"They said the food should be ready in ten, let's go!" Yusuke skipped with excitement to the front door.

Kurama smiled as he followed, pulling his shoes on along with Yusuke. "It'll be a nice walk; the weather isn't bad today." He was glad Yusuke was acting more like his old self.

"Sweet! It's been gettin' nippy out there." He smirked to Kurama as he swiped his thumb across his own nipple a couple of times. "So, I don't need a jacket?"

"I don't think so." He chuckled as he followed Yusuke out of his apartment. After shutting the door they descended the stairs to the street.

"Man, it is nice out." Yusuke squinted from the sun as he looked around.

"Agreed." Kurama didn't know the way, so he was following, and enjoying the meandering way they were walking. It wasn't warm, but there wasn't a breeze, so the chill in the air hadn't hit yet.

Yusuke smiled down to himself as he looked like something came to him, "Speakin' of nippy." Making a face Kurama looked to him in confusion. "Sorry for describing you in such a segregating sort of way…" He twisted his lips. "Just because you're different from me, doesn't mean I see you as any less of a teammate or someone I trust." He looked to Kurama, fully serious as he wanted to be clear.

"It's alright." Kurama smiled. "I didn't think you meant it that way."

"Okay good." He chuckled, smiling more now. "It took me a while to remember that word, but I thought you'd be proud of me for using such a big one in my vocab."

Kurama laughed out in surprise as he leaned over some to get a better look at Yusuke. "…Segregating!?" He remembered how they laughed when Yusuke used to be happier, the ones that got out of your mouth before you were able to stop it. Barely realizing the joke as your laugh registered faster.

It was a feeling he seemed to have forgotten.

"Yeah I know." Yusuke looked away as he pretended to be far more into himself than he actually was. "I've got a vast lexicon."

Kurama laughed again, "You're a fool." He was enjoying being alone with his friend; not needing to worry about anything at the moment.

Yusuke chuckled as he shrugged. "I'm capped out."

"Your vast lexicon includes three words, one being lexicon?" Kurama realized his cheeks were starting to hurt due to how long he'd been smiling.

"I only have so much room, Kurama." He joked as he laughed along with him.

They walked for another minute as the energy calmed, Kurama was still smiling gently as he enjoyed the peacefulness of the area. He always had, but more recently people had been thinning out. Yusuke mentioned in the past that most of his neighbors were old, single, or poor. So, there were reasons that a sudden influx of vacancy would hit.

"I miss the old days." Yusuke said, still upbeat.

Kurama looked to him, then back down to the ground as they continued taking their time to walk. "I miss a lot about that time as well."

"You know, as long as I've known you I never really asked you about yourself very much." Yusuke looked to him, wearing a serious expression. "I'm sorry I never did."

Kurama blinked, "To be fair, we were always quite busy, Yusuke. We didn't 'hang out' back then."

"Yeah I know, it just dawned on me a while ago that I never have—even since we've actually been hanging out."

Kurama listened.

He shrugged. "I dunno—I guess it's always been hard to read you… so, back then I've gotta admit I was a little intimidated by you." He grinned, "Even now you're hard to read bud, after we've gotten to know each other more. Kuwabara thinks the same…" He eyed him nervously as he pointed at nothing.

Kurama chuckled again as looked away, trying not to focus on the seriousness of the subject, because he was honestly enjoying the lackadaisical conversation. "That's alright, I've always been hard for people to read. It's not just you two, so tell him not to stress." He gave him a teasing look, playing along with the, 'it's Kuwabara's problem'.

Yusuke chuckled again, then sniffed, finally getting more serious. "So… you'd tell me if I was overstepping, right?" He glanced quickly to him.

"What are you going on about…?" Kurama looked confused.

"I dunno—I guess I'm just realizing I don't know the dumbest shit about you." He shrugged, seeming bothered. "I mean, Jesus, what's your favorite color?"

Staring at his friend now, Kurama wondered where this was coming from so suddenly. "Red." He humored Yusuke.

"See. I would've guessed green." He motioned to him in surprise.

"One doesn't need to know another's favorite color in order to claim closeness, Yusuke."

Yusuke rolled his eyes as he repeatedly opened his mouth in a mocking manner of a robot. "Yeah-yeah. But, you know that shit matters at some point… don't you?" He glared at him.

