A/N: I just read over my first chapter for "Longing"… and I was like "Oh my gosh… everything seems so rushed!" Oh well… anyway thank you guys soo much for reviewing, your reviews touched my heart and really lit up my day! Unlike you other lazy peoples (Grrr!), oh well it's not like I can put a gun to your head and force you to review… or can I? Hmm….
Lol, just kidding! Anyways… in this chappie Keiko's 14, and Kurama-kun's 16. Their relationship gets developed more in this chapter… when a certain someone (cough, Keiko, cough) starts to realize she likes a certain kitsune as more than a friend. As an explanation for everyone, Keiko calls him Kurama only because it's a nick name… she doesn't have a clue about his past… or Youko Kurama. Sorry if anyone was confused.
Oh, yeah I tried to add some humor into this chappie… (snickers) you'll see what I mean…
Warning: The plot starts to unfold as well, so there will be some angst in this chappie.
Enjoy!
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Longing
Chapter 2: An Ushered Goodbye
The clouds rolled through the clear, blue sky lazily, and a soft breeze sent the blades of grass and flowers dancing to soothing winds. The birds chirped and sung their tunes, as the sun shined brilliantly, showering the world with warm, golden rays of sunlight.
'If only I was out there…' Keiko thought wistfully, as sienna hued orbs glanced longingly out the open window, taking in the beautiful scenery just barely a breath away… the only thing that separated her from the outside, a mere wall.
However, a low, baritone voice soon pierced the air, the only sound in the small confined space, other than the clicking of pens and pencils, and the hushed whispers of her peers.
Keiko sighed softly, and reluctantly turned away from the window, returning her attention to her sensei, who had his back to her and was writing algebraic equations on the chalkboard. The brunette merely sat at her assigned seat with her head in her hands, slightly leaning forward.
'5x + (2m+3) – 8x 6x-3…' She didn't feel like writing it down… besides there was only five minutes left. Her eyes anxiously flickered to the clock that hung above the teacher's desk… Tick, tock tick, tock…
'Make that four minutes…' Her mind began to wander off again…
Today, like always, she would be meeting Kurama-kun at the school gates, and together they would walk home… But before they would part, almost like an everyday ritual, Kurama would hug her, before bidding her goodbye.
His embraces… she blushed at the very thought. She couldn't help the heat from reaching her cheeks whenever he did so. After all, she'd never been held by a boy before. His strong arms would always wrap around her much smaller form in such a way that she couldn't help but think whenever he held her like that… it felt right.
'Bad, Keiko! Bad!' She chided herself. Kurama was her friend! She couldn't think of him like that! And he was sort of like a brother...right? Wrong. Even Keiko had to admit, she never felt sisterly towards him. They had always been more or less, friends. Yup, just friends. Besides…
'Kurama's almost grown up…' Keiko mused, and into a fine man at that. Perhaps it was because she saw him everyday that she didn't notice the subtle differences…but now in the most unlikely of places, the young girl could truly see, he turned from the cute, playful boy to the gentlemanly, handsome teenager.
Yes, she couldn't ignore it…Kurama was a very attractive guy. He will make some girl the luckiest person on earth one day… Keiko thought to herself. It was strange, but at the moment, she felt a slight pain jab at her chest at the thought.
'With a snap of a finger… he could have any girl he wanted…' Keiko pressed a hand to her cheek. But still, even if he got married… he would always be her best friend. Forever. He'd made that promise to her three years ago on a rainy night… and she would always hold that fond memory close to her heart. Most of all… she would never forget his promise.
And to seal that pledge… they had embraced, since that day Keiko couldn't help but feel their friendship had grown even stronger…
Her eyes took on a faraway look, as she stared out into space, reminiscing about the past…
Meanwhile…
The man standing at the front of the classroom looked over his class with piercing cobalt eyes. Most of the students either cowered in fear or avoided his gaze altogether, and instead settled for looking pitifully at the floor. He gripped the ruler in his hand tighter, before his eyes flickered over to Keiko Yukimura.
