heartluv - That is kinda hard considering Botan being head over heels in love with Kurama. Still, I'll try my best not to disappoint!

kyolihk - That.. Is my current predicament. Though would not also want Botan to take him back easily.

sweetcanines - You're enthusiasm is lovely :)

Tashio - Your imagination really amuses me.

h114 - Howdy! Don't worry. I am working alongside Kurama on how he could get Botan back. They'll be together in no time... Or not. XD

Chapter X

Forest green eyes steadfastly followed the alluring movement of pale lithe fingers that tucked an errant strand of sky blue hair to the back of an ear. Said fingers proceeded to travel enticingly across a naturally flushed cheek then settled a pointy digit in between plump and rosy lips as purple orbs studiously scanned through a book. Kurama let out a sigh, his gaze never tearing away from Botan through the glass window of the building opposite to where she is. He wanted to talk to her but circumstances wouldn't permit it. They're both preoccupied with their own tasks on the final stretch of preparation for the tournament and he had yet to formulate a coherent choice of words to sweep the diety off her feet. He tried requesting for a reprieve from Enki but Kokou was adamant to barricade Botan out of his reach. Red eyebrow twitched in annoyance as he recalled what happened a few days ago after his encounter with Yomi.

"Get out you son of a gun! You're not welcome here!"

Kurama sighed sharply in exasperation. Convincing Kokou to allow him to take Botan back to Gandara proves to be a tedious task.

After his talk with Yomi, he immediately sought the diety out for reconciliation. Only to learn that she left and flew her oar to Enkis' abode. He is pretty sure that with the amount of time that passed after their last encounter, she is most likely drunk, unconscious and sprawled somewhere. Heaven forbid if some other men dared to touch her while she is in that state, he will rip them all to shreds and feed them to his plants.

"Kokou-san, Botan needs rest. It is getting late and she still has to meet with Yomi in the morning." Kurama implored while dodging an empty bottle of liquor. Its crashing sound reverberated to the humongous walls of the entrance to the main house.

"Meet Yomi my ass! You just want to take advantage of Botan. If you are as savvy as they say you are, you wouldn't have thought of coming here foxboy." Kokous' nasal voice slurred. She took another swig of Makaian rum on the gourd flask in her hand while keeping an eye on the red head.

"I don't - Please just let me see her, Kokou-san. I need to make sure that she is alright." He beseeched, albeit slightly irritated. If it weren't for this woman being married to Enki, he would have summoned his vines to strangle the daylights out of her. He doesn't have high tolerance for intoxicated women, except Botan of course. And the fact that Kokou is standing between him and the diety proves that he is not going to be fond of her anytime soon.

"Alright? Her puffy eyes, red nose and voice hoarsed from crying says that she is not. Courtesy of you mister. And I don't want her to be accompanied by the likes of you. I'll just wait for her to sober up before I send her back. Now, SCRAM!" Kokou exclaimed as she slammed the door in Kuramas' face.

Kurama pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, his lips forming a thin line. Amidst the spiteful words from Kokou, he knew the timing wasn't right and he had no idea what to say to her also. Then again, although thoughtless of what he needs to say, the immense desire to be near Botan was mind-boggling. He misses her. A lot. And he doesn't want her to make it a habit of giving him the cold shoulder. There were instances that they had crossed paths the past couple of days, but aside from talking business, stealing glances and awkward smiles, they weren't really intimate together, unlike before.

He opened his eyes to once again look at his lady-love only to catch hers looking at him. His heart beat went wayward when he saw the longing in her eyes, he was certain that his eyes reflected the same, albeit tempered. He was about to offer her an apologetic smile, however, their brief eye contact only lasted a few seconds before Botan resumed her reading with her pretty face scrunched to form an expression of hurt and sadness. This would not do. He thought as he clenched his fists at his sides, worry evident on his handsome face. The urge to touch her was overwhelming. He needs to see her smile at him again and be the receiving end of her unrepressed affection. Is this what she felt with me back then? His chest tightened at the thought of causing her such unpleasant feelings. He chided himself for being an emotionally constipated jerk.

"Kurama-san, the meeting is about to commence. Enki-sama requests your presence in the room." A committee member called. Kurama slightly turned his head and nodded his affirmation.

The sooner the meeting ends, the sooner I can be with her. He reckons that he cannot afford to prolong their estrangement; and hurting her even more with their current situation is unacceptable. He needs to make a move today. With that, he threw one last look at the diety and wore his usual impassive facade before entering the meeting room.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

What the hell is wrong with him?

Botan thought as she tried her best to absorb every word that she is trying to read from the book. She subdued the rising heat that was threatening to manifest itself on her skin ever since Kurama perched himself by the window, across from where she was sitting, and fixed her with his unwavering stare. A lock of hair fell over her face and she gently tucked it behind her ear. Her dainty finger settled across her lips to hide the nervous nibble at her bottom lip. How can I move on when he keeps on looking at me like that? She saw movement from her peripheral vision as she absentmindedly turn a page from the book and couldn't help but spare a glance at the red head, only to find him gape at her the exact moment.