"Why?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I mean… you can get to know someone really well, but it's those stupid little quirks and random dumb ass facts, that only you or a few peoples know, that makes a relationship more… special."

Kurama cocked his head to the side as he listened.

"Like today—is there anyone else that you could've called up besides Kuwabara that would've gotten what you meant when you noted that fucko from your work, calling you a fox?"

"I see your point." He held his hand up with a shrug. "The casualties of exchange over time can strengthen relationships."

"Not just casual tho." He pointed as they finally got to the main sidewalk, turning onto it. "Like, the deep shit too. My mom likes her beer opened a certain way; she'll only keep the bottle caps that have a specific bend in them—why? I don't fuckin' know, but she collects them, and they have to bent to her liking." He smiled, but this one seemed more sad like usual these days. "Keiko used to always lick her lips before she'd put her hair up, I counted it for an entire week one time." He chuckled. "And fuckin' Kuwabara always admires the way you dress, every fucking time he sees you." He laughed. "I see him sneaking peaks at fashion magazines on occasion, but I think he's too scared to try and branch out with style."

"That's nice of him." He chuckled, realizing he too didn't know these random facts about Kuwabara or even Yusuke. All three of them had been hanging out more, him and Yusuke especially. And yet he'd never thought to ask such random things. Yusuke was surprisingly romantic. Especially that comment about Keiko… that made Kurama's chest ache in a similar way it did after seeing Marshall.

"What about me?" His curiosity got the best of him.

Yusuke looked surprised by his request as he stared at him for a second, "Hmmm." He held his chin. "One thing, that's actually really satisfying, is that you whip your hair back behind you every freaking time you're about to eat." He chuckled as he lowered his head with a smile. "And you look so snobby for just a second, because you'll raise your nose up every time after you do it." He grinned as he snickered, seeming to reminisce back to times he'd noticed.

Kurama smiled as his hand went up to cover it, not realizing he'd catch him off guard so easily. He got him—he definitely did that. He kept his eyes on Yusuke as he laughed quietly, remembering how his younger brother Shuichi started mimicking him when his mother first married Kazuya. He knew he moved his hair out of the way before eating, but gaining a younger brother helped him realize the pattern in which he did it.

"See!" Yusuke laughed loudly and pointed way too close to Kurama's face. "You know you do it!"

"You've caught me, Yusuke." He laughed as he pushed Yusuke's hand down playfully. "I'm simply trying to get my hair away from my food." He provided an explanation even though it was obvious.

Yusuke smirked at him to acknowledge his comment, then they stopped in front of a small restaurant, and the aroma of freshly cooked food hit them. "Fuck, that smells amazing." He reached out automatically to move the tattered noren up, ducking under it to sit at the outside bar. "Oi! Koga!"

Kurama frowned, glaring at him.

"Hey Yusuke!" A woman called back. "He's out on a delivery—your food should be another ten. You want a highball?"

"Fuck yeah, make it a double please! Thanks Mrs. Kento!" Yusuke felt Kurama's eyes on him as he turned and grinned at him. "We could have a few drinks while we wait."

"I thought we were picking up—not staying." He narrowed his eyes.

"We are! We've just gotta wait a bit." He motioned toward the back of the restaurant as if he were helpless to the delay.

Kurama found himself about to 'Yusuke', Yusuke again… but instead he bit his tongue. This was the happiest he'd seen his friend in a while, so why not enjoy and try his best to guide Yusuke toward a healthy direction for the night. He sighed as he shook his head. "Fine."

Yusuke looked surprised. "Wait, really?"

"I came to spend time with you… of course." He smiled gently as he ducked under the noren and sat down next to him.

Yusuke laughed, obviously excited that Kurama was joining his usual routine. Mrs. Kento brought a drink up and began talking before she looked up. "Here you go! Sorry for the delay!" She spoke sweetly, she wore a beautiful kimono—but, it was clear she'd worked hard in life. She had what looked to be an old scar from a blade that barely showed across the corner of her mouth. She was very pretty, even for an older woman. Koga clearly got his looks from her.

She smiled to Yusuke, then eyed Kurama. "Is this your girlfriend?" She asked entirely honestly, but stared at Kurama far longer than she meant to.

