Alright, it's time for the part two! Enjoy it dears!

            ~*~

Botan sat back in her chair, eying her surroundings with interest.  This was by far the fanciest place she had ever been. Legally, that is.

            Karasu watched her with a satisfied smile, and sipped his wine delicately. He had generously offered a glass to Botan, but she'd been reluctant to drink while in Karasu's company, preferring to stick with coke, which couldn't get one into trouble.

            Karasu had been slightly disappointed that Botan hadn't wanted to share a drink with him, but he was to pleased with her acceptance to his dinner invitation to press the matter. So he just sat back and watched her contentedly while they waited for their server to bring them a menu.

            Botan stopped looking around the room to spare Karasu a glance, catching him looking at her.

            "What is it?" She looked at him suspiciously.

            "Nothing, nothing." Karasu smiled lazily, but didn't stop staring. Botan shifted nervously in her seat.

            "Really, you're making me nervous. Could you please stop staring at me like that?" Karasu leaned back in his seat, regarding her through half lidded eyes.

            "I apologize, Botan. It's just difficult to tear my eyes away from such an enchanting vision." Botan blinked at him comically.

            "What?" Karasu rolled his eyes.

            "I'm saying that you look simply ravishing in that dress." Botan blushed deeply and sipped her drink for lack of anything better to do. How was one supposed to act when their boss gave them a compliment like that? She cleared her throat.

            "Er… Thank you." Karasu smiled winningly at her.

            "Not at all. Oh, look, here come our menus. I hope your hungry, Botan." The waitress set down their menus and topped Karasu's glass off with more wine. She then took Botan's glass to refill it with coke. Botan felt a little nervous without her drink to fall back on at awkward moments, so she picked up her menu to have something to do.

            "… I can't read half of this, Karasu! I think it's in French." Karasu lifted an eyebrow and opened his own menu. He scanned the pages.

            "So it is. Well, you shouldn't be so surprised Botan, this is, after all, a French restaurant." He laughed at her while she blushed again.

            "It is? I didn't know…" Karasu reached out and gently pat her hand. Botan felt a slight and unpleasant shiver make its way up her back.

            "Don't worry, I'll translate it for you." He read the menu for a moment and then looked back up at her.

            "To start off, how about some escargot?" Botan cocked her head to the side.

            "What's escargot?" Karasu grinned wickedly at her.

            "Snails. In garlic and butter." Botan blinked in surprise.

            "They actually serve snails to people as food?" Karasu chuckled.

            "Believe it or not. And it's actually tasty, when done right." Botan looked thoughtful for a minute.

            "Well… It's sounds gross, but I think it would be fun to try it. So, okay. Escargot it is." Karasu blinked in surprise, he hadn't actually expected Botan to agree to his suggestion. But he smiled at her and nodded.

            "Escargot it is then. Do you have any idea what you want for your entrée?" Botan looked intently at the menu.

            "How about… The coque au von? That looks interesting." Karasu looked at the menu as well.

            "That does look good. I think I'll have the same." Just in time too, at that moment the waitress came to take their orders and return to Botan a full glass of coke. Botan went back to looking around the room while Karasu downed another glass of wine. He began to refill it and glanced up at Botan.

            "So, do you like it then?"

            "The restaurant? Yeah, it's really pretty. And it smells good. I can't wait to taste the food." Karasu chuckled and shook his head gently.

            "That's not what I meant, though I'm glad you are enjoying yourself. Perhaps I should have been more specific. What I meant was, how do you like working for me?" Botan blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected a question like that. She sipped her coke thoughtfully.

            "Well… It's definitely different from when I worked for Oliver… But I guess I like working for you okay. I mean, you give me challenging jobs- which I appreciate, by the way- and you pay me well. So, I don't really have much to complain about, do I?" Karasu looked contemplative.

            "What is so different about working for me than for 'Oliver'?" Botan blinked a few times.

            "I don't know. Maybe… They way He treated me." Karasu's eyes narrowed.

            "Explain." Botan shifted uncomfortably.

            "Well… He and I were very close, whereas you and I… aren't." Karasu leaned back in his seat. Botan could feel him unconsciously gathering his power and became a little nervous.

            "You don't think you and I are close, Botan? And why is that?" Botan licked her lips nervously, and felt her palms begin to sweat. She didn't like how Karasu was looking at her. His eyes half closed while he leaned back in his seat and lazily sipped his wine. She idly wondered how many glasses this made and if it really mattered or not. Did alcohol even effect demons the way it did humans?

            She cleared her throat.