Her whole body seized up as her temperature rose when their eyes met. His handsome face coupled by his mesmerizing green orbs never fails to take her breath away. She missed him. So much so that she wanted to take back everything that she said to Kurama just to talk openly with him again. But he doesn't feel the same. The passing thought enabled her to look away and stare at the forgotten page of the book in her hands. Her eyes clouded with unshed tears. I promised Kokou-san that I wouldn't cry in front of Kurama again. She breath a sigh of relief when she felt him leave his current post. Her eyes blinked away the accumulated salty liquid off her eyes just as she hears the door slid open.

"My apologies, Botan-san. Yomi-sama is asking if it is possible for you to accompany him in the committee meeting today? They are meaning to spare you some details to report to Spirit World." Yoda uttered.

"Okay. Where's the meeting being held, Yoda-san?" She asked, standing up to approach the demon.

"If you could follow me please."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"The preparation is nearing cessation, all that is left is the final scoping and restoration of a couple more Okunenju. When are you planning to finish the treatment of the trees, Kurama?" Enki asked as he flick through committee reports.

"We are scheduled to finish tomorrow." Kurama flatly responded, his attention solely focused on the diety seated across him. Enki noticed and couldn't help but shake his head in commiseration. Sorry pal, wifes' orders. Ever since the diety stepped inside the meeting hall, he can't seem to engage an unusually distracted Kurama in lengthy conversations. He turned to Botan, who is obviously trying to avoid the intense gape by scanning through her documents.

"We'll be ahead of schedule by a week if that's the case. Anyway, how is the status of the counseling, Botan-chan? I heard from a couple of Spirit World operatives that its nearing its completion." He regarded the ferry girl as he placed his eye glasses on the table.

"We are able to complete the course with 97% of the total participants. Safe to say that we can reach 100% after a day or two, should there be no disturbances." Botan supplied while closing her report folder. Keeping a straight face but internally melting inside due to the watchful green eyes of Kurama. If this is any other normal day without heartache, she would have swooned.

"No problems with counseling, I assume? I mean, I know how a demon can be a pain in the ass when they talk to Reigens."

"Not that I am aware of. But I wouldn't worry about that Enki-san, we can be very persuasive when the need arises." She reassured, sending Enki her trademark wink.

"That, I assure you, is correct." Yomi interjected, earning a chuckle from the King of Demon World.

"Heh. With you actually finished counseling Yomi, I am inclined to agree."

The board shared a brief laughter before the meeting was adjourned. Smaller groups formed and collective murmurs filled the room. Seeing that she is no longer needed, Botan gathered her things and hastily exited the meeting room, determined to avoid an awkward confrontation with Kurama. The diety only made it a couple of meters away from the meeting room when she was abruptly pulled to a shaded corner. A scream was about to erupt from her throat when a familiar hand covered her mouth. The scent of flowers and the smooth voice that followed the action sent her emotions in haywire.

"It's me." Kurama lowered his hand when she relaxed a little, his other hand that pulled her settled itself against the wall beside her head. "My apologies. I did not mean to startle you. But I was hoping to speak with you in private."

"Uhm.." Botan nibbled at her lip and looked elsewhere while she struggled for words. She's not prepared to talk to him any time soon, this unexpected turn of event made her feel anxious and jittery. She was torn between lashing out or pulling Kurama close and never let go. The latter being the domineering impulse. Her eyes widened in surprise when a hand gently lifted her chin to meet his imploring gaze. She couldn't help the small gasp that escaped her when she saw raw emotions crossing his face. The biting on her lip intensified. It was the first time she noticed the stress in his features, he even have bags underneath his eyes. Is it because of me? Despite all the signs of weariness, the way he looked at her made her heart flutter. It seemed almost... loving. Confusion once again took over her entire being. Why do you do this to me, Kurama? She slowly closed her eyes in surrender when a calloused thumb nimbly grazed her plump lower lip, releasing the appendage from her assault. The hopeful gleam veiled behind her eyelids.

"You do not have to say anything, Botan." He said huskily, voice dropping to a lower octave. His heated gaze on her trembling lashes redirected to her full and sultry lips. The entirety of time that Kurama kept his hands off her rearing its ugly head when he suddenly became conscious of her delicious feminine scent. Both of his hands settled against the wall on either side of her head to imprison her in a possessive confinement. His mouth slightly parted allowing the tip of his tongue to glide across the crowns of his upper incisors when his primal instinct beckons him to have a taste. Maybe I could... Darkened green eyes closing as he began to reduce the gap between them. Her shaky puff of breath encouraging him to carry on his quest. He almost purred in content when her body heat mildly mixed with his own. A sudden jolt of possessiveness tore through him when he heard their hearts beating in unison.

