Title: True Belonging
Summary: It always felt as if the world was grey, haunted, silent with barely enough noise for him to realize that he was awake and present. Except for when she touched him. When she touched him, the world bathed in the brightest colors of sunflowers and green ribbons in raven hair. M for swearing, violence, non-con, and later explicit smut.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything
Chapter Twelve: Youth Part X.
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist. – Oscar Wilde
Warning: Nightmares
'Well, we already kissed like three times,' said Nana glancing over at Kurama with a cheeky smile on her face, 'What's one more?'
If anyone would ask, Hinata Nana would blame it on the exhaustion caused by traveling for nearly a day not to mention the emotional exhaustion caused by all those horrible and stressful things that happened during the tournament. She wasn't a bold person. In fact, Nana knew she wasn't even close to bold and would in any other time just to her usual embarrasses quite easily. Frankly, after a couple of hours of some decent sleep, she would do just that regretting her words and actions but after so many hours and being in an almost drunklike mood due to exhaustion, at that moment she simply felt brave enough to say those words.
Kurama glanced over at her smiling as well. Maybe he knew that this was just her exhaustion talking or maybe he just enjoyed her mood as well. They had been through a lot after all. As the others were sorting out some things at the station, they were presented with a rare moment of just for the two of them before they would see their families and would once again have company all the time.
'Well, supposedly once is an accident, twice is a coincidence and three times is a pattern,' his words were light yet something about the voice he used caused Nana to shiver. It could have been the cold. Despite it being summer, it rained heavily tonight and so it was quite cold outside. However, Nana knew better than to think it was the weather as her body felt strangely wired due to the sound of his voice.
She chuckled trying to ease the situation a bit. It could still be a joke. She was making an idiot out of herself after all, 'Wouldn't want to make it a pattern then.'
Just as she went to turn around most likely to save face because even in her exhaustion, she felt that was a cringy thing to say, Nana felt Kurama catch her shoulder and force her back to face him all of the sudden a step closer looking down at her. His gaze was intense revealing emotions, he didn't usually show at least not for so long even if it was just the two of them. Emotions she first saw the night before those cursed finales when she so shocking kissed him pushing their friendship over a cliff into a freefall of uncertainty.
When Kurama leaned down this time, he did so slowly. She could almost count the seconds before he was close as the time he was giving her to stop him somehow, to say something. She didn't. She was aware of what he was doing. She knew it wasn't a joke. She could read his eyes better like this when they were purposely being honest with her. He meant it and so did she.
The distance his lips were away from hers could be the length of an eyelash big. They could practically taste each other's breaths and essence this close. Just as he pressed his lips against her for that blissful second with a pressure barely stronger than a wing of a butterfly that she rose her free hand to put it around his neck the door opened, and they heard laughter.
The only thing Nana caught was the feeling of the wind that hit her face as Kurama with an inhuman speed appeared about three steps away from her at a safe and respectful distance.
The others still laughed at something they said inside the station, so it was obvious they didn't hear or see them, so Nana did her absolute best to keep her face away from them as they started to walk home.
Despite their talk after his match, Nana was sure, Kurama would leave it like that. A moment of heat and recklessness that almost got them in trouble. It happened. They weren't little kids anymore. He was a thousand-year-old yokai and she was sixteen. They were always close, and it was just the atmosphere and whatnot. She would respect his decision. She was the teenager here. He was the yokai who maybe found it annoying or disgusting that they seemed to be falling into something more than friendship. She couldn't help but think about the girls in his school that he found childish and at times almost pathetic with their attempts and inability to understand he wasn't interested in them.
She would hate for him to think that of her, so she would gladly accept that it was a moment of weakness for them both and they should carry on as they did until now maybe avoid close proximities since those seem to be dangerous for them.
Once again, they said goodbye to the last of their friends and started to walk on their own.
She was already planning on how to break the ice with something neutral and in good nature to indicate to him, that he didn't need to let her down slowly or anything. She was fine when all of the sudden his hands were on her cheeks and his lips on hers.
It wasn't accidental. It almost happened less than half an hour ago, yet Nana was utterly caught off guard. It was intense and heavy causing Nana's head to spin and her stomach to bathe in a delicious warm all the while her lips mimicked Kurama's movements as best as they could even if she was sure even if they hadn't it still felt heavenly.
Her knees felt weak again and all too soon and yet as ages had passed, the redhead broke the kiss to allow her to breathe. The cold air was visible as she panted against his face her eyes wide.
He only managed to smirk a bit and open his mouth to talk, 'That was-'
Before he could finish, Nana's bravery kicked in and her lips were on his again in an even more desperate and demanding kiss trying to bring him as closely as possible getting lost in all of that. It just felt so good. It was soul-crushing and bizarre how they could kiss like they wanted to devour one another with intensity, desperation, and such profound longing when they were friends for so long.
Nana barely controlled herself by the end to kiss him back before he pulled away his green eyes sparkling with amusement as he was looking down at her. His face was strangely gentle and younger than he allowed it to look in a while, and those lips that just caused everything inside to dance to the song of beautiful chaos were smirking down at her in a way that made her feel like Kurama wanted to hunt her down, 'That was five.'
It took her an embarrassing second to realize what he meant by that before he already started to talk, 'Since we already passed the magical three, we should figure out our next goal.'
She blinked at him as he started to lean down again trying to think up something to say before he would make the fifth kiss, 'Like seven or ten?'
'I always liked the number infinity,' he whispered, and she barely managed to giggle against his lips before they kissed again. Once they wrapped it up somehow, and Nana pale face probably invented a new shade of red, they took their luggage again and headed home holding hands at least until they didn't reach Nana's house.
The plants were in better condition than he would have expected which pleased him greatly.
It wasn't that Kurama didn't trust his fellow members of the botany club to fulfill their duties and take care of the plants during the summer holidays, but it was clear to the kitsune since his first day, that a lot of them were looking forward to not having to spend their time in school and had other ideas how to spend their holidays instead.
Still, he did notice some plants were lacking certain attention. Mostly those in the absolute back since apparently, whoever's turn it was as the caretaker, grew tired by the time they got to them and wished to end their chores quickly.
As Kurama worked with the plants making sure to make up for the attention they lacked before, the redhead couldn't help but sigh in a certain content state of being way.
He missed this.
'All done,' he heard behind him and slightly smiled despite himself before he turned around to see Nana carrying the now-empty bucket.
She didn't need to help him. In fact, Nana didn't even need to come with him, but when he told her, he needed to fulfill his share and take care of the plants for their botany club as all his other classmates had already did so while they were at the Tournament, the raven-haired girl offered to come, packed their lunches, and let him lead them through the city toward his school.
'Anything else?' she asked. Never one to sit around while others worked, she even offered him to help with the plants following his instructions just as she had when they were younger, and he was working in his own garden back home. As someone who cooked as often as her, Nana was good at following instructions, but also very creative when she had a chance to be.
He stood up and went to wash his hands, 'Let's take a break then. We can eat and finish afterward. It's quite nice here.'
'Alright,' she agreed to return the bucket where she found it and went to wash her hands too before they sat down near the edge of the rooftop of his school, where they were currently working on, and Nana pulled out the lunches she packed for them.
The food was excellent as always, and on such a lovely sunny day surrounded by plants just sitting and enjoying himself with Nana, Kurama found himself for the first time truly sinking into the feeling of relief and freedom from everything they had been through.
They were truly home.
Nana glanced at him after a moment, and offered him a cheerful smile, 'You recharged, didn't you?'
'What do you mean?' he asked curiously, and she shook her head her raven-haired ponytail dancing a bit behind her. It got a bit windy now. The summer was coming to an end. It wouldn't take long for the school to start again.
