#but i really really really want to write fics of them taking care of kuwabaras cat (or cats? apparently in the manga he has multiple)

[rouge-the-bat]

we need less kidfic in the world and more petfic. give those bastards a cat and lets witness the hijinks that ensue

[tackyink]

I'm here >:3

I will begin saying I was the 'gigglin', kickin' my feet into the air' image all the time I was reading, I felt really nostalgic reading it, like when I was reading Anomaly for the first time🤭

This ask may be messy, I will try my best (your writing makes my brain melt, nothing i can do about it-- not that i want to do anything about it...)

First, I know we don't have a title yet, but your character naming skills?? Always top tier, Wakaba is one of the prettiest names I have ever come across. Absolutely lovely you used it.

The characterization?? You always write everyone so well, but Yusuke? Yusuke is always on point, always hilarious AND loving everything about the ramen stand conversation, specially this:

He's so silly 🥰🤭.

Kurama, Kuwabara and Koenma were greatly written too, I could find myself using tones in my head while reading 🤭🤭 I feel like Kurama always regrets his life choices whenever he's with the two of them alone (there are three neurons in that group, Kurama has every one of them). I missed Hiei, but considering he's canonically patrolling on the borders-- (I'm always missing him 😔)

I also really like all your characters, because they tend to be very down to earth (I mean like...costumbrismo? I enjoy slice-of-life immensely, even more mixed with sci-fi/fantasy themes) with normal, everyday life worries. But for both Makoto and Wakaba, there's something mysterious to them? Not quite like the whole ordeal poor Wakaba has because of the marketing, rather, both of them have a very mysterious-y feeling the few first lines that have me hooked right away. I really feel for Wakaba too, it's not nice to have your life fucked up because of other people :((

(ALSO, loving the world 'clusterfuck', adding it permanently to my vocabulary)

To be honest I had to look up what kitsunetsuki meant because I couldn't remember, but I find it hilarious that Kurama was right in the middle of it. The granny reminded me of village's grannies, always wanting to find gossip and gossiping partners--.

(I'm not defending them, but for now I am team antagonist, do not damage old buildings, they are precious remains of times bygones >:( /hj)

This is me doing speculations, but my first thoughts were if the main antagonist (?) would have connections of any kind to Wakaba 🤭 since she's taking care of the shrine and was there when she was little, but that's me wistfully thinking lolol also wondering if we will know more of Wakaba's grand-uncle and aunt-- there seems to be a very deep family connexion.

I guess the part that spoke more to me was when she was retelling how she dived a bit deeper into the woods but nothing happened (? Lots of interrogations SORRY AJSVKASB I don't like to presume things), of course she dived back up, still... And the part when the granny said everyone was an outsider?? That was great. Idk how to explain it, but made sense to me in my head. (no need to answer this! I just want to write the things I think about while reading)

Also also. Does Wakaba have an Osaka accent 🥰? I looove accents. It's ok if she doesn't (it's not like I can shake you for that /jjjj) but I guess accents stick when you are a lot of time in one place... It's a silly question lolol no need to answer very seriously 🤭

I am going to read it again? Absolutely yes. Lisias can wait /j

(I proof-read this, but there might be typos and weird sentences, in my defense, I was very excited)

You are such a joy to have around 😭😭😭

I think YYH is just nostalgia town no matter how you spin it (or is it a me thing? Am I old yet??)

Wakaba's a name I've wanted to use for a long time because I love how it sounds and the imagery it evokes I'm a sucker for names that use the kanji for "leaves", and I finally found the right person to stick it onto. Coming up with names for fics set in Japan is one of my favorite things, and this time around a few are plot relevant. The name of the village is written 渡口, by the way, with the kanji for "cross over" and "mouth," and I've been agonizing over it since last weekend. (ಥ _ ಥ)

Yusuke likes to say first he has a ramen stand, but we know how the money is actually made.

Hiei is scheduled for arrival later! It's a shame I couldn't shove him in from the first chapter, but right now he has no reason to be there. I'll give him a funny one, don't worry, this isn't Anomaly, no one's allowed dignity here.

The slice of life/costumbrismo I think it's my way of making characters more relatable? I think? When it comes to OC centric fic, you need to sell your OCs hard from the beginning or it doesn't work and readers like when they're a little pathetic, it triggers empathy and we enjoy feeling like we're not the only disaster in the room. It also helps to make them more real for me and know them better.

I meant to include a link and a little explanation for the kitsunetsuki term if I uploaded to AO3, but I completely forgot to mention in here. (ˉ▽ˉ；) That woman's just slandering Wakaba, her head is perfectly fine and no one's possessing her, least of all a relative of Kurama.

Wakaba's sort of connected to the forest, if only in the sense that she's the only person left on the village willing to walk into it without a really good reason. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Maybe Mrs. Maekawa is right and the Yatos have become weird for spending so much time near the stinky zone. Her saying that everybody's an outsider is one of my favorite parts of the chapter, tbh.

Ohoho, dialects were taken into consideration! Osaka-ben has rubbed off on Wakaba from living there for most of her adult life, but her family is from Shimane and her natural dialect is Izumo-ben. I have also considered making Mrs. Maekawa a little hard to understand, because Tokyo area boys can't have it so easy. Then again that scene is from Kurama's POV and I'm sure he's heard the funkiest accents in his life, so it might not matter.

I can't thank you enough for this ask, really. 💕💕💕 I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!

[luckystarchild]

1, 2, 11!!

Salty Ask List

1. What OTPs in your fandom(s) do you just not get?

Kuwabara/Yukina. She will CANONICALLY DIE IF HE GETS HER PREGNANT! I think the fandom largely ignores this part of canon, but I can’t write the two of them together unless I specify that their relationship is celibate because of this part of canon. Kuwabara would NEVER risk Yukina’s safety on purpose, and I think their relationship is fundamentally doomed as a result. (But if you write an ace Kuwabara with Yukina? I could dig that. It’s when people write them having a half-breed child or don’t even acknowledge the canonical barriers preventing the success of their relationship that I get squicked.)

2. Are there any popular fandom OTPs you only BroTP?

Meh, probably Kurama and Hiei. Hiei is too emotionally constipated for me to really write him into a relationship with someone as self-aware as Kurama. If a fic takes the time to mature Hiei and show his growth, cool, I’ll buy that. It’s just that most fics I’ve read with them... don’t? Or Hiei reads as OOC and way too emotional/communicative. Basically I don’t see their canon personalities working out, but in the hands of a talented writer, I can buy it if they take care to develop Hiei properly. (I also feel that way when Hiei is in fics with OCs or other canon cast members, so that’s not limited to Kurahie, either.)

