"This is a merger, not a possession."

Pressure. It was sporadic at first, manageable. He deliberately vented his energy to relieve the pressure. But episodes were increasing in frequency, which had Kurama concerned.

Collecting his notes and pens, he excused himself from the University lecture hall and discreetly made his way into the men's restroom. The pressure had increased unexpectedly, sudden tightening in his chest and a dull aching behind his eyes. His book bag fell unceremoniously by his feet. Turning on the sink faucet, he washed his hands in cool water before splashing some on his face. Still out of breath, Kurama braced his hands on the edge of the sink and dared to view himself in the mirror.

This is getting ridiculous. He thought to himself, taking in his mildly disheveled appearance. Face blanched, sweat beaded on his forehead and neck, his hair sticking uncomfortably to his skin. Were those strands of silver in his hair? Why am I unable to manage my own youki? I need to pull myself together. Kurama swallowed thickly and dried his hands and face with a paper towel. He was wiping the back of his of his neck when he heard the restroom door open. Concentrating, the shining silver strands of hair reverted to his natural crimson.

The lecture must be over now. He quickly discarded the paper towels before shouldering his bag and made is way to the exit, keeping his head down to hopefully avoid the notice of whoever might be entering, be they classmates or his professor.

Kurama wasn't so lucky. He nearly bumped into the professor trying to get to the door.

"Ah, Shuichi. You missed an important part of the lecture."

"My apologies, Professor Saito," Kurama gritted his reply, composing himself quickly. "It won't happen again."

Professor Saito only seemed mildly convinced, but exhaled with a smile. Shuichi was, after all, the top student in his Organic Chemistry class. This was the first time the young man had ever excused himself from his class, Saito would let it go this time.

"Don't worry about it too much. I can email you the notes from the end of class," Professor Saito offered pleasantly, taking note of his students pallid complexion,"If you aren't feeling well, you should head over to Medical Services on the other side of campus. I can give you a ride-"

"Thank you for the offer, Professor, but that won't be necessary," Kurama interrupted as politely as he could, eager to end this conversation quickly and go home to his apartment. The professor was still blocking the door and his chest still felt tight. "I would, however, greatly appreciate the lecture notes."

Saito raised his eyebrows, but relented. Shuichi is a young adult and he would treat him as such. Still, he couldn't quite help thinking of his own young sons at home. With a wistful half smile, Saito stepped aside and allowed his student to exit the men's room.

"Get some rest over spring break, then," He called after his student who had hurriedly pushed past him. "The report I assigned last week will be due when you get back."

"I will, thank you. The report is already in the class drop box." Kurama replied over his shoulder, walking briskly to the front door of the science building. What is wrong with me?

It wasn't far to his apartment off campus, he made it with no further incidents. Entering the apartment, he absently dropped his bag at the entrance, closing and locking his front door. Shoes were removed, he continued in his socks to his bedroom where he settled into the chair at his desk, deflated. Elbows on the desk and forehead resting in his palms, Kurama took a few deep breaths.

I've been venting my energy for weeks to relieve the increasing pressure. That has not happened since.. His thoughts trailed off. Ever since the Dark Tournament, his demonic energy was slowly becoming more difficult to contain. Kurama thought back to his round against Ura Urashima, forcing him to take his native demonic form. He was immensely curious about the properties of the Idun Box. Suzuki presented him later with the Fruit of the Previous Life Potion, which had connected him even more with his suppressed demon energy. In the end, this was what saved his life during the battle against Karasu. It wasn't long after the the tournament was over that Kurama was able to control his transformation. It was a thing of convenience, really. His power was available to him when needed while still being able to maintain the appearance of "Shuichi" for the sake of his mother.

The only other time Kurama transformed unintentionally was the contest with Shigure during the first Makai tournament (Getting knocked back into his human form by Karasu does NOT count). He was concerned at the time, however he was able to control the transformation at the time and eventually triumped in his human form and so dismissed it for the time being.