'Nothing bad, just that working with flowers makes you so calm and happy,' Nana explained taking another bite before she confessed. Some of the sauce started dripping down her hand, 'I like seeing you like this.'
An impulse arose to snatch her hand and lick the sauce off her fingers, but he pushed it down imagining that it wouldn't have been the right pace for someone like Nana and him. If they were to head there, they had time for such things.
Instead, Kurama took a hold of her hand and cleaned it with a tissue since Nana didn't seem to mind allowing him to work on her hand, 'It's not just doing the activity. The company is also very good at lifting my spirit.'
The crimson color appeared across the girl's cheeks in an instant causing his mood to lighten up some more as he always found it alluring to see her in such a state.
Nana looked away for a second as was typical of her, but with a large inhale she surprised him by returning her gaze to him a second later. Even if her gaze was rather shy. Kurama did notice that she had been trying harder not to be so embarrassed by his affection and gestures. He wouldn't mind if she was though. He enjoyed teasing her at times just to get a reaction or a blush out of her. In general, Kurama always found his raven-haired best friend cute, but Nana could be especially adorable when she was a blushing embarrassing mess. He took great pleasure in the notion that even after so many years together, he still could do that to her. He hoped he would be able to forever.
'I like spending time with you too,' she said with determination not undercut by her blush.
'Especially since the activities are less life-threatening,' she admitted sobering a bit.
His smile grew for a moment, and they returned to their food.
It was a warm and nice day. The wind was perfect for fighting off the last of summer's high temperatures. Everything about the day seemed almost perfect, and the kitsune couldn't help but think that as first dates go, this one was a very nice one indeed.
The school would start soon, and their ordinary lives would return to a familiar path. Even with many years of experience and life under his belt Kurama still found the strange calmness that followed such violent times bizarre. The tournament brought out his savage side, Yoko, something he assumed he would never have to use to the length he did during the tournament. He could still be vicious of course. He was a kitsune, a yokai in his core, but he did go a bit softer and calmer in his human life. Settling back into his human life was strangely anti-climactic. He didn't find himself longing for blood, primal urges, or mischief as he did before.
Well, some mischief was still left in him as his hand snuck undetected over to Nana and lightly tickled her side earning a startled gasp and for his hand to be shoved away, 'Hey! Don't get any ideas!'
He laughed without looking at her recognizing her own amusement from her voice.
But there was no desire to return to his past self. There was no desire to hurt, to steal, to live as a proper yokai as his friend Hiei would call it.
If anything, returning to ordinary human life was strangely soothing.
Almost like a dream.
His eyes snuck a look at Nana who finished her food packing away her utilities and the green lunch box she had for ages now it seemed.
Her brown eyes were on her hands before they glanced up to his face. They widened as she must have realized she was caught looking at him. Her cheeks that had since calmed down from the assault of the blood that rushed to them had once again gone a bit rosy.
Her gaze didn't run away this time, and Kurama properly turned to her.
The hand that had teased her a moment ago slid into her raven hair carefully running over it until it reached her ponytail where he elegantly wrapped it around his palm.
He was very familiar with the texture and feel of Nana's hair. As children worked on their homework in his room, he sometimes passed time by running it around his fingers. Nana never seemed to mind trying hard to work to a level he would approve and agree for them to finish and do something fun or allow them a break. It wasn't just boredom over having to wait for his best friend to finish. Other times he could take a book and read or go talk to his mother while he waited. Sometimes he just liked to touch her. Now, he recognized it was a claim. He wanted her to smell like him. He wanted to be close to her. His human morals and upraising in the human world pushed against his natural instinct. Perhaps, ever since they were at the start there was more to it than just friendship. He recognized some affection or something that Makai would approve close to it from his time with his gang and with Kuronue. But he never felt the carnal hater and rage he felt when Nana's life was threatened. He never felt a stab of jealousy or need for her undivided attention when it seemed others noticed her as well.
And he certainly never wished to do this.
He leaned closer, with every intention of kissing that sweet mouth of hers before he heard someone approaching and stopped leaving Nana confused, disappointed, and perhaps slightly hurt. She leaned away too by reflex before looking in the direction his eyes moved as well.
Just then a few female students came from the entrance to the roof pausing a few in the back colliding with those who stopped first.
Nana let out a short-lived chuckle before she quickly looked away probably so she wouldn't be full-on laugh at the girls for their shenanigans.
Kurama tried to find comfort in the fact that at least she wasn't embarrassed too much. Although he was displeased that they were interrupted like this again.
Despite the fact, that they were finally home, it seemed every time someone was close-by ready to jump in whenever they tried to get closer. It was frustrating and genuinely very strange almost as if it was some cosmic joke with the intention of pushing his patience. It didn't seem like his mother or Nana grandmother entered their rooms or came to talk to them as often as they did now. Granted they did miss them dearly since they were away, but Kurama had a hunch there was something else to it.
His personal idea was that his mother and Inko-san noticed the change between them and wished to confirm by walking in on them so to speak. Even mature adults could catch a childlike gleeful mood, he supposed. And it wasn't like they were keeping it a secret, nor that they announced it to anyone. Nana was still a teenage girl who was far too easily embarrassed, and the kitsune preferred an aura of mystery by nature. But of course, neither of them would have a problem confirming if anyone would to ask. But that would conflict with the childlike intention of catching them in the act, metaphorically of course.
Some people already knew of the change in their relationship of course. Their friends were an observant bunch if they wanted to be, and Kurama knew it was no secret, despite their protests that they were just best friends that he and Nana shared very deep affection toward each other.
Then there were his classmates, who knew or thought they did long before now as Kurama purposely let them into believing Nana was his girlfriend that he intended to marry since childhood.
'Minamino-san, hello,' finally managed to say Etta and took a step closer while he could see out of the corner of his eyes that Nana was trying to hide her smile behind her palm.
The redhead sighed a bit, but only loud enough for his raven-haired girl next to him to hear.
'Hello, everyone.'
It appeared Nana couldn't hold it in anymore, and much to his female classmates' shock and annoyance and Kurama's own amusement burst into delightful and honest laughter. One would say very un-ladylike and rude, but the redhead found nothing but adoration in listening to it. He missed seeing her this happy and carefree.
When the girls tried to tactically sit next to him, he easily slid to the edge pulling Nana by her waist so tightly against him, that his classmates had no choice but to sit on her side. He didn't give them a chance and took an interest that this close with Nana's back partly to him, he had an excellent view of her neck that seemed to have gotten a bit red from the laughter and embarrassment.
An urge arose that he could kiss the skin there, right at that moment, no doubt sealing the fate of many unrequited loves that their carriers still believed could be two-sided, but he didn't allow himself to do so. The redhead recognized such behavior would have been more typical of his yokai side and found the common sense and lessons taught by the Ningenkai push back.
He settled for keeping one of his palms firmly against Nana's lower back for now.
Despite the interruption, Kurama considered it a nice date.
'I don't think I was ever hated by some many girls in my life,' said Nana as an hour later they managed to untangle themselves from his classmates, finish his duties, and make it on their way home with Kurama's hand protectively on her back as he led her out and kept it there throughout most of their journey.
'That seems rather untrue. You received a letter once, and my classmates came to harass you at your school, if you recall,' reminded her Kurama moving his hand from her back to her side pulling her a bit closer against him.
Nana glanced up at him, 'That actually wasn't so bad. They praised my cooking, and whoever sent the letter simply had too much time on their hands.'
She glanced in front of her again as they walked.
The kitsune felt relieved upon hearing that. At times, Nana could be strangely sure of herself for a teenage girl who could be so so easily embarrassed.
'To follow on that, I can expect no jealousy from you either?' he asked just to tease her a bit, but also in a sudden interest as the idea crossed his mind.
Nana smiled a bit, 'Please, you're not interested in them.'
