Disclaimer/warning applies to all chapter.
Windmill
It was the sweetness
of your skin
It was the hope of
all we might have been
That filled me with the
hope to wish
impossible things
(To Wish Impossible Things) The Cure
Smiling slyly, Kurama took longer to get home after school than he usually did, savoring the gloriously fresh air, scented with the delightful smell of flowers in early bloom. He loved Spring. He liked planting the lovely flowers and watching them grow, it was one of the few things that had exceptional beauty in this world.
He liked Spring for another reason. The thunder storms always brought Hiei to his window unless the fire demon was in the Makai. It was pleasant, just the two of them. All though, this year Hiei visited less frequently, and when he did, they hadn't talked much. It made Kurama get a sadness deep inside whenever he thought about it. He didn't have many true friends, despite his popularity, much less a best friend. He had always felt closer to the other, more than Yuusuke or Kuwabara because they were somewhat alike, both having the same feelings deep down about people they cared about or opinions.
With all the sudden appearances of the Janganshi, Kurama was suspicious but at the same time, he welcomed the company. He had missed him, more than he liked to admit to himself. And, it was fun, the strange little game they were playing.
"Hello, Kurama-san." A voice pipped up somewhere behind him, soothing and distinctly female.
He turned around, spotting dark brown hair and large eyes that belonged to Keiko. Surprised, he waved, grinning brightly at her.
"Keiko, you're back so soon! I thought you'd be gone at least another week!"
She giggled in a small voice, clasping her hands together firmly. "Well, yes, but I just couldn't stop thinking about Yuusuke. His apartment must be a mess." She sweat dropped when Kurama shuddered violently. "Uh, I take it I won't be surprised huh?" She laughed.
Kurama shrugged, running his hand through his hair. "No, I s'pose you won't Keiko-chan. Let's go see him, I'll help you clean." He caught the nervous look on her face. "Is something wrong?"
She looked up, seemingly surprised. "Um, no not really. Why?"
Smiling, Kurama tilted his head, watching the apprehension in Keiko's eyes grow. "Well, you look like somethings eating at you. Are you sure nothings wrong?"
She took a deep breath, small tears suddenly gathering in her eyes. Kurama gasped, taking Keiko's hand and squeezing tightly. "Keiko! It must be serious if you're drawn to tears, tell me!"
"K-kurama. . . I. . . Oh it's bad, Yuusuke and school and. . . " She muttered, words flowing together and stuttering.
He sat her in a near by bench, never relinquishing his hold on her small hand. "Are you hurt? Did someone do something to you while you were there?" He questioned softly.
She laughed bitterly. Keiko was never this lost , never looking so defeated. It nearly broke Kurama's heart. He squeezed her hand gently, holding his breath subconsciously.
"I found out, while I was away that. . . I'm pregnant, " She whispered, he barely heard the words spoken. Kurama gaped, eyes impossibly wide before he came to his senses.
"Keiko. . . you're. . . you're sure?"
She nodded gravely, searching his face for anything. "Yes, and I have no idea how I'm going to tell him! What's going to happen? I'm so scared. Kurama-san, you're so smart, how do you think I should tell him?"
He hugged her, sighing. "I. . . the best thing to do is simply break it to him. Yuusuke is a very caring and, even if he doesn't show it, sensible person. He'll think about things with you, and you two will reach a reasonable decision on what you want to do about this." He grinned to himself, applauding his quick thinking. It seemed to console her.
Sniffing and smiling, she sat up, last traces of tears leaving. "Thank you Kurama. I don't really remember us ever talking like this. I needed it with Shizuru and Botan so busy. You're so caring Kurama. It's nice to know."
He nodded slightly at her, pushing a pesky lock of crimson hair behind his hair. They stood, and he patted her shoulder. "It'll be fine Keiko, really. Let's go, shall we?"
She grinned, and they walked, a comfortable silence in the air.
"Kurama!"
The red head turned around, meeting dark ruby orbs. His eyes widened and he stepped back subconsciously. He turned to Keiko sharply, smiling madly. "You go ahead Keiko-chan, I have business with Hiei."
She nodded, waving and walking ahead. "See you there Kurama."
Hiei 'ported from the tree, raising his chin and pocketing his hands beneath the dark cloak, staring passively at Kurama. The fox straightened himself, licking his lips and smiling softly.
"Hello Hiei."
The fire demon snorted, and if Kurama squinted, he could see dashes of pink around the others cheeks. He smiled reassuringly, trying not to make the Forbidden Child embarrassed but at the same time, wanting to rub in his small victory. It really wasn't a victory, more of a. . . loophole? A kiss wasn't a cheat, anyway.
"You cheated," Hiei spit out bitterly, curling up his lip in a silent snarl. Kurama shrugged, dejectedly and watched amused at how Hiei was trying desperately to keep his normal calm and calculating stance but failing miserably.
"I never cheat. And I didn't consider it a game at the time, Hiei so that is most certainly not cheating." Kurama couldn't stop the smirk if he tried (which he didn't).
"Yes, you did. And. . . --"
"Point made." He interrupted, raising his eyebrows.
Growling and looking more disgruntled than Kurama had seen in a while, Hiei continued as if Kurama hadn't interjected. "And you started this whole thing in the first place, fox when--"
"If I may, I started nothing. You're the one that pops up after such a long absence and excepts me to go along with whatever you have planned! I--"
Hiei smiled lecherously, chuckling slightly. His mood change was incredible, if not rude. Kurama felt his mouth drop, words that were carefully formed lost to the way the fire demon looked. He walked past the fox, sparing a single sultry glance before dashing off. "Don't get so worked up Kurama," he whispered silkily.
