.:AN:.

Before I start this story, I'd like to thank the reviews that I have received just from my first chapter:

midnightsprite: Ack! No! Dying reviewer! We can't spare one! (grabs cart with resuscitator on it, prepares the paddles) CLEAR! (shocks reader back to life) It lives! Glad you liked it, stay alive and I'll give you more. =D

Death101- Fox Version: (points and snickers at Mitsuyo's plushie) Heheheh, you're pitied by strangers, hahahahaha! Oh wait, you're also awesome. (hugs plushie) Sorry for laughing... Anyway, thanks for loving my lil creation! Stay tuned for more!

Uma-hime: Haha, thank you! I really like it too!

Runelesca: Well, oftentimes, the funniest things are the weirdest things, wouldn't you say? Oh well. I'll take what I can get. =D

white-ribbon: Oh, I'm sorry the nose bit was confusing... I tried to go back to make it more, I dunno, sensible, but it might not have worked. As far as my grammar goes, mah teachers learn me good. =D I'd love to read your stories when I have the chance. Any one in particular you'd like for me to read first?

Ravenfeather42: Oops. I'm sorry, I am currently in the process of going back and pretty much editing every chapter in order to make it flow nicer, since this whole story was written over four/five year period. My writing's changed a lot, as you might have noticed... Hope I didn't completely baffle you! Hang in there, friend!

angelofdarkness89: Awesome! Glad to hear that you enjoyed it! I've had a lot of people relate to Mitsuyo, which is perfectly fine since she is pretty damn cool, if I do say so myself. Honestly, I don't resemble her too much... oh well. She's been spawned by me, so it's all good, right?...Right?

When Darkness Rises: Me too. =D

KiyoshiXI: Why, thank you, ma'am. Or, the person whom I have assumed is a ma'am. (bows) I hope it pleases you!

PopTartAddict: Haha, sweet! Thank you for saying so! I did try to make this story as entertaining as possible, so I'm glad it's working! Of course, I intend to write until my hands turn to stumps. And even then, I'll be rich enough to hire some person to write for me! Goooo money! Or something like it!

Kajihenge Yoko: Gracias!

OneOutOfControlChick: Awww, I'm glad that my story is semi-memorable! =P Haha, thanks so much for the encouragement, it's dearly appreciated. Here's your update!

ziggythebratt: Nice name... and yes, Kurama is in character! Kudo's for Payne! Yeah, can't stand it when Kurama's NOT in character... if he's not Kurama, then he's just not...Kurama.. o.O Haha, I couldn't abandon any of my stories...I just kinda...leave them sitting for a while. They're in time-out. (nods) For giving me trouble. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Sango The Demon Exterminator: Wow, glad you like. And man, on ffnet while at school? Sweet, you're SO lucky, the district totally censors all the fun sites. And I don't mean the "fun" fun sites. Nevermind, I'm just digging my hole deeper...

PervyMonk: I'm glad you liked that. =D It's one of my better ideas, I'd say. Plus, I have to admit I'd be more than willing to pretend to be a guy rather than wearing THAT uniform...ugh, gross man. Gross.

TPM-girl: Glad to hear that! By the way, what does TPM stand for? Ha, just kidding, you don't have to tell me... maybe. .

xXDaRkNeSs RoSeInEsSxX: Haha, thank you, I shall. =)

Kuramafan-06: Thank you for saying so, I hope I continue to appease you as the story continues!

FUN! I got reviews, and it makes me happy! (starts doing a little jig)

Conscience: -.- (takes out mallet and whacks Payne on the head)

Oi! WHAT THE -insert bad word here-? WHY TH' 'ELL DID YOU HIT ME FOR?

Conscience: Sorry, I was trying to find the "off" button. (notices evil glare from Payne) Um. Well. Nice seeing you all, aaand… tata! (runs away screaming bloody murder with Payne chasing behind it)

YOU GET BACK HERE, YOU -bleep- PIECE OF -bleep- -bleep-, I'LL -bleep- YOUR -bleep- -bleep- -bleep- SO HARD YOU'LL -bleep- LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN I'M NOT WRITING! AAAAAAAAHHHHHH! (battle cry)

Conscience: I don't like you anymore! You're mean! And you have a potty mouth! You don't deserve to write a story like this one! Go away!

(starts crying)

Conscience: Uh… is it (goes up to Payne) broken? Um… (claps hands) Clap off. Clap off.