Lately, however, it was becoming more difficult to contain his youki. The pressure was building within his chest. His body ached, his head hurt. Kurama sometimes felt he was suffocating, or exploding, thus the requirement to vent off his energy. Today was the first time he nearly transformed unintentionally since the Makai tournament. It came on so suddenly that he wasn't sure he would be able to halt the change. Fortunately he had managed.

After a few more moments of meditation(deep breathing), Kurama had regained enough of his composure to let his hands fall to the flat of the desk and lean back in his chair. He took one more deep breath and exhaled heavily.

I need to speak with Genkai.

It didn't take Kurama long to pack his things. He had already planned to return home for spring break and made sure to complete and submit any assignments due when classes resumed ahead of time. Quickly checking his email before he left, in his inbox was an email from Professor Saito with the class notes attached. After saving the attached documents, Kurama wrote a brief reply to once more apologize, thoroughly embarrassed he had been discovered so.. out of sorts. He shut down his computer and flipped open his cell phone, calling home. No one answered, they were all likely out of the house at either work or school. He left a brief message to let his family know he would be on his way home shortly and pocketed the phone. Kurama gathered his compact duffel bag and backpack, and toed on his shoes before exiting his apartment.

He had plenty of time to think on the train. Kurama certainly had his suspicions about his current circumstances, and as much as he would like to think there should be another explanation, he was too pragmatic to dismiss the likelihood.

I have to be sure. Genkai may be able to confirm or disprove what I suspect. I will refrain from making any arrangements until I have more concrete information.

He was starting to regret telling his mother not to pick him up at the train station, not wanting her to go out of her way for him. The episode earlier that day had left him feeling drained and the train ride was less than restful. Rarely had he been so happy to see his family's dwelling come into view.

The walk past the last few blocks was spent preparing himself for greeting his family. He loved his entire family dearly, especially his Mother. Thoughts finally organized and filed away for later as he reached the front door, he knocked softly on the door and turned the knob to find the door was unlocked.

"I'm home," Kurama called from the entryway of the house, hanging his orange jacket on the coat hanger and changing from his tennis shoes into his house slippers.

Shiori appeared around the corner wearing her apron and chopsticks in hand. "Oh, Shuichi! Welcome home, dear! How was your trip?"

"The trip was fine, I'm glad to be home." Kurama replied with a genuine smile, the sight of his mother providing him some relief from his concerns. He felt lighter already.

Shiori beamed. Her son had not returned home since he left for the second semester at the University, it lifted her heart to see him home and looking well.

"Your father and brother just sat down at the table. Why don't you put your things upstairs and join us?"

"Of course, Mother."

Shiori turned back to the kitchen, leaving her son to get settled before joining his family for dinner.

Dinner passed pleasantly despite the tension behind his eyes. Kurama's family made the traditional inquiries about school and his job on campus, to which he could reply all was going well. Work was going well for Kazuya Shiori, and younger Shuichi was also doing well in school. After thanking his mother for the delicious meal, Kurama had offered to clean up dinner, although Shiori would have none of it.

"You look exhausted, Shuichi. Let me take care of this." She offered pleasantly.

How his human mother could read him so well, Kurama would never know. A small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Thank you, Mother. I think I'm going to turn in early tonight."

After bidding his family goodnight, Kurama made his way upstairs and took a moment to unpack his clothes and personal items. A quick shower and change into a pair of shorts and t-shirt later, Kurama laid down on top of the comforter of his bed. Stretching sore arms and clasping his hands behind his head, he stared at the ceiling. He really was exhausted.

Despite his apparent exhaustion, sleep did not come easily. Once again he organized and cataloged his thoughts, took a few deep breaths and vented more of his demonic energy. He was confident in the wards he placed around his family's house, the spike in energy should not attract any unwanted attention. The pressure in his chest and head reduced enough to finally allow him to sleep.