Hi there guys! Here is chapter thirteen, hot off the beta desk! Thanks to Cheap Libertad, who sat through this patiently before any of you got to look at it.
OH! And I have another exiting announcement. Raven Sin has agreed to write Lemons for the end of this fic and Captive! Yay! I'm so exited! Let us all give a round of applause!
~*~
The telephone was ringing.
Botan opened bleary eyes and looked around in confusion. She groped for the receiver and struggled to untangle herself from the bed sheets.
"Mmm… Hello?" She put a palm to one eye and rubbed vigorously.
"Good morning, Botan. I trust you slept well?"
"Karasu? What could you possibly want so early in the morning?"
She heard Karasu chuckle lightly on the other end.
"My, aren't we grumpy? I wanted to let you know that you have a job today. Immediately after your 'school' lets out."
Botan nodded unconsciously. Something nagged at the back of her mind. Shuichi. She was supposed to go over to his house this afternoon. She whacked her forehead with her free hand.
"Wait. I made plans for this afternoon!"
"Cancel them." Karasu's voice was cold. Botan took in a deep breath and glanced at her alarm clock. She didn't have time to do any jobs before school.
"Uh, can we do it later tonight? I'll only need a couple of hours after school for my plans."
"No, we can't. It must be done as early as possible. If I could, I'd make you do it this morning. But you're so adamant about not missing school."
"But, what about my plans?"
"What about them? Your job comes first, Botan."
Botan pouted. That wasn't fair. She had a life too.
"But-!"
"Enough! You're coming over after school, clear?" Karasu paused, and then began again in a suspicious tone. "What kind of plans did you make that are so important to you anyway?"
Botan became silent for a moment. She thought carefully about what to tell Karasu. He seemed very upset over the whole incident the other day when she went with Shuichi to talk and forgot about the meeting that Karasu had set up. He'd been very unhappy that she'd gone off with a boy she hardly knew. She wondered how Karasu would react if she told him that she had been planning to go to that same boy's house this afternoon?
"… Nothing. I suppose it wasn't that important…"
"Good. See you this afternoon then."
Botan mumbled something and hung up the phone. She grabbed a pillow and shoved it to her face.
What was she going to tell Shuichi? She pouted and lifted the pillow away, hugging it to her chest. She felt guilty that she would have to dump her plans. She hoped she could do it gracefully, without hurting his feelings.
Botan sighed and rolled over, flinging one arm over her head. He was going to think she was rude and irresponsible.
The alarm went off and Botan jerked in surprise, laughing nervously to herself as she turned it off. Why was she so jumpy lately? She sighed and dragged herself out of bed, pulled on some clothes, and headed out the door.
~*~
Kurama walked slowly toward the school building, his eyes fixed on the pavement. For the first time in his life, he didn't notice the giggling girls announcing his arrival, or the love notes tumbling out of his locker.
He was to busy thinking. Thinking about last night. About what his Youko half had said.
And about he'd been right about his sudden and inexplicable urge to posses Botan. The desire he hadn't even been aware that he had felt when he was around her.
Kurama sighed heavily and put a hand to his head while he leaned against his locker.
Insane. That's what it was. Completely insane. How could he possibly harbor those emotions for a girl he'd known for such a short time? What was it about her that drove Youko to awaken and Shuichi to weaken? And why was he only figuring it now, after Youko had to point it out to him?
Kurama frowned.
"Good morning, Shuich kun!" A cheerful voice chirped from his right. Kurama's hand dropped away from his face and he looked over. Botan stood there, grinning happily at him. Kurama felt his throat tighten, as one of the causes of last nights 'encounter' stood before him, beaming. He plastered a smile to his face.
"Hello, Botan. How are you this morning?"
Botan shrugged and continued to smile.
"Oh, fine I guess. And yourself?"
Kurama felt his smile tighten. Oh, I'm fine. You know, besides the fact that Youko is now awake and talking to me at night from my mirror. By the way, Botan, he says he wants you. We both do, actually. I don't suppose you'd mind if I grabbed you right now and kissed you with all the lust and passion that the Maikai thief holds, do you?
