All right! Chapter 7! This one explains more about Kuramas' past and stuff. Oh, and there's been something on my mind that I haven't explained yet. Do you know why this story seems so rushed? Well, in some/most chapters? It's because this story is about as old as Unexpected Love, my other fan fiction. Oh, and it's also complete. ^_^ I'm just putting it up when I know it's the right time. Maybe you expected that, maybe not. *shrugs* It's a writers' job to try and captivate the audience with unexpected surprises. =P Maybe I'm getting too ahead of myself? Eh, I don't want to bore you guys to death, so let's continue on with the chapter! ^^

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho, especially Kurama. Nor do I own Leiko.

Hope you like the chapter!

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---3 Days Later

"But, Kurama! Damn it, why are you ignoring me?!" Leiko questioned, trailing behind Kurama as he tried to get away from her.

Kurama stopped suddenly, sighing heavily. He turned around, causing Leiko to almost bump into him.

"Listen to me, and listen to me well. I will not repeat myself. What happened a few days ago meant nothing. It just happened."

"If it just happened, then why did you do it in the first place?! Besides, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Then what is it?" He asked irritably, crossing his arms, completely ignoring her question.

"I wanted to ask you if you could help me in the ways of being a pirate. I mean, I look like one, but I certainly don't have the skills, or the cunning. Can you help me?"

"No. Get your own help." He snapped, before turning and stalking away, slamming the door to his quarters.

Groaning slightly, Leiko couldn't help but glare after him, feeling completely mixed feelings about everything. She turned away and went to go talk to Brom, who she knew had secret connections with their captain.

"Brom! Could I speak with you for a moment, please?" She asked sweetly, leaning against a barrel as she looked down at him as he fiddled with more rope.

"Uh…sure… Just let me untangle this rope first…" He replied distractedly, being completely entangled in the ropes.

Sighing, Leiko moved around the barrel and, picking up a piece of rope, gently tugged, releasing Brom from his encasement of rope. He sat, dazed, looking up at her.

"Now, can we talk? There are some questions that I need answered…"

"Uhm…sure…" Standing up, he limped over to the left side of the ship and slumped down onto the floor. Looking up, he patted the ground next to him, motioning to Leiko to sit there.

Sitting down next to him, already used to the feeling of sitting on water, she sighed heavily.

"Now, tell me, what are the questions you want answered?" He asked with a tired old smile.

Turning to him, Leiko unleashed one of the questions that had been bothering her the most. "What happened to Kurama when he was younger that made him become a pirate?"

The old man's face looked incredibly worn and tired suddenly. With a heavy sigh, he mopped his brow, trying to find a suitable way of answering.

"Well… It has to do with his brother."

"Brother?" She asked, completely taken by surprise. "But I thought he said that it was because of his father?"

"Yes, somewhat. His father did indeed have an effect on him becoming a pirate. But, 95 percent of the fault lies with his brother, Youko."

"You mean Youko Kurama?"

"Yes. He is Kurama's older brother by 6 years. The whole family felt the pain of losing Shiori, Kurama and Youkos' mother. She was a kind and sweet woman; willing to go through enormous efforts for the sake of her children. However, the day that she died, everyone was heart-torn, even Youko himself. Anyway, a few days after her death, Youko pulled his younger brother to the side. He must have said something to stir Kuramas' blood, for he came back extremely cold, and ordered his father to take him with him to the seas. His father, knowing his oldest son, said no and left him to fend for himself. Youko, being 16 at the time, knew exactly what he was doing to the 10 year old Kurama. He left the next day, ignoring his brothers' cries for help."

"What an ass…" Leiko murmured, feeling irritation flood her body.

"Indeed. However, he knew exactly how to play his little brother. Anyway, their father left Kurama a few men, knowing that Youko had gotten to him. They built him a good sized ship, and then left him to fend for himself. Growing irritated at being left alone all the time, and feeling the weight of his mother's death, he began to train himself for the next two years. Once he was 12, he gathered his supplies and set sail, never to return there."

Leiko grew confused suddenly. "Hold it! How the hell do you know all of this?"

Brom blinked. "Oh, I was there. Did I forget to mention that?" He glanced at her. "Judging by that glare, I'd say I forgot to mention that. Sorry..."

"When did you get there?"

"Before his father left the first time after his wife's death, he told me to stay behind and look after his youngest son."

"So, you've been with him ever since the beginning?"

"Yes indeed, Princess Leiko." He gave her a charming smile, before leaning his head back against the wooden railing. "That was why, the other day, when I was washed off of the ship, he yelled my name. He knew that he wouldn't be able to make it over there in time to save me… But then, you saved me. You surprised us all by doing that, including myself. Of course, in the middle of that situation, no one paid any mind to it. But, they certainly did afterward. You've impressed us all, Leiko."

Sighing, Leiko looked up at the endless blue sky, going over everything that he had just said. "I seem to be doing a lot of that lately…" She sat up suddenly, remembering when she had first gotten on the ship.