'Oh, are you so certain about that?' he teased her further. If Kurama even for a second believed Nana could be insecure about it, he wouldn't dare, but he knew the raven-haired girl well enough to know such words wouldn't trigger anything inside her apart from amusement.
She chuckled and shook her head, 'Impossible. You don't even show them the real you. And you're so guarded you won't even allow them to approach you.'
True, as a matter of fact, Kurama was very careful and aware whenever someone, who he didn't view as a friend, tried to invade his space. Mainly crazed by their crush and hormones classmates.
'Even with Keiko and others, you seem to always be close yet in a safe distance,' commented Nana before she blinked and a look flashed across her face as if she realized something, 'Come to think of it, I guess that should have been some clue about why we were more…than friends.'
She paused completely and turned to him causing Kurama to stop as well and look down at her. Their height difference always forced him to look down on her but never to not see her as an equal.
A soft look rested across Nana's face before her hands took hold of his own. She rose to her toes again, but he met her halfway diving into the soft kiss and sensing a wave of satisfaction that washed over him as he realized just how much he wanted it ever since the first time they kissed the night before Urameshi team final fights. He craved the feeling of her lips again.
He nibbled at her bottom lip a bit getting carried away as his fingers once again found her hair and his other hand pushed her lower back further against him.
All too quickly her hands let go of his face and her lips escaped him as Nana shyly looked away for just a second, before she looked back at him smiling yet blushing as he expected of her. He liked it when she took the initiative. He liked when she gave in first because it meant she wanted this too, and he wasn't pushing her as the more dominant type. He wasn't manipulating her.
This was all her.
They were on a street out in the public in daylight. Not the best time for such affections unless they wished to be cursed by someone.
Nana waved her hand in front of her face perhaps to cool down a bit, 'Sorry, I didn't want to wait until later and get interrupted again,' she explained obviously embarrassed.
Their interruptions happened too often for the girl not to notice it as well. It openly pleased him very much so that she was in the same need to kiss him again as he was.
Kurama's face twisted a bit, 'Such a horrible thing to apologize for.'
'Shut up,' said Nana embarrassed and started to walk again, but not fast enough or at all, as the redhead easily caught up to her chuckling a bit as his fingers slid against hers and they walked hand in hand the rest of the way home.
'Nana-chan. Shuichi-kun,' greeted them Inko-san with a far more urgent voice than the redhead would appreciate, not to mention, that she didn't even seem to glance down to look at them holding hands. Her mind was elsewhere, and her eyes were worried.
Nana let him to go rush closer to her touching her shoulder, 'Granny, what's wrong?'
'A call came from a hospital in Mushioyori City.'
Kurama could see Nana's confusion. As far as the kitsune knew, Nana didn't have any family outside her grandmother and him and his mother.
He came to stand next to Nana as Inko-san sighed, 'They called about your mother.'
It didn't happen every night. If it did, it would definitely force Hinata Nana to go insane or perhaps expect it in some way and prepare herself for it. Maybe if she took some tea for better sleep or tired herself out, she wouldn't dream at all and simply close her eyes and open them again in the morning fully rested even if the night would have appeared shorter without dreams.
In fact, it happened so rarely, that she couldn't really prepare herself for it at all.
It came out of the blue, almost as if it could sense the moment, the girl let her guard down and breath just a little bit lighter making sure it would press this heavyweight against her chest and almost make her choke.
That was how it felt. Like she was choking and wanted to cry but couldn't because she couldn't do anything really. She couldn't move or scream. She couldn't beg or try and fight even if she knew both would be pointless. It would be better to do anything than nothing. That was something she always believed in and pride herself on doing.
Do something! Anything!
Unfortunately, in that dreadful moment, all Hinata Nana could do was lay motionlessly somewhere in the dark just as she had every damn time this has happened to her.
Fear took over Nana once again, as she woke up in pitch black darkness paralyzed just as she had those handfuls of times before. Her lungs felt like they were burning from the feeling of trying and failing to scream, to shove the weight from them away, from trying all so desperately to inhale.
She didn't understand.
Why? Why again?! Why was this happening? Kami, please make it stop!
The darkness was everywhere, and she couldn't move. Everything inside her wanted to scream or move, but she couldn't. She knew she couldn't. This happened far too many times for her not to already recall step by step what would happen next.
As if on cue, she felt the cold touch of someone's fingers, and was sure she would see Karasu, the horrible maniac yokai, who occasionally showed up tormenting her dreams like this.
And then he was there. His blond hair and eyes fell into hers as his hand moved to touch her chest and crush it or once again rip her heart out.
Please, please make it stop! PLEASE!
However, before his cold fingers reached her, somewhere in the back of her mind in all that darkness, she heard a small click and then felt the presence of someone else. Someone with a far nicer and softer touch reached for her hand.
Nana-chan, breath, you're awake. Just focus on the light.
What light? Where?
She tried. All so desperately, Nana tried to look for light or anyone else, but she didn't see anything other than Karasu's manic smile and face coming closer and closer-
The scream was so gut-wrenching, desperate, and violent, that it took Nana a moment to get out of the fog of her disorientation and realize, it belonged to her.
Her hand covered her mouth as she shook on her bed trying to make sense of what just happened and where she was.
The bright light coming from her ceiling helped as she came to her senses. She was in her room and her granny was sitting on the edge of the bed looking at her with a very concerned look behind her eyes.
Fuku was also there near the door looking very much alerted and frightened his fur rose as if he was ready to run or attack depending on what would happen next.
Nana's heartbeat and breathing started to calm down a bit. She was alright. It was just another nightmare. She was safe. Karasu was dead. The tournament was over. Everyone, her friends, was alive and well. Kurama won and killed the yokai who haunted and scared her. This, the nightmares, were just some unfortunate after-taste of what happened that she just needed to get rid of with more time.
That was all.
Nothing more.
Her head rose and she met her granny's dark eyes feeling guilty she caused her to worry like this, 'I'm sorry.'
The old woman shook her head and leaned closer to gently stroke her cheek in a caring way, 'Don't talk nonsense. Was it the dream again?'
Because this was the second time this happened to her since they returned from the Hanging Neck Island, the raven-haired girl came clean to her relative.
At least about having nightmares.
Not trusting her throat as it burned a bit from the screaming, she settled for a nod and tried to motion for Fuku to come closer and not be afraid anymore. She felt even more guilty that she scared the poor old creature who definitely didn't deserve this.
'I can make you some tea,' said her granny and patted her shoulder lightly, 'It will help.'
Nana nodded at her one more time and then glanced at the cat again who if nothing else looked less scared but remained sitting in the doorway away from the bed, and Nana apparently.
The raven-haired girl didn't blame the cat as she hugged her knees closer to her chest trying to calm down and reminded herself again that it was just a nightmare.
Just a stupid dream.
She knew her mind was right, but at the same time, she couldn't distract herself from the nightmare still feeling the cold fingers and motionless. The feeling of not being able to move itself was worse than Karasu. Even if he scared her, the hopelessness and uselessness were far worse. So much worse.
'Here, drink up, it will calm your nerves,' said her granny as she brought her a mug.
As Nana accepted it, Fuku must have decided it was safe to return as well since he found a place at the end of her bed still cautious but willing to take the risk it seemed.
The girl would pay him extra attention once she would be sure he wouldn't run away.
'Perhaps, it would help you to talk to Shuichi about it?' asked her granny after a moment causing Nana to frown a bit confused, 'Why?'
She wasn't hiding it. She did tell him a couple of times that she had bad dreams, but that she didn't wish to talk about them. Kurama, true to his nature, and their long friendship, understood that and didn't pressure her. She might have forgotten to mention they were nightmares and rather paint them as some bad unspecific dreams. It just seemed like she would be rubbing in salt if she said that even after such a long time, she was still scared of Karasu. He was long gone. He wasn't coming back. In the end, Kurama did save her, so why couldn't her subconscious just accept that and leave her to sleep in peace?
