned at his memory of yesterday afternoon and this morning. Thanks to Kuronue, all of Meiou High had rallied together and told Kurama farewell since they all could not see him off Sunday afternoon. Additionally to Kuronue's credit, Kurama awoke that morning to some of the most interesting gifts: a red rose with a charming "love" note from each of his friends (ex: "You smell like a girl. Always wanted to tell you that—Chuu", "At long last, I will finally be the most beautiful boy at Meiou High—Shishiwakumaru", and "And the only one who looks like a girl—Suzuki"), masculine items Kurama had to hide from the rest of his family from embarrassment, and a scrapbook from Kuronue.
Of course, Kuronue did not have the capacity or the neatness to create a scrapbook; but with his mother, aunt, and girlfriend's aid, he managed to make one, one filled with all of the mischief and fun he and Kurama had shared together over the years. Numerous pages were filled with pictures, letters, quotes, and scraps of each precious memory. However, the very last page grabbed Kurama's attention most.
Script-like writing, which Kurama recognized as Kuronue's handwriting, filled half of the page. 'We've shared a lot over the years, Kurama, and not many people can come close to what bond we've formed. I remember meeting you outside of your house when we were five years old. Your parents had kicked you out for the day, and you were alone. You glared at me and told me to go away or else you'd kill me—and you nearly did. Not that I didn't give you a fair share of blows, of course. Oddly, we became inseparable that day; and since then, we've taken down anything that's come our way.
'And what made us stronger was that we knew each other—we knew each other's thoughts, feelings, and secrets. We understood each other's dark side. I thought I knew everything about you. How wrong I was.'
The other half of the scrapbook page was filled with a photograph, a picture Kurama never suspected Kuronue to have. The picture was of Botan the night of the engagement party. 'The only secret you've ever kept from me: Hanasaki Botan, your second girlfriend. Ironic, isn't it, that I would have met her at your parents' engagement party if Okaa-san hadn't gotten sick that week. Seemed like Fate wanted to keep your secret, too.
'But I have a secret, too; however, it isn't so much of a secret. She loves you, Kurama, and you love her—so while you're having fun in the States and making yourself into something, don't forget this girl waiting for you back home. Get a clue and tell her you love her. I would say get some Amercian girls' numbers for me, but Momoko-chan would kill me—Kuronue'
'I won't forget Botan, ever,' Kurama promised in his heart. He clutched the scrapbook at his side, choosing it as his reading material for the sixteen-hour long plane ride. Taking one last look at Japan and his family, Kurama took a deep breath and stepped into the terminal.
"Kuronue-san, do you know which gate?" Botan demanded frantically, looking left and right. She turned to the flight screens, hoping she might find a flight with a similar time and destination as Kurama's flight. No success.
"It's this way," the young man responded, grabbing her arm and dragging her through the commercial flights crowd.
Looking down at her watch, Botan despaired at the little time she and Kuronue had. Traffic had stalled them far too long. "We only have fifteen minutes! It won't be enough time, Kuronue-san!"
"Better one minute than none!" Kuronue laughed excitedly. He enjoyed a challenge. Together, he and Botan dashed through the airport, strategically avoiding the glances of the security guards. They launched themselves up the escalators and through the masses, determined to reach their flight.
'Please,' Botan prayed with all her heart, 'please, I want to see Kurama one last time. Let me see him one last time!'
"Look!" Kuronue shouted hopefully. "There's Shiori-san!"
Shuuichi spotted the high school students first. "Kuronue 'nii-chan, Botan 'nee-chan, what are you doing here?" he asked while meeting up with them halfway.
Out of breath, Botan panted desperately, "Shuuichi-chan, where's Syuuichi?"
"Botan-chan, he just boarded his plane," Shiori muttered sadly. Had Botan missed her chance to say goodbye to Syuuichi? Fate was truly unkind to the pair.
"What?" Botan rushed to the large windows and gazed at the plane with desolate amethyst eyes. One tear trickled down her cheek. "But—But I didn't get to say goodbye!"
Kuronue tossed Botan his cell phone and ordered, "Hurry up and text him!"
Thanking God for Kuronue and his kindness, Botan immediately set to work. While watching her punch away at the keys, Shuuichi asked curiously, "Why doesn't she just call 'nii-chan instead?"
"If he were to hear her voice, he wouldn't leave," Kuronue smiled with a shake of his head. 'If he heard her voice right now, he would jump off that plane in one second flat. But Botan-san, she wants Syuuichi to take this chance.'
Kurama's cell phone buzzed in his pocket, annoyingly demanding his attention. Looking at the message's I.D, the fiery-locked lad wondered quizzically, "What in the world would Kuronue want?"
Kuronue: Kurama you dumb ass! How dare you leave me and not say goodbye!
"Of all the nerve—" Kurama growled as he sent a reply.
Kurama: Don't give me that! I told you goodbye this morning.
Kuronue: No you didn't! If you did, I wouldn't be standing here right now sending you texts. You didn't even give me the chance to tell you I love you.
Shaking his head at the stupidity before him, Minamino sighed and wrote another message.
Kurama: Well, you did now. Now go back to your lover and make out. Leave me alone.
Kuronue: I would be making out with you if you had said goodbye to me!
Kurama lost his temper.
Kurama: Kuronue, cut it out. It's not funny anymore.
Kuronue: What makes you think this is Kuronue?
Kurama: If you aren't Kuronue, then who?
Kuronue: I love you, Kurama. Please, be happy.
Kurama: Botan?
Looking out his window, he spotted a female figure standing at the building's windows and waving at him. He waved back, wishing he could hold her one last time.
Kuronue: Kurama, I'll wait for you until you return. I'll be in the same place, so you can send me letters or call me anytime you want.
Kurama: I will. I promise.
"Sir," a flight attendant smiled, placing a gentle hand on Kurama's shoulder, "we're about to take off, so you'll have to turn off your phone in a few minutes."
"Yes, of course," Kurama grinned.
Taking a quick look at his display, the young woman giggled, "Saying your final goodbyes to your sweetheart: how sweet." With that, she left to inform the other passengers about takeoff. Kurama quickly punched some buttons quickly and then turned off his phone, preparing for the long flight ahead of him.
While Botan watched the plane take off, she grinned when she glanced down at the display in her hand. She wiped away her tears while she read the message. "You all right, Botan-san?" Kuronue asked with concern.
"I'm fine," she smiled, her face without tears. She gave back Kuronue's phone and gave him a bow. "Thank you so much, Kuronue-san. Thank you."
Kuronue grinned when he read Kurama's final message. "Not a problem."
Kurama: I love
you too.