So, we've met our main characters. I'm sure you'd like to know a little more about them. I mean, you're reading this after all, right? Okay, why don't we go through a little background information on each of them just to see what we're working with. The next encounter is very soon, but I think we have time to go over the basics.

Let's start with Hiei. Last name, Jaganshi. He's a bit complicated to explain, actually. The sister he mentioned doesn't know she's his sister. See, here's the story. He and she are twins, but his mom was really beyond pissed when his father up and left her while she was stuck on bed rest for three months. It was a difficult pregnancy and his leaving did nothing to help. The twins were born two months early, and barely survived. Yukina, his sister, was told her brother died, but the truth was, he was put up for adoption. His adopted father is Sensui Shinobu, a local judge. So, why Jaganshi for a last name? Well, having a judge for a father comes in very handy when you want information. His biological father's name was Jaganshi, he found out, so he goes by it. Yukina's last name, just for matter of record, is Koorime, and Yusuke is the only other person Hiei's told about his sister. Why is this? What is their relationship? It's complicated to say the least. You could call them "best friends," but that's not quite right. Neither is "lovers," really, since neither of them claims any affection for the other, no matter how often they decide to…well, have fun, for lack of a better euphemism. What if we go with "friends with benefits"? That's probably the best we'll do for a label.

Next, we'll meet Kuwabara, first name Kazuma. Why does Hiei think of him as an idiot? Well, mostly it has to do with the fact that Kazuma is head over heels with Yukina. It wasn't that he was a bad guy, really, but he'd had his run-ins with Hiei and Yusuke. He and Yusuke were what you'd call rivals…or maybe a strange form of best friend. There were times it was hard to tell. The two boys understood more about each other than either cared to admit and that usually led to all out fist fights. Kuwabara's nose had been broken a few times, courtesy of Yusuke's fist. So, why is Kuwabara on the track team? Well, he's not quite as much of a punk as Yusuke, nor is he quite the idiot Hiei thinks he is. He's intelligent, just not terribly smart, if you know what I mean. And, while he does come across as overly friendly, he's not into guys. He's only got eyes for Yukina.

Who next? Yusuke or Kurama? I bet your wondering about Kurama's nickname, aren't you? Did you know that "Kurama" means "warehouse stallion"? Kinda interesting, isn't it? So, how did he get that name? Get your minds out of the gutter, it's got nothing to do with that. Kurama used to work with horses when he was in junior high. There was a girl, an exchange student, who kinda had a thing for him, a little bit of a crush. It was junior high, these things happen. When she saw him working with the horses, almost seeming to talk to them, she started calling him Kurama…and it just kinda stuck. So now, Shuichi Minamino, "Excellent first of the southern field" has a ready made porn name, if he were so inclined. He's not, but that really doesn't matter. I was going some place when I started this. Ah, yes. It's been four years since he was dubbed Kurama. So, why did he move? That has to do with our next encounter so I'm not going to tell you yet, you'll have to wait for Kurama to tell you himself.

Now, Yusuke. Number one punk, and totally homosexual. You never would have guessed that, would you? So, what's his story? Well, his mom was fifteen when he was born. That's a great start in life, isn't it? She's one of those molls that hangs around the gangsters, never seeming to actually fit in anywhere, but is always taken care of. No one, not Yusuke, not the school, maybe not even Atsuko, his mother, is quite sure where she fits in, but she fits somewhere in the grand scheme of the local organized crime chapter. And, it's kept a roof over her head, food in her pantry, and rum in her system for years. It also keeps Yusuke in school. Just as a point of record, Yusuke is passing all his classes. Amazed? Think it has to do with his mother? Nope. He manages to show up for tests and aces them. His grades aren't that high because he doesn't do homework or other such petty things, but he is passing his classes. He's one that frustrates the teachers to no end. He also will talk more about himself, and Hiei in our next encounter. It's about to start, so shall we rejoin our main players?