Her granny rose her eyebrows at her, 'Talking helps, and since you so stubbornly refuse to tell me what the dreams are really about, I think it would help if you opened up to someone else.'
Her hand reached out and gently stretched Fuku behind his ears for a while as he pushed his head closer against her palm.
'Maybe,' she somewhat agreed. She didn't it was just because of the tournament though. The nightmare only happed once she got back, but then after the day she helped Kurama take care of his duties in the Botany club, they started again.
Fear and guilty got replaced with apathy.
It was because of her mother.
She knew it was. It had to be.
It had been a couple of days, and she still didn't express any need to visit Izumi in the hospital. Hatanaka, Shiori-san's boyfriend, took her and her granny to the hospital, and confirmed that her mother was there very ill, but Nana just couldn't bring herself to go. They didn't pressure her. At least her granny, Shiori-san, and Kurama didn't. She was certain Hatanaka-san didn't know about her relationship with her mother so maybe he was a bit judgmental, but the raven-haired girl didn't let that affect her decision.
She didn't know what she would say to her if she saw her. At that moment, she felt empty about the news. Her mother was ill. She didn't feel sad or angry or anything. It was horrible perhaps, but she supposed she should be grateful she didn't feel happy about it. It scared Nana to think, she would go see her mother and thought even for a second You deserve this. Even if she hurt Nana more times than the girl could count, she didn't want to hate her or perhaps, she just didn't want to be that person who would hate their own mother.
Her granny wished her good night and allowed her to sleep stating that if she wanted, she could come sleep with her in her room.
Nana chuckled at the idea. Even as a child, her granny preferred if she slept in her own bed. She insisted that Nana was a big girl even if she was just a little child. It made her feel important and adultlike back then. If her mother didn't live with a boyfriend, Nana would sleep in her bed since they never had enough money for a bigger place.
Nana laid back down as Fuku found a spot on her bed again. She was a bad person. A bad daughter. She should have gone to see her mother. She knew that. Despite their issues, she was her mother. When she was younger, a child, she raised her.
'I begged my mother to let me end it. I begged her not to have you. I wished I had the strength to do it before you ever saw the light of day. Because ever since you came to this world all you did was ruined my life.
All you ever brought me was grief, and everyone treats you like you're some sort of wonder.
Sooner or later, you will end up just like me. You think you're better but you're just waiting to get knocked up by some rich kid thinking you will have a better life than I did, but you won't. And honestly, I can't wait for that to happen and for life to finally give you what you deserve…'
But those words. Those awful horrible words would haunt Hinata Nana for the rest of her life no matter how hard she would try to forget them. Her own mother, to say something so horrible to her own daughter.
That was what scared Nana. The truth was even if the nightmares were horrifying. Out of the world dreadful toying with her sanity, Karasu was dead, and the dead couldn't hurt the living. Only living could. And Hinata Nana was terrified that if she would meet up with Izumi again, she would tell her something again and hurt her more than anyone ever had.
Karasu and the motionless could only scare Nana during the nightmares, but Izumi scared her all the time.
It wasn't like Kurama didn't know something was going on. It was there, in the back of his mind for a while now. He didn't know what exactly it was, but he knew it had something to do with Nana's bad dreams.
She didn't like to talk about them always becoming too shifty and distant if he tried. He knew there would be no point in trying to manipulate her to talk since she knew him so well and his tricks, but it didn't sit right with him at all that she was suffering, and he didn't at least know over what.
It wasn't every night that she was tormented by them. Most of the nights since they returned from the Hanging Neck Island, she was her usual cheerful self. Her presence was radiating like the sun making it impossible not to gravitate toward her as the center of his orbit. He could tell she was her usual self almost untouched by everything they had been through.
But then that handful of times when her night rest became corrupted, he knew right away. It wasn't anything significant that anyone else would be able to tell, but he wasn't just anyone. He knew Nana since they were both young and could easily pinpoint when something was on her mind, and when she was just a little bit distant. Just a little bit upset. Just a little bit grumpy.
Kurama wasn't necessary late, but he did take his time as he was held back by Hiei who crossed his path, 'Why am I being summoned by that pesky mate of yours?'
The redhead sighed stopping if only so that Hiei wouldn't sulk behind him, 'The proper term is girlfriend.' Although Kurama also didn't enjoy the word either since it made him feel strangely embarrassed, perhaps, immature, he wouldn't pass an opportunity to tease his friend.
'Tsk, correct me if I'm wrong, but not too long ago that the proper term was friend. Do you do what you do with your human girl with all your friends, kitsune?' asked Hiei trying to tease him, but Kurama didn't give him the satisfaction as he shot him a small grin, 'Only if they're my best friends.'
'Idiot,' mumbled Hiei.
Kurama shrugged his shoulders. He would be lying if he pretended, he wasn't in a good mood. The news about Hinata Izumi caused a disturbance and even if Nana refused to talk about it, he knew she was hurting by what was happening to her mother, but yesterday it seemed she put her worries aside for the day, and they spend a good and carefree summer day evening. It helped her that she could go to work and busied herself. She seemed to be less down and lost in her thoughts that way. It wasn't healthy. Especially, not for someone like her who needed to talk about her feelings to feel better, but he couldn't pressure her, and if what she needed was distractions, he could offer plenty of those in the number of their last days before the school would start again.
After the news, his mother suggested Nana would take some time off work, and he knew right away that was the wrong thing to say. He saw the way she flinched, realizing she wouldn't have anything to do and would be deprived of her favorite activity, her most beloved activity, one which was like breathing for her.
He laced their fingers together under their dining table, 'Mother, I believe that isn't necessary, but thank you for your concern.'
He felt the raven-haired girl relax upon hearing his voice and forcing a smile also to soothe his mother's worries. It wasn't a very good smile, but Kurama wouldn't expect more from Nana as she wasn't one to lie often or in the mood to be clever.
Pushing thoughts and memories aside, the redhead yokai looked at his friend.
'She feeds me like a dog,' said the fire yokai with distaste.
'I think she sees you more like a cat. She likes cats more. Big dogs scare her,' explained Kurama absently almost as if they already had such a conversation before.
The shorter yokai shot Kurama a look that made it clear he wasn't interested in trivia about Nana's life.
'Take it as you like, Hiei, but Nana will be glad you decided to come. So will Yukina.'
'You still want to do this?' asked Kurama when she suggested the gathering, and the girl nodded, 'I promised Yukina we could have a party, and she doesn't know if she won't be asked back to her village soon, so yes.'
Hiei shot him a murderous look before he looked away, 'I didn't say I would come, I said your human girl summoned me.'
'Ah, but it would be rude not to come when she's expecting you, and you already agreed,' said Kurama wisely barely stepping aside to avoid Hiei's cut as he pulled his new sword at it. It was too much to expect, the shorter yokai would leave it at home, 'Don't play clever kitsune!'
'It's quite alright,' said Kurama as he carried on, 'I know first handed how easily distracting it can be when Nana bribes someone with her delicious food.' It was true. The kitsune would like to think he grew somewhat immune over the years, but the girl always found a way to surprise him with a new recipe or flavor. She was very crafty like that. He didn't mind all that much. It would have been impossible to imagine he would ever allow himself to be so compromised, trusting, and perhaps vulnerable with anyone else before, but with Nana he knew could be as she never had anything malice planned for him in her entire life. She was far too good for him in many ways.
'I'm sure she can distract you with far better things than just her food, you, sentimental fool,' said Hiei.