--Flashback

"What is on your mind, princess Leiko?"

--End Flashback

"How does he know my name?" She asked suddenly, needing desperately to know the answer.

"Ah…" Brom smiled a knowing smile, for he knew that this was coming. "I was wondering when you would ask that question."

She looked at him, wondering what he meant by that. Sighing once again, Brom sat up straight, his legs crossed, and his full attention on her.

"Leiko, you've met Kurama before."

"What?! What are you talking about? I haven't met him before in my life!"

"Oh, yes you have. It was when you first moved to that castle by the sea. Don't you remember?"

--Flashback

"Leiko, dear. Don't wander off, you could get lost." Her mother called out to her, extending a hand to grasp that of a small child.

"Yes, mommy…" Leiko replied, running to catch up to the long strides her mother and father were taking.

"Well Kelte, are you ready to hand over your crown?" Her father's voice boomed importantly, echoing with false identity.

A man sighed; his shoulder length silver hair swaying slightly as he gently shook his head.

"Why did you do this, Kosuke? I had thought that you were my friend, only to realize that you were a fake. I am disappointed."

"What's new? You could never really trust the fat bastard anyway." A 10 year old boy retorted, crossing his arms while looking away.

"Not now, Youko." Kelte turned back to Kosuke, a sad expression on his face. "Just answer me this. Why? Why did you do it? Why kick someone out of their home?"

Leiko looked between the fighting adults, not really understanding much of what was happening. Her gaze feel down to her level, where she saw the other man, Kelte, who was really nice to her, to his wife, who was also really kind to her, to a little boy about her age. Looking about, she quickly hid behind her mother, like he was doing to his. Her mother paid her no mind and continued to pay attention to the topic, knowing that her daughter knew enough manners not to interrupt. Peeking out from behind her mother's legs, she glanced towards the little boy she had just seen. She saw him watching her curiously, yet shyly at the same time. Glancing about, she looked back at him and gave a meek wave. Surprisingly enough, he waved back. His mother glanced down at him, then at her, smiled slightly, then turned back to the conversation.

Tugging on her mother's sleeve, Leiko managed to get her mother's attention. Kneeling down, her mother smiled patiently at her. "What is it, Leiko?"

"Mommy, who's that boy over there?" She asked quietly, not wanting to disturb her father's rising voice.

Glancing over in that direction, her mother replied, "He's name's Shuuichi, and he's her youngest son."

"Oh… hey, mommy, maybe next time, I could play with him?"

Her mother gave a fake smile. "I'm afraid you won't be seeing him any more after today, sweetie."

"But, why?" She asked, confused.

"Don't worry about it dear. Now, just hush up and stay put."

Feeling defeated, Leiko sighed quietly and remained quiet, not liking to feel sad. At the end of the negotiation, Kelte and his family left the castle, never to return, the little redheaded boy along with them.

-End Flashback

Leiko stood up straight suddenly, her face completely pale. "Oh my god, you're right… I did know Kurama!" She whirled around and faced Brom. "But, how do you know this?"

"I was there, sweetie. I used to work at the castle. I was hiding behind one of the pillars, and over heard the whole thing. I also saw the whole thing."

Leiko's heart was racing, the blood pounding in her ears. Her expression was blank, her fists clenched. Without another word, she bolted over the deck, up the stairs, and pounded on the door that led to Kuramas' quarters. Opening the door, Kurama was completely shocked when Leiko jumped him, hugging him tightly. Blinking in confusion, he could only stand there, trying to balance himself, as Leiko continued to hug him.

Releasing him, she unleashed everything on her mind. "Oh my god! I remember! I remember everything! I saw you when I was little! And I saw your mom! Oh! And I saw your brother! I was so little… And I saw your father! Why didn't you tell me any of this? Were you scared? What? You have to learn to trust me! I'm sorry your mother died and all...but you've got me now!"

Blinking confusedly, Kurama eyed her wearily. "Are you finished…?"

Blinking a few times, thinking over everything she had just blurted out as fast as she could, she finally said, "Oh yeah!" She kissed him, not knowing why, not understanding why, but just did it. Completely taken by surprise, he could do nothing, his body paralyzed. In the background, upon hearing the pounding on the door, the rest of the crew had come out from either below deck, or paid more attention to what was happening. Now, they were cheering the two on, glad that there was some action happening.

Backing away slowly, Leiko could only blush as she looked into Kuramas' shocked green eyes. "You can trust me, Kurama… Please, don't push me away…"

Blinking once, Kurama smiled. "I have yet to do so. But, I'll take it into consideration."

Smiling, while still blushing, Leiko giggled. "All right. And, maybe now you'll teach me how to be a proper pirate?"

"Of course."

Hugging him, Leiko could do nothing but smile.

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I hope you liked Chapter 7, and can't wait for the next! Chapter 8, I think, finally shows... Oop! Can't say! ^^ You're just gunna have to wait and read! Please review! Thanks!