True Dedication

Chapter 6

The restaurant was an elegant establishment indeed. Chandeliers hung low, soft music played in the background and the smell of the delicious food had Yusuke salivating at the mouth. Kurama could only laugh and shook his head.

Yusuke stood in the main reception area looking around in awe. He only came to a place like this when Keiko’s parents treated them to a night out. Usually he and Kuwabara would eat at the small ramen shop where Keiko’s parents owned or at the McDonald’s a couple blocks from his apartment. Even the atmosphere of the restaurant rang out high maintenance and he wondered why Kurama would bring him here. Yeah he mentioned taking him out to eat but this…this was too much.

‘Is that the reason he had me change into these clothes?’ He mused as he took in the khaki slacks, navy blue button downed shirt, and black loafers. ‘Hell he even made me wash the gel from my hair.’

Kurama found himself staring at a very dashing Yusuke who kept pulling at his shirt and running his hands thru his hair nervously. ‘Only Yusuke’ he smiled inwardly as he checked his attire over. Black slacks clung fittingly to his slender build, a light blue polo shirt and black dress shoes. He knew this was a good place to bring his friend seeing as it was his favorite restaurant and his mother adored the place.

The place radiated warmth and a familial quality that Kurama fell in love with. Each dining room held rounded dinner tables with wooden finishes and comfortable chairs done in deep mahogany. Dimmed lights gave the place a soothing aspect and there was enough space between the tables to have a bit of privacy while you ate. The bar sat near the left wall just before you reached the restrooms.

“Do you have a reservation?” A young girl with dark brown hair asked. She eyed the two boys awkwardly as she flipped her shoulder length hair behind her.

“Yes,” Kurama replied as he approached the podium where she stood, “Minamino, Shuichi.” He returned her stare with his bright smile. He knew what she had to be thinking but didn’t give her the satisfaction of his time.

“Right this way.” She grabbed two menus from the podium and escorted the two of them towards a round table close to the bar but three tables from it. They were also in perfect view of a window looking out on the street.

“The waitress will be with you momentarily. Enjoy your meal.” The brown-haired girl said as she made her way to leave. Kurama spotted her nametag and saw it was Rachelle.

“We will thank you for your assistance, Rachelle.” Kurama replied giving her a warm smile. He glanced at the menu to see what specials they had for the evening. He looked up to see what Yusuke was doing and saw Yusuke’s eyes grow wide as he scanned all the delicacies on the menu.

‘I believe Yusuke will spend my whole salary here. Ah well as long as he is happy, I don’t mind.’ Kurama said to himself.

Yusuke felt someone staring at him and saw Kurama looking at him affectionately. Unable to resist the charm, he smiled back at the redhead who in returned smiled.

‘I wonder if he’s thinking about what happened earlier. Dear kami I hope not because right now he’s doing something to me and I can’t shake this feeling off.’ Yusuke thought.

“So…Kurama…” Yusuke started, trying to break the silence.

“Yes Yusuke.” Kurama replied, taking his eyes off the menu to glance at his friend.

“I was wondering…no thinking that it would make sense if you know…I got a…job…” Yusuke blinked twice as he saw Kurama’s mouth turn into a brilliant smile.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea Yusuke. I may be able to pull some strings for you. I’m sure my step-father wouldn’t mind having another hand around that place.” Kurama said excitedly.

“Well that settles that.” Yusuke said with a nod. ‘In truth, I want to prove to her that I can take some responsibility. That I’m not just an “Irresponsible little brat” as she put it.’ Yusuke reflected.

“So Yusuke, when do you plan on moving back with Keiko, or back to your own apartment?” Kurama asked, breaking Yusuke’s concentration.

“Oh…I uh…I was actually…planning…” Yusuke felt himself lost for words by the sudden question. He couldn’t form the right words to convey his feelings.

‘I must’ve said something wrong because now he’s looks upset. Maybe I presented the question too early.’ Kurama considered. ‘But on the other hand. I have grown used to his company. It is sort of lonely every since I moved out from mother’s home.’

“I’m sorry Yusuke, what I meant to say are you planning on leaving any time soon? You know, so when I set up the interview for you they will have a place to reach you, that is all.” Kurama re-iterated.

