Fons et Origo

Ch. 2: Almost

A/N: Hello everyone, here is the second chapter. After some more brainstorming, I've made the decision to merge this fic and the longer one I'd had planned into a single fic. So rather than end this story at 2 chapters it will be quite a bit longer (How many chapters it will end up being remains to be seen, I already have the ending planned but I want to make sure all the details are there).

I also wanted to make a correction from chapter 1, Yukina said "Kazuya" when I meant to put "Kazuma." I had Kurama's stepfather's name stuck in my head and it was a slip-up, sorry about that. This chapter is quite long but I wanted to go ahead and get it all wrapped up in order to press on to the next arc. I must warn all of you that part of this story will be rather dark, with several red flags and instances of domestic abuse and emotional manipulation. If you are uncomfortable with that I encourage you to click away. These warnings mostly apply to later chapters and I will be sure to let you all know when the chapter will contain darker things.

This chapter is pretty light and fairly fluffy. There is also some lime? Lemon-ish moments? There are a couple of moments, let's just put it that way. I hope y'all enjoy it.

*All Disclaimers Apply*

Koenma sat in his toddler form, arms crossed, scowling fiercely at the two lovers before him. He leaned back in his red chair and chewed furiously on his pacifier. Botan and Kurama stared back in silence from the other side of the new king's desk, holding hands. They watched as the tick on the side of Koenma's face throbbed but they refused to cower away from his glare.

"Well," Koenma finally spoke, "I can't say that I'm surprised. Especially with how chummy you two have been as of late." He thrust a finger and pointed accusingly at each of them.

It was true that he'd noticed Botan disappearing to Ningenkai more often than usual to visit Kurama, much to his annoyance which he had made abundantly clear to the deity. It was no secret to Koenma the two were getting extremely close, his little spies had reported the two had been holding hands, exchanging heated glances, and even a few times he'd been informed that Kurama had placed his arm around Botan's waist or shoulder while they walked around. That was even before their big camping trip. Their budding romance had certainly been on his radar but he had not anticipated Kurama making a move so quickly, nor did he expect for both of them to walk into Koenma's office to announce the start of their relationship the day after returning from the Hokkaido trip.

While it didn't particularly please Koenma that the two were on the road to romance he couldn't say that he was particularly upset about it either. There was also no rhyme or reason for objection regarding Reikai laws, with him now ruling Reikai after having replaced his father he'd made sure to squash any rules, official or not, against fraternization with demons. Thankfully it had never become official law laid down by Enma and was mostly just prejudice so there was no threat of punishment to either Botan or Kurama for being together.

However, their announcement did come at a rather inconvenient time for the new ruler. Having only replaced King Enma a few years prior Koenma's new government was still in its infancy, and he would be remiss to lose his head ferry girl. Botan's duties had already picked up before she'd asked for time off for the camping trip but while she'd been gone Koenma and his new head of military had formulated a plan to establish security as well as make his rule more permanent, and Botan was a key piece of said plan.

Koenma heaved a sigh and uncrossed his arms, he tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair, considering his next choice of words carefully. "So," he stared pointedly at Botan, "is this confession also a retirement notice?"

Botan immediately shook her head. "No," she responded firmly but backpedaled a bit in tone. "Er, well, not yet, at least."

Koenma raised a single brow in question. Kurama came to his love's rescue, "I do intend to wed Botan, however, she enjoys her work as ferry girl and as such is not quite ready to retire." He gave her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "I also have plans of my own and will need a few years before they are complete. With that said, we simply did not want to hide our relationship."

"I appreciate that," the king responded, "I'm assuming, then, that Botan informed you of the Ferry Girl Law?"

"She did," the kitsune replied, he fixed Koenma with a steady gaze. "Is that law something you might be able to banish? It's quite barbaric from what Botan has told me."

Koenma sighed and nodded his head in agreement. "It is, unfortunately, despite my new leadership, it is something I will have to convince the interior board to change. The elders on the board are the same ones who placed the rule, to begin with, after all. The face value of the law is nothing compared to its underbelly, there are articles within it that are…complicated, thanks to my father."

