Crimson: School's over! I'll try to update a gazillion times more often now.
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"Why do I have to go?" I asked Kurama for the sixth time that hour. Yes, I was being annoying, but I really didn't want to go to school. I mean, I'll be so far behind that I'll look…well stupid obviously. Why can't Kurama figure it out? He knew and remembers Kuronue a lot better than me.
I was sitting down at the table while Kurama was making lunch for our first day of school. Just my luck that school began two weeks after Koenma told me my lineage. I'd come to grips with it, but I wasn't sure that Hiei had. Ever since that picture he'd become even more moody and quiet than usual. I was really starting to worry about him. But enough about his problems…I had to fix mine first.
"Because Yumiko," Kurama began calmly. "You'll recognize him, it will just hit you like déjà vu, and when you feel that you tell me, and then that's the end of the mission."
Call me silly, but I was desperate. I looked around the kitchen, trying to figure out a way out of going to school. Just then, Hiei grumpily walked in, avoiding my animated attempts to greet him. I swear that he's hopeless. He was supposed to be my bodyguard, yet he went in the opposite direction as me. That's opposite direction, as in not the same way as me!
And that's when I got a brilliant idea.
"I'll only go to school if Hiei goes with me." I replied supremely. Hiei snorted.
"I'm not going to a stupid human school," he stated bluntly. "I don't even know why you go fox; you're obviously superior to them."
I crossed my arms defiantly, smiling with an acknowledged victory saying, "If Hiei doesn't have to go, then neither do I." Kurama smiled patiently.
"Hiei doesn't have an order from Koenma," he replied. He placed the food in a paper bag before turning around to face me completely.
"Yes he does," I argued before I could stop to think about what I was saying. "Koenma told him that he was my bodyguard, just like he told me to go to school. Besides, he never specifically said 'Yumiko I'm ordering you to go to school'; he just hinted that this boy might attend your school."
Kurama looked at me thoughtfully for a second, then turned around and began to make another sandwich. I looked at him confusedly.
"What the hell are you doing?" I asked. Normally I didn't like swearing, but I really wasn't in a good mood at the moment.
"Making Hiei's lunch for school tomorrow," he replied calmly. How does he do it? Doesn't he realize that Hiei's probably going to pitch a fit? Any second now, Hiei's going to refuse and then run away to avoid any other confrontation.
Any second now.
"Fine," Hiei snarled. I had to do a double take on that one. I mean what the hell? Hiei just…gave up? I mean, just like that?
"What!" I shouted. Kurama gave me a surprisingly smug look. "I'm not going! I mean really, a sixteen year old in senior year?"
"You'll only be sixteen for a month, and graduating high school at seventeen isn't that unusual." He finished up Hiei's lunch, and turned to look at Hiei.
"I need to speak with Yumiko alone Hiei." It was not a request. Hiei only hesitated for a second, and then he was gone in a flash. Well, at least I was half right. Kurama gently grabbed my shoulders and forced me to look up at him.
"What's wrong?" He asked kindly. "What's the real reason you don't want to go to school Yumiko?"
"It's just," I hesitated. "I've never really gone to school Kurama. The friends of my parents taught me everything they knew, and then I never saw them again." He shrugged.
"So you were home schooled, you're not the only one Yumiko." He replied.
"But what if nobody likes me there? Or if I don't know anything and I end up looking stupid?" I cried. He smiled gently.
"Don't worry; if it really comes to that, I'll help you." I perked up just a bit, and hugged him. He laughed.
"I take it that this means you'll stop fighting me on this," he tilted his head at me questionably, and I laughed.
"Not a chance in hell," I said adamantly. I poked him hard in the chest. "I plan to drag this out till the bitter end, only now I'll be able to sleep better."
Kurama shook his head in silent laughter. Then he stopped all of a sudden, looking at something behind me. The hair on my neck began to stand on end as I felt a stare that pierced swords and daggers in my back. I could feel the pure…anger for lack of a better word. I froze.
"Hello Hiei. Yumiko and I were just finishing up our chat." Kurama said, sounding almost…smug? Kurama? ….Naw.
