A/N: I did it, I managed to get this second chapter out! Yes, some of it is still repeated info but not all of it! And I edited some of the previously used passages so hopefully they flow better as a unit now. I'm glad I finally got this done. The end of Jan into mid Feb was hard on me because of a work injury.

Anyway! Enjoy! I hope you like it! The moodboard for this will be up on my tumblr, link in my profile.

Yukina had heard it her whole life.

Frail.

Everyone used it to describe her for as long as she could recall. Her mother and aunties, concerned for her small stature when she was just a young thing. Doctors when she'd reacted so violently to the news of her mother's suicide. Her pale skin, her lost stomach contents, the sweat sheen had convinced them all she couldn't take such truths. The soft delivery of her words, coupled with how gently she treated others had furthered this idea. That she was something easily broken.

But she was not as delicate as the world made her out to be.

She also wasn't naive.

That's why she stared at the hand on her knee without a reaction. A strange iciness coated her veins at the feel of the fingers pressing to the skin under the hem of her uniform's skirt. This wasn't the first time someone had touched her carelessly. Some men were like that, demanding and disgusting. This one was no different.

"Do you understand, Yukina?" Mr. Akashi asked, eyebrows poised high on his forehead. "I think your grade would benefit from one-on-one time with me."

Her eyes remained fixed to the hand on her body. Slowly, she shifted her attention to his waiting expression.

"Take your hand off of me or I'll remove it myself." She told him coolly, expression neutral.

"Excuse me?" Those older fingers gripped her leg firmly.

"Mr. Akashi, I do not think you need me to repeat myself. Stop touching me." She kept her gaze trained on his beady eyes, his long sharp features. Quite ratlike, as many of the students said.

This was the man who targeted her brother and his friends. The man who had been so cruel to Yusuke that he'd dropped out. When he didn't listen to her she shoved her seat back and stood, stepping out of his reach, but not before taking hold of his pinky to wrench it backward, away from his palm. She held the finger at the harsh angle it had adopted under her guidance, watching his eyes widen as pain displayed itself on his face.

Everyone always seemed surprised to learn that she and Hiei were twins. Her hot headed, strong brother radiated his emotions even when he wasn't trying. His anger was palpable, his rage tangible. Hers sat quietly in her chest and stomach, icy and unforgiving. Hidden away like that it was easy to mistake her as being calm, gentle.

But they were siblings to their cores and she had not grown up with Hiei around without learning how to defend herself.

"You little brat!" He hissed.

She put more effort into assaulting the finger.

He grunted in pain.

"Let me be extremely clear with you. I do not like men touching me. Especially men who think they can lord their power over me to get me to comply with them. It did not work for my last foster home and it will not work for you. There is a reason I reside with the Kuwabaras and that is because they respect my safety. If you do not follow that example, I will not hesitate to react appropriately. Am I heard?" She released him and offered him the coldest glare in her arsenal. A family trait that she shared with her aunties and brother. A look that could freeze over the hottest of souls as fear seized them.

"You will regret that." He warned her darkly, cradling his hand.

"I am quite sure I won't." She assured him darkly. "Stay away from me."

"I can get you expelled." He hissed.

"No, you can't. My grades are exemplary. My attendance is nearly perfect. My test scores show how valuable I am to this school. Moreover, I have never once had a compliant filed against me. You have had many. In the court of public opinion an oppressive, ill-tempered male teacher loses every time to a sweet, orphaned, mild-mannered young woman." Yukina glared at him, chin raised as he got to his feet. "Do not call me in for another after school meeting."

"Get out." He seethed.

"I was just leaving." She turned on heel and marched from the room.

She was not frail, no matter how everyone saw her. She'd endured enough to know her strength. Her brother was the only one who knew she could handle herself truly, even if he didn't like to allow her to exert herself. He took pride in keeping her safe. In protecting her innocence. If she told Hiei what happened he'd get himself expelled for certain. So she wouldn't say a word.

After all, she'd made her point.

And she wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

Across town, Hiei trudged down a street beside Yusuke doing little more than wasting time before turning in for the night.

"You can crash with me tonight if you want. Mom's on another bender so it's not like she'd even notice." Yusuke walked with his hands in his pockets, eyes ahead of him.

