Chapter 4: Christmas Carols and Gift Wrap
Christmas time had made its way towards the citizens once again. Kurama was at school, being hounded by every girl there. They all wanted him to come to their Christmas parties. They only wanted the mot popular guys there, and Kurama was one of them. After managing to shake the usual mob of women that liked him for his looks, he made his way out into the city he had a little Christmas shopping to do. He wandered down the street wondering what the other members of the Urameshi team wanted for Christmas. Kuwabara and Hiei were easy to shop for. Kuwabara had a love of cats so Kurama would buy him a little stuffed kitten that would slightly resemble Kuwabara's cat. And Hiei loved anything that would help him care for his sword. A little polish for Hiei's katana and possibly a rag to shine it with would suffice. Yusuke wouldn't be all that hard to figure out. Maybe a punching bag with a picture of Toguro's face on it would be best. Kurama smiled and chuckled slightly at the thought of Yusuke beating the stuffing out of a punching bag with Toguro's ugly mug on the front. Keiko might like some cooking supplies. Botan had mentioned that Keiko had started taking cooking classes. Perhaps a new pacifier for Koenma would work. But what about Botan's present? What would she want out of everything in the world? What would be the best thing for such a person as Botan? No sooner had this thought crossed his mind did he sense the deity behind him. He turned to see Botan with a smile on her face, obviously pleased to see him.
" Good afternoon, Botan." Kurama said cordially.
" Good afternoon, Kurama." Botan replied in the same manner. " What brings you out here?"
" Just doing a little Christmas shopping." Kurama stated. "What about you?"
" Same," she said, " Mind if I come with you?"
" Not at all," Kurama responded, glad she had asked. Maybe now he could get an idea of what she might want.
So the pair walked down the street, peaking into shops as they went along. When Botan had stopped to look at something, Kurama paused long enough for her to get a good look. One time she stopped, it took longer than Kurama had expected. When he looked at what was the cause, he beheld a gorgeous ballroom gown. It was a deep sea blue with matching earrings and shoes.
"Isn't it beautiful," Botan inquired, " Imagine a girl dolled up in that. She would be the most irresistible thing in the room. But I could never afford it."
She walked off down the street, a look of dejection on her face. Kurama pondered the situation for a moment, then a wide smile spread across his visage. He now had the perfect idea. Snapping out of his trance, he ran ahead to join Botan. Later he took a trip to Koenma's. He needed to discuss some business.
" Koenma, sir." Kurama said as he walked into the Spirit Ruler's office.
" Oh, Kurama, do come in." Koenma was at his desk. He motioned for Kurama to sit down. " So what is it you needed to talk to me about?"
" Well, as you know it is the holiday season." Kurama stated.
" Yes, I have noticed." Koenma responded. " And?"
" Well," then Kurama spilled his story to the toddler ruler. At points, the leader of the Spirit World looked doubtful as to whether the fox-demon' s plan would work. In the end he agreed to help the kitsune out. Kurama left the office with a look of pure delight on his face. Kurama ran out the door and hopped into his Cadillac Coupe de Ville, revved up the engine, and tore off towards Botan's apartment. When he arrived, he knocked on the door. Moments later, the blue-haired deity opened the door surprised to find the Fox demon at her front door.
" Kurama," she said with a start, " I wasn't expecting you. Come in."
" Sorry I can't stay." Kurama said, much to Botan's dismay, " I only came to invite you to a holiday get together with the rest of the Spirit Team. I absolutely insist that you come."
" Well, alright." Botan answered.
" Excellent." Kurama said. " I'll see you there. 7:00, my house, Dec. 19. I look forward to seeing you there."
He then took off down the hall. Botan stood there in awe. She wondered why Kurama was in such a good mood all of a sudden. And what did he mean by " I absolutely insist," and " I look forward to seeing you there." Oh well she was sure to find out sooner or later. In reality Kurama was also struggling with the whole thing. Why was he so excited that his plan was going fool proof. Why did he have this sensation in the very fiber of his being that he wanted everything to run perfectly for Botan's Christmas? He wasn't sure why he had even gone to such lengths for this whole thing. Was it possible that he had feelings, other than those of friendship for Botan? He couldn't explain it but he had this knot in the pit of his stomach every time he was near her. Could he possibly, just maybe, no. Not now at least. He had to worry about planning the party. And he knew just what to do.
