Another day that may only be a dream, A KuramaXOC
By:~Pinkbun17~
Written: 2/20/25
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho, if I did, there would be more content!
YusukexKeiko, KuwabaraxYukina pairings supported!
Keep this in mind, readers!
Story Format as always:
*READERS PLEASE READ MEH!*
Youko's Thoughts: I've got thick skin, but I'm hollow.
Kurama speaking to Youko in his head/his own thoughts: *Made up of broken parts.*
Inner thoughts of other characters: 'Got a body, but it's borrowed."
Hiei's Inner thoughts/speech when he is talking to someone in their head: With a shadow for a heart.~
Anything said in Sinhalese: "Is this how my story's told?"
*Lyrics are from the Movie Smile 2, from the song. "Just my Name".
*TRIGGER WARNING: Bullying/Violence/Child Abuse
(,)
Chapter 45: YYH Crew United: Heavy Heart-to-Hearts & A Few Realizations
Day 5: 7:20 pm, Kurama's Condo
Borrance, CA,
Third Person POV:
With a sigh of relief, Yukina and Botan step off Botan's wooden oar onto the cement steps of Kurama's condo. Their muscles screaming in protest after the extended period of stillness.
Botan stretches her legs out wide, while Yukina works out the knots in her shoulders, both relieved to finally be able to move freely again after the long ride.
໒ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ྀི১
When Kurama steps out to greet Botan, his usual composed expression falters the moment his eyes land on the gentle ice maiden standing beside her.
"Y-yukina?" He questions, worried something may have happened to one of his friends.
Keiko also greets the other girls, and Botan exclaims, shocked that Keiko is here in the other world, since she was studying abroad when Yusuke left for his mission. How in the world did she end up here?
7:30 pm
Just as the four of them huddle inside the warmly lit condo, the sound of hurried footsteps echo down the hall. The door swings open with force, and in steps Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Hiei.
Their usual bravado is lost, and it's clear they all went through something horrid.
Their usual cocky smirks and unwavering confidence are nowhere to be found. Yusuke, the one who always has a smart remark, who has faced death with a grin and a middle finger, has the appearance of being 'shell-shocked'.
His fists are clenched, so tightly his knuckles are flashing white. His eyes, usually alight with mischief, are dark—haunted.
Kuwabara, normally the loudest of them all, is eerily silent. His broad shoulders sagging, his face pale and drawn.
He swallows hard, eyes flickering between the groups as if searching for something—anything—to ground him.
Then there's Hiei. The fire demon stands rigid, his crimson gaze unreadable, but there is something different about him, something off.
The usual scowl isn't there. There's no scoff, no disdainful look.
Just a forlorn quiet.
And that is more unsettling than anything else. Although not always the most talkative, he has opened up to the crew more recently and will on occasion be honest about his more troubling emotions.
Yukina feels her stomach twist, dread creeping in like a slow-moving shadow.
Botan is the first to speak, her voice soft, hesitant. "What… happened?"
No one answers right away. The silence hangs thick in the air, pressing down on them like an unbearable weight. It's suffocating, filled with everything left unsaid.
Kurama takes a quiet breath, his sharp eyes scanning the faces of his weary friends before stepping forward. Without a word, he gestures toward the couch, silently urging them to sit.
Yusuke sinks down first, settling in the middle, his elbows resting on his knees as he buries his face in his hands. Kuwabara drops beside him with a heavy sigh, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
Hiei hesitates for the briefest moment before finally taking the last spot. He sits rigidly, his posture tense, arms crossed tightly over his chest. Though he says nothing, the way his crimson eyes flicker tells more than words ever could.
The others take their places on the wooden dining chairs now scattered around the living room, each movement slow and deliberate, as if unsure of what to say or do next.
Yusuke exhales sharply, raking a trembling hand through his already disheveled hair. His gaze remains fixed on the floor, refusing to meet anyone's eyes.
"We found bodies," he mutters, his voice hollow. "Thousands of them… packed into some old, rotting furniture warehouse."
Kuwabara's jaw clenches, his voice unsteady. "It's not just demons," he says, his grip tightening into fists on his knees. "There were humans too. And… kids."
