Just Between Us Friends

A Promise for Always
By cillaxox

A year is an amazing thing. The amount of events that can be packed into 365 days is enough to make the head spin. You can find love in unexpected places, hurt a close friend only to reconcile with them and come close to losing a loved one. A year can make one older and wiser, both happy and sad and it can make one want to remember as well as forget. A year is a wondrous time and the end of one leaves people ready for the next and what it may bring. Such was the case for Yusuke and Kurama. The two young lovers were quickly approaching their one-year anniversary, the special day that celebrated the coming together of their hearts. They were happy, in love and ready for what the future held in store for them, but for now they were more concerned about buying each other presents. On separate sides of town they were both facing the same problem: what to buy the other for their anniversary.

Yusuke worried he wouldn’t be able to give Kurama a gift as sophisticated and beautiful as him. Kurama feared his gift would be too soft and sentimental for the younger boy’s liking. They both faced quite the predicament. Each of them enlisted the help of a trusted friend for guidance. Yusuke chose Keiko and Kurama opted for the council of Kuwabara.

“I don’t see why I have to get him anything. Isn’t it enough he has me?” whined Yusuke for the tenth time.

His shopping companion decided to ignore his bellyaching rather than arguing. If she fussed at him he would only complain more.

Holding out an adorable crystal trinket she asks “How about this?”

He scrunched his nose and stuck out his tongue. “Way too girly! I’m not going to buy him something like that.”

Keiko carefully replaced the fragile crystal piece in its appropriate spot. “Well what do you plan on getting him? For the past hour you’ve done nothing but complain about everything I’ve shown you. If you don’t start getting serious I’m going home.”

Yusuke hustled over to her side. “Please don’t I really need your…” Out the corner of his eye he saw a shiny object that caught his attention. “I think I know what I’m going to get him.”

He walked over to the jewelry department salesclerk and asked to see the item in question. After giving him the once over and several more distrustful looks for good measure she withdrew a small velvet box, which she never let go of, for him to observe.

Keiko stood next to him and whispered in an awed voice, “Oh Yusuke it’s beautiful.”

For the first time the young man was out off smart remarks. “Yeah it’s perfect.” After a few more moments of eyeing he asked, “How much for it?” As Yusuke listened to the saleslady quote the price his eyes widen then quickly returned to their normal size. “Thanks I’ll get back to you about it.”
He did an about face and marched out of the department store with Keiko hot on his heels. He jammed his fists into his pockets practically yelling his friend, “Did you see how much they wanted for that?! There’s no way I can swing that much! At this rate all I’ll be able to afford is a candy bar.”

Keiko placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry I’m sure you’ll think of something. Maybe you can get a part time job.”

He looked down at her as if she was from Mars. “You’re kidding right? You don’t actually expect me to work do you?”

She gave him a look that was both sympathetic and serious. “If you really want to give him a nice present you’re going to have to work hard for it.”

After mumbling various expletives under his breath he finally said aloud, “Whatever.”

The two of them left for their respective homes with Yusuke still not sure how he would get the money to purchase the present he wanted for his precious fox.

Meanwhile in another store in another part of town Kurama was facing the same dilemma. “I still say a specially grown bouquet will suffice.”

Kuwabara fixed upon him a look of disgust. “Flowers?! What’s he gonna do with flowers? Those are a stupid idea.”

Undeterred he replied, “I’m sure Yusuke would like them.”

His friend laughed at him. “Nuh uh, he might say he likes them but he really won’t. You two have been together for a year you have to get him something awesome.”

“I take it flowers are definitely out of the question then?”

Kuwabara nodded his head wisely. “No flowers. You have a month to pick out a totally kick ass present. You better get him something good.”

The pair walked down the sidewalk and continued window-shopping for a while longer. They finally parted ways when the sun started setting. Kurama headed home thinking carefully about some possible present ideas.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The following day Kurama waited for Yusuke outside of his school. Whenever the fair weather student went to school he called Kurama and let him know, so the other one wouldn’t wait in vain. He promised today he would be at school, but so far Kurama hadn’t seen him.

“Hi Kurama,” Keiko called out from behind him. “Are you looking for Yusuke?”

He nodded his head yes.

The young girl smiled apologetically. “He skipped out after lunch.”

Kurama was upset by his boyfriend’s thoughtlessness, but not too surprised. “Since I’m here I might as well ask you something. What should I buy for Yusuke?”

