This is the longest chapter I have ever written but I promised a few people that I would try to make my chapters longer and I don't like to break any promises so here it is. Anyways, I want to thank my wonderful reviewers:

Unknown-wonder, ToonyTwilight, majo18, half-breed-demon-foxreina shirahimeSonzai TazBotan and Kurama loverSmexy Kittenanime/videogame freak, heartluv, and LeFoxy

I love all of you!

Well here is chapter seven. Enjoy!

Botan fumbled with her keys before finally being able to open the door to what had been her home for the past four years. She was just returning from her job at a rather large company with transactions all over the world. Having done her business major in two years certainly paid off and even though she was constantly bombarded with work she loved not having time to think of anything else.

She went in and quickly took off her heels that were killing her. Even though she had been used to wearing heels, wearing them for eight hours a day was overkill and she had only worked at the company for barely a month now. With a few steps she was in the kitchen and noticed a note from her father on the refrigerator which stated he had to stay late at work and that a letter had come for her which was on the table.

Botan looked over to see a yellow manila envelope right in the middle of the kitchen table. Something told her, it was not something she wanted to open but she ignored that feeling and sat down taking the envelope into her hands. She noted that the address belonged to the place that she once called home. Carefully she ripped open the envelope and a letter and another smaller envelope fell out.

She unfolded the white sheet of paper that held her sisters very familiar handwriting on it.

Dear Botan,

I know it must be strange for you to suddenly receive a letter from me after all these years. And before I continue with the letter, I want to apologize for not calling or visiting. I was just so mad at waking up to have you gone, without even a goodbye. I thought that you selfishly left like father had but it wasn't until recently that I realized that you had your reason, a reason I shouldn't have questioned. I am partly to blame for our separation but just know that I love you. You are my sister and I will always support you in any decision you make.

Well now that I have gotten that off my chest, the other reason behind this letter is quite simple. I am going to get married! But most importantly, as my sister I wish to have you by my side as my maid of honor. I don't know if you remember when we were little and we pretended that I was going to marry prince charming, but I recall how you cried thinking that I would leave with him and forget you. Then I made you the promise that when I get married there would be no way I could forget you because you would be by my side when I do. Well the time has come for me to keep my promise. Of course only if you accept.

I have included an invitation with the wedding date. However, if you do accept to be my maid of honor, I would need you to come back a month before the wedding because there are many preparations that must be dealt with and I really need your help.

Botan, I know I haven't been the best sister in the world but I would really like to share this special moment with you. Even if you don't accept being the maid of honor I would still greatly appreciate your presence at the wedding. I really do miss you.

Sincerely and with much love,

Keiko

Botan placed the letter back on the table. She then picked up the smaller white envelope and opened it to reveal a gold embroidered invitation with silver lettering that read:

You are cordially invited to the wedding and ceremony of Keiko Yukimura and Kurama Minamino on August twelve.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP no later than July the twentieth.

She let the invitation fall from her hands as she stood up and went to get a glass of water. After taking a sip she placed it on the counter not too gently and it cracked not only spilling water but shards of glass as well. Botan however didn't notice as she slid down to the floor. Her back against the counter and her face in her hands.

She wasn't mad at Keiko, she was her sister after all and deserved to be happy no matter who it was with. She wasn't mad at Kurama either, he made his choice and there was nothing to be done. But she was furious with herself, for letting the invitation affect her as much as it did even after all these years, after all the promises he had made herself of a new life, of new beginnings.

She sat there, holding her knees tightly against her chest just waiting for the pain to go away but it didn't seem to want to leave it just brought back unwanted memories. It wasn't until she heard the lock of the door start to open that she quickly stood up and noticed the mess she had created. Taking a dish towel from the counter she started racking the glass into a small pile. She worked until she felt a sturdy hand on her shoulder. She turned to face chocolate brown eyes and gave him a huge smile.

Yusuke smiled back not realizing her smile was fake. "Hey there, what happened here?"

"Just a little accident." Botan replied getting back to work.