"I'm fine as well."
Botan's cheerful demeanor suddenly changed. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, nervously. She broke eye contact with him, cocking her head to the side and staring at the ground.
Kurama regarded her curiously.
"Um, Shuichi-kun… There's something I wanted to tell you…"
Kurama's heartbeat quickened. Surely she wasn't going to-? No… No, that would simply be too good to be true… And after all, she'd already proven to be different from all the other girls who had declared that they were 'in love' with him. So there was no way… No way she was about to tell him that she had some kind of feelings for him. Was there? Kurama's spirits lifted ever so slightly, and looked hopefully at Botan.
"What is it, Botan?" He asked her gently. Botan bit her lip.
"Um, I'm really sorry… But I got a call from my boss this morning and he told me that I have a job this afternoon. So, I can't come over."
Kurama's eyebrow twitched minutely. He inwardly groaned in frustration. What had he been thinking? Why on earth had he assumed that Botan was about to admit to having feelings for him like he was suddenly having for her? He felt ridiculous.
"Oh. Well… Don't worry Botan, it's okay. I understand. We'll just… reschedule… or something."
Botan looked at him sincerely.
"I'm really sorry, Shuichi! I asked my boss if he could just give me the afternoon off, but he said it was urgent."
Kurama smiled crookedly at her.
"Don't worry about it Botan."
She smiled at him as the bell rang and she turned to go. Before she had gone more than two steps she turned back slightly.
"Thanks for understanding Shuichi-kun. And once again, I apologize. I was really looking forward to spending the afternoon with you." She grinned at him once more and then darted off through the crowd.
Kurama smiled genuinely after her. She had been looking forward to spending time with him. His spirits rose once more. So what if she'd only meant it in a friendly way? It was good enough to satisfy him. For now.
~*~
Botan knocked on the door of Karasu's apartment, frowning to herself.
"Come in."
She opened the door and set her bag down. She then walked into the kitchen, where Karasu sat with his usual mug of tea and the newspaper spread out in front of him. He raised his dark head to look at her, smiling softly.
"Hello, Botan. Did you have a good day?"
Botan shrugged one shoulder and sat down next down next to him. Karasu poured her a cup of tea and leaned back in his chair.
"So." Botan took a small sip of tea. "What's the job, boss?"
Karasu smirked at her.
"Ah, always straight to the point with you. Well, it's the taiyoukai lord's brother. Riku. He has some very valuable books that are just sitting in his library getting dusty. I have some clients who would be extremely pleased to make use of them."
Botan nodded.
"Got a map?" Karasu pulled one out from under his newspaper. Botan studied it for a moment.
"Hmmm. His place is practically right next door to the taiyoukai's! They'll never expect me to strike so close to the last crime scene! And so soon after the last heist."
Kurasu nodded.
"I'm counting on it. I'm thinking this should be a quick job. Maybe about four or five hours? I'm not sure which room it's in. You'd have to look around. On the plus side, Riku is out of town. He's visiting the Reikai for some reason."
Botan grinned.
"Sounds like fun!"
Karasu smiled back at her.
"I was hoping you'd think so. Now then, shall we get started?"
Botan was about to stand up, when she remembered. The ring.
"Wait, Karasu. There was something I needed to talk to you about."
Karasu looked at her curiously.
"Yes, Botan?"
She reached out to show him her hand.
"It's this ring. I forgot to tell you. I took it when I was in the tiayoukai lord's manor. I had forgotten about it myself until last night. It… It won't come off. Do you think it's cursed or something?" She looked at him hopefully. "Do you think you can take it off?"
Karasu looked intrigued. He gently reached out and took Botan's hand into his own, relishing the feeling of her flesh against his. He studied the ring for a minute or two, touching it gently every now and then. He lifted his gaze back to Botan, and frowned.
"I don't know what is in that ring. It doesn't exactly feel like a curse, but I am unable to remove it, myself. It doesn't feel dangerous, however. I wouldn't worry about it for now."