11. Is there an unpopular character you like that the fandom doesn’t? Why?

YUKIMIRA KEIKO, GODDAMMIT. Whether she’s the canon version or NQK, I love her to death. She’s smart, has a spine of steel, knows who she is and doesn’t take shit. She knows her worth! We could all learn something from Keiko, that’s for sure.

The fandom hates her for no good reason and because she’s just like us, unpowered and normal, but people don’t want to admit they’re not actually special.

[anthropologicalhands]

fic: (un)acceptable losses

title: (un)acceptable losses characters: Hiei/Kurama summary:  What's an acceptable loss? Hiei and Kurama have different definitions, even if they can't quite pin them down. chapters: 1/2 Ao3 Link

Hiei’s head hurts. He feels wearied and ill at ease, despite his containment to the sidelines during the round. Some of that feeling can be attributed to Yukina’s unexpected reappearance in Ningenkai (and here, of all places), but not all. Some of it can even be attributed to the stress of watching his teammates’ brutal fights, without the strength to intervene. But not all of it.

He’s sick of this whole fucking tournament. It drags at him, weighs him down in new and unexpected ways, worse than even his parole in Ningenkai. It’s a monster trying to drag all of them down a well, forcing him to claw and snarl and fight his way back toward where he glimpses the sky, except the sides of the well keep growing, no matter how much high he climbs.

At least in this moment, he has something of a reprieve. The throbbing in his head persists through the long walk back to the hotel. Ahead of him, Kuwabara walks unaided, despite the beatings he took across two rounds; Hiei refuses to think about the reason why. Yusuke is still supporting Kurama’s weight, one arm around his shoulders, though even the latter is looking better now than he did just a few hours earlier.

Not, Hiei thinks sourly to himself, that it’s that much of an improvement. Hard to look worse after being tossed around like a doll, with a deadly, bloodthirsty plant draining him from the inside.

(He appreciates Yusuke’s efficient dispatch of Bakken, but he wouldn’t have minded a clear shot.)

His hands flex, digging his claws into his palms, creating sensation without pain. Hiei glances down at his right arm, and the corner of his mouth tugs up.

At least in one way he came out better than he went in…

By the time they reach the hotel, Kurama insists he can stand on his own. Yusuke frowns, looking like he wants to protest, and glances over at Hiei. Hiei gives Yusuke a tiny nod of acknowledgement, and falls into step with Kurama. He’s not about to let the fox shrug off anything that needs attention.

Yusuke relaxes minutely, and then turns and heads into the forest, toward Keiko, who watches him approach with an intent, stern look on her face. Kuwabara is already gone, and so, alarmingly, is Yukina, but Hiei won’t concern himself with that now; the worst that Kuwabara would possibly do is make a fool of himself, and Hiei is fine with missing that particular demonstration.

In their room, Hiei sits on his bed, legs drawn up, examining the restored mobility of his right hand with pleasure. He has no doubt that he could’ve gotten it to work on his own, but it was only fitting that the committee’s interference sped up the process for him. It buys him extra time to truly master the dragon, and the pleasure of spiting those corrupt humans can only sweeten the lure he uses to draw the dragon out.

“It looks much better,” says Kurama, drawing Hiei’s focus. He looks up to see Kurama observing him mildly from his own bed, even as he goes through the motions of subduing and coaxing the deadly vetch from his wounds. “I wonder if the committee had any idea that their trick would actually restore your health so efficiently.”

“I doubt it.”

Kurama hums his agreement. “Or perhaps they knew, but deemed it an acceptable risk.”

“Either way, I’ll skip the thank you cards.”

“Of course,” says Kurama, in a musing sort of way that indicates that, no, he hadn’t thought that Hiei would write thank you cards and, in fact, had no idea that Hiei even knew what a thank you card was, but he had that image in his head now and he wasn’t going to forget it anytime soon. Hiei tends to do that--putting images into people’s heads, even when he isn’t using the Jagan. It amuses Kurama, which Hiei sometimes mind and sometimes doesn’t.

Hiei doesn’t mind today; he has more pressing reasons to be annoyed with his partner.

“It’s only an arm,” says Hiei, lowering his hand to rest in his lap. “It wouldn’t have been worth very much if you had really been eaten from the inside out by your own plants.”

“True,” agrees Kurama, not even having the decency to look guilty. He pinches at his seeded arm, wincing as he digs his fingers in, but when he draws his hand away, there’s a small, bloodied seed in his arm. He tucks it back into his hair, and resumes drawing out the rest of the bloody strings of vegetation. Difficult to watch, but Hiei’s seen (and caused) far gorier scenes.

“Or if Bakken succeeded in beating you to death,” presses Hiei, because the number of ways Kurama could have died today is truly alarming. “You scared the detective.”

Kurama doesn’t immediately respond, still working through his arm and chest. It’s good that Kurama won’t meet his stare; annoying if anyone else tried to avoid it, but it means that Kurama might have actually learned a lesson about how his needlessly thorough strategizing leaves him vulnerable to weaker opponents.

“I know,” he says at last. “I miscalculated.”

Hiei knows that’s a big admission for Kurama. He still scoffs. Loudly.

“You don’t. He would have torn the whole stadium apart for you,” snaps Hiei, not thinking about his own reaction, how he thought nothing of destroying his still-healing arm a second time, and possibly even for good, if it meant he could prevent Kurama’s death.

Kurama only offers a faint smile, shadowed by the dark afternoon light. Hiei has noticed that he does that a lot, shifting to stay in shadows and poorly lit spaces, despite his striking looks. He’s never asked about this particular habit of Kurama’s, whether it is left over from his youko form’s sense of theatrics, or a new one formed to remain unobtrusive in a world where he stands out, so he can continue his observations relatively undisturbed.

“I don’t blame either of you for being frustrated by the committee's machinations today,” Kurama is saying, forcing Hiei to focus back on his words. “Nor would I bet against you, even if you fought against the entire stadium. Under better circumstances, I would’ve happily joined you.”

He speaks like he has a head cold, not like he had been bleeding out. How can the fox still be so calm? It’s a thought that Hiei has held frequently in the time they’ve known each other. No matter how well he understands Kurama’s strategies, Kurama’s choices are often beyond him--especially for sacrifices like these. Despite his intellect and his weapons, Kurama treats his own body as fodder for distraction.

(Albeit, usually not so literally.)

“You couldn’t. Fox, you have no idea how close you were to getting killed.”

“I’ve been healing the damage for the last three hours,” says Kurama, a new edge in his voice. “I think I have a better idea than you do. I’m not playing games, Hiei.”