He also started wiping the counter clean of water and glass. It didn't take long for them to finish but it was during their cleaning session that Yusuke noticed Botan's thoughtful and troubled expression. "Is something wrong?" he asked as they sat down at the table she had previously been on.

Botan looked up. Was it that obvious something was troubling her? "Nothing is wrong. How was class?"

Yusuke frowned. Something was definitely wrong when she changed subjects so quickly but he decided to play along, he would get it out of her soon. "Fine. I have my finals tomorrow and then I am done for the year."

Botan smiled. She was so proud of Yusuke for sticking with what he started without the need of her help. Yusuke had decided to get a major in architecture which required all four years of college. Botan had been skeptic since she knew he didn't like school one bit but amazingly enough he was doing well and was enjoying it which was the best part. "That's great. I hope it all goes well then. Are you going to study tonight?"

"Nope. I know most of the material so I just want to relax tonight." He replied before noticing something gold gleaming from the corner of the table.

Yusuke picked up the invitation before Botan could stop him and suddenly realized what was wrong with her. However, it also deeply troubled him. If she was she still this affected by his wedding then that meant she still had feelings for him. It not only hurt him but it made him feel angry. Was he not good enough for her, even after being by her side when that bastard had shattered her heart, after giving her his heart?

Botan noticed the internal conflict he was having in his eyes. She gingerly reached for his hand but he simply moved it away. She knew what he was thinking, and he was partially right but she didn't want to see him in pain especially because of her, especially after everything he had done for her.

Yusuke turned his chocolate brown eyes to see Botan, her beautiful amethyst eyes cast away seemingly hurt by his rejection. He couldn't manage to stay mad at her for long, she just seemed so fragile like single word could break her, and he also loved her too much to be angry at her. He knew the pain she had gone through and even though it killed him, he understood why she might be affected.

Botan looked over to Yusuke and noticed that his anger had been replaced by something she didn't recognize. She made a quick plan to try and alleviate some of the pain he probably felt at the moment. "Yusuke," she started. "The reason why I am out of it is not that one that you think. Keiko also sent me a letter asking me to be her maid of honor but I have to be there for a month before the wedding and I don't know if I can get a month off from work."

A wave of relief washed over Yusuke as he realized that he had just jumped into conclusions. He quickly stood up and went over to Botan. He took her hands and she stood up. He embraced her tightly. "I'm sorry, I just…" he whispered.

"I know…" she whispered back feeling both mad and guilty with herself. Even after everything, he was still there. Always present in a corner of her heart.

Botan smiled. "Hey, since you don't have nay classes this summer, if I can get the time off will you come with me back home? I know a whole month seems like much but please!!"

Yusuke laughed. He loved when she started to plead like a little girl, it just made her cuter. "You know I wouldn't be able to be a WHOLE month away from you"

"Yay!" she replied giving Yusuke yet another hug. Maybe things would be easier with him around. Soon she would be reunited with the past she knew she could not outrun.


Kurama frowned at hearing his name being shouted for the tenth time that day. Keiko had been calling him every minute to get his opinion on something concerning the wedding and it was driving him mad. Shoot, he still wasn't sure how he had managed to get to this point. Even after a month of being engaged, he still wasn't sure how they had even gotten engaged in the first place. Everything had happened so fast that night.

It was the night of their fourth year anniversary and after the museum and diner, he had taken her back home and as usual given her a goodnight kiss. However, as he was leaving she grabbed his arm and made him face her.

"Kurama," she started "Do you remember that you once told me you would get married once you had a stable job and your own place?"

"Yeah. That was the plan." He replied completely confused with the sudden alteration to her planned night.

Keiko smiled. "Well you have had a stable job for a year now, you earn enough money for three, and you have a pretty nice house of your own."

"Ummm….Yes" Kurama replied not sure what she wanted him to say after her statement.

"Great! Then it's settled." Keiko said ecstatically.

Kurama frowned "What is?"

