Dachi Part 7- We will never lose Advancing straight past lying down
The next few days weren't any better than that fretful Saturday afternoon. The couple didn't see each other on Sunday, and Monday didn't improve the situation any. Despite their being together the whole day Yusuke seemed so far apart from her. She'd had to call his name countless times to get his attention. She knew it wasn't school that was bothering him because he rarely cared about his academics. The poor girl had failed to notice that Kuwabara had not yet returned to school.
Tuesday morning hadn't proved to be fabulous either. Keiko had shown up at Yusuke's house only to find him gone. She'd walked to school alone and found him up on the roof by himself. When she asked why he'd left without her, he just shrugged. He didn't speak to her the rest of the morning despite countless attempts on her part.
It was now lunch and she'd lost Yusuke again. 'Where could he have gone?', she thought worriedly. 'We always eat lunch together.' She wondered around the school for a good fifteen minutes searching for him, boxed lunches in hand. Again she was drawn to the roof and again there he was, leaning up against the railing.
She approached him slowly, her shoes making clacking sounds on the concrete. "Yusuke-kun I've been looking all over for you," she said cheerily. "You left your lunch this morning and I thought I'd give it to...you..." She trailed off, her cheer fading, as she realized he was ignoring her again.
"Yusuke..." She stood behind him, weaving her hands up around his neck and resting her head on his back. "I've been so worried about you lately. I just don't know what's wrong." She sniffled, though if it were fake or not one couldn't be sure. "But you won't talk to me. How can I help you get over whatever it is if you won't talk?"
Yusuke said nothing. He didn't even move.
She was a little angry now at the lack of response but she held it down, still concerned. "I really am trying to help you, you know. I'd do anything for you." She took a deep breath. "I know I'm not one of your little guy friends or Kuwabara or whatever-"
Yusuke stiffened at that.
"Yusuke?" She backed up a little as he turned around. Her arms fell to her sides and her eyes widened in shock at the look he bore so plainly on his face. He looked lost, scared, and most of all angry. She couldn't be sure at whom he was so angry, but she could tell it was there.
"Do you even have a clue at what's wrong with me?"
Keiko stared at him, shock still covering her face, but she shook her head 'no'.
"Have you ever really understood me? Even now, do you know why I do the things I do?"
She was confused a little by his questions, but answered as truthfully as she could. "It's because you're Yusuke. You act that way because you are you." She smiled softly at him.
He gave out a harsh bark of laughter. "Is that really why because I wonder sometimes... I wonder how I can do such a stupid thing as to hurt the one person I care about more than anything..." He broke of, his voice shaking too much to continue. His hand came to his face, covering his eyes as his head hung.
Keiko looked at him with pity. 'The poor thing thinks he's hurt me. That's sweet of him but so misguided.' She touched him gently on the shoulder. "It's okay Yusuke, you could never hurt me. I'll always love you no matter wha-"
He threw her hand off. "Is that what you think? That I love you!" He held back a laugh. She must be crazy.
She backed away from him. Shocked. Hurt. Angry. "What do you mean Yusuke?"
"I mean that I don't love you. Kuwabara told me about this stuff before and I sure as hell know I don't love you."
Tears pricked at her eyes. "There you go about Kuwabara again!", she spat out. "It's always him isn't it? Even after we've been together this long he's still more important than me!" Tears were flowing down her cheeks now in little rivers.
Yusuke glared at her. "Yes. Him again. He's the only one who's ever taken time to teach me about anything. After everyone's given up on me he's still there willing to lend a hand. I owe him a lot."
"You owe him?", she asked incredulously. "You owe him? All you two have ever done is fight and you owe him? He's an idiot! He can't teach himself much less teach you anything! I could teach you everything and yet you choose him!"
He lunged at her and grabbed her wrist none to gently. "Yes," he spat out quite close to her face. "I choose him. I don't know exactly why I choose him, but I do. I don't care what you say you'll do cuz actions speak louder than words and his actions have been screaming at me since I've known him." He pushed her away and she stumbled. "He's my best friend and truest companion. And what are you?"
She balled up her fist. "I'm your girlfriend Yusuke!", she sobbed out. "Doesn't that mean anything?"
