Author's note: It's here! It's finally here, my first ever true multi chapter Yu Yu Hakusho fic. This is my first and favorite fandom so I really hope it is true to the original characters. To start they have all been away from saving the world for a while. If I had to guess I would say they are in their mid to late twenties. Kurama is living in Neigenkai and Botan is still in Reikai. That is about it for now. I see three maybe four chapters in this story, five at a stretch but we will see how it goes. Anyway I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or the characters.
Botan looked at her closet in dismay. It had been ages since she had been granted a whole day off to do whatever she pleased. She had wanted to go down to Neigenkai and see the gang only to be reminded that it was in fact a Tuesday and most of them were occupied with their jobs. She supposed that had worked out for the best as upon inspection she came to the conclusion that she had next to nothing to wear in a modern city.
As much as she wished that was an exaggeration, it really was not. She did not have a lot of modern clothes to start with but what she did have was sullied. She looked at the faded items, most of which were torn and stained from missions and tournaments. More than half of her clothes had blood all over them or insect remains splattered about. What was it with youkai and psychics using insects to infect people? The other half of her wardrobe had sustained too much damage to wear.
The few items that were suitable she could not wear. It was far too warm out in Neigenkai to wear a winter jacket with a sweater and long pants. The only other outfit was a little pink top and skirt that had been cute a few years back. She slipped the garments on. They fit, sort of. They were a little tight in some places and loose in others but they would do for now.
She frowned. The outfit did not suit her, not any more at least. She was no longer posing as a young teen and the bright pink outfit with the large white bow was just a little childish for her taste. Yes, that is what it was. The outfit was too cute, and not in the good way. She tugged at the cloth a bit and sighed. This simply would not do. She did not feel good in this and after years of wearing almost nothing but her work issued kimonos she wanted to wear something she actually liked on her days off.
Speaking of having a day off she now knew what she was going to use her free time for. She was going shopping. She had some holiday time to use up in the near future and she wanted to look and feel good while she as out and about. Botan reached into her bedside table and pulled out a wad of cash. It was not really that much in the grand scheme of things but she would be able to get a few things she truly loved with it.
She slipped on a pair of white canvas shoes that Keiko had given her a few years back and looked back to the mirror. She pulled her hair up, making sure it was smooth and put her hands on her hips. A change of wardrobe was definitely happening. She was not doing herself justice in this. She grabbed a little white bag she had acquired some time in the past and brusquely made her way out of the palace through the nearest open window.
Botan eyed her bags. She had been out all morning shopping like a mad woman but she had not found much that caught her eye. She had acquired a few basics, but so far only a couple items that she adored outside of that. She had time and enough cash left to get some more basics, and maybe a couple statement items that she could not live without.
She had already changed at the first store, having found a pair of blue jeans and a simple white tank top that hugged her curves to go with it. It was different to what she had worn in the past, but she liked it and it was versatile.
She felt the compact in her bag begin to buzz and reached down to retrieve it. The little screen flashed and Botan could not help but smile. Yukina and Hiei were both there. She only knew that due to the red eye and scowl that filled up most of the screen space, but not too far behind were a few strands of pale green.
"Hiei-san, you do know how to operate one of these?" She did not see the scoff but rather heard it in his voice for he still had not moved back and all she could really get from his expression were his eyes which were always on edge.
"I've seen the detective do it before. It can't be that difficult." The jib at Yusuke's expense made her laugh and both pairs of eyes blinked back at her. "Onna?" he asked, almost accusingly as he brought this face even closer to the screen, which hardly made sense.
"Hi Hiei. Are you looking for me or Yusuke?" The short koorime huffed and much to her surprise did not glare at her. Instead he turned his shoulders to the petite woman behind him.
Yukina stepped forward bowing to the grumpy man who stepped aside to give her some space. "You, Botan-chan. I wanted to get everyone together in a few weeks for a group meeting. Does the 23rd work for you?"
The ferry girl tapped her chin in thought. That would not be a problem. She was due for some holiday time and better to take it now then have HR decide it was invalid. "I think I can manage that. Count me in."