The night of the 19 came quickly enough. Kurama was ecstatic. He couldn't believe that after all this waiting he would be able to pull off his master. Plan. When everyone had showed up, Kurama addressed the guests.
" Good evening and welcome to my Christmas Bash." He began. " Now tonight we will be exchanging gifts so put them under the tree please. Next we are going to start off with a little Christmas Karaoke. Since I'm your host, I will be more than happy to start off the festivities."
He took his place at the mic. He decided on a nice song for the occasion: Oh Come All Ye Faithful.
"Oh come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant. Oh come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the king of angels. Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels. Sing in exaltation. Oh, sing all ye bright hosts of heaven above. Glory to God, all glory in the highest, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
Yea, Lord we great thee, born this happy morning. Jesus to thee be all glory giv'n. Word of the Father now in flesh appearing, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."
Everyone clapped. He was pleased to know that they had enjoyed his little performance. He motion for the next person who was brave enough to volunteer to step up to the mic. Keiko managed to have more guts than the men, because not one of them decided to step up, so she did instead. She settled on Silent Night.
"Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace."
She ended there because she was only familiar with the first verse. Botan thought that if Keiko had the courage to do something like this than she did. Botan went to the machine and was ready to program Jingle Bells but Kurama stepped in and programmed in Winter Wonderland, a song they were both familiar with.
"Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland.
Gone away is the Bluebird. Here to stay is the new bird. He sings a love song as we go along walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow, we can build a snowman. And pretend that he is Parson Brown. He'll say 'Are you married?' we'll say 'No man. But you can do the job when you're in town.'
Later on, we'll conspire as we dream by the fire. To face unafraid the plans that we made, walking in a winter wonderland."
So ended their ballad to the season of winter. Everyone seemed to be impressed at how well their singing blended so well, at how well their voices melded with one another. Now it was Yusuke's turn to show his stuff. He stepped up and programmed Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. He was about to start when the sound of electrical wires shattering was heard. They turned to see Hiei with his sword drawn and the Karaoke machine in shreds. He was obviously the reason Yusuke would not be singing.
" Hiei!" Botan screamed at him, " That wasn't very nice."
" I Hate Christmas Music!" Hiei stated in defiance. Kurama decided to switch subjects.
"Let's move on to the gift exchange." He said.
They moved to take their seats by the tree. Kurama began distributing packages. He himself had received a hand knitted scarf from Botan, Flower pots from Kuwabara, a new uniform from Hiei, Yusuke had given him a rare potted plant, Keiko got him a trowel for his garden, Shizuru had got him some rose tinted sunglasses and Yukina gave him a lovely quilt decorated with roses. Everyone else seemed to enjoy his gifts to them (whether Hiei did or not, he was not sure). When the time came, his palms were sweating like mad. He motioned for Botan to come closer to him. He then revealed his gift. It was the same gown that she had admired in the store window. It also had a pair of matching earrings, a necklace and shoes, and a tube of electric blue lipstick. Botan (along with the rest of the guests) was speechless.
"How did you get this?" she asked, " It must have cost you a fortune."
"Actually, it cost Koenma a fortune." Kurama answered. " I offered him my paycheck for the next three years to convince him to buy it for me. It was my way of thanking you for your continued help and support of our team. I also realized something over the last few days. Botan, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. There is an elegant party downtown tonight. I've already made arrangements for us to go. Don't worry Yusuke they will have plenty of Hip Hop and Rap music. I took the liberty of renting tuxedos for us all and gowns for the ladies. I ask you Botan. Will you do me the honor of being my date to the party tonight?"
" Yes, yes, yes." Botan shrieked, leaping into his arms.
They remained in their tight embrace for many moments. Then the pair engaged in the first kiss the two of them had ever shared, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. They let loose their embrace gasping for air. Botan joined with the other girls and went to get changed. Kurama went with the men and changed into his rose colored tuxedo. The whole group then hopped into their cars and made their way downtown where the best night of their lives awaited them.