Kurama didn't give him the satisfaction of answering because even as a Yoko Kurama, he was never one to discuss his love affairs, but he did allow a small secretive smile to cross his lips knowing Hiei couldn't see it.
Yes, she very much can.
They arrived at Yukimura's diner a bit early with Nana covering her face behind the counter and Botan looking very much in a state of post-crying while Yusuke and Keiko were obviously arguing.
'Ah, finally, someone who doesn't wear an apron!' called the detective immediately rushing away from the girl, who unfortunately followed him, 'Hey! Don't think you're running away on me!'
Nana uncovered her face and shared a very clear look with Kurama which got him a to chuckle despite himself. She was angry.
Her brown eyes rolled at him, and she turned toward Yukina who came to ask her something a nice purple apron was covered in food protecting her kimono at least.
Nana nodded at whatever the girl asked, and Kurama caught Hiei stepping for a moment closer before he paused and muttered, 'Wake me up, when it's time to eat.'
In a flash, he was gone much to Keiko's annoyance who snapped, 'Is he not going to help?!'
Kurama walked around the pair who got into fighting again, and came to stand beside Nana who gave him a look, 'Remember when I said, I want to be a cook in a restaurant?'
The redhead knew where this was going and for the sake of the girl's already very unsteady nerves, he pushed back an amused grin, 'Yes?'
'I don't. It's the worst thing in the world!' she whispered yelled and explained how Yukimuras left her in charge gently pointing out that Keiko didn't have the best patience or cooking skills. That along with her and Yusuke constantly bickering and Botan and Yukina never cooking in their lives was a catastrophe and Nana learned she wasn't very good at being in charge.
'You can laugh, you traitor,' she said as she was done waving at him while she carried on working on the meat. He probably wasn't doing a very good job in masking his amusement, but he wasn't trying to either.
Kurama chuckled but settled down easily even if he continued to smile, 'Forgive me. Tell me, how can I help?'
Nana instructed him and carried on, occasionally explaining what to do to Yukina or helping her. After Botan apparently calmed down, she came to help her as well and then so did Yusuke and Keiko even if they continued to occasionally snap at one another.
'You can't cook for shit!' called out the detective earning himself a punch, but Kurama quickly stepped in so they wouldn't waste time.
At one point, Nana leaned closer to him and whispered, 'He's not wrong, Keiko-chan isn't very good, but oddly Yusuke-kun is very quick and good,' she praised the boy genuinely sounding impressed.
It caused the kitsune to blink genuinely surprised and looked over the other boy as he easily worked taking possibly as much pleasure out of cooking as Nana did. Both seemed to be very skilled at that. Something close to irrational competition or jealousy arose at the idea that someone, even his friend, who he knew was in love with another, could be close to his Nana in something which Kurama couldn't, but the kitsune only smiled and shook his head.
'What's wrong?' asked Nana, and Kurama leaned closer chuckling, 'Nothing, it just surprises me, how young and inexperienced you make me feel. Almost like this was the first time around for me to ever care for someone.' It was true, with age, jealousy and such childlike feelings disappeared from his life when it came to his lovers as he deemed them not important and below someone as experienced and sure of himself as him.
In a much primal instinct, without a second to spare, his lips then caressed Nana's helix causing her to flinch and turn incredibly red, 'D-don't do that when I'm holding a knife, you jerk.'
'My apologizes,' he said and patted her back properly leaving her alone to avoid any injuries or distractions even if that seemed impossible.
They proceeded to work rather well, and it seemed if Yusuke and Keiko were to keep separated, they could get some work done, even if Kurama had to agree with Nana and the detective, Keiko was a rather poor cook.
Soon the Kuwabara siblings arrived making fun of all of them wearing aprons and cooking before being threatened not to get any food and settling down.
Once they started to eat and talk everyone praised Nana and Yusuke for their hard work as they did the most.
'Everyone helped,' said Nana waving her hands and trying to include the others as she always had while Yusuke boost making fun of Keiko some more before he blinked and snapped his fingers at Nana, 'Oi, we should have a joint together?'
Nana opened her mouth startled as she and many others misunderstood, 'No like- like a place of our own and cook. That ramen of yours is top-notch!'
The raven-haired girl actually looked like she was thinking about it, and once again Kurama felt the familiar stab of something close to jealousy but knew better than to act out, 'It might be a good idea if you worked together.'
'Yeah, and it's obvious you're not passing this grade,' commented Kuwabara earning a kick from the detective, 'Hey, you're only passing because of me, dimwit.'
'Did anyone try to get Master Genkai to come?' asked Yukina suddenly, and Botan leaned closer, 'I did but she said she had some work. It seemed like she had quite a few people waiting to talk to her at the temple.'
Nana blinked, 'Is that good? Like for her business or something?'
The other girl shrugged her shoulders and the conversation carried on around the large table they made by putting tables together.
'Excuse me, Kurama-san?' asked Yukina by his other side and the kitsune blinked at her with a small smile, 'Yes?'
'Is Hiei-san alright out there?'
Of course, the moment Nana handed him his plate the shorter yokai rushed outside to eat in silence away from the others as was very typical of him.
Kurama tried to hide most of his smile behind his palm, 'I'm sure he's alright. But perhaps, it wouldn't be worse if you went to get-'
SHUT UP!
He flinched a bit at the volume of his friend's thoughts that he sent Kurama's way, but with a chuckled shook his head, 'Sorry, I'm sure he's alright.'
'Yeah, why would you even want him close, Yukina-chan?' asked Kuwabara leaning across the table closer to the girl, Keiko barely catching a glass that his chest was about to knock over, 'He only smiles when it's violence-related. He would spoil the good mood we have going on.'
'Don't be rude,' commented his sister quickly pulling him back as she took a sip from her beer. A few days after the tournament, she looked a bit lost in thoughts and sad, but it seemed, the woman, had properly left her sorrow behind acting like her usual confident self.
Kurama was glad since just like Nana he grew close with all of these humans as well and wished for them only good things. It was strange. Even with his gang, the only one who he truly felt such way was Kuronue. Even stranger was that he didn't mind carrying such feelings for his friends anymore. He was glad he did.
'It's true. Either he's grumpy-'
'No, when he sleeps, he's sort of cute,' said Botan and put her palms across her cheeks in adoration as must have remembered how Hiei looked when he was asleep, 'Like a little baby. Nana thought so too, right?'
Nana blinked at the other girl and frowned a bit before she looked over at Yukina.
Kurama's eyebrows widened ever so slightly as he realized not for the first time that somehow just by looking at them Nana was making a connection between the two siblings. He noticed during the time they took a picture and even before. It was fascinating in his opinion that she could catch something like that.
Her eyes then found his, and even if he knew she was looking for some confirmation out of the promise he gave Hiei, he couldn't give her any and just offered her a bit confused smile. He wasn't sure if she accepted it or not, but the conversation shifted again, and the moment passed.
Not long afterward, Kurama was the one to be summoned to Hiei outside, 'You know, the others wouldn't bite if you show up inside. You might even find it fun and enjoyable.'
'Hard pass,' commented the other yokai and handed him the empty plate.
Kurama waited for Hiei to reveal whatever he wished to discuss with the other yokai away from their noisy friends.
'That mate of yours,' started Hiei without looking over at him keeping his eyes closed and arms crossed, a perfect picture of disinterest.
The kitsune sighed not in the mood to show his objections this late after such a nice evening, but also not interested in Hiei's degrading viewings of the human society and mainly Nana, 'She's not-'
'She's a good one,' stated the shorter yokai causing Kurama to blink not hiding his surprise, 'She takes care of you. She makes sure everyone is fed and well. She doesn't fight you for control. She knows her place by your side as the submissive one, but she's not weak. She will stand up for you and maybe even to you if she thinks you would hurt anyone. She's…a good one,' he finished looking over at his now more than a surprised redheaded comrade.