Botan felt somewhat disappointed, but nodded and stood up.
"Are you ready then?"
She nodded. She went to retrieve her bag, and followed Karasu into his bedroom.
~*~
Kurama opened the front door to his home and was greeted immediately by Shiori.
"Hello, Shuichi honey! Where is Botan, didn't you bring her with you?"
Kurama was cornered back to the door by his exited mother. He blushed and smiled nervously. He was almost glad Botan hadn't come over today. He wasn't sure he wanted her to be accosted like this, what kind of impression would that have given her of his family?
"Er, no mother. She was unable to come over today. Her boss has her working this afternoon."
Shiori frowned.
"Oh, dear. Really? And I made cookies too…"
Kurama smiled affectionately at his mother.
"Don't worry, we decided to reschedule. Besides, I'm sure that little Shuichi and I will enjoy eating your cookies."
Shiori smiled at her son.
"Alright then. They're in the kitchen if you want them."
Kurama shut his biology book and stretched. Even though he had retained all of his previous knowledge as Youko when he had been reincarnated, he still hated homework.
There was a tapping on his window. Kurama looked up to find Hiei sitting on a tree limb, frowning at him. He rose and opened the window.
"What is it, Hiei?"
The fire demon's frown deepened.
"Koenma wants to see you again. He says it's important. Why he couldn't have sent Yuusuke to tell you this, I don't know. Apparently he thinks I'm his new messenger boy."
Kurama laughed.
"Okay, I'll meet you outside in a minute."
"Hn."
Kurama rolled his eyes and shut his window. He sauntered down the stairs.
"Mother, I'm going out! I'll be back later!" He called to Shiori.
"Alright, dear! Have fun!"
Kurama snorted.
"I'll try!"
He shut the door and turned to face Hiei.
"Are you ready then?"
Kurama glanced curiously at the fire demon.
"Yes. Are you coming as well, Hiei?"
"Only as far as Maikai. I have some business there."
Kurama grinned.
"Does this have anything to do with a certain lady demon?"
Hiei glared at him.
"Shut your face, Kurama. Lest I do it for you."
Kurama backed down, but continued to grin at Hiei until they arrived at the gates of Riekai.
~*~
AN: So what did you guys think? Did you like? Did you no like? Let me know!
@_____@
Holy Moose… Twenty-nine reviews for the last chapter. TWENTY-NINE! A whole new record! XD
Wow… And I only asked for twenty! Well, since you guys responded so well, let's up the ante shall we? Let's see if we can make it 30 reviews before the next time I update! I challenge you!!
As usual, my thanks to these people who reviewed the last chapter:
Cheap Libertad: Please. You flatter me. I am unworthy!!! Thanks for being my beta, by the way. And I'm holding you to that fanart comment.
Wizardess Gal: Tee-hee, that is fun to say! When I read a bad fic, I like to say to myself: "Oh, the plot thickens… And boils over…" ::Grins::
Xiao Xing: Hmmmm. Both! You'll see what I mean! ^_^
SweetKaori: Aww, no I'm not scared! ::huggles Kaori back:: I'm flattered! And where can I get my plushies??!
FluffyLuver4Eva: ::Blushes:: Aw, thanks… I don't deserve the praise! I don't! But thank you for recommending me! I too love Hiei. Though, admittedly, not as much as Kurama… Oh, well, he'll get his fair share of parts in this fic!
Siroi Hikari: Heh, you begged your mom to let you stay on just to read my new chapter? I'm flattered! Though, you know, it wasn't going to go anywhere while you where signed off… But still, I think that's sweet!
Sarah: ::Grins:: I just couldn't resist sticking Youko in there. I hadn't planned to put him until later, but for some reason I just had to put him in then! I love Youko… He's so dayam sexay! And don't worry about Shuichi, he'll learn to deal with it! And when they find out that Botan is the thief… Well, you'll just have to stay tuned!