Hiei recognizes that accusation--it’s one he has regularly thrown at the fox over the years. But it only annoys him further.

“And yet you still won’t fix your bad habits,” says Hiei, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed so that he faces Kurama fully. He probably shouldn't be taking advantage of Kurama’s weakened state to harangue him, but the opportunity for him to speak with impunity on these points have been few and far between. How this quiet, careful creature cannot see his own arrogance is alarming and infuriating--especially when he so regularly pokes at Hiei’s perceived shortcomings.

Kurama’s eyes glitter with frustration, but when he speaks, his tone is still level. “I use what I have at hand. I’ve only recently started testing the limits of this body; I need to be deliberate.”

Hiei snorts; he can’t help it. “If you didn’t just put that body at completely unnecessary risk, I might believe you. It’s not my responsibility if you’re too foolish to avoid getting yourself killed, but I would expect you to appreciate that someone else wants you to fix the holes in your guard. Opponents like Gama and Bakken should have been nothing to you--what?”

Kurama is giving him a very strange look, his youki shifting from defensive to questioning.

“You’re taking this rather personally, Hiei.”

“It’s not fun to watch you lose,” says Hiei shortly. It’s an obvious statement, but Kurama is still looking at him with slightly widened eyes, he wonders uneasily if he might have unintentionally implied something more. Hastily, before Kurama can accuse him of sentiment, he adds, “What happens if you have another opponent like Touya? Or an opponent like me, who knows your tactics?”

Kurama opens his mouth as if to speak, only to turn pale and gasp--a short, pained sound--and doubles over on himself. Hiei is off the bed and in two steps is in front of Kurama, hands outstretched and hovering, uncertain where to put them, but determined to offer aid if needed.

But then Kurama uncurls, still breathing deeply, and with a small smile, holds out the bloodied roots of the vetch, now limp in his hand.

“That’s the last of it,” he says, a note of undisguised relief seeping through. He wraps his fingers around the roots, and when they open again, the plant is only a seed again.

“Good.” Hiei steps away, folding his arms close against his chest. “Now you can actually heal yourself?”

Kurama nods. He already looks a little better, now that he’s excised the plant from his system, the edges of pain no longer sharpening the angles of his face.

“Yes. Not to mention, I can actually clean up properly--I still reek of the arena.” Kurama stands carefully, still wincing. Hiei starts to move back toward his own bed, except then Kurama steps right into Hiei’s space, looking down at him. Hiei doesn’t look away.

“I’m sorry I worried you,” says Kurama gently.

Hiei flushes and glares at the corner of the room, looking away from Kurama, who is looking at him like--like he’s a child in need of reassurance. How arrogant.

“You owe Yusuke far more than you owe me,” he reminds Kurama.

“We’ve established that,” agrees Kurama, and when Hiei can force himself to look back, he catches the thoughtful glint in Kurama’s eyes that almost make him wish that he didn’t. “But I still mean it.”

Hiei huffs and closes his eyes, flopping backwards on the bed as if he is about to go to sleep. Kurama is wasting his apologies on Hiei, and knows it.

Still.

“Accepted,” Hiei replies, knowing that he doesn’t need to say it, but that Kurama likes to hear it all the same. He hears Kurama move around the room, gathering his things for the shower, and sleep does seem more tempting, now that they have the promise of a few days’ rest ahead of the semifinals.

“Hiei?”

Ignoring Kurama now wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for him. Hiei opens his eyes to meet Kurama’s: permission to continue.

“If you and I ever truly fight,” says Kurama, mischievously, with that slight, amused smile of his, “I promise that you won’t have to watch me lose.”

He turns and heads into the shower without waiting for Hiei’s response, closing the door soundlessly behind him, and that’s good, because there’s the answer Kurama expects and the answer Hiei can give, and they are no longer one and the same.

[yyhfanfiction]

Rare FF Contest Entries

Please click the keep reading below so you can see the most recent list of contest entries! I encourage everyone to read the entries and review for fandom support, but also because you will be able to vote for a fan favorite at the end of the entire event. :) That link for voting will be posted then. In the meantime, please support our lovely contestants!

Running list of entries or stories in support:

Royal Blood by Totidem Verbis [@tv-writes-ff​]

Summary: The untold story of Atsuko Urameshi.

Rating T

Topic: canon female-centric expansion

Not eligible for fan favorite or other prizes, but written in support of the contest!

The Origin of the Vampire by knightsqueen05

Summary: The birth of the vampire based on the story of Moses.

Warning: this chapter is contained in an anthology/collection of other stories that are T to M ratings. Submission itself does not contain M-content though.

Topic: Human World-centric mythology as it interacts/originates from Demon World

The Rescue by @thesailorettebrewer 

Summary: The fight was over. Botan sat there on the stone floor frozen. She was in shock. She looked across the room to see Hiei fall to his knees but not before his opponent slid off the end of his blood stained blade. She then watched him continue to fall forward, a lifeless form. How had it all come to this? How did they end up here in this situation? HxB 

Rating: T

Topic: Canon female-centric expansion

The Left and Right Hand of the Emperor by @maiji

Summary: The first Emperor of the Demon World is an ambitious one. His goal for the newly unified Makai? Civilize, modernize, and open formal relationships with the Human World. With no more wars to wage but plenty of paper to push, Raizen and Mukuro’s former generals now serve Enki’s administration. It’s just another workday for Hokushin and Kirin as they tackle paperwork, meetings, and the occasional rogue demon threatening progress towards the Open Worlds Policy! [Kirin's perspective]

Rating: T

Topic: Post-barrier removal-centric

How to Get Over a Break Up by @nightjasmine10​

Summary: Shizuru's best friend from high school is going through a difficult time in her life when she finds out that her current boyfriend was cheating on her. How will Shizuru get her friend out of her depression after she suffers through a nasty break up? Ties in with "Musical Espionage".

Rating: M

Topic: Canon female-centric expansion 

Inimical by FivePastTwo (I couldn’t get your tumblr to pop up!)

Summary: The story of a Koorime named Hina. Because not all Ice-Apparitions are cold.

Rating: T

Topic: Canon female-centric expansion

The Creation of Aishling by @wistfulsin​

Warning: this chapter is contained in an anthology/collection of other stories that are T to M ratings. Submission itself does not contain M-content though.

No summary available.

Topic: Human World-centric mythology as it interacts/originates from Demon World

Rumors by @rainestrife

Summary: Kurama thought he was fine without love. It had never really been something he'd care enough about to actively pursue it. Yusuke, Kuwabara, and even Hiei, however, have different ideas. AU for my OC Asaki from A Hand to Hold.

