AN: For anyone who is interested, the plush toys in this chapter are real. You can find them at /product/6708/?rrec=true&pfm=Recs_NoSearchResults_6708_3. They're pretty cute.

"Speaking"
Thinking
Mui

\~/~\~/

Chapter 3: Smells
On the way home Sarah stopped at the grocery store she had passed earlier that day. As she was checking out the cashier gave her a quizzical look. To the average person her size she shouldn't be able to carry the number of heavy bags the rest of the way home, but Mui assisted her. As long as Sarah could handle Mui using more of her energy to carry the additional weight, Mui was happy to help.

Ya know, if I didn't have you I wouldn't be able to do half of the things in life.

Of course you would. It just might take you longer.

Sarah chuckled. So...today was interesting. Mui didn't reply. What was with the change of heart? At first you were all about how cute he is and then you started staring him down. What's wrong?

He smell off.

...he smells off? What do you mean he smells off? I thought he smelled like a rose.

I mean he doesn't smell like a typical human.

That made Sarah break stride for a second. What are you saying exactly?

I'm just saying that you should be careful around him if you ever see him again.

Instantly, her mind went to a dark place. She knew what Mui was and why she lived in Human World. She also knew what Jackson did. Though he never told her the specifics of his job and who he worked with, Mui filled in many of the blanks. The only thing she knew about demons was that they're bloodthirsty creatures. Most of them anyway.

Sarah knew she could get in a lot of trouble if anyone ever figure out just how much she knew about demons and Spirit World. Mui made it very clear that the things she told the girl were secrets that were to remain between the two of them. Sarah didn't even tell Jackson what she knew and he was the one who told her the basics of what a Spirit Detective was. She didn't even tell him about Mui.

Do you think he's a demon? Or did he come from that other world? The ghost one.

I don't believe he's a creature from Spirit World, but I don't believe he's a full demon either. Perhaps a half-breed.

Well, I like him. He was nice to me and that's all that matters.

Just be cautious, Flower.

Sarah pondered her friend's warning. Mui had never steered her wrong before, but something in her gut made her think Mui was overreacting. So...you got all of that from his smell?

Yes, Flower.

Do all demons have a strong nose like yours, Sarah asked with a chuckle.

No, but most are not as strong as I am.

Once Sarah got home she put her groceries away and set to work on cleaning up her apartment. Her grandmother went above and beyond when it came to her granddaughter's move. Not only did she find the apartment, but she bought just about everything for it. Sarah had no idea what her Gigi had bought until she started going through the boxes. The only things she knew that were shipped were the few things she packed herself.

When Sarah told her Gigi that she wanted to go to college to be a teacher the older woman was thrilled. Both of Sarah's parents were teachers and she was completely supportive of her granddaughter's decision. Then when Sarah added that she wanted to teach English in Japan, she could hardly contain her joy. She researched the best colleges in the country and helped Sarah with her applications. All the while she was picking out places for her granddaughter to stay. There wasn't a single doubt in her mind that Sarah wouldn't get into her dream school.

However, there was some restrictions to Sarah moving so far from home. The teen girl wanted to have the typical college life. She wanted to live on campus and get a job, but neither of her grandparents were having that. The way they saw it, if she planned on living somewhere where they don't have quick access to her then they were going to do everything in their power to protect her from afar.

Sarah was going to live in an upscale neighborhood in a place that had a doorman so nobody questionable would go in and out of the building. Someplace that is close to school and she wouldn't have to wonder too far away from home to find the things she needs. She was also not to get a job the first two year of school. They would fund all of her needs. The only things that she needed to do was study and get good grades.

Money was not a factor in any of this and it made Sarah slightly uncomfortable. Her grandparents were well of and money wasn't an issue. However, they lived a very big and fancy lifestyle, something that Sarah never felt comfortable with. They always bought is expensive things and as grateful as she was for it, it also made her feel a tad guilty. As if that money that was put towards her could've been given to someone less fortunate.

The first thing to get unpacked was the Bluetooth speaker and her favorite coffee mug. It was bright yellow with a grey silhouette of Totoro on the side. Jackson had given it to her for her last birthday. After making her second cup of coffee she connected her cell phone to the speaker and hit random. The Greatest by Sia began to play and she started singing along as she began to dig through the boxes.