Hiei knew Yusuke was trying not to look at him. He knew it because Yusuke only focused that far in the distance when he was struggling not to look at the person next to him. And he was centering his attention on the horizon for the specific reason of trying to appear as casual as possible. Except he wasn't casual, not at all. The conversation's turn had been abrupt and unwelcome.

"Invite your girlfriend over if you're feeling lonely." Hiei suggested dryly, glaring forward.

"Just come over man." Yusuke finally shirked off the act and rolled his head to his friend. "You being stubborn about this shit is getting old."

"No one is asking any of you to keep hounding me. I'm fine on my own." Hiei snapped back at him. "If you're all feeling annoyed about it, then just stop."

"What kind of assholes would we be if we just stopped? You're living on the streets, Hiei. It's bullshit. Why are you doing this to yourself?" Yusuke stopped to turn on him.

Hiei squared up to him, eyes narrowed. "You know, you're not the only one who thinks this shit is getting old. I've told every single one of you before, I don't want your goddamn pity. I can take care of myself."

"It's not pity man. Don't you know the difference?" Yusuke's voice started to raise. "We're worried about you!"

"Worry about someone else!" Hiei demanded with a snarl, fists at his sides. Then he shook his head and stepped back. "You know what, I don't have the fucking energy for this. I'm going to go."

"At least tell me where you're sleeping." Yusuke demanded, not moving to stop Hiei.

"No." Hiei marched away with a glower.

He made it a block before he stopped, turning over his shoulder to make sure he hadn't been followed, then he ducked through an alleyway and began to carve his way through the city's underbelly. He stepped through shadows and over refuse. He knew the way by the style of trashcans tucked against the walls of buildings, waiting to be picked up. The numbers spray painted on the sides of dumpsters were more familiar to him than streets signs. That's how he found his little alcove. The cellar of an abandoned building, accessible only through the ground level window that few would be able to squeeze through. Anyone larger than himself would get stuck. Anyone smaller likely wasn't going to even attempt entering the dirty, mildew-ridden space.

Pushing the window pane open he squeezed himself underneath, sliding inside to be greeted by the stench of decaying wood that he now associated with home. It was his safe place. Ever since he'd found this place no one had bothered him. No one stole his things. No one kicked him awake to tell him to move, brandishing weapons or flashlights and badges.

Unfortunately he'd discovered earlier that week that a "Set for Demolition" warning had been posted on the front door of the building. It wouldn't be too long and he'd be even more homeless than he currently was. Still, it wasn't something he had to deal with tonight. Tonight he could close the window, move toward his moth-eaten blanket and take a seat. He could close his eyes, embraced by the creeping darkness, and relax for a few minutes.

He'd have to find a way to semi-apologize to Yusuke. He knew his friends were worried. As frustrated as he got, he had to remember that they were just doing their best to care for him. It wasn't like he made it easy. They just didn't get it.

Why was he doing this to himself? What a stupid question.

It was for Yukina, obviously.

The foster system had him in a temporary home close-by. A placement he'd been willing to deal with. They fed him, gave him a place to sleep. The rules were simple. But one of the caregivers had struck him in the face so he'd hit them back and that had him on the streets. There had been an attempt to place him elsewhere, but the only other home willing to take him in given his behavior and record had been outside of the city.

It was too far.

So he'd refused to go. He disappeared and even now when he knew someone might be looking for him, he hid away. He couldn't risk being taken. He'd promised his sister he'd be close.

There was no way he could leave Yukina to face this world, this city, this life alone. She was with the Kuwabaras, sure. They took great care of her. Even gave her an allowance. Shizuru and Kazuma made sure she was safe, loved. He couldn't be happier about how that had worked out. He disliked that his friend wanted to date his sister, but otherwise it was perfect.

Yusuke's house was too tumultuous.

Kurama's was full.

He could spend the night time to time, but too often would raise questions. Shiori took great care of him given half the chance and he actually quite liked her. But he couldn't put the responsibility or burden of himself onto her and her new family.

This was the only way, he'd determined. Being homeless meant he could be as close as possible in case Yukina needed him. He could continue going to the same school as her. He could stay near his friends.

The people in his life were about all he had and he wasn't about to give them up for something as stupid as a real bed.

His small circle of friends didn't agree with his choice but there wasn't much they could do about it. The important thing was that they harbored his secret even if they didn't like it. Between the four of them it was a solemn promise that no one would be honest with Yukina about his living situation. She was just as stubborn as he was most days and the last thing he wanted was for her to get some hot-headed idea about living out here with him. He'd always been more trash than person if anyone's opinion about him was to be believed, so the streets were already pretty much home. But his sister, she wasn't like that. She had a real chance at a real life.