Rating: T

Topic: Platonic main four interaction-centric

The Spirit in the Stall by @hereafteryyh

Summary: Kazuma always had a way of attracting strays, and Shizuru always had the means of making his messes disappear—but on the night in 1991 when he brought home a ferret-that-was-not-a-ferret, he plunged them into a disaster Shizuru couldn't fix on her own. And her only source of help? Well, frankly, she should've known better than to ask Hanako for anything.

Rating: T

Topic: Human World-centric mythology as it interacts/originates from Demon World

When your World Splits Down the Middle by @historioddity

Summary: All Yuri wanted to do was leave the guild hall for her meeting. Past experience told her it wouldn’t be easy and that was the decades before the barrier had fallen. For something the Tengu never dreamed she’d see in her lifetime, she thought she was handling it fairly well. But you always think that before the shit hits the fan. She should have never agreed to lead the bard guild.

Rating:T+

Topic: Post-barrier removal-centric

Friendship Bracelets by @spirit-flyswatter

Summary: [Oneshot] Kuwabara and Hiei find themselves in a bind when Genkai hatches a plot to improve team relations. 

Rating: T

Topic: Platonic main four interaction-centric 

i will love you forever, goodbyes are a two-way street by @fandom-trash-run-up-on-a-hoe

Summary: in order to protect his mother, Kurama abandons her. How will Youko react to seeing her again almost 100 years later ?Takes place post barrier . One-sided love on Botan's side. 

Rating: T

Topic: Canon female-centric expansion 

Okay by @dezzydoesthings

Summary: One-shot: Not a single part of her feared. Even if she died, it would be worth it. Even if death met her the second she stepped foot on the ground, it was better than staying there. She would never give up. Even if she spent her entire life looking for him and never found him, it was worth it. 

Rating: K+

Topic: Canon female-centric expansion 

Puncture Wounds by @o-dragon05

Summary: [An On Dating a Demon fic] If terrorists came to you and told you to leave the person whom you love or others will die, would you?

Rating: M (Content warning: "forcible conversion by way of religion and pain, as well as murder.")

Topic: Post-barrier removal-centric 

Come What Mei by @silverwing013

Summary: Word had it Koenma was trying to undo what his father had done, that he did not know until he overthrew King Enma, but it didn't matter to Mei. Even if rumors were true, action now wouldn't bring her own father back. All she had to do was stay hidden from Spirit World. So Mei hid from all the world around her. Until a new classmate started filling the silence, taking notice of her.

Rating: K+

Topic: Post-barrier removal-centric

Expectations by @iwroteyoualoveletter​

Summary: Spending the day with her first grandchild leads Shiori to reflect on her son's childhood. He never did act the way she'd anticipated-- until now.

Rating: General Audiences

Topic: Canon female-centric expansion 

A Narrow Bridge by @bunnynumnums​

Summary: Yuusuke knew his "detective agency" would get some odd requests. A date here, an autograph there, and the occasional request of a serious pavement facial. Actual dectective work would always come in last on his list so long as humans and demons were still trying to find their middle ground, which, if he was being completely honest, would take a good long while. Not that he minded.  However, when a human mother comes to his door asking for help, Yuusuke will have to flex his long unused investigative muscles in order to find her daughter, who has slowly cut herself off from her family and finally disappeared along with her demonic boyfriend.

Rating: Mature, heed tag warnings noted within.

Topic: Post-barrier removal-centric

Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold by @yamihirugashi

Summary: Expansion of Yukina.

Rating: T

Topic: Canon female-centric expansion

Updated: 5.8.2018 :) Final version!

NOTE: AUTHORS, PLEASE CORRECT ME IF YOUR LINK DOES NOT WORK OR I HAVE MISQUOTED YOUR INFORMATION!

Tags for these posts will be YYHFFRrareFFcontest. FAQ is located here.

[sylvermyth]

2016 Year in Fics

I’m totally stealing the idea from @caseyvalhalla​ (minus all the stats because I have way too many little fics....also I might’ve cheated by copy/pasting them from my fic directory.....)

Total words for 2016:  144,768

This year’s top trends:

unfinished WIP that I keep saying I’ll update

not updating said WIP

a bazillion short fics

branching out with kinkfics and rarepairs and other fandoms

Goals for 2017:

get the ball rolling on this year’s fic writing

finish at least ONE of my WIP (probably Matters of Pride)

write more in other fandoms

write more.

Eternal thanks to:

@apiegohome​ (waifu!) and @nicayal​ for keeping me motivated all year long, listening to whatever nonsense happens to be coming out my mouth at any given moment...also for the figure skating AU (and especially nicayal for your wealth of figure skating knowledge) AND also for helping host @kh-worldsconnected​.

@princess-wasabi​ for always being enthusiastic about my writing, no matter what it is, and for providing me with so, so much art, ilusm my dear.  <3

@savaage-nymph​ and @keybaes​ for also spoiling me with art

@caseyvalhalla​ SEMPAI NOTICED ME!!  No, but seriously, chatting has been such a pleasure, and the solidarity of two non-traditional students has been very helpful these past couple months.  Also your input has been indispensable

many, many others who support my writing through tags, comments, replies, IMs, etc.  <3

PS:  putting the fic list under the cut because it got kinda long....

Matters of Pride (WIP) Rating: T Word Count: 16,113 Pairings: Sora/Riku Fantasy, modern AU Art/fic exchange with @savaage-nymph​ He’d never seen someone look so removed from their surroundings; sure, everybody lived in their own bubble while riding the train, but when Sora looked at him, it was more like he was on a different plane of existence.  Of course, that could have just been Sora being dramatic. Chapter 1: The 7:05 Chapter 2: Just a Scratch Chapter 3: Stalked Chapter 4: Coming to Terms Chapter 5: Instincts Chapter 6: Resources Chapter 7: Under a Dream Sky

Pilfering Silver (WIP) Rating: T Word Count: 9,768 Pairings: Sora/Riku Fantasy, genie AU #november Sora grew up as a street rat.  A mysterious boy, Ku, joined him on his adventures, until one day he disappears.  Sora seeks his friend afterward, and what he finds isn’t quite what he expected.  Can he be reunited with the boy he’s come to care for so much? Chapter 8: Competition Chapter 9: In Favor Chapter 10: Under Scrutiny Chapter 11: Incongruent

A Branded Nobody (WIP) Rating: M Word Count: 9,119 Pairings: Platonic only; Sea Salt Trio Fantasy, slavery AU; warnings for angst/drama, self-destructive thoughts, and references of abuse. It was there, just on the edge of the sector, that Axel’s focus turned to the dull blue eyes, flat like unpolished stones, but still such a stunning hue under those lowered lids.  Perhaps it wasn’t the best criteria to choose a slave by, but then, Axel had always been peculiar like that. Chapter 2: Cautious Steps Chapter 3: Nobody’s Name Chapter 4: Shades Between

Iced

Summary: All that glitters is not gold. Sometimes it’s just an overdressed ice skater trying to regain an ounce of composure after superman-bellyflopping a jump in front of his coach. But hey, everyone has off days. Since qualifying for Nationals and an unexpected locker room encounter with his fellow Sectionals medalist, Roxas has just been having a few more than usual of late.

