Another Note: Prologue will be undergoing some changes in the near future. I discovered that some areas were going ahead of what I had planned for when the prologue comes into play in the story….sorry about that…
Chapter 13Dinner had been interesting, Autumn thought as she was dressing the next morning. She smiled down at Twitch who playfully ran around her, Russet and Pouncer tumbling around her other a few feet away.
Since she wasn't going to school, not with her shields barely in working order yet, she pulled on a simple shirt and jeans as she continued recalling the events of the night before.
All through dinner her parents were a little stiff, but otherwise chatting lively with both her and Suiichi. The kits were one of the various subjects discussed and to Autumn's amusement, whenever they were mentioned, one of them would look up at her from their shared plate of meat scraps mixed with bread and milk. She knew it was because of their bond; that as it strengthened the foxes would become smarter, just as Autumn would become more aware of their kind.
Suiichi had been polite as he always was and seemed to enjoy her parents' company. That was a very good thing, at least in Autumn's reasoning for the moment. She wanted her parents to like and approve of any potential boyfriends. They'd have to until she was on her own; she couldn't afford to have a relationship where her partner didn't accept what she was.
When the redhead was leaving and her parents cleaning up in the kitchen, Autumn walked him out. He admitted that he would have liked to hug the girl, but would restrain himself from doing so; keeping in mind of her vulnerability. She smiled warmly at him and admitted the same. She was pleased at the slightest surprised that had shown on his face.
Before she could muse much more Twitch pawed at her leg and made the cutest little sound. Autumn blinked, looking down at the kit and also noticed that the other two had stopped their game to look up at her. It was then that could feel their hunger through their bond and barely put up shields she gave a tiny, if a bit sheepish smile saying, "Come on babies. Let's all get some breakfast."
Leading them to the kitchen she found the usual note from her parents reminding her to call Ms. Silvati and had to smile. Autumn would never have forgotten that, not with it being Suiichi who would deliver her work.
She fixed the kits' food first, the usual chopped bits of meat with bread and milk, and set it on the floor. She watched them crowd around the wide shallow bowl and smiled; they were so adorable. Turning to the counter again she put away what she used and took from the fridge the makings of scrambled eggs and bacon.
The kits all looked up at her when she was frying the bacon, but she only smiled, sending out a feeling of calm and normality.
Lunch time rolled around at school, but Suiichi didn't stay. Autumn wasn't there to converse with for one and the other was that he had called a meeting with his friends, a meeting that took precedence over school. But he would return in time to pick up the work he would need to take to Autumn; Silvati-sensei had already spoke with him and he would need to go by her room just after school let out.
Leaving campus was the tricky part, but he managed easily enough; it certainly wasn't the first time he had to leave school without permission. But he hurried just the same.
Twenty minutes passed and he reached an apartment, letting himself in finding five people waiting for him.
"You called Kurama?" the fifth person raised an eyebrow, her voice a little sarcastic.
Suiichi, otherwise known as Kurama looked at the woman and calmly replied, "Yes. I have come across another death. A youkai was the killer."
"How is it that another was found so fast?" the second woman asked, a frown marring her face as she gazed at the redhead.
"I wasn't the one who actually found the death. It was the clairvoyant," he replied.
Silence followed for a few moments and then one of the teenaged boys said, "When are you bringing her around Kurama?" his arms were folded behind his head and he leaned back in a chair.
Kurama came deeper in to the apartment and leaned against the wall. "She is not ready to be part of the team Yusuke. I have to be extremely careful around her; she is not only a clairvoyant, but also an empath."
The one with the same uniform as Yusuke looked bewildered, "An empath? What exactly is that?" he asked.
Kurama looked to that one and then at the others, not answering.
It was the woman who turned to him and smacked him. "Baka no baka. Empaths deal with emotions. You already know this." She said firmly, exasperation in her voice.
"Settle down Prata, please," the other woman pleaded. She didn't want tempers to rise nor did she want anything physical to happen. She could just imagine Prata cracking her knuckles, getting ready for a fall out with Kuwabara, the one she called baka. But then, who wouldn't? Kuwabara was obnoxious, loud and stupid. Shaking her head she cleared away those thoughts, she turned her total attention to the subject at hand.
"Fine, fine, but only until he acts like a baka again. Then I'm gonna punch him." Prata mumbled as she took a seat near Yusuke.
The last male in the room smirked at that. Prata noticed him and said sweetly, "Do you have anything to say He-chan?"
He glared hotly at her from where he leaned against the far wall of the front room. Before he could make any kind of verbal response Prata was suddenly by his side.
