Of You, Me, and Us
Summary: "I like you." When those words left her lips, Botan had expected to hear him utter words of apology. After all, she didn't think he felt the same way about her. She didn't expect Kurama looking at her straight in the eyes before leaning closer to kiss her. And although he didn't say anything, one glance at the expression on his face was enough to tell her: she was his now.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho.
Author's Note: To be honest, this isn't much of a multi-chapter story. XD It's just kind of a bunch of drabbles revolving around moments between Kurama and Botan after the start of their official relationship. Just something completely random, for when the inspiration strikes. Mostly fluff, though the rating may go up in later chapters.
Chapter 1: First Date
They went out a week soon after that.
Botan remembered Kurama wanting to take her out on a date a day after her confession, telling her that he wanted to make her feel special. Although she wasn't in a rush ("It's okay, Kurama! We can take it slow, I don't mind."), they hadn't found the time to actually go out anywhere. Kurama had his hands occupied with college and intern work at his step-father's company, with the occasional adding of missions from Koenma-sama from time to time, and Botan had most of her time filled with ferrying souls to where they rightfully belong. In the end, they winded up cancelling the day-after date they had planned, though Botan hadn't exactly minded. She thought she was content enough to know that he had feelings for her.
But now that they were on a real date, Botan couldn't help but feel self-conscious.
She wondered if the pink chiffon dress she wore suited her, and if he found her pretty in it. He certainly seemed… well, not to exaggerate, but he was absolutely gorgeous and delectable. With his black tuxedo, and unruly red hair, and that charming smile… Botan sighed. I feel like we don't match. I mean, he's just so… and I'm just so… average… She wondered briefly if the other customers (who kept shooting them weird glances, by the way) thought the same.
Poking her steak with a fork, the ferry girl couldn't help but feel his eyes on her. She hesitated a moment, then lifted her head to peer at him. Their eyes locked, he smiled and she blushed and casted her gaze downwards.
"Are you comfortable?" he asked, and she could only nod in mute response. His grin seemed to widen. "Really? You seem awfully awkward. You're sitting really straight."
Botan wondered if he noticed her emitting waves of tension, her nervousness probably radiating off of her. Then again, rarely did he not notice anything, taking everything in and storing it for later use. Although, after a moment of staring at her hands, something finally hit her.
Kurama seemed… different… almost… She blinked at him. He was sporting a light blush, and it was pretty obvious even though he tried to hide it by covering most of his face with his hand. He was looking away, then, almost as if he could feel her gape, looked back at her and offered her a small smile.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound so straightforward," he told her, Botan blinking at his sputter and the darkening of the scarlet hue on his cheeks, "I'm just… Your presence here is making me really nervous."
One of her eyebrows slid up in surprise. "R-really?" Kurama nodded, and Botan permitted the slightest quirk to graze her lips, feeling her shyness slowly dying down at the realization that he was being as demure as he was. It was pretty cute, actually. And it kind of made her feel special and honored. He rarely got nervous for anyone, after all. Hell, he never got nervous. To think she had this kind of effect on him was actually happy-inducing.
And all of a sudden, Botan didn't feel all that self-conscious anymore.
She laughed. "Relax, Kurama," It felt odd to tell him this, when he was usually the one to say it to her, "Let's just be ourselves. You know, the usual."
He blinked at her choice of words and continued to stare at her for a few moments before a smile slowly curled at the corners of his mouth. "You're right," He nodded, then let out a small chuckle, "Now I remember why I like you so much. You always make me feel better."
Botan turned red in the face, but said nothing and merely watched as he reached and took hold of her hand, pulling it up to bring it to his lips. He placed a soft kiss there, never taking his eyes off her, the pools of emeralds dancing in mirth as she turned ten shades darker.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you," he started as he placed their joined hands on the table again, "You look absolutely beautiful," he said, his voice gentle, low, almost as if a hushed whisper.
The ferry girl felt as if she would faint from all the blood rushing through her head. Ah, this guy! Now, he was making her embarrassed. Despite her racing heart though, Botan responded to him the way she normally would,
"Don't I always?" she said with a laugh and pulled her head back as Kurama joined her.