Main pairing: AkuRoku Rating: T (for now) Chapter word count: 13,013 Co-Authors: @sylvermyth, @apiegohome, @nicayall AO3 Collection: http://archiveofourown.org/collections/Iced

- Sparks and Sparkles - Namesake - Ugly Duckling - At Second Glance - Charity Case - Shine a little

Partager (YOI) Rating: G Word Count: 1240 If anything, it was a sign of trust that Victor left Makkachin in the care of the Katsuki family.  In the care of Yuuri.

Patinage (YOI) Rating: G Word Count: 3643 “Yuuri…” Victor knelt in front of him, and Yuuri hissed in pain when Victor pulled one battered foot into his lap. “How long have you been a skater, hm?” It was chiding, but Victor’s hands were gentle as he inspected tender blisters and welts. “How are you supposed to skate your best when your feet are in such a poor state?”

sentiment (YOI) Rating: G Word Count: 1050 For all that Hasetsu was completely foreign to Victor, it was almost a relief to be there.  Never mind the Japanese assaulting his ears, the illegible signs, the culture that should be shocking him. The food was fantastic, the alcohol potent, and the hot springs—well, Victor was taking full advantage of that.

Glace (Yuri on Ice) Rating: T Word Count: 985 Yurio introspective. His wins feel empty, and when Victor runs off to Japan, he has a moment of self-discovery.

Coming Undone Rating: E Word Count: 2519 Pairing: VanVen Ventus fantasizes about Vanitas, even though he knows Vanitas is dangerous.  Somehow, that makes it more exciting.

Girls’ Night Out Rating: T Word Count: 5180 #yyhbb Divergence from Three Kings arc:  with most of Team Urameshi occupied in demon world, and Kuwabara cramming for exams, the human world is being assaulted by low-level criminals trying to take advantage of the absence of a spirit detective.    However, just because there’s no spirit detective, doesn’t mean there’s no one to defend against troublesome demons.  “So what do you say, Botan?  How about us girls tackle the problem, this time?”

Love Lessons Rating: T Word Count: 6172 Pairing: SoRiku Riku is the socially awkward math teacher.  Sora is the new PE teacher. Riku is instantly smitten, even as he embarrasses himself by spilling his coffee on Sora’s shoes. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Learning Curve Rating: M Word Count: 2329 Pairing: SoRiku Sequel to Love Lessons.  Sora and Riku have done little more than kissing, until Riku suggests a night in.  PWP, fluff.

statera Rating:  T Word Count: 1764 Pairing: VanVen (ish) #worldsconnected 2k16 The room where Ven slept remained undiscovered, and the world met its fate, even as he waited. And waited. And still, neither Aqua nor Terra came to wake him, and really, without his friends, he had no reason to wake. So he slumbered on.  No matter how well protected a place, or a person, there was always one thing that would find a way, past wards, and locked doors. Time.

I move the stars for no one Rating: G Word Count: 5592 Pairing: SoRiku (ish) #worldsconnected 2k16 …if they wanted it bad enough, humans could see the Goblin Realm, and the goblins who lived there.  Sora had always been that kind of person. He was a daydreamer, and saw a little bit of magic in everything. He’d always thought that there was a little bit more to the world than the world let on, and he wasn’t wrong, even if he didn’t know it.  A Labyrinth adaptation.

The draw of dreams Rating: T Word Count: 4798 Pairing: NamShi #worldsconnected 2k16 Miss Larxene and Mister Marluxia had taken her in readily enough, and they’d been gracious to her. Kind. At first. It had happened so gradually that she didn’t notice until it was too late. A sharp word over a small matter, until one word became a torrent of them, and then one day, the words were punctuated by blows. Not that anyone would’ve known, with the layers of petticoats that fashion decreed she wear, and long sleeves covering the bruises on her arms, and even if they had, who would care? She had no one.

The Light-keeper Rating: M Word Count: 2210 Pairing: AkuRoku #AkuRoku Month 2k16 The waves had broken above the rocks, leaving a trail of splintered wood, and there, clinging just above the waterline, was a man.  Roxas hesitated, searching for a safe path before climbing down to his aid.   “Hey.  Are you alive?”  Roxas groped for the the man’s arm, eyes straining against the darkness and rain that was still falling.

On the other end Rating: M Word Count: 1897 Pairing:  AkuRoku Roxas froze, eyes narrowing as he processed the overheard conversation. Of course he’d only heard one side of it, and out of context at that.   But even out of context, the last part of the conversation implied that Axel was lying to him about something.

Locksmith Rating: T Word Count: 1580 Pairing: Zemyx The apartment’s sole occupant, sitting in an armchair and sipping tea, was not Axel, and Demyx, in his surprise, said as much: “You’re not Axel.”  “No,” the man agreed.

Appropriation Rating: M Word Count:  1887 Pairing: AkuNo Heist/con man AU where Reno runs a ‘legitimate business’ and recruits Axel.

The cake is a lie Rating: T Word Count: 2474 Pairing: AkuRoku #fandomworkday2016 There’s nothing sweet about working at Minnie’s Bakery.   It’s a combination of retail and food service, with the usual run of cranky customers, and a manager who’s over-critical and overly creepy in turns.  It’s really not Roxas’s day, but that’s nothing unusual.  What is unusual is what’s waiting for him at the end of the day, a spark of light at the end of the tunnel.  Written for Take Your Fandom To Work Day 2016.

Voyeur Rating: M Word Count: 1458 Pairings: AkuRoku Roxas likes to watch his new neighbor.

Rikuzel Rating: T Word Count: 2816 Pairings: SoRiku Rapunzel, but with Riku.

Angora Roving Rating: T Word Count: 2291 Pairings: SoRiku Easter 2k16 In which Sora decides to adopt a pet rabbit, whose name is Riku.

Self-Indulgence Rating: E Word Count: 3521 Pairings: SoRiku microphilia kinkfic Even if the cookies didn’t say “Eat me,” they were still begging to be eaten, they were still from Wonderland, and Sora still shrunk down to size.  Instead of finding a way back to scale, Sora sets out to cause some mischief…and gets more than he bargained for. Part two, Incubi:  Sora and Roxas are incubi, and Axel is their prey.  PWP. Self-Indulgence Incubi

Organic Chemistry: Rating: T Word Count: 4808 Pairings: Zemyx, AkuRoku College AU; Christmas/Winter fic #khsecretsanta 2015 Lazy. Articulate. Enthusiastic. Hot. Zexion mentally ticked off the adjectives he’d accumulated for his chemistry professor, and tried to remember when he’d started using that last one. It was pointless and stupid to be infatuated with an instructor. Nothing would come of it except disappointment, although he had to admit, the way he fixated on the cadence of the guy’s voice during lectures made Orgo all the more interesting.

DRABBLES:

(non-KH fics) It Suits - 414 words, Kurahi (YYH), #halloween 2k16 stitch by stitch - 639 words, gen (Natsume Yuujinchou) provoked - 568 words, KuraHi (YYH) à la mode - 439 words, Keiko and Botan (YYH) small comforts - 872 words, KuraHi (YYH) Hot and Cold - 1376 words, KuraHi (YuYu Hakusho)

(KH fics) Costume Not Found - 210 words, LeaKu, #halloween 2k16 Invite - 710 words, SoRiku, #halloween 2k16 Nightmare - 690 words, #halloween 2k16 haunted house - 560 words, SoRiku, #halloween 2k16 Permanent Ink - 958 words, AkuRoku under cover - 511 words, LeaKu first impressions - 1018 words, AkuRoku, #akuroku month 2k16 Strays - 1328 words, AkuRoku, #akuroku month 2k16 Trussed - 806 words, AkuRoku, #akuroku month 2k16 Butterscotch - 835 words, AkuRoku, #akuroku month 2k16 heat sink - 450 words, AkuRoku, #akuroku month 2k16 Blocked - 712 words, AkuRoku Long Distance Call - 844 words, SoRoku Sea Salt GO - 647 words, Sea Salt Trio Intimate - 754 words, Zemyx hold on tight  - 794 words, LeaKu On the grass, under the stars - 844 words, AkuRoku Inseparable - 1084 words, SoRiku Brave Lies - 465 words, SoRiku Words without Voice - 533 words, LeaKu When the Rain Comes - 836 words, LeaKu Vermilion - 988 words, AkuNo Quattro Formaggi and Kraft Mac n Cheese - 1216 words, AkuRoku Cottontail - 467 words, RiKai Tempus fugit - 1314 words, AkuRoku En Pointe - 964 words, AkuRoku Soothing Scars - 1498 words, SoRiku Sneaking about - 738 words, LeaKu Flamme Noire - 1125 words, AkuRoku (1st person) Write something beautiful - 593 words, Leon/Riku To Seal The Deal - 625 words, Larx/Dem Allegory of a Nobody - 799 words, LeaKu, about depression For You - 1312 words, SoRiku Preserving Echoes - 436 words, NamShi Duplicity - 662 words, SoRiRoku Change of Heart - 613 words, AkuSai Always - 519 words, SoRiku, tragedy Different People - 672 words, Lea/Riku Tempest - 960 words, Cleon Siren/pirate fic Stetson - 604 words, AkuRoku Bound - 539 words, SoRiku, non-explicit/non-sexual kink

[tackyink]

So, uh. It's 3 am and I have come after reading the rest of Anomaly in one sitting. So ideas are not ordered at all

I am tearing uppp ;-; idk where to begin,, just everything was so right aaaa

I really liked Mako's character development and the relationships with other characters :)) Kurama was obvious, but it didn't make it worse in any way, I am very soft for the two. Yusuke is another obvious, but by far my favourite platonic dynamic, more so at the last chapters (I will get onto those in another paragraph) they tease the hell of each other, share hardships and are there for each other in happy moments too,, I really really loved their interactions! As for Hiei, not too much of mushy things (obviously, but I really liked how low-key was their friendship(? acquaintance (?? they are in the middle of the two words, enough to have Hiei on character). The one I didn't expect was the Kuwabara-Makoto friendship? Like, I read how they were awkward in Shiori's wedding (queen) but I feel it was really natural, like when you are at the beginning of a friendship and still don't know how to make conversation,, and the next chapters only enforced that :)) it made me very happy somehow!

As for the girls, I have a lot of things to say! They were so funny in the DT arc and you captured their character so well during and after it, I felt it was impossible for Makoto to stay away completely. I feel that if they were real they would be the type of people who just suck others into their orbit without being overbearing, and they made such a nice mix! Of course with their differences and not too close (like Fumi and Mako, for example!) but just enough to feel good while reading their interactions ♡

About Fumi's decision to swore off men, you go girl it's best choice lmao and for Chizuru, damn jealous

The last two chapters were too much for my poor heart, it was beating like crazy while I was laughing. Chapter 25 is such a Mess™ (plot-like I mean, poor Mako can't have a rest) and it was in tune with the anime/manga Mess™ also accidental marriage proposal + accidental confession? Sign me up. The chapter I enjoyed the most by far and that is saying a lot because there isn't a single chapter I haven't enjoyed. But that sweet scene between Mako and Kurama when he appears in chapter 26 and the proposal to go to Makai together? That made me mush and melt in my bed. Repeatedly. I have not simped so hard for a pairing like them.

Honorable mentions: 1. Mako being petty as hell is my new religion and I shall follow through. The fox plushy. I will never forget. Also, reminding your half-boyfriend he stood you up/making puns about stolen things AND nagging him because he cannot end a fight without needing a hospital? True gf material/j

2. The part when mako went to Kyoto again & the encounter with the fox demon and the will-o-wisp is one of my favorite scenes too. I don't know why, it just is.

3. I live for Doraemon crumbs. I love the cat.

I don't think I have anymore to say for now JAJAJA if I remember anything I will come back, but for now I will go cry into my bed because there isn't more Mako&Kurama-- /hj

Once again, best wishes (>︿<｡)♡

I woke up in the middle of the night, saw this at 4 AM and proceeded to fall unconscious again.