“I uh…yeah…I was actually gonna ask you, you know if it’s not a big deal that I could…you know stay with you, perhaps?” Yusuke slowly lifted his head to look Kurama in the eyes.

Kurama noticed the sadness building in his friend and wanted to quell it. He slid his hand on top of Yusuke’s and smiled.

“Of course you can stay longer Yusuke. If that is what you want?”

“Hell yeah…I mean yeah that’s cool.” He said trying to calm himself down. He felt Kurama’s hand tighten on his and blushed. ‘What the hell is wrong with me?’

Just then, a blonde waitress with a slender figure, enormous breast, and a super model face walked over to their table. She took out a pen, pad from her smock, and flipped it open.

“So what can I get for you this evening, gentlemen?” She asked, as she looked both her customers over with searching light blue eyes.

Looking down at his menu again, Kurama said, “Let me try the boneless chicken with the mash potatoes, and a garden salad.” He handed the girl his menu.

“Nice choice?” She said, jotting down everything Kurama had ordered. She then looked at Yusuke, giving him one of her best winks. “And you sir?”

“Yeah, I’ll have the same thing he’s having and I want to try your Caesar salad, please.” He said handing over his menu as well.

“Okay then. And what will be your drinks?”

“I will have an iced tea with lemon.” Kurama said, observing the way the server was eyeing Yusuke. ‘Distasteful.’ He thought.

“And you cutie?” She asked Yusuke in her sweetest tone, batting her overly thick eyelashes.

‘I think she’s trying to hit on me’ Yusuke contemplated. ‘Damn I don’t need to have this chick hitting on me. I’m still figuring out this Keiko mess.’

“Yeah let me get a root beer.” He replied with a wry smirk.

“Okay, I’ll be back with your salad.” She finally walked away to place their orders and retrieve their salads.

“Now that we have that over with, how about you tell me why Hiei was so damn jumpy earlier.” Yusuke said, getting straight to the point. That matter had been plaguing him all afternoon. “And why is he jealous of me, as you so put it?”

“To tell you the truth Yusuke, (sighs), I believe Hiei still has feelings for me and since he sees me with you I guess he thought you were competing for my affection.”

“Whoa! Time out!” Yusuke made the gestured with his hand. “You two hooked up? When?” Yusuke’s eyes bugged out of his head. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“We were together, that is. It was after the Makai Tournament. We though since we understood each other that maybe it could work out. However, I found out Hiei was not ready for a committed relationship, so I broke it off. I guess we weren’t meant to be.” Kurama shrugged his shoulders and made circular patterns on the tabletop.

They sat in silence after a while. Kurama just stared out the window, finding nothing of interest. Yusuke just sat there, not knowing what to say. He just found out his two companions had a relationship and didn’t know it. Sure, he was relieved to find out that the fox was single, yet he was suppose to be with Keiko…not developing well… something with his friend, at least he thought so.

“So, now you know one of my many secrets.” Kurama admitted, blushing a bit. “It seems silly now, Hiei and I, but I believed it would have worked out. I love him, no doubt about that, but now it’s more like a brotherly love. I am a bachelor.”

‘Good to know.’ Yusuke noted as a smile crept onto his lips. ‘Wait a damn minute that still doesn’t explain why Hiei’s jealous…or does it…’

“Hey Kurama, does Hiei think we’re together.” Yusuke asked. He had to know where they stood and where he stood in Kurama’s mind.

The question caused Kurama to stop his ministrations with the table to look Yusuke in the eyes. Just before he could say a word, the blonde haired server, whose nametag read ‘Denise’, interrupted them again. She placed Kurama’s salad in front of him and smiled.

“There’s your salad.” She said pointing to his plate. “And here is yours, handsome.” She smiled at Yusuke and made sure he had his eyes on her. She placed their ordered drinks in front of them. “Is there anything else I can get you until your meal comes?”

“No, that will be all thank you.” Kurama replied taking the proffered straw and sipping at his tea.

“How about you sir, would you like anything else?” She said in a seductive tone.

Yusuke ignored her use of flirting and said, “Yeah, let me get a bottle of sake as well.”

“Um sir, you have to be at least 21 to have that. May I see some identification?”

“Well don’t I look like I’m 21?” Yusuke asked a bit annoyed that she thought he was a kid.

