Fons et Origo
Ch. 3: Farewell
A/N: Hello everyone! Here we are at another chapter. Thank you everyone for your reviews, they are a great source of encouragement and I really enjoy reading them. I've answered a few at the end of the chapter. This chapter is all fluff and some eroticism, sorry if that's not your thing.
I wanted this chapter to be longer but because my son, husband, and I ended up catching a cold it took me longer to write and I didn't want to make y'all wait any longer. Thankfully the boys are healed up but I am still trying to get over this ick and, let me tell you, I am tired of it. If you're looking for updates you can find me on Twitter at ArtsyFartsyAlco, I've begun to use that to post status updates for fics and my upcoming book.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it!
*All Disclaimers Apply*
Botan's last few days happened upon the couple too quickly. They were looking forward to spending the weekend at the Urameshi residence of Genkai's temple where Keiko would be throwing a goodbye party for their favorite deity. The lovers had made the most of the month that they could whilst doing their best to ignore the looming separation.
Kurama was delighted but unsurprised, at how easily Botan had charmed his family. Shiori was especially pleased as she'd previously met Botan a few times and had even commented to Kurama how well suited they could be as a pair, and she was devastated to hear the blue-haired woman would be leaving for a year and a half. She insisted that the two come over for dinner every Sunday until Botan had to leave. They were relaxed evenings, Shiori noted how she'd never seen her son so at ease. More than that, the older woman had noticed his guarded walls had come down a great degree. And she knew it was because of Botan.
She noticed the way her Shuichi would follow Botan's every move with a glimmer of delight present within his watchful, emerald eyes. When Botan would laugh his face would break into a lazy grin, elated to hear it every time. When Botan would settle into a comfortable quiet while listening or observing he would languidly trail his fingers up and down her arm nearest to him. It was such a relaxed gesticulation that Shiori wondered if her son even realized he was doing it.
It made Shiori's heart sing and beat with more joy than she realized it ever could. To see her son so happy, so content, and in love with such a delightful woman was a dream come true. And while she was usually hesitant to pry into his love life Kurama's mother was unwilling to allow Botan to slip through his fingers.
Following their last Sunday dinner, the final full weekend before Botan was due to leave, Shiori pulled Kurama aside with a tug on his sleeve. Kazuya threw his wife a questioning glance but knew better than to interfere and instead walked Botan and the younger Shuichi into the living room. Silently thanking her husband for the minute privacy Shiori turned to her son. "When are you planning to propose?"
He fought back a groan but didn't hide the cautionary, yet placid, tone of his voice, "Mother…"
"Oh, hush, Shuichi," she countered firmly. "I'm serious, here. Do you plan to marry Botan?"
Knowing his mother's unyielding persistence would not be sated without an answer he sighed and relented. "Yes, upon her return I intend to propose."
Not bothering to hide her glee Shiori clapped her hands together and smiled from ear to ear, "I knew it!" She pulled him into an embrace, earning a light chuckle and another sigh from him. "A touch of advice," she started upon releasing him, continuing quickly before he could protest, "Don't wait. Propose immediately."
Kurama's expression fell into astonishment. His mother simply smiled, "Don't lose her. Make it official and put a ring on her finger before she leaves. It will not only remind her of what she has waiting but will also deter others from trying to take what's yours." Kurama blinked, surprised at her resolve. With a smile, he agreed and shared he had been considering doing just that, regardless of how new their relationship was. He confessed that marriage had been on his mind even before he'd asked her to be his girlfriend.
Quietly, the two stole away upstairs to her and Kazuya's bedroom where she walked to her mirrored vanity and sat down. Opening her jewelry box she pulled a small, red, velvet-covered box out of the compartment and handed it to Kurama. "That was the ring your father proposed to me with," she sighed in remembrance as the redhead retrieved the ring from its coffer.
It was white gold, with a large, pear-shaped emerald surrounded by a halo of diamonds, and another set of small diamonds running halfway down the sides of the band. It was simple but beautiful. The wedding band itself was white gold as well with tiny, white gold vines and diamonds for leaves. It brought a smile to Kurama's face as he imagined the set around Botan's finger.
"Your father was quite fond of plants and flowers, like you." Shiori's voice was soft and wistful as she thought of her late husband. "When he proposed he told me he chose an emerald so that I could never forget him." She turned her brown gaze to Kurama and studied his green eyes, the same shade as his father's, "And with this ring, Botan will never forget you."
"Thank you, Mother." He bowed his head in gratitude. "It's perfect."
"Don't let her get away, Shuichi."
"I won't."
They opened a bottle of wine upon their return to Kurama's apartment that same night and the kitsune found himself thanking Dionysus because, after two larger than recommended glasses, Botan had fallen into a heavy slumber. She didn't stir when he carried her to his bedroom, or when he slid his mother's ring onto her finger to check the size. Happily the ring fit perfectly and would need no changes. Before removing it he took a moment to admire the way it glittered in the moonlight that spilled through the window.
Red brows furrowed as he considered the upcoming parting. Selfishly, he wanted her to stay. Wanted her to cling to him desperately and beg him to take her away. Were she to ask him to take her, to wed her immediately, he would do so without a second thought. But he knew how dedicated she was to Reikai. Her life as a deity was all she'd ever known, the life before becoming a shinigami long since erased from her memory.