Botan frowned, "How complicated?" Koenma dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

"It won't affect either of you," he turned his eyes to his head ferry girl. "And since it won't affect you it is not a law at the top of my priorities at the moment." Before either Botan or Kurama could ask for elaboration there was a knock on the door. Koenma allowed entry and in walked a tall, severe yet handsome-looking young man in a dark blue military-style suit.

"Ah, Captain Orochi, good timing!" He exclaimed, with what Botan and Kurama thought was a tad too much glee. Orochi approached and gave a curt bow to Koenma before introducing himself.

"Good afternoon," he said toward Kurama, in a surprisingly kind voice that did not seem to match his exterior demeanor. He was tall, only a little shorter than Kurama, who had grown to be well over six feet over the years. Orochi had warm amber eyes and jet black hair that was pulled into a high ponytail, the ends of which reached just below his shoulders. He had a deep, pink scar that stretched diagonally across his pale face. Despite the scar, the man was handsome with angular features and a structured jawline. Botan had mentioned Orochi to Kurama before, stating that most of the ferry girls considered the new addition to the Reikai guard quite the catch.

Kurama inclined his head and introduced himself. Orochi then turned toward Botan and smiled brightly, "Miss Botan," his voice was saccharine laced, "It is so good to see you. I'm very much looking forward to getting to work closely together." He took her hand in his and brushed her knuckles with his lips, Kurama's mask of reservation was in place but beneath it, he was fuming at the action.

Botan chuckled nervously and pulled her hand back quickly, feeling the air become rife with possessive energy from her beloved. She remained polite while casting a furtive, yet understanding, glance at Kurama. "Captain Orochi, it's good to see you as well. But what do you mean we will be working closely together?"

Koenma took that moment to inform Botan and Kurama of the new plans he and Orochi had put together. It would involve creating and establishing a new militia-styled defense force, consisting of thousands of Reikai officers who would all be personally approved by both Orochi and Koenma. To Kurama and Botan's surprise, they were already well on their way with several hundred applicants having already been approved and boot camps well underway. Once an officer had graduated from boot camp they would be assigned to accompany a ferry girl during her soul collection rounds.

"That's where you come in, Miss Botan," Orochi informed. "You and I will approve all assignments to the ferry girls, in order to make sure the pairs are professionally compatible."

"Wouldn't that pose a risk of more ferry girls retiring early? What if the girls start falling in love with their officers?" Botan inquired, Orochi perked up and responded rather quickly.

"That's another reason we need to work together," he replied, "it's inevitable that some couples will be formed so we will have to hire new ferry girls as well as provide relationship education for both parties. It's already a part of the boot camp." Botan grimaced a bit and turned to Kurama.

"I suppose that will work…" she bit down on her bottom lip in thought, "It seems I'll have my plate quite full for a while, my love." She grasped Kurama's hand again, having dropped it earlier. Kurama noticed a flash of something sinister cross Orochi's face as he watched them lace their fingers together, it disappeared almost immediately and was replaced with the same placid smile as before. If not for Kurama's excellent sight he might have missed it. Instinctively Kurama pulled Botan closer to him. She made no objection, simply giddy at the public display.

"Perhaps you could drop by for visits after your reaping shifts end," Kurama countered with a tender smile.

"Actually," Orochi cut in, "due to the upcoming workload Miss Botan will not be ferrying for a while."

Botan's eyes widened in shock and she turned to Koenma in question, who nodded. "Yes, we will need you here to focus on the officer assigning, as well as hiring new ferry girls." His tone turned surprisingly warm, "Plus you will need to search for your replacement since you and Kurama intend to marry." The corners of Botan's lips curled into a coy smile.

Out of Kurama's peripheral vision, he spotted another ominous glower flash over Orochi's face only to disappear a split second later, just as before. "That's wonderful news," the captain smiled broadly, a little too broadly in the red head's opinion. "Will you be marrying soon?"