Red eyes flicked up to the woman. She grinned broadly and patted his head. He growled at her but before he could drew the sword he wore across his back, she was sitting again next to Yusuke.
"Onna, I've told you before," he started, his voice dark and full of threats, "quit doing that!" Prata only smiled in reply.
"Hiei, Prata, please settle down." The unnamed woman said.
Kurama waited until everyone was quiet again and then said, "The death was intense enough to strip away all protections the girl had. She was completely vulnerable to all around her. Even with the powerful protections to guard her extreme abilities, the death was still able to strip her clean. What would happen to those lesser in power and protections than her if they came across these deaths?" Kurama said.
Prata listened even more carefully than anyone else, always having a sympathy for empaths, and heard something that made a smirk twitch at her lips. She silently beckoned the other woman near and whispered something in her in her ear. The woman's eyes lit up in surprise and delight, sneaking a glance at Kurama.
Prata nodded, smug and amused and then they turned their attention to the others again.
"What are you two whisperin' about?" Kuwabara demanded, his gravely voice loud.
The woman winced a little, but Prata only gave him a smile and said, "Nothing that concerns you baka." She turned her gaze to the redhead, "Gomen Kurama. Please continue."
He bowed his head once and thoughtfully continued, "The results would be disastrous. We need to find out why these deaths have taken place and who is doing them." He said.
Yusuke was nodding in agreement to his words as Kuwabara was voicing his, though he shot a look at Prata.
"Great." Yusuke clapped his hands together enthusiastically. "All we need to do is find out who's behind this and take them out."
Hiei snorted at this, drawing the gaze of the others. Prata raised an eyebrow, but kept silent, knowing that Hiei had something to say, something he didn't often do.
"It's not that simple. You don't even know why it's happening. For all that you know it could be random killings." Hiei said.
Yusuke looked skeptical, turning to Kurama, "What do you think?"
Kurama slightly shrugged and replied, "Either way we are going to need to contact Genkai. If we must disrupt her trip, we must. This clairvoyant empath will need stronger protection than she and her parents can give her."
"This is just the second killing, we have time before it gets out of hand. We have time to look into this. "Prata said. "Botan, will you speak with Koenma?" she turned to the other woman.
Botan nodded, "Of course. He will want to know the recent events." She replied.
Prata thanked her and Kurama nodded his head.
"I will keep you informed." Kurama said.
"Well then, I guess we should head towards our school…we have to go further than Kurama." Yusuke said off handedly as he rose from his chair, sparing a glance at Prata.
Kuwabara glanced from Yusuke to Prata, looking puzzled and scratched his head.
Prata slowly turned to look at Yusuke. Narrowing her violet eyes at him she said, "You already skipped most of the day already, why bother returning at all? Besides, didn't you promise me an afternoon alone with you?" her voice was sugary sweet, taking on an almost innocent tone though everyone knew it was just for show.
Yusuke fully looked at her, the expression on his face looking as if he was caught doing something, "But Prata, that was meant for a night or the weekend!"
"So?"
"Prata, I…can't…I have…school…" he stumbled over an excuse.
"When did school ever stop you from going on whatever missions Koenma puts before you? Or participating in those tournaments?" she pointedly asked, arms over her chest.
Yusuke looked at the others, trying to beg help from them. But Kurama looked away, face impassive, Botan just smiled, totally on Prata's side in this, and Hiei had already left; an open window proof of that. Kuwabara just still looked puzzled, scratching his head; he'd be of no help anyway.
"Don't try asking the others. They can't help you out of this one." Prata said, trying to keep a straight face. She knew him too well and always found it amusing when he was trying to get out of doing something.
"But Prata…we have…" he tried to stumble over another excuse. He looked a little desperate and met her solid gaze. But after a few moments Yusuke's shoulders sagged; he gave in.
"Prata, I had been already planning a picnic for tomorrow…but I guess we can move it up." He tried giving the woman a smile.
Prata, still looking quite amused finally broke into a warm smile for him, but he was by no means let off the hook that easily.
"Oh, I don't know Yusuke-love. I think just because you tried to desert me today, you're gonna have to prepare another meal for the two of us tomorrow too." She said casually.
Yusuke gulped, but nodded, "Very well Prata-mine." Then with a mock-subdued manner he walked to her and offered his arm.
Taking it daintily she looked at Botan, "Don't forget to speak with Koenma. Even if you don't, my lord Kaneck will be speaking with him later." She said.
"Don't worry Prata. As soon as the rest of you leave, I will go inform Koenma." Botan said reassuringly. "No go on you two." She added.