Yusuke was leaning on the wall outside the boy's locker room door, waiting. It'd been about 20 minutes since the track team had come in. Several team members had already left for the day, nervously eyeing the black clad punk who stood outside the door, watching it through heavy lidded eyes. Everyone knew Yusuke's sexual preference…and it made them nervous…or maybe a little excited…to see the queer punk watching them leave the locker room. Since he said nothing to them, they hurried on, relieved and disappointed. The brown eyed boy was wondering just how long the redhead could stay in the locker rooms when the object of his desiring came out, shaking out his still damp hair.

"Were you planning on making me wait all day?" the dark haired teen muttered.

Kurama glared at Yusuke. "Why are you still here? Don't you have some havoc to wreak?" Without waiting for an answer he turned to leave, hitching his backpack over his shoulder.

"Nope, havoc taken care of for today. I'm all yours this afternoon."

"I don't want you."

"Okay. That'll change, though."

Kurama merely snorted and continued to walk, hoping that his ignoring Yusuke would encourage the boy to leave him alone. Nice plan, but…as you know, plans like that never work out. Yusuke kept walking beside Kurama, whistling occasionally, his hands behind his head. The only difference between now and the time they ran into each other in the hall was that the earphones were nowhere to be seen. Yusuke whistled badly, Kurama thought. Or that must have been what he thought, based on the sour expression that crossed his face. Or maybe it was the whistling reminded him that Yusuke was still there, still tagging along…not leaving him alone. Gotta feel sorry for the redhead, don't you? Subjected to such torture. Actually, truth be told, Yusuke whistled very well, but we'll keep that between you and me until Kurama's ready to admit it, what do you say?

Anyways, enough with the conspiracy drivel. Back to our story. And Kurama talks, his voice bitter, "Where are you going?"

"I'm walking you home," Yusuke answered cheerfully. Cheerful punk? Goes right along with queer punk, doesn't it? Our Yusuke is just a collection of opposites, isn't he? A walking oxymoron.

"I don't want you to walk me home." Actually, Kurama's not going home, but we're still going to get to that. Be patient, dear readers, it makes sense.

"Okay, fine, then, I'm walking and I just happen to be going the same general direction you're going."

"I don't want you walking with me."

"I'm not walking with you. We just happen to be going the same way."

Irritated more than he cared to admit, Kurama asked, "So, you're going to the hospital?"

This caused Yusuke to stop and drop his lackadaisical demeanor. His eyes were full of concern, honest concern, as he asked, "Why would you be going there?"

The abrupt change from punk to human startled Kurama, but then, almost everything about Yusuke kept him off balance. "My mother's there," he muttered, turning away from the compassionate brown eyes. His eyes returned to Yusuke when the boy's hand came to rest on his upper arm.

"I'm sorry, man. Why's she there?"

Kurama couldn't have stopped the word that left his mouth, no matter how hard he tried, "Cancer." He also couldn't fight against the arms that wrapped around him, wanting comfort from someone who wouldn't judge him. He was perfect. Always. But, it hurt a lot.

Yusuke allowed his hands to rub Kurama's back, the part of his mind that would have been delighted turned off for the moment. "They've got the best ward here, y'know."

Kurama allowed his forehead to rest against the brown eyed boy's shoulder, "I know. That's why we moved here."

"It's gotta suck to have to go to school and everything with her so sick." Yusuke's hand went to hold the damp red locks. Kurama wasn't returning the hug, but he wasn't backing away. Maybe…just maybe, things would work out…even if Yusuke wasn't entirely sure what he wanted and even if Kurama were straight. There was still hope and it was shown by the redhead allowing himself to be held.

Kurama shrugged. "She's happy when I do well in school or on track," he murmured, pulling back slowly from the too comfortable embrace.

Yusuke let the redhead go reluctantly. It felt good to hold him. Better than he thought it would. "You're pretty fast," he commented, keeping the human demeanor as he watched Kurama regather himself.

Green eyes met brown, "You were watching? I didn't see you."

"I don't hang with the fan clubs. I was under that big tree."