"Great! This is so exciting," the ice apparition cooed. Her expression quickly changed as she did her best not to look behind her. "... Can you tell me how to call Keiko-chan? I think Hiei-san might break the communicator," she said, clearly doing her best not to offend him.
Botan stopped her self from laughing but the twist of her lips gave her away slightly. "Just press the blue button. Yusuke will answer if you call enough times," she explained when she was sure she would not give the game away. She was positive Yusuke would get her back for that comment later when he figured out it was her that had given the advise to bug him until he responded. He would live. It was the only way she knew to get him to answer.
"Thank you so much! See you soon!"
Botan giggled. Normally someone hanging up on her would have bothered her, but Yukina had no idea what she had done and Hiei was hardly polite enough to care. She would put it on her list of things to mention to the innocent youkai. The conversation left her feeling excited and entertained. She was also thrilled to see that Hiei was making an effort to spend more time with his sister.
Suddenly a thought occurred to her. She would be able to wear some of her new clothes to this little shin dig. Maybe the black jeans and the little white t-shirt that showed her mid drift. Or the jean shorts and a cute top. She was thinking it over when a delicate drape of material caught her eye. She eyed the dress which hung so beautifully on the mannequin. It was simple yet sexy and tasteful. It screamed elegance and she had a feeling that if she did buy it she would not be able to get anything else, but she also had the distinct impression it would fit her like it had been made just for her. The thought had her feet pulling her into the store and towards an attendant. Trying it on could not hurt.
And besides it was about time Botan got a little attention. Perhaps this little dress might even turn a certain foxy mans attention her way. She wanted to laugh at herself. She would probably never get the chance to wear it around him. Not that it mattered. She wanted to feel good and that dress was calling her name. She was just going to try it on. No harm in that really.
Kurama breathed in deeply as he rolled up the sleeves to his button down white shirt. Fresh mountain air would have been ideal but being outdoors was better than staring at his office wall. He was so tired of being bombarded by his step father's lackeys. He had a pile of paper work a mile high and a million emails to attend to, but he could not stand to look at any of it for another second.
Normally he would have had lunch at his desk, scarfed down something small before getting back to work, but today he just had to get out of there. It was beautiful outside and he sort of wished he could leave early and go for a walk or catch a train somewhere.
He heard the jingle of a bell as two women left a small establishment. The white store front was accented with pastels, greens, pinks, blues, and purples. Blues and purples. He looked up at the sky and wondered where Botan was. It had been a while since he had seen her. They had both been quite busy lately and he missed her. He was hoping she would be at the get together in a couple of weeks. The clipped message that Hiei had sounded off in his head earlier had not specified exactly who would be in attendance but when the group got together there was always the chance that she might be there as well. It was the prospect of seeing her that had caused him to look around at his stark office walls in dismay. The small window behind him pulled his attention with a blue sky as vivid as her own tresses and he suddenly felt the distinct need to leave the office confines.
He glanced at the ice cream parlour. It was not normally the sort of place that he would go to, but it looked like the kind of place that she would enjoy. And the ice cream did look good, especially with the weather being as hot as it was. With a small smile he turned away and decided to walk a little further. There was a nice park that he had always admired on his way to and from the train station.
He was not far away from the station now. He was sorely tempted to jump on the next train and go home. But there was work to do in the office and very little to do at home. He lived alone and he did not really think spending the day in front of the TV would be much better than sifting through papers at his desk. After all, the longer he put off the work the more it would pile up and he could not ignore it forever.
With that thought in mind he turned around, resigned to go back and slug out for the rest of the day when he caught sight of a bright blue mane in a store window. He blinked a few times, not sure if he should believe his own two eyes. Botan, whom he had just been wistfully thinking about, was standing near a rack of dresses. She pulled one out and rushed to the back of the store.
Kurama felt his spirit lighten. If that was not a sign then he was not sure what else it could be. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to his step father. He did not actually think anyone was going to believe that he had suddenly taken ill, but he did not really care. He was not going back in now, consequences be damned. With that pesky detail out of the way, all thoughts of work flew from his mind. With a few purposeful steps he pushed against the establishment door and nodded to the clerk who's attention perked up at the sight of him. He paid her no mind and expertly weaved his way to the back where he could hear her cheerful voice as she spoke to an attendant.