Kurama was certain he never heard Hiei give so many compliments about a single human. Not even about Yusuke, and he was sure the fire yokai was rather fond of the young detective. Then again, Hiei seemed to favor Nana as well.
The two watched one another for a moment, and unlike any other time Kurama would turn his comments into a joke or reveal his annoyance with such implications now he decided to stay quiet.
Hiei did the same for a while before he glanced back toward the party. Unlike the other times his red eyes didn't land on his sister, but on the raven-haired human girl as she tried to stop Yusuke and Kuwabara from starting a wasabi eating competition.
'I would still prefer you didn't call her that. It's degrading in the human world, and she's not of Makai. Same bounds don't apply, and I don't need them to,' said Kurama making clear of his thoughts. He long since accepted that he needed to find some middle ground. He was no longer the yokai he used to be, and he was living and raised in the human world and society.
'Fool, you need to make it clear that she's yours,' stated Hiei with a frown across his features, 'So far, she was only met with yokai who respected you enough not to try anything or those who sensed enough of your smell on her to stay back. It won't always stay that way. With whoever, we shall be dealing in the future might not be so considerate.'
Kurama frowned visibly tensing giving away Hiei's threat made an impact. He recalled all too clearly what happened with Karasu, 'I don't plan to repeat myself. Nana is dear to me. But I hope you don't consider yourself one of those who I should by your words worry about in the future.'
The other yokai looked just as serious for a moment before he chuckled, 'Don't be absurd. Unlike you, I value my reputation enough not to get involved with humans in such carnal ways.'
The kitsune could sense he was being honest with him and allowed himself to ease up before Hiei continued, 'Besides, she's yours, and I know you well enough not to get in between what is yours, Legendary Thief.'
Kurama didn't argue or correct him because he couldn't. It was true. Nana was his. His friend and a part of what he would consider a pack. He wasn't the most social, but in Makai he formed alliances and gangs. He couldn't object to that. It was true he considered her special and dear to him. She was his, and he would harm anyone who would try to take her the way Hiei described in a heartbeat.
They heard Kuwabara's scream as he must have eaten too much as was now experiencing something like a brain freeze while Yusuke laughed until he started to choke, and the girls shouted at them to stop the whole madness and that they were idiots.
His raven-haired girl rolled her eyes looking away from the whole mess and back at him. Their eyes locked, and her lips immediately pulled into that soft smile she always seemed to have for him despite the situation.
For a moment letting go of his annoyance with Hiei's words and paranoia that he would see too much into it, he allowed himself to think that the smile might have been a product of her pinkish lips, but it was all his. It was just as she belonged to him.
It happened again.
The darkness.
The motionless.
Karasu.
Pain and then-
-and then Nana's face was hit with a sharp night air as she found herself inside Kurama's arms on the roof of the Yukimuras' diner.
She was panting, and she felt like she might puke although the nausea was slowly fading thanks to the icy wind.
'It's alright, it was just a dream,' said Kurama's voice inside her ears, and she nodded a couple of times trying to make sense of what was happening all the while knowing that as long as Kurama was holding her, she would be alright.
Her brown eyes opened and looked around. Indeed, she was on the roof with Kurama, who easily kept both of them from falling down as if it was no trouble.
His face was unreadable, but his green eyes screamed concerned, 'Nana, you need to calm down a bit.'
She nodded and tried to do just that. Her heartbeat was still wild, but for now, it seemed her breathing was getting better. She didn't hear anything up on the roof, and the houses around them were dark. Not a single light was on, and it was fair to assume not a single person was up.
While putting herself together, Nana tried to recall what happened. They had a party. They cleaned up a bit, and all went to sleep to rest a bit on the floor before they would head home. They must have all fallen asleep.
She recalled she was on the ground taking in Kurama's red hair even in the dark of the room, and then once again she was in the dark, motionless and haunted by Karasu.
After a few more moments, the girl looked at the yokai who was holding her realizing one of his hands slipped into her hair and was softly stroking her, 'Did you pinch me?'
Just before she was rescued from the dark she felt as if someone pinched her shoulder. Not too painful but enough for her to feel it even in her room it seemed.
He nodded still not losing any of his seriousness or concern. She hated that he looked like that because of her, 'I'm afraid, I had to. You looked so frightened, and I didn't want to wake up the others by turning on the lights. I didn't enjoy watching you suffer.'
Nana listened to his words and then nodded again pressing her cheek against his chest. Her heart finally calmed down, and she felt more in control. The sound of his own slightly faster heartbeat was like her favorite song at that moment.
'Thank you.'
Kurama stayed silent for a while his fingers slowly stroking her head, 'Nana, I know something is bothering you for a while now. Was this it?'
Of course, he noticed. He was Kurama, she knew he did, she just…she didn't want to hurt him or cause him sorrow by revealing she was still haunted by Karasu. She didn't want him to think he failed her someone. Now, that she thought about it, it seemed stupid. Kurama wasn't the type to doubt himself. With his maturity came the realization of his own worth and abilities.
She sighed, 'Can I tell you later?'
He was silent, and Nana sighed again, 'Please.' She knew she couldn't avoid it forever not when it was affecting her this much, but at least for the moment she just wanted the breath the cold fresh air and stay in Kurama's arms in peaceful quiet.
She felt him pull her just a bit firmer against her and kiss the top of her head, 'Of course, do you wish to go down now?'
'In a little bit,' she said and closed her eyes again. For now, she could at least find the comfort in his embrace. For now, she felt safe and at peace.
Nana buried her face against his chest again.
Nana didn't wish to stay the night after what happened perhaps scared, she would wake the others up and reveal to them her issue.
Kurama understood and without hesitation left a note for the others before they made their way to her house. It was close to morning hours, so they stepped especially quiet like a pair of thieves as they snuck into the girl's room.
'Remember the first time you spent the night?' whispered Nana in the dark as she turned on her light and sat down.
Kurama chuckled, 'That would be the first time you took care of my arm. Since then, you have taken care of me quite a bit.'
Nana smiled a bit, 'So have you.'
She lightly tapped her forehead as she must have recalled the time, Kurama took care of her after her first yokai attack.
For a moment, not long, but enough, they allowed some comfort to settle between them as Kurama sat down on the bed next to her. It was serious what they were about to discuss of course, but at the same time, it was freeing to know they could still share warm moments.
'It started the night before the finals,' said Nana suddenly. The small smile was gone, and her brown eyes were serious although the rest of her seemed to look incredibly exhausted.
Instinctively, his palm found her lower back to show her support.
The night before the final match, when she came to him clearly shaken and crying. It wasn't just the frustration from everything that happened, and she did confess she had a nightmare. Since then, he did notice how some days she looked a bit distant or troubled even if she did her best to hide it.
He was debating on how to proceed to gain more information from her or to get her to open up to him before she suddenly surprised him by launching herself at him and burying her face against his chest again.
His arms circled around her, and he wondered if she would start crying the same way she had before the final match.
She didn't.
Nana remained to hold onto him for dear life for a while, but during that time, she didn't start crying or sobbing. In fact, she wasn't even shaking all that much, simply holding onto him and perhaps gaining whatever she needed from him.
Whatever, it was, Kurama was more than grateful and willing that he could give it to her.
After a while, the girl took in a deep breath and leaned away her eyes looking up at him almost shyly from under her eyelashes, 'I have bad dreams…sometimes.'
'Since the night before my fight with Karasu,' he said, and noticed the slight flinch of Nana's body immediately understanding, 'You dream of him? Of him hurting you or me?'
The raven-haired girl looked away a bit, and Kurama took a hold of Nana's chin raising it up to make her look at him, 'Nana, I don't want to force you, but I do believe it would help you a great deal if you told me. I know you haven't talked with the girls about it. Did you tell anyone at all?'