Prata nodded and then the couple left, nodding to Kurama as they passed him on the way to the door. Kuwabara silently followed, but once he stepped over the threshold, he went in a completely different way than the other two had gone. The redhead had nodded back and when they were gone, he turned to face the remaining member of his group.
"Botan, would you please send word to Genkai that we will require her skills and assistance in the very near future?" he asked.
"Certainly Kurama. Does this concern the girl?" she inquired.
"It does." He nodded.
She nodded back and then started making her way towards the door.
"Thank you." Kurama said as she passed him.
She glanced at him, giving him a wink and disappeared through the door. With a slight smirk on his face he took one more look around the apartment before he too, left the place, closing the door firmly behind him. He didn't bother locking the door, knowing that Hiei didn't own anything of value but the sword he always carried.
As he started walking away he couldn't help but think about the outing Prata and Yusuke were going on. It made him want to do the same with Autumn…yes he would. He was sure the girl would be delighted at the thoughtfulness, just as she always was.
While occupied with his thoughts, he switched directions, heading towards school, but would keep on after he reached it.
But little did he know that Hiei was following and watching the redhead from a distance. His red eyes narrowed and he muttered to himself, "He's becoming besotted."
Early afternoon arrived fast, lunch eaten and a nap for the kits still occurring. Autumn found herself trying hard to collect some normal semblance of her shields again. They were already part way returned, but no where near any kind of strength as of yet. She had already called Ms. Silvati before lunch, that was she would have until Suiichi came to deliver her work, with peace and quiet to concentrate. She hoped to have more protection on herself by the time the redhead arrived. She had a feeling she would need all that she could scrounge up.
She sat in the den at the coffee table with work spread in front of her, music softly playing for better concentration.
An hour quickly passed, most of her work being completed and the kits joining her. At the moment they were frolicking and playing on the floor. After a while she joined in their play, laying on the floor playfully pulling on Pouncer's tail. That jerked his head around, his eyes growing even wider in surprise.
That launched them all into a playful rough-n-tumble, lasting for quite awhile until Russet ran into the side of the couch. He was stunned for only a few moments, but Autumn still ceased the play. She crawled over to the kit and scooped him into her arms, putting her back to the couch as she sat down. She scratched behind his ears and watched him blink his eyes. Twitch and Pouncer both projected concern as they padded over to her and their sibling. Curiosity also filled them, though Autumn projected to all three a sense of calm and safety. Russet was okay, a little stunned, but no damage was done. When he wriggled in her arms shortly after she released him to the floor again.
She rose and was about to go get a drink of water when a knock on the door drew her attention. She paused, her gaze going to the foyer. The pups were playing again, though only briefly paused when they heard the knock; they weren't worried because Autumn wasn't worried. The girl was only a little concerned how freely the foxes picked up on her feelings, but as it was she still had a very bare minimal shield strength.
"Hold on please," she called as she sprinted to the kitchen, quickly gulping down some water. She returned to the front room just as quickly and opened the door. She wasn't too surprised when she found Suiichi on the other side.
"Konnichiwa Autumn-san." He said with a warm smile.
She returned the smile, pulling the door open even more, "Good afternoon to you too Suiichi-sempai. Please come in." she had already switched to English, the two of them comfortable with it.
He nodded his head as she stepped across the threshold into the house. The kits finally bounded over rubbing against Autumn's legs and looking up at the two teens. They were still a little apprehensive around the redhead, but not as much as when they first met him. Pouncer sniffed at him and then lightly pawed at him, his baby eyes going up to them.
Both teens looked down, both the tiniest bit surprised.
"Well, I guess I am finally being completely welcomed." Suiichi remarked as the other two went to him. He went down on one knee to hold out a hand to them; his other containing a folder.
Autumn silently watched as the kits accepted Suiichi, giving him little licks and nuzzling against his hand. He looked up and locked gazes with her as he gently petted each of them in turn.
Moments passed, Autumn pulling her gaze away when she started blushing. She kept her gaze away, to the doorknob she still touched and then said, "Please come in and make yourself comfortable."
Suiichi glanced up at her once again, a smirk on his face; he knew she was blushing, but wouldn't comment on it. With one final pet to each baby fox he rose gracefully to his feet and slipping out of his shoes to leave in the foyer to move deeper into the den. Autumn shut the door quietly and followed him, the kits alongside her as she walked silently. The redhead turned when he stopped beside the coffee table and gave her a warm smile.
"Would you please set the folder on the table. I would rather not touch it just yet. I still do not have a sufficient amount of protection yet." She said a little timid.
He nodded, "I understand Autumn-san. You need not explain any further." He reassured her.