Yusuke choked. "Koga didn't tell you about Kurama!?" He looked way too upset.

Kurama smiled back at her gaze, as others talked about his appearance per usual.

"OH! You're Kurama!?" She beamed as put her hand near her face. "Koga said you were beautiful, which isn't a word my son says. But now I see! Would you like a drink too?"

"Yeah he wants one."

Kurama dropped his shoulders as he gave a look to Yusuke.

"Coming right up! It was very nice meeting you finally, Kurama!" She was obviously excited.

"Nice meeting you too." He barely stood as he bowed sloppily.

Kurama was surprised he didn't hate this drink. But, the whiskey still wasn't his favorite. Yusuke almost downed his first one in several gulps, but then eyed Kurama… almost as if he remembered his 'behave' comment from earlier. He slowed down, but still somehow got three of the drinks down, Kurama hadn't even finish his first. He could tell his was a double too… Regardless, Kurama appreciate Yusuke trying to restrain himself while he was here… it may not be for the right reasons, but maybe someday they'd translate into better ones.

"Order up!" Mrs. Kento yelled as she walked up and handed the food to Yusuke but kept her gaze on Kurama. "I'm sure you get this all the time, but you're quite beautiful!" She really seemed to like him.

"Thank you." Kurama smiled, once again nodding in thanks. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"I'm gonna tell Koga you've got a crush!" Yusuke snickered loudly.

She glared at him, then rolled her eyes to Kurama—knowing he understood Yusuke's annoying jokes. Kurama chuckled as he stood then turned to duck under the noren once more as he stepped out, feeling the chill in the air hit him.

The sun had set, and Yusuke laughed as he looked to Kurama. "Ready?"

"Yes."

Yusuke snickered as they started to walk back. "She's hilarious."

Kurama smiled again as he followed. "She knows how to handle you and Koga, that's for sure." Kurama went out with them a couple of times, and Koga was just as crazy as Yusuke. He didn't think Koga would've ever described him as beautiful, but apparently he was close to his mother.

"I'm so hungry. I can't wait to eat this shit."

…

"Sexy."

A voice said as they walked, Yusuke's thought process ceased. Kurama glanced to Yusuke, then frowned.

"Excuse me, bitch?" He leaned around Kurama to look at a grungy looking guy sitting on a bench. The guy was clearly drunk, and probably not much older than Kurama. But, he had a rough exterior—and, Kurama saw a few bits of color on his skin that peaked out from under the collar and sleeves of his shirt.

Wannabe yakuza.

"Wa-the fuk did you just call me?" The man snarled to Yusuke's reprimand, then looked to Kurama with a gross smile. His tongue slipped out some as he traced his own lips with it, looking all over Kurama's body. "I was talkin' to your bitch." He replied.

Kurama's eyebrows went up as he closed his eyes, letting out a breath of frustration. Yusuke had been in such a good mood, and he wasn't sure he could get him to forget this idiot.

"He's not a bitch, bitch." He stepped around, but Kurama put his hand up to stop him. Yusuke looked down at his hand in front of his chest, then to him.

"Please don't." Kurama said calmly, keeping a semi-pleasant expression in attempt to relay he was fine.

"I bet if you choked down my cock I'd jizz delicious flavored cum for the next week." The man cackled as he looked to Kurama; obviously trying to upset Yusuke.

"You know what you fucking scumbag." Yusuke yelled as he tried again to move forward, but Kurama blocked him once more.

"Yusuke." He kept his eyes on him, conveying his seriousness on the matter.

The man stood, and was a bit taller than Kurama. So, Kurama had to turn to the man in attempt to defuse. "Sir, if you don't mind. I'd rather not be bothered by Gokudo rats tonight, you reek of cheap cannabis and look as though you've fallen down a few flights of stairs. So please, if you could, stifle your disgusting lack of inhibitions just for a moment… we'll be gone quicker than it takes you to process what I've just said." He couldn't believe he was able to get such a pleasant smile on, but he did as he locked his eyes with the man's empty ones.

"Pffft!" Yusuke laughed out as he held his stomach and began to walk again, realizing Kurama had it, and he was not needed. The man stared, processing what Kurama had just said.