"What is the occasion?" the woman asked, before turning to see him, somewhat startled at his sudden appearance.
"No occasion really. Just in need of a few new things," she said as she backed out of the dressing room watching herself in the mirror.
He felt his mouth go dry. That dress on her should have been illegal. It was a little black number that showed off her long legs expertly and clung to her in all the right places. The neck line went straight across but rested low on her declate showing off her creamy skin and a perfect amount of cleavage. Her shoulders were bare and he found himself itching to run his fingers down the line of her neck.
She did not need the dress to be beautiful. Even in her Reikai issued kimono she was stunning. But this was different. In this dress she was still all of those things but now she exuded a confidence that screamed sexy. As it stood there was no denying that she was frankly the most beautiful creature he had ever laid his eyes on.
She regard herself in the mirror, standing on her tippy toes and turning a little bit to get a better view of the item. Her head tilted to the side as if she was considering it, but was not yet completely sold. "Hmmm... what do you think?" she asked smoothing down the material on her thighs.
He was aware that she was asking the attendant but he knew an opportunity when he saw one. Besides it was better to announce himself now instead of getting caught gawking at her like some creep. "You are stunning." Her head snapped around recognising his voice. Deep forest green stared back at her and for an instant she was completely speechless. He smiled and took a step forward, his first instinct to reach out and hold her but he knew he should not. Instead he did the next best thing. "It compliments your beauty," he said with a small nod of assurance.
Botan smiled and did her best to stifle the blush that she could feel spreading across her cheeks at his appreciative stare. "Kur-" she started, but remembered where they were. It was not likely, but he might know someone there, so she immediately stopped herself and changed tactics. "Shuichi! What a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?" she asked, looking around the store quickly to see if there was an obvious explanation. There was none, as he appeared to be on his own. It seemed that the sole reason for his presence in the women's boutique was due to her presence, unless he was shopping for a surprise gift for a lucky individual.
He casually pointed behind them to a tall building not too far away. While for most that would have been a general indicator of direction, Botan knew from experience that the building he pointed to was actually relevant. "I work near by. I decided to go for a stroll and spotted you so I thought I would drop in."
"I'm glad you did. What a coincidence," she exclaimed with a chuckle, clasping her hands behind her back. She had always believed that there was an element of serendipity to life. No sooner had she thought of the sinfully attractive kitsune did he appear before her very eyes as she was wearing the dress she had hoped might turn his attentions to her.
Kurama did his best to hide his appreciative glance that he was worried might scare her away. Somehow it snuck out anyway refusing to diffuse. That particular brand of disobedience was something that he found only happened when Botan was near. If she objected she made no move to correct him, something he had seen her do to other men without hesitation. But it was hard not to notice how attractive and beautiful she was when her bright amethyst eyes were shinning up at him and the untouched skin of her bare shoulders and chest were on display for what seemed like the first time in his presence. "Indeed. Particularly when you take into account that I was just wondering where you were."
"Really? Why?" Her head tilted to the side in curiosity.
"I saw a little ice cream parlour near by and it made me think of you." His explanation was simple. No need to tell her that he thought of her almost every day when he had free time and that most things made him think of her in some way, particularly beautiful things and places. "Would you like to go get some?" he asked. He knew she had a soft spot for the sweet treat, sweet things in general, and that unless she had a pressing engagement she would say yes.
She knew that ice cream parlour. She had been wanting to go there for ages. It was cute and every one that came out of the place seemed happy, which was always a good sign. It smelled like vanilla and strawberries, a combination that had always been one of her favorites. Previously she had been too busy to stop in when she passed by. "Ice cream sounds fantastic," she stated, rushing back into the dressing room. "I'll just get changed," she said, calling over her shoulder as the curtain shut behind her.
It was a shame to see her take the dress off, but if it meant she would join him for their impromptu date then he was fine with it. When she emerged a few moments later with a simple yet pretty outfit that he swore he had never seen on her he took a few steps towards the register and then paused when he noticed that she was not heading in that direction.