Christmas time had made its way towards the citizens once again. Kurama was at school, being hounded by every girl there. They all wanted him to come to their Christmas parties. They only wanted the mot popular guys there, and Kurama was one of them. After managing to shake the usual mob of women that liked him for his looks, he made his way out into the city he had a little Christmas shopping to do. He wandered down the street wondering what the other members of the Urameshi team wanted for Christmas. Kuwabara and Hiei were easy to shop for. Kuwabara had a love of cats so Kurama would buy him a little stuffed kitten that would slightly resemble Kuwabara's cat. And Hiei loved anything that would help him care for his sword. A little polish for Hiei's katana and possibly a rag to shine it with would suffice. Yusuke wouldn't be all that hard to figure out. Maybe a punching bag with a picture of Toguro's face on it would be best. Kurama smiled and chuckled slightly at the thought of Yusuke beating the stuffing out of a punching bag with Toguro's ugly mug on the front. Keiko might like some cooking supplies. Botan had mentioned that Keiko had started taking cooking classes. Perhaps a new pacifier for Koenma would work. But what about Botan's present? What would she want out of everything in the world? What would be the best thing for such a person as Botan? No sooner had this thought crossed his mind did he sense the deity behind him. He turned to see Botan with a smile on her face, obviously pleased to see him.
" Good afternoon, Botan." Kurama said cordially.
" Good afternoon, Kurama." Botan replied in the same manner. " What brings you out here?"
" Just doing a little Christmas shopping." Kurama stated. "What about you?"
" Same," she said, " Mind if I come with you?"
" Not at all," Kurama responded, glad she had asked. Maybe now he could get an idea of what she might want.
So the pair walked down the street, peaking into shops as they went along. When Botan had stopped to look at something, Kurama paused long enough for her to get a good look. One time she stopped, it took longer than Kurama had expected. When he looked at what was the cause, he beheld a gorgeous ballroom gown. It was a deep sea blue with matching earrings and shoes.
"Isn't it beautiful," Botan inquired, " Imagine a girl dolled up in that. She would be the most irresistible thing in the room. But I could never afford it."
She walked off down the street, a look of dejection on her face. Kurama pondered the situation for a moment, then a wide smile spread across his visage. He now had the perfect idea. Snapping out of his trance, he ran ahead to join Botan. Later he took a trip to Koenma's. He needed to discuss some business.
" Koenma, sir." Kurama said as he walked into the Spirit Ruler's office.
" Oh, Kurama, do come in." Koenma was at his desk. He motioned for Kurama to sit down. " So what is it you needed to talk to me about?"
" Well, as you know it is the holiday season." Kurama stated.
" Yes, I have noticed." Koenma responded. " And?"
" Well," then Kurama spilled his story to the toddler ruler. At points, the leader of the Spirit World looked doubtful as to whether the fox-demon' s plan would work. In the end he agreed to help the kitsune out. Kurama left the office with a look of pure delight on his face. Kurama ran out the door and hopped into his Cadillac Coupe de Ville, revved up the engine, and tore off towards Botan's apartment. When he arrived, he knocked on the door. Moments later, the blue-haired deity opened the door surprised to find the Fox demon at her front door.
" Kurama," she said with a start, " I wasn't expecting you. Come in."
" Sorry I can't stay." Kurama said, much to Botan's dismay, " I only came to invite you to a holiday get together with the rest of the Spirit Team. I absolutely insist that you come."
" Well, alright." Botan answered.
" Excellent." Kurama said. " I'll see you there. 7:00, my house, Dec. 19. I look forward to seeing you there."
He then took off down the hall. Botan stood there in awe. She wondered why Kurama was in such a good mood all of a sudden. And what did he mean by " I absolutely insist," and " I look forward to seeing you there." Oh well she was sure to find out sooner or later. In reality Kurama was also struggling with the whole thing. Why was he so excited that his plan was going fool proof. Why did he have this sensation in the very fiber of his being that he wanted everything to run perfectly for Botan's Christmas? He wasn't sure why he had even gone to such lengths for this whole thing. Was it possible that he had feelings, other than those of friendship for Botan? He couldn't explain it but he had this knot in the pit of his stomach every time he was near her. Could he possibly, just maybe, no. Not now at least. He had to worry about planning the party. And he knew just what to do.