"No, not anymore I don't think."
"But I cared for you! I made you lunch, I took you out places, I kept you company whenever you needed it! I was there for you always and now you're breaking up with me?" Her voice was shaking terribly now and her nose was running from crying so hard.
Suddenly it dawned on Yusuke. Kuwabara. It had always been Kuwabara. All these things she'd mentioned as being what a loving girlfriend would do, his best friend had done. He'd made lunch for him, been there with him, fought next to him. He'd done what she had and much much more. The choice was suddenly so clear to Yusuke. He stepped away from the railing and started to walk away, right past Keiko.
She whirled on him asking-no-- demanding to know where he was going. "To be honest, none of your business. But I do have to thank you. Now my choice is clear." He disappeared through the roof's door and descended the stairs leaving a distraught Keiko by herself on the roof. The door slammed shut signifying the finality of this last argument.
As soon as Yusuke reached the gates of the school he started running. Everything made sense to him now. Well, not everything, but it seemed so much easier now that he could decide this one thing. As he ran memories attacked his mind in torrents each of them only extra gravel to the cemented decision he had made.
/Now that he's back in the atmosphere
With drops of jupiter in his hair, hey, hey/
He remembered the dark tournament after Kuwabara had sacrificed himself. But for once he didn't focus on his apparent death, he focused on after. After Kuwabara had jumped up to say that he was perfectly fine. He could vividly remember how alive he'd looked despite the bloody clothing and mussed hair.
/He acts like summer and walks like rain
Reminds me that there's time to change, hey, hey/
A time when he'd snuck up to Kuwabara's apartment window and caught him dancing around his room to one of his favorite songs. He'd even involved Eckiji in his dance, a gentle smile playing on his face.
/Since the return from his stay on the moon
He listens like spring and he talks like june, hey, hey/
The first time he'd come to Kuwabara after his rebirth. He'd told him he was stupid for trying so hard to protect a cat. His friend had replied with such wise words, even then, that made it feel like everyone that was anyone should follow in his footsteps.
/Tell me did you sail across the sun
Did you make it to the milky way to see the lights all faded
And that heaven is overrated/
A year ago when Kuwabara had asked about how it felt to be dead. Yusuke had explained it all, bluntly like always, that it was nothing like people expected, believing that he'd become disinterested quite quickly. Kuwabara, however, had nodded but said he hoped that his parents were happy nevertheless. He continued by telling what he expected heaven to be like, every last detail. Just hearing it from his lips made death seem a lot more enticing.
/Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star
One without a permanent scar
And did you miss me while you were looking at yourself out there/
He remembered when Kuwabara had been kidnapped and how he'd prayed and prayed that he wouldn't join with Sensui. He'd feared that the kind soul would identify with the other psychics and he would forget all about him and the others. He'd never said it, but he was ecstatic to find Kuwabara tied up and shouting at him, eager to be rescued.
/Now that he's back from that soul vacation
Tracing his way through the constellation, hey, hey/
Kuwabara, laying injured at Genkai's shrine, covered in a sheen of sweat. He'd watched his friend for 2 days straight, waiting for his fever to break and his friend to awaken. When Kuwabara woke he'd grabbed Yusuke's hand and held it to him. "When I passed out I thought you'd died again. My dreams told me you were still kicking and right here by my side."
/He checks out mozart while he does tae-bo
Reminds me that there's time to grow, hey, hey/
Kuwabara training at Genkai's shrine. His movements were quick and fluid, a testament to the strength he possessed. He was about to execute a difficult maneuver when he stopped and very nearly toppled backwards. He righted himself, turned and continued his training in the opposite direction. Yusuke had wondered until he noticed a small group of flowers growing. His friend had narrowly missed them.
/Now that he's back in the atmosphere
I'm afraid that he might think of me as plain ol' jane
Told a story about a man who is too afraid to fly so he never did land/
Kuwabara being beaten severely by several different gangs for a week. Yusuke had watched as he took the beatings without ever retaliating all for the sake of his good friend. He'd felt awed at the display of honor and loyalty presented. It made him feel small compared to the orange haired boy.
/Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day
And head back to the milky way/
Coming home after the dark tournament Kuwabara had looked so relieved. He stood next to the railing on the boat and gazed out into the sunset. The wind blew at his body sending his clothes into a dance that only they knew. The sun had reflected off his eyes making them appear to glow in the waning light.
/And tell me, did venus blow your mind
Was it everything you wanted to find
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there/
How disappointed Kuwabara had looked after finally meeting with his favorite band of all time. His hopes that they were as awesome as their music had been dashed, his innocence gone. Yusuke had done only what he could think to do and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He couldn't remember exactly what he'd said that day, but he remembered the smile. A pure smile that told him he'd done what he could and it was right.
/Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken
Your best friend always sticking up for you even when I know you're wrong/
The memories came faster as he ran faster, now only quick flashes in his mind.
Kuwabara defending some elementary school kids. Kuwabara speaking about honor. Kuwabara protecting him from Hiei.
/Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phone
Conversation
The best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me/
Kuwabara explaining something to him. Kuwabara teaching him how to cook. Kuwabara gagging at the taste of coffee. Kuwabara hugging him tight after another near-death experience.
/Tell me did the wind sweep you off your feet
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day
And head back toward the milky way/
Finally memories of the last few days rushed him as he climbed the stairs to Kuwabara's apartment two or three at a time.
Kuwabara telling him to date Keiko. Kuwabara giving him advice. Kuwabara injured. Kuwabara playing video games with him. Kuwabara in his bed too sick to move.
He banged on the door frantically praying for it to open. Needing it to open. Shizuru slid the lock out of place and her single eye glared at him. Nevertheless she opened the door fully. Before she could even open her mouth to say something, Yusuke had forced his way in and ran through the apartment to his friend's room. He slammed open the door to find that Kuwabara wasn't there. He fell to his knees, the past few days finally catching up with him. If he couldn't find him then how could he tell him all that he knew. All that he had learned.
A pair of slippered feet appeared within his line of vision. He slowly looked up taking in a toned male frame and locked onto a pair of blue eyes.
"Kuwabara...", he breathed out.
/Tell me did you sail across the sun
Did you make it to the milky way to see the lights all faded
And that heaven is overrated/
"Hey," Kuwabara spoke softly. Suddenly he was wrapped into a tight embrace, Yusuke having lunged at him. He hugged his dearest friend back and they stood like that for an unmarked amount of time.
"I'm sorry," Yusuke mumbled into Kuwabara's chest. "I should have paid more attention to you, but I didn't and I don't see how you could forgive an uber dumbass like me, but I'm sorry."
Kuwabara smoothed a hand through Yusuke's slightly mussed hair, his run having done away with some of his gel. "I forgive you Yusuke. I forgave you a long time ago."
Yusuke pulled away from their embrace to look at his friend. "You shouldn't have. I don't even have a clue as to how much pain I've put you through, but I know it's been a lot."
"Yusuke..."
He was staring at the ground now, his eyes glazing over with evidence of the remorse he felt. He tried to blink the tears away but to no avail. "I didn't even notice that you'd been calling me Yusuke..."
"Yusuke I-"
Kuwabara's arms were once more filled with the body of his best friend, but this time Yusuke had taken it one step further and kissed his best and dearest friend. Kuwabara's eyes fluttered closed, this simple meeting of lips more than he'd ever thought it could be.
/Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star
One without a permanent scar/
When they parted, both boys were flushed. One of Kuwabara's hands came to his lips as if he could transfer the pleasant feeling to his fingertips. "Yusuke, what about Kei-"
"No. No more of her." Yusuke pulled the taller boy to him and rested his head against his chest. "You told me once that when two people like each other, they need each other. You also said that when two people love each other, they kiss." He looked up into Kuwabara's eyes. "I need you and I think... I think I love you..."
He kissed Kuwabara again, their eyes slipping closed.
/And did you miss me while you were looking at yourself out there/
Kuwabara was finally able to return to school on Thursday after a day or two or bed rest (Kurama's orders), and he was happy to finally be back in class. He'd been happy since the day started, really. Yusuke had skipped school the day before to keep him company and slept over as well. This morning they'd eaten breakfast together and walked to school together. It really wasn't any different from their normal routine. Or at least it wasn't until Yusuke had reached for his hand. They'd finished their walk to school hand in hand.