His throat tightens, the words catching like barbed wire as he forces them out. "There were pieces of them." His jaw clenches, his eyes dark and unfocused. "They didn't stand a damn chance."
A shiver crawls up Botan's spine, she doesn't wish to fathom the bloodbath the three of them stumbled upon, but she listens intently, horror feeling her gut.
Kurama stares at Hiei closely, expecting a sharp remark, a sneer—anything. But there's nothing. No sarcasm, no biting commentary.
He just sits there, eerily still, his expression unreadable, eyes shadowed with something Kurama can't quite place.
Then, finally, he speaks up. His voice is quieter than usual, but there is no mistaking the edge to it.
"This wasn't a battle." His eyes glint, a rare hint of something like unease crossing his features. "It was a slaughter."
As the three boys finally spot Yukina and Keiko, a wave of softness washes over them. Yusuke, unable to keep the turmoil inside, pulls Keiko into a tight embrace, his grip strong but silent.
His shoulders tremble as tears slip down his face, though he says nothing, just holding her.
Kuwabara's face crumples, and he, too, is overcome with emotion, tears staining his cheeks.
Hiei stands off to the side, his gaze hard and unwavering as he grinds his teeth, his jaw clenched, eyes fixed on the floor, struggling with his own turmoil.
Kurama places his hand on Hiei's shoulder, his touch gentle but firm, offering a silent support.
"You don't have to carry it alone," the red head murmurs, his voice, heavy.
Hiei stiffens slightly at first, but he doesn't shake off the gesture, his crimson eyes still averted, filled with emotions he doesn't wish to express.
Yukina gently walks over to Kuwabara, her steps quiet as she approaches him. She places a hand on his trembling arm, offering a soft but steady presence.
His eyes are clouded with sorrow, and his breath comes in ragged gasps as he fights to regain control.
Her touch is warm, grounding him in the moment, and without saying a word, she pulls him into a comforting embrace.
The ice maiden's voice is a soothing whisper against his ear. "It's okay to let it out, Kazuma. I'm here." she says gently, her words like a balm to his aching heart.
.ೃ࿔:･.ೃ࿔:･
A few hours later, after Botan and Yukina had shared their white strawberries and salteñas with the group, the atmosphere lightens somewhat. The tension from the earlier conversation still hangs in the air, but there is a brief respite as they enjoy the food.
Keiko, who's been silent for a while, takes a deep breath, her eyes lingering on the others before she speaks up.
"So… when I came through the portal, apparently I fell right on top of Aisha." She chuckles softly, though her tone is strained.
"I mean, I was knocked out cold when I landed, So it must have been a pretty wild sight, I guess." She smiles weakly, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes.
Kurama, ever the observer, can't help but smirk. "Well, for one, it gave quite the fright to an elderly couple and their dog."
His emerald eyes glint with quiet humor as he continues, "Admittedly, it was a spectacle in hindsight—though I doubt Aisha would find it nearly as amusing."
Kurama can't help but smile to himself, almost hearing Aisha's voice snap at him in that familiar, irritated tone.
"Totally not funny! I could've drowned you, moron!" he thought, a small chuckle escaping his lips as the thought of teasing her came to mind.
Hiei, who had been silently observing Kurama's reaction, raises an eyebrow at the faint hint of amusement in his friend's expression.
There is something in the way Kurama's eyes soften when he thinks about the human—Aisha—that catches Hiei off guard.
The usually composed and stoic fox demon rarely showed…that kind of affection. It was an odd sight, and one that didn't go unnoticed by the fire demon.
~So, that's it, ~Hiei thinks with a hint of confusion, watching Kurama carefully. ~He's…fond of her…?~
Yukina nods solemnly beside Botan. "Something similar happened to me... I was gathering those strawberries in the forest on Genkai's property, and before I knew it, I was pulled into a strange orange portal."
"Honestly, that sounds awful, I'm glad you girls are okay." Kuwabara says, his expression softening with genuine relief.
"Yeah, but isn't it kinda weird that both of you got dragged into this mess?" Yusuke says, brows furrowed.
"And hell, if no one was around when either of you popped out on the other side…" Yusuke trails off, displaying a worried expression, squeezing Keiko's hand a bit tighter.