“Um…not really…” She said truthfully. She looked towards Kurama who simply ate his salad in peace.

“What! Damn what does a guy have to do to get some freakin sake? I saved this damn world countless times and I can’t get any damn sake!” Yusuke shouted.

Again, Kurama took another bite out of his salad as a couple of people turned around to see what the commotion was. Denise didn’t know how to respond. She gave a short chuckle then quickly tried to walk away towards the kitchen.

“Hey I’m not done talking to you.” Yusuke reached out and grabbed her by the wrist.

“Sir, I really need to attend to my other customers.” She pleaded.

“Answer one question before you leave…how old do I look?” Yusuke asked seriously.

Denise just blinked and tilted her head to the side. Kurama raised an eyebrow as he saw the exchange and shook his head.

“I think you are…let’s see…yeah you’re about 19, right?” she said happily.

“Am I really that young looking?” He asked himself. ‘I thought after being in the Makai it would have made me look a little more mature.’

“Maybe it is the way you are behaving Yusuke.” Kurama quipped as his finished his salad, pushing the dish aside. He looked up to see Yusuke seething, but he couldn’t help the flutter he felt from that gaze. His heart began to melt and raced within his chest.

“Yeah well, just hurry up with our food. I’m wasting away over here.” He said releasing the hold he had on her wrist. He heard Kurama laughing and decided to put an end to it.

“Kurama you find something funny?” He stabbed at a piece of lettuce and cucumber and piled it in his mouth.

“Yes…you …I swear Yusuke, if only you could have seen your face. You looked like a child who was just told he couldn’t have any candy. You look so adorable when you pout. That’s something I admire about you, you don’t care what people think of you and that’s what I like about you.”

“Ha…ha…anyway back to the topic at hand. Why does Hiei think we’re together?” He said in his serious voice continuing to eat his salad.

“Quite simple, you are living at my house and you haven’t once tried to leave, which is why he thinks that.” Kurama stated candidly sipping at his tea.

‘Duh, dumb question Urameshi.’ Yusuke chided himself. “Yeah, but he knows we’re not…I mean he should, shouldn’t he?”

“Hiei does not take into account what he perceives and what his mind tells him. Particularly towards showing any kind of emotion. He is handling his newfound emotions quite well, though it may still take some time to overcome what he has been through. Nevertheless, let’s change the subject. Are you going to attend a university next year?”

“I don’t know…I mean why I should? It’s only wasting more of my time than necessary and if I know anything, my reputation will put that to a stop. Besides, school’s a bore and I need my free time to train and kick some ass. Mainly yours and Hiei’s.” He said with a chuckle.

In truth, it hurt to say that aloud. He knew he wouldn’t get far in college, hell he barely passed his finals, if it weren’t for Kuwabara and…Keiko…he would have failed for sure. But one thing he did know that was hurting him more was his newfound hard-on growing in his pants. ‘Who knew hearing Kurama talk was a turn-on.’

“Though I am looking forward to our next fight, I do believe a good education could help you in the long run Yusuke. Will you at least consider it, for me?”

The fox’s words meant a lot to him. Even if he couldn’t bring himself to say it aloud, he truly felt Kurama cared for him and he was glad to have a friend (besides Kuwabara) who cared that deeply for him.

“I’ll think about it.” Yusuke replied. “All right, the food’s here! Time to stop yapping and start mealing.” He pushed his empty salad plate away making room for the main course.

Denise brought their meals to the table, taking each one off the tray she carried with her right hand. Yusuke looked at the meal and without waiting for Kurama, dug into his boneless chicken and mashed potatoes. The server eyed the boy with amazement and Kurama asked for a refill.

“I hope it’s to your liking?” She said taking away the dirty dishes and Kurama’s empty glass.

“Thank you and please excuse my friend’s behavior for earlier, he was just upset because he didn’t get a chance to get laid today, that’s all.” Kurama said with a smirk.

Yusuke looked up from his plate, glowering at the redheaded boy before him. Denise sweat dropped as she noticed the air growing thick around them.

“Just wait one damn minute. What the hell did you just say?” Yusuke asked his friend.

“You heard me quite clearly Yusuke. Now sit down and finish your meal.” Kurama scolded all the while trying to keep his composure.