Normally, the girl was focused and almost always raised her hand to answer his questions… but not today. He smirked. She was the only student who had never suffered his wrath, because he could never catch her doing anything wrong, enough to be reprimanded anyway.
Finally, he'd caught her on an off moment; he'd be able to end the day on a happy note! His eyes gleamed, as he moved in on his unsuspecting prey
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Keiko almost laughed. One of the funniest memories she held dear from her childhood was when Kurama and herself had been trying to bake cookies. They'd gotten flour all over her kitchen, when the petite girl had attempted to pull the bag of flour from the top shelf. She hadn't known it had been open… and then it had fallen and she'd been covered from head to toe with the white powder… the look on Kurama's face had been absolutely priceless…
"Keiko Yukimura!" her sensei sternly voiced, curtly approaching her. She was instantly snapped from her reverie. "What are the page numbers you are to study for homework tonight?" Keiko blinked.
"Eh?" She mentally berated herself for her ever intelligent response. Her blush darkened with embarrassment, as she felt the unforgiving eyes of her classmates burning into the back of her head. Silently, she wished fro the ground to open up and swallow her completely.
"I… um… uh…" she stammered over her words then took a deep breath. "Gomen ne I um wasn't quite paying attention."
Keiko nearly jumped out of her skin, as her sensei cracked the long, ruler against the side of her desk. His eyes peered into hers.
"I'm disappointed in you Keiko, you're my model student!" the teacher's voice thundered. The brunette sunk even lower in her seat.
"This better not happen again young lady, or I'll contact your parents! You must be at task at all times! You'd better not disrespect me again or I'll---" her sensei's voice was cut off by the ringing of the belle, signaling the end of the day.
Keiko inwardly cheered, and before the teacher could finish the rest of his sentence, she was already out the door.
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Kurama stood outside of Kawai High, waiting patiently at the school gates, just like always. Waiting for whom? Why his lovely, brown-haired friend, Keiko of course!
His crimson locks seemed to shimmer from the bright rays, as his transfixed emerald orbs looked on in contemplation. His hands were tucked into his pockets, hair swaying in the breeze. However, his eyes flickered with an inner conflict, as he spoke with the Youko inside of him.
Are you really going to go through with this? I mean are you really willing to leave her alone in this world?
'I'm afraid I must. I'm bound as a son to do this. She's already done so much for me, and I feel it's time to return the favor. This will be the last time…'
Keiko will be hurt in the end… warned Youko.
'It cannot be helped.'
How do you manage to act so calm, when this'll be the last time you see her?
'Youko… I love Keiko dearly… but if I could tell her… I'm sure she would understand.'
Don't be so crude… Shuichi she would never allow you to do it. She would pound you to a bloody pulp for even thinking about it… although I don't like pain… perhaps it would be necessary in order to knock some sense back into your head.
'Perhaps she would attempt to stop me… all the more reason not to tell her.'
How are you going to be able to look at yourself…especially after this?
There was silence on Shuichi's end… until…
'I would never be able to forgive myself … for causing her pain…but I'm bound by my blood.'
"Kurama!" The kitsune was snapped out of his dark thoughts by a familiar, melodic voice, coming from the direction of the school. Slowly, he turned around, and he spied Keiko running toward him. She smiled at him brightly, before she rushed forward in her excitement at seeing her best friend.
"Hey, Kurama have any plans this afternoon?" Kurama approached at a slow and casual gait.
"I have something to do later, but I'm going to visit my mother in a bit."
"Oh…" Keiko's eyes lost their mirth, and the kitsune couldn't help but notice a tinge of disappointment in her voice. Her eyes dropped to the ground, before darting back up to him.
After a while…
"Can I come with you… to the hospital that is? I'm sorry if I'm intruding! Do you want some time alone with her? If you don't want any company I'll understand! It's just I haven't seen your mother in a long time…but---" Keiko stopped abruptly, when the red head pressed a finger against her lips, shushing her.