He'd be damned if he let himself be the reason she gave that up.

Hiei opened his eyes and readjusted, pulling his bag close so he could rifle through the contents to find his homework. He'd nearly forgotten about it. There was only a few more hours of sunlight left on this side of the building so if he wanted to finish the assignments he had to do them now. He'd get sleep once it was fully dark in his cellar.

His papers piled in his lap, he fished out the stale loaf of bread he'd stolen from the trash behind a bakery. It was still good, if a little hard. No mold. Even he had limits on what he was willing to survive on. It wasn't much but it was enough for his hunger pangs to be quieted so he could focus on his school work. If he was slick, he'd be able to snatch some fruit from the market two blocks over on his way to school. His pencil paused against the surface of his math homework as his stomach growled. He should have accepted Yusuke's offer. If nothing else, he'd have had a real meal. But he'd already thrown his fit, he couldn't go moping back now or he'd look like an idiot.

"You look miserable." One eyebrow arched upward as Shinpi regarded Yusuke's scowl. Her ball cap sat atop her head, her hair braided as it ran down her back. She wore her usual hoodie over her clothes, though he noted her jeans were better fitted than usual. She must have a wardrobe dedicated to finding trouble versus hanging out and letting trouble find her. "You're the one who texted me, don't greet me with such a sour expression."

"It's not about you." He assured her in a grumble.

"Then what is it about?" She shoved her hands into the pocket of her hoodie. "Lose a fight?"

"Sort of."

"Wow, I've gotta meet the idiot that can beat you. Can I take them?" She grinned, flashing her teeth in an effort to lure him out of his sullen mood.

"Honestly, probably not. He's a pain in my ass. It was just a friend of mine being a stubborn asshole." Yusuke rubbed the back of his neck for a moment before letting his hand fall away. "Thanks for meeting me. I wanted to hang out with someone and everyone else was busy."

"Flattering. I'll add being your last resort to my resume." She flattened her expression and shot a dirty look away from him.

"That's not what I meant." He deadpanned. "I'm just pissing everyone off tonight, huh?"

"It does seem to be an exceptional skill of yours. I blame it on your education." She checked her nails as he offered a loud noise of complaint. With a smirk Shinpi rolled her head to face him. "Do you want to talk about it or not?"

"Not really." His brown eyes narrowed in a glare that did nothing to shake her expression.

"Good, then let's go knock some top scores off the board at the arcade. Some asshole keeps overtaking me at Goblin City and I can't stand being second best." Shinpi wrapped her arm around his neck to drag him to her side. "First round is on you."

"That's bullshit, pay for your own games. Aren't you loaded?" He struggled against the position before realizing he couldn't easily get out of her hold. For just a moment he'd forgotten she was made of the same hardened muscle he was.

His grin returned though, sly and devious, as he realized the person she was complaining about was definitely Kurama. The guy routinely hit the games to be sure his status was secured. It was how the Minamino brothers spent time together. In fact, he'd heard his friend complain recently about some newcomer dethroning him once or twice. How funny that both the tall redheads he knew were equally competitive.

He considered, for a moment, telling her who she was throwing down a gauntlet against. Kurama didn't lose to anyone at anytime over anything. Never. The guy was insanely smart and alarmingly cutthroat when the situation called for it. The desire to confess this to Shinpi passed quickly though, as he figured it would be way more fun for her to figure it out on her own. He wouldn't tell Kurama either. Maybe one day he could get them to the arcade at the same time and record their expressions once they realized who they were faced with.

The idea of it was enough to raise his spirits.

"Technically, my dad is loaded. I'm on an allowance." Shinpi explained to him but her shit-eating grin didn't waver. "Fine, I'll pay for my own games. I was going to suggest you buy the first round and then I'd get the rest but if you want to just pay for yourself the whole night that's fine by me."

"Jeez, say stuff like that out loud next time." Yusuke shoved her as she laughed at him. "Anyway, save your stupid money. I don't want you thinking I only want to hang out with you because you have deep pockets."

"It would mean you're just like all my old friends." She shrugged and despite her teasing tone he noticed the way her posture shifted.

"They sound like shit people." He informed her.