She was relieved and sank to sit on the ground with the kits as Suiichi did as she asked and then sat down on the couch. Her mind racing for something to say, her mouth was already moving, "So how was school? Did I miss anything fun?"
Suiichi's smirk widened into a real smile. With a shake of his head he replied, "No, nothing at all. Today was very lax and quiet."
"Aw, nothing fun ever happens." She complained with a smile.
"You should hope that it would happen when you are there. That way you "can get in on it" as Americans say." He said.
She giggled, "Yeah, I would like to be there."
"Well, maybe we should arrange something "fun" to happen at school." He said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Autumn looked surprised, but her eyes twinkled, "Well, it seems that out top ranking student has a hidden side of mischief-making. I wonder how that came about." She wondered out loud, a smile on her lips.
Suiichi let out a chuckle, replying, "You would understand if you knew my friends."
"Will I be able to meet them?" Autumn asked, excitement flaring up inside her. She also had to consciously clamp down on her powers to avoid projecting.
For once she caught him off guard, but his momentary surprised faded quickly. "Of course. How about two days from today? I'm sure that at least my best friend will be able to make it. I don't know what the others are doing, but I'll see what they're up to. I'm sure they'd love to meet you Autumn-san." He said.
"Thank you so much!" she said, excitement entering her voice.
Suiichi began to grin when he realized some of her excitement was leaking out. Immediately he centered himself and put up a layer of protection around himself that he usually would not use otherwise.
"Autumn-san…" he started as he slowly took a seat in the chair he was near.
She looked up at him once again, curious about the slight hesitation now in his voice. It was also then that she discovered a thin area in her minimal shields. Taking a moment she closed her eyes, breathing in deeply and boosted her shields. Seconds later she opened her eyes again, finding Suiichi giving her a slight relieved look.
"I'm sorry Suiichi-sempai. I still don't have a sufficient level of protection up yet. I'm a little hard pressed…" she said.
He gave a very slight shake of the head, "You need not explain. I fully understand and anticipated your lack of shields. I have placed myself under shielding for your benefit." He said.
She was the tiniest bit surprised, but she knew he would have known about shielding. "Thank you." She said in a more subdued voice.
He bowed his head towards her. The kits went to her and minutes later felt her shields become a bit more reinforced.
"Even with your bond newly formed, and their young age, they're already proving to be stead-fast familiars." He remarked.
Autumn looked down at the three, still playing, but closer to her now and had to admit that her shields were more reinforced than she alone had formed.
"I'm glad to have them." She said, a warm smile on her face as she glanced down at them again.
Suiichi didn't have anything to say to that, but mentally he was agreeing with her. He didn't know why exactly, but he too, was grateful that the fox kits were her familiars.
Silence followed for a few minutes, both watching the foxes, before the redhead broke it,
"Autumn-san, would you like to have a picnic dinner tonight?" he asked.
Looking up at him she noticed a very slight hesitation when he asked, but knew that it came from asking her. He wasn't totally sure of her answer and hoped that it wasn't going to be rejection.
She decided right then and there that she never wanted to see disappointment or sadness in his expression or even feel it, even through shields if it was powerful enough, from his emotions. And it shocked her that she felt that way. When she realized it she locked it tightly down, not wanting it to leak out in any way, powers or not.
"Of course I would Suiichi-sempai." She answered.
Relief flooded his expression before he schooled it to a pleasant smile. She watched his expression, a smile on her face and then asked, "Would you mind if I brought the kits with me?"
"Of course not. I would have suggested it." He replied, giving her a warm smile. Twitch padded over to Suiichi curiously sniffing at him and then bounded back over to her brothers. The redhead watched the three with Autumn in silence for a few more minutes. During that time the girl petted each of them, also sending small waves of a sense of safety, reassurance, and thankfulness of their support. They didn't understand that last bit, but she still sent it to them just the same.
Suiichi came out and asked, "So when would you like to leave?"
Autumn finished her projection to the kits before looking and meeting the young man's green eyes.
"You already have this waiting, don't you?" she inquired softly, a very faint flush creeping into her cheeks.
He looked a little guilty, a faint blush entering his fair cheeks for only a moment, his hair hiding half of his face when he bowed his head.
Autumn's eyebrows raised slightly surprised that she could have made the seemingly polite, top student, though can be little distant gentlemanly Suiichi Minamino uncomfortable and guilty.
"Yes, I do." He admitted.
Autumn gave a small shy giggle, giving him a smile. She watched as he lifted his gaze again, revealing the face that could still leave her breathless, knowing that he was reassured again.