She sighed a bit and shook her head. Of course not. Nana didn't want to scare or bother anyone. She always put others before her.
'I didn't want to worry anyone, and I don't know…I'm not sure if I even can talk about it,' she admitted honestly.
It was rare that there was something Nana and he couldn't talk about. They were entwined. Even if they had secrets, such things bothered them if they couldn't share them with each other. Their inner thoughts and struggles even more so. But he understood that it might be hard to say the words out loud.
Pushing his own beliefs and wishes aside his fingers gently stroke her chin under her lower lip, 'If you truly can't then I won't push you, but I will stay for tonight and watch you some other nights to make sure you wake up if you need to.' Waking up to find her asleep looking in so much pain with her heartbeat so incredibly loud it echoed in the room, truly terrified the yokai. When he finally got her to wake up she looked so scared and like she would fall apart any second he saw no choice, but to get her out into the fresh air. He was glad it worked.
Nana's brown eyes blinked at him a bit taken back, and he offered her a small smile before he leaned closer and gently kissed her cheek, 'You can lay down.'
He let her go and stood up to do just that, 'I will turn off the lights and lay next to you.'
'Wait!'
His hand paused on the switch, Nana lowered her gaze and ruffled her hair in frustration untypical of her. He rarely saw her so upset she would wish to somehow do something physical to herself, 'I think I will go find a candle. Just…just so there is some light here.'
Kurama could hear how shaky her voice was and how much of a struggle it was to get the words out as she clearly was upset that she had to say it.
Easily, he picked up a seed from his hair and transformed it into a lantern-like flower, 'Will this be sufficient?'
Nana looked up at the plant for a moment surprised before she visibly relaxed and even softened her lips as if she was about to smile, 'Yes, it's perfect.' She said in such a grateful voice as if she said You're perfect.
The kitsune turned off the lights and brought the plant close to Nana's bed as she moved to make room for him. Neither of them was dressed in sleeping outfits and neither of them seemed to mind.
He set the plant that acted as a lamp on Nana's window frame above her bed nicely lightening up the room.
Even if Nana remained on her side to offer him the space, it was still a tight fit, and Kurama put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer making sure to stay on top of the covers for both of their sakes, 'Rest, I'm here now, Nana.'
The girl didn't say anything for a moment, so he just held her tightly making sure her night rest would be protected.
There with the only light coming from his plant, Nana spoke, 'I dream about Karasu hurting me.'
Even if the night silence was sweet, Nana wished to break it with a curse. She felt so stupid for waiting this long to talk about her nightmares. It was ridiculous. She should have told him sooner and safe herself the trouble.
'It's not just him…it's the feeling.'
Kurama's fingers continued to rhythmically stroke her head without a single flinch all the while she confessed what her nightmares were about, 'Feeling?'
She nodded against him and closed her eyes. It felt so strange to talk about her fear when she felt this good inside his arms, inside her room, on her bed.
'I can't move. I'm…it's like I'm paralyzed, and I can't move a single muscle, and there is nothing but darkness and then him. It's horrible. I never felt so…so weak and defenseless, and all I can do is watch.'
She shivered despite herself, but Kurama's fingers carried on, 'Before when he caught me in the stadium. I could talk and run when I had the chance, but in those dreams, I can't move. I hate that feeling. I hate it,' she said and realized for the first time, that she meant it. Before she thought she hated her mother or Karasu, but she realized even then her hatred was weak compared to how she felt about being paralyzed in her sleep.
'I had it only once since we got back, but then when the news about Izumi…,' she paused for a moment, 'I must have been stressed about it too much.'
Kurama moved his head as if he was nodding a bit, 'It would make sense. It's a lot to take in. You have every right to be upset and stressed, Nana.'
'I know, but I don't want to be. I don't want to feel this way,' she lowered her voice, 'I don't want to have those nightmares. I really hate that feeling.'
His fingers stopped but only for a moment before they carried on, 'There are ways to make you not dream anymore. If that is what you wish.'
She blinked, 'There are?'
'Of course, I know a few herbs, and I'm sure Hiei knows even better tactics since he's good in telepathy,' he explained, but Nana furrowed her brows and wrinkled her nose at the idea of Hiei of getting even more into her mind than he already had, 'I'm not sure I would like that.'
She turned her head a bit to catch the side of his face, 'And I like dreaming when it's nice things. A few days ago, I had a dream about us playing in the old playground by my house. We finished our garden, but the flowers came to life. It was nice.'
Kurama's lips pulled into a smile, 'If I had my memories back then that could have been arranged.'
Nana grinned back at him glad the mood lightened at least a bit, 'I'm sure it could have, but then all the other kids would want to play with you, and you wouldn't have any time for me.'
'Nonsense,' he said and moved his lips toward her cheek as he spoke, they moved against her skin as if he was kissing her, 'I had no interested in anyone else, but you back then or now.'
Nana shivered to feel her temperature rise a bit under the blanket, 'Well, luckily, the other kids weren't all that interested in your either.'
'Yes, it's not uncommon for children to be very perceptive at young age. I wouldn't be surprised if they could sense there was something off about me.'
'There are still a lot of things off about you, kitsune,' she said, and with more courage, than she would think she had she stroked his face with her fingers. It was a long day and night. Perhaps she could be braver when she was tired once again, 'But you're in luck, I like that about you.'
'How fortunate,' whispered the yokai, his forest green eyes shining as he leaned toward her and captured her lips in a soft and quick kiss that still caused Nana to feel nicely warm and excited inside.
Of course, all too quickly Kurama leaned away and stroked her hair with his free hand again, 'If I can't keep Karasu away from your dreams, I promise to hold you in my arms the whole night to wake you up the second I sense you need me.'
The raven-haired girl smiled. It was a very Kurama thing to say, and she adored him even for it, 'Thank you.'
'Never thank me for that. You know I would do anything I can to keep you from harm and pain,' he said, and Nana could only nod because she knew. She was more certain of it than she was of anything else in her entire life.
'I know.'
'Good, now, you can rest freely,' he said, and Nana agreed and closed her eyes. It wasn't the first time Kurama was there to protect her and allow her to sleep in peace. She hoped, he would always be there to do so then.
It wasn't completely different. Perhaps they had been dating all along and just didn't realize it. The only difference was that now when they touched it wasn't an accident or a friendly gesture. Now, when they touched Nana felt the blood rush to her face and her heart speeded up at the possibility that they might touch some more.
Despite the stress caused by her Izumi's illness and her nightmares, for the sake of her own sanity, Nana tried to stay positive. Some things couldn't have been changed or fixed. She still didn't know what to do about her mother, and it was incredibly exhausting to dwell on it all the time. She knew others pitied her because of it and that brought even more distress to her as she never liked people to act that way toward her.
The only person who seemed to know this and genuinely knew how to act himself was Kurama, and the raven-haired girl was eternally grateful for him as he proved to her support and distraction any time she needed.
It made her want to kiss him every time he told people to leave her alone and allow her to work or changed the conversation so no one would ask her anything about her mother. She always wanted to kiss him now of course, but when he proved to be an exceptional boyfriend just as he was an exceptional best friend, she sometimes needed a moment or the audience in form of whoever he was defending her from to stop her from doing that.
However, there wasn't always an audience and in the comfort of them being alone near the sunflower field where he took her on their first official date. She couldn't not kiss him when he brought her there again.
Nana checked her watch now. Since she was allowed to leave work early, she had some spare time before she would meet with Kurama. Summer had passed before they could even blink and once again, they were dealing with school, clubs, and work.
Nana didn't mind. Distractions kept her mind out of nightmares and Izumi at least. It had been a while since she had any, and it seemed everyone understood she didn't really want to talk about her mother with anyone other than Kurama and left her alone for now.
