Hiei was used to being alone, so he didn't get lonely when his best friend was at school, like others might have. Once or twice he'd considered going to Kurama's school as the "foreign exchange student" again, but he was sure that was more out of boredom than loneliness. Kurama was at school for even longer these days, too, because those girls had talked him into joining the cheerleading squad.

The shadows were getting long, signaling the end of the day; most demons told time this way, since many of them (including Hiei) preferred to live in nature and knew nothing of silly things like clocks. Kurama would probably be home soon, if not there already, so Hiei left the forest and headed for the Minamino residence.

By the time Hiei had climbed into Kurama's bedroom and was sitting on his bed, the digital clock said 4:30, whatever that meant. Kurama wasn't technically in his room, but Hiei could hear the shower running, so that meant his friend was indeed already home. Hiei decided to just sit on the bed and wait for Kurama to get out of the shower.

Finally, the water shut off. Minutes later, Kurama walked into his bedroom, one towel around his body, the other around his hair.

"Ack! Hiei!" Kurama shouted. "What are you doing in my bedroom?!"

"Is that any way to greet your partner-in-crime?" Hiei demanded.

"Fine, Hiei, I'm very happy to see you," said Kurama, rolling his eyes. "It's always a joy to get out of the shower and find a demon sitting on your bed."

"Want me to leave so you can get dressed?"

"No, it's fine." Kurama casually dropped his towel. "You're one of the few who hasn't commented on my body, in fact. Even Yusuke finds this form attractive."

"I picked up on that, too," said Hiei. "It was obvious from the second he first saw you. Kind of sad, really."

"Yes, but I think he feels guilty about it," said Kurama, slipping on clean underwear and one of his old bras. "I was considering telling him that you can't help who you're attracted to, but maybe it would just be best to not mention it at all. Especially if things will be back to normal soon."

"Speaking of Yusuke," said Hiei, "what's up with that list of questions he gave you? Are you going to tell us all what the doctor said, or just him?"

"I suppose it depends on what she says, but I'll probably tell you all as a group."

"Yeah, that would be best," said Hiei. "I'm kind of curious as to what's wrong with him as well."

"We'll find out soon enough," Kurama replied. "Anyway, you'll never believe what happened to me at school today."

"Let me guess." Hiei leaned back and crossed his arms beneath his head. "Something or other with that Aratani girl?"

"Well, sort of," Kurama replied. "She broke up with Yu Kaito and she felt really bad about hurting him, even though we tried to tell her it was the right thing to do. But around Biology class…well, let's just say you're not alone in your specific girl problems anymore."

"You mean…?"

"Yes," said Kurama. "Let it never be said that I don't appreciate what women and girls go through monthly."

"I'll put that one down in the books," said Hiei, suddenly feeling gratified. "Tell me the horror story."

"It happened just before the teacher asked me to come to the front of the room," Kurama said, and Hiei laughed out loud. "I could feel it running down my leg and everything—staining the back of my white lab coat. Some idiot accused me of soiling my pants, so I stood up and told the whole room the truth. It was actually pretty funny, because it seemed like the boys were a lot more embarrassed than I was."

"Aren't you supposed to be attending some fancy private school for geniuses?" said Hiei. "How did so many cretins make it in?"

"Maybe their parents bought their way in, I don't know," said Kurama. "But you're right. I don't know how some of them even manage to walk erect."

"I guess it doesn't have to be a big deal if you don't make it so," said Hiei.

"Oh, I'm sure my classmates would say I made it into a big deal." It was Kurama's turn to laugh. "The only downside is that I got far closer with Aratani Fujisaki than I ever wanted to be."

"But I thought you liked her," said Hiei.

"I'd like to take her to dinner and possibly pursue something romantic with her," said Kurama. "I don't need to be in a bathroom stall trying to insert a foreign object into my body while she coaches me on the other side of the door."

"Foreign object?"

"Aratani gave me something that's a little like a plug," Kurama explained. "You put inside you before all the blood comes out. It's a very favorable alternative to wearing a diaper all day long."

"What?!" Hiei sat up furiously. "If I'd known that earlier—"

"Then that cream-colored couch probably would have survived," Kurama finished. "I know. But I bought a huge box of them on my way home from school, so you're free to use one of mine."