"I only need to leave a note, grab my shoes and we can go." She said, starting to rise from the floor.
Suiichi nodded, "And do not worry about what to feed the kits. I have bits of meat waiting for them too," he said.
"Oh, thank you." She said, surprise briefly filling her. She didn't know that he would have been so thoughtful and considerate. As she passed him to collect her shoes from her room she couldn't help but notice a very faint flush fade Suiichi's cheeks. She smiled to herself, saying nothing of it to him.
Twitch and Pouncer followed her while Russet remained behind, watching the redhead just as he had the day her shields were stripped away.
When they reached the forest Autumn loved, she was shocked when he led her to a different part of the area, and found a blanket spread out with a large basket sitting atop it, waiting. She nearly stopped walking when she realized that Suiichi thoroughly planned the outing; there were even potted outdoor candles on the corners of the blanket. The basket that sat upon the blanket looked positively inviting and promised delicious bounty.
The redhead continued to walk a few steps ahead before he realized Autumn stopped. The kits raced happily around, going to the edge of the blanket, back to Autumn and then back to the blanket edge.
Suiichi half turned to look at the girl with a touch of concern and asked, "Is there anything wrong?"
She blinked, meeting his gaze and gave a slight shake of the head.
"No, I'm just so…surprised that you'd go through so much trouble." She replied. With a final shake of her head she started forward once more, joining Suiichi at his side before continuing on together. The kits were as happy as could be as they played around their mistress and each other.
"Come, I'm sure you are hungry," he said.
She nodded with a small smile and soon the two of them sat on the blanket, watching the foxes for a few more moments. Suiichi began to pull small containers out and setting them before the two. When he pulled out two cups and a thermos she turned to look at him.
"Would you like some green tea?" he asked her.
"Yes please." She nodded. He poured tea into both cups, handing her one first before taking his own.
She knew his eyes were on her as she took her first sip and when she lowered the cup she gave him a smile. Curiously looking around at the containers she wondered what he had made; the containers were solid colors, giving no hint as to what was hidden inside.
He caught her trying her hardest not to look inside before asking and seeming rude, and grinned, suppressed laughter sparkling in his eyes. He watched as she lifted her head to look into his eyes and felt his heart flutter ever so slightly as a faint flush crept into her cheeks. Thoughts and feelings he had not dwelled upon earlier came bubbling up once again, forcing him to read into them; his "courtship" with Autumn was becoming more than a simple crush and the occasional date. His heart was beginning to open completely to the young clairvoyant empath, despite that they hadn't known each other very long.
"But love didn't have a time limit, if it was true love." The words ran through his head. The one who had told him had been a close friend and one that he had trusted with his life on a great many occasions a long time ago. He had never known what had prompted her to tell him that or why he had suddenly remembered it, but with those words running through his mind, he knew the truth of his heart; he was beginning to truly love this girl.
"So what exactly did you bring, Suiichi-sempai?" her question broke him out of his self-analysis and he raised his eyes to hers once again. Mentally shaking his head clear he replied with a smile, "Why Autumn-san, are you afraid I will poison you?" he teased.
She blushed, lowering her head as she shook it vigorously. He couldn't help but chuckle, and stopped after a few moments when Autumn looked at him again. She gave him a small helpless smile, shrugging her shoulders with a tiny nervous giggle. "No…I was just curious." She admitted in a quiet voice.
The fox kits bounded over to Autumn, Pouncer crawling into her lap, his head affectionately bumping against her hands. She smiled down at the three, setting her tea to the side, away from the danger of being spilled. She scratched behind Pouncer's ears, noticing that Russet was sitting between the two humans, his eyes all for the redhead. Autumn smirked; it seemed that despite their newly formed familiar bond and his young age, the fox kit was concerned about her honor and virtue. It was amusing, but it did cause some thought—it seemed that they were already developing a personality and it was a little too soon as of yet. She knew that she was increasing in strength and power, but she had not known that the kits would also have accelerated growth and development as well. She would have to keep a closer watch on them and inform her parents as well.
"It's okay Autumn-san. I would have been as curious if our positions were reversed." Suiichi said, breaking her from her thoughts. He gave her a smile, pleasure and hope surging through him as she returned it. A few seconds passed before he told her, "I packed finger sandwiches filled with chicken salad, cucumber slices, carrots, celery sticks, some chips…Let's see," he bent his attention to the containers, opening them as he went, "Oh, and the kits' meat and some water for them." He picked up a specific opened flat-bowl and set it away from him towards the foxes. He pulled another thermos from the basket, along with an empty bowl in which he poured water, setting it beside the bowl of meat.