Their noses almost touched when a beeping sound suddenly interrupted the moment. He immediately stepped back to give her some space and to placate the desire pumping in his veins. Botan snapped her eyes open then scrambled to collect the device from her obi and flipped it open to answer. Her inner turmoil made her oblivious to the sensual point of time that passed.

"Botan! I need you here in Reikai pronto! The elders are going to visit today and they are expecting a report. You can return to Makai after. I'll expect you within an hour. Koenma, out!" Botan closed the compact when the screen blackened and tucked it again in her obi after. Kurama furrowed his brows when he heard the message, his earlier actions forgotten. Looks like their talk will have to be postponed once again. To top it off, it seemed like he won't be seeing her until the day after tomorrow, since he got his hands full hereafter.

"Uhm...I'm sorry, Kurama. I need to go. Maybe we can talk once I get back." She reluctantly lifted a hand to smoothen the frown marring his brows then offered him a tender smile. He inhaled sharply at this, but soon softened his eyes on the affectionate gesture. Warmth undeniably spread through her when she discerned the feeling of openness from Kurama. Shunning him was selfish when it wasn't even solely his fault that she was heartbroken. After all that's happened, she decided that she still wants to be part of his life, whether as a lover or a friend. That was what she signed for when she pursued him anyway. Maybe I can sort out my feelings once I get back from Reikai. She thought while lowering her hand.

"Rest adequately, Kurama. You have a full day tomorrow. Take care while you're here, okay?" Botan said as she hastily moved away from him only to be stopped by a firm hold on her wrist. She looked back to Kurama and became flustered at the smile of adoration projected towards her. His words however, sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine.

"Fly safe, Botan. I am looking forward to your return."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Failed attempt again, I see. I cannot help but think that you terribly suck at this." Enki commented as he stood beside Kurama at the balcony overlooking the Okunenju Forest. Kurama smiled, shifting his body to acknowledge the demon beside him. "I admit, riddles of the heart still remain as a conundrum that is yet to be decoded by yours truly."

"Well, nobody's perfect. Even the one's who are as exemplary as you are entitled to make mistakes once in a while."

Kurama returned his gaze to the vast expanse of the forest. He eyed the deformed tree that is yet to be put down. "I am afraid I cannot afford that now. I am not the only one at risk of being affected."

"True. But I really need to apologize, though. If I could, I would have helped set you up with Botan-chan." Enki consoled, resting a hand on one of the red-heads' shoulder. Kurama gently shook his head and gave the larger demon a reassuring smile. "No. It is alright. I understood Kokou-san's sentiments. And it is not the first time friends intervened on our relationship. The only difference now is that instead of easing the process of us being together, your woman is hell-bent on making my romantic life difficult. Even so, it just made me realize how much I wanted to be with Botan."

"That's good to know then. Oh right, just an advice. You are going to need a lot of ego boost before talking to Yomi. He finds it appalling that the once legendary thief and most sought after demon of Makai failed the chase twice in a row." Enki remarked with mirth dancing in his eyes.

"That, I am certain. The scoundrel got enough entertainment that could last him for another thousand of years." Kurama chuckled, Enki soon after joined in amusement. They knew Yomi can hear them speak.

"You share a strange friendship with that one. Well, I guess I should leave you be. You have a lot of work tomorrow, Kurama. Make sure to get enough rest. I would not want Botan-chan to worry." Enki gave him a pat on his back before leaving him alone in the balcony.

At the moment of solitude, Kurama imbibed what transpired today. He recalled how he had shamelessly took advantage of her perplexity to kiss her. It was not just on the spur of the moment, he believes his desire has always been there even before Botan kissed him, back when she confessed. The longing for her prompted the burning passion that laid dormant within him. The greed that he buried along with his hunger to acquire precious stones and valuable objects came back with vengeance; and he'll gladly welcome the madness just to possess the crowning glory of his pursuit. Kurama smiled when he remembered her tender caress on his face. It tempered all the worries and insecurities he felt with regard to their relationship. Even hurt, Botan still utterly cares for him - she still loves him. He is yet to deserve her love, however, he already acknowledged that her aspiration came to its fruition. Everything would be worthwhile if he could spend an eternity with her as his lover, consequences be damned.

Kurama rested his arms on the railings. His eyes gazed at the postmeridean sky beyond the forest, seemingly expecting for a dot of pink and blue to materialize in the horizon. The anticipation is unbearable, nevertheless, he would patiently wait for them to meet again, for he is determined to make everything right next time.

Third time is a charm after all.

A/N:

First strike was with Kokou. Second strike was when he tried to kiss her. If you're just wondering.

Will there be a strike out? Or will Kurama hit a homerun next time???

My apologies for any grammatical errors. I just wrote this while I ate dinner. Idk, it just came to me and I would have lost the thought if I didn't type quickly. It is quite hard to think of a plausible story when a head over heels in love woman tries to turn away from the charms of the man of her dreams.

Anywayyyy...

Thank you for reading!

A review will be highly appreciated.

'Til next time! Xoxo