The night of the 19 came quickly enough. Kurama was ecstatic. He couldn't believe that after all this waiting he would be able to pull off his master. Plan. When everyone had showed up, Kurama addressed the guests.
" Good evening and welcome to my Christmas Bash." He began. " Now tonight we will be exchanging gifts so put them under the tree please. Next we are going to start off with a little Christmas Karaoke. Since I'm your host, I will be more than happy to start off the festivities."
He took his place at the mic. He decided on a nice song for the occasion: Oh Come All Ye Faithful.
"Oh come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant. Oh come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the king of angels. Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels. Sing in exaltation. Oh, sing all ye bright hosts of heaven above. Glory to God, all glory in the highest, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
Yea, Lord we great thee, born this happy morning. Jesus to thee be all glory giv'n. Word of the Father now in flesh appearing, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."
Everyone clapped. He was pleased to know that they had enjoyed his little performance. He motion for the next person who was brave enough to volunteer to step up to the mic. Keiko managed to have more guts than the men, because not one of them decided to step up, so she did instead. She settled on Silent Night.
"Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace."
She ended there because she was only familiar with the first verse. Botan thought that if Keiko had the courage to do something like this than she did. Botan went to the machine and was ready to program Jingle Bells but Kurama stepped in and programmed in Winter Wonderland, a song they were both familiar with.
"Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland.
Gone away is the Bluebird. Here to stay is the new bird. He sings a love song as we go along walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow, we can build a snowman. And pretend that he is Parson Brown. He'll say 'Are you married?' we'll say 'No man. But you can do the job when you're in town.'
Later on, we'll conspire as we dream by the fire. To face unafraid the plans that we made, walking in a winter wonderland."
So ended their ballad to the season of winter. Everyone seemed to be impressed at how well their singing blended so well, at how well their voices melded with one another. Now it was Yusuke's turn to show his stuff. He stepped up and programmed Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. He was about to start when the sound of electrical wires shattering was heard. They turned to see Hiei with his sword drawn and the Karaoke machine in shreds. He was obviously the reason Yusuke would not be singing.
" Hiei!" Botan screamed at him, " That wasn't very nice."
" I Hate Christmas Music!" Hiei stated in defiance. Kurama decided to switch subjects.
"Let's move on to the gift exchange." He said.
They moved to take their seats by the tree. Kurama began distributing packages. He himself had received a hand knitted scarf from Botan, Flower pots from Kuwabara, a new uniform from Hiei, Yusuke had given him a rare potted plant, Keiko got him a trowel for his garden, Shizuru had got him some rose tinted sunglasses and Yukina gave him a lovely quilt decorated with roses. Everyone else seemed to enjoy his gifts to them (whether Hiei did or not, he was not sure). When the time came, his palms were sweating like mad. He motioned for Botan to come closer to him. He then revealed his gift. It was the same gown that she had admired in the store window. It also had a pair of matching earrings, a necklace and shoes, and a tube of electric blue lipstick. Botan (along with the rest of the guests) was speechless.
"How did you get this?" she asked, " It must have cost you a fortune."
"Actually, it cost Koenma a fortune." Kurama answered. " I offered him my paycheck for the next three years to convince him to buy it for me. It was my way of thanking you for your continued help and support of our team. I also realized something over the last few days. Botan, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. There is an elegant party downtown tonight. I've already made arrangements for us to go. Don't worry Yusuke they will have plenty of Hip Hop and Rap music. I took the liberty of renting tuxedos for us all and gowns for the ladies. I ask you Botan. Will you do me the honor of being my date to the party tonight?"
" Yes, yes, yes." Botan shrieked, leaping into his arms.
They remained in their tight embrace for many moments. Then the pair engaged in the first kiss the two of them had ever shared, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. They let loose their embrace gasping for air. Botan joined with the other girls and went to get changed. Kurama went with the men and changed into his rose colored tuxedo. The whole group then hopped into their cars and made their way downtown where the best night of their lives awaited them.