"Why would I care what you two were doing?" Hiei spat back. I slowly turned around, shocked to see the barely contained fury in his eyes. I felt horrible all of a sudden.
"I'm sorry Hiei," I began. "I know you're really angry about having to go to school, especially when you don't want to, you know? But please don't be too mad about it, because I mean it can't be all bad, and the food can't taste that horrible, and-," I paused, realizing that I was blabbing.
"I'm sorry," I muttered sheepishly. Hiei looked at me, shock slowly replacing anger. He looked at me for a second more, toke a deep breath, and nodded slowly. I felt giddy with relief.
"Thanks for understanding Hiei," I replied brightly. I was so happy that, without even thinking about it, I went up to him.
And proudly kissed him on the cheek.
I felt him stiffen, and his rejection hit me hard. Feeling hurt beyond explanation, I turned and ran as fast as I could towards my room. I heard Kurama's voice calling my name, but didn't listen. Slamming my door shut, I made sure it was locked, and jumped onto the bed. I wasn't going to cry. I wasn't!
Yusuke and Kuwabara didn't care if I kissed them on the cheek, I thought sourly. In fact, the first time I kissed Yusuke he grinned at me and declared that I deserved some ice cream. I knew it was a big thing to have to cheer him up. The memory made me smile a little, so I kept on revealing in it.
"Yusuke what's wrong?" I asked. He was sitting on the couch, looking at a spot on the wall.
"Nothing," He said bitterly. "Just that once again I've messed up." He laughed shortly then added, "Except this time she's not going to take me back."
"What?" I asked, confused. I quickly situated myself in front of him, forcing him to look at me. He stared at me solemnly; his big chocolate eyes filled with pain.
"She called me a lazy, selfish louse. Someone who will never understand the importance of others, or care about their needs over my own." He tried to look away, but I gripped his face between my hands and made him look at me.
"Who?" I demanded. He smiled sadly.
"Keiko." He replied. My eyes widened in shock.
"Your girlfriend?" I couldn't believe my own ears.
"Ex-girlfriend," He corrected cynically. I snapped out of my shock, feeling unbridled rage at a person who could hurt someone so heartlessly.
"Well she's wrong." I declared vehemently. "You most certainly are not selfish! And if she really can't see that then she doesn't deserve you. You are one of the most loyal, selfless people I've ever met, and I'm proud to call you my friend!"
"You really think so?" He asked, and I could already see the life start to filter back in his eyes. I smiled at him brightly.
"Most definitely," I agreed. "There's plenty of fish in the sea. Plenty of prettier, nicer fish." He smiled slowly.
"Thanks Yumiko." He said, sounding almost hopeful. "You sure I have a catch at another fish?"
I laughed, and kissed his cheek. "Of course. It's just not going to be me!" I said cheekily. He laughed suddenly, and stood up.
"I'd never take you away from him," he said seriously. I didn't even pretend to not understand what he meant. He pointed to his cheek.
"However, I would like another kiss. I mean to cheer me up of course." He replied. I smiled.
"And what do I get out of it?" I asked, feigning vainness. He tapped his chin in thought. When it came to him, he snapped his fingers.
"I'll buy you ice cream!" he replied happily. "You know you can't deny ice cream!"
I shook my head confusedly. "What's ice cream?" I asked. He staggered backwards.
"You can't be serious!" he exclaimed. "Everyone knows what ice cream is!" I shook my head.
"Well, then kiss me so you can find out," he replied cheerily. I looked at him warily.
"For ice cream?" I asked. What could be so amazing about ice cream?
"Did I hear something about ice cream?" Kuwabara asked eagerly, walking into the living room.
"Yep. Yusuke says he's going to buy me some if I kiss him on the cheek again." I replied. Kuwabara seemed shocked.
"That's not far! I want a kiss too!" he whined. I looked at him, and laughed.
"Is that all I'm good for now?" I teased. Kuwabara shook his head.
"No!" he denied. He seemed really worried that I thought so little of him.
"I'm just kidding Kuwabara," I soothed. "Is…is ice cream good?"