Keiko laughed. “You sound just like him. Yesterday we spent over two hours looking for your gift.” She covered her mouth and scolded herself for telling him too much.

His big green eyes widen even further with interest. “Really? Yusuke went shopping for me. Did he see anything in particular?”

Not trusting herself speak she shook her head no. “I guess he’s at home by now. Maybe you should try finding him there.”

“I think I’ll just give him a call later. It was nice speaking to you Keiko.”

“Good-bye Kurama.”

Later that night after his homework and chores were finished Kurama tried calling Yusuke. He let the phone ring ten times before he hung it up. He wasn’t really worried that the other boy wasn’t home yet. He just wanted to know where he was.

His mother asked him, “Is something wrong son?”

He was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t realize he was sitting on the couch staring at the phone. He forced a smile. “No, everything is okay.”

Ms. Minamino came and sat down next to him. “I know what it is. Your excited aren’t you?”

“About what?”

“Your anniversary. Have you decided on a present?”

He shook his head no. “I’m still trying to decide. I have no idea what I should get him.”

“Maybe you should give him a picture frame.”

“We have to take pictures before we can even use a frame.” Realizing what he just said Kurama smiled knowingly at his mother. For the past couple of months she had been trying to convince the two of them to take some photos together.

“I was going to wait to surprise you, but I arranged a photography session for you. It’s my gift to the both of you.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not sure if I…” he stopped short of finishing his sentence. He saw the hopefully look in his mother’s eyes and didn’t have the heart to refuse her. She asked him for little the least he could do was this one favor for her. “I’ll do it.”

She smiled happily. “I was also thinking about having a party for you. You could invite all your friends. I’m sure it would be a lot of fun.”

Kurama was tempted to decline her offer, but again the look in her eyes changed his mind. “I think a party would be fun too. Maybe by then I’ll have a present picked out. I’m not sure a picture frame is the way to go.”

Ms. Minamino patted his leg. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just make sure whatever you give him comes from the heart. Good night Shuuici.”

Kurama headed to his bedroom and prepared for bed. Before he went to sleep he tried calling again, but there was no answer. He was a little irritated that Yusuke still wasn’t back. Tomorrow is another day though. He got into bed and fell asleep thinking of possible gift ideas.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For the next three weeks Yusuke Urameshi was nothing more than an illusion. He almost never returned phone calls, he was constantly disappearing, and cancelled all of his plans. He was gone so often he had Kurama wondering if the boy was even real. Kurama asked Kuwabara and Keiko if they knew why Yusuke was acting so strange, but they were as confused as he. Botan assured him Yusuke wasn’t on a secret mission. Hiei insisted he didn’t care and refused to talk about it. Nobody knew anything and only person who did wasn’t telling.

For three weeks Yusuke was always busy, had just stepped or going to call him right back. The patient fox was at his wits ends. He was worried that his love was in some sort of trouble or worse. In his darkest moments he even wondered if Yusuke even wanted to be with him. He quickly rid himself of such horrible thoughts, but they remained hidden in the corner. He felt this was surely the low point in their relationship and that things could not possibly get worse. But what if they did? What if this what just a small sign of what was to come? Kurama chastised himself for thinking terrible thoughts again. He knew in his heart there was a reasonable explanation for Yusuke's erratic behavior. He just wished he knew what it was.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One week before the party on a breezy Saturday afternoon he went to deliver party invitations. There were only four to deliver so he didn’t mind walking. He stopped by and gave one to Kuwabara and Shizuru. He dropped one off for Keiko. After some serious searching he found Botan and gave her one. The last one was for Hiei. Kurama only made one for him at his mother’s insistence. Kurama knew the only way he would show was if felt like it. He doubted the unsentimental demon would come, but he secretly wished he would.

After Kurama finished delivering invitations. He made his way to Yusuke's apartment. The two of them had made plans to spend the evening together. He hoped their date would not be broken like all the other previous ones had been. Tonight would probably be the last night they would be alone until after the party.

“Hello Ms. Urameshi. Is Yusuke here?”

“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Atsuko? No that brat of mine isn’t back yet.”

Kurama’s face fell slightly at this disappointing piece of news. “Do you know when he will return?”

The absentminded mother pulled him inside the apartment. “Come on in. He’ll be back soon. I sent on some errands.”

He walked over the couch and made himself comfortable. He watched Yusuke's mother as she walked around the apartment. While she was in the kitchen looking through the refrigerator he asked her, “May I ask you a question?”