Twitch, who had been sitting beside Autumn's knee, curiously came forward, sniffing at the bowls Suiichi had set down. Pouncer followed moments behind, though Russet was still intently watching the redhead. But when he heard his siblings eating, he glanced at them. With one final glance at Suiichi he decided that his stomach overruled and he bounded over to join them around the bowl of meat chunks.
Autumn giggled as Russet joined his siblings and said, "It seems that Russet's name will probably be changing in the future if he keeps this up." Her eyes sparkled in blatant amusement.
Suiichi let out a few chuckles as his gaze passed over the pups. "I would have to agree with you. He acts as a protective older brother against enthusiastic admirers." He said in an amused tone.
She blinked, her gaze going to him and had to give a small smile; his words were technically true after all, at least that was what she had gathered.
When they finished eating, Suiichi surprised Autumn when he pulled one last thing from the basket.
"Cake?" the girl asked, pleasant surprise running across her face.
Suiichi grinned at her as he set it between them, his only reply, "I hope you like chocolate."
Grinning now she said, "Of course! What girl wouldn't?" she giggled. As Suiichi opened and cut the came, Autumn glanced at the kits, who were now playing a few feet away. She smiled at them and looked around their immediate area until something caught her attention.
But it wasn't something of a physical nature, it was supernatural.
Something was out in the woods, unseen, but felt. She tried to sense what it was, but it seemed that whoever was out there knew how to shield…which meant it could possibly be the same presence she had felt the day she rescued the pups. But as she focused a little bit harder she found that this presence was more than a bit different than the one she had initially discovered.
"What is it Autumn-san? You sense something?" Suiichi asked in concern, seeing the frown of concentration on her face. He set the knife down beside the cake, turning the rest of his attention to her.
Autumn looked at him, nodding, "Yes, but I don't know what or who it is…it feels like something I've sensed before in the forest. Though I don't know if it's human since it can shield against me especially when I try hard to identify it." She said thoughtfully.
Suiichi frowned, turning his eyes to the direction she was looking. Without conscious knowledge he rose to his feet.
"Suiichi-sempai?" Autumn asked curiously, her eyes on him.
He blinked and looked down at her, "Oh, I beg your pardon Autumn-san. But I will go see to this problem." He said as he carefully stepped off the blanket.
"But Sui-" he interrupted before she could say anything, "Don't worry. I will be cautious. I am sure that no harm will come to me." He said, giving her a smile.
She watched him, somehow knowing that his words were truth and she should trust them. She gave him a nod and watched as he began to walk away. The kits tried to curiously follow him, but at Autumn's gentle command they kept back, though they still intently watched the redhead.
Suiichi walked calmly, opening his own supernatural senses, immediately finding what he assumed Autumn had picked up. Shaking his head slightly he treaded quietly on through the threes, his steps barely making any kind of noise.
Minutes went by until Suiichi stopped and said, "You must learn to cloak your presence a little more efficiently. Did you pay no heed to what I had said about this girl being an empath as well as a clairvoyant?" his gaze was still straight ahead, but at his words a slight stirring of branches came from the tree to his left.
All too soon a young man stood before the redhead, his sharp red eyes narrowed. "I did well enough to hide from you before the girl said anything. Losing your touch Kurama?" he retorted, crossing his arms over his chest.
The redhead smirked, merely looking amused and replied, "Not at all. But surely you will pay better heed to my warnings in the future Hiei."
"Why?" his inquiry was immediate and suspicious.
"You are also a psychic, and that alone should make you heed my warnings. But you are also a youkai, and that makes you considerably more powerful than a mortal. If you do not shield even the tiniest bit, Autumn will sense you and you could possibly overwhelm her, resulting in a very possible backlash of powers." The redhead said calmly and matter of factly.
Hiei stared at the taller one, "I sense there is another reason Kurama and you will tell me what it is." He demanded.
"She wishes to meet my friends." Kurama, a.k.a., Suiichi, stated promptly and simply.
"What does any of this happen to do with finding a clairvoyant to See the history of the artifacts for us? Why must I meet this human?" Hiei demanded, his quick temper sparking.
"Because I wish it. Please meet us here two days from now." Kurama said in a firm tone. "And don't forget about her powers. You wouldn't want to be on her bad side if something happens." He added.
"Heh."
With that said Hiei practically disappeared, using his speed to leave the forest.
Meanwhile Autumn called the kits to her where they began to settle down a bit. Twitch curled up against the girl, grooming herself a bit while the other two half-heartedly chased one another beside the blanket. She smiled at them, though kept glancing back at where Suiichi had disappeared. She hoped that he would truly be okay.