(still crying)

Conscience: Hmmm… it's not working… (snaps fingers) I know! (starts singing "I Love You")

(cries harder)

Conscience: Awww, I was hoping I wouldn't have to do this, but… (sighs) I'm sorry, Payne, I take it all back, you're a great writer, I don't really hate you, and I'd like for you to continue writing this…um, wonderful story so that I don't have to be tortured during your off-time.

(stops crying) Finally! I thought you'd never get it. Okay, here's the next chapter! And then I'll stop writing for a long while so that I can torture Conscience for being an inconsiderable -bleep-!

Conscience: Wha—but I—and you—but—

Oh, and while I'm at it, one reviewer in particular was confused as to what this chapter had to do with the rest of the story. When I responded to him/her before, I was quite impatient with my answer, something that I truly apologize for. Mostly, this chapter is just establishing a bit more background on Kurama's personal life in this story, where he and his mother are standing, what he's thinking, etc etc. I figure it will help readers understand Kurama's actions as the story progresses, since here's a bit of insight on how our lovely fox's gonna work. =) Enjoy!

Chapter 2: Meet the Minaminos

Kurama's POV:

Humans are very strange creatures indeed. Despite having lived among them for most of this portion of my life, they still find ways to mystify me and defy every attempt to rationalize their behavior. One would think, despite the childish behavior within its domain, that a school would be one place with few surprises.

And yet.

And yet "Hirotoshi Yamamoto" walks the halls in disguise for no reason I can honestly fathom. She thinks her masquerade discreet, yet her scent is still very feminine, and the subtle movements of her body betray her constantly.

It's hard not to notice her charade. She regularly sits behind me in class, and I can feel her eyes boring into the back of my head more often than not. I don't believe that she pays very much attention to the lessons, for it takes our professor at least three attempts to actually gain it. In any case, when she slips out during class to visit the restroom, I found that by following her energy signature, she goes off in the direction of the girl's bathroom, not the boy's, which only further confirmed my suspicions.

But my confusion still persists. The girl is invested in her game; hiding what I can only assume is a full head of hair under a large cap in order to maintain appearances. Even in gym, she has a letter that excuses the accessory thanks to a medical note claiming some sort of health issue that requires its use. I believe it was something along the lines of hair loss?

To any normal human, the story could be liable enough. The disguise could be sound.

But, I am not a normal human.

As I promised, I returned "Hirotoshi's" pencil right when the class bell rang. When I thanked him, he started to blush and stutter out that it was no big deal while I watch him with an amused expression. He then proceeded to scowl and avert his gaze as if I had uttered an insult rather than a word of gratitude.

He certainly is an interesting creature, that one.

Unfortunately, I was literally plowed over shortly afterwards by the girls that foolishly were a large support to my so-called fan club. It gave the poor "boy" time to recover, though it just placed me in a different, yet similarly awkward position where I was expected to entertain these fans of mine. Regrettably, the whole school had somehow sought me as its face for fame, and I'm starting to wish that it weren't true.

The rest of the day thankfully went by without any further incident, and before I could grasp the concept, school was out.

Koemna must be in a good mood today…

I walk home, followed by the normal crowd of girls that seem to have a lot of time on their hands to do such a useless act. For all it gains is a cold shoulder – not all that cold, but I do try to ignore them, and pretend I don't notice their pursuit. Surprisingly it's harder than it sounds.

I manage to lose them in the crowded areas of the supermarket that is stationed between my home and the school building, and only when I can no longer feel their spirit energy do I walk easy. When they weren't around, I didn't have to worry about being herded into a corner until I gave them all some sort of conversation. An otherwise harmless exercise, but an effort nonetheless.

My mind, however, is not on the peace and quiet that I usually treasure during this part of the walk home.

I ponder over Hirotoshi, as pointless as it was to do so, simply itching to know the true identity of the mystery girl. The young student amuses and interests me more than I feel comfortable, though I try not to pay it too much mind. Never have I felt such persistent emotions for a human, besides my mother… but, again, that is a different case entirely.

This one… On the outside, she doesn't seem to be all that much different from the rest of the school population, shuffling away at the academic grind with half a mind and losing whatever is left to fantasies and daydreams that could very well be as mundane as could be expected. She seems to disappear in the crowd, not really drawing any unnecessary attention, and not seeking recognition for any potential accomplishments.