            " Er…I um… I don't know. All I know is that you and I don't share the kind of relationship that Oliver and I had." Botan felt Karasu's energy gathering quickly, and watched as his hair began to turn a little lighter. She caught a whiff of gunpowder and almost panicked. What was wrong with him? Why was Karasu getting so worked up over this?

            "What kind of… relationship did you two have, exactly, Botan?" Karasu's voice had become low and dangerous.  

            "Oliver treated me like… A sister, or a daughter… And I looked up to him. He was kind of like an older brother figure for me. What is wrong with you Karasu? Calm down! If your not careful you could blow the place up!" Karasu calmed down immediately. He neutralized his power and his hair turned back to its original dark color, and the smell of gunpowder faded.

            "So you two had a brotherly-sisterly relationship? Nothing… More?" Botan looked confused.

            "What do you mean?" Karasu blushed slightly.

            "You weren't ever… Lovers, or anything like that?" Botan blushed deeply.

            "What? Karasu, he was my sensei! We never had feelings like… that… for each other!" Karasu put his hands up defensively.

            "Okay, okay! I was just… Wondering. And I wouldn't have blown anything up, thank you very much. I had my powers under control the whole time." Botan doubted this, but didn't say anything.

            "The reason I ask is-" But he was interrupted by the arrival of their escargot, and Botan was no longer paying attention to him, but looking interestedly at the plate.

            Karasu sighed and leaned back. He downed his wine and refilled his glass for the fifth time that night, and watched as Botan began to gingerly taste the food.

            ~*~

            Kurama continued to glower at Karasu and Botan from his corner table.

            "Shuichi? Honey, what's wrong? Do you not like your food?" Kurama looked up in surprise and smiled gently at his mother, who was looking at him worriedly.

            "No, mother, my food is fine, thank you." Shiori looked unconvinced.

            "You've had a sour expression on your face for the last half an hour! What earth have you been staring at?" Kurama blushed. Had he been so obvious?

            "Er… It's nothing mother, don't worry about it."

            "He's been looking at that girl with the blue hair!" Little Shuichi piped up, and pointed across the restaurant at Botan. Kurama's blush deepened and he grabbed little Shuichi's hand and forced down to the table.

            "Gah! Don't you know it's rude to point?!" Shiori and her husband (an: I don't her husbands name!) turned and looked where little Shuichi had pointed.

            "Ooooh, she's pretty! Who is she, Shuichi dear, do you know her?"

            "No." Little Shuichi said, shrugging. Shiori smiled.

            "Not you, sweetie, big Shuichi." Kurama looked down at his plate, and viciously speared an asparagus head with his fork.

            "Yes. I know her." Everyone at the table waited for him to continue. Kurama chewed thoughtfully on the veggie and looked around the table.

            "Well, are you going to elaborate?" His stepfather asked, looking interested. Kurama sighed and put his fork down. He really didn't want to discuss this with his parents. But it didn't seem he was going to be able to get out of it at this point.

            "Mother, do you remember that girl I was telling you about earlier? Botan?" Shiori nodded. Kurama didn't continue, but looked down at his plate again, waiting for them to figure it out.

            "OH! Is that her?" Shiori turned around and looked again. Kurama yelped.

            "Mother! Stop! What if she sees you staring at her?!" Shiori chuckled and looked back at her son.

            "Oh, alright, I won't do it again. But she is lovely, Shuichi. Who is that man she's with?" Kurama frowned.

            "I don't know." Shiori's smile faded.

            "Ah. I see." Little Shuichi grinned.

            "Big brother got dumped!" Kurama blushed again and glared at his younger brother.

            "I did not! We weren't even going out!" Shiori and little Shuichi decided it best not to push the matter any further, and left Kurama to stew over his thoughts.

            ~*~

            Botan grinned.

            "Hey! You were right! These are tasty! As long as you try not to think of them as snails…" Karasu grinned at her as he ate one himself.

            Botan glanced around the room once more, chewing happily. Her gaze going across head over head over head… Only to lock onto a pair of green eyes, staring right back at her. She swallowed painfully.

            Was that… Was that Shuichi? Green eyes, red hair… Yeah, that was him alright! She put her fork down and waved at him, smiling happily. Shuichi looked surprised and guilty all at once for a moment, but grinned and waved back at her.

            Karasu glanced up to find Botan waving at someone over his shoulder. He turned around in time to see the red head from earlier that afternoon waving back at her. His eyes narrowed.

            "Ah… The pretty red head from earlier. What a coincidence that we run into him again." Botan looked back at him.

            "Yeah, imagine that! He ended up at the same restaurant as us! Isn't that funny?" Karasu looked at the table bitterly.

            "Ha ha." Botan frowned at him.

            "What's wrong?" She reached to touch his hand tentivly. Karasu felt as though an electric jolt had been sent through him. He smiled up at her.