Kurama's gaze darkens at their words, unease coils in his chest.
*If both Keiko and Yukina had been pulled through so-called 'random portals,' then randomness had nothing to do with it. This was intentional—calculated.*
That means their enemy isn't just watching—they understand far more than anyone has realized.
The danger hadn't just been lurking in the shadows; it had been closing in, silent and relentless, slipping past even the sharp instincts of the ex King of Thieves.
And that is the most unsettling part—Kurama hadn't noticed the warning signs…
Ever since his soul has been split in half, in that freak accident in the Spirit Lab, it's left him vulnerable—distracted in ways he can't afford to be.
Yoko's erratic behavior and the unsettling way his emotions have been slipping from his grasp, unravel in ways he has never experienced before.
The redhead has always been careful—measured. And yet, ever since meeting Aisha, it's been a complete shitshow.
The way he feels toward her, this odd, undeniable fondness, has settled far too quickly, burrowing into him like a seed taking root in unfamiliar soil.
This isn't like him. He's not impulsive with his emotions, nor is he the type to let sentiment cloud his judgment.
And yet, here he is, struggling against his own instincts, his own mind, and even as the most calculated of the bunch, he isn't sure how to remedy this.
~So, even the fox is slipping—distracted, tangled up in his feelings. Interesting… It's unlike him, losing focus like this. I suppose even he has his pathetic human moments.~
Hiei lets out a quiet, dry chuckle, his crimson eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and irritation as he picks up on the redhead's thoughts.
"Hn. Never thought I'd see the day you'd get sloppy," he mutters, his tone razor-sharp. His gaze flickers to Kurama, unreadable, before he exhales through his nose.
Botan's brows furrow as she glances between the two demons, sensing something is off. "What are you going on about?" she presses, her voice tinged with unease.
"You're thinking too much—and for once, not in a good way." He pauses, his gaze flickering to the side as if searching for the right words.
Kurama's expression remains carefully composed, but there's a flicker of something beneath the surface—annoyance, perhaps, or something more introspective.
He exhales quietly through his nose, eyes narrowing just slightly.
"I wasn't aware overthinking had suddenly become a flaw," he replies smoothly, his voice calm but carrying a pointed edge.
His gaze meets Hiei's, searching, as if trying to determine just how much the fire demon has pieced together.
Slowly, the Jagan user shifts his weight, pushing off the wall just slightly before settling back against it, arms crossing over his chest in a measured, deliberate movement.
"Something's distracting you."
Someone.
He leaves it unsaid, but the meaning hangs heavily in the air. The way he says it—almost carefully—suggests that he's trying to tread lightly on fragile ground.
Kurama straightens, masking the turmoil swirling within him with a practiced smoothness, but the tension in his shoulders betrays him.
"It's nothing," he says, his voice calm, yet the flicker of irritation in Hiei's gaze suggests otherwise.
Botan watches the exchange, her expression thoughtful, as she observes Kurama's stiffness and Hiei's unusually cautious words.
She notices the subtle shift in Kurama, the way his calm exterior is strained, and it sparks a small, almost playful thought in the back of her mind.
'Then again, when he was speaking about Aisha earlier, he briefly laughed.'
It wasn't much, just a fleeting moment, but the sound had been warm, and Botan can't help but wonder if it's tied to whatever's causing this change in him that even Hiei's pointing out.
𓆉 𓆝 𓆡. 𓇼
8:12 Pm
Yusuke, ever the pragmatist, doesn't miss the growing concern in the room.
"If there's a chance this whole portal mess is bigger than we thought, I wanna hear it," he says, leaning forward, his focus sharpened.
He pauses, then grins wryly, "Shit, at this point, I'm half-expecting a portal to open right under my ass mid-sentence."
Kurama exhales slowly, considering his words, a hint of doubt clouding his otherwise measured thoughts.
"It's a theory," he admits, his gaze flickering briefly toward Yukina and Keiko, who are watching with increasing concern.
"But if I'm right… then this was never random. Our enemy has been studying us—closely. They knew exactly who to target and how."
Keiko stiffens at that, her fingers curling into the fabric of her skirt as the weight of his words settles over her. "You mean… they took us on purpose?" she asks, her voice quiet but steady.