\~/~\~/

Sarah's POV
By the time it was time for dinner I was thoroughly exhausted. I had completely cleaned up the kitchen and bathroom, made the bed and unpacked some clothes, but haven't put everything. I moved my photography equipment into the spare bedroom, which I'm planning on turning into my study room.

Superstition by Stevie Wonder was playing now and Mui was humming along as I flopped on the couch. "I'm so tired."

I know, Flower. You were busy today.

"How do you like the place so far?"

I like it. It will look nicer once you hang some of your art.

"I'll get o that tomorrow. I'm done for the night." Right on cue, my phone began to ring. "Who is it?"

Jackson.

I jumped up from the couch and darted to the kitchen island to grab my phone.

"Hello, my darling," I said. I could feel my lips tighten as a smiled, waiting eagerly to hear his voice.

"Hey, you. How are you doing?"

"Exhausted. I miss you. When are you coming to see me?"

He laughed and the sound almost made me melt. "You just got there. You can't miss me that badly. And you left me, remember?"

"Don't tell me what I can and can't do, young man."

"You always call me that, but I'm older thank you."

"But you don't act like it."

We teased each other for a little while longer before I told him about my day. He got a good laugh at me for what I did to Shuichi.

"That poor guy probably went home and was upset that you ruined his new shoes."

"Do you thing they were new?"

"I don't know. Did they look new?"

"I...I don't remember."

"I'm teasing you, Sarah."

"I know, but now I'm paranoid."

"You said he goes there all the time, right? I'm sure you'll see him again. The next time you do, ask him. Better yet, go out and get him some new shoes. He'll love that."

"Oh, haha, smartass."

"But let me ask you a very serious questions."

"...ok."

"I need you completely honest with me, Sarah. No lies."

"Do I ever lie to you, Jackson. Come one, spit it out."

"Is he cute and does he have a nice ass?"

I busted out laughing so hard that it hurt to breath. "Wha...what?" We had been flirty and playful and the only time he could be serious is ask about Shuichi's butt. "I don't...I don't know. I wasn't really looking."

"Then what good are you?"

"I ruined his breakfast! I just wanted to eat in peace and forget it happened, but he followed me."

"Do you think he thinks you have a nice ass?"

I rolled my eyes and tried not to laugh again before looking over at Mui. She had a distant look on her face, clearly not amused by our immature conversation. "Jackson, I don't know and I don't care. I'm never going to see him again. But if it makes you happy, if I ever do see him again, I'll ask him. Will that make you happy?"

"Yes. Wait...no. Both." I walked to the fridge and pulled out a Pepsi, it hissed and I opened the cap. "Is that a soda I hear?"

"Umm," I took a quick swig and swallowed. "No."

"I heard you open it."

"Mind your business." I have a massive caffeine addiction and he had been trying to get me to kick in the last several years. I could barely go a day without have a soda. "Don't you judge me."

"Oh, you're judged." I heard a voice in the distance from his end of the call. I could tell he turned his head away because he sounded distant. "I have to go, but before I do I have to say I'm a little concerned. You haven't said anything about my gift yet."

I looked over at Mui, who shrugged in response. "What are you talking about?" I took another drink.

"Gigi said she'd have the movers hide something special."

I smiled into the phone. I had a good idea what he was talking about. "Did you get me sick?"

"I don't know. Did I?"

I left the kitchen and headed to the study room. Jackson and I had this long standing game that we would re-gift each other this stuffed animal. It's was a little light blue plushy with big black eyes that resembled the Flu virus. Sometimes we would gift it during birthdays and holidays. Other times we would hide it and it would take weeks, sometimes months, for one of us to notice the hidden cold.

I looked through all the boxes that were left and I couldn't find it. I looked in the closest, under the couch, on the balcony. Nothing. "I think you're lying to me."

"Do I ever lie to you?"

"I can't find this thing. It's driving me nuts."

"Then I guess you're going to have to get a bit more creative with your search."

I scanned the main room and my eyes landed on the dishwasher, the one place in the kitchen I hadn't touched. I ran over and peaked inside, but nothing was there. I checked the microwave and oven, still nothing.

"Where the hell is it," I grumbled, only to get a laugh from Jackson and a chuckle from Mui.

