Kurama's Younger Sister, Kurumi
Chapter 13: Breakfast
As painfully expected, Kurama found himself giving a long, dreaded, and detailed explanation to Botan, for last night. Botan's arms remained crossed through his whole speech, then she finally sighed defeat and smiled, "I understand, Kuru-chan... I mean, Tashi is pretty handsome and might just be your type and-"
"No! Botan! That's not what I'm trying to get-" Kurama tried to argue, then gave up as Botan laughed and grinned, "Anyway, the boys will be hungry when they wake up! Time to get started on breakfast, Kuru-chan!"
"Right away," He sighed and made his way to the kitchen-when a knock came to the door. He heard the door open and quickly ran to see whom Botan let in. Not surprising. He thought tiredly.
Once Tashi spotted Kurama he approached him. "Kurumi, how are you?" He asked, looking gentle. Kurama's flushed and looked off to side, trying not to run. "I'm good. How are you?"
"Good, now that I saw you. I-" Tashi looked into the kitchen, and his expression made Kurama's heart thud with fear and curiosity. Did he spot something? Realize something? What?
"I'm sorry," Tashi said, voice still soft, "I didn't know you were in the middle of cooking breakfast."
"Would you like to join us?" Botan's quick and cheerful invitation nearly put Kurama in shock. He gulped and nodded after Tashi looked at him, "Won't you, Tashi?" He wanted to wince after seeing Tashi blush scarlet from Kurama saying his name. Tashi stepped into the kitchen, vaguely aware Botan was going on with random news.
Soon enough, everyone was at the table. Kurama could feel that Hiei and Yusuke were very uncomfortable with having an enemy at the table. Little conversations passed until Tashi asked a dreaded question, "Have any of you heard or seen Kurama?"
"What? Haven't found him yet? Anxious to kill him!?" Yusuke barked, almost rising out of his seat. Kurama's anxiety and heart were pounding tremendously. Oh gosh...
"Yusuke-" Kurama tried, but Tashi interrupted him, "It's okay, Kurumi. Yusuke has all the reasons in the world to be furious. I'm trying to kill his friend... Your older brother... But... No matter what I cannot let my older brother down. I can't. I won't."
Tashi took a breath then stood up, "I better leave."
Botan drove her elbow into Kurama's ribs and cocked her head toward Tashi. Kurama got the message and stood up quickly, then wrapped his arms around Tashi's right arm.
"Tashi, please, stay and enjoy breakfast." He saw Tashi's eyes lit up and face his fill with excitement, but then it all faded as he looked at Yusuke, "I'd be glad to, but..."
"Oh! Don't worry about them! Come on!" Kurama gave his sweetest smile. Tashi sighed with defeat and sat back down.
Eventually Kurama's cooking was finished and everyone at the table was filling themselves. Unfortunately, Kurama's cooking was still off.
Botan leaned toward Kurama and whispered, "Kuru-chan, ask them how they like it!" Kurama nodded and did as demanded, "How do you all like it? The breakfast?"
Yusuke shuddered and commented sarcastically, "The best."
Hiei shrugged, but Tashi's expression almost made Kurama fall over laughing. Tashi's face was filled with not-so-well hidden disgust.
"You're a great cook, Kurumi!"
Kurama held in a laugh, "Thanks everyone." I stink!
TBC Tsuzuku