Yukina's usual serene expression hardens with unease. "But why?" she murmurs, her voice tinged with worry.
Hiei, still leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, clicks his tongue in a sharp sound of disdain.
"Because they want leverage," he says flatly, his words cutting through the air like a knife.
"And they want us off our game." He shifts his gaze to Kurama, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Seems to be working."
"I'm going to see if I can contact Koenma and update him on our findings," Botan says, standing up with a determined nod before heading to a quieter corner of the room.
｡ 𖦹.ᡣ𐭩
8:40 pm
Yukina's soft voice breaks through the conversation, her curiosity evident. "So... what is Aisha like?" she asks shyly, her red eyes wide with interest as she glances at Kurama.
The red head exhales softly, clearly trying to mask the fondness in his words with a touch of irritation.
"Aisha... she's stubborn, reckless, and always seems to find herself in the thick of things. She refuses to accept help, convinced she can handle it all herself, even when she's clearly out of her depth."
He pauses for a moment, his gaze momentarily distant as he sorts through his thoughts.
"She doesn't listen, and half the time, it's like she's determined to make everything harder on herself."
He shakes his head slightly, the faintest of smiles tugging at the corner of his lips despite his irritation.
But it's clear that her loyalty runs deep, especially for her animals, siblings and friends. She'll put their needs above her own without hesitation, even if it means neglecting her feelings in the process. It's just how she is. A bit frustrating at times, but... admirable, in its own way."
"Damn, you noticed all this in a week of meeting her?" Kuwabara questions, sounding impressed.
Kurama raises an eyebrow slightly, his expression neutral but a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's been quite the chaotic week, Kuwabara, plus I pay attention to details," he says coolly, his gaze drifting for a moment.
"It doesn't take long to recognize someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, even if they try to hide it behind a mask of strength."
He glances back at the group, his tone more measured now. "She might not be as difficult to understand as she thinks."
The group exchanges glances, a silent conversation passing between them that Kurama immediately picks up on. His gaze sharpens slightly, the subtle shift in their expressions setting off a quiet alarm in his mind.
He straightens, his usual composure intact, but there's a trace of something cautious in his voice as he speaks.
"…What?"
Yusuke gives Kurama a pointed look. "You sure you're not a little too invested, Fox Boy?"
Yukina folds her arms, her expression thoughtful. "It's a lot to pick up on so quickly." she murmurs, tilting her head slightly as she studies Kurama.
"You're pretty good at reading people, but with Aisha… looks like you've been paying a lot of attention to her."
The orange top's typical no-nonsense attitude is now tempered with genuine curiosity, his foot taps as he waits for an answer.
Kurama doesn't respond, his gaze briefly dropping before meeting theirs. A mix of concern and something deeper flickers across his face, making the air between them feel heavier. He slowly lets out a long, steady breath, as if weighing his words—or something he's not yet ready to share.
"Speaking of which," Keiko adds softly, her voice laced with concern. "When Aisha left earlier, she looked... afraid, I mean she even left half of her belongings-"
She pauses, glancing toward the door as if she could still see the girl rushing out. "I don't know, something just felt off.
Kurama sighs again, his tone calm but tinged with something darker. "Her home life is a significant source of stress, but it goes beyond that. I've had to intervene before, even stop her from being physically bullied at school."
Keiko frowns, arms crossing. "Then why would she go back? If she's in danger from demons and—" she stops herself, then exhales. "Isn't she putting her family at risk too? It doesn't make sense."
Botan hesitates before adding, "It's not just stress, is it?"
Kurama's gaze lowers slightly."I've noticed signs—old injuries that don't match the explanations she gives, the way she flinches at sudden movement… She's not as unaffected as she wants us to think."
He trails off, his hand tightening slightly as he debates continuing. "There are things... things that show she's had to rely on herself in ways no one should have to."
A heavy silence settles between the group.
Keiko's hands curl into fists at her sides, her voice tinged with worry. "I don't understand. If her home life is that bad, why does she keep running back to it? It's almost like she feels she has no other choice, even if it puts her in more danger."
Kurama releases a breath, his expression unreadable. "Because for people like her, sometimes even a cruel home feels safer than the unknown."