Writing Kurama’s relationship with Mako was fun because there’s this person in a very similar situation to him but with a ridiculous age gap and a totally different outlook on life, and I like that what sparked the whole thing was that both thought that the other was really fucking weird and they wanted to know more. I seriously didn’t know how the thing was going to pan out. I feel like Anomaly wrote itself and the characters held the wheel the whole time. As I said, same applies to Yusuke. I thought Mako would dismiss him as an idiot and he’d avoid her because of her personality, but Yusuke’s such an open person and Mako’s so unused to not being judged that they just. Clicked. (This is canon btw: after Anomaly, Yusuke’s roping Mako into helping with his Spirit Detective-lite cases in exchange for ramen. He did it at first when he was stumped and Kurama wasn’t available, but now he does it whenever he feels like it because he relishes in knowing he has the power to summon her from the mountains. She complains all the time but goes anyway.) I was a little sad that in the end Hiei didn’t show up much in the fic because he didn’t cross paths with Mako many times. I think they have this sort of distant respect for one another and they’re like, this is not the first nor second person I would go to for help, but if shit hits the fan the other’s going to be there and that’s what matters. Hiei’s opinion of Makoto hinged on Kurama’s (“I respect this guy and he seems to respect her”) and Yukina’s (“they get along”) own impression of her. Yes to the observation about her and Kuwabara! They’re still learning how to talk to each other. But they’re trying! Look at them fumbling their way through a social situation!

Makoto was a fool for even thinking she could escape the grasp of the other girls. She’s one of them now, whether she likes it or not, and I like how clear that was when she was all worried about Yusuke possibly dying again and asked Atsuko for a hug, and Atsuko just jumped at the opportunity. This is her kid too. She didn’t know what to do with the first kid, much less a second, but she’s going to take her anyway.

Fumi/Shizuru is the true power couple of the fic and it happens in the background because otherwise they’d take over the story.

I was so unsure about those extra chapters. I’m always afraid to touch Anomaly because I think I finished it the best way possible and I’m terrified of messing it up by adding more to it. I wish I had the drive right now to work on the sequel(s) and other extra chapters I had in mind, but for now and as long I’m lost in the Grand Line, I’m satisfied that you find it satisfying. <3

1. Hey, Kurama’s a little shit, so if he can dish it, he can take it. This is a balanced relationship.

2. I loved writing that part! Everything is told from Makoto’s perspective, but this was purely her part of the story, not Yusuke’s, and it shows in the general feel of the chapter. I don’t know how to say it, but it’s very Mako? She has a way to look at creepy and make it feel natural instead of scary.

3. Look. Mako picks up on other people’s thoughts and feelings, not hers. This cat loves her so much that little Mako got a vision from him before they met, that's why she knew where to find him. He trips her all the time but that's because he's a tsundere. Can’t let her go soft.

Thank you so much for your messages, you’ve made my day again. （*’∀’人）♥ Take care!!

[anthropologicalhands]

fic: (un)acceptable losses ii

title: (un)acceptable losses characters: Hiei/Kurama summary:  What’s an acceptable loss? Hiei and Kurama have different definitions, even if they can’t quite pin them down. chapters: 2/2 Ao3 Link

~

Sometimes, the best strategy really was to just think less.

Not that it helped that much, as Kurama still got thoroughly thrashed--though thankfully, no gut wounds that Hiei could harass him about. Mukuro didn’t know the meaning of holding back. And she liked Kurama. Then again, no one in their right mind could argue that she didn’t care for Hiei, and look what she’d done to him in the first Makai Tournament. 

Speaking of Hiei…

Kurama had woken up to the sight of Hiei perched on a stool by his bed, looking like a rather large, miffed owl, apparently annoyed at Kurama for having the audacity to be hospitalized. Not that he said it in so many words. But even after Kurama’s injuries are deemed noncritical, Hiei doesn’t vanish, instead holding bandages and updating Kurama on the status of the other fighters. 

From Hiei’s brief, colorful summations, Kurama learns that Kuwabara is in the middle of slugging it out with Jin and, though the odds are against him, continues to hold his own with great style. Meanwhile, Yusuke is still tearing through his opponents, though current bets put him on track to go against Enki, and it’s an open question of who would win that fight. 

“That’s good to hear,” says Kurama. He’s still disappointed that he passed out after his fight with Mukuro--unconscious, he couldn’t persuade anyone that he was, in fact, fine and please bring him to the observation deck. “Thank you for checking up on me. You don’t have to stay if you want to return to watch the fights.”

“Like I have anywhere else to be,” Hiei balances on the soles of his feet on the stool’s improbable seat, arms crossed, staying upright against physics. He adds, “We can go watch the screens once you can actually move around. And you’re much better company than anyone in the stands.”

Hiei, unfortunately, had gotten knocked out in the first elimination block, after having the misfortune of drawing the same lot as Yomi and another one of Raizen’s old cohort. Not that Hiei didn’t put up a good fight; his dragon inflicted enough damage on Yomi to make him lose in his next round.

Kurama probably finds that whole situation much funnier than it should be. He might need to avoid Yomi for a little while, if he wants to keep a straight face during their next conversation. He’s sympathetic to Hiei’s annoyance at being finished so early in the tournament, but can’t say he regrets it.

“As you like.” Kurama is hardly going to complain about getting Hiei’s undivided attention to himself for a little longer, even if just looking at how he’s sitting on that stool makes Kurama’s back twinge in sympathy.

Besides, now that his head isn’t throbbing, Kurama has a couple of questions.

“Mukuro said something interesting to me at the end of our match,” he begins, casually, as if Mukuro had simply commented on the weather. Hiei’s head swivels to fix his eyes on Kurama, which really does no favors with the whole owl comparison, and Kurama has to bite his lip to avoid laughing too hard and potentially pulling his stitches.

“That better not be an euphemism,” drawls Hiei, his eyes narrowing. “What did you discuss?”

“I wouldn’t say we ‘discussed’ anything,” says Kurama, gingerly turning onto his less injured side to better face Hiei. “I was hardly coherent enough for that. It’s a pity, really--I would’ve thought my stamina was better than that.”

Hiei snorts. “Don’t write yourself off so quickly. You fought well--you have nothing to be ashamed of.”

High praise, coming from Hiei. Kurama can’t help smiling a little, charmed.

“I know, I meant it more as a statement of just what a remarkable opponent Mukuro is. I believe I told her so. I don’t remember my exact words--something along the lines that fighting her was an honor. She agreed, as I expected.”

She’d laughed at him, actually, not that Kurama particularly minded, as unconsciousness started to claim him. He had a vague sense that she moved forward, then, to catch him and sling his arm over her shoulder, keeping him upright until the medical team reached them.

“She would’ve liked that,” agrees Hiei.

“She also said that after fighting me, she was even more interested in witnessing a fight between the two of us. But then she said something odd.”

Hiei goes very still for a moment, and then immediately scoffs and looks away, which means he doesn’t want Kurama to comment on his stillness. So instead, Kurama waits patiently.

“And what was that?” Hiei asks, addressing the foot of the bed rather than Kurama himself.

“She seemed to indicate that you did not feel as positively about the prospect.”