"They are." She agreed readily. "It's why we aren't friends anymore. You make a mistake and you really learn what the people around you are made of and what they think of you."

Together they entered the arcade and before Yusuke could fish out bills to trade for game tokens, Shinpi beat him to the punch then dumped half her haul into his hand. When he protested hotly she laughed and put her hand on the top of his head.

"Thanks for hanging out with me." She beamed happily, the traces of her discomfort gone. "Even if I am your last resort."

"Yeah, well. I'll bump you up a level." He assured her then returned her grin. "What first?"

"Your choice." She followed his lead as he made his way to the racing games and they announced they were next for the motorcycle simulator. Her lips pulled into a full grin. "Prepare to get your ass kicked. I'm so good at this one."

"Yeah, we'll see." He challenged. "I'm the best."

"Sure you are." She peeled her hoodie off her arms and tied it around her waist, revealing her arms in her short sleeve t-shirt with a cutesy logo on the front. Like that, in jeans and sneakers, she looked like any other normal girl around them.

It was the most relaxed he'd ever seen her as she straddled the fake bike, readying herself for the task at hand. With determined focus she kept her eyes on the screen before he followed her and took over his own bike. As the game counted from three to one, the sound of engines pouring from the speakers of the unit, he shot her a look. "You're going down."

"That's no pep talk to give yourself, Urameshi."

The countdown hit one and they were both entranced by their screens, locked into a battle for victory.A few rounds in and Yusuke had to admit maybe he had chosen the wrong game. She was pretty good at it but that only made it more rewarding to beat her. Finally the straightened on the faux bikes and Shinpi stretched her arms and back as an easy smile graced her features.

A small had formed behind them and she assessed it before turning her attention to her friend. "Maybe we should give someone else a turn?"

"Yeah." He agreed, popping his back. "You like fighting games?"

"Sure." She nodded, following his lead to a pair of machines. Squinting she wrinkled her nose as she looked over the instructions. Then, with a sigh she produced a thin case from her phone and slid a pair of glasses out. After she'd donned them she noticed Yusuke staring at her with barely contained laughter. "Fuck you."

"I didn't know you wore glasses! You look like a nerd!" He snickered, staring to the side. "A tall nerd."

"I only need them if I'm looking at computer screens and the like for too long. I get eye fatigue." She snapped at him, then jutted her lip out.

When he looked back over to her she was pulling the frames off, a hint of dejection shaping her expression.

"Hey, put them back on." He demanded, hand on his hip. "I don't want to win because you're blind or something. I want to beat you fair and square."

"It's fine, I can still see." She assured him coolly.

"You're pretty sensitive for such a strong girl." He deadpanned. "Just put the stupid glasses back on. I was just teasing you. Anyway, what are you even listening to me for? I'm fucking stupid."

"No you aren't. That is one thing I'm sure about." She set the folded glasses aside, popping her token into the game. "I'll beat you just fine without them."

"You're going to fuck up your eyes because you're petty." He snorted. "That's some top tier dumbass energy."

"I have to match your levels." She quipped back, grinning. "I'll put them on if my eyes hurt."

"Good."

She lasted one round before the glasses were once again situated on her face while they took a brief break to get snacks and drinks. She explained to him the nature of the blue light filters on her lenses, that she was far sighted and sometimes focusing on things so close to her face made her eyes tire out. It wasn't an all the time thing. In fact she couldn't see well out of them if she was trying to look in the distance.

"Do you wear them at school?" Yusuke wondered.

"No. It's not so bad there. I mean, if I have to read all day it gets rough. But I pretty much only wear them at home or at places like this." She shrugged. Her phone rang and with a scowl she brought it to her ear. "I'm by concessions. It's not time to leave yet."

Yusuke watched as a tall, like, tall tall man glanced toward them with a phone to his ear as well. Jet black hair pulled away from his face in a mussed bun with strands hanging loose down his neck. The guy was in black from head to toe. When he looked at their table, his narrowed on Yusuke then moved to Shinpi. She hung up the phone pointedly and opened her hands as if to ask him what he was doing.

"Curfew." He spoke firmly, coming to a stop in front of her.

Yusuke leaned back to keep the man's whole frame in view. "What the hell are you?"

"That's not nice." Shinpi shot at him casually. "I know the curfew. We still have an hour. I'm having fun."

