I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho. Only the flower, Foxes' Desire is mine. This is an AU of the Chapter Black Saga in which the events of that case don't happen.

Chapter One- Strong Feelings

Yusuke was in his usual spot on those days when he went to school, namely the roof. He had been feeling a bit flat and smothered since the Dark Tournament ended. He attributed the former to the fact that things seemed peaceful and dull. The second feeling was because of Keiko.

He loved her, no doubt about it, but when it came to school matters, she was constantly on his case. He knew she had his best interests at heart as well as the fact that high scores with their class reflected nicely on her position as class president. The thing was, Yusuke didn't care about that, no matter how hard Keiko or the teachers tried to make him care.

I wish they'd shove off and leave me the hell alone, he thought as his eyes closed. I can make a living without an education. I could be a boxer, a ramen shop owner, or just be unemployed like Mom. Yusuke drifted off to sleep, unaware that at another school, someone was thinking about him.

Kurama held a book in one hand while eating with the other. He knew his classmates were impressed with how he could multitask like that, but he wasn't. Back when he was Yoko Kurama, he was capable of making several plans at once and never got them mixed up. However, his eyes were not taking in the words on the pages. He had someone on his mind and loathe to look as if he was daydreaming.

He turned a page, took a bite of apple, and dwelled on Yusuke. The spirit detective had been on his mind constantly since the tournament ended. It intrigued him why he thought of Yusuke so much. He smiled as a reason came to him. It is possible that I am in love with him. We formed a bond of mutual trust when I explained myself and why I wanted to use the Forlorn Hope. It grew to friendship during the Saint Beats case. That friendship, unbeknownst to me, had blossomed into love during the fight with Team Masho. The two of us were the ones to do the majority of the fights for that one.

It was after losing the third match that I felt something for Yusuke that seemed to go beyond friendship. The look of deep concern in his eyes spoke of more than friendship to me. He likely sees me as just a friend as he clearly has deep feelings for Keiko. Still, there is no reason why I cannot talk to him and let him know. I think I will try to do so after school.

Yusuke slumped in his seat as the last lesson of the day droned on. Keiko had interrupted his nap and when he snapped at her, she let fly with two smacks, leaving both cheeks red. They had hurt like hell, but the stinging quickly faded. Now, he turned his head to look out the window and what he saw made him sit up with interest. There was a red-haired boy in a pink uniform standing outside the school gate. Kurama! he thought. What's he doing here? The bell rang and Yusuke wasted no time in bolting out of the room, down the stairs, and out the front door to head for his friend.

"Hey, Shuichi," he called since they were in public. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you and ask if we could hang out together." Kurama smiled slightly and Yusuke felt his spirits lift. He rarely hung out with Kuwabara lately and most people avoided him. "Sure. we can hang out," he said and the bright smile Kurama gave him made him feel warm and happy.

Damn, why do I feel this way about Kurama? Yusuke pondered as the two of them sat in a café, each with a drink in front of him. Yeah, he's a friend, but sometimes it feels more like he's a brother I never had. That could be why he came to see me: A brotherly kind of feeling.

"Yusuke, how have things been with you?" Kurama asked as he sipped his tea.

"Boring," Yusuke answered, taking a swig of coffee. "I have no interest in school and lately, Keiko's been getting on my nerves."

"Really? I thought you like her."

"I did, but now I feel smothered by her. She's still a friend, but definitely not a girlfriend."

Kurama's heart pounded at hearing that. I could tell him. This is the perfect opportunity. "I see."

"So, what's new with you, Kurama?"

Kurama beamed. "Mother's engaged."

Yusuke grinned. "Hey, that's great! Tell her I say congratulations. Know anything about the guy?"

"His name is Kazuya and he is actually Mother's boss. He is divorced with a son. They plan to marry in the fall and the father and son will move in with us."

"Think I could get invited to the wedding?" Yusuke asked slyly.

"I'm sure I could convince Mother to invite you. She likes you." Kurama then leaned forward. "It is not just her that likes you; so do I."

Yusuke caught the suggestive tone in Kurama's voice and sat up straighter. "Kurama, are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"If you are surmising that I have strong feeling for you, then you are correct."

Yusuke's heart pounded at hearing the confession. Curiously, he wasn't disgusted about Kurama's words. Instead he wondered why Kurama felt this and why. "How long have you felt this way?"

"I believe since our fight with Team Masho after I lost the third match."

"Not very long then."

"I might have been imagining it but I thought I saw a look of deep concern in your eyes that spoke of more than friendship."

Yusuke thought back on that moment. Hindsight being what it is, Yusuke began to consider that he might have cared about Kurama in a way that went beyond friendship. "It might not have been your imagination," he said slowly. "I think I cared a great deal for you then and particularly when I thought you died in the finals. I can't say if I love you. I'll need to think about it."

"I understand. Take your time to explore your feelings and I will do the same."

Yusuke nodded as he left the café. Well, that was quite a surprise, he thought as he laid on his bed. He had thought he was having a casual get-together with a friend and instead Kurama admits strong feelings for him. It was a bit disconcerting to hear, but again, it wasn't off-putting or disgusting. Kurama was a handsome guy. He was also smart, calm, and a strong fighter. I don't really know Shuichi as that part is really just the body. The qualities I just listed come from his demon life as a thief. His personality complements mine. I rely on impulse and emotion. The two of us could make a good fighting team. His strategy planning and my impulse style would throw off any opponent.

But, love? I don't know. His traits are attractive and it's easy to see why girls love him. I don't need to decide right away. Kurama said to take my time and I trust him to take him at his word.

Kurama gazed out his bedroom window, his thoughts on the talk with Yusuke. The confession hadn't gone exactly as planned but at least he had gotten to explain when and why he felt this way. He told Yusuke to take his time to determine how he really felt about Kurama and he would think on his feelings for Yusuke. He closed his eyes to focus on them. I believe we are opposites in schoolwork, temperament, and fighting styles but that suits me fine. As the saying goes, opposites attract.

"Indeed they do."

Kurama sat up at the telepathic voice, eyes still closed. "Yoko?"

"Yusuke is a fine human, quite attractive in looks and personality. You do love him and I believe I do as well."

Kurama was silent for a moment. "Fox mating season is approaching."

"It is, but mates don't have to wait for the season."

"True, however I will let Yusuke make the next move. It is too soon to call him a boyfriend or a mate."