"Not for a few years," Koenma informed in a dismissive tone to let everyone know he was ready to move on. "Now with that out of the way, there is one other thing we need to tell you. This pertains to not only you and Kurama but to all the former members of the Spirit Detective team."

Kurama raised an eyebrow in intrigue as the toddler continued. "We will need to confiscate all Spirit Detective or Reikai equipment which includes the communication devices. I've already informed Yusuke and while he wasn't happy about it he agreed to return them. Botan, I will need you to collect those."

"Why is it they must be collected?" Kurama asked abruptly, he was not keen upon the idea of giving up the quickest form of communication he had with his beloved as well as his friends. "Should something arise that may need our immediate attention would it not be simpler to have a quick way to connect? Or do you intend to send Botan, or another ferry girl, to inform us?"

"I can answer that," Orochi said. "We wish to upgrade all the devices for future use, should we need to ever call upon or recruit new detectives. The current devices will be rendered obsolete when we close the Reikai borders anyway."

Taken aback and snapping his head to face Koenma again, Kurama's tone was harsh, "What?"

Not one to back down Koenma sat forward in his chair, "Yes. We are closing the gates, except for soul ferrying, but only temporarily. Another reason we need you grounded, Botan, is because of your extensive knowledge of Ningenkai. We will be creating new borders but in order to do that the current ones must be closed for a while and we will need your assistance in pinpointing new locations."

He continued on to explain that it would take a minimum of eighteen months to get the new, more secure, gates generated. Orochi's plan was to create an energy mesh that would bar anyone with ill intent whether they are human, spirit, or demon, from entering Reikai. Closing the barriers was simply to prevent another terrorist attack from happening before they could put their hard work into action.

With every revelation, Kurama grew more ill at ease and he watched as Botan grew paler and paler. She stood in stunned silence at the realization that they wouldn't be able to see one another for at least eighteen months. And without the communication devices, they wouldn't even be able to speak to one another. While she understood Koenma had to make a name for himself and that in choosing Orochi as the Captain to his new guard things would begin to progress quickly. But this felt like something else entirely. Her heart began to ache in an indescribable way and she found herself unable to utter a single word to her boss.

Kurama took notice of his love's amethyst eyes swimming in unshed tears. He wanted to embrace her, whisper in her eat that everything would be alright and that they would find a way. But it was neither the time nor the place, and Orochi's presence sowed dissension within Kurama. He was sick of hearing the untimely, awful news that he and Botan would have to be separated for so long. He needed time to formulate their next move and he would need his love's help. Their official romance had only just begun and it felt as if they were being torn apart.

When Kurama had heard enough from the two men he simply dismissed himself and Botan, took her hand, and began to guide her out of the office. He opened the door for her but addressed Koenma from over his shoulder before leaving, "How long do we have before the borders are closed?"

Orochi responded, "30 days."

Kurama did not even glance the captain's way, choosing to only address Koenma. "Botan will be taking that time off, then." His tone held a finality to it that even Koenma did not dare argue with, well aware of the anger that must have been coursing through the kitsune was far more dangerous and deadly than any weapon Reikai might have.

Koenma merely approved, "Understood."

With that Kurama and Botan left without another word.

Neither of them spoke during their journey back to Genkai's temple, where Yusuke and Keiko currently resided as husband and wife. Kurama had left his car there before he and Botan had left for Reikai. Yusuke was already waiting outside for them when they arrived.

"Hey," his tone was grim. "Toddler bitch called. He said you guys had some news and that we wouldn't be happy about it." Kurama heaved a sigh and nodded. "Kuwabara, Yukina, and Shizuru are already inside." Yusuke thrust his thumb behind him, gesturing to the slightly ajar door of the temple. Botan passed Yusuke silently before disappearing inside, surprising Yusuke. He gave Kurama a questioning stare but the kitsune only shook his head, they would explain it only once and would need everyone present.