But, there are moments, when I slightly shift my focus off of her presence, shutting out needless distractions and pause… I sense some strange energy emanating within her, small wisps cloaking her form in a spiritual haze.

It's almost threatening, yet I feel fascinated by it.

I wonder if Koemna knows about it, or if he even realizes that there is a human with remarkable power wandering unchecked in the world. Her energy is not nearly as powerful as Yusuke, but certainly has more potential than Kuwabara did initially, before the training brought more of it out. The nature of it is unique, gaseous in a sense, as if tangible but without true form. Only in the right light, with the correct adjustment in focus could it be seen properly.

He probably doesn't know, I decide, because if he did, he would have done something about it by now – assigned her to some sort of project, had someone track her every waking moment, or… rid the world of her existence, if she was a danger.

My mind still ponders this topic when I arrive at my house. I can hear water running upstairs, which probably means that Mother is preparing for our dinner with her new association.

Her boyfriend.

It's strange for me, as her son, to see her sighing with happiness when she's home and smiling widely when he's near – to know that the man that caused it was neither my father, nor I. It almost makes me jealous, for I had been the only person she had, the only one in the world, who could make her smile like that. But, then again… this smile was different. This happiness was different.

The only thing that I can offer her is the love that a son holds for his mother. The love that she was now being shown by this man was the love that a lover had for his mate. As strong as maternal relations can be...well, I can't fault her for desiring more.

Unfortunately, I had been only able to meet the man for a few minutes before being contacted for a mission concerning demons that didn't even deserve our affairs. At the initial introduction, the man seemed nice enough, dedicated to his work and to his son, who also happened to be named Shuichi.

I have not yet met Shuichi, but, from what Mother tells me, he sounds just like a playful teenaged boy—exactly who I should have been.

I'm not guilty or envious, but happy.

Happy, because Mother will be able to experience what it would be like to raise a true human child… even if that child isn't me.

I take the steps leading to the upper level of the house two at a time, heading to where my bedroom is located. When I walk down the hall, I stop by my mother's bathroom door – just to make sure that she is actually in there. And she is, humming to herself as she most likely relived the previous dates Kazuya had taken her out on. With a smile playing on my lips, I make my way to my destination, feeling a slightly better mood replacing my patience-worn one.

I stop in front of my door, a bit surprised to find that it is open by a crack. Normally my room is left untouched by anyone, including Mother. She knows me well enough to understand I take care of all necessary tidying in my room by myself.

Recalling the various times I had been caught off-guard by wayward demons, I immediately tense, though I sense nothing.

Pushing the door forward, my muscles relax immediately, seeing that Mother only went in to place the evening's clothing on my bed. The attire is simple enough: pressed black slacks; a white button-up long-sleeved shirt with an ironed collar; a black fitted satin vest. A small black bow is placed neatly on top of the folded articles of clothing, completing the outfit.

I can't help but chuckle softly as I approach the bed – as I said, humans never fail to surprise me. Running my fingers gently atop the fabric, I note with affectionate exasperation that my mother must be more worried about this evening than I thought. It had been a while since she insisted on dressing me.

I walk out of my room and head back to the door of the bathroom that Mother occupies. Taking a moment to again assure myself of her presence, I knock on the polished wood loud enough so that she can hear me over the water.

"Yes? Suichi, is that you?" she calls out.

"Indeed, Mother," I return warmly, finding a small smile creep unbidden to my lips. "I just wanted to inform you that I'm here. Thank you for fixing my outfit, but I would have done it myself…" my voice trails off, wondering if perhaps I should have taken her nerves into deeper consideration.

The concern leaves my mind when she responds just as kindly, "Nonsense, Suichi! I had plenty of time on my hands and I felt that you were working enough on your own."

"Yes, well…" I sigh inwardly, feeling suddenly foolish. My mind was not behaving today at all. "Anyway, I appreciate it greatly. I would like to take a shower myself, so leave some warm water for me, alright?"

"I'm almost done, I'll let you know when I am."

"Thank you again, Mother," I say softly, walking back to my room. I'd change once I had washed. In the meantime, I have school work I can attend to.

And indeed, I just finish up rewriting my notes for History class when I sense Mother leaving the bathroom and heading over in my direction. Deciding to have a little fun, I rise from my desk chair and walk over to my door in quiet anticipation.