"How do they work?" Hiei asked apprehensively.

"I'll show you." Kurama opened the box and took out a long, wrapped object, about the size of a finger. "You just take off the wrapping—like this—then press the smaller part into the bigger part. Then you take the plastic part out, and the tampon's inside you. Just like that."

"Do they hurt?"

"Only if you have them in wrong." Kurama smiled. "Otherwise, you can't feel them at all. I can help you, if you want. It would be no trouble."

"I-I'll just stick with the diapers," said Hiei, face flushing. "Mine's pretty much over."

"I'm glad to hear that," Kurama replied. "But if you need one next month, you know where to find me."

"Who says we're still going to be like this next month?"

"Nobody. I'm just saying."

Hiei just shrugged, then looked over at Kurama. "Having problems?"

"I just can't fit into my new jeans," was Kurama's frustrated reply, and sure enough, he was struggling to fit into the jeans he'd bought last Tuesday. "I don't get it! These fit perfectly two days ago! I feel so bloated and—Goddammit!"

Kurama, trying with no avail to button and zip his pants, had lost his balance and nearly face-planted onto the floor. Luckily, he grabbed the side of the bed just in time, but he looked furious.

"Dammit," he repeated, as the jeans fell down to his knees. Hiei was pretty surprised, because he rarely heard Kurama curse.

"Maybe you really are getting fat," Hiei commented, as Kurama got to his feet again.

"Thank you, Hiei, for being such a supportive friend," Kurama said sarcastically.

"Well, what am I supposed to do, lie?" said Hiei. "Look, just wear your sweatpants instead."

"I'm not wearing those in public," said Kurama.

"If you keep trying to squeeze into those obviously too-tight jeans, you'll be late for the doctor," Hiei told him. "You haven't even combed your hair yet."

"Oh, all right," Kurama snapped, pulling on the sweatpants and throwing his green fox sweatshirt over his head. Then he combed his hair in front of his full-length mirror, frowning at his reflection. "I look terrible, Hiei. My hair is awful, my skin is even worse, and all I can fit into are my ugly sweatpants."

"Well, you're just going to the doctor." Hiei shrugged. "And the sweatpants are just easier, because you have to take them on and off again. Besides, I think you look good anytime."

"Aww, you do, Hiei?" said Kurama. "Even if I'm fat?"

"Sure, but you're not that fat."

"Well, thanks a lot."

"You know, I can go to the doctor with you, if you want," Hiei offered. "I mean, I wouldn't go in the room or anything. I could just be your companion. You know, for moral support."

"Really?" Kurama looked over at Hiei in surprise. "That'd be great."

…

It wasn't like any doctor's appointment Kurama ever had in the past. He didn't have anyone squeezing his balls and making him cough, which was a good thing, but what he did have to do—or, more accurately, have done to him—was even worse, and even a little painful, especially considering what time of the month it was. It was a relief to get dressed again.

"Everything looks good here, Miss Minamino," Dr. Wheeler said brightly. "You're a perfectly healthy and normal sixteen-year-old."

"Healthy? Yes. Normal? Not so much," said Kurama, grinning because she didn't know how true that was.

"Do you have any questions for me?" the doctor asked, smiling back.

"Actually, I have a whole list," said Kurama, fishing it out of his pocket. "But they're not from me. I told my friend I was going to see the gynecologist, and she gave me this."

Dr. Wheeler scanned the list, her brow furrowing a little. When she was done, she said, "Well, this is very extensive, but some of her questions have a simple answer."

"Really?" said Kurama, hopeful.

"Yes, of course." Dr. Wheeler smiled again. "All of those are classic PMS symptoms. Nothing to worry about."

"Well, I'm glad you think it's nothing to worry about," said Kurama, "but I have the feeling my friend will see it differently. Oh, my gosh."

"You should probably tell her," said Dr. Wheeler. "That way she can be prepared. The more prepared you are, the less there is to be worried about."

Kurama took a breath. "That sure won't be easy."

"Hmm…" Dr. Wheeler continued with the list. "This next one…"

Kurama hadn't actually read the list, so he said, "Yes?"