Hiei showed up a short while later, seemingly annoyed at having to be there. But upon seeing, or rather feeling, the fury hiding beneath Kurama's mask of cool composure the koorime made no quarrel. He also noted Botan was unusually noiseless. He tried to pry into her mind but Kurama quickly shot that down with a simple, intensive telepathic message, "Don't." When Hiei moved his red eyes over toward his friend he was met with such ferocity in the emerald orbs that he looked away almost immediately.

Kurama went on to fully express Koenma and Orochi's plans, much to everyone's dismay and shock. Yusuke and the others understood how devastating the news was to Botan and Kurama that they would only have a single month together before having to be apart for a year and a half at the very minimum. Keiko stared at Botan who had yet to speak or even lookup. She sat on her knees, hands folded elegantly in her lap, blue bangs shadowing most of her face.

Everyone seemed to understand, it had been clear from the start that Koenma overthrowing his father would require time to establish his seat on the throne. However, nobody expected it to be so unfair to Botan. It was a nasty surprise, to say the least.

"It sort of sounds like this Orochi guy is really pulling the strings," Yusuke muttered aloud. Kurama hummed in agreement. "Where did he even come from? Has Koenma known him long?"

"He was a much-respected member of the security detail for Reikai Interior," Botan spoke suddenly without lifting her head. She continued to stare at the floor. "When Lord Koenma was gathering allies to dethrone King Enma Orochi turned out to be Lord Koenma's greatest supporter. Orochi had already made quite the name for himself among the higher-ups of the Interior and was able to sway their allegiance. Although it was not very difficult as many of them had grown quite tired of King Enma's antics and lies. He even managed to influence the board members who had been devoted to Enma for so long. Orochi was the one who rallied swarms of Reikai denizens in support of Lord Koenma's rule."

"Still," Kurama murmured audibly, "I don't trust him. He seems to be hiding something beyond that smiling façade of his." At his comment, Botan snatched her head up and scowled openly.

"You don't know the Captain as I do," she said sternly. "He's proved his unyielding loyalty to the new regime." She stared Kurama down for a moment with sweltering eyes before looking away from him, emotionally and physically exhausted. "He's a good man. I trust him and so should you."

Kurama stared crossly at Botan, opening his mouth to argue. She hadn't seen the changing features of Orochi, she hadn't felt what he had. He thought better of it and his mask of quiet reservation settled firmly back in place once more. Turning away from her to face their friends, who had all fallen into a thick and awkward quiet at the spat between them.

To keep things from becoming too obstinate they all finished the conversation quickly before deciding to call it a night.

Kurama escorted Botan to his car, slamming the door harder than he'd intended. The sound made Botan jump slightly but she remained quiet. The long drive to his apartment was silent and neither party had looked at one another either. Botan could feel his anger and knew she had said the wrong thing. Guilt and self-doubt began to quickly rise within her. Was trusting Orochi really such a folly? Was she being stupid? She'd known Orochi personally for several years at that point, had heard he was a strong strategist during his time in the Interior, she'd learned quite a bit about him and had come to know him as a friend. She had told Kurama as much in the past.

But obviously, her love was angry with her. She glanced at him from the passenger seat, his emerald orbs were focused on the road. His features were indifferent, as they almost always were, but the way his eyes were narrowed and the way he gripped the steering wheel till his knuckles were white told Botan he was anything but calm. He had already been irate with Koenma's announcements and her words had done nothing but stoke that fire.

She wanted desperately for him to look at her or say something, but he kept his eyes glued to the road. Deciding it was best to broach the topic when they reached his apartment Botan turned her face back to the window to watch the lights go by.

When they arrived at Kurama's apartment door he unlocked and opened it wordlessly, stepping across the threshold and into his living room. Botan followed him timidly, his anger was palpable despite the façade and while she was not afraid of him it was the first time she had ever seen him so livid. Her greatest fear being that he would put up a wall around his emotions, blocking her as he did almost everyone.