“Take that back. You know anyone with half a mind wouldn’t mind fucking this stallion right here. Woman or man, they would love a piece of this ass!” Yusuke shouted to the high heavens.

‘If only he knew how much that offer sounds right about now.’ Kurama said to himself, wishing his aching erection would go down.

“Can I take you up on that offer sometime?” Kurama asked his eyebrow rose in curiosity. Kurama reached under the table to grab Yusuke’s knee for effect.

“Oh shut up Kurama.” Yusuke grumbled as he went back to eating. Then he felt the hand on his knee give a tight squeeze. He looked up and saw the faint lustful glint in the kitsune’s eyes.

“It’s okay besides…I could help you with your problem, if you want?” Denise added in. Both Yusuke and Kurama looked at her, both surprised by her proposal and that she was still standing there.

“Um…that’s okay.” Yusuke said feeling uneasy about this whole ordeal. He swore that when they got home, he was going to kill Kurama.

“Oh…well I got this for you anyway, just in case if you change your mind.” She pulled out a bottle of sake and a cup, placing them in front of Yusuke. “It’s on the house.”

Yusuke’s eyes widened when he saw the bottle, and then blushed when he noticed Kurama’s hand tightened on his knee again. He looked up to see the kitsune fuming. ‘Was he getting jealous?’ Yusuke shook the thought away as he poured himself a nice helping into the cup provided. While doing so, he accidentally knocked one of the silverware to the floor, where it came to a stop just short of where Denise stood.

‘Damn.’ He muttered. ‘How the hell am I supposed to get it when Kurama’s hand is on my knee and this annoying erection preventing me from moving an inch without moaning?’

“Yusuke, is there something wrong?” Kurama asked, sensing his friend’s discomfort. He remembered his hand was on his knee and removed it. Opting instead to eat his meal.

Then he noticed something else, something arousing. Before he could get another word out, Denise had bent over, exposing some of her chest in the process of retrieving the silverware.

“Oh don’t worry; I’ll get you another from the kitchen.” She said cheerfully. Her eyes never once left Yusuke’s face. However when she went to come back up, she saw a healthy bulge in his pants. ‘Must be from me.’ She said playfully. ‘Two can play that game.’

She stood up fully and smiled wickedly, a sweat drop formed on Yusuke’s brow, as he understood what she meant to do. Kurama, puzzled by this little exchanged did not appreciate the flush-look on his friend.

Kurama cleared his throat, effectively breaking the stare-off, which earned him a small growl from the server.

“Could I get that tea now? I’m quite parched.” He asked coolly.

The waitress blinked a couple of times as if dazed. “I will be right back, so don’t you go anywhere.” She said winking at Yusuke. They watched her walk away, only this time she added a little more sway to her walk.

Yusuke shrunk in his seat, wanting to disappear before she returned. He was all too aware of the pissed off look Kurama was giving him. ‘Oh man, just let me die already.’

“What was that all about Yusuke?” Kurama suppressed his anger for a moment. He grabbed Yusuke’s bottle of sake and downed it in one gulp.

“Uh…nothing…really.” Yusuke stammered. ‘Yeah he’s definitely pissed if he just drank that bottle in one gulp.’ He shifted in his seat only that caused a gasp to escape his lips.

“Well, it certainly didn’t look like nothing. What is wrong, you don’t look too good. Do you have a fever?” Kurama reached over to touch Yusuke’s forehead to find that it indeed was hot, and that smell was only growing stronger.

“I’m back.” Denise said panting. Apparently, she ran back, holding out a fork in front of Yusuke. Also, Kurama noted that not one drop of tea could be seen on the carpeted floor.

‘Impressive.’ He said to himself. “Thank you, and sorry for causing you so much trouble tonight.” Kurama said.

“No problem at all, besides I never get such cute customers like you two every night.” She said bending ever so slightly, exposing her plump breasts as she placed Kurama’s tea on the table.

“I…I … I have to go!” Yusuke bolted from his chair and made a straight beeline for the men’s restroom.

Kurama and Denise didn’t know what came over the boy. They didn’t even notice he had gotten up, not until they saw the men’s room door swing open then close.

“Will you excuse me?” Kurama said and followed the toushin to the rest room.

Little did Kurama know that when he walked in, he would not be leaving anytime soon…