"Keiko… you do not need to justify your intentions for visiting my mother… of course you can come." A small smile tipped his lips when he realized the smile on hers had returned as well. Her eyes lit up. Keiko nodded happily.
"Shall we go then?"
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Keiko remained silent as she looked up at the ceiling of her bedroom, remaining contemplative.
Shiori had looked so peaceful… but Keiko knew deep in her heart that the woman had been in pain. She had tried to act happy despite the situation, smiling the entire time they'd been there… from the time they had entered and until they'd left.
But… Keiko had caught the grief and grimace of pain that had broken out on her face before she had closed the door. Perhaps it was her way of trying to act strong for Kurama. It had been heart wrenching… especially when she'd heard the doctors in the hallway.
Memory Sequence
"Kurama-kun I'm going to the bathroom," Keiko whispered quietly. The lithe, brunette slipped out of the room quietly, as she watched him huddled by his mother's bed side, holding her hands in his. Slowly, she pressed her back against the closed door, sighing softly.
She couldn't stand seeing him like this… in so much pain…he was usually so strong, it was a depressing sight to see him so melancholy.
'Kurama-kun…I'm so sorry for being so selfish, the nerve of me…I shouldn't have even gotten a little sad when he said he was too busy. That was rude… so rude of me to disregard his feelings… ' She was broken out of her musings by the sound of voices…
'That sounds like Dr.Yamazaki…isn't that Shiori's doctor?' She stood up straight, listening to his deep voice drift through the air.
"I really wouldn't be surprised if she died sometime this week. The way she keeps going in and out of the critical stage…it makes me wonder how much time she has left."
Her eyes widened. She felt a cold shiver run down her spine at his words. Were they talking about…Shiori? No, he had plenty other patients…maybe they were talking about someone else… She pressed a hand against her chest, feeling sorrow and dread pulse through her at his next words.
"Shiori Minamino…doesn't she have a son?"
"Yes," replied another voice, "he's that red-haired young man that's in there right now. Who do you suppose that young woman in there with him is?"
'Are they talking about me?' Keiko thought. The voices sounded like they were coming from the end of the hallway…
Slowly, she crept down the deserted corridor, wanting to locate where the doctors were. The deeper she went, the louder they got. When she got to the end of the long hall, her brown eyes flickered to a partially opened white door. She sucked in a deep, shaky breath…and slowly poked her head around the portentous entrance.
What greeted her sight, were two tall doctors standing with their back towards her. One was whom she'd presumed, Dr.Yamazaki...but she wasn't sure about who the other man was.
Keiko remained quiet as she listened.
"I feel sorry for the lad, but everyone knows she doesn't stand a chance." Dr.Yamazaki pushed his glasses up and sighed. The other doctor nodded.
"I know… I just wish I could do something for her…"
"It cannot be helped." He patted the other doctor on the shoulder lightly.
"Don't blame yourself…you've done all you can."
End of Memory Sequence
Keiko's eyes fluttered closed, as she lay on her bed, clutching a pillow to her chest. She yawned tiredly.
"I don't want to go to sleep…" She rubbed her eyes. Her bed shifted when her red headed friend sat down next to her. He chuckled gently.
"I'll stay with you… until you fall asleep."
"Promise?"
"Of course…as long as you get some needed rest." She pouted.
"Are you trying to bribe me Shuichi Minamino?" she said softly, with a hint of playfulness in her voice. He smiled down at her.
"Hai, I'm afraid you caught me. But, I still think you should go to sleep." Her eyes opened briefly, meeting his. She felt she could drown in those emerald pools forever; they were so captivating and beautiful… lined with a deep forest green.
His hand sought out hers, as he lowered his head, pressing a kiss against her cheek. Her cheeks flushed.
"Alright," she whispered softly, giving into him. Kurama knew best, she decided.