Kurama frowned before speaking again. "Have a good night." He kept an eye on him longer than usual. The tone of his voice came off as more of a command, than a farewell. He conveyed dominance; this evening wouldn't be overshadowed. Apparently his protectiveness of Yusuke rivaled Yusuke's protectiveness of his team…

"Uh.." The man just stared, then swallowed as he felt the heaviness of Kurama's presence hit. He stepped back. "Yeah, whatever." He sat back down, now rubbing his face. Kurama stared him down for another second, but the man didn't dare another look.

Kurama sighed, then walked to catch up to Yusuke who was smirking with pride as he waited at the corner of the alleyway. Relieved to see his mood hadn't shifted, Kurama smiled back to him. "He kindly apologized." He said sarcastically.

"Yeah right!" Yusuke laughed out as they both began down the alleyway. "That was hilarious!" He was still snickering.

"I'm glad you took enjoyment from it." He barely smiled.

"I'll always enjoy you fucking with idiots."

"It's not an often occurrence."

"Yeah you're right—I got a treat tonight." He snicked once more, obviously enjoying himself.

Kurama smiled—again, feeling accomplished in his attempt to cheer up Yusuke.

Once they went back they enjoyed the delicious food together, and Kurama realized he'd never had takeout that good before. He made a mental note to try to go back sometime. He also realized Yusuke was more drunk that he thought, he was good at hiding it. He must've chugged those drinks faster than he realized—or, Koga's mom was sneaky and knew what he enjoyed.

Kurama was checking stocks—a nightly occurrence these days—and Yusuke was laying on his bed while he played with a toothpick in his mouth.

"That was fucking delicious tonight. You got lucky; Mrs. Kento doesn't usually cook anymore. It's mostly Koga or his bro. But her shit is thee best…" He blew some air out threw his lips.

Seeing nothing to note or worry about, Kurama closed the stock application, and his phone—giving his full attention to his friend. He smiled and nodded. "Seems we've both gotten a treat tonight."

Yusuke laughed, "Guess you're right." He smirked.

…

Kurama felt tension, so he frowned and looked to Yusuke curiously.

"Dude. I seriously appreciate you, and how you helped me today." He sat up straight now, but barely dared a glance toward Kurama. He looked embarrassed, and a bit ashamed. But his small smile told Kurama he meant the words he was saying. "It's been a while since someone came over just for me." He kept his eyes down, but his smile grew.

Feeling his chest warm, Kurama smiled. "Of course Yusuke. You're my friend, probably the closest friend I've had. I really do care about you."

Yusuke's brown eyes shot up to Kurama's, almost seeming surprised by those words. "Seriously?"

He kept his eyes locked with Yusuke's. "Seriously." He nodded, still smiling.

"Wow." Yusuke looked a bit bashful as he lowed his gaze again, barely twisting his lips into a smirk. "Thanks buddy."

"Of course." Kurama felt he did something good today, and realized he hadn't felt any of the emotions he'd felt today, for a long time.

Except.

When he was with Marshall—wow, he'd finally forgotten about the man for a small while, but here he was popping into his head again. He felt his smile falter, as his eyes quickly darted away.

"You never answered my question you know." Yusuke looked back to him, still smirking.

Kurama snapped himself out of it. "Which one?"

He shrugged. "If you were sad…"

"I'm not."

"…okay, are you happy?"

Happy? Kurama furrowed his brow as he stared at him, wondering where this was going. What was happiness anyway? And he knew it wasn't something he deserved if it was more than he already had.

"Well, by definition—I'm quite content, and even take pleasure in many of my daily tasks..." Kurama laughed and stopped talking, because Yusuke was already using his hand to puppet a mocking yapper.

"By definition?" He dropped his head to the side, obviously annoyed.

Kurama laughed and nodded. "Yes."

"Okay, but like… to me being happy is like…. Ya know…"

Drunk Yusuke was enjoyable, but not great at articulating. Kurama raised his eyebrows, teasing him but enjoying all the same as he listened intently.

"Fuck you man..." Yusuke waved his hand in annoyance.

Kurama shook his head and rolled his eyes. "You're drunk." He stood, "Again."

"Where ya goin'?" Yusuke frowned.