            "Nothing, don't worry about me, Botan." She smiled a little.

            "If you say so." She turned back to the escargot.

            "You're going to help me finish these, right?" Karasu grinned wickedly, glad that he still had Botan's attention.

            "Of course." He turned and glared coldly at the red head. He then returned his attention to Botan, and smiled fondly as he watched her slip another escargot into her mouth.

            ~*~

            Kurama couldn't help but to watch the two from his seat. He was somewhat hurt that Botan had lied to him, and felt justified in his anger. It wasn't… It wasn't that he cared about her anything… It was just that she'd used him. And lied to him on top of that. And that made him angry.

            And yet… A part of him felt very jealous of the dark haired man that Botan was with. The possessive Youko part of him. And that made Kurama uneasy. Normally, his Youko side was fairly dormant, and his emotions rarely mixed with Shuichi's. But something about this girl had awoken Youko from his rest, and called to him. He didn't know what it was, but it was making him nervous. Youko's lust had been awakened when he'd seen Botan in that dress, and now Youko was calling for Shuichi to do something about it. But was he supposed to do?

            He watched as Botan glanced around the room again. Suddenly, her eyes locked with his. She smiled at him, and waved. Kurama had been caught, and felt guilty. Yet he couldn't help but to smile as he waved back.

            "Oh, did she finally notice you staring at her?" Shiori questioned eagerly. Kurama blushed.

            "Er, yeah."

            "Well, that looked like a friendly enough wave. You should talk to her before we go!" Kurama smiled at his mother and looked back at Botan.

            But Botan wasn't looking at him anymore. Instead, the dark haired man was facing him. He was glaring menacingly at Kurama. Kurama suddenly felt cold. He could recognize youkai energy being emitted from the dark haired man. He felt frozen in his chair.

            That was a demon. Botan was in the company of a demon. Kurama's mouth went dry. He could sense an enormous amount of energy being held in check by the demon.

            The man turned back to Botan. Kurama let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

            "Shuichi, dear? We're leaving honey." Kurama looked up to see his family looking down at him. He cleared his throat and stood up with them. He glanced back once more at the man Botan was with as he headed to the front of the restaurant with his family.

            ~*~

            "I'm going to the bathroom before our dinner gets here, okay?" Botan stood up from her seat. Karasu nodded at her.

            "It'll be here soon, hurry up." He returned to his wine glass as she headed toward the front of the restaurant.

            Actually, Botan just needed a break from Karasu. Even being in his presence put her on edge. And he'd been acting strangely all night. Botan was so caught up in her thoughts she didn't even notice when someone stepped into her immediate path and she ran right into them.

            She felt herself falling backward, but before she could catch herself, someone did it for her. A strong arm was wrapped around her waist. She looked up to see Shuichi smiling down at her. She gave him an embarrassed grin.

            "I really need to stop running into you like that." She said. Kurama laughed as he helped her regain her balance and gently let her go.

            "I don't mid so much, I promise. At least we didn't topple over this time." He winked at her and she blushed.

            "Well, I almost did. Thanks for catching me, my hero!" She grinned and laid her hand gently on his arm. Kurama felt a blush stain his cheek. He was horrified by his reaction to her touch, but was reluctant to remove himself from it.

            "I um… Who is your date?" Botan blinked at him.

            "Date? Wh- OH! You mean Karasu." Botan waved her hand dismissively. "He's not my date, he's my employer. We're just out celebrating the success of our last deal."

            Kurama felt relief spread through him. Youko's jealousy subsided. Kurama still felt a little afraid for Botan, but there was no need to scare her by telling her that her boss was a demon. She'd probably think he was crazy. He grinned to himself. Not that he was one to talk, he was partly a demon as well, after all.

            "Ahem." Botan and Kurama turned to see Shiori and the rest of Kurama's family looking at them. Kurama blushed a bit more.

            "Oh, er… Botan, this is my family." Little Shuichi and Shiori came up to them. Botan's hand that had been on Kurama's arm fell back to her side. Kurama was disappointed at the loss of the contact.

            "Hi! So, you're my brother's girlfriend? Hey, my girlfriend has blue hair too!" Botan sweat dropped.

            "What? Oh, no! Shuichi and aren't dating!"

            Shiori stepped in. "Really? Well, I guess he was telling the truth then. It just seemed, from the way he was talking about you-"

            "Mother!" Kurama had never felt so mortified in all of his ningen existence. Both he and Botan were blushing deep scarlet by this time. Shiori chuckled.

            "I'm joking, of course. But, Botan dear, you seem like such a lovely girl. I would be honored if you came over to visit sometime!" Botan didn't know what to say.