I started over, looking all over the place and still found nothing. And then I saw it. The forgotten double sliding doors at the end of the hall. I opened them for the first time and saw a washer and dryer in front of me. I pulled opened the washer and there was nothing. So I tried the dryer and there they were.

"Found 'em," I shouted. Inside was the Flu and another plushy. It was bright yellow with big bright eyes. It looked like a sunny side up egg, but the entire thing was yellow. I read the tag that was attached to it and it read Herpes. "You gave me herpes, you ass!" All three of us broke out in laughter. "So this is the game you wanna play, huh? Alright."

What he doesn't know is that right before I left I bought a new plushy as well and hid it in his apartment. It was bright pink and looked liked a curly pigs tail. I couldn't wait until I got the call that I gave him Syphilis.

"You realize how immature this is, right," I asked with a giggle. "We're eternally fifteen."

"Of course I do and we're going to keep do it until we're ninety and living in a retirement home."

It was true. Jackson was like a brother to me and we were as thick as thieves. We did everything together since we were little. Me leaving to study in Japan was one of the biggest decisions I ever had to make. I didn't like the fact that I was leaving him and half begged him to come with me, but he decided to stay home. He chose to go to New York Law School and become a lawyer like Gigi.

"Thank you, Jackie."

He chuckled, like he always did, when I called him that. "Anytime."

We said our goodbye and I hung up the phone. He said he had some work to do and I didn't press the issues. I told him I loved and he reciprocated the gesture. Once we hung up I immediately called Gigi and Pap to tell them about my day.

\~/~\~/

Kurama ascended the steps to Genkai's temple and took in the perfect weather. His summer classes had just come to an end and he had three weeks before the fall semester started. As long as he didn't have any major Spirit World obligations to attend to, he was going to make the most of his free time.

Sitting outside the large double doors of the temple were Genaki and Yukina having tea. They both welcomed him with warm smiles.

"Hello Kurama," Yukina said softly. "Would you like to have some tea with us?"

"Sure, I can stay for a cup."

Both Genkai and Kurama watch the ice apparition rise and scurried into the temple to grab the fox a mug.

Kurama sat down on the wooden porch next to Genkai."Master Genkai, I have a dilemma of sorts that I think you might be able to help me with."

Genkai smirked before taking a sip of her tea. "I was wondering why you came back here so soon after your last case."

"It has nothing to do with Yusuke or Demon World per say. It's more of a feeling I had the other day after I met this young woman."

"I'm a little too old to be explaining the birds and the bees to you."

Kurama chuckled. "No, it's nothing like that. I met this human a few days ago, but I got that feeling that there was something different about her. I didn't sense any spirit energy and she did not appear to be a demon. Have you ever come across someone like that?"

"Can't say that I have. Could she be a spirit or apparition possessing a human body?"

"No, I don't believe so. It was as if she was calling me. I couldn't turn away from her. "

"Hmm, I've never met someone like that. Maybe she's like a you. A demon in human form."

Kurama pondered the thought. He had never met anyone like him before and the thought intrigued him. That there possibly could be someone he could relate to. He had done very well to keep his spirit energy hidden for the majority of his human life. It wasn't out of the question that another demon could have done the same thing.

Yukina returned with an elegant mug in her hands and resumed her spot on the other side of Genkai. The conversation changed to the end of summer beach party Botan and Keiko were throwing in a few weeks. It was to celebration to another case won and one last summer fling before half to group went back to school.

Despite not being much of a beach person, the fox was looking forward to it. Between having a heavy work load at school, assisting Yusuke in his cases and continuing to train for the next Demon World Tournament left little time for him to relax.

It would also give him time to assess the madness that was going on in his life. After the first Demon World Tournament Kurama was adamant about laying low. He took a job at his step-father's company and helped out with maintaining control over the demons that were trying to slip into the Human World without proper clearance to do so. Ever since the Kekkai Barrier fell, there has been a strange coming from the depths of Demon World. Spirit World had yet to discover what it could be and it worried him. So Kurama decided to change his focus. He decided to study medicine. That way, in case something big were to happen, he would be ready to help take care of any casualties along with helping in battle.