She closed the door quietly behind her, slipped her shoes off, and followed him into the living room. The apartment was still dark, the only light coming through the windows from the moon already high in the night sky. The moonlight illuminated him and he looked so beautiful it gave Botan pause to admire him before reality came crashing down into her lap once more. "Kurama," she called gently. He turned around to face her but averted her gaze, the action stung the deity and she found herself wishing she'd never spoken back at the temple. But the deed was done and she had to face it. After a brief moment she continued, voice full of trepidation, "Are you mad at me?"

His emerald orbs snapped to her finally. "No," he said frigidly. Botan flinched in response at the coldness in his tone, but he missed it as he turned on his heel and headed toward his office, leaving her standing in the dark living room alone.

Botan stayed there for a moment, trembling and fighting the threatening tears back. At the sound of Kurama turning on his desk lamp and scooting his desk chair back a spark of something shook through her. Tears abated her fingers curled into fists at her side, her brows scrunched into a deep scowl and before she could even think it through she found herself marching into his office. He was sitting at his desk facing away from the open door, book in hand, and did not acknowledge her entry. Mutely she stomped toward him, snatched the back of his chair, and jerked it back so he was facing her almost upside down.

"Hey!" She barked while staring directly into his eyes so he could see her seriousness, "Don't just dismiss me and walk away like that."

It was his turn to frown, red brows creased, "Botan-"

"No." She snapped, using the same icy tone he had used moments before. "You didn't want to talk before so now you're going to just have to listen, because I do want to talk." His face fell back into neutral again, the wall immediately back up. Botan huffed sadly, hurt at his reaction. She released the chair so he could sit up; he spun around to face her. "Listen," she said in a softer voice, her earlier anger dissipating into sorrow, "don't think you're sparing my feelings by pretending to not be mad when you actually are."

Kurama's brows rose in surprise, astonished at how well she could read him. It was then he noticed the tears that began to flow down her flushed face. "We're supposed to share all of our feelings with each other, even the bad ones. I want to know when you're upset or when I've done something that has hurt you." She sniffled and wiped her nose with the sleeve of her pink sweater. "How can you talk about marrying me when you build these emotional walls to keep me out just like everyone else?"

She tried her best to stay clear through the crying, holding the threatening sobs at bay. "If we fight or argue a little that's okay. It's normal. But we have to work through it. The only way to do that is to communicate." Botan closed her eyes and took a deep and shaky breath before continuing, "I'm not exactly sure why what I said or did riled you so much, but whatever it was I'll never know if you shut me out. Do you understand what that does to me? Do you know how that makes me feel, Kurama?"

She stared at him imploringly, the day had been filled with so many tears at that point that her eyes were already sore and puffy. She wanted a bath, she wanted to sleep, but mostly she wanted Kurama to hold her.

Kurama rose from his chair, he could feel the pain radiating from her. He found himself at a loss for words. To say he was flabbergasted at how she could read him so thoroughly would be an understatement. Because she was absolutely right, he was mad at her. He was already mad at the revelations from the day and her argument in the favor of Orochi had made him even angrier, but he didn't deem sharing his feelings was necessary, reasoning the anger would subside and they could continue their night as planned. He thought it best to avoid confrontation yet there she was confronting him instead.

"Well?" Botan's voice dragged him from his reverie, "Are you going to say anything? Or have you completely shut me out for the day?" The heated edge had returned to her voice, intertwining with her anguish.

"I'm sor"- Kurama started only to be cut off with a wave of her hand.

"If you're just going to apologize and not really explain then just save it," a sob escaped her as the words came out. "That's another mask of yours: Apologize and forget it." She'd caught him once more, proving he could hide very little from her and leaving him speechless yet again. Guilt crept into his heart; he shut his eyes in an attempt to gather his racing thoughts. When he next opened them he found Botan had buried her face in her hands, shoulders trembling as she mutely cried. For a moment he was distracted by her ethereal visage which reminded him of a weeping angel in a garden, he couldn't fight the urge to take her into his arms.