Only a few minutes passed before she felt the mysterious presence disappear. The way it disappeared truly made her think it hadn't been human, but for now she would keep that observation to herself.
Moving her legs to another sitting position she glanced down at the cake, resisting the urge to take a little piece. It looked so delicious, but she would wait until her companion returned. She knew it would be soon; the presence was gone after all and so she assumed Suiichi would be back soon.
Something rustled in the trees, causing all four of them to look in that direction. But Autumn was only slightly startled and more relieved at the sounds of someone walking towards them. A smile spread across her face as Suiichi walked into view towards where she still sat on the blanket.
He stopped just before reaching the edge, smiling and saying, "As you can see Autumn-san I am safe and untouched."
A faint flush touched the girl's cheeks as she lowered her eyes, bowing her head slightly. She heard him give a small chuckle and saw him join her. The kits joined them as well, Russet and Twitch sniffing at him cautiously before calmly taking their places beside their mistress.
"So where were we? Ah, yes, dessert." Suiichi grinned as he picked up the knife.
Autumn gave a nod, but with one glance at the forest she turned her eyes to him in curiosity. The expression remained even as he handed her a slice, which she accepted.
"What is it?" he asked when his gaze met hers.
"What happened when you went into the forest?" she asked with a slight touch of acquisition.
He blinked at her and answered, "It was a curious psychic with the gift of speed. But I sent him on his way so we won't be further interrupted or caught unawares."
She stared at him for a few moments more before accepting what he told her. She knew for a fact that there was more to what he had told her. It was just that she wouldn't know how to extract the information form the older boy without being rude or prying. People were titled to their secrets and Suiichi wasn't any exception.
Autumn ate her cake, grinning in pleasure at the taste. She finished every crumb before turning her eyes up to him, "That was so delicious. I've never had chocolate cake that tasted so good." She admitted.
A faint flush entered his cheeks, a bit embarrassed as well as extremely flattered by her words. "Thank you Autumn-san." He said shyly.
She smiled at him, noticing the blush staining his pale cheeks. Taking great pleasure in that one little detail she pretended not to notice to keep him from becoming any more flustered than he was, despite that it made him all the more attractive. Instead she helped him clear away and pack up the remaining of the containers, making him promise that she could take the rest of the cake with her when she reached her home.
By the time the basket was packed again, though considerably lighter, Autumn noticed that it was becoming dusk and the kits were trying to fall asleep.
"Well, I think we need to get them back home before you end up carrying all three of them." Suiichi chuckled lightly, gently petting Twitch, who was the closest to him.
She nodded, "I would have to agree." She scooped Russet into her arms as she carefully rose to her feet.
Suiichi followed her up, taking care that Twitch and Pouncer instantly woke up when Autumn first began to rise. They trotted off the blanket, pausing to look at their mistress, who followed.
Suiichi followed folded up the blanket and tucked it into the spacious basket, which he now carried. "Shall we go now?" he asked, a pleasant smile on his face.
Autumn nodded happily, returning his smile, still holding a sleepy Russet in her arms. The other two trotted a few paces ahead of them, but that was as far away from the girl as they went. The redhead walked beside her as he guided them out of the forest.
They chatted a little on their way, but reaching her house, they fell into a slight awkward silence. It may not have been the first time he escorted her home, including after night had fallen, but…she wasn't sure why she was only now feeling a bit awkward. Maybe it was because it was an actual date—just not grabbing something to eat after a late research day—and it was a little more intimate.
Suiichi must have sensed the awkwardness she felt, but said nothing of it, deciding not to bring it out in full light. He walked her to her front porch where she set Russet down beside the other two and turned to face him.
"Thank you Suiichi-sempai. Tonight was great." She said softly, a very faint flush in her cheeks.
He smiled warmly at her, "Thank you for accompanying me. I hope we will be able to do it again." He replied.
She nodded, her eyes lifting to meet his, "I would like that."
A few moments of silence passed between the two before Suiichi rallied enough courage (though filled with hesitation) to ask in a very quiet voice, "Autumn-san, may I…may I kiss you?"
His question was so tentative and uncertain it made her pause and just stare at him for a few seconds. When she only continuously blinked at him, he immediately began to apologize and start to turn away.
"I'm sorry, please forgive me Autumn-san. I did not mean…" But she cut him off with her own words, "I would like that very much Suiichi-sempai." Her voice was calm, but inviting and hopeful. She gave him an encouraging smile when he turned to fully face her again.
"You would?" he looked so much like a little boy who had been offered his dearest wish, she had to smile warmly at him.
"Of course I would."