Timing it perfectly, I open the door just as Mother has her fist up, right in the act of knocking. I can't help but smile at my mother's surprised expression.

"I've been living with you for 16 years," I explain to her, offering a teasing pull to my lips. "I would hope that I'd be able to sense you well enough during situations like this."

She smiles knowingly back in her motherly way, and says, "You're good, Suichi, but I've been living with you for the same exact amount of time. I know you just as well as you know me."

My grin almost falters at this, but I quickly cover it with a small scoff of amusement, because I know that it isn't true. Not as much as I'd like it to be. She didn't know as much as she thought she did. But it's better this way, I tell myself. What good would it do to be openly honest with her at this point? She knows enough, and that's what matters.

Mother, taking my failure to immediately respond the wrong way, broadens her smirk in victory. "Showers yours, but please hurry—we only have a couple hours left, and it takes half an hour to get to the restaurant."

"Yes, Mother," I respond softly.

Unable to allow myself to stew in my thoughts, I quickly go to the bathroom and ready myself for a warm shower. Steam rapidly fills the already misty air of the small room as the humidity rises with the hot water.

When I'm fully de-clothed, I step inside the secluded area of running stream of liquid, welcoming the comfort of the heated moisture. I didn't realized how tense I'd been until the hot water hits my aching back and shoulders, soaking my long hair so that it's cascading down my backside. Groaning at the total comfort that envelops me, wishing I could drift away from my stressful life of pretending to be what I am not, I sink wetly against the tile in submission.

That thought gets me thinking quite suddenly. Am I still the cold-hearted Yoko Kurama that killed ruthlessly and stole indiscriminately from thousands of demons, tombs, and ruins? Or had I somehow changed when I escaped into this body? Could I be capable of reverting back to my old life, or would I be so disgusted that I'd come back to this, this image of a perfectly innocent high school student on his way to college?

And if I didn't change when I merged with this body, did I change when my human mother showed me my first taste of pure, unwavering love? Could I have lived with the thought of leaving her when my powers had recovered? Obviously I could not, for I am still living in this world with her. Strange…I never had felt guilt until I grew up around her… and Yusuke…

Yusuke helped me greatly throughout the years. Sure, the juvenile's an out-going, reckless fool that has quite the dirty mouth, with the mind to go with it, might I add… Still, he has shown me loyalty and compassion… understanding. It makes me wonder if the whole felonious behavior is just an act – to hide the gentler, caring person on the inside. The very idea brings a humorous grin to my lips as I inhale the shower steam, and that leads my thoughts drift to a certain fire apparition…

Hiei is definitely a puzzle. One that takes time – more time than any living being truly has to spare – to understand, let alone solve. Hiei isn't the kind to know any signs of emotion besides anger to anyone besides his sister, whom he refuses to inform about their relation to each other. It's almost unnerving, seeing Hiei watching his sister protectively – seeing such a display of emotions that I doubt he's aware of showing. It surprises me how much worry and love he has for her, as if she were made of glass that only he can handle safely. Of course, he isn't the only one that cared about her well-being. To his great displeasure, if I dare add.

Kuwabara goes schizophrenic when it comes to the young ice maiden. If one were to only mention her name, he would go on and on about her exquisite beauty and concern for life… I must say, it is amusing to see Hiei affected so deeply by the young boy's display of affection. He seems even colder when he tells him to remain silent when the topic of Yukina is brought up. Sometimes he has to be a bit physical. I almost pity the young junior high student.

At this point, I finally realize that the water has now run cold, but I don't mind – the temperature puts my mind in a sharper sense of relief, and I feel as if clarify as come with the absence of heat.

I pat myself down with my towel before wrapping it around my waist and drying my hair. It takes a while, but thanks to my powers, I'm able to tame it without the use of those beauty products. In no time, I'm dressed in my suit, fiddling with the black bow that is to be worn around my neck under my shirt's collar, torn whether to tie it myself or play the helpless son and enjoy a moment of motherly support.

Deciding that it would be more believable, I walk out of my room and find my mother back inside her bedroom, messing with her own dark tresses.

"I'm serious, Suichi, how do you manage your hair?" she mumbles to me, her hands working frantically with her low bun. "Yours is even longer than mine, and I can barely manage!"

I chuckle deeply in my throat, saying lightly, "A hairstylist never gives away his secrets…"

She laughs as well, though her eyes were still focused on her reflection in the mirror. "Even so… I wish you would let me give you a haircut… you looked so handsome with short hair. Don't you remember your junior high year?"

