Chapter 3

Stay

"Stay" by Taylor Swift

Yusuke would leave for Genkai's the next day. He was hoping to get a few days worth of training before heading to demon world. Everything was set for him to leave. He had made sure to reserve enough in his bank account to cover his rent, and he had no worries about his business. He told his regulars he'd be going away for "vacation". Yusuke even had the forethought to visit his mom. Of course, she was hung over, so how much she paid attention Yusuke couldn't say. Yup, everything was taken care of except one thing-or person rather. Keiko.

Not much had changed between the two. Sure they shared one special kiss on the beach as the sun set, but Yusuke was beginning to wonder if Keiko was even thinking straight when that happened. At the time, they hadn't seen each other in three years as Yusuke tied up some loose ends in Tourin. Keiko had almost given up, but there Yusuke was at the perfect time and perfect place. He over analyzed the situation, which wasn't a smart thing for him out of all people to do. He just couldn't shake the feeling that Keiko hadn't meant to kiss him. Nothing major had transpired between the two. Keiko had said she wanted to take things slow. She thought Yusuke's work as Spirit Detective interfered with any real growth within their relationship.

Whatever the hell that means, Yusuke had thought many times. I mean, you'd think that after saving a girl's life while risking your own repeatedly would mean some development between two people. Then again, she was only in danger because of him. Demons tend to go after what a person cares about most. For Yusuke Urameshi, that had always been Keiko.

Keiko's patience was that of a saint. As he reached closer to Keiko's parents' restaurant, though, Yusuke couldn't help but worry if him leaving again would push her over the edge. How much more was she willing to wait? How long would anyone wait, really? Just a few more steps and he'd have his answer.

A little bell rang as he opened the door and an aroma of delicious grilled meat and vegetables greeted him. No customers occupied the diner, and Mr. Yukimura must have stepped out. It was perfect timing since Keiko was there all by herself and completely free for Yusuke to drop a bombshell on her. When she noticed him, Keiko gave a small smile. Polite and reserved. The gesture felt forced and awkward from Yusuke's perspective.

It's just in your head, he convinced himself. In silence, he took a seat at the counter. How was he going to tell her? Man, he really should've rehearsed it or something...

"What's wrong, Yusuke?" She stared at him looking sincerely concerned. She had always possessed a kind heart. A heart that Yusuke hated to break. In his true style, he knew he couldn't just beat around the bush. Just rip it off like a band-aid as they say.

"I'm leaving tomorrow for Genkai's. I'll be leaving for demon world shortly after that. For the Makai Tournament."

With no expression on her face, Keiko just stared. Her eyes never betrayed her emotions, and Yusuke was beginning to get uncomfortable. He didn't like not being able to know what she felt before she had a chance to say anything. Honestly, he just didn't want to be caught off guard. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, she finally said,

"You're leaving again." Ah, there it was. Sadness was light on her tongue, but it still existed. The sound of it made Yusuke feel incredibly guilty, and he put on an expression of a kicked puppy.

"Yeah, but Keiko," he had tried to explain, "it'll only be for a few months. Nothing like last time." It wasn't a lie. The tournament wouldn't take longer than two to three months. He didn't plan on dying either, so that wouldn't complicate things (in his mind at least). Deep down he had to admit that it was still a lot to ask of her to wait even that long for him.

"And what if you win. Then what?" Her tone had turned harsh and cold. Yusuke was taken back and had to blink a few times to process what she said. If he won and became King of Demon World? Keiko couldn't survive the poisonous air. Yusuke couldn't just leave a kingdom he had just won over. Once again, he hadn't thought things through. He had no answer, and that was an answer enough for Keiko.

"Then it's as I thought," she said quietly then added more evenly, "Yusuke, you care more for fighting then I think you'll ever care for a relationship between us." The words cut Yusuke to the core. He clenched his fist tightly hearing his knuckles crack under the pressure. He cared for Keiko deeply, and he knew that to save their relationship all he'd have to do was stay. Why wasn't that an option for him then?

"I love you, Keiko," he said through gritted teeth. He never cared to show his true feelings, but at that moment he was trying to control pain, rage, sadness, and...relief all at the same time. Keiko turned her back to him as she worked on cleaning the counter in the kitchen.

"I know that, Yusuke, but you'll never love me the way I need you to." He needed nothing more to understood. He stood and left the diner.

Once outside, he let the city noise and hot sun help him to clear his thoughts. It was over between him and Keiko, and he doubted he'd ever win her back. He replayed the conversation in his head one last time. He had turned his back on her many times, and now she turned her back on him.

At least now he didn't have to worry about winning the Makai tournament. He'd do whatever he damn well pleased.

Koren was getting stronger. She wasn't sure when it happened, but it did seem like a miracle. She could hold her own against Artaxes. Granted he always pummeled her to the ground, but he actually had to try. Rhiannon taught her everything there was to know about healing and enchantments to aid in fights, in trapping her wings inside her to conceal her identity, and in protecting her mind from demons that possessed psychic abilities. Sariel made sure to inform her of everything she needed to know and reassured her that they would be watching from the vision fountain, which was a huge fountain that allowed the angels to see into other worlds without having to be present. If she ever needed them, she could use her heart to call out to them, and they'd be there watching and rooting for her.

After all her hard work, Sariel believed it would beneficial to allow her a few days rest before she left for demon world. Of course, she took the opportunity to rest in the clouds taking in their fluffy and light scent. She basked in the light believing the warmth healed every ache in her tired bones. She even dared to daydream back to a time where she never had to worry about demons, other worlds, or the images of bloody angels. Everything seemed right again even if for just a short period of time.

At some point she had dozed off. In her dreams, she dreamed that she was in demon world but oddly enough had no fear. She wasn't alone, but it did not scare her because she knew who it was. Their face she couldn't see within the dream, but she saw how her dream self's face lit up when she saw the approaching shadow. Familiarity tickled in her stomach. When had she ever been so happy to see someone? It wasn't like when she was with Sariel. He was like a father. This person...they were different from that. In the dream, a breeze rushed by carrying dandelions seeds. Friends. Dream Koren laughed. It was her friend. Her friend had come to see her, and she'd be happy for as long as they chose to stay.

She told no one of her dream but kept it hidden close to her heart knowing it was its truest desire.

A/N: First, I just want to say that I am so sorry for all the grammar mistakes in chapter one. I reread it today, and I was horrified to see how careless I was! Yes, I do know the differences between "your" and "you're". I guess, I was just so excited to post the first chapter that proof reading went out the window. Sigh.

Secondly, please don't hate me for breaking Yusuke and Keiko up. The pairing for this fic is still up for discussion, and I wanted to leave Yusuke as an option. Honestly, I know who I want Koren to be with already, but I also think I could handle any one of the team. I have plans for all of them! Also, I don't know if I just want you guys to vote in the reviews or if I just want to start a poll. Your thoughts?

Thirdly, I didn't start out writing this with Taylor Swift's song in mind. It just kept popping up as I typed this out, so it made it's way in there.

Lastly, my life is busy. I work full-time, and I'm baking cookies for a lot of people this Christmas. I have not already given up. Updates will just be a tad bit slow. Also, this was more a filler chapter that just had to happen. I promise the next chapter will be more eventful. We'll actually be at the Makai Tournament, and things will start to play out with Koren and the YYH gang in the next chapter.

A shout out to Graphospasm! I'm so excited you came across my story. When I read your review, it brightened up my whole day and made my long shift not seem so bad. It was like reading something from your favorite celebrity, haha! Seriously, though, thank you for your kind words!

Please, review and let me know your thoughts. It really helps me out! And as always, thanks for taking the time to read this.