Knowing by scheherezhad

Rating: G

Summary: Pieces suddenly fell into place in a puzzle he hadn't known he was working.

Disclaimer: Don't own, not making money, please don't sue.

Author's notes: Just a little thing, because I needed to write it.

Feedback: Please. scheherezhad@yahoo.com

He couldn't tie his tie. Yusuke couldn't remember having worn a tie in his life, but it wasn't really an option not to at the moment.

The door opened, and Kurama slipped into the room. "Are you ready? It's almost time."

"I guess. I've never seen your hair up before. It looks nice."

"Thank you." Kurama smiled, and he stepped in front of Yusuke to tie his tie.

His fingers were warm and quick. They both watched his hands rather than look each other in the eye. Kurama put his hands on Yusuke's shoulders when he finished. Yusuke looked up first, and he caught the strangest look on Kurama's face, just for a second. Pieces suddenly fell into place in a puzzle he hadn't known he was working.

"Why didn't you tell me you're in love with me?" he asked softly.

Kurama jerked back and looked away. "Would it have made a difference?"

"Yeah. I wouldn't be getting married today. Keiko was the only friend I had until after I died, so this is sort of what everyone always expected. I never considered that anyone else could...like me." Yusuke stepped closer. "How long?"

"Always." Kurama still wouldn't look at him.

"It would be so easy to fall in love with you. We're kind of the same, you know? Trapped between the three worlds."

"I know."

Yusuke stepped closer again, wrapped his arms around Kurama's waist, and laid his head on one shoulder. He felt his friend tense, the struggle in him over whether or not to reciprocate the embrace.

Kurama's arms finally came up and held Yusuke tightly. They fit. Their bodies touched everywhere they could manage, and Yusuke knew he would never feel so right with Keiko.

"What do we do now? I'll stop the wedding, but after..." Yusuke sighed. "I want to try this with you, I just don't want to hurt you. I don't want you to be afraid of getting hurt."

"All I ask is a chance," Kurama murmured into his hair.

They held each other for a while longer, and Yusuke felt peaceful and protected. He couldn't believe that he'd overlooked this possibility for so long.

Kurama finally pulled back a bit, looking like he wanted to kiss Yusuke, but they both knew it wasn't the time.

"I should go tell them it's off." Yusuke reluctantly went to the door.

"I'll be here."

"I know."