Kurama frowned. He'd noticed the tree and had thought he'd seen some type of movement under it. He wasn't sure, though. Before he could say anything, Yusuke continued. "My friend Hiei used to run track. He was pretty fast, too."

"Why'd he stop?"

"Had issues with Kuwabara and they couldn't work 'em out and the team needed a high jumper more than a sprinter, so Hiei quit."

Yusuke started walking again, hands in his pockets as the punk was kept at bay, for the moment. The two boys walked silently into the hospital, Kurama making no protests as Yusuke followed him into his mother's room.

"Hey, Mom, how are you feeling today?" the redhead asked gently to the gaunt woman sitting propped among the pillows and white sheets and blankets. Her hair was limp, ragged, showing a long hard battle had been fought in her body. There were many other signs of that war, from the waxy complexion and hollowed cheeks, the sunken eyes and the listless gaze. Tubes ran under the blankets, several of them, from the myriad of bags and pumps attached to poles on the far side of the bed. The room was decorated with drawings of flowers, some reprints, some originals. The originals came from the pen of Shuichi Minamino, a small scrawl in the corner marking them as his. Shiori loved flowers, and he'd have many in the room with his mother, if the hospital had allowed it.

"Shuichi," the woman managed to smile, her eyes lighting as she beheld her son. "I'm cold today." Her eyes caught a small motion behind the redhead and she looked toward it. "You brought a friend?" she asked. She knew her illness put a strain on her son, making it difficult to find time to be with kids his own age.

"Hello, ma'am, my name is Yusuke," the boy charmed his way over to the woman and kissed her cheek.

Shiori chuckled, "I see. You're amusing, Yusuke. I'm glad Shuichi has a friend to make him laugh."

Yusuke brought his hand up behind his head, an embarrassed gesture. He knew how to play adults. He knew how to play people period, to get what he wanted. And looking at Kurama's mother caused an unpleasant ache around his chest. He'd been thinking it'd be a simple matter, seduce the pretty redhead, play with him and leave it at that. Life, however, had different plans. "I haven't seen him laugh yet, but since you ask it, I will ensure it happens."

Kurama shifted uncomfortably. He hadn't laughed since his mother had been sick. He wasn't sure if he remembered how anymore. He didn't know his mother was aware of that, though, and he didn't want Yusuke telling her about his minor breakdown on the way to the hospital. "Mother, have you eaten today?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

"I managed to keep down one of those meal drinks," she replied, her voice soft. She turned back to Yusuke, "Please see it does. I worry about him…"

"Mother, I'll be fine," Kurama insisted, sliding a hand under the blankets to hold onto one of hers. "You don't need to worry." He tensed slightly as he felt Yusuke put a hand on his shoulder.

"I promise to make sure he laughs and takes care of himself, Mrs. Minamino, and I always keep my promises." Yusuke's eyes were serious as he met Shiori's gaze. The woman smiled and relaxed back into the bed.

"How was practice today, dear?" She'd never told her son, but she'd been a track star in high school. She'd set three records her senior year that had stood for several years before being broken. She didn't know why she hadn't told him, but when he showed an interest in her sport, she encouraged him.

"Pretty good, we mostly ran wind sprints."

"He's really fast, ma'am. Left the rest way in the dust." Yusuke's hand tightened appreciatively around Kurama's shoulder.

Shiori managed to glow with pride. It's an amazing accomplishment to see someone as sick as she is glow with pride, and it made Kurama thankful for the punk, even if he was also uncomfortable with being touched at the moment. "I'm so glad to hear it."

The only problem with such emotion is it drained what little energy there is in the weakened body. Kurama squeezed his mother's hand, "Try for another drink tonight, okay? I love you. We're going to go and let you rest, okay?" He bent over and kissed her cheek.

"I like him, Shuichi. Bring him back sometime, okay?"

Caught by life, again, Kurama had no choice but to agree to more of Yusuke's presence in his life, "Okay, Mother, I will." He stepped away and walked toward the door, struggling to contain his mixed emotions.