Kuwabara looked at me weird. "Of course it's good!" I nodded, and then walked up to Yusuke. I kissed his cheek again, turned around, and promptly kissed Kuwabara's cheek too.
"There," I said proudly. "Now you'll both have to get me ice cream!"
"Yumiko! Open this door!" Kurama's voice broke through my flashback. With a covered sob I hid under the covers.
"No!" I yelled back.
"Yumiko, if you don't open up this door right now…I'll tell your secret." He warned. I shot up horrified.
"That's not fair!" I complained back. But I unlocked the door and let him in anyway. He took one look at me, and hurriedly sat me down on the bed.
"Why'd you run off like that?" he asked gently. I glared at him. I didn't want his pity. And I told him so.
"That doesn't answer my question Yumiko." He replied patiently.
"He…he rejected me." I said slowly. Kurama's eyebrows shot up.
"When did he say this?" he asked, slightly amused. Then understanding filled his face.
"The kiss," He began, and then shook his head. "Yumiko, you have to understand that Hiei's childhood wasn't very good. He was never exposed to generosity or kindness until very recently. He's confused, and he doesn't like it." He paused.
"Do you understand what I'm trying to explain to you?" When I shook my head he continued. "I'm trying to say that he's like that with everyone. It's not rejection, merely…misunderstanding. He doesn't trust easily."
"So now you tell me he doesn't trust me," I complained, glaring at him. "Thanks a lot Kurama, I feel so much better." I said sarcastically.
"That's not what I meant and you know it!" He replied sharply. I was so startled that I quickly closed my mouth shut. He sighed, and ran a hand through his hair. He got up and started to walk out the door.
"I'm sorry," I apologized brokenly. He turned to look at me in the doorway, smiling slightly.
"Give him some more time Yumiko. Don't give up on him yet."
And with that he left.
Crimson: Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up, but I was away on vacation. It was great fun! Anyway, this chapter's important because it shows the beginning of another romance. By the way, I'm a co-author for a new story! For all those people who like Harry Potter, I strongly suggest it! It's a hoot. It's under ShadowRenaman and is called Bound and Going Nowhere Fast.
Thanks to all the people who reviewed!
luvanime4life: Yeah. I love that movie. Koenma really did turn out to be a surprise didn't he? But he had to do it. Besides, it's not that….wow. Lol.
ImParanoid: You're paranoid? About what I wonder? I'm afraid I didn't update fast, but at least I did…right?
Mysadeyes: I'm glad that you're happy, and I can honestly say that I've never been gladder for coincidences.
Coodle: A little late, but heard all the same. I pass advanced them all! I find it kind off hard to believe that you're a failure though. It's not sad.
LilPurrfection: I'm glad you liked the twist, but I wouldn't say that the chapter was wonderful…it was just good.
KawaiiMe-srs: So I noticed. I'll definitely keep writing, but I'm not too sure about the great author thing. I've definitely read better.
Onna of fire and pain: I'm sorry that you think I made it more confusing. I'm not sure how to clear it up without ruining the overall plot though. Just stay with me please, and know that Kuronue is a character that was only introduced through the Yu Yu Hakusho movie.
AnimeFreaks13: Lol. I see that I've rendered you speechless. Happily I can say that I've started to get the ball rolling up the hill.
HieiFan666: Consider your wish granted. I'm glad you understand everything perfectly.
TheBlackFox01: Hey friend! Lol. I know you like my other story, and I've found that a few others do too. I'll try to work on that one. As to Ed not being a shrimp…..Amen sister!
SarnaKiro: Thanks I think. I've never been given points before…but I'll guess that it's a good thing. Lol.
Trycia: Dumbstruck hmm. Well that's not exactly the reaction I expected, but it's definitely a good sign I think. But for the record, I don't believe in true love at first sight, so I'm going to drag it out a bit.
Hiei-Touya-icedemon: Again, I'm happy you understand everything too. I understand your annoyance at Hiei's stubbornness, but I can assure you it will be in school where he realizes it. I think I'm going to make a field day out of that chapter! Lol.
Crimson: Don't forget to look at that new story!