Rolling my eyes at her, I sigh, "Mother, you know that I feel more comfortable with long hair. And I'm not going to get it cut. I remember quite well what it was like in my junior year and I'd rather not relive it…"

Mother simply beams at me, reaching out her hand to stroke my cheek while cooing, "You were my little movie star…"

Asking quickly, I interrupt before she can start praising me some more, like she tends to do. I've learned that seems to be the case with many parents. "Actually, this movie star was having trouble with his bow…?"

She laughs and ties it securely, almost doing a better job than I could have, much to my bemusement. "There you go, Mr. Minamino. Mommy fixed your outfit."

I smile at her in return, but it quickly dims when I ask her, "Shouldn't we get ready to go, Mother? It's already 5:30, and I'd rather not rush…"

Her eyebrows shoot up in shock. "Oh, no! We have to hurry, traffic is probably going to be horrible…"

"Mother, we have an hour. We don't have to rush, I just meant…"

"Nonsense! We can't rely on such things, Suichi, they might arrive early."

"So could we?"

"Get in the car, Suichi."

I guess we're going to rush anyway.

The car ride is silent with the exception of the radio talk show that Mother wants to listen to. After glancing at her, I decide that I want to break the silence.

"Mother," I ask slowly, a hint of amusement hinted in my tone. "You told me that your date has a son named Shuichi as well, and he is joining us for dinner… You told me much about him, but did you happen to tell him anything about me?"

She looks at me before returning her eyes to the road. "Yes, of course I did, Suichi."

"What was it that you told him?" It was not out of some misplaced sense of vanity that I asked. It's hard to keep track of ones deceptions, and I'd sooner prepare my responses than be backed into a corner unknowingly.

She glances at me again, then says with her eyes back on the road, "I told him that you were the top student of your school, that you tutor students from your junior high, and that you were greatly loved by your peers. I also told him that you were a gentleman, and an honest boy. And…" she gives into a wiry smile "you have a knack for disguising the way you really feel. You have quite the control over your emotions, Suichi… I've never seen you angry, or anything less restrained than you are now, before in my whole life."

I can't help but smile at her comments, but I also feel deflated every time she compliments me with my human name attached to it… When I hear her call me "Suichi", I feel that I am not who she thinks I am, and that I am deceiving her like I had when my human body was just growing. Actually, my whole life has been an act to deceive her. Guilt washes over me again, and I find myself unable to respond to her loving comments. So, I simply stare out the window for the remainder of the trip.

Our drive didn't last as long as Mother had thought it would, and we find ourselves parking in the front row of the restaurant not two minutes later. I get out of the car quickly enough, taking in the beauty of the surrounding life. The night air is crisp and refreshing as I observe how well the trees and bushes are well taken care of – some were even in bloom.

"Oh, look, Suichi, there they are!" Mother breathes out from beside me.

I turn around to see two people standing by a large rock formation just beyond the restaurant's premise, seeming to be exchanging idle chitchat. Suddenly, the older man's gaze looks up, and our eyes lock with a smile as we acknowledge each other. When I see the uninterested expression on the younger boy's face as he stood next to his father, I smile even wider. He didn't appear to care too much about this whole get-together, which was fine by me. It almost reminded me of Yusuke - and I knew how to handle Yusuke.

"Isn't this great, Suichi? You can get to know… Shuichi while his father and I have our own conversation!"

Little Shuichi continues to stare at the ground, a small frown adorning his youthful face.

I feel my playfulness rear its head yet again.

This is could be a fun evening.

.:AN:.

Second chapter—DONE! Problems—NONE! I WANT REVIEWS! GIMME! (laughs loudly)

Conscience: SHUT UP! SOME OF US NEED TO SLEEP! (in case you're wondering, it's like, one in the morning over here, so yeah…)

Hee, hee-hee, hee-hee, hee…

Conscience: And you say that I'M annoying… anyways, yeah, read and review, or I will either hurt you dearly or push you over the edge of insanity by sending my hairy, butt-scratching (scratch scratch) monkey henchmen to your house to eat all of your ice cream - even if it isn't banana flavored - and to steal your left shoe - even if it doesn't smell like bananas! Bwahahhahah! (pause) Goodnight.

GOOSETAPE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAhahahaha… no more sugar…

Ja matta!