"Our engagement. You have your prerequisites so now you can get married. And it's perfect because I have always wanted a summer wedding. Three months of engagement is enough." Keiko said. "Well I guess I should tell mother. Goodnight."

"Goodnight?" Kurama replied as he slowly started heading towards his car in a daze. He was about to open the door when Keiko called out to him.

"Remember I am a size seven ring!" she called from a slight opening of the door before going back inside.

Kurama had simply nodded and decided to stay that night at his mother's house. It had definitely been a dazed night and completely sleepless.

It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that he actually agreed with the engagement. It was after all part of his life plan, having a stable job, a house, and a family. And Keiko was a good woman, they shared many similar interests and she also had a plan of her own which allowed them to be even more compatible. He had just imagined his proposal a bit differently but what was done is done.

The wedding was now just a month away. The invitations had already been sent out, the church booked, and the banquet hall reserved. All that was left was the decorations, and a lot of minor details that Keiko seemed bent on bothering him with.

The company he worked with had made him work at home after seeing in what bad shape he was in and only after a month of being engaged with Keiko. He happily agreed but it was a huge mistake since Keiko now forced him to be at her mothers house twenty four seven to talk about the wedding twenty four seven. He put his laptop down to go see what Keiko wanted this time but was stopped by the doorbell ringing. Just the bell ringing made him happy because it meant it was a distraction from the crazy Yukimura's because his future mother in law was also harassing him about color scheme. He went to the door and opened the door with great enthusiasm, enthusiasm which quickly died at the sight of the visitor

Of all the people he could have guessed were at the door, she was surely among the last ones. He was rather speechless, he wasn't even sure she was real. She did look a bit different with her short hair but she still seemed to brighten up everything around her just as she had before. And just as before, her beauty was breathtaking. For a moment, he was lost in her eyes, the eyes of the one in his dreams, but it didn't last long because another figure came into the picture.

Botan had also been surprised for a moment at who answered the door but then again, he was a very important part of the wedding. She wasn't sure what to say, he looked almost as stunned as she was, apparently Keiko hadn't told him about her letter. He hadn't changed a bit; he still held his masculine beauty and wonderful deep emerald eyes, the same eyes she used to dream about and the same eyes that she was now completely lost in.

She suddenly felt an arm around her shoulders making her wake up from the trap of his eyes. She turned to see a frowning Yusuke looking, more like glaring, at Kurama. It was now that Botan wished she hadn't told Yusuke everything that had happened or at least not Kurama's name. Maybe things would have gone smoother, because things were certainly not off to a great start.

"Hey Kurama." Botan started, trying to ease the very bad vibe between the two. "Remember me?"

"How could I ever forget?" Kurama replied and moved a little away from the door. "Please come in. It is your home after all."

Botan brushed past him with a couple of suitcases and Yusuke followed also with more suitcases. They headed straight to the living room where both Keiko and their mother were discussing something very serious.

"Botan!" Keiko screamed running up to her sister and hugging her. "I am so glad you are here, I still can't decide on whether to use eggshell white or off white for my dress and now mom showed me white satin which I really like too."

"Don't worry Keiko, it's your wedding and you don't have to worry about a thing. I am going to prepare everything for your special day. You just have to relax."

Keiko hugged Botan again. "I am so so happy you are here. You have always managed to complete things perfectly at the last minute."

"Well being a procrastinator for more than half your life has its perks." Botan replied making them all laugh. "Oh, I would like you to meet someone."

Botan grabbed Yusuke's hand and dragged him towards where Keiko and Kurama were standing. "This is my boyfriend, Yusuke Urameshi."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Keiko said shaking his hand.

Kurama only nodded in his direction with the smallest smile possible.

"It's nice to meet you too." Yusuke replied speaking only with Keiko.

Their mother smiled. "It's good to see you are still together."

"How long have you been together?" Kurama asked unable to keep his curiosity under control.

Botan looked over at him unable to think why he would ask that, or why he would even care. He was never one to pry and she didn't think he would ever change that.