It was before the bell rang for class and Kuwabara was surrounded by his good friends who were all anxious to see how he was doing. Yusuke was standing behind him, hands on the orange haired boy's waist. The three boys that he'd come to know as friends had asked about that but quickly stated that they had no problems with it, they were just curious as to when, where, and how it happened. Kuwabara promised to tell them later.
The classroom was full of chatter and laughter from all sides. Suddenly the noise began to die down as Keiko entered the room and moved towards Yusuke and Kuwabara. It was as though she were carrying a dark cloud along with her as parts of the room seemed to dim as she passed them. She pushed past one of Kuwabara's friends and stopped in front of him.
"You," she spat out. "This is all your fault."
Kuwabara blinked in surprise but quickly understood what she meant. Yusuke had broken up with her two days prior and the entire school was no-doubt talking about it every chance they had. The gossip over the break-up was making it ten-times worse and he felt sorry for the girl in front of him.
"If it hadn't been for you I'd still have him! You just had to be here to ruin my life didn't you?" She was shouting at him, the entire class' attention focused on her. "It was always you that he talked about, you know. I was never good enough! But you were!" Yusuke snaked a protective arm around Kuwabara's waist, his eyes hardening. "This is all your damned fault Kuwabara! Damn you, you idiotic bastard! Damn you!"
She didn't even see it coming. Yusuke had slapped her, hard, across her left cheek. Her face was frozen in shock and as the pain wore in her hands flew up to the side of her face.
Yusuke glared at her. "Don't call him that," he growled out. "This was never Kuwabara's fault. It was yours and it was mine. I'd like to say it was all yours, but Kuwabara wouldn't appreciate me saying that." He ignored the fresh tears that had begun leaking from her eyes. "It's your fault, Keiko-chan for trying to be something that you're not and for never being able to treat me like I wasn't some possession to be won." He turned to face Kuwabara. "And it's my fault," he spoke a little more gently, "for not recognizing that all I needed was right here." He brushed a hand across the orange haired boy's face. "I should have been with you from the start." Kuwabara blushed.
Keiko stared at the two in disbelief, the pain in her cheek no longer important. "You mean you're- you're gay?", she crowed.
Yusuke thought about it for a moment then nodded. "Yeah, I guess I am. I mean I did kiss this big lug." He smiled slightly.
She backed away from them like they were diseased. "Oh that's just sick! I thought you liked him better but not- never like that. Oh my God you're disgusting!" She looked as if she were about to gag. "I knew he was one of those faggots, but I never thought you!"
Kuwabara looked ashamed and wouldn't look at her. Yusuke looked downright pissed.
"I can't believe I kissed you! Gross!" She shuddered at the thought of kissing a homosexual.
"And I can't believe I kissed you," Yusuke spat out. The words stung despite what she'd just said and more tears leaked from her eyes. "I've found Kuwabara to be a much better kisser." He smirked and looked back at him. Kuwabara had now turned beet red.
Keiko was now sobbing quietly. "B-but Yusuke... I can't believe..." Anything else that she said was drowned out by her sobs. Over half of the kids in the classroom were no longer able to look at the pitiful sight she presented. The remaining students bore looks of pity and anger for the girl.
Keiko was still mumbling some mess about being gay and how disgusting it was when Kuwabara got up and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't touch me, you faggot!" She skittered away.
Kuwabara glared at her. "I have been nice to you since we first met. I've never called you anything but the proper name, I've been nothing but gentlemanly to you. I even set you up with my best friend and I'm suddenly some terrible beast?" She was still sobbing. "Keiko. I have lost all respect for you."
The bell rang signaling the start of class and all of the students went to their seats, the show over. When their teacher entered he asked if Keiko was okay to which she replied 'no'.
"And is there any reason as to why Ms. Yukimura ?"
"There are two faggots in the room!" She thrust her finger in Yusuke and Kuwabara's direction.
"Ms. Yukimura!"
"They are! They're making me sick!"