She smiled despite herself as an idea came to her mind that she could simply surprise Kurama now that she had some free time after finishing work early. It made her feel better just to think she would be near him which caused the crimson blush to spread across her chubby cheeks before she slapped them with her palms. She was being silly for no reason. Kurama wasn't even here, and she would like to think of herself as being better than those girls who daydreamed about their boyfriends all day.
His school was a few stops away from work, so usually, he was the one waiting for her on their spot, and then they walked together to the train station. It wasn't a long ride, but it was a bit lovely, and the sun was coming down fast.
Nana checked her watch wondering if she would wait outside of his school now that she still had nearly half an hour or walk around a bit. Although she felt joyful about meeting with Kurama, she didn't really like the idea that she would meet with his classmates again even if Saya wasn't so bad. Well, most of them weren't so bad and all of them were harmless, but still.
'Hinata-san, correct?' asked a male voice behind her causing her to flinch a bit as she was sure no one was there a second ago.
She turned around.
The boy in front of her looked around her age with dark slightly curly hair and glasses dressed in the Meiou uniform. The recognition of the familiar red color of his clothing momentarily settled the raven-haired girl's nerves.
Then, however, her memory kicked in, and not really bothering to cover her annoyance, Nana looked away, 'Oh, it's you.'
She didn't recognize him for a second, but now she remembered the boy, who once accused her she wasn't good enough for Kurama and was distracting him from his school life. Even if she was rather harsh with him back then too, it was still his fault, to begin with, and she really wasn't in the mood to repeat history.
'Hinata-san, I understand, you are probably crossed with me about what happened the last time we met, and rightfully so, however, I think you would be wise to put that aside for now,' he said causing a shiver to run down the girl's back as for some reason.
He rose his finger and fixed his glasses causing his eyes to appear. For some reason, he appeared properly cold.
'You would do best if you would come with me now on your own,' he said lowering his voice.
As she slowly looked at him, Nana noticed how the streets around the school seemed empty now, with the two of them the only ones standing there. There were still students at school as of course, but they weren't that close to the gate so even if she would scream her lungs out, she doubted anyone would hear her unless they were walking out of the school.
She grabbed her bag tighter letting a thought slip by that her books were quite heavy so she would be able to hit him at least once if she needed to. Violence wasn't something she was comfortable with, but she was more than ready to defend herself as she proved during the tournament and even before.
The raven-haired girl frowned at him hoping she was at least a bit intimidating as she felt her heartbeat speed up, 'I don't really know what your problem is, but there is no way I am going anywhere with you.'
'Ah, you should reconsider,' he said calmly, 'One of your friend's lives depends on it.'
Nana grabbed the handle of her school bag even tighter now as panic and realization settled in. She wasn't dealing with just some bully or perv. She was could be dealing with someone who knew about her and her friends' secret life beyond the Ningenkai.
Could it be that this boy wasn't a human but a yokai? She was sure before he was since he seemed to set on his school results or whatever, but now the girl was confused and properly frightened.
She took a step back ready to leave when she felt something cold rush over her.
Her eyes immediately moved to the ground and then back at the boy as she realized it wasn't a smart thing to do. She didn't really see anything on the ground, but the strange feeling across her ankle remained.
What was that?
Her heartbeat went off even faster now. So, he was a yokai. She didn't usually feel yoki or anything spiritually aware people like the Kuwabaras or Yusuke did, but in the case of Hiei's or Yoko's battles, she did feel some pressure and something dangerous like an instinct at least.
'Who the hell are you? What do you want from me?!' she yelled, and the boy rose his hand seemingly disinterested, 'I wouldn't do that if I were you. If you cause havoc and someone comes to see the commotion the attacker could hurt them as well.'
Nana's mouth snapped closed so quickly that her teeth let out a click.
No, please, not again.
She remembered all too well the experience of being threatened by Karasu and felt her entire body shake as if had a muscle memory of those times.
'That wasn't so hard,' he said with a sense of mockery Nana recognized all too well, 'Now, then, shall we go?'
She didn't move just continued to frown at him. She couldn't scream, but unless he would drag her away from herself she wasn't going anywhere.
'I see, perhaps this will be of a motivation,' said the boy and pulled out a piece of green fabric.
She waited for him to pull something out of it, but when he didn't, she realized it was the fabric itself that was important.
Her eyes must have revealed her confusion because the boy sighed, 'Really, well, it's not like I didn't expect it. This will be rather dull then.'
'W-what are you talking about?!' she asked harshly not making any sense of the boy's words. If only her voice didn't shake so badly, she would perhaps sound intimidating herself.
'This belongs to your friend. Urameshi Yusuke,' he said, and Nana's eyes widened as she looked at the piece of fabric realizing it was the same color as Yusuke's clothing he wore to school.
She swallowed and moved her brown eyes back at the boy's face, 'He is currently in the possession of my fellow associates, unharmed. It would be wise of you to come with me and secure that he stays that way.'
She tried to take another step back but once again she felt the familiar cold, 'I wouldn't do that if I were you. If you walk further than five steps away from me, you will lose your soul.'
Nana's eyes widened, 'W-what?! Y-you, you sick freak!'
The boy fixed his glasses again. If the comment bothered him, he didn't show it which meant he had to be just as crazy and coldblooded psychopath as Karasu, 'As I said it will only happen if you step away from me. Now back to Urameshi. If you wish to help him, you will come with me now. Nicely.'
The girl gripped her school bag so tightly that her knuckles hurt, 'Why would I do that?'
This caused the boy to blink surprised.
'I'm not like Yusuke-kun and the others. What help could I be him if not another hostage for you? If you even have him,' she nodded at the fabric in his palm, 'That proves nothing. And I find it hard to believe Yusuke-kun would be weak enough to get caught.
'I see,' said the boy and nodding, 'Perhaps, you aren't a lost cause after all,' he took a step back, and Nana felt the cold around her feet and instinctively took a step closer to save the five steps distance even if she hated that she had to do so.
'Maybe he wouldn't be weak,' said the boy somewhat agreeing as he nodded slightly, 'But would you consider him to be idiotic enough?'
The raven-haired girl didn't like his mocking and snobby tone, but she wasn't sure it wouldn't be spot on. Yusuke could be reckless at times, and if this weirdo caught him the same way he had her, perhaps, he was their hostage after all.
'You're taking too long. It's not that difficult,' he said, and Nana frowned at him feeling he was enjoying making her feel like a fool.
He rose his foot, and Nana took another step closer to him even if she wished she wouldn't have to. Her stomach turned, but what other choice did she have.
'What do you even want from us?' she asked. If they really did capture Yusuke what did they want from her? She wasn't a psychic, and she couldn't imagine someone would need both of them for something. If they took only her, she would understand, she was weak, and they could use her to hurt Kurama but both of them?
'From you? A game' said the boy as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, where Nana didn't think that at all.
She shook her head, 'A game? I-I don't understand.'
'Of course, you don't,' he said mocking again, and started to walk, 'Come on now, let's not waste any more time.'
Despite herself, Nana followed the boy turning only briefly back at the school and letting out a silent prayer that Kurama would somehow realize something was wrong and find them. Thinking about Kurama she felt even more worried and anxious. Why did it always feel like she was letting him down when she got into situations like this? She didn't want to go, but what choice did she have? Would he understand that? She felt so frustrated and angry with whoever the hell was this guy and what he was putting her through.
'Who are you?' she found herself asking even if she was certain the boy wouldn't answer.
However, to her surprise, he momentarily slowed down to look at her and did, 'I didn't think you would care, but so be it. My name is Kaito Yuu.'
A.N: Hey Guys! Thank you for reading and the support. I hope all of you are alright and safe. Have a nice day.
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