Bridging the gap between them he gathered her into an embrace without hesitation, despite his inner fear of being rejected. She had been right when she spoke of the barriers he built around himself, over the years of their deepening closeness she began to tear down the wall between them, brick by emotional brick until they were face to face, figuratively naked and bearing all for the other to witness. But that evening the barrage had risen again when she'd challenged him. Not because he thought she was wrong, not even because of his hubris at reading people. It was distrust and possessiveness of Botan.

Kurama's greediness over the deity had gotten in the way of listening to her, as he'd promised he always would. When she'd protested against his villainizing her friend he should have explained himself. Rather than do so he shut her out and wounded her in the process.

He closed his eyes when he felt her fingers curl around his shirt to hold him closer, his shoulders relaxed at the touch, grateful that she had not pushed him away. "You're right," he whispered hoarsely. "I did close myself off tonight and I did try to avoid a fight, and for that, I am truly, wholeheartedly sorry." He kissed the top of her head gingerly. "I was angry…and more than that I was…" the words died in his throat.

She nuzzled his chest, urging him to continue. "I was…incredibly jealous." Botan gazed up at him in confusion, their eyes locking as he went on, "The way he looked at you…touched you…it made my skin crawl. When you spoke to me as your lover in Koenma's office I caught glimpse of something dangerous in Orochi, but perhaps it was my own rapacious hunger to protect what I consider mine. It's clear that he has feelings for you." Botan's cheeks warmed at his confession, she too had to admit that she considered Kurama hers. She was also slightly embarrassed at never realizing Orochi's over-friendliness might be a hint that he liked her beyond simple companionship.

"Then you spoke of how you know him so well," Kurama said dryly, "And it made me so, so angry and envious to hear those words leave your perfect lips. As if it isn't enough that he's going to keep us apart for a year and a half with that convoluted plan of his, he has to know you?" Emerald orbs began to shine a brilliant gold. "And I took it out on you when it is far from your fault, or even Orochi's. It's my own insecurity."

Botan listened intently, sighing softly when he'd finished. "Oh, Kurama," she whispered, "I'm sorry to have made you feel insecure. Please know that you can trust me. I only trust Orochi because of his loyalty to Koenma and because we've become platonic friends, honestly. I hold no romantic feelings towards him, at all." She wrapped her arms around his torso and breathed in his calming scent of earth and rose. "I hope you know now you can talk to me about all of your feelings, just as I do with you."

Kurama rested his chin then atop her head, "Yes," his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry I lied about not being angry before as well. My thinking was that all would be forgotten with a bit of time and we could just continue on…but I see now that was wrong."

"I'm sorry for having made a scene at Yusuke's," she countered. "I could have said something later about it when we were alone." They pulled away to gaze at one another, the strain between them burning out into comfort once more.

"It led to an important breakthrough in our relationship though," Kurama mused. "So in a way, I'm glad it happened when it did so we could work through it together." Botan returned his warm smile and took his hand in hers.

She led him out of the office and into his room, "Let's rest now." Her voice was silky and demure, though they were both weary from the day it was clear to both of them they would not be sleeping through the night.

His hands roamed her lithe body as they lay naked on his bed, she mewled beneath his touch. Her clumsy fingers found a new gracefulness along his skin as they learned his very sensitive spots, causing him to moan hungrily into her mouth as they kissed. When his thumb found the sensitive bundle of nerves between her glorious thighs he ignited a fire within her, she keened into his shoulder as she came undone, his name becoming a mantra from the soft petal of her lips.

Her lavender eyes were dark and half-lidded with lust, his emerald orbs were flecked with gold as he rubbed the head of his thick cock along her clit until her breath began to come out in short gasps again. Kurama quickened his pace, grasped her chin between his fingers to have her face him when she had turned away, so lost in the sensations. "Don't look away," he breathed huskily, "Come with me. Together. Let's come together." She whimpered at his words but nodded, keeping her eyes locked with his.