Another glance to Yusuke that made her sigh.

"He's a friend. You remember when I had those, right?" She huffed.

"Name?" Dark eyes remained fixed on Yusuke to the point the teenage boy glared in response out of reflex.

"His name is Yusuke." Shinpi announced.

"Surname?"

"No." She shook her head. "I'm not giving that to you. Now either relax and smile or leave. That sour expression makes you look like a thug and it's scaring the children."

He rolled his eyes and under her teasing loosened his posture some. Tapping the table near her phone he held her gaze. "I'll be close by. Don't be late. And if I call, answer please."

"I know the rules." She reminded him hotly. "I'm not a child."

"I'm aware." He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets and left as swiftly and darkly as he'd come.

Yusuke turned to face Shinpi slowly, eyebrows rising high on his forehead as a thousand questions threatened to spill out of his mouth. She sunk in her seat, arms crossed over her chest as she pouted. Despite her words she looked a lot like a sulking child right then.

"Who the fuck was that?" He demanded from her.

"Don't worry about it. He just worries, is all. I'm sorry he's so pushy." Shinpi sank further in her seat.

"He's like, seven feet tall."

"Six seven, actually. I think. Without the shoes." She nodded.

"He looks like a Yakuza." Yusuke expressed with some agitation.

"Who, Hai? No way." She waved her hand through the air to dismiss him but her quick response was not at all convincing. "He's fine, really. He acts tough but he's a giant teddy bear once you get to know him."

"I thought he was going to kill me or something with those bear paws he calls hands. What do you even feed a behemoth like that?" He glanced to the door to make sure the ogre wasn't lurking about, waiting to pounce on any local villagers.

"He's particularly fond of sweets. I should pick him up a pastry." She declared. Then nudged Yusuke with her knee under the table. "I'm serious, please don't let him freak you out Yusuke. It's really nothing. He's just a worrier. I know he looks intimidating but it's only because he doesn't want anything to happen to me."

When he hesitated to relax she grabbed her hoodie and held it in her hands before breathing out with a nod.

"I'm going to go." She decided, sliding out of the booth they'd claimed.

"What?" Yusuke blinked up at her.

"Yeah. You seem like that really bothered you so I'm going to jet. You can keep the rest of the tokens." She pulled her hoodie over her arms before depositing the rest of her tokens on the tabletop. "Have a goodnight, okay? Don't get into too much trouble. And thanks for hanging out with me."

"Hey wait." He scrambled to get out of his seat fast enough to stop her but she was already halfway to the door. Damn her long legs. He was left standing next to the table with a scowl on his face. "She didn't need to give them to me. She coulda used them herself next time."

"That was quick?" Hayato announced with confusion as Shinpi walked toward the car he'd parked on the street, her head down and her hands shoved in the pocket of her sweater. "What's wrong?"

"You freaked him out." She told him quietly.

"Dammit." He frowned as he looked her over. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to end your night early. You just didn't answer your phone the first time I called and I got worried."

"It's fine." She assured him even though it didn't feel fine at all. "Let's just get out of here. Dad'll be glad I came home early for once."

He waited for her to change her mind and when she instead pulled the back door open to slide in he nodded and got into the driver's seat. Through the review mirror he watched her carefully take her glasses off, removing her hat so she could pull her hood up. She rested her head against window with a sullen expression that made him regret overreacting.

"Do you want to stop somewhere while we have time?" He asked gently.

"No."

The passenger door jerked open as Hayato whipped around to glare at the intruder, already reaching to pull his seatbelt off. He paused as Yusuke panted, one hand on the car's roof and the other holding the door as he stared at Shinpi. "You forgot your tokens, dumbass. You'll need them next time we hang out. You never got to play Goblin City, save them for that."

He tossed a small plastic bag of tokens into her lap, working to catch his breath. "Next time?"

"Yeah." He glared at her. "Why are your legs so damn long? You're too fast. I was trying to catch up with you."

"Thank you, Yusuke." She smiled at him, pulling her hood down.

"Yeah, whatever." He grumbled then patted the roof of the car with a nod. "Text ya later."

He closed the door and stepped back so the car could pull away from the curb, but Hayato hesitated. "Do you want to go back?"

"No. Let's end the evening on a high note. Besides, we'll get to hang out again." She smiled at the bag in her hands. She met Hayato's dark stare in the review mirror. "He's my friend after all."