She didn’t look up from what she doing. “Ask away.”

“As you know Yusuke and I have been dating for almost a year. Next Saturday is our anniversary. The only problem is I don’t know what to buy him. Do you have any suggestions?”

She finally looked at him. “You should get him some manners. Better yet get him a watch. That boy should’ve been back by now.” She walked over to her purse and pulled out a card. “I won’t be able to come to your party so I’m giving this to you now. Happy Anniversary.”

Kurama took the card from her. On the cover it read, ‘Has it been a year already?’ He opened the card and read it. ‘Happy Birthday! May you have many more to come!’ He smiled and told her, “Thank you Atsuko. This was very…thoughtful of you.”

“At least you appreciated it. I showed it to Yusuke and he tried to throw it away.”

They both looked at the door and watched as the subject of their conversation walked in. “What are you doing here?”

The red haired boy was taken aback by the tone of his voice. “We have plans for this evening.”

Yusuke hit his forehead with his hand. “I forgot about that.” He walked over to his mother and handed her a bag of groceries. She reached into her pocket and gave him some money. He looked at the cash and balked, “This isn’t what we agreed on!”

Atsuko began putting the food away. “You shouldn’t have taken so long.”

Kurama half listened as mother and son argued. He was more concerned with Yusuke's actions for the past month. He was more forgetful than usual, he was never at home and he broke every one of their dates. The lack of attention was really bothering him. He felt like he was the only one putting forth any effort to maintain their relationship. He decided to bring this up while they were on their date tonight.

Yusuke walked over to where his companion sat on the couch. He opened his mouth to say something, but he only stammered. He looked at the floor as he tried to find the right words. Kurama already knew what the dark haired boy was going to telling him. He showed no emotion as he listened to Yusuke say, “I’m sorry but I can’t make it tonight. I have stuff to do.”

Kurama left without saying one word. There was no need to speak. One can only say ‘I understand’ so many times before they no longer did and for Kurama that time had come now. For the twelfth time this month Yusuke had canceled on him. He walked home bitter, hurt and confused. He simply couldn’t fathom what was going on.

When he got home he cloistered himself in his room. He was still trying to come up with a present for Yusuke. The events of the past hour made him not want to get one. He didn’t see the point in buying a gift for someone who wouldn’t be there to appreciate. He didn’t know why, but he pulled out a sheet of paper and pen. After scribbling on the paper he had a brilliant idea. It occurred to him that sometimes the best gift is no gift. There are some things money can’t buy. He began writing with new vigor and he finished in less than fifteen minutes. He reread his words and was quite satisfied with them. He rewrote it then placed the paper in a red envelope.

‘That’s one less problem. Now if only I can figure out what is going on with Yusuke,’ he thought to himself.

Over the course of the next week the pair maintained minimum contact. Yusuke became better about returning phone calls, but they still didn’t see each other. Despite these occurrences Yusuke still professed his love and promised to be at the party tomorrow. His word was good enough for Kurama.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today was Saturday, the day of the anniversary party. It was scheduled to begin at 4pm. All of the invited guests had arrived no later than 4:15pm. The last one to show was Hiei. Instead of seeking entrance through a window he knocked on the front door and waited to be let in.

“I had no idea you knew how to use a door.” Kurama motioned for the demon to enter. “I did not expect to see you here this evening.”

The fire demon stepped inside. He narrowed his eyes and spied his surroundings suspiciously. “You pestered me nonstop for the past week. You practically threatened me.”

The fox smiled innocently. “You know good and well I am no match for you. You came because you wanted too, not because you were frightened.”

“Believe what ever makes you happy.” Hiei scanned the room again. He asked with a sarcastic edge, “Where’s the other guest of honor?”

Kurama pulled up a chair to the front window and sat down. “You know how Yusuke is. He’ll show up when he’s ready.”

Hiei went over to food table and sniffed the various contents. Kuwabara greeted him and the two instantly began bickering. Botan had to separate them before the argument escalated.

Kuwabara walked over to where Kurama was seated in his chair. He pointed to a red envelope his friend was holding tightly. “Is that what you got for Urameshi?”

“Yes, I believe I got him the perfect thing.”

The carrot topped boy squinted at the puny envelope. “You had a month to buy him a present and that’s the best you could come up with. I feel sorry for Yusuke.”

“It may not look like much, but it’s worth more than you think.”

“What’s in it?”

Kurama smiled at his nosy friend and told him, “This is for Yusuke's eyes only. It’s very personal.”