He quickened his ministrations, hands on her knees to bring them up toward her chest. Botan fleetingly marveled at his control to not slip inside, it would have been so easy to take her and in her lust-crazed mind she would have let him. Her breath hitched once more as the waves of pleasure intensified. "Ah—ah…close-so close—" her words came out in a strangled cry.

"Yes," Kurama rumbled, maintaining his rhythm, "me too…" Their moans came out in unison, reaching the same tones and pitches in harmony of absolute ecstasy. Then the coil between them erupted as they both came hard, Botan's mouth opened in a silent scream as Kurama continued to thrust his hips, knocking the head of his member against her clit again and again as his seed spurt over her belly and breasts.

He collapsed atop her, kissing the tears of pleasure away from her eyes, lapping at the beads of sweat that pooled along her collar bone. When their breathing had calmed he picked Botan up like a bride and carried her into his shower where they cleaned one another and snuggled under the water. When they dried and crawled beneath his bed covers he tucked her under his arm and rested his chin on her head again. She drew sensual circles along his broad, toned chest, tracing over the scars from his previous fights. A contented sigh escaped from his lips.

Sleep claimed the lovers as the sun began to rise.

The following week was filled with more of the same passionate nights together, avoiding completely consummating their relationship. Kurama and Botan knew their time together was limited and were desperate to fill every waking moment with each other. Kurama began working from home for the time being so they did not have to leave his apartment very often except for the occasional date. At the end of their first week together reality began to loom over the lovers. Neither wished to face it but they knew it was inevitable.

They saw only two options, the first of which was remaining together but apart for the course of the eighteen months and writing letters to one another to communicate. Botan was sure the other ferry girls could deliver the letters for them without issue. Their second option was glaringly obvious: They could elope. It was tempting, very tempting. But neither of them was completely ready and did not wish to rush their bourgeoning love.

While they were both sure of their relationship there were things they each wished to complete before marrying. They had eternity and were really in no hurry. At the same time, however, the obvious itch that besought satisfaction was growing in urgency every day. Kurama often found himself staring at Botan in a way that was unbecoming for a gentleman. Then again the things he wished to do to his beloved were far from gallant.

One afternoon they came dangerously close without even realizing it until the absolute last moment. Botan had fixed a delicious vegetable and meat stew for lunch, the weather outside had become quite cold as winter steadily approached. Upon setting Kurama's bowl of stew in from of him while he sat at the table, the skirt she wore lifted enough for him to catch a glimpse of the exposed milky flesh of her thigh that was uncovered in between her stockings and panties. Instinctively, hungrily, he reached out to stroke the smooth skin with the pad of his thumb.

Botan gasped and turned to him, eyes filled with mirth and a hunger to match his own. He pulled her into his lap, bulge already straining against his jeans, their lips found each other immediately and suddenly her top was gone and he was already removing her bra while her hands fumbled with the buttons of his pants. He helped her pull them down, exposing his cock to the cool air of the room, and shoved her panties to the side with one finger. She moaned at the contact and whimpered into their kiss.

The head of his throbbing cock was at her entrance and she winced at the near intrusion but made no protest. She wanted him, she needed him, and her body ached painfully for him to enter her. His soul called to her, he wanted to mark her, mate her, and fill her with his seed. Reikai be damned, why was it any of their business if Kurama fucked Botan to the point where she cried and begged for him to fill her with his come? Why did it matter to anyone on the board that he wanted to bend her over and watch as his seed dripped out of her before taking her again?

Logical thoughts disappeared from both of their lust-muddled minds, too eager to fulfill their desire. He was almost there, literally at heaven's door, one thrust was all it would take. His member wept against her slick opening, the lips of her pussy enveloped him like an embrace. He groaned low in his throat, she openly whined for more.