He hesitated for only a moment before turning back to her, taking a careful step closer to her. He watched her face as she lifted it towards him, her expression hopeful, despite that they both knew she had a small natural fear of touching him. His own expression was gentle, warm, also hopeful, and also a little surprised. Although he had asked the question, he hadn't known that she would so readily accept.
He lifted a hand to hover just above her cheek, not quite touching as he began to lean towards her. Autumn tilted her head back slightly as she could feel his breath on her, her eyes closing.
Suiichi hesitated again, just above her lips but for only a second, pressing his lips to hers briefly before hovering again in concern for her well being. It wasn't until he felt her touch his hand above her cheek and take it in her own than his hesitation evaporated. He pressed his lips against hers in the kiss they both wanted, becoming almost intoxicated by the softness and compliance of the mouth beneath his.
She knew he was hesitant about touching her, but she helped him along by taking his hand in hers. Surprisingly enough his shielding was still holding against her almost completely. She was only receiving an inkling of his emotions, but when he finally kissed her all shielding on him and what little she had acquired slipped; though she still was able to think for her own—she wasn't completely taken over by the vision.
--Dressed in a comfy Chinese fighting outfit, Suiichi leaned back in a chair at a table across from a very short young man with red eyes, black spiky hair with a white band around his forehead. He was dressed in black and a sword hung at his back and his aura seemed to be black flames, quite different than the other two that sat at the table. The other two she had Seen before: the one with a blue aura with slicked-back black hair and brown eyes and the one with an orange aura with carrot-colored hair and dark eyes.
To her surprise there was also three women there as well. One stood behind the blue aura one with black and silver hair and wise-beyond-mortal-years violet eyes. Her aura was also different—it was purple, but with swirls dancing around like visible air current.
A young woman with blue hair and pink eyes smiled warmly at the group as she chatted animatedly with a fragile appearing woman with sea green hair and red eyes. Although the first woman's aura was a solid rose pink, the second woman's was pale blue, but there were snowflakes swirling around her.
If Autumn could have, she would have blinked at that. But as it was a very sudden and random thought ran through her head as she still remained caught in the vision—the different auras meant they weren't human-they were youkai.
But even if the vision was filled with humans and demons, the entire scene was filled with peace, affection, and bonds of friendship. She could also tell that the violet-aura one and the blue-aura one loved each other as well as the orange aura and the pale blue aura.—
The vision ended just before Suiichi pulled away, slowly slipping his hand form hers. It took a few seconds to blink her eyes open and she found him smiling at her, though there was also a touch of concern in his eyes. An answering warm smile spread across her face as she softly said, "I wasn't completely taken over by a vision for once."
Relief flooded his expression and he said, "It may have something to do with that you were completely willing for the physical contact."
She gave him a sly look and retorted, "You mean a kiss?" she giggled, "Of course I was completely willing. I really like you."
Autumn then knew he was flattered, a bit embarrassed, but the feelings her words further evoked she picked up without shielding she knew that he really liked her too.
"I do too." He said.
She nodded happily, "I know. I Felt it, but no worries, I didn't do it apurpose." She replied.
He slightly bowed his head, trusting her words as he always trusted her. "Goodnight Autumn-san. I will visit tomorrow after school…unless you're coming?" he asked, an eyebrow raising.
She shook her head, "My shields still aren't sufficient enough to venture a full day surrounded by teenager emotions. I wouldn't last ten minutes if I attempted it." She replied truthfully.
He nodded, "Then I will come by with your work as usual." He smiled at her, a slight ring of laughter in his last words.
She nodded, "And I will be looking forward to it, as usual." A giggle escaped from her, merriment filling her eyes as she met his gaze.
He turned to go, but before he did he wistfully said, "I'd hug you, but I don't want to risk it just yet."
Her expression went soft as she said, "Maybe in a day or so. Oh, and I would also tell you the vision I received if you wished." She added.
He blinked at her sudden offer, almost forgetting that she did receive visions. But he shook his head, "Only if you wished to reveal truly what you picked up. It might come in handy one day, not revealing all that you See." He replied.
"Hm…" she was halfway thoughtful as she remembered to say, "Goodnight Suiichi-sempai."
He nodded and began to walk away. Autumn remained on the porch, watching him until she was no longer in sight before looking down at the kits. They quietly sat next to her, tired and waiting to be let inside where a comfortable bed waited for them.
With a smile she got her keys and opened the door, letting the kits in before she herself followed. The porch light was turned off and the door shut quietly behind her.
NOTES: NEXT chapter is when Autumn FINALLY meets Hiei! (evil laugh)