The party guests mingled and waited patiently for the last person to arrive. The more minutes that passed the more strained the conversations became. They were all trying to avoid stating the obvious. It was 4:40 pm and Yusuke was still a no show.

“You’d think he’d at least show up on time for his own party,” Kuwabara said in between bites of food.

Keiko nodded her head in agreement. “He should have been here forty minutes ago.”

Shizuru shrugged her shoulders. She looked like she was bored. “I don’t know why you’re acting surprised. We’re talking about Yusuke.”

Botan looked very concerned. “Maybe something has happened to him. He could be in trouble.”

Hiei snorted loudly and rolled his eyes at the ferry girl. “We all know he is capable of taking care of himself. The boy just forgot.”

Ms. Minamino walked over to the small group of friends. “Not so loud Shuuici might hear you. He doesn’t need to hear his friends saying what he’s already thinking. He’s upset enough as it is.”

They all turned to look at Kurama. He was sitting in a chair that faced the window. He had been sitting there ever since the party was supposed to have started. His heart was heavy, but he pretended it wasn’t. He pretended not to notice the clock. He pretended not to hear his friends and mother talking in hushed tones. He pretended not to notice his boyfriend’s inexcusable tardiness. He only sat in the chair and clutched the red envelope to his chest.

Thirty minutes later at 5:10pm he was still in the same position. The only thing that changed was the obvious look of sadness that covered his beautiful features. His eyes were clouded with hurt and the corners of his mouth drooped. His friends tried to cheer him up and distract him from his heartache, but he said nothing to them. He didn’t even bother to look at them. His eyes remained fixated on some imaginary sight that lay just outside the reach of the window.

Ms. Minamino gave up on trying to console her son. She knew him well enough to know kind words wouldn’t make a difference. The only thing she could do was sit next to him and reassure him he wasn’t alone.

Shizuru grabbed her purse. “I’m leaving. If Yusuke isn’t showing I see no point in staying here.”

Botan grabbed her armed. “That’s a terrible thing to say.”

Keiko grabbed Shizuru’s other arm. “Kurama needs our support right now.”

Shizuru shook the extra arms off. “No what he needs to do is go kick a certain somebody’s ass. Us sitting here and pitying him won’t do him any good. Kazuma you coming?”

Her brother shook his head no. “Even if it won’t do him any good I’m gonna stay.”

“Fine I’ll stay. I don’t know why you guys are giving such a hard time, Hiei left a long time ago.”

Kurama finally looked away from the window. All the chatter was starting to annoy him. Part of him wanted them to leave, but mainly he’s grateful for their loyalty and kindness. He still wasn’t used to having so many people care about him. For a brief moment he wished he could go back to the time when he didn’t have anyone that cared for him and he cared for no one. He wouldn’t be in so much pain right now if that was the case. He wanted to hate Yusuke for forgetting about to today. He wanted to get mad at him. He wanted to yell at the boy until he was hoarse. More importantly though he wanted to find him and make sure he was safe. Kurama knew he wouldn’t be able to do any of these sitting in a chair.

He stood up then faced his friends. “I want to thank you for coming. I’m sorry you wasted your time. I don’t plan on staying any longer so you shouldn’t either.”

Kurama hurried out the door before anyone could stop him. He was halfway down the steps when he heard someone follow him outside. He looked over his shoulder and saw his mother. “Please don’t tell me how sorry you are about this happening. It’s really not necessary.”

She smiled at him. “I wouldn’t dream of saying that to you Shuuici. I just wanted to give you this, you dropped it by your chair.”

He took from her extended the red envelope. He was tempted to tear it up and throw it to the wind. After several seconds of deliberations he put in his pocket then turned to leave.

As he walked away his mother said, “Try not to let your anger get the best of you. Keep an open mind and an open heart.”

Kurama didn’t respond to her advice he was too busy trying to forget what just happened. He was stood up at his own anniversary party. In his mind he was calculating how many times Yusuke canceled dates in the past month, how many times the dark haired boy was nowhere to be found and how many phone calls went unreturned. The only solution that seemed feasible to the complex equation was cold feet.

‘He should have just told me. I’m not a weak hearted child. I’m capable of handling rejection.”

Kurama’s thoughts were swirling. He almost didn’t notice the black bundle that dropped out of a nearby tree and began following him. He was not pleased with the unexpected company.

“I’m not in the mood for your cynical remarks Hiei. If you’ve come to gloat please take it elsewhere.”