Wide and vibrant emerald eyes stretched completely, mouth going slack as the fire demon shifted into the trees above, running in the direction of Urameshi's residence with sensual grace and beauty.
Had he. . . been led along?
No no no, that was insane. Hiei purposely trying to get a rile out of him? Strange and unusual indeed. He glanced around for any ningen eyes on him, found none and took Hiei's rout in the trees, surveying and sniffing the air for the fire demon's scent. It was all around and he found it somewhat delicious.
"Hiei, come back here!" He yelled, trying to keep his voice as unemotional as he could but feeling quite light headed.
What's wrong Kurama? Did I make you angry?
Damn that insufferable Jagan, Kurama thought miserably. He'd get him, and once his plan was formed in its final stages. He had a vague idea of what he was going to do to the Jaganshi in the mean time, but that was a tad too graphic he decided. He hated feeling. . . so exposed, not physically but his mind. He was so used to being the sharpest out of the four and having Hiei trick him so many times, it just unnerved him.
Before he realized it, he was already above Yuusuke's house, glaring steadily at the ugly paint. Jumping down, he brushed strands of annoying red hair away from his cheek. Frustration was not his favorite thing, nor did he ever like to admit he was. That was probably what the little bastard wanted him to say. Hiei I'm getting frustrated with this! He'd laugh in Kurama's face and congratulate himself on winning the twisted challenge.
A challenge Kurama had yet to figure out what was about.
Oh well, he sighed, touching to door bell, and putting on a small smile. He was here to yelp Yuusuke and Keiko, not sulk about something completely stupid. Like my dignity, he hissed mentally before shaking his head and breathing to calm his conflicted thoughts. And, he didn't sulk.
The door opened and a very white Yuusuke appeared, wearing an apron with a thin smile on his lips.
Kurama giggled behind his hand, before noticing the stressed look on his friend's face. "Hey Kurama, c'mon in." The boy gestured with his arm, and Kurama nodded, following him.
Keiko smiled at him immediately, eyes brightening up. She was working diligently on scrubbing the sink, chestnut hair tied back in a loose pony tail. He smiled back at her, noting the small awkwardness in the way she moved, almost nervous.
"We were just. . . talking." Yuusuke sighed, rubbing his sweaty forehead. The red head glanced around and noticed the shine in the counters. Hmm, kitchen first then. "Hiei's here too, but he's not actually doing anything. He's being lazy, go get him from the window, would ya and try to get him off his ass? I don't even know why he bothered coming."
Blinking, Kurama could only nod mutely while thinking dark thoughts. He found the little demon sitting on the window seal, arms folded and head down in deep concentration. Oh, the things he could do. But more likely than not, Hiei would jerk up and try to decapitate him. He was always prepared.
Kurama slid closer, trying with easy grace and touching with his finger the almost babyish curve of the Forbidden Child's cheeks, grinning.
"You're very cute like this. It's surprising."
A smirk was beginning to form. "Are you implying something fox?"
"Perhaps. . . perhaps not."
Two ruby eyes stared into his, analyzing and boring into his so tenderly. Kurama turned away first, cursing under his breath. "Are you going to sit here, or would you care to help Hiei? I'm not in the mood for games."
"Hn, what do you think?"
Kurama grinned slyly, grabbing a small arm and nearly dragging the other off his feet. "Too bad, really. Because you're going to whether you like it or not."
Yuusuke blinked several times, eyeing them before raising his head, hiding a smirk. Kurama had on gloves, a . . . mask and his hair was tied back in a neat pony tail. And when he got over the complete shock Kurama had forced Hiei into helping, he then laughed until he couldn't see when the fire demon came out with no cloak, gloves and a weird maid-ish hat on. If he wasn't straight, he'd say the other looked almost cute.
Kurama smiled at him, rubbing his squeaky hands together. "All right," he said through the mask, words coming out with a creepy Darth Vader sounding voice. "Where do we start?"
Still snickering lightly, Yuusuke led the two to the living room, ushering them in. "Here ya go, work away buddy. Hiei." He grinned, wondering off to where Keiko was scrubbing the sink and hugging her from behind. Kurama caught the gesture, smiling with endearment.
He turned back to the cursing mess beside him, stopping himself from crackling.
"Come on Hiei, it's not that bad."
He faintly heard something like "I'm going to kill you" before the demon sat down and began putting books in order. Smiling fondly, Kurama resisted another terrible urge and got to work.
Yay, phew, chapter done. I can't wait to write the next one so everyone review, k?
Now. . . To all the lovely reviews,
Kaori Minamino: Clandestine is very much English, means something like concealing. Thanks!
Evene: You'll find out. . . bwhahaha! Thanks!
C: Yes I know and it's degrading and disgusting. Thanks!
shiorifoxiesmon: Thanks!
M-python-girl: Hah, thanks!
CuriousDreamWeaver: O Thanks! Hopefully I'll get some romance in this story soon!
Faery Goddyess: Glad you don't mind. It's fun turning his character into something different, even if it isn't true to him.
Sai-ryo Aura Feana: Haha. -picutes Hiei doing backflips- Teh hottness.
LadyRainrin: Thanks!
Kyoka: Wow, thanks! I like the plot too, and this story is my baby.