"I'll see you later, ma'am," Yusuke smiled as he bent to kiss the woman's cheek as well.

As you surely noticed, we left the commentary pretty much at the door. There are just some situations that a running monologue should just be gagged, out of respect. Now, a little more background, since our boys won't get to discussing it. They have more to say, but this is important, so bear with me a moment before I return you to them. Kurama lives alone, in an apartment he rented with the help of his mom's boss. See, his mom's boss has a thing for her. A major thing, like totally seriously, he's in love with her. Even still, though she hasn't been able to work for months, he pays her salary and her insurance for her. He owns the company so he can do what he likes. It is this money that Kurama lives off of. The man had offered him a place to stay, but when his mother was transferred to this hospital in hopes of finding a treatment that would kill the cancer without killing Shiori, Kurama refused, wanting to be near his mother. What kind of cancer? Here's the kicker, and it majorly sucks. She has systemic cancer. It was throughout her body before she got sick enough to be diagnosed. So, why's she still have her hair? There's too much cancer for radiation to be used. No radiation, no hair loss. In all honesty, the doctors are about to the point where treatment becomes comfort. Enough…it's time to rejoin our boys.

"Where's your dad?" Yusuke asked after they left the hospital.

"Dead," Kurama answered shortly, still upset by his visit with his mother. He hated to see her so weak, but he also refused to not visit her. He knew she loved his visits, they helped her hold on. And she wanted to hold on. She'd told him so. He asked her every so often if she still wanted to fight, letting her know that he'd understand if she couldn't keep going and he'd never blame her if she had to stop.

"Man, I'm sorry," Yusuke murmured, rubbing a hand along Kurama's back as they walked.

Kurama tensed but did nothing to discourage the affection. It was beyond rude to lash out at someone who was trying to be sympathetic, no matter how much he wanted to. And Shiori had seen that her Shuichi could not be rude. She was a gentle woman and her example guided Kurama. "Don't sweat it. He died a long time ago. Before I was born, so I never knew him."

Without realizing it, Kurama had led Yusuke to his apartment and was opening the door for them. He didn't realize this until Yusuke stopped at the door. Some strange force compelled him to stop. He didn't understand it. Under any other circumstances, he would have taken advantage of the redhead's distraction, full advantage. Hell, he'd done it before. But, with everything he'd seen that afternoon, he just couldn't bring himself to do it. He stopped. "Hey, I'll see you later."

Kurama paused, his key still in his hand, baffled a bit. "You're not going to come in?"

Yusuke smiled, "Nope, not even if you invited me."

"Why?"

Yusuke brought a hand up to caress Kurama's arm. "I've got different plans for you," he answered as he bent in and kissed the shocked redhead on the lips.

It was a chaste kiss, but Kurama's eyes flew wide as his hand instinctively came up and slapped the dark haired teen. "How dare you!"

Yusuke rubbed his cheek, "Nice wallop ya got there." The punk came back out in full force. "You want me to come in and do more than that to ya? I don't think so, Kurama. I have better ideas. I actually want to get to know you first. So…so, I'm gonna get to know you first. You'll just have to wait to see what I can do to make you scream. And, you'll be begging for it by then."

"Get out! Go away! Leave me alone! I don't want to see you again!" Kurama was near hysterical. This day was just conspiring to drive him insane.

"Can't do, sweetheart. Promised your mom I'd take care of you and make you laugh. I will, too. I keep my word. Just ask anyone and see if I don't!" With that, Yusuke swaggered off, leaving a very upset and confused redhead behind him.

These encounters…they just keep getting more and more strange, don't they? What will our boys do next? When is there next encounter going to be and what will it be? Are we going to begin approaching the answer to our questions? Ah, my dear reader, if only life were so simple.

A/N: Well, chapter 2...I would say things to my reviewers, but this site doesn't like that. What I will say, I've read all your reviews and they make me very happy. The tone of the story won't change, even though it is getting angsty. Now, I'm off to write chapter 3 ;D