The fire demon kept following. “I have better things to do than laugh at your pathetic love life.”

Kurama looked down at his little friend. “Then why are you here?”

“I can find him for you if you like.”

The fox in human form shook his head no. “I’ll find him myself.”

“I can do it faster than you can.”

“I don’t want your help Hiei! I want to be left alone and handle this for myself.”

Unfazed by the harsh words Hiei said, “Don’t say I didn’t offer.”

He leapt into the nearest tree and disappeared from sight. Kurama was glad to see him go. He needed to be alone so he could calm his anger before finding Yusuke. Even though he didn’t acknowledge his mother’s words when he left he heard them and took them to heart. If you Yusuke wanted to end their relationship then there was nothing he could do about it. He promised himself he would listen to the boy’s reasons and try to understand them.

The red haired boy searched in vain. Yusuke wasn’t at the arcade, the movie theater or any of the other spots he frequented. He had hoped all his searching would help calm him down. Instead it only stoked the fire of his rage. He ran out of places to look and he didn’t want to return home to pitied. The only place available was the park. His first thought was to reject this idea. The park was full of unwanted memories of the person he was trying to escape. If there was another place to go he would have went, but there wasn’t any. Kurama headed towards the park with heavy feet and a heavy heart.

He lost track of how much time he spent sitting on the bench and staring at the setting sun. His thoughts were a jumble of anger and sadness mixed in with dashes of happiness. He was sitting in the park where he and Yusuke first kissed and professed their love. It was their one-year anniversary, but they weren’t celebrating. They weren’t even together on this special night. He had no idea where the person he loved most was.

Kurama sighed deeply and stared at the sunset for a while longer. He was considering going home when he heard his name called out from behind. Despite his anger his heart skipped a beat as he recognized the voice. ‘Yusuke!’ He didn’t dare turn around just yet he was still too hurt. The thought of seeing the handsome face that always made him happy made his heart sink even lower in his chest.

“Hey Kurama,” Yusuke called out again as he sat down on the bench. He attempted to sit close to his companion, but the slender frame scooted down to the opposite end. “I guess I deserved that. I’m sorry I was late.”

Kurama nearly hit the ground he was so surprised. “Late! Is that what you call not showing up at all? Late! I wonder what it’s like in your world.”

“Right now it’s very sad.”

This stunned the fox even more. “You think you’re sad. Try sitting in a room waiting for your boyfriend to show while five other people try cheering you up.”

“I didn’t mean for any of this to happen Kurama.”

“What did you intend not to show up at all?”

Yusuke nervously ran his hands over his hair. This wasn’t going well at all. “Will you please just listen to me?”

Kurama was livid. He was so mad he could barely remain seated. “What is there to say? If you don’t want to be with me just say so. I’m perfectly capable of handling rejection.”

The last remark was spoken so quickly Yusuke could hardly understand it and it left him confused. “What are you talking about?” He decided to worry about one problem at a time. He tried to hold Kurama’s hand, but the red haired boy snatched it away. “I’m really sorry, but I can explain it all.”

Kurama finally faced the younger boy. Even in the setting sun the anger that flashed in his eyes was frightening. “How can you possibly explain not being there on one of the most important night of our lives? How you possibly explain the past month?”

Instead of attempting an answer Yusuke pulled out a small black box. The moment he opened the box the park’s lights came on and illuminated the inside of the box. Out the corner of his eye Kurama saw a twinkle. He turned to look and a saw a silver band that was engraved a single rose.

“A month ago I went shopping for your present. At this one store I saw a really beautiful ring that was perfect for you. It was silver and had a sculpted rose on it with a red gem in the center. I wanted to buy it for you so bad, but it cost a lot of money. Keiko suggested I get a job. I laughed at her and told her hell no. I didn’t want to look like a bum when our anniversary came so I worked after school and weekends doing errands and whatever else I could. I saved up every cent I earned and I didn’t even make half of the money I needed to buy the ring. Frustrated and desperate I spent all of today looking for the perfect gift. I couldn’t find anything. I finally gave up hope and on my way to your house I walked by a pawnshop. Inside the store window I saw this silver band. It wasn’t the ring I wanted to buy you, but at least it was a start. I went inside and bought it. The guy behind the counter said for a little extra he could engrave it for me. I was gonna do the whole band up with roses, but I could only afford to get the one done. I was still pissed off because I wanted to do more for you. I wanted to show you how special I think you are. By now I was already over an hour late. When I got to your house I stood outside for fifteen minutes trying to come up with a good excuse for being so late. While I was outside I noticed an inscription on the inside of the ring. It pretty much summed up the way I feel about you. The words made me feel brave enough to knock on your door. Your mom told me you were gone and I knew you had to be here.”