Yusuke wrapped his arms around Botan's waist before also turning to Kurama whose jaw only tightened. "Two wonderful years." He replied.

"They actually met four years ago, when Botan first left." Their mother added.

"It's great you also found someone special." Keiko said as she grabbed Kurama's arm and smiled. "Maybe you two will be next in the married list."

Kurama cleared his throat and turned to Keiko. "They must be tired form the flight, why don't you tell me where they will sleep so I can take their bags."

"Oh, it's okay. We can carry them. Keiko already told me we were going to be in my old room." Botan answered before Keiko.

Botan and Yusuke were about to head to her room before Keiko stopped them. "Once you get settled, we should go celebrate your arrival."

They nodded and went to unpack. It took them a couple of hours to find enough space for two peoples month worth's of clothes in her not so big room. They changed and headed back out to find Keiko and Kurama also changed.

"So where are we going?" Botan asked.

"Well I think that your arrival and my hopefully stress free wedding deserves a toast, so we are going a small bar that I have always wanted to go to that's close to Kurama's new house." Keiko replied with a smile.

It didn't take long for them to reach the bar, his house was actually located a few minutes out of town and close to another pretty big town where Kurama worked at.

Botan was the first to step in and liked what she saw. It wasn't a sport bar; it had beautiful blue and red lounge chairs and black marble tables. It was definitely a cozy vibe and it had some class. She decided on taking a table at the corner and immediately a waiter was with them as soon as they sat down.

"A shot of Grey Goose vodka" Yusuke told the waiter. "Actually bring shots all around. We will toast with a shot."

"Alright." The waiter replied and quickly left.

Kurama frowned. "Are you even twenty one?"

"Does it really matter?" Yusuke replied with a scowl.

"We are only having one drink." Keiko quickly interjected. "I know you don't like to drink but we are celebrating. So please don't make a big deal out of it."

The waiter came back with their shots and handed them out.

Keiko lifted her small glass. "To Botan and my upcoming wedding!"

The other also lifted their glasses and then took the shot. However, only Yusuke took the complete shot. Neither Botan nor Keiko could take more than a sip and Kurama didn't take any. He hated the smell of alcohol ever since he was a kid.

Yusuke looked at Kurama's untouched glass. "What's the matter Red? Can't take a little ity bity shot?"

"I can take a shot and more. But I choose not to be an alcoholic." Kurama quickly replied. "My name is Kurama by the way, not 'Red'"

"I doubt it. And I know perfectly well what your name is." Yusuke retorted.

Kurama frowned and downed the shot in a second. Yusuke smirked and called the waiter over for another shot. Kurama also called for another shot and took it as Yusuke took his.

They glared at each other before ordering yet another shot.

"Guys, I don't think…" Keiko started but stopped noticing she was being completely ignored.

Keiko scooted a bit closer to Botan. "Don't you think we should stop them?"

"Naw. A little competition now and then is good for guys." She replied.

Keiko frowned. "A who gets drunk first contest is never a good thing."

"No. But I am sure neither has been able to let loose for a while and I suppose it will do them good."

"I suppose" Keiko replied dejectedly since there was definitely no ways he would be able to stop them anyways. "So, Botan I have this question but I am not sure if I should ask it, I really don't want to pry."

"You wan to know why I left, right?" Botan replied as she looked at the two boys drinking their hearts out. If only she knew.

Keiko nodded. She had always wanted to know why her sister left but her anger overpowered her curiosity.

Botan sighed. "I left because of something stupid. I was young and didn't know how to handle my problem so I ran, I ran as far as I could which at that time was New York."

"Botan, you should have talked with me. I could have tried to help because running away from your problems is never the answer." Keiko replied holding Botan's cold hand in hers.

"Like I said Keiko, I was young and stupid." She replied looking away. "And anyways, I would never have met Yusuke if I hadn't left."

"He seems like a wonderful person. I can tell her really loves you from the way he looks at you." Keiko said.

Botan gave her a sad smile. "I know."