"Ms. Yukimura that is quite enough! I'm sending you to the principal where I'm sure you will be assigned detention."
"But-", she protested weakly.
"The office young lady."
"For God's sake are all of you blind?", she screeched. Receiving no answer she stomped out of the room.
The teacher ran a hand over his bald head. "Now, if we can finally begin class..."
At lunch that day the two best friends turned boyfriends were standing on the roof, leaning against the railing an arm around each other's waist.
"So, I guess this makes us boyfriends right?", Yusuke drawled.
Kuwabara blushed but said yes.
"Cool."
They stood in silence, letting the wind blow them gently.
"I have a feeling that boyfriend's suck a lot less than girlfriends." Kuwabara chuckled at his boyfriend's comment.
"If you keep saying things like that I'm sure Shizuru will let you back into the apartment." He grinned.
"She doesn't have a choice. I'm gonna stay with you no matter what." Kuwabara looked away, bright red.
"Yusuke... Did you mean what you said about maybe... Uh... Loving me?"
Yusuke pulled Kuwabara to him. "I did mean it. I've never wanted to be with anyone this badly in my entire life. So, yes, I think I love you." He kissed his cheek. "Hell, I'm pretty sure I do love you."
Kuwabara gave him one of the most beautiful and honest smiles he'd ever seen. "I think I love you too, Yusuke."
They kissed, deeply this time as if it were a way to consummate the words they had just spoken to one another. Their tongues met deepening the kiss impossibly further, their hands roaming across each other's backs. Perfect. This was Perfect.
Below the school, in the courtyard, two girls stood. One with long orange hair and pale skin and the other with dark skin and dark hair.
"'Bout fucking time," the pale one muttered.
"Man, you think they're gonna start fucking?"
"No, you potard. Not before they're married."
"Fine, fine."
"This is awesome."
"Yeah. This is pure bliss."
um... n3d...er- End. anybodi else feel like the ending was rather anti-climactic? i thought it was a bit too lite and quick, but shrugs watevs. i usually find fault in my fics.
thanx very much to all of these ppl: Trans(ohhh, Kazima's moving too! dun work too hard! BUY the kuwa keychain, it's kyute), Katzztar(glad you think so, cuz i thot so too :)), VincentLover001(feels terrible gosh, this always happens when ppl compliment me! ... u said 'shank'. snickers), MrsLordfluffy (um..yeah keiko does like yusuke i assume, but i'm wondering if u assume this fic was gonna b keikoxyusuke the whole way...), JovianShe-Wolf (lol, sorry i had to put that just to see what you'd do. obviously kuwa lives. still laughing), AlibisDragon (yeah, finally. go kurama! i'm hoping this was fast enuf for yah), JoannaKuwabara(sorri, no death of the keiko, but hey they snogged! hiei should apologize...but he's hiei), Kazi(shut up. u Bitch. laughs), kogas-mate(i apologize to you as well cuz there wuz no keiko death, kurama would look nice evil, and the one piece is fine ), and Saferia(i'm using my mental powers... not really...u just sound adorable...i'll shut up now..)
thanx to u kids who didn't review always(or at all) cuz u read anyways: Icefox1(ikno where you live...mwaha), LaDiDaanifan(yep, u still amuse me), Little Sadako(every once in a while i dream of boy-love), ultimateanimefans25(do u like watermelon?), Zelia Theb(u make me feel grown-up! thank u!), bit-Blackmage(i promise i'll write humor again sighs slave driver... XD), crazy-lil-nae-nae(i hope u liked this), anonymous(thank u for all ur nice comments, but to be honest you creep the hell out of me. i like it.)
really, though, thanx to everyone for even reading this damned thing. this is honestly the most feedback i've recieved in the history of ever. i feel really special and really embarassed at the same time. gives everyone high-class yusukexkuwabara porn arigato gozaimasu!
i hav, like, a side-story to this fic rolling around in my head that focuses on the aftermath of this fic from keiko's pov w/ some random kurama, hiei, and shizuru action. if anyone wants me to write that sucker out, drop me a line at thanx errebodi. i luf yous. go read Kazima Kuwabara's fics right now.