"The one about sexual attraction."

Dammit, Yusuke!

"What about it?" Kurama asked, as calmly as he could manage.

"It's common to worry when you get new feelings like that," said Dr. Wheeler. "But you can tell her that those feelings are normal, too. If she's not feeling any discomfort, I don't think there's any reason to be concerned. And, of course, some masturbation is fine and healthy."

"There are some things even we don't discuss with one another," Kurama said helplessly. "And I don't think my friend would know how girls do it…"

Why had he said that? Why?

"Well, there are some adult toys she can get, but generally, I believe the best way is to just—"

"Okay, I get the picture," said Kurama, feeling his face flush a little. "I don't know if she's ready for that, honestly, but I'll keep it in mind."

"It's nothing to be ashamed of," said the doctor, frowning.

"I know, but I haven't had urges to do anything like that." It was the truth, actually. Ever since the switch, Kurama had touched the area as little as possible. Considering how badly he wanted his real body back, any "experimentation" right now would just make him feel even worse, and he was sure the same went for all his friends. Dr. Wheeler still didn't look satisfied, but since Kurama made it clear he wasn't interested in talking about it, she dropped the subject.

"Now, this last question is one a lot of teenagers have," she said. "Your friend here just wants to know why she seems behind many of her friends when it comes to growing up."

"Oh, we already went over that," said Kurama. "I told her it was pointless to compare."

"And you were quite right." Dr. Wheeler nodded. "But that's not very easy advice to follow when you're the one whose body isn't changing at the pace you want, whether that's too slow or too fast."

"The word she kept using was 'in-between,'" Kurama recalled. "I suppose she meant stuck between childhood and adulthood."

"Like I said, it's not easy, but maybe she'll listen to a professional opinion," said Dr. Wheeler. "Just tell her from me that there's no 'right' time for any of these things. It happens when it's supposed to happen because the right time is whatever time is right for you. It's as simple as that."

"I'm sure that will help," said Kurama warmly. "Thank you."

"What I'd like to know is, why didn't your friend ask her own doctor, or any adult woman she trusts?" Dr. Wheeler asked. "I mean, why did she feel that you had to ask for her?"

"Oh, you know how it is, when they're younger," said Kurama. "I think it was just embarrassment."

"That's not a good attitude to have." Now the doctor's voice was serious. "Someday, something might really be wrong, and she'll need to have a medical opinion so she can get it treated. Besides, even if nothing is wrong, she has a right not to feel shame or embarrassment, and especially not confusion or worry. Just tell her to keep some protection in her purse or school bag before it happens."

"I'll tell her that, too."

"Now that your friend's questions have been answered," said the doctor, "what about yours?"

"I think any questions I could have had were answered by Yuki's list," Kurama replied. "But I'll certainly let you know. Thank you so much, Dr. Wheeler."

After that, the appointment was over. Kurama went back out into the hallway and found Hiei sitting in the waiting room, reading a magazine.

"How did it go?" he asked, standing up.

"I've got a clean bill of health," Kurama said proudly. "So does Yusuke, apparently."

"Good for you," said Hiei. "Come on, let's get something to eat."

The two of them walked to a nearby sushi restaurant, then they caught the bus home. Kurama told Hiei everything that happened at the appointment and every single word the doctor said, except her explanation for Yusuke's various ailments. Kurama decided he wouldn't share that unless Yusuke said it was okay.

"I'm never going to a place where they make me undress and put my feet in stirrups," Hiei declared. "Especially when I'm bleeding. That sounds horrible."

"Well, maybe there were things I'd rather be doing, but at least I know I don't have an infection or anything like that," said Kurama. "And about the sweatpants—good call."

…

"Would you quit worrying already, Urameshi? It's gonna be fine."

"I'm not worrying, and the hell how would you know?"

Yusuke and Kuwabara had been at Kuwabara's house a long time, where Kurama had promised to meet them, waiting for him to finish his cheerleading practice and his doctor's appointment. It felt like it was taking forever.

"You shouldn't worry about things you can't change," Kuwabara continued.

"Where did you get that from, a fortune cookie?" Yusuke snapped. "You're the one who has something wrong with you, remember."