Botan had mentioned before that she held no regrets about what or who she was previously because the present was more than enough. She was comfortable with herself in the present-day and felt no desire to dig into her history, although she did admit part of her reasoning was fear of the unknown. She refused to press the matter and so did Kurama, while he knew his past self and sometimes struggled to contain Yoko he understood and accepted Botan's wish for her past to remain there. He could only be grateful that she was willing to let go of her life in Reikai to begin anew with him in Ningenkai and he would never push her to leave before she felt ready.
He kissed the tips of her fingers as he removed the ring and placed it back into its box. He nestled it away and out of sight in his overnight bag. They would be leaving for the weekend the following Friday to stay at the Urameshi's and it was there he would ask for her hand.
Settling next to her in bed he pulled her close and inhaled her scent before joining her in slumber.
"You're up to something," Botan's lilac eyes were narrowed and honed in on Kurama, who had stilled under her accusatory tone.
He turned his emerald gaze to her and fixed her with an innocent expression, "I'm not sure what you're referring to." She scrunched her nose in suspicion.
"What are you planning?"
Kurama raised his hands in submission, "Being at ease with not knowing is crucial for answers to come to you.*" Botan shot him an annoyed scowl and stalked after him as he meandered into his bedroom to continue packing. She stood in the doorway with arms crossed, a playful pout on her lips. He smirked, his eyes alight with mirth, and tapped the tip of her nose. "Don't be cross, you'll find out soon."
She mumbled a begrudging acquiescence and abandoned further prodding, but continued to keep an eye on his every move. Something had his energy abuzz, he'd been growing more chipper as the weekend approached. But there was another sensation as well, he was…nervous. Quite nervous. She could sense it under the guise of pleasantry. Were Botan not so intimately in tune with her fox she might have missed it.
But she knew Kurama would be steadfast in keeping whatever was going on a secret. With a loud sigh, she joined her love in helping him pack.
The party was not until Saturday but Keiko and Yusuke had invited everyone to come over for pre celebrations at the temple on Friday evening. When Kurama and Botan arrived they found Shizuru, Kuwabara, and Yukina were already there, helping Keiko prepare for the party. Already several drinks in Kuwabara and Yusuke were settled into playful bickering over video games.
"No Hiei?" Botan murmured aloud.
Yusuke shrugged from his spot in front of the television. "He might show up, too busy loving on Mukuro." He let out a gleeful snicker.
Botan and Kurama exchanged a knowing glance and joined Keiko, Shizuru, and Yukina to play cards while watching the other two former detectives play Dead or Alive. Shizuru offered them something to drink, Botan had a glass of rosé and Kurama had a glass of whiskey over ice. "Who's up for strip poker?"
Botan threw her head back and chortled, "Absolutely not! Do you know how long it takes to get in and out of this thing?" She gestured to her pink kimono, she'd worn it because the mid-November weather had become quite cold and it was the warmest garment she had with her.
"Well, I'm sure Kurama doesn't have any trouble taking it off of you." Shizuru's eyes narrowed mischievously and wiggled her eyebrows. Botan's cheeks warmed but before she could even retort Kurama beat her to the punch.
"You're right, I don't." His reply was nonchalant as if speaking about the weather. A pregnant pause followed as he took a long swig from his drink, when he downed it the ice clinked and broke the silence.
"Kurama!" Botan hissed, face turning scarlet as the other women laughed. Shizuru's tipsy cackle was boisterous and drew the attention of Yusuke ad Kuwabara. They paused their game and joined the others to play cards.
As the night went on the group continued to drink and play games, with Yukina refilling drinks while refraining from anything but soda for herself. Kurama stuck with his three whiskey maximum whilst keeping a watchful eye over Botan as she and the others played King's Cup, one of many drinking games. Kuwabara was the first to draw a Jack, "Ooh, this means we play 'Never Have I Ever, right?" He put his forefinger on his chin thoughtfully before Yusuke leaned over and covered his mouth to whisper in his friend's ear. Kuwabara chuckled, "Yeah, okay. Never have I ever…kissed Kurama!"
"That's not what I said, idiot!" Yusuke shouted, "I said 'never have I ever fuc-'"
"That's enough, I'll drink!" Botan cut him off before chugging her glass of wine, she held the empty glass out for Yukina to happily refill. Kurama cleared his throat to hide his laughter. It always seemed to go this way when the group got together and played drinking games, Botan usually wound up getting the drunkest due to being teasingly targeted by their friends. Even before Kurama had realized his feelings for the deity he'd always enjoyed watching her squirm underneath the playful scrutiny. She was easy to tease and he'd always found the blush that crawled down her neck and chest adorable.
Kurama moved his arm to the small of Botan's back, beneath the bow of her obi, and rubbed his thumb over the smooth silk. She didn't address the action with words but wiggled her butt slightly to show approval. The men decided to play a card game while the women continued to drink and gossip. Later Shizuru convinced Botan and Keiko to take shots with her. Kurama glanced at the blue-haired woman, