Ask Kazuma Kuwabara! @askthewarrioroflove - Tumblr Blog

[Like any good pet owner, Kuwabara is thorough in his research. So far, he’s discovered that @ask-byakko will eat more or less anything he puts in front of him, particularly enjoying burgers and steaks but devouring pizza and junk food with almost as much relish.

They’re going to experiment with hotdogs today. He’s brought enough of them to their usual deserted park on the edge of the city to keep even the former Saint Beast happy. (He has some catnip in his bag, too, but that’s a treat for the non-demonic kitties waiting for him at his apartment. He’s actually forgotten that it’s there.)]

I haven't been this full in a long time." *Then he sniffed the air, something smelled delicious. It was coming from the bag of all places, making his eyes widen a bit in a typical feline manner.*

What is that other delicious smell? Give it to me, I know where it's coming from. You can't lie to me and say it's nothing, I will get it myself if I have to." *Just smelling it drove his instincts wild, imagine what it will do once it hits his system*

Huh? [Confused, Kuwabara looks around to try and work out what Byakko is talking about. When he sees the demonic cat staring at his bag as if it might be hiding something even more delicious than the hotdogs, he works it out and laughs, fishing out the bag of catnip and holding it out.] You mean this stuff?

Yes that." *He said coming closer , then leaned in to sniff the bag to confirm. The backpack was spared the fate of horribly being ripped apart, then his claw grips the bag. Yoinks it right from Kuwabara before he could open it and get the scent on him*

Take it easy, big guy. This stuff is stronger than it looks!

[He might as well have been talking to a brick wall, but it would have been exactly the same with a much smaller cat.]

I can’t believe I didn’t think of catnip sooner!

*was eating half the bag by time he said anything, it tasted so good. Then he swallowed, while it didn't take right away his tail was swaying. His ears perked, he still kept the bag though. Doesn't look like poor Kuwabara was getting that back*

[Yeah, that’s about right. Byakko isn’t exactly good at taking things easy. The amount of burgers and hot dogs that Kuwabara has bought for him over the last couple of months makes that pretty clear.]

Maybe you should sit down, big guy.

[He’s grinning, though, looking forward to see how well - or how badly - Byakko handles the catnip. He really wishes he had a camera.]

*by time it hit he was purring, legit purring. Before Kuwabara could react he had a giant feline nuzzling him and about to knock him over, that tail swatting the air mercilessly. Down on all fours too.*

[Kuwabara stumbles under the force of the affectionate head butt - that swishing tail could have taken him out too, but fortunately it wasn’t aimed directly at him - and chuckles.]

Guess you really like the catnip, huh?

[His cat lover instincts have kicked in. Byakko might be huge and kind of terrifying, but he’s still a cat. Kuwabara tickles his ear gently, confident that he’s got everything under control.]

You’re just a big softie, aren’t you?

*this goes on for a few more hours before he snaps out of it, though he admits that the attention felt nice. He was hungry at first, now he was just high and cuddly. Nodding his head to being a big softy, well to a degree. If you don't count the attempts to eat people*

Welcome back, big guy. You enjoy yourself?

[Watching Byakko, who remained as big and intimidating as ever, acting like a little kitten at his first taste of catnip had been hilarious. Kuwabara is a little disappointed that the effects are starting to wear off. Does this mean he should stop scratching his head? Normal cats like that even without the catnip, the former Saint Beast isn’t exactly a normal cat. No matter how he might act at times.]

*blinked then looked to his hand on his ear, then looked at him*

Of course I did, and would gladly do that again. I'm enjoying this now though, don't stop scratching my ear." Since they were alone he shoved his head further into the palm of Kuwabara's hand, but this time with more control. Still squatting on all fours just cause of height differences, the tiger rather liked the positive attention. Making him feel different.*

You got it. [One of the first things that a cat lover learns is to make the most of every possible opportunity to spoil them. Cats have their own rules and their own timetables and humans are just along for the ride. When they want to be fussed over, you drop everything and you fuss over them.]

That stuff’s called catnip. Cats in the Human World love it almost as much as you do.

Cat nip, I love it. Though it doesn't taste better than all the food you gave me, what was that yellow and red liquid on the round pieces of meat ?"*licks his lips*

The red stuff was ketchup and the yellow stuff was mustard. And the meat is called a burger, remember?

[He tickled Byakko’s ear again.]

You must have been too busy eating them to listen to me. Big surprise.

I have been starving for to long, why do you think I got your attention? Which didn't end up a mistake, and the smaller round pieces are what now ?" *purrs instinctively*

Pretty sure you got my attention because you wanted to eat me. [Actually, he’s pretty sure Byakko sought him out because he was lonely. Kuwabara might have been an enemy, but at least he’d paid attention. And when you’ve been betrayed by your allies, enemies are all you have left.] I’m really glad you decided to go for the burgers instead.

And the hotdogs. We’ve got some of them left, if you’re still hungry.

Well yes at first, then I got to know you. So now I don't want to eat you or your spirit energy, can't eat a friend or his friends.' Seems he understands to a degree now, and yes all he has is his now friend. Who would have thought he'd change." You haven't eaten, eat some. We are friends after all

[To say that Kuwabara is delighted with Byakko’s growth would be an understatement. He smiles widely.]

We sure are. And I’m glad, even if you do steal all my catnip.

[He laughs, making it clear that he doesn’t actually mind, and moves to load up two hotdogs with condiments, one for himself and one for Byakko.]

You should know better than to bring cat nip around a feline, especially when one is my size. Lucky you it doesn't make me angry or more hungry." Chomps the hotdog he had, quite satisfied now. Still hoarding the bag though he has nowhere to put it*

I have three kitties at home! The catnip was supposed to be for them, you greedy old cat!

[There is no heat to his words and he smiles when he seems Byakko clutching at the bag, shaking his head cheerfully.]

I’ll get you a bigger bag next time.

psikonauti

Tomoo Inagaki (Japanese ,1902 - 1980)

Cats by Fireplace

kitty

*dry food crunches* Ridiculously small kitten: “Myam myam myam. Njam njam njam njam njam njam njam! Myam myam myam nyam nyam myam. Mmmam. Mrrrrram. Meep!”

nerroart

Oh here it is again. The best video ever

[Like any good pet owner, Kuwabara is thorough in his research. So far, he’s discovered that @ask-byakko will eat more or less anything he puts in front of him, particularly enjoying burgers and steaks but devouring pizza and junk food with almost as much relish.

They’re going to experiment with hotdogs today. He’s brought enough of them to their usual deserted park on the edge of the city to keep even the former Saint Beast happy. (He has some catnip in his bag, too, but that’s a treat for the non-demonic kitties waiting for him at his apartment. He’s actually forgotten that it’s there.)]

I haven't been this full in a long time." *Then he sniffed the air, something smelled delicious. It was coming from the bag of all places, making his eyes widen a bit in a typical feline manner.*

What is that other delicious smell? Give it to me, I know where it's coming from. You can't lie to me and say it's nothing, I will get it myself if I have to." *Just smelling it drove his instincts wild, imagine what it will do once it hits his system*

Huh? [Confused, Kuwabara looks around to try and work out what Byakko is talking about. When he sees the demonic cat staring at his bag as if it might be hiding something even more delicious than the hotdogs, he works it out and laughs, fishing out the bag of catnip and holding it out.] You mean this stuff?

Yes that." *He said coming closer , then leaned in to sniff the bag to confirm. The backpack was spared the fate of horribly being ripped apart, then his claw grips the bag. Yoinks it right from Kuwabara before he could open it and get the scent on him*

Take it easy, big guy. This stuff is stronger than it looks!

[He might as well have been talking to a brick wall, but it would have been exactly the same with a much smaller cat.]

I can’t believe I didn’t think of catnip sooner!

*was eating half the bag by time he said anything, it tasted so good. Then he swallowed, while it didn't take right away his tail was swaying. His ears perked, he still kept the bag though. Doesn't look like poor Kuwabara was getting that back*

[Yeah, that’s about right. Byakko isn’t exactly good at taking things easy. The amount of burgers and hot dogs that Kuwabara has bought for him over the last couple of months makes that pretty clear.]

Maybe you should sit down, big guy.

[He’s grinning, though, looking forward to see how well - or how badly - Byakko handles the catnip. He really wishes he had a camera.]

*by time it hit he was purring, legit purring. Before Kuwabara could react he had a giant feline nuzzling him and about to knock him over, that tail swatting the air mercilessly. Down on all fours too.*

[Kuwabara stumbles under the force of the affectionate head butt - that swishing tail could have taken him out too, but fortunately it wasn’t aimed directly at him - and chuckles.]

Guess you really like the catnip, huh?

[His cat lover instincts have kicked in. Byakko might be huge and kind of terrifying, but he’s still a cat. Kuwabara tickles his ear gently, confident that he’s got everything under control.]

You’re just a big softie, aren’t you?

*this goes on for a few more hours before he snaps out of it, though he admits that the attention felt nice. He was hungry at first, now he was just high and cuddly. Nodding his head to being a big softy, well to a degree. If you don't count the attempts to eat people*

Welcome back, big guy. You enjoy yourself?

[Watching Byakko, who remained as big and intimidating as ever, acting like a little kitten at his first taste of catnip had been hilarious. Kuwabara is a little disappointed that the effects are starting to wear off. Does this mean he should stop scratching his head? Normal cats like that even without the catnip, the former Saint Beast isn’t exactly a normal cat. No matter how he might act at times.]

*blinked then looked to his hand on his ear, then looked at him*

Of course I did, and would gladly do that again. I'm enjoying this now though, don't stop scratching my ear." Since they were alone he shoved his head further into the palm of Kuwabara's hand, but this time with more control. Still squatting on all fours just cause of height differences, the tiger rather liked the positive attention. Making him feel different.*

You got it. [One of the first things that a cat lover learns is to make the most of every possible opportunity to spoil them. Cats have their own rules and their own timetables and humans are just along for the ride. When they want to be fussed over, you drop everything and you fuss over them.]

That stuff’s called catnip. Cats in the Human World love it almost as much as you do.

Cat nip, I love it. Though it doesn't taste better than all the food you gave me, what was that yellow and red liquid on the round pieces of meat ?"*licks his lips*

The red stuff was ketchup and the yellow stuff was mustard. And the meat is called a burger, remember?

[He tickled Byakko’s ear again.]

You must have been too busy eating them to listen to me. Big surprise.

I have been starving for to long, why do you think I got your attention? Which didn't end up a mistake, and the smaller round pieces are what now ?" *purrs instinctively*

Pretty sure you got my attention because you wanted to eat me. [Actually, he’s pretty sure Byakko sought him out because he was lonely. Kuwabara might have been an enemy, but at least he’d paid attention. And when you’ve been betrayed by your allies, enemies are all you have left.] I’m really glad you decided to go for the burgers instead.

And the hotdogs. We’ve got some of them left, if you’re still hungry.

Well yes at first, then I got to know you. So now I don't want to eat you or your spirit energy, can't eat a friend or his friends.' Seems he understands to a degree now, and yes all he has is his now friend. Who would have thought he'd change." You haven't eaten, eat some. We are friends after all

[To say that Kuwabara is delighted with Byakko’s growth would be an understatement. He smiles widely.]

We sure are. And I’m glad, even if you do steal all my catnip.

[He laughs, making it clear that he doesn’t actually mind, and moves to load up two hotdogs with condiments, one for himself and one for Byakko.]

tornprince

Ok who let him dress himself

#hey! i look great!

lola1b

they’re on a bro date as just bros sharing a bro drink at a local bobba tea shop

fellas is it gay to drink from your bro’s straw?

for @yyh-revival Kuwabara’s Appreciation week

Commission info

[Like any good pet owner, Kuwabara is thorough in his research. So far, he’s discovered that @ask-byakko will eat more or less anything he puts in front of him, particularly enjoying burgers and steaks but devouring pizza and junk food with almost as much relish.

They’re going to experiment with hotdogs today. He’s brought enough of them to their usual deserted park on the edge of the city to keep even the former Saint Beast happy. (He has some catnip in his bag, too, but that’s a treat for the non-demonic kitties waiting for him at his apartment. He’s actually forgotten that it’s there.)]

I haven't been this full in a long time." *Then he sniffed the air, something smelled delicious. It was coming from the bag of all places, making his eyes widen a bit in a typical feline manner.*

What is that other delicious smell? Give it to me, I know where it's coming from. You can't lie to me and say it's nothing, I will get it myself if I have to." *Just smelling it drove his instincts wild, imagine what it will do once it hits his system*

Huh? [Confused, Kuwabara looks around to try and work out what Byakko is talking about. When he sees the demonic cat staring at his bag as if it might be hiding something even more delicious than the hotdogs, he works it out and laughs, fishing out the bag of catnip and holding it out.] You mean this stuff?

Yes that." *He said coming closer , then leaned in to sniff the bag to confirm. The backpack was spared the fate of horribly being ripped apart, then his claw grips the bag. Yoinks it right from Kuwabara before he could open it and get the scent on him*

Take it easy, big guy. This stuff is stronger than it looks!

[He might as well have been talking to a brick wall, but it would have been exactly the same with a much smaller cat.]

I can’t believe I didn’t think of catnip sooner!

*was eating half the bag by time he said anything, it tasted so good. Then he swallowed, while it didn't take right away his tail was swaying. His ears perked, he still kept the bag though. Doesn't look like poor Kuwabara was getting that back*

[Yeah, that’s about right. Byakko isn’t exactly good at taking things easy. The amount of burgers and hot dogs that Kuwabara has bought for him over the last couple of months makes that pretty clear.]

Maybe you should sit down, big guy.

[He’s grinning, though, looking forward to see how well - or how badly - Byakko handles the catnip. He really wishes he had a camera.]

*by time it hit he was purring, legit purring. Before Kuwabara could react he had a giant feline nuzzling him and about to knock him over, that tail swatting the air mercilessly. Down on all fours too.*

[Kuwabara stumbles under the force of the affectionate head butt - that swishing tail could have taken him out too, but fortunately it wasn’t aimed directly at him - and chuckles.]

Guess you really like the catnip, huh?

[His cat lover instincts have kicked in. Byakko might be huge and kind of terrifying, but he’s still a cat. Kuwabara tickles his ear gently, confident that he’s got everything under control.]

You’re just a big softie, aren’t you?

*this goes on for a few more hours before he snaps out of it, though he admits that the attention felt nice. He was hungry at first, now he was just high and cuddly. Nodding his head to being a big softy, well to a degree. If you don't count the attempts to eat people*

Welcome back, big guy. You enjoy yourself?

[Watching Byakko, who remained as big and intimidating as ever, acting like a little kitten at his first taste of catnip had been hilarious. Kuwabara is a little disappointed that the effects are starting to wear off. Does this mean he should stop scratching his head? Normal cats like that even without the catnip, the former Saint Beast isn’t exactly a normal cat. No matter how he might act at times.]

*blinked then looked to his hand on his ear, then looked at him*

Of course I did, and would gladly do that again. I'm enjoying this now though, don't stop scratching my ear." Since they were alone he shoved his head further into the palm of Kuwabara's hand, but this time with more control. Still squatting on all fours just cause of height differences, the tiger rather liked the positive attention. Making him feel different.*

You got it. [One of the first things that a cat lover learns is to make the most of every possible opportunity to spoil them. Cats have their own rules and their own timetables and humans are just along for the ride. When they want to be fussed over, you drop everything and you fuss over them.]

That stuff’s called catnip. Cats in the Human World love it almost as much as you do.

Cat nip, I love it. Though it doesn't taste better than all the food you gave me, what was that yellow and red liquid on the round pieces of meat ?"*licks his lips*

The red stuff was ketchup and the yellow stuff was mustard. And the meat is called a burger, remember?

[He tickled Byakko’s ear again.]

You must have been too busy eating them to listen to me. Big surprise.

I have been starving for to long, why do you think I got your attention? Which didn't end up a mistake, and the smaller round pieces are what now ?" *purrs instinctively*

Pretty sure you got my attention because you wanted to eat me. [Actually, he’s pretty sure Byakko sought him out because he was lonely. Kuwabara might have been an enemy, but at least he’d paid attention. And when you’ve been betrayed by your allies, enemies are all you have left.] I’m really glad you decided to go for the burgers instead.

And the hotdogs. We’ve got some of them left, if you’re still hungry.

@yusukeurameshi-ask

I told you it was stupid.

[He’s scarlet as he explains himself to his feet, avoiding Yusuke’s gaze.]

I meant everything I said about the red string of fate. About you and me and Kurama and Hiei. And there are other people you’re connected to, like Keiko and Botan and Jin. That’s fine. It’s kinda nice. You deserve it, you know? And I like that there’ll always be someone to watch you back, even when I’m not around.

[He feels like such an idiot, but he tries his best to get the words out as quickly as possible to get this over with.]

But when I heard you were drinking with some random brunette, I got jealous. Because I don’t mind sharing you with them, but …

[He trails off, because he doesn’t know how to finish the sentence. But he doesn’t like sharing him with people that don’t matter? That seems cruel, but it’s … close to what he means. People who don’t share in the messy but amazing bonds that tie them all together.]

I said it was stupid.

[Yusuke listens to the explanation offered, frowning unhappily at the way Kuwabara shrinks in on himself as he speaks, those broad shoulders a tense and rigid line. He looks so embarrassed to be talking about what he's been fretting about that it's almost distressing, Yusuke feeling like the worst kind of asshole even before he really understands what he's done wrong. It has him snapping, fierce about his disagreement.]

Man, shut the hell up. It's not stupid. [He still doesn't understand, distantly trying to remember what random brunette he'd been drinking with recently, but it's most important right now for Kuwabara to know his feelings are being taken seriously. That Yusuke isn't judging him for them. That he would never.] You need to quit that, right the fuck now. Okay? Quit it. What you feel is important to me. It matters. I know we tease each other more often than not, but damn it, man, you should know that by now.

[Kuwabara matters to him more than just about anyone, and he has for a long time. Yusuke thought he knew that. The only person he's known and cared about for longer is--]

Oh, [he says suddenly, interrupting himself with a rueful chuckle as he finally remembers what the hell Kuwabara is even talking about,] God. I remember the night you're talking about now. [Vaguely, but whatever.] Keiko was here. She was the brunette I was talking about.

[Yusuke’s defensiveness surprises him, because he’s not defensive on his own account. He’s defending Kuwabara from himself.

Trust Urameshi to always find a new way surprise him.]

I do, I do, but I said I was ok with this. I want to be ok with this! I’m crazy about you … [His ears are glowing red.] … and I really don’t want to mess this up.

[At Keiko’s name, he looks up, looking, if it was even possible, even embarrassed than he had before.]

… it was Keiko?

[He groans loudly, burying his face in his hands.]

Now I feel even more stupid.

[Because he loves Keiko too, albeit in a different way, and and he definitely isn’t jealous of her. She’s one of them!]

[Yusuke absently throws the prepped ingredients together in the pot to cook under low heat before he's slinking towards Kuwabara, grabbing his wrists and gently pulling his hands away from his face. His eyes are soft when their gazes meet, though his expression is closer to exasperation than anything.]

Kuwabara. It's okay. Stop freaking out already. [For all the teasing that goes on between them it's never been easy to see Kuwabara so down on himself, but this is a new level of awful. It's Kuwabara twisting himself up because of Yusuke, which is the very thing that he was worried about going into this relationship. Fuck. He knew this could potentially be a bad idea, but he didn't realize how upset it would make him to see the guy this way. It has him tightening his grip on Kuwabara's wrists and pressing his body closer, crowding him against the counter as if he can communicate through simple proximity that Kuwabara means more to him than just about anyone, and always has.] Jealousy is totally normal. Hell, even if you were jealous of Kurama, I'd totally get it, okay? It comes with the territory. But the thing we need to do when this happens--because it will, definitely--is to talk about it. Y'know? Use our words, instead of disappearing and ignoring calls. Capisce?

[He looks sheepishly at Yusuke when he appears before him, a slight smile tugging at his lips when he catches his wrists and presses against him. Kuwabara wriggles his fingers and twists in Yusuke’s grip until he can hold both of his hands with both of his own.]

Jeez, when did you become the mature one?

[His soft smile widens and he wishes he had an extra pair of arms so he could wrap his arms around Yusuke and hug him without letting go of his hands.]

You’re right. I was so scared of messing things up that I almost did.

Maybe I will get jealous of Kurama one day. He is seriously awesome. But, even if I do, I give you my word as a Kuwabara that I’ll never disappear on you again.

When you started acting like a total dumbass, [Yusuke chides, though he's grinning fondly as he does so, soothed by the warmth of Kuwabara's broad hands encircling his own. Finally, it seems like he's gotten through to him. They can move past this now. It's a welcome relief.] And we can both agree that it's not really my thing, so let's keep the dumbassery to a minimum, yeah?

[It's easier said than done, he knows. This sort of lifestyle takes a lot of open and honest communication, something that probably doesn't come naturally to any of them. But Yusuke will do whatever it takes to make this work, because they all deserve the best that he can give them. Especially Kuwabara, who deserves even more. He really doesn't want to mess it up.]

It's all good. But I will hold you to that.

[Gently pulling his hands free, Yusuke grabs Kuwabara by the collar and pulls him down for a kiss, hard and thorough, before he disengages completely and goes back to the food cooking on the stove. Wouldn't do to let it all burn because of inattention.

And now that he's not directly facing Kuwabara anymore, eyes firmly focused on the simmering pot of soup he's stirring instead of that earnest face, it's much easier to murmur,] I'm scared too, you know. About fucking it up.

[At those words, murmured only just loud enough for him to hear, Kuwabara wraps his arms around Yusuke from behind.]

What’s the worst that could happen? We fight, we kick the crap out of each other, then we go back to being friends.

[He leaves one arm wrapped around him and reaches around him with the other to wiggle his pinkie in front of Yusuke’s nose.]

The Red String of Fate doesn’t lie, Urameshi. It’s you and me. Always has been and always will be.

[Yusuke smiles and leans back into the embrace, though there is minute twinge of dread deep in his belly at the thought of whatever "worst" thing that could happen between them. Because Kuwabara is probably right, they'd fight and then make up, but there is and always has been a little voice in the back of Yusuke's mind that wonders if the people he loves would be better off without him. That worries maybe one day they'll all wake up and realize it themselves, and he'll have to become that lonely guy again he was at 14 who convinced himself he didn't care whether anyone loved him because he couldn't be certain that anyone actually did.

Coming out of this swirl of darker thoughts suddenly with a start as Kuwabara wiggles his pinkie in front of his face, Yusuke chuckles weakly and nods, resting the hand not stirring the pot (and that's literally, for once) over the one Kuwabara has on his waist, twining their fingers together absently.]

Yeah, [he says, soft and wistful with affection.] You and me. You're right. [Although he's still not completely sold on the Strings of Fate thing Kuwabara is always going on about. It doesn't matter how they came together anyway, just that they did.] Oh, hey. Check the rice, yeah? Don't wanna overcook it.

I know I’m right. [It’s a weak excuse for a laugh, but it’s a start. Kuwabara squeezes Yusuke’s fingers and completely ignores the order to move away and deal with the rice cooker.]

The rice can wait a couple of minutes.

[This is his fault - it was his stupid jealous which, even more stupidly, hadn’t been necessary in the first place, that had started the conversation - and he isn’t going to let it drop until he’s sure he’s cheered Urameshi up.]

You know, for someone who doesn’t even think most of the time, you worry way too much.

[Yusuke stiffens against him slightly as Kuwabara refuses to let go, feeling caught out by the gentle ribbing over his worrying. He didn't realize he's now so easy to read, but then again, Kuwabara has always been uncannily perceptive when it comes to emotional turmoil. It's annoying. Yusuke sighs, the stirring motions of his wrist stilling as he considers what to say.]

It's not...like that. It's...I dunno. [He turns the burner on the stove off absently and leans back more fully, resting his head against the dip of Kuwabara's collarbone and closing his eyes. Trying to center himself. Yusuke can talk about this, if he has to. He's not incapable of being serious, talking about feelings. He just hates it.] ...You remember when I died? The first time.

I’m not going to forget something like that.

[He shivers at the memory, hands pressing against Yusuke’s back in an almost unconscious effort to reassure himself that he’s still with him. It might have been different from the raw agony of Yusuke’s second death, but that desperate misery had been painful in it’s own way. Kuwabara hadn’t been able to process the fact that only person who’d ever really understood him him, the only person who’d ever given him the thrill that every fighter was searching for, was gone. And, worst of all, he’d never even let him know that, at some point during all of their fights, they’d somehow become friends.

He’d been given a second chance when Yusuke had returned and he’d spent every moment since determined not to be left behind again. It hadn’t always worked, but Yusuke always came back. That was enough.]

hollabastiongirl

I know, [Yusuke whispers lowly, the knowledge that Kuwabara would never forget those things burned into his mind. It isn't fair, for this beautiful, kind man to be plagued with the memories of his death; for Yusuke's mortality to be seared into the mind of someone he wishes would never have had to know the burden. The pain.

Yusuke knows, but he doesn't have to like it. If he could take those memories away, he would in an instant, repercussions be damned.] It's just...

[A sigh, and Yusuke forcibly relaxes again, the sudden tension leaking away from his body as though soothed by Kuwabara's very presence. He is a blessing, one that will not be taken lightly. Never again.] The first time, you know, I thought everyone would be better off without me. You remember, yeah? Me as a teenager. I was a shit. And I guess.... sometimes, I still think of myself that way. Someone you guys would be better off without.

[it's a shameful thing to admit, and something Yusuke can't believe he's talking about without the comfortable numbness of alcohol. But Kuwabara deserves to hear it. To know. Yusuke owes him so much more, but honesty is the least he can give him.]

You deserve better than me. You know that, right? I keep telling you that, man, but you won't listen.

[Still holding Yusuke close, he tenderly nuzzles the top of his head.]

Man, you’re so friggin’ stupid. Do you really not get it? I’m who I am because of you! You gave me a reason to fight when I was a dumb punk kid and you’ve been giving me a reason to fight ever since.

[He knows he can’t chase away decades of self doubt with a few words, but Yusuke needs to hear what he has to say.]

You were a real asshole when you were a kid. And you’re a real asshole now. But you’re our asshole.

We’re stronger because we’re a team. We’re better because we’re a team.

I wasn’t better off without you then, Urameshi, and I’m definitely not better off without you now. None of us are.

ottermelonart

my latest poster! the cast of yu yu hakusho! this will premiere at c2e2!

[Like any good pet owner, Kuwabara is thorough in his research. So far, he’s discovered that @ask-byakko will eat more or less anything he puts in front of him, particularly enjoying burgers and steaks but devouring pizza and junk food with almost as much relish.

They’re going to experiment with hotdogs today. He’s brought enough of them to their usual deserted park on the edge of the city to keep even the former Saint Beast happy. (He has some catnip in his bag, too, but that’s a treat for the non-demonic kitties waiting for him at his apartment. He’s actually forgotten that it’s there.)]

I haven't been this full in a long time." *Then he sniffed the air, something smelled delicious. It was coming from the bag of all places, making his eyes widen a bit in a typical feline manner.*

What is that other delicious smell? Give it to me, I know where it's coming from. You can't lie to me and say it's nothing, I will get it myself if I have to." *Just smelling it drove his instincts wild, imagine what it will do once it hits his system*

Huh? [Confused, Kuwabara looks around to try and work out what Byakko is talking about. When he sees the demonic cat staring at his bag as if it might be hiding something even more delicious than the hotdogs, he works it out and laughs, fishing out the bag of catnip and holding it out.] You mean this stuff?

Yes that." *He said coming closer , then leaned in to sniff the bag to confirm. The backpack was spared the fate of horribly being ripped apart, then his claw grips the bag. Yoinks it right from Kuwabara before he could open it and get the scent on him*

Take it easy, big guy. This stuff is stronger than it looks!

[He might as well have been talking to a brick wall, but it would have been exactly the same with a much smaller cat.]

I can’t believe I didn’t think of catnip sooner!

