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3am Challenge Day 8 Prompt: #30 - Absent (800 words) Song: Marina and the Diamonds - Mowgli’s Road

Fandom: Yu Yu Hakusho Characters: Kurama (as Shuichi,) Shiori, mentions of Hiei

You’re setting the table for your mother, making idle chitchat while she finishes up making dinner for the two of you. The conversation is light, with topics such as how you’re doing in school, have you seen any of your friends lately, things you can easily answer without elaborating on. None of it really requires your full attention, so you’re taken off-guard when she asks a brand new question that you’re fairly certain she hasn’t asked before.

“So, Shuichi, is there anybody special in your life yet?”

Her tone is so bright and amiable that you can’t be upset, but you still nearly squawk in surprise when she asks it. Suddenly you’re paying much more attention to the conversation than you were before.

Hurriedly collecting yourself, you give out a strained laugh that you hope sounds easy; though you’re certain Shiori isn’t remotely fooled. “Ah, no Mother, not yet. I wanted to focus more on my studies this year.”

It’s a believable enough reason, after all. It’s your first year at university and you’ve always been studious in nature. Surely someone as devoted to getting college-worthy grades in high school would be just as devoted to maintaining them once you got into an actual college setting.

But no, you were right, she doesn’t believe you, and you can tell when she leans around the doorway to give you a look.

“Shuichi.”

Despite the fact that her tone is still friendly – albeit pointed – you nevertheless feel the need to shrink back a little in response. You truly are merged with your human half, you think, if you’re balking at your own mother like a regular mortal child.

You open your mouth to speak but you haven’t quite recovered enough to get your voice working so you snap it shut again and bite your lip instead.

She sighs but there is a warm, motherly chuckle mixed in so you know she isn’t truly upset. Taking a moment to set her apron aside, she steps fully into the dining room and comes to stand by the table. Not close enough to frighten you away, but still near enough to warrant a proper conversation now. You’re not foxing your way out of this one, it seems.

“Shuichi. Honey. I know school is important but so is your well-being.” She reaches out and lays a hand on your shoulder. “Especially to me.”

You have no response to that because you already know. A flick of your gaze towards the scars along her arm from a broken vase oh-so-long ago is more confirmation than you could ever need.

Her smile softens and the hand on your shoulder squeezes gently. “Please remember to take time for yourself? You’ve made a fine group of friends…” (And you have to smile at that because you’re glad she likes them, even if she doesn’t know what Team Urameshi really gets up to.) “…And I’m thankful you socialize at least a little…” She winks, teasing, and you huff out a laugh at the break in tension.

She chuckles along with you before dropping the ball. “But I’m always hopeful you’ll find romantic love one day, as well.”

And there it is. You flush redder than your hair as you stare back at her.

“So, I ask again,” she says, giving you a knowing look before you can speak. “Has anyone caught your eye? Any pretty girls?” Her smile becomes a smirk. “Pretty boys?”

Your expression must hold the answer she’s looking for, because suddenly she’s hugging you tightly. “Oh honey! If you were afraid I’d be upset, you can relax.” She pulls back and grins brilliantly at you. “I’ll admit I did wonder, but you know I’d never judge you for liking men.”

You laugh breathlessly, relief surging through you. She looks so proud of herself that you can’t bear to spoil the mood. “I… alright, yes, there is someone,” you concede, hoping he doesn’t hate you too much after this.

Her face lights up with joy. “Really?” she gasps, looking like an excited child. She sits abruptly and pulls her chair close to you, eyes sparkling. “Tell me everything! What’s his name? How did you meet?”

You laugh awkwardly but sit across from her. “We aren’t really together yet…” She pouts and you quickly add, “But we’re working on it! He has… trust issues. Rough childhood…”

This seems to appease her, so you continue. “His name is Hiei and we ah… we met through Yusuke.” (It isn’t exactly a lie, you think.) “He can come off as a bit rude but I assure you he really is a good person.”

She nods. “Good! He had better be.” She smiles conspiratorially. “Is he handsome?”

Your stomach flutters and you smile stupidly. “Very. I particularly like watching him work out…”