A loud knock on the door interrupted them, jolting both of them out of their erotic daze. With a gasp Botan fell back, Kurama only barely saved her from hitting her head on the floor. The barrage of knocks continued and a familiar voice called out, "I know you two are in there, open up!" Botan and Kurama stared at one another once he helped her back to her feet, her face was flushed while he was cool and collected. Calmly he adjusted his pants and assisted her with straightening her skirt.

When Kurama opened the door for Yusuke Botan disappeared back into the kitchen. She clasped a hand over her mouth to muffle her gasps. Their trysts were becoming dangerous. They'd almost gone too far, if Yusuke hadn't interrupted them she would currently be in the throes of passion, giving Kurama her virginity and anything else he wanted. Her knees trembled at the thought and she slipped to the floor of the kitchen. Kami, how she wanted it, how she craved it, yearned to have him fill her. A frustrated tear fell down her face and she quickly wiped it away deeming it the wrong time to weep.

After standing she checking her face in the reflection of a knife before exiting the kitchen to greet their friend with a warm smile. "Are you hungry?"

Yusuke looked at her oddly but made did not voice what he was thinking, "Nah, I'm good." He handed her his detective suitcase, "This is for Pacifier Breath." She gave him her thanks and retreated to Kurama's bedroom where she stored the case with her belongings. When she returned Kurama and Yusuke were discussing a party.

"I don't see an issue with it," Kurama reasoned before reverting to Botan, "Keiko and Yukina want to throw a goodbye party of sorts. What are your thoughts?" His tone was pleasant enough but she could tell the idea of having to say goodbye was as agonizing for him as it was for her.

Botan smiled brightly, "That sounds like a great idea!" Her gusto was convincing enough to make Yusuke grin. She supposed that part of the reason she and Kurama had always gotten along was that they were both masters of concealing their thoughts with masks.

The former head spirit detective shoved his hands into his pockets, "Well that's that, then. I'll let Keiko know you guys are all for it and will give you all the details soon. I'm headed out now." They bid their goodbyes and Yusuke departed.

The lovers stared at one another knowing they would need to discuss what very nearly happened before Yusuke disturbed them. "It is a way out, you know," Botan stated bluntly.

"I know." Kurama retorted well aware of what she was referring to. "But is that how you really want to leave Reikai? By me taking your virtue in a chair at the dining table?"

Her blue brows shot up, "And in front of a bowl of stew, no less." She snorted at the end of her statement; Kurama stared at her incredulously for a moment before a heartfelt laugh tore through him doubling him over while holding his stomach. It made her heart flutter, he only ever laughed like that with her.

His deep emerald eyes glittered with mirth and when he collected himself once more he pulled her into a hug and feathered a sweet kiss upon her forehead. "Botan," he held a lilt to her voice she'd never heard before, "you make me so happy." She blushed deeply and buried her face in the crook of his neck. "Before the barriers close…I want to introduce you to my family." Her head shot up at that.

"Really?" she whispered, brows knit together, "But I'll be leaving so soon…wouldn't it be better to wait?"

The redhead shrugged in response and grinned cheekily, "Probably. But I don't want to. We can tell them you'll be working overseas for a while and that we'll be maintaining a long-distance relationship." She pursed her lips in thought. Technically it was the truth; she would be working long distance.

Deciding she liked the idea she nodded her head in agreement and pecked him on the lips. "I can't wait."

"Good, because I planned for us to meet up at a restaurant this Sunday afternoon." Botan's mouth dropped in surprise as Sunday afternoon was only two days away, giving her little time to prepare. She said as much to Kurama but he merely chuckled and busied himself with his now tepid stew.

"You cad," she murmured, eliciting another chuckle. She joined him at the table and they ate in comfortable silence.

A/N: Well that's the end of that chapter! I'm already working on the next one. I have quite a bit of free time right now as my son is being weaned off of his ventilator this week so my husband, son, and I are all staying at the children's hospital in our city. So far it's going well and I'm very thankful for that. Writing is a good distraction for when my son is sleeping and the hospital is quiet.

Anyway, thank you for reading!