Yusuke looked at Kurama’s face, but he was unable to read it. Kurama had a blank expression on his face. The dark haired boy was nervous and continued trying to explain his actions. “I know I should have been there for you. I really let you down, but I promise it’s the last time. Please believe me. I wanted to be with you.”

Kurama smiled sadly and shook his head. “You missed our anniversary because you didn’t have a present. You idiot. I didn’t care about a present. All I wanted was to be with you. I would have been happy if you just showed up with a smile.”

“I told Keiko that but she wouldn’t believe me!”

Kurama finally moved closer. He next to his companion and held one of his hands. “Yusuke all that matters to me is that you love me. A gift can’t tell me that only you can.”

“I know that and I’m really am sorry. I’m…”

Kurama covered Yusuke's lips with a finger and hushed him. “Apology accepted.”

He leaned over to kiss the raven haired boy’s cheek when the latter hissed in pain. “What’s wrong?”

“Keiko, Kuwabara, Botan and Shizuru took turns showing me how wrong I was for showing up late. The only person that didn’t hit me was your mom and she took her time about making them stop.”

“I shall have to be more careful then.”

The two boys kissed. They held each other close and drank in one another’s presence. Their kiss was a silent vow that the day’s earlier events were forgotten and never to be repeated.

When they parted Kurama asked, “May I see my ring?”

Yusuke passed the velvet box to him. “I hope you like it. Be sure to read the inscription.”

The young fox eyed the tiny script and read it aloud, “I love you more than words can say.” He looked at the rest of the ring and smiled. “It’s beautiful. I’ll treasure it always.”

Yusuke took the ring from Kurama’s hand and slipped it on the red haired boy’s right ring finger. “I don’t know if we’ll always be together, but I hope we are. I guess this ring is a symbol of that hope.”

Kurama reached into his pocket and pulled out the red envelope. “Speaking of presents. This one is for you.”

Yusuke ripped open the envelope. “What is it a gift certificated?” He pulled out a piece of paper folded into quarters.

The young boy silently read the words written in perfect penmanship.

Dear Yusuke,

What can I tell you that you do not already know? I love you so much, but that goes without saying. You mean the world to me, but you know that. I could tell you I would die for you in a heartbeat, but this too you already know.

What can I give you that you do not already have? I gave you my heart and my love a year ago today. If I could have I would have given you my soul too. I want to give you everything I have to offer. I want you to have all of me and you do.

It is our anniversary though. I should be giving you a gift. Only I do not have anything to give. Perhaps there is one thing I can give you. A simple promise that so long as I am breathing I will never break.

I, Kurama, promise to be there when everyone else deserts you. I promise to believe in you when everyone else doubts you. I promise to support you when everyone else falters. Above all else I promise to love you. It does not have to be you against the world anymore, because I am here to face it with you.

I know it does not seem like much, but when you take into consideration what this entire vow implies it is priceless. Please treasure it as I know only you can.

Yours Eternally,

Kurama


For a moment Yusuke was unable to talk. No matter how many times he swallowed the persistent lump in his throat would not go away. With his capacity for speech hindered he did the next best thing. He hugged Kurama tight and refused to let him go. He covered the older boys full lips with his own and kissed them till he couldn’t breathe any longer then did it all over again.

“You don’t know how much it means for me to read this. I love you Kurama and I always will.”

“I love you too Yusuke.”

“Do you think the others are still mad me?”

Kurama held Yusuke's hand even tighter. “Of course they are, but don’t worry about it. All that matters is I forgave you. And if they try to attack you again I’ll protect you.”

The two boys shared another embrace and another kiss then reluctantly parted. They knew they should return soon otherwise they’re friends and family would be worried. Kurama and Yusuke held hands as left the park unconcerned about who saw or what they said. All that matter was the bond they shared. As more anniversaries come and go this bond will strengthen and become unbreakable.


THE END


I think it’s best to end this story on a high note. Between the upcoming spring semester and other projects I won’t be able devote as much time to this story as I would like. I hope everyone enjoyed it, because I enjoyed writing it.

Yusuke & Kurama Forever,
cillaxox