Chapter Two

"It's really not that far. I appreciate you walking with me, though."

"No problem." Kenrin smiled at the boy he knew as Shuichi. "Gives us a chance to keep talking."

Kurama nodded in agreement; but in actuality, awkward silences were falling fast and thick between them. It didn't seem to bother Kenrin, though; he was as bold about the silence as he was about everything else. Kurama was wavering between being intrigued and amused by the young man; whichever he decided on, he knew he was glad Kuwabara had invited his new classmate to the party.

Classmate. "What are you studying?" Kurama asked, seizing on the new topic of conversation.

"Medicine. I want to go into family practice."

"I had almost expected you to answer music."

"No, it's just a hobby."

"You're quite good at it for just a hobby."

Kurama was surprised to see Kenrin blush. "So are you."

Silence descended again. Kurama was debating talking about his own studies, just to keep the conversation going, when Kenrin suddenly said, "Shuichi, are you... you know..." He shrugged, blushing again. "Bi, straight, gay?"

Kurama allowed himself a grin. "What do you think I am?"

"Well, if you're not at least bi then I'm making a right fool out of myself, aren't I?"

Kurama laughed. "I'm bi," he assured Kenrin, feeling that the ingenuity of the young man's response deserved a straight answer.

"So I'm not making a fool of myself?"

Kurama heard the subtext of Kenrin's question and considered it for a minute. One of the advantages of being Shuichi was that people were willing to approach him this way; the only people who had ever dared to flirt with Youko all had hidden agendas. It was refreshing. "You're not making a fool of yourself," he allowed.

"Then can I hold your hand?"

"You're certainly bold," Kurama remarked. But he freed his hand from his jacket pocket and held it out all the same.

Kenrin shrugged. "I figured I'd have to be. Kuwabara says you already have a fan club at the university you go to."

"Kuwabara exaggerates," Kurama said lightly, wishing it was so. He was saved from having to explain further by his house coming into view; he gently directed Kenrin to it and they stopped on the porch.

"Can I see you again?" Kenrin asked simply.

Kurama cocked his head and smiled. "I think so."

"Only think so, hm?"

Kurama leaned forward and gave Kenrin a light kiss. "I hope so." And before the startled boy could react, the fox had nipped inside.

Once the door was shut Kurama grinned and congratulated himself on his exit. It had been a few hundred years since he had played this game; it was refreshing, exhilarating almost.

But why was he playing it with a human boy?

Kurama's insides deflated considerably. He had gotten so caught up in the thrill of the game, he had forgotten its inevitable conclusion. Dream flower pollen. In the eyes of this boy; in the eyes of Maya, the first person he had felt for in this human form; in the eyes of everyone after her, everyone who was either used against him or came too close to the truth. He clenched his fists. Why was he doing this to himself?

Because you're lonely, Kurama, came the answer. Because you miss being mated. Because you like this boy, and you want to give him a chance.

A chance to do what? Kurama argued with himself. A chance to get involved in things he can't possibly understand? To get hurt?

A chance to care about you, the first voice answered. A chance to make you care about him.

Kurama sighed deeply and headed up the stairs to his room. It wouldn't work. He knew it, and he was going to try anyway, and they were all going to get hurt.

Once he reached his room he went to the window and opened it, but he was greeted by an empty tree. Now, that was puzzling. He would have thought for certain Hiei would be there, ready to lay into Kurama for leaving him in the midst of a ningen party. But not only was he not there, there was no scent on the breeze to indicate he had been. Feeling a little bit abandoned, Kurama went to bed.