Instead she hung it back up on a near by rack. His brow knitted as he saw her expression turn wishful. "You don't want to get your dress?" he asked. To say he was surprised was an understatement. The dress looked amazing on her and he had expected her to buy it. In his mind it was already hers, or it should have been.
She shrugged. "It is lovely but it's a little pricey. I've got a lot more shopping to do today. That's why I'm here you see." She lifted up a couple of bags that hung from her arm. There was not much there and he got the impression that she had only just begun this little excursion of hers.
The brightness in his twinkling gaze diminished slightly, though only just enough for her to realize that something had bothered him. She doubted many others would have noticed the subtle clue but she had spent a great deal of time with him. More importantly she was glad to see that he was not hiding things from her, a fact she would think over later after she discovered what had caused his expression to turn. "I see. I did not mean to intrude." He was a disappointed that their time would be short, but even if it was just for a few minutes he was happy to see her.
She shook her head, a waterfall of sky blue tresses dancing about behind her. "You aren't. I would appreciate the company if you want to join me," she said, inviting him with reassurance. She wanted to giggle at his misplaced concern but thought he might misconstrue it. One day she was sure he would figure out that she never saw his presence as an intrusion, but until then she would continue to assuage any fears he may have had on such an account. He really was too polite for his own good sometimes.
Kurama's smile brightened again, that cunning twinkle she was so fond of returning to his emerald orbs. He did not have anything to do, and while shopping was not usually his favorite passed time he was happy to if it meant spending time with her outside of a mission. Besides, if he played his cards right he could keep her by his side all day. He held his arm out and she took up the offer. He noted how nice the soft skin of her hands felt on his forearm. He held his other hand out silently asking to take her bags, which she handed over without complaint.
"Thank you," she said looking around to see men and women in suits milling about in a rushed and purposeful manner. She realised that he had probably been at work until very recently. His outfit cemented that fact. Dark grey slacks and a white shirt looked a little dishevelled in the best possible sense. She had a feeling that there had been a tie that went with the outfit, possibly a jacket as well, but he seemed to have left those behind somewhere. He had not explicitly said he had to be anywhere later and his actions made it seem like he was free for the rest of the day, so until he said otherwise she was going to assume he was.
Taking into account the time of day and the fact that he and been at work she put the pieces together. "Have you had lunch?" she asked, signalling to the other individuals all seeking to find food of some sort or other.
He shook his head and was pleased to find that her lips spread a little wider. She reached a hand up to affectionately straighten a piece of renegade red hair and he was all at once justified in his decision to keep it long. His step father had been pushing for him to cut it, but with one motion she made his stubborn tendencies feel worth while.
"Is there anywhere you've been wanting to go?" He knew she did not get away from Reikai often and if he was going to get the whole day with her he was going to make the most of it. "We have to store up our energy. Something tells me we are going to be quite busy later." He shook the bag lightly and listened intently to the bell like laughter that escaped her. He loved that sound. It was honest and reflective of her personality.
She squeezed his arm lightly. "Why don't you take me to your favorite lunch spot. I get the feeling I'm stealing you away from work after all." He was accustomed to seeing her wink playfully at people. She did it when she teased them, but when it was directed solely at him he felt his stomach flip and his chest seize up a bit. She often had that effect on him, not just when she winked but at other times as well. Even if she just looked at him with a certain warmth, or when she averted her eyes embarrassed and blushing, he felt the need to hold her close and kiss her senseless.
For right now he was pleased just to be walking down the street with her towards a little place he had been to once before. It was small but the food was good and he suspected that she would enjoy eating there a great deal. "I know just the place," he said steering them through the crowd towards the restaurant, hoping they would have some outdoor seating free. It was a beautiful day and he was mesmerised by the way the sunlight bounced off of her hair and the way the light caused her pupils to shrink showing off more of her amethyst irises. "and then ice cream."
She giggled. He really seemed to want that ice cream. She had not known him to be one for sweet things but then there a great many things she was sure to learn by spending more time with the kitsune. She was looking forward to it. "Ice cream and shopping," she said bumping her hip with his.
Kurama could hardly believe his luck. It was as if fate had dropped her down on Earth just to spend the day with him. He had not spent such an enjoyable day out in a long time. He knew what the cause of that pleasure was. Everything they had done had been nice, but with Botan at his side it was pure perfection. Even little things that normally would have bothered him did not and he was floating on cloud nine.