"I need to go, Yusuke. It's…" He felt his eyes widen as he checked his phone. "…nearly ten!" He didn't even realize how long he'd stayed.

"So!?"

"So…" Kurama leaned over to look at his eyes. "You need to sleep, and I need to go home."

It got silent now. Kurama was still staring into those eyes, but there was something different about them. He'd never seen this in Yusuke before.

"You have to go?" His expression told nothing, but his eyes were begging.

Kurama frowned, noticing his friend's eyes fade. "Are you going to be okay?"

That voicemail was heavy.

Yusuke blinked once then looked away, forcing a smile as he nodded. "Yea—I… I'll be fine." He smiled to him in attempt to convince.

"Sure." Kurama frowned, sitting back down on Yusuke's bed.

"Seriously dude, I'm good! You've got work to do, and I'm sure you pops is eager to catch up with you."

"He can wait." Kurama spoke seriously, but smiled pleasantly.

Yusuke's eyes shot to him again, finally showing some desperation. "Really?"

"Yes." Kurama said quicker than he wanted, but seeing how Yusuke responded, he intended to stay. "Shall I stay the night?"

Now those brown eyes were looking at him suspiciously, as he looked away to rub his face. "So, I guess my voicemail was bad huh…" He quietly mumbled out, clearly frustrated with himself.

Kurama hesitated, not sure how to answer.

"I'm sorry dude."

"Please don't." Kurama put his hand up gently.

He took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, then let's talk?"

"Alright." Kurama smiled; still confused.

"Have you ever liked anyone?" He looked genuinely curious.

Kurama made a face, that was quite a jump in subjects. "I like many people, especially you." He looked at him, realizing he didn't want to answer the question he knew Yusuke was actually asking.

"You know what I mean." He glared.

He lowered his gaze, realizing he'd never even talked about this subject with his mother… "You mean, romantically?"

Yusuke nodded, listening intently. Drunk Yusuke was a much better listening than sober Yusuke, but…. Kurama wouldn't say that to him. "No." He smiled and shook his head… feeling his gut jerk with nerves as memories of Marshall's hands touching him flooded his head.

"Why?" Yusuke asked gently, but obviously annoyed some. "A guy like you could get anyone he wanted."

Kurama made another face, forcing a smile, even though his eyebrows frowned with frustration. Yusuke had never asked him this question, but so many others had.

"I mean!" Yusuke sighed as he leaned into his hands, now rubbing his face. "You're honest, smart, kind, and care so much about the people you love, PLUS you're fucking beautiful, and attractive to almost everyone… I'm noticing." He frowned some to that last part as he scratched his cheek.

Kurama stared at him as he thought. He may be drunk, but this was still Yusuke, and he hadn't gone anywhere yet, but some inhibitions had. Which meant this was something he'd thought about before.

"I'm not sure someone like me should be with another. I wouldn't want to risk reproducing, due to what I am… so I just… decided." He chuckled casually, even though he felt weird sharing such an intimate thought.

"…just decided…?" Yusuke sounded annoyed.

"Yes." Kurama felt a hit to his chest.

"Have you ever cared about anyone?"

He frowned. "Of course."

"I mean, like, selfishly. Your mom doesn't count."

"Selfishly?" He turned his head.

"Yeah, like… I liked Keiko, and she liked me. That's why we were together. Because I wanted her, and she wanted me."

Kurama frowned, feeling his heart ache for his friend.

"I enjoy being your friend. If you'd define that as selfish."

He smiled. "That's cool, and yeah, the selfish side of normal humans is to want companionship."

Kurama nodded. "Correct." He felt like a robot talking on this subject.

"So, have you ever cared about someone—or, even liked anyone?"

"I'm assuming we're using jr. high terms here…?" He teased, hoping to get away from this subject.

Yusuke leaned back, "Come on Kurama, you know what I mean!"

He closed his eyes with a nod, then took in a breath. "I'm sorry. Yes, I know what you're trying to ask."

"Okay…" He stared.

"I haven't. For reasons I just stated." He looked to his friend as he sighed.

Yusuke glared. "So, you've always been single…?"

"Yes."

For some reason it felt strange admitting that to someone out loud. The more they spoke, the more his robotic like feeling seeped in. Was he really that odd?

