The Childhood Friend of Kurama Part 15: A Visit to Genkai and Feelings Revealed
Once we reached the place on the grounds where we buried Genkai, I began growing tense. I always felt that way when we stopped by. I always tried thinking that Genkai wasn't really dead, that she'd come out and call me "Dimwit". Knowing she was gone for good this time depressed me slightly, but at least she is in a better place now. I knelt onto the ground and smiled.
"Hey, Grandma. Sorry it's been a while. Missions and stuff, you know. Also got a new member on our team. Name's Ayame, and it turns out she knew Kurama back when they were just kids. You would've liked her."
"Yeah, Genkai. She's awesome! She's a pretty good fighter. Too bad you can't see her in action."
Hiei looked away, so I assumed he wouldn't say anything. I sighed, then turned my gaze back to the gravesite.
"Things have been rough, but it's nothing we can't handle. Hiei helps out more often since he decided to join us at Koenma's."
"Hn. I still call it 'babysitting'."
"Yeah, whatever. You like us and you know it, Short Stuff."
"Anyway, Genkai, we still miss you. Hopefully you're enjoying yourself where you're at."
After saying goodbye to Genkai, I went into the temple and sat down. Kuwabara sat with me and looked around.
"Hard to believe we participated in her little tournament here, huh Urameshi? Seems like yesterday you and I fought against that demon Rando and I first got my Spirit Sword."
"Yeah, buddy. A lot of good times happened at this place. I still remember kicking your ass at that punching machine, too."
We both had a good laugh about it, then we noticed Hiei had left. I had a feeling he would since he didn't really have anything to say to Genkai. I went around to the back of the temple and smiled as I saw Puu sleeping. He saw me and smiled.
"Hey, buddy. Been a while. We live in Spirit World now so if you want, you can join us there."
Kuwabara joined me with Puu and we hopped onto his back. After a portal opened, we soon found ourselves in Spirit World just outside the mansion.
"Thanks for the ride, Puu. I'll take care of Urameshi for ya."
"Ha ,ha ,ha. Koenma said that there's a big space for you around back, so enjoy yourself, huh?"
Puu nodded and flew to the back of the mansion. After we said hello to Kurama and the girls, we retired to our rooms for the night.
Ayame's POV:
Once everything for the makeover was set up, I looked at Keiko and Yukina.
"Okay, girls. Everything's ready! Keiko, you're first."
Since she liked the color blue, Yukina and I picked out a light blue nail polish to pain her fingernails and toenails.
"It's been so long since I had a sleepover."
"Yeah, me, too."
Yukina smiled and began painting Keiko's toenails.
"I haven't had any, but I'm hoping it's as good as you say it is."
"What we do at sleepovers is makeovers, watch movies, and play something called 'Truth or Dare'."
"What's that?"
"If you pick Truth, you have to answer a question given to you, and you can't back out. If you pick Dare, you have to complete any task given to you."
"Okay, Keiko. Your nails are finished."
Keiko smiled as she took a look.
"Wow, you guys. They look great. Okay, Ayame, your turn."
A knock was heard at the door and I opened it to see Kurama.
"Hey, Kurama. What's up?"
"I apologize for interrupting, but I need to speak with you for a moment."
"Oh, sure."
After we entered his room, he shut the door behind him and looked at me.
"Ayame, there is something I think you should know."
"Sure. What is it?"
"As of recently, I have been feeling...differently about you. I see now that you've completely changed and are grown up now. If I must say so, you've grown up quite nicely."
I smiled as a slight blush appeared on my face.
"Thank you, Kurama. You've...changed quite nicely, yourself."
Kurama's POV:
I sighed and took her hands in mine, an action that caused the blush on her face to increase.
"Ayame, things...have a way of changing, especially bonds between people that have known each other as long as we have. I don't see you as just my childhood friend anymore. I see myself growing old with you as well as becoming a father to Keikoku and any other children we are blessed with. I love you, Ayame."
By now, tears have begun to fall down her face.
"Kurama, you really feel that way?"
"I do. I won't force you to give a reply to my declaration. I just wanted you to see how I've begun to feel about you."
Before I could reach the door, a hand grasping my arm stopped me.
"Kurama, wait."
I turned to see her tears had stopped and a radiant smile lit up her face.
"I see myself growing old with you,too. At this point, I don't see anyone being Keikoku's father except you. And I..."
I stopped her by gently cupping her face in my hands.
"I know, Ayame. I can tell by looking into your eyes."
As our lips touched, I knew right away Ayame was the right choice for me. Not just because we've known each other for such a long time, but because she was the only one I saw myself growing old with. I inwardly smiled as I felt her arms wrap themselves around me. After pulling back, I rested my forehead on hers.
"You've made me very happy today, Ayame. I love you."
"And I love you, Kurama."
That's a wrap for part 15. Part 16 begins in Ayame's POV as she rejoins the sleepover with Keiko and Yukina. Also in part 16,Kurama and Ayame discuss future plans, and we also see Hiei and Yukina's first brother/sister talk. Stay tuned to see what happens