"Just this unbearable sort of itchiness. I—"

"For the love of God, shut up!" Yusuke shouted. "I don't need to hear about that!"

"Yeah, well—hey, look, Kurama's here!" said Kuwabara, pointing at the window. "Darn. He's got Hiei with him."

"I swear, those two are like Siamese twins or something," said Yusuke as he headed for the door.

"Hi, Yusuke!" Kurama chimed. "How was school?"

"Fine," Yusuke answered nervously. Kurama seemed way too cheerful, which probably wasn't a good sign.

"Wonderful," said Kurama, stepping over the threshold with Hiei right behind him. Hiei went to sit on the couch, where the cushion had been flipped over, while Kurama set one delicate, long-fingered hand on Yusuke's shoulder. "May I have a word, Yusuke?"

"Um, sure." What choice did he really have? The two of them walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table.

"I went over your list at the doctor's office," Kurama began, as soon as Yusuke had settled himself into a chair. "The good news is, you've got a clean bill of health, just as I have. All these concerns you've had—as long as you're not feeling any discomfort, everything's normal."

"Then…what's the bad news?"

"Well, it's not really bad news, per se," said Kurama. "It's…how can I put it? Unexpected, perhaps."

"What is it?" said Yusuke. "Just tell me!"

"Very well, Yusuke." Kurama took a deep breath. "Like I said, I talked with the doctor about all the symptoms you mentioned, and she says they're symptoms of PMS."

"What?!" Yusuke jumped up so quickly that he knocked his chair over. "Y-You mean…I'm supposed to get my period?!"

"That's right," Kurama said calmly. "Listen, Yusuke, it's nothing to—"

"I can't have that!" Yusuke felt himself beginning to panic. "What am I going to do?"

"Be prepared," Kurama advised, standing up. "You just have to pack something in your school bag, so if it happens at school, you'll be able to take care of it quickly."

"It can happen at school?"

"I'm sure it can happen anywhere."

"I HATE THIS!" Yusuke screamed at the top of his lungs. "I'M GONNA MURDER WHOEVER DID THIS TO US! GAAAAAAAHHH!"

"What's going on?" said Kuwabara, charging into the kitchen, with Hiei right behind him. "What did you tell him, Kurama?"

"I thought you said there was nothing wrong with him," said Hiei, as Yusuke sank miserably down into another one of the chairs.

"There isn't," said Kurama. "He's just a little overwhelmed."

"Make that two of us," said Kuwabara.

"Three," said Hiei.

"Four," said Kurama.

"Five," Yusuke finished, and dropped his head down onto the table.

"You can't be one and five," Kuwabara argued.

"I'm two numbers because I'm the most overwhelmed out of everyone," Yusuke mumbled.

"I wouldn't say that," said Hiei, grabbing Yusuke's hair to pull his head off of the table. "It was much worse for me."

"That's the same issue I'm having, okay?!" Yusuke blurted out, his face red.

"Oh." Hiei looked surprised. "You just got it now?"

"No, but the doctor said it will likely happen to him in a few days," Kurama said to the room at large. "I don't know, Yusuke. Should I not have told you?"

"It's probably better that you did." Yusuke sighed. "But so far, Hiei is still the only one of us who's had to experience it."

"Well, not exactly," said Kurama.

Yusuke turned to look at him. "You, too?"

Kurama nodded, but Kuwabara said, "Well, that stinks! I'll be left out, then."

"What is this, an eighties teen drama?" Yusuke shot back. "When it comes to these things, I'm pretty sure you want to be left out."

"I don't get those movies," said Kuwabara. "I know they're supposed to make you laugh…but somehow they always make me cry. Especially when they have kittens in them."

"Is something wrong with you?" said Yusuke, but at least he was laughing again.

"It's okay," said Kurama, gripping Hiei's waist. "The one we watched the other night made Hiei cry, too."

"You cried more than I did!" Hiei protested.

"There's no need to be embarrassed, Hiei," Yusuke teased, because Hiei was glaring at Kurama. "Girls are allowed to cry, anyway."

"Let's go out to the living room," said Kurama. "I'm sure you're all wondering what Dr. Wheeler had to say…"