Kuwabara pipes up, a strained look on his face. "That's messed up... but it kinda makes sense. If she's always been stuck in that mess, maybe she doesn't know how to get out of it, huh?" He looks down at the floor, clearly unsettled by the thought.
Yusuke clicks his tongue, a sardonic grin spreading across his face. "Well, this is just fantastic. So, we're supposed to just sit here and watch her throw herself back into that shitstorm, huh? Nah, fuck that."
He turns to Kurama, raising an eyebrow. "You've been playing the attentive babysitter, so what's the plan? How the hell are we supposed to get her to trust us? You can barely keep her from running headfirst into danger-Considering what you've told us so far, it's been a struggle even for you golden boy."
.
10 PM
As the evening draws on and the group begins settling into the makeshift sleeping arrangements, things quickly descend into playful chaos.
Two bedrooms, each with a large bed, sits at the back of the condo, and the rest of the group is left to figure out who will be sharing the remaining space.
Yukina and Botan claim the first bedroom without much debate, the two of them making a cozy little nook on the large bed as they tuck themselves in, talking softly about their feelings about everything shared today.
Keiko and Yusuke, unsurprisingly, take the second bedroom without a fight, though Yusuke makes a show of complaining about having to "share" a bed with his girlfriend, even though he is clearly enjoying the time alone with her.
"I call dibs on the right side!" Yusuke announces with a smirk, causing Keiko to roll her eyes, but she just smiles and lets him have it.
That leaves the couch, and an age-old decision to be made: who will get it.
"Rock, paper, scissors," Kuwabara states, stretching out his arms, clearly confident in his ability to win, but knowing full well that his chances are slim against the others. His fingers twitch with anticipation. "Let's settle this like real men."
Kurama raises an eyebrow, "I'm not sure what exactly you're implying, Kuwabara, but I'm happy to play."
Hiei, arms crossed, shoots them both an irritated glance. "This is idiotic. Let's get this over with."
"Relax, short stuff," Kuwabara teases, stepping into position. "You might actually win for once."
The three of them stand in a circle, facing off with the kind of competitive energy only they can muster. The room is quiet except for the faint shuffle of feet on the floor, and the soft buzz of the overhead lights.
"Ready?" Yusuke calls as he returns from the kitchen with a glass of water in hand, watching the scene with amusement.
"Rock, paper, scissors—shoot!" they all shouted in unison, hands moving quickly.
Kuwabara reveals paper, Kurama reveals rock, and Hiei, of course, shows scissors.
There's a collective groan from Kuwabara as he slaps his hand to his forehead. "Dammit, I knew it was too good to be true."
Hiei barely registers the loss, his expression remaining neutral. But Kurama allows himself a small, satisfied smile. "It seems I won," he says simply, his voice steady but the faintest hint of smugness in his tone.
Kuwabara huffs, clearly not taking the loss well. "This is rigged, I swear. You guys have all the luck. Next time, I'm gonna—"
Kurama cuts him off with a dismissive wave, already moving towards the couch, blanket and pillow in tow. "Next time, Kuwabara."
Yusuke let out a half-laugh from his standing point in the hallway. "You're not gonna win next time either, Kuwabara."
The carrot top throws Yusuke a mean glare-and grinning, the retired spirit detective takes his leave.
Hiei, remains silent, his eyes scanning the room. Everyone else has claimed their spots, but there is no sign of him settling on the floor or even near the couch.
After a few moments of watching him, Kuwabara, ever the curious one, raises an eyebrow.
"Hey, Hiei," Kuwabara calls, leaning back slightly against the wall. "You gonna sleep on the floor like me or... what are you doing?"
Hiei doesn't immediately answer, his crimson eyes shifting to the large window sill nearby.
With a swift, almost graceful movement, he hops up and perches himself there, curling into a comfortable position as though it's the most natural thing in the world.
Kuwabara blinks, staring at Hiei in disbelief. "You... you're gonna sleep there?!" He bursts out laughing,"What are you, a bird or something?"
Even Kurama glances up from the couch, chuckling softly at their banter.
Hiei shoots him a pointed look, his voice dry and cutting. "Quiet, fool. I prefer to be above everyone else, especially when you snore like an idiot."