Kschur32: Hmmmm. You know… I don't know… I guess we'll find out as I write this! As for Karasu… Well, he's a dangerous dude, I wouldn't be surprised if he did do something naughty here in the near future…
Tiineiji Rin: Aww, thanks! Loyal to my fans, yes. But I also have a strict updating schedule that I try my hardest to follow! I don't want to disappoint you guys. Anyway, I'll keep an eye out for you fic, okay?
PassionateAngel: ::laughes:: My fic reduces stress? Awesome! My fic has drug like side effects! I know how you feel, though. Schoolwork has been really draining me lately too, and writing this has a sort of therapeutic effect. Yep, he desires Botan alright! Now, what's he going to do about it?
allin656: Hee hee. Now I feel guilty! I hope you're not mad at me for having Botan skip out on Kurama! Anyway, don't worry, she'll go visit him soon.
JD Fielding: Aw, thanks JD! My stuff's really nothing compared to yours though. You make me so jealous! Keep it up! Anyway, I'm glad you thought the mirror scene worked. I was a little worried… Isn't Shiori funny? I just love her. And Kurama needs to be embarrassed every now and again. Don't worry, you don't have to wait forever!
Anica106: Wow, thank you! You have no idea how much that meant to me. I really try to stay true the general feel of the series in this fic and in captive. It's great to hear that I'm at least successful in this one! And I'm glad you like my style, I'm so flattered! ::Blushes::
AzureDragoness: Tee-hee. I'm glad you're enjoying it! Okay, here's the next part!
Amanda: Hmmm. Don't worry, Youko will be in this a bit more. But… is he the monster Shuichi thinks he is? Maybe not. But then again…
Botan and Kurama Lover: Thank you! Yes, actually, I have been following along on that sight. This story is already posted there.
Saiyan Under Cover: Dude, sorry about that! Oh, well, I hope this update cheers you up!
Botan-Rocks721: Oh, I did get an ego boost! Thanks! Just when I needed one, too!
AverilHam: Thank you!! I know what you mean about sucky computers. Mine's not so good itself. Sometimes it won't let me submit reviews either. But thanks for the review, and I loved that scene too!
DeityofRoses: Awww, I really get ego boosts from your reviews! I know, I love the fact that Youko's broken out! It's bound to get interesting from here on out. Engagement ring? Hmmmm… Oh, and you still haven't updated Damnable Angel OR done a sequel to your other ficcie! What's it gonna take for me to get you to do that hmmm? Am I going to have to stop updating until you update one of those excellent fics? I'll do it. Don't you make me!
Yume Ookami: Awww. Actually, you're mad at me aren't you? Because I didn't do any WTT this weekend… I was sick, Jen! Sick! I only had enough health to write one thing, and I always update this fic on Sundays!!! Please don't hurt me…
inuyashafan98: Don't worry, I've got action coming up in the next chapter!
NoneOfYourBWax: ???
KitsuneGirl: No we cannot kill him! Not yet anyway. He's still important! ^_^
Lialiakicks: Angst? Me? I didn't think I was capable of angst… Wow… Thanks! Don't worry, none of those things will happen!
Frith: Well… No. Those aren't the purposes of the ring. Good guesses though! But yeah, it was silly of her to put it on in the first place. And YAY! Youko is getting all lustful, and so is Shuichi! ::Sigh:: Oh, so many possibilities! OH! You got POTC? AH! I loved that movie! Johnny Depp was simply awesome. Simply. Awesome. I hear they may be doing a sequel! And, hey. Considering the fact that YOU haven't updated in quite some time, I don't believe it's fair to threaten me if I don't do so. ::glares:: Where's my last chapter, woman?!
Kari no Miko: Hee-hee. Yes, I wonder what would happen?! ^_^
RoseDragon: Aw, thanks! ::Blushes:: It's nuthin'…
Junyortrakr: Well, she didn't end up going after all. No one's noticed it yet… But you never know!
Okay, whew! That took a while, answering all those reviews! But it was worth it! I love you guys! Don't forget to review this chapter, my lovelies! ^___^