Author's Note: Hi everyone! I just got the Yu Yu Hakusho: Dreams of Power DVD. Man, was that sad! I just want to say one thing; if you think you have nothing left to live for, think again. Someone will always care for you, whether it be your parents, sibling, or best friend. Don't give up and leave that person to face the world alone. They need you as much as you need them. Ok, sorry to lecture. For the last time, on with the story!

'Kurama, hurry! We're going to be late!'

I leaned out of my bedroom window, peering down at Shigiri. The girl waved at me impatiently, eager to go to school.

'I'll be right there!' I called down. She shook her head, laughing.

'You better!'

I ducked back inside, hastily throwing my school books together. It was two weeks after the epidemic. We had gotten back to Human World just in time to save my mother. She was doing wonderfully and was expected to be at full health in a couple more days. The other sick people had also been cured, thanks to the herb water.

After learning of Shigiri's role in my adventure, Koenma had pulled a few strings for me. My new girlfriend now lived in Apartment A16, just down the hall from me. Her parents would be moving in shortly, much to Shigiri's excitement.

But right now, I was late. Dashing around my room, I stuffed my book bag and ran into the bathroom, grabbing my brush. I sat down on the bed, dragging it through my tousled hair. Sometimes having long hair was a real pain, but I'd never cut it.

I paused as someone knocked on my window. Looking out, I saw Hiei standing there, tapping his foot impatiently. I stood up and walked over, quickly unlatching it. The fire demon hopped inside, still a little weak from the sickness. He sat down on my bed, watching as I resumed my race to get ready.

'Hello, Hiei,' I greeted with a quick wave. 'What brings you here?'

'Nothing that involves you, Fox,' Hiei snapped. I ignored him, rummaging through my closet. He always had some smart-alec remark to throw at me, but I knew he didn't mean them. That was the beauty of our friendship; I didn't take offense at what he said.

'How are you feeling?' I asked. I stood up, putting my brush down long enough to pull on my leather jacket.

'Fine,' Hiei said. When I looked at him, he shrugged. 'What? Does something always have to be wrong with me?'

'Maybe,' I replied with a smirk. My friend rolled his eyes.

'But really,' I continued, 'you never come here without a reason. What's bothering you?'

'…Nothing's bothering me, Fox,' Hiei said. He looked out the window, refusing to meet my gaze. I sat down next to him, fixing him with a plaintive look.

'Hiei,' I said in my you-better-tell-me-or-you'll-pay tone. He huffed impatiently.

'Nothing's wrong,' he insisted. 'I just…never thanked you properly for saving me.'

I sat up straight, taken aback. Hiei? Thanking me? If I was right, this was a sign of the Apocalypse.

'I'd be dead if you hadn't found the plant,' Hiei continued. 'I owe you for saving my life.'

'No, Hiei,' I answered. 'You don't owe me for anything. Friends help each other; it's how they show they care.'

A grateful smile flickered across Hiei's features. I had to admit; it made me feel special, they way he opened up to me. Around everyone else, he had this tough façade. It was nice to know he could be himself around me. It was nice to have a best friend.

I patted him on the shoulder before standing up to grab my book bag.

'Shigiri and I need to get going for school,' I said. 'You want to come along?' Hiei stood up, readjusting his bandana.

'Whatever,' he replied. I grinned before running downstairs, Hiei close at my heels. I dashed outside to meet Shigiri, who had sat down.

'About time,' she said playfully. 'I could have gone to the Makai and back before you came down.'

I smiled. 'Hiei's going to join us,' I said. 'Is that ok?'

'Of course!' she replied. 'It's always an honor to be accompanied by the great Hiei Jaganshi.'

Hiei rolled his eyes but didn't reply. Surprisingly, he actually acted civilized around my girlfriend. She treated him with respect, and he, in turn, treated her nicely.

She's better than most Ningens around here, he admitted to me telepathically. I smiled, taking hold of Shigiri's hand.

'I know,' I replied out loud. With a laugh, I leaned over, giving Shigiri a quick kiss on the cheek.

The three of us started toward the school, talking companionably.

The End

Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to my best friends; Erica, Ashlee, Mary Kate, Julia, and Tyler. They are my second family, and more important than all the riches in the world. They've kept me going when I've wanted to give up and have saved my neck a thousand times. They made me realize that there is always something to live for. Thanks.

Well, that's the end of it. My second story, coming to a close. I had a lot of fun with this one, and I can't wait to start my next. I already have a story idea and everything! I have to admit, I get a kick out of writing romance. It's really fun. I'll probably add it into my next story. Please read and review, and look out for my next story! Until then, this is Kurama'sGirl88, over and out!