“Mukuro said that?” Pure disbelief colors Hiei’s voice.

“Not exactly, but I was losing consciousness at that point, so I can’t recall the precise phrasing she used." It was probably much ruder. "Which is why I’m asking you now.”

“Asking what?”

So Hiei was going to be stubborn about this. Very well.

Kurama sighs. “Mukuro made it sound like you didn’t want to fight me. Is that true?”

“What does it matter?”

“It’s not. What I’m asking is if you’re interested in a fight with me, the way you are with Mukuro, or Yusuke. I’m certainly not as strong as either of them, but I’m sure I could give a good showing.”

“I’m not--” Hiei rolls his eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous, Kurama. I know just how powerful you are.”

“That soothes my pride, at least. But you still don’t want to fight me?”

Hiei remains silent, which is an answer in and of itself. Ah, well. Kurama is not entirely surprised.

“...I don’t think a real fight is possible between us.”

The words sound like they are being dragged out of Hiei, and he shuffles on his stool, looking caught, like when Kurama or Yusuke tease him over Yukina. Except Kurama didn’t mean to set any traps.

“What do you mean?” he asks, sitting up more fully, wincing at how the fingers of bruising across his ribs abruptly grip tight, stealing his breath. Hiei is standing next to him, hands reach out and take his shoulders to help him lower back into the bed. He allows Hiei to do so, watching the other demon and how he avoids Kurama’s gaze as he returns to his stool.

“I know your strategies. You know mine.” Hiei tugs hard at his scarf, loosening it where it winds snugly around his neck. A nervous gesture, of sorts.

“Indeed.”

“Against a true opponent, I fight to my full strength.” He holds up his bandaged arm, and Kurama can feel the dragon pulse beneath the wards. Idly, he wonders how it would feel, to face the full force of its power; a beautiful and terrifying thing to witness as a spectator, how much more would it be, to face down the dragon as it descended upon him?

“Of course; I expect nothing less.” Kurama thinks he sees where this train of thought is going. He raises his eyebrows at Hiei in question, not that Hiei is looking at him to appreciate it. “You think I wouldn’t take you seriously as an opponent, Hiei? I wouldn’t disrespect your abilities like that.”

“Not that ,” says Hiei, irritated. “You take all of your fights seriously. You, in fact, have a very bad habit of taking most opponents too seriously, when one strike would be enough to finish them.”

“I don’t understand.”

Hiei looks like he would like to melt through the floor or self-combust rather than keep elaborating on this point. Kurama idly considers reminding Hiei that between the two of them, he’s the actual telepath, but doesn’t. Hiei is at least trying to put words to his feelings, and Kurama is interested to see where he goes. 

“I don’t like to see you lose when you shouldn’t,” says Hiei, as if that explains everything. He’s blinking, eyes a little too bright.

“I know better than to fake anything with you,” says Kurama, a little sly, looking to break the mood. Predictably, Hiei goes bright pink.

“Now you are being ridiculous,” he snarls, and he really looks like an angry owl now, and Kurama cannot point out the resemblance or there’s a very probable chance that he will be dumped unceremoniously out of the bed. Instead, Kurama chews his tongue and waits until Hiei collects himself enough to continue.

“When you fight seriously, I don’t know what you’ll do yourself to win. You could finish the fight before it begins, if you were inclined to it.”

Kurama meets Hiei’s gaze evenly, and nods slowly, to show his attention. “And you think I would do that to you.”

Hiei shakes his head quickly. “No. I know you would meet me in the arena. But if you knew I wouldn’t hold back, I don’t know what you would do.” Frustration seeps through. “I never know what you’re willing to do to yourself to win.”

Kurama doesn’t offer an immediate response. Hiei’s demonstrations of affection are not and will never be calibrated at human levels. Kurama knows that because Hiei generally demonstrates something close to affection toward him. And, by Hiei levels, this is a lot.

And now, even though Hiei is putting on a show of very determinedly glaring at the foot of Kurama’s bed as though it offends him, he’s already stolen a few glances toward Kurama, trying to gauge his response. It’s almost painfully endearing.

“I think I understand,” continues Kurama thoughtfully. “You don’t think we can truly fight all out without one of us actually dying.”

Hiei just hunches in on himself, now resembling a vulture more than an owl, and crosses his arms tightly over his chest. Kurama doesn’t expect any more--considering how repressed Hiei usually is, he’s made himself clear.

What he hasn’t said, but Kurama very much suspects, is that Hiei isn’t sure of his own reaction to such a fight, how, if he saw Kurama on the verge of death, but still preparing for a final push, that he might not pull back. For Hiei, who lives to test his limits, pushing himself beyond the limits of the possible, the idea of holding back against a worthy opponent is anathema.

“Then, if I don’t want to win, you might reconsider?”

Hiei, again predictably, flares up. “If you even think of implying--”

“All I am implying,” Kurama raises his voice slightly, flattening Hiei’s protests to a mutter, “is that I could find a very clever way to lose to you and keep at least half of my blood in my body. I think those could be acceptable terms, don’t you?”

Hiei’s glare communicates, very efficiently, that I know you’re fucking with me right now, and I don’t appreciate it.

“That is not how a fighter should think,” grumbles Hiei.

“Perhaps not.” For all his teasing, Kurama does see Hiei’s point. A proper fight should be a zero-sum game: one victor, one defeated. “But partners do. They set rules, a few boundaries...I think we could find a way.”

“It would be an interesting training exercise, fox, but it’s not a true fight.”

“It’s not,” admits Kurama. “In that case, I’d have to say that I wouldn’t want to fight you, either. Thank you for helping me understand.”The surge of affection he feels for Hiei, in fact, is enough to make him reach over, and hook his fingers into Hiei’s cloak, and start pulling.

“Kurama!” Hiei flails, trying not to lose his balance. “What are you doing --”

“You’re making my back hurt, the way you’ve been sitting there. No one else is in the room--just sit on the bed.” He grasps Hiei’s shoulder with his other hand, seeking a better leverage.

“Kurama, this is not dignified--”

“Hiei, stop clawing at me, or you’ll reopen my wounds.”

It’s a low blow, but it works.

Hiei, cheeks still burning, allows himself to be maneuvered onto the bed. Kurama wasn’t kidding that he mostly wanted Hiei to stop looking so uncomfortable, but when he starts to shift away, Hiei throws out his opposite arm and lets it drape around Kurama, effectively trapping him where he is. Blinking, Kurama looks down at Hiei, whose face is still a brilliant pink.

“You win this time,” Hiei mutters, settling back against the pillows grudgingly, but lacking the tension that had been so prominent before.

Kurama laughs, and accepts his victory.