            "Well… I don't know Mrs. Minamino…" But Shiori would have none of it.

            "I insist! Say, tomorrow at five? Shuichi tells me you're a new student, and I'm sure he'd be happy to help you adjust to the school and answer any questions you have. He's also a whiz in Biology, so if you need help studying, don't hesitate to ask!"

            For the first time in his existence, Kurama wanted to sink into the floor and disappear.

            "Er, okay Mrs. Minamino." Botan said hesitantly. Shiori grinned.

            "Great! Well, I'll leave you kids to say goodnight." She dragged little Shuichi out to the car, where her husband waited.

            Kurama turned back to Botan.

            "I apologize for their behavior… It's just… My mother wants me to start dating and I guess she assumed that you and I…" Botan blushed all over again.

            "Oh, don't worry about it Shuichi kun. I don't mind coming over tomorrow. Unless, you don't want me too-"

            "No! No, I don't mind. I'd love that, actually. And my mother had a great idea, I'll explain to you about the school rules and what have you. Honestly I don't mind." Botan smiled uncertainly at him.

            "Okay, as long as you're okay with it. Oh, I gotta get back to Karasu! He probably thinks I've drowned in the bathroom by now!" She turned and started back to the table.

            "I'll see you at school tomorrow, then!" Kurama called after her. Botan waved at him over her shoulder. Kurama turned and went to the car, where his family was waiting.

            ~*~

            AN: Yay, chapter eleven is finished! How did you all like it?

            As usual, thank you to these people who reviewed the last chapter:

Raven Sin: Ah, it's always nice to get a review from you! And you're dedicating the next chapter of Delusion to little old me? ::Feels special:: Awww… I really don't deserve it, but thank you! I can't wait for the next chapter. Until then, I'll have to tide myself over with High school Havoc, not that I'm complaining, mind you!

Cheeto: Can I just say that your review cracked me up? 'Stay away from my man you sadistic psycho perv!!' Yeah, I almost fell out of my chair I was laughing so hard. But to answer your question, no. Kurama does not know Karasu.

Yayo: I know, I just love messing with Kurama's emotions. It's so satisfying somehow. And yes, I'm jealous of Botan too.

Cheap Libertad: Once again, yes, I do so enjoy screwing with Kurama's emotions. He needs it, the conceited little so and so. Just like Selendrile is going to need it. ::Evil laughter::

PassionateAngel: ::Bows to the clapping:: Well, I look at it as plot convenience, but you can call it genius if you'd like! ^_^ Yeah, I enjoyed how Shiori made Kurama squirm. It was fun to write!

allin656: No, Kurama and Karasu do not know each other. I'm glad you liked the chapter, though!

DeityofRoses: ::Blushes:: Awwww. Well, in thanks for all of your reviews, I decided to take your advice. For you, I put in more of Shiori being nosy, and Botan's going over to visit! Yay!

Sarah: ::Blushes:: Awww… It was nothin'! Yeah, Kurama's jealousy was fun to write. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, I hope you like this one as much!

SweetKaori: Hey, you're not a bum! I read some of your stuff and I liked it! Don't demean yourself (especially in comparison to me!). Anyway, here's an update, I hope you enjoy it!

Yume Ookami: Okay, okay! I know you're mad at me because I did this instead of doing the next chapter to We Three Thieves, but I'm going to do that this week, I promise! And it's not like you don't have anything to work on… Anyway. Rabid Hamsters to tea? Sometimes, I wonder what you're on, Jen. I really do. And don't get all Naraku with me missy, I'll straiten you out!

Xen003: Ah! Get off me, get off me! Here's more already!

Saiyan under cover: Yeah, I think I got the idea for Botan's dress from a fanpic I saw one time… And don't get ahead of yourself! Maybe Karasu isn't gay… But I might just make him Bi! You never know! ::evil laughter::

Frith: ::looks starved (even after all those yummy candy bars):: Frith… Frith… I'm starving for more of your story! You need to put down that control console and write woman! Please… For the fans?! ::Puppy dog eyes:: Oh! And thank you for sharing with me Hakuma's fate! ::Squee:: I'm very pleased! By the way, when you're done with Roses and Peonies are you going to write another Kurama and Botan fic? (please say yes please say yes!) Just curious…

JDFielding: ::Squee:: Ah, I feel so honored! Yet another great author reviewing my humble story… And enjoying it!  I'm glad you like my plot line, and thank you for understanding the slow developing relationship thing. You do the same in your fic, so I knew you'd understand!  And, I don't want to give anything away, but… The fight between Karasu and Kurama will definitely be… Intriguing… ^_^

            All right, loves! It's time to review! Keep me motivated!