The afternoon had flown by and soon enough they were eating dinner. It was long since dark by the time they exited the little bistro. They were walking back towards the park now, which they had stopped in earlier to enjoy the view while they enjoyed their much coveted sweet treat. It was quiet and the once busy streets were now mostly empty. They passed a cinema and he caught Botan's eyes drift towards the marquee.
"Interested?" he asked taking note of the movie that had caught her eye. There was an after dinner showing they could catch if they went now.
Her eyes lit up and then dimmed again and he found he did not like that reaction one bit. Her fingers played with the thin white strap of her bag. "I'd love to but if I don't get back soon I'll be late for my shift."
"Shift?" He looked at a near by clock in the square. It was late, very late. Normally he would have done a better job at keeping track of time but he had been enjoying himself too much. It should have been far too late to start a shift at work. He had never actually paid much attention to when the ferry girls shifts stopped and started. Some would call that an oversight, but admittedly it had never effected when he saw Botan or her work with the team. When they needed her she was there regardless of time. From what he had observed in the few years since they had stopped actively working together, her schedule appeared to be disorganized at best, manic to say the least, and through no fault of her own.
"Yeah, I had the day off but my shift starts at 12," she explained looking disappointed. Well, that made two of them. She could tell there was something he did not like about what she had said and she was not surprised. She shifted her weight and let a look of resignation shine out from under her azure bangs. "It's ok. I do this sort of thing a lot. Being head ferry girl, I usually end up with the shifts no one else wants."
He frowned, wondering how he hand never noticed or asked what her schedule was like. It certainly explained why they rarely saw her. Even when on the team they only saw her on missions or when Koenma himself came down to visit. She had little free time, but what little time she did have could feasibly be spent with him doing things she liked. With that thought he immediately set about making sure he saw her more. "I see. Are you free Friday afternoon?"
Botan titled her head back to look at the stars as she thought it over briefly. "I could be. HR says I have a lot of holiday time I need to start using. Just not all at once. They get cross when I take more than one day off at a time." Her announcement was all he needed to finalise his decision.
Kurama marched off towards the counter, spoke to the clerk quickly and returned with his prize. Soon thereafter Botan found herself holding a ticket in her hand. "I would be delighted to see you Friday," he said escorting her towards the small park they had visited earlier. She would need to head back soon, which would require her to bring out her oar somewhere less conspicuous than the middle of the square.
She laughed, putting the ticket securely into her purse. "Friday it is then. 2:00." Her confirmation brought them onto the plush green grass where a large tree was the perfect place for her to readjust. He waited for her oar to materialize and for her to get settled before he held her shopping out for her.
He was going to push his luck a bit, he knew, but it was worth it if she agreed. "Let's say 12:00 and we can stop by that cafe we saw earlier. And perhaps finish shopping as well."
She looked down at the bags in her hands. It was true, she had not yet finished her splurge. They had gotten so caught up in conversation that she had often failed to pay attention to what was in the stores. Every now and again he would hold up an item and she found herself loving it. He had quickly realized that there was a budget they were sticking to, so he sifted through items carefully. She had a number of new things that she adored and the prospect of spending the whole day with him on that upcoming Friday was irresistible. "You drive a hard bargain." She began to hover and waited for him to step back before she lifted higher off the ground.
"Fly safely," he called to her as she drifted off into the night sky. When he was sure she was out of sight he turned around and spotted the store where her dress hung in the window. He would have to take another lunch break away from the office the next day. He had some shopping to do.
End Comments: And we're off! I have a plan for this story so have no fear there will be further instalments. Also I have another, yes another, KuramaBotan multi chapter fic in the works that I just have not gotten around to typing up yet. First I need to finish some of my Naruto fics, but I will be uploading quite a few things in the near future. So keep your eyes peeled. I'm not sure if anyone still reads this fandom but I still love it and when inspiration strikes I heed the call. As always I have no beta reader, so please forgive my grammatical mistakes. I do my best. Reviews are aways appreciated and welcome but please no flames. Until next time!