He was aware the more Spirit Detectives were popping up all over the world and they rarely worked alone. Unlike Yusuke who had his friends to help him when he needed them, Koenma began assigning assistance to the detectives. Most remained in the shadows, determined to keep their identities hidden. Although demons were starting to make more of appearance in the Human World, most people looked at it as a global joke. A group of pranksters appearing in the news for publicity.

Kurama stayed longer than he intended, but since he had no pressing business to attend to that day it didn't seem to matter to him. Once he was finished he took the twenty minute stroll to the park by Genkai's home. There had been a flower show going on all week and he had wanted to go. Originally he was going to go with his family, but due to his obligations with Yusuke, he had to sit out on the family fun.

By the time he arrived at the park it was already full of guests. Light polls and trees had strings of lights wrapped around them, balloons floated next to stands that lined the walkways. Children were pulling their parents in different directions and lovers were walking hand in hand. The mixed aroma of flowers and street vendors was an odd, but comforting smell.

Just as Kurama passed the first few stands he could sense that strange feeling, sense her. That pulling feeling that he couldn't explain. His keen green eyes scanned the crowed and then he saw her. She was standing in front of a vendor wearing a tight fitting summer dress that ended half way down her thigh. It was an off-white color with navy blue feather prints sprinkled on it, which complemented her tinted skin. Her hair was down this time, her long tight curls reaching a few inches past her shoulders and her camera bag hung in the crook of her arm.

He approached her silently, watching her as she took a small brown bag from the vender and thanking him. She put it in her bag as she walked in his direction, not looking where she was going.

"If you're not careful," he said as she was about to run into him. Her brown eyes snapped up instantly as she stopped at the sound of his voice. "I'm not going to be the only person you make a grand entrance with." It didn't pass his notice how easily his joke slipped out of him. He typically refrained his teasing for his family and friends, but somehow being around her made things spill out a too effortlessly. It made him uncomfortable.

"Shuichi, hi," she said a little stunned. "I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going. You wouldn't be the first person I would run into without paying attention."

"Do you make it a habit?"

"I try not to, but sometimes my feet do their own thing." She smiled up at him and he returned her gesture. "Have you been here long?"

"No, I just arrived."

"Me too. I was going to hit up that Yaki Imo stand over their before heading in further." Sarah took a quick glance at Mui and saw the blank stare in her friends eyes. "Care to walk with me?" She figured that if he said yes and they spent more time together, Mui would see that he's not a strange guy.

Kurama nodded, much to Sarah's glee, and followed her lead. Side by side they walked to the food stand and each got a baked sweet potato and a bottle of water. As Sarah rummaged through her camera bag Kurama quickly handed the man a few bills before taking their order. Sarah looked up and saw the extended food.

"You said I could buy the second time we met."

Sarah smiled a wide, toothy smile and took her food. "Thank you, but you didn't have to do that."

"Consider it a moving gift."

The theme of the event was cinema. Flower arrangement that fit in a vase to ones that were seven feet tall were so amazing to look at that Sarah had to stop at every stand and took pictures. Hedges were sculpted to look like people. A life size ET was riding a bike and the iconic Silence of the Lambs moth was the size of her head.

As they walked they began to learn a little more about each other. Kurama told her a toned down version as to why he wanted to become a doctor. That he wanted to save people from things that were beyond their control. In turn, she explained that she wanted to become an English teacher because she had always been good at languages and wanted to live in a different country. She chose Japan because she had traveled with her grandmother on a business trip three years prior and fell in love with the country and culture. She found it fascinating that wild deer were allowed to wonder around Nara and she loved the shopping and museums in Osaka.

They came across a musical group accompanied by traditional dancers. As the performance was going on Sarah took the small brown paper bag out of her bag and slipped her and inside it. She pulled out a small silver bracelet with purple and yellow flowers interlaced together. It wasn't something she would typically wear, but it was her first festive purchase in her new home and she was going to cherish it.

"Could you help me with this," she asked as she extended to bracelet to Kurama. "I'm not good at clasping bracelets on my own." Kurama silently took the bracelet from her, his fingers brushing up against her. For the few seconds they touched, all of his suspicions were confirmed. There was no way she was an ordinary human. He felt a shock run through him that he's never felt before. For a split second, a moment so small, he hesitate has he put the bracelet on her. But Mui saw it and she felt something she hadn't felt in a long time. She felt strong demon energy in that small touch and she didn't like it. "Thank you," she replied with a smile.