He grimaced. "By choice?"

Kurama rolled his eyes. "…Yes."

"Have you ever found someone attractive?"

"Of course." He made a face of confusion, attempting to derail again.

"Kurama."

Kurama looked down, taking a moment then sighing again. His selfish side was wishing he allowed Yusuke to get slammed tonight—that way maybe he wouldn't remember this conversation. But, that wasn't kind to Yusuke… or honest. So, here he was.

"You. Know. What. I. Mean."

Kurama smiled, looking to his friend as he felt some pride for his efforts to be direct—even if it was alcohol induced.

"Yes. Of course I have." He looked straight back to Yusuke, owning his answer and hoping the swirl starting in his gut wouldn't show through.

"So, like… you are sexually attracted to people?"

Kurama cringed as he closed his eyes, looking away for a moment to register Yusuke's rudeness. "I am a biological human male, Yusuke, of course…" He opened his eyes, giving a slightly annoyed look.

"You never treat people any differently."

"I'm not like that—you should know this."

He waved his hand dismissively, "Yeah I know—my bad, have you seen anyone recently that stuck out to you?" He was digging for anything at this point… Kurama was talking openly, so he was going after it.

Rolling his eyes with a sigh, Kurama wondered for a split second if he should've just gone home—but, he promised he'd stay. So, as he sighed he fell back onto Yusuke's bed, legs hanging off the side and staring at the ceiling. "Why does that matter?"

"I'm fucking curious!"

He looked over to Yusuke who scooched closer to him on the bed, now sitting cross legged. Instead of answering he looked away from Yusuke as he stared at the ceiling—this conversation was petty.

Silence hit, then Yusuke opened his mouth in awe, "You have!"

"Strangers, Yusuke. Admiring someone for their looks isn't always sexual."

"I asked sexually." He put his finger up, looking way too excited.

Kurama sighed, just shrugging.

"You're so secretive…" He rolled his eyes. "We've hung out a lot this last year… have you seen anyone while we're out that is close to attractive?"

He nodded. "Plenty."

"I call BS. So either you tell me who, or you're an ass."

Kurama frowned pushing himself up quickly with his arms now behind him. "How does that make me an ass?"

"I'm trying to exchange casualties, you fuckin' jerk." He trailed off as he looked away to pout.

Feeling his eyebrows shoot up without permission made Kurama realize that Yusuke was actually reaching out to him emotionally at the moment. And he was to dense to see that…? Wow, he was the dumbest in the room right now, and Yusuke was drunk… It took him a second, but he smiled again.

Marshall's face once again popped into his head, and felt butterflies in his stomach. He glanced to the side, making sure to stop anything else from flowing in. He wasn't nearly as drunk as Yusuke, but he could feel the alcohol which somehow made this almost relieving.

Why?

He wasn't sure…

"Do you remember when we went to the bar where Koga works?"

Yusuke looked stunned. "Yeah."

"And that man…" He chuckled.

Yusuke laughed too. "Yeah the poor dude!"

"Yes." He said awkwardly, now feeling his smile fade.

Yusuke stared as it took a second to hit. "You—" He frowned as his mind processed. "You found him attractive!?"

"Is something wrong with that?" He glared, embarrassed to even be apart of such an elementary conversion.

"No! I just didn't know your type! He was a classy mother fucker—I can see why you thought he was attractive!" His eye widened with excitement, obviously over the moon about hearing this.

Kurama looked away as he scratched his chin awkwardly, feeling his cheeks warm as he thought of how Marshall's voice stood out to him most. It was gentle, but strong, confident and the pitch of it wasn't the usual.

"So you like guys?"

"I don't know." He barely glared back at Yusuke. "I just know I don't want to risk re—"

"Yeah-yeah, blah-blah. You said that…. I don't care if you like guys." Kurama could tell Yusuke was catching up, but his eyes were still wide with awe as he attempted to keep himself calm.

He was being tortured today.

"It's not that simple."

"Sure, sure… but, the dude did shine." He laughed as he leaned in, getting Kurama to look at him.

"This should not be this amusing to you." He glared playfully, enjoying Yusuke's ridiculous reaction.