Long lashes fluttered delicately, as chocolate brown orbs closed little by little. For some reason, she wanted to stay awake as long as she could… with Kurama. Even though he'd promised to stay with her until she fell asleep, she just didn't want him to leave. With him… she felt safe and warm…and protected. She didn't know what she would do if he ever left her.
'That's right he told me after mother died…that he would always be there for me… and that he would protect me always…'
Drowsiness overtook her… and soon enough the young girl entered the world of dreams…dreaming about beautiful emerald eyes and warm protective arms…
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The kitsune cocked his head to the side as he watched her sleep. She looked beautiful…With each whispery breath she took, her chest rose and fell gently. He looked down at her serene face; her eyelids closed concealing brown eyes in the depths of slumber.
She looked so peaceful…
He felt guilt course through him, as he tucked a strand of her honey hued hair behind her ear. Mentally, he shook his head, he had to do this…he had to leave her.
Considering what Shiori had done for him all his life he had to repay her…with his life. This was the only way he could save her life.
Lowering his head, he kissed her brow instinctively, with a tenderness he could only have for her.
"Goodbye, Keiko," he whispered softly into her ear, though she couldn't of possibly heard him. He stood back up, looking over her once more with a look of gentleness, before he turned away.
'Ready Youko?' The demon snorted.
As ready as I'll ever be I suppose. I'm behind you all the way though.
'Good…' Sparing the sleeping beauty one last glance, he leaped out her window into the dark night. He would try to remember her face…her beautiful, smiling face… before he left for the other world.
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"Kurama-kun!"
Keiko shot up in her bed, eyes wide with alarm and fright. Her heart pounded fast in her chest, as she glanced wildly around the small room. A fearful expression was on her face, as if she had just witnessed the greatest of her nightmares unfold before her very eyes.
Slowly, she stood up, pressing a hand against her chest. She ushered softly in the room, relief flooding her features.
"It… it was only a dream…" She sighed gently; feeling like a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
She remembered every detail from the dream so vividly… Yusuke had been there as well, which was very strange… since he had died from the car accident. She hadn't thought about him for a long time.
Kurama and Yusuke had been standing on a rooftop, then they'd both been engulfed by a bright, blinding white light. She'd tried to get to them, to Kurama, but then he had dropped back down onto the ground. Lifeless, unmoving, and his normally bright green eyes dull and blank. He'd died.
She shivered. It had seemed so real.
A cold breeze played with her hair as she stood there in the middle of the room, trying to banish the horrific images from her mind. Her eyes widened.
'Breeze? What…' Her eyes flickered to her window… which was opened. Gradually, she walked over to the opened window, pushing the billowing curtains aside and closing it. Then, filled with an unknown paranoia, Keiko locked it.
'That's strange…' she thought silently to herself.
She went back to bed, tucking the covers up to her chin, attempting to get comfortable. However, she knew she wouldn't be able to go to sleep for a long time.
Unknown to her, red eyes stared at her from the branches of the tree just outside of her window, peering in through the glass with a heated glare…
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A/N: Ahh… can any of you guys guess what the dream was about? (nudge, nudge)! If you do… you can have a cookie!
Well, actually it was kinda like a premonition. You know when Kurama and Yusuke are on the roof of the hospital, Kurama knows he has to give up his life to save his mother, Shiori. Don't you guys remember? The Forlorn Hope! I couldn't remember all the details from that episode so I'm sorry if anything is wrong.
Oh, yeah remember Keiko, Yusuke, and Kurama used to be all best friends until Yusuke developed feelings for Keiko, which caused them to drift apart. So she hasn't really seen him since forever. She didn't revive him with the kiss either… Atsuko did (in the series remember Keiko, Atsuko, and Kuwabara can revive him but not in my story, his mommy did so yeah).
And who do you all think is in the tree, spying on Keiko?
Hint: In the next chapter, Kurama tells Keiko about his demon heritage and stuff!
Does the premonition thing set off a light bulb in your head? That's right, Keiko's got powers too (in my story at least)!
Anyway, please review!
Bye, byes!