Once the show ended the duo headed towards the exit of the park, but just as they passed the stone opening Sarah made a quick stop at a floral stand. She bought a bouquet of yellow begonia's in varying shades that were put in a glass popcorn container that looked like the quintessential movie theater bag. "These are so cute," she squealed as she took the flowers.

Kurama smiled softly at her glee. He had studied her closely all day and was perplexed by her, to say the least. She was incredibly chatty and said exactly what was on her mind. Her smile was bright and infections. When she ask him a question, she seem to genuinely want to know the answer. Not once did she complain about how crowded the small area was or how hot the day had gotten. She embraced the chaos around them. In a word, she was free.

But the feeling from earlier still disturbed him. It felt unnatural, it felt old, and it conflicted with the type of person she was. She was the world with amazement and curiosity, but the energy she was giving off was old. Something far beyond his years as Yoko Kurama. It frustrated him that he couldn't figure out what she was, but the warm smile she gave him always put his calculating mind at ease.

Kurama walked Sarah back to her apartment building once it was clear that Sarah didn't know how to get back on her own. She had admitted to him that she had been wondering around the city and stumbled across the flower show and wasn't paying attention to how she got there. He told her he didn't mind walking her home since it wasn't that far of a walk from his place.

"So I found a few places online that I want to go to, but since you're the native I want to get your opinion."

"Alright. What did you find?"

"Well, I think one of the first super touristy things I'm going to do is see Mount Fuji. That's an absolute must. I want to see Osaka Castle and go back to Nara. And there are some temples in the city I want to go to. There is one around here somewhere. Genkai Temple."

Kurama eyed the girl with a sideways glace, looking to see if this was some type of test, but she looked as smiley as ever. "It's Genkai's Temple, not Genkai. It was named after the woman who owns it."

"Oh, oops. My mistake."

"What made you decide to visit the temple?"

"It's close by and it's old, which mean it is probably beautiful. I love old beautiful things."

Kurama thought as how he could use this to his advantage. She seemed genuinely interested in going and if he escorted her there then he would be able to introduce her to Genaki. Then, hopefully, she can help him with his dilemma.

"I know the woman who owns the temple. If you'd like, I could take you there."

Sarah's eyes widened and she turned to look at Kurama head on. "Are you serious!? That would be great." For a moment Kurama felt bad for second guessing her intentions. She practically glowed as she beamed up at him.

"Are you doing anything Thursday?"

"Why? Are you asking me on a date?" The moments the words left her mouth Sarah regretted it. Her cheeks began to flush as she rolled her eyes at herself. "I meant it as a joke. Don't think I'm crazy."

Kurama chuckled at her, clearly giving her a pass. "How about friends?"

"Friends works. Friends is good. I mean, if I spill coffee on you and you keep coming back for more, why not?"

When they reached the front door of her apartment building the two exchanged phone numbers. They said their goodbyes and, just like their first meeting, Sarah had to give them yet another memorable moment. She tripped over her own two feet and almost landed face first into the doors. She threw her hands out instinctively to catch herself, but doing so made her drop her flowers.

The popcorn vase, which was made out of class, shattered on the ground. Broken pieces of sharp shards scattered all around them and the flowers landed in a heap.

"Damn it," Sarah cursed in English as she bent down to pick up the pieces. She didn't say it in anger, but more in annoyance.

Kurama bent down to help her, but as he did he pricked his finger on one of the shards. He jerked back instinctively to inspect the damage. I single drop of blood fell, but nothing more. The cut was so minor that he gave it no mind as he went back to picking up the glass. He looked over at Sarah through the corner of her eye and she hadn't seemed to notice.

What he didn't know was that Mui was standing next to him, glaring at the fox as she inhaled his blood. She got all the information she needed from that tiny droplet. She could smell the demon in him and didn't like it. The last thing she needed was a demon by her flower.

\~/~\~/

AN: Don't forget to check out the plushies at /product/6708/?rrec=true&pfm=Recs_NoSearchResults_6708_3 Fun fact, my sister and her friends play this game now that they're in college. Just thought I'd give a little nod to them. They're the ones that got me into YuYu.