"Dude, I'm seriously not trying to tease you! I'm just freaking out that I know something about you that I never had the guts to ask before." He rubbed his hands together, jokingly acting greedy and Kurama could tell he was going to attempt to get more from him.

But… he didn't mind as much as he thought he would. Was it actually a relief to allow himself to talk? Like Yusuke said, this was bonding… wasn't it? They were friends, and he couldn't argue against strengthening that. Besides, it made his experiences with Marshall a bit more real….

Saying things out loud always did.

He swallowed, feeling some adrenaline kick him, surprised, but realizing he never talked this way with anyone. His cheeks warmed, and he prayed Yusuke wouldn't notice. His stomach followed as his thoughts wandered to him so casually mentioning what Karasu had done to him to Marshall, earlier today. That felt like somewhat of a relief—it had happened, and nothing changed after saying so.

Even though he did almost throw up after.

"What was his name again…" He thought, "OH! Right! Marshall!" He grinned.

Kurama was snapped out of his thought process as he looked up much to quickly to Yusuke.

Dammit.

Yusuke made a face, taking a second to look Kurama up and down in suspicion. "What…?"

He shook his head as he blinked, "Nothing."

He glared, but moved on. "Okay… what'd you like about him?"

"Like?" He frowned. "I had no interest in talking to him."

Yusuke put his hands up. "Jeez, what was attractive about him?" He glared in annoyance.

Kurama stared at him, feeling his face heat up even more as he looked away in shame. This was pathetic.

"…are you?" Yusuke looked shocked as he leaned over closer to Kurama. "Blushing?"

He'd already gone through such an emotional rollercoaster today he was too tired to pretend, so he just turned his head to look directly at Yusuke, giving him his answer by displaying his flustered state.

Yusuke just stared, now smiling bigger than Kurama had seen in a while. "Duuuuudde!" He stood up as he paced his small room, now holding his face in one hand. "That's like the fucking sweetest thing I've heard in a long time."

Kurama raised an eyebrow as he barely glared at his friend—feeling slight anger. "No, It's not."

"Why!?" He looked to him, still being overly dramatic.

"I don't like being mocked."

He threw his hands up. "I'm not mocking you!"

"…what an infernal day." He mumbled as he looked away.

Yusuke recoiled. "Jeez, fuck." He looked annoyed and nervous by unintendedly pissing off Kurama, but kept going. "He had nice eyes." He motioned to Kurama, trying to calm the situation.

Maybe today was the world's payback for how he treated Marshall. Karma at its finest…

"Give me three things! Then I'll shut up about this for the rest of forever! Please!" He sat back down next to Kurama, this time facing him in an attempt to behave.

"Fine—three things, Yusuke." He gave him a look of reprimand.

Yusuke's smile was stuck, and he nodded with excitement, now crossing his legs. "Okay!" He mocked a salute.

He felt his face flush again as thoughts of Marshall's naked body flashed through his head. His hands sliding down the man's bare skin, touching his face. The taste of his lips, even how they felt on his own. Kurama had seen all… of him… He sighed, feeling his crotch heat up.

Great.

"I liked his height." This was harder than he thought… he wanted to keep it shallow, but all the things running through his mind were either about his body in depth, personality, or something about how he treated Kurama.

…he'd never thought of the desire to be treated well, like that. He frowned, feeling his stomach swirl again. Why did he feel anxious?

"Okay." Yusuke said quietly.

"He seemed humble." He tilted his head to the side, not wanting to say to much.

"Classy." Yusuke repeated, eager to hear more.

Glancing at Yusuke, Kurama forced himself to relax as he rolled his eyes. His poor friend was just trying to bond, yet unknowingly picked his least favorite subject.

"And how he smelled." He felt goofy saying that one, but that was one of the first things he noticed.

"You could smell him in that shithole?" He laughed, still excited.

He chuckled too. "Of course I could."

"You and Hiei are freaks." Yusuke mumbled as he lay back on his bed, still next to Kurama as his legs hung off the side. "What'd he smell like?"

Kurama turned to his elbow as he leaned over Yusuke. "That was three." He spoke deeper, smiling gently, keeping his eyes sharp.

Yusuke stared a bit longer than usual, then looked away with a smirk. "Doesn't hurt to try."