Keiko's cell phone started to vibrate and she had a two minute conversation before hanging up. She turned to Botan with a frown. "I am so sorry but I have to get home. It's an emergency"

"It's okay, let's go then." Botan replied before turning to look at Kurama and Yusuke who were officially drunk but still continuing with their personal contest even though they were both almost passed out. "But they might be a problem."

Keiko frowned. "How about you take Kurama to his house and I take Yusuke with me. That way I can get home quicker."

"But.." Botan started not liking the idea of being alone with Kurama.

"Please Botan. We passed by his house on our way here and you can just take his car. I really need to send this e-mail and I can't stop by his house."

Noticing her sister's desperate face she nodded. "Fine."

Keiko quickly helped Yusuke up and basically dragged him into the car.

Botan looked at Kurama who was sprawled on the table. She placed his arm around her shoulders and hoisted him up. He was only barely conscious when he rested his head on her shoulders. They were half way towards the car when Kurama drunkenly smiled. "You smell really good."

Botan blushed at both the comment and his breath tickling her ear. She didn't know how she could have agreed to such a thing.

She successfully managed to get him into his car and started to drive to his house. She saw him starting to nod off. It was dead silent in the car which really creeped her out especially in the middle of the night in an empty road. So she did the first thing that came into her mind which was to start singing.

I've been living with a shadow overhead,

I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed,

I've been lonely for so long,

Trapped in the past,

I just can't seem to move on!

Botan was about to continue singing the song she had heard in the movie Music and Lyrics when suddenly Kurama with a voice as clear as crystal decided to continue.

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away,

Just in case I ever need them again someday,

I've been setting aside time,

To clear a little space in the corners of my mind!

She had at first been too stunned to do anything but after hearing him sing, amazingly enough with his eyes completely closed, she smiled and decided to join him with the chorus.

All I want to do is find a way back into love.

I can't make it through without a way back into love.

Oh.

And so they continued.

Botan: I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine,

I've been searching but I just don't see the signs,

I know that it's out there,

There's got to be something for my soul somewhere!

Kurama: I've been looking for someone to shed some light,

Not somebody just to get me through the night,

I could use some direction,

And I'm open to your suggestions.

Both: All I want to do is find a way back into love.

I can't make it through without a way back into love.

And if I open my heart again,

I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end!

Oh, Oh, Oh.

Botan: There are moments when I don't know if it's real

Or if anybody feels the way I feel

I need inspiration

Not just another negotiation

Both: All I want to do is find a way back into love,

I can't make it through without a way back into love,

And if I open my heart to you,

I'm hoping you'll show me what to do,

And if you help me to start again,

You know that I'll be there for you in the end!

Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh Oh. Oh.

Botan smiled as they finished the song but also shed a single tear because it was just a reminder of her love. The love that never was and never will be.

She made her way into the drive way and parked. She then helped an almost passed out Kurama out of the car and into the house. She too was ready to pass out from exhaustion when she finally reached his bedroom. However, in the process of trying to place him on his bed she bumped into the bookshelf which tipped over not only making quite a mess but also making her fall on the bed as well.

She was about to get up to pick up the things when a pair of strong arms around her waist held her in her place. She could tell that Kurama was sound asleep but was not letting her go. She tried to pry him off for what seemed like hours but she was so exhausted from before that she just didn't have the strength.

"Now what?" she whispered to herself. She had certainly not imagined being in bed with her sisters fiancée while her boyfriend waited for her. It was certainly not the best day ever. However, as she started dozing off, she could only think about how great it felt to be held by him, to be this close to him. And with one last glance at his gorgeous face she fell asleep.

Well I really do hope you all liked it. And like always, I appreciate any constructive criticism you may have.

Also, I would really like to thank Botan and Kurama Lover for the wonderful idea of the song "Way Back Into Love," It really is a great representation of Kurama's and Botan's current situation.

Until next time!

Next chapter: Fights, and the unanswered question: eggshell white or off white??