Kuwabara chortles, shaking his head. "Yeah, sure, keep telling yourself that. Maybe we should get you a perch with a little bell to match your new 'bird' lifestyle. Or should I say bat, since ya dress super goth-y."
"Not a word more, Kuwabara," Hiei mutters, his voice an icy warning as he adjusts himself on the sill, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.
Kuwabara shakes his head in mock disbelief, but he can't help but smile. "Whatever, man, just don't start chirping in your sleep."
Just as Kuwabara lays himself down, he can't help but to think back to the fight earlier with the demented plant demon. He stares at the ceiling, replaying the battle in his mind.
The orange top frowns, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. This doesn't sit well with him-something wasn't right with that plant, and he can't shake the feeling that he was dealing with more than just a random demon.
Knowing if he brings it up to Yusuke, he's say some smart-aleck comment about how "Kuwabara always gets the weird ones."
"Hey, Kurama?" He calls quietly, glancing towards the redhead, who is already stretched out on the couch, his eyes half-lidded in a relaxed gaze. "Can I ask you something?"
Kurama opens one eye, the glint of curiosity present even in his half-drowsy state. "Go ahead," he replies, his voice low but attentive.
A shiver runs down his spine as he recalls the sensation of the that ugly ass Lima bean's attack. Kuwabara hesitates for a moment, not sure how to phrase it.
"Man, that creepy-ass plant thing I fought… it wasn't just throwin' it's stupid vines around—it was sucking the power outta me! Felt like I was getting drained by some kinda demonic mosquito."
Kurama's gaze sharpens at the mention of it, his body shifting into a more attentive posture. "Is that why you struggled against it? Given your abilities, most opponents shouldn't give you that much trouble."
"Yeah, bro, that's why I'm asking if you've come across anything like it? That hideous thing definitely had me in panic mode."
Hiei snorts, arms crossed as he leans against the windowsill. "Hn. Maybe you're just getting weaker. Wouldn't be the first time."
Kuwabara immediately bristles, jabbing a finger in Hiei's direction. "Oh, shut it, Shrimp! I ain't weaker! That thing was cheating—Let's see how tough you'd be if some freaky plant was draining your spirit energy!"
Hiei rolls his eyes. "Unlike you, I don't let myself get caught by second-rate demons."
Kurama, unfazed by their bickering, interjects smoothly. "If what Kuwabara is saying is true, then it's not something to dismiss."
His expression darkens slightly. "A demon plant shouldn't have the ability to drain spirit energy like that—not unless it's been altered."
Hiei glances at him, noting the serious tone. His smirk fades slightly." So, we're dealing with someone who's bored enough to mess with demon biology? That's just what we need—a new breed of freaks to fight."
Kurama sighs, his gaze thoughtful. "Possible… but if that's the case, then the roots of this problem run far deeper than just one encounter."
Kuwabara rubs his face with both hands, still trying to make sense of the strange experience. A dry laugh escapes him as he lets out a frustrated breath.
"Great, so we're in for a real root awakening, huh? Like I haven't had enough of those already. Lucky for us, we've got our very own plant whisperer to guide us through hellscape."
Kurama shakes his head, finding Kuwabara's comment rather silly, though there's a faint hint of amusement in his eyes."You certainly have a way with words."
As if Kuwabara's pun physically pains him, Hiei visibly recoils.
"You know, if we ever fight a demon that feeds on bad humor, you'll be our deadliest weapon."
To be continued…
My Notes:
Hey! At long last the crew is together, and already they're dealing with some heavy hitters.
I apologize about the sporadic updates, the past few months have been pretty tough on me mentally and physically. I ended up in a really uncomfortable situation at a party back in December where things got way too close for comfort, and I felt completely trapped, and honestly it triggered me.
There was also the passing of my 14-year-old cockatiel, a toxic ass temp job, and a near-death experience I had all the week of my birthday! Excluding all the physical disasters in my area and the sinking political climate…
So, safe to say it's been a wild start to my year.
Thankfully, I'm doing better, and hope to update the next chapter soon!
This chapter is about 21 pages long with 12 inch font!
Stay safe, Peace On and Rock Out!
-Pinkbun17