*was eating half the bag by time he said anything, it tasted so good. Then he swallowed, while it didn't take right away his tail was swaying. His ears perked, he still kept the bag though. Doesn't look like poor Kuwabara was getting that back*

[Yeah, that’s about right. Byakko isn’t exactly good at taking things easy. The amount of burgers and hot dogs that Kuwabara has bought for him over the last couple of months makes that pretty clear.]

Maybe you should sit down, big guy.

[He’s grinning, though, looking forward to see how well - or how badly - Byakko handles the catnip. He really wishes he had a camera.]

*by time it hit he was purring, legit purring. Before Kuwabara could react he had a giant feline nuzzling him and about to knock him over, that tail swatting the air mercilessly. Down on all fours too.*

[Kuwabara stumbles under the force of the affectionate head butt - that swishing tail could have taken him out too, but fortunately it wasn’t aimed directly at him - and chuckles.]

Guess you really like the catnip, huh?

[His cat lover instincts have kicked in. Byakko might be huge and kind of terrifying, but he’s still a cat. Kuwabara tickles his ear gently, confident that he’s got everything under control.]

You’re just a big softie, aren’t you?

*this goes on for a few more hours before he snaps out of it, though he admits that the attention felt nice. He was hungry at first, now he was just high and cuddly. Nodding his head to being a big softy, well to a degree. If you don't count the attempts to eat people*

Welcome back, big guy. You enjoy yourself?

[Watching Byakko, who remained as big and intimidating as ever, acting like a little kitten at his first taste of catnip had been hilarious. Kuwabara is a little disappointed that the effects are starting to wear off. Does this mean he should stop scratching his head? Normal cats like that even without the catnip, the former Saint Beast isn’t exactly a normal cat. No matter how he might act at times.]

*blinked then looked to his hand on his ear, then looked at him*

Of course I did, and would gladly do that again. I'm enjoying this now though, don't stop scratching my ear." Since they were alone he shoved his head further into the palm of Kuwabara's hand, but this time with more control. Still squatting on all fours just cause of height differences, the tiger rather liked the positive attention. Making him feel different.*

You got it. [One of the first things that a cat lover learns is to make the most of every possible opportunity to spoil them. Cats have their own rules and their own timetables and humans are just along for the ride. When they want to be fussed over, you drop everything and you fuss over them.]

That stuff’s called catnip. Cats in the Human World love it almost as much as you do.

Cat nip, I love it. Though it doesn't taste better than all the food you gave me, what was that yellow and red liquid on the round pieces of meat ?"*licks his lips*

The red stuff was ketchup and the yellow stuff was mustard. And the meat is called a burger, remember?

[He tickled Byakko’s ear again.]

You must have been too busy eating them to listen to me. Big surprise.

[Like any good pet owner, Kuwabara is thorough in his research. So far, he’s discovered that @ask-byakko will eat more or less anything he puts in front of him, particularly enjoying burgers and steaks but devouring pizza and junk food with almost as much relish.

They’re going to experiment with hotdogs today. He’s brought enough of them to their usual deserted park on the edge of the city to keep even the former Saint Beast happy. (He has some catnip in his bag, too, but that’s a treat for the non-demonic kitties waiting for him at his apartment. He’s actually forgotten that it’s there.)]

I haven't been this full in a long time." *Then he sniffed the air, something smelled delicious. It was coming from the bag of all places, making his eyes widen a bit in a typical feline manner.*

What is that other delicious smell? Give it to me, I know where it's coming from. You can't lie to me and say it's nothing, I will get it myself if I have to." *Just smelling it drove his instincts wild, imagine what it will do once it hits his system*

Huh? [Confused, Kuwabara looks around to try and work out what Byakko is talking about. When he sees the demonic cat staring at his bag as if it might be hiding something even more delicious than the hotdogs, he works it out and laughs, fishing out the bag of catnip and holding it out.] You mean this stuff?

Yes that." *He said coming closer , then leaned in to sniff the bag to confirm. The backpack was spared the fate of horribly being ripped apart, then his claw grips the bag. Yoinks it right from Kuwabara before he could open it and get the scent on him*

Take it easy, big guy. This stuff is stronger than it looks!

[He might as well have been talking to a brick wall, but it would have been exactly the same with a much smaller cat.]

I can’t believe I didn’t think of catnip sooner!

*was eating half the bag by time he said anything, it tasted so good. Then he swallowed, while it didn't take right away his tail was swaying. His ears perked, he still kept the bag though. Doesn't look like poor Kuwabara was getting that back*

[Yeah, that’s about right. Byakko isn’t exactly good at taking things easy. The amount of burgers and hot dogs that Kuwabara has bought for him over the last couple of months makes that pretty clear.]

Maybe you should sit down, big guy.

[He’s grinning, though, looking forward to see how well - or how badly - Byakko handles the catnip. He really wishes he had a camera.]

*by time it hit he was purring, legit purring. Before Kuwabara could react he had a giant feline nuzzling him and about to knock him over, that tail swatting the air mercilessly. Down on all fours too.*

[Kuwabara stumbles under the force of the affectionate head butt - that swishing tail could have taken him out too, but fortunately it wasn’t aimed directly at him - and chuckles.]

Guess you really like the catnip, huh?

[His cat lover instincts have kicked in. Byakko might be huge and kind of terrifying, but he’s still a cat. Kuwabara tickles his ear gently, confident that he’s got everything under control.]

You’re just a big softie, aren’t you?

*this goes on for a few more hours before he snaps out of it, though he admits that the attention felt nice. He was hungry at first, now he was just high and cuddly. Nodding his head to being a big softy, well to a degree. If you don't count the attempts to eat people*

Welcome back, big guy. You enjoy yourself?

[Watching Byakko, who remained as big and intimidating as ever, acting like a little kitten at his first taste of catnip had been hilarious. Kuwabara is a little disappointed that the effects are starting to wear off. Does this mean he should stop scratching his head? Normal cats like that even without the catnip, the former Saint Beast isn’t exactly a normal cat. No matter how he might act at times.]

*blinked then looked to his hand on his ear, then looked at him*

Of course I did, and would gladly do that again. I'm enjoying this now though, don't stop scratching my ear." Since they were alone he shoved his head further into the palm of Kuwabara's hand, but this time with more control. Still squatting on all fours just cause of height differences, the tiger rather liked the positive attention. Making him feel different.*

You got it. [One of the first things that a cat lover learns is to make the most of every possible opportunity to spoil them. Cats have their own rules and their own timetables and humans are just along for the ride. When they want to be fussed over, you drop everything and you fuss over them.]

That stuff’s called catnip. Cats in the Human World love it almost as much as you do.

[Like any good pet owner, Kuwabara is thorough in his research. So far, he’s discovered that @ask-byakko will eat more or less anything he puts in front of him, particularly enjoying burgers and steaks but devouring pizza and junk food with almost as much relish.

They’re going to experiment with hotdogs today. He’s brought enough of them to their usual deserted park on the edge of the city to keep even the former Saint Beast happy. (He has some catnip in his bag, too, but that’s a treat for the non-demonic kitties waiting for him at his apartment. He’s actually forgotten that it’s there.)]

I haven't been this full in a long time." *Then he sniffed the air, something smelled delicious. It was coming from the bag of all places, making his eyes widen a bit in a typical feline manner.*

What is that other delicious smell? Give it to me, I know where it's coming from. You can't lie to me and say it's nothing, I will get it myself if I have to." *Just smelling it drove his instincts wild, imagine what it will do once it hits his system*

Huh? [Confused, Kuwabara looks around to try and work out what Byakko is talking about. When he sees the demonic cat staring at his bag as if it might be hiding something even more delicious than the hotdogs, he works it out and laughs, fishing out the bag of catnip and holding it out.] You mean this stuff?

Yes that." *He said coming closer , then leaned in to sniff the bag to confirm. The backpack was spared the fate of horribly being ripped apart, then his claw grips the bag. Yoinks it right from Kuwabara before he could open it and get the scent on him*

Take it easy, big guy. This stuff is stronger than it looks!

[He might as well have been talking to a brick wall, but it would have been exactly the same with a much smaller cat.]

I can’t believe I didn’t think of catnip sooner!

*was eating half the bag by time he said anything, it tasted so good. Then he swallowed, while it didn't take right away his tail was swaying. His ears perked, he still kept the bag though. Doesn't look like poor Kuwabara was getting that back*

[Yeah, that’s about right. Byakko isn’t exactly good at taking things easy. The amount of burgers and hot dogs that Kuwabara has bought for him over the last couple of months makes that pretty clear.]

Maybe you should sit down, big guy.

[He’s grinning, though, looking forward to see how well - or how badly - Byakko handles the catnip. He really wishes he had a camera.]

*by time it hit he was purring, legit purring. Before Kuwabara could react he had a giant feline nuzzling him and about to knock him over, that tail swatting the air mercilessly. Down on all fours too.*

[Kuwabara stumbles under the force of the affectionate head butt - that swishing tail could have taken him out too, but fortunately it wasn’t aimed directly at him - and chuckles.]

Guess you really like the catnip, huh?

[His cat lover instincts have kicked in. Byakko might be huge and kind of terrifying, but he’s still a cat. Kuwabara tickles his ear gently, confident that he’s got everything under control.]

You’re just a big softie, aren’t you?

*this goes on for a few more hours before he snaps out of it, though he admits that the attention felt nice. He was hungry at first, now he was just high and cuddly. Nodding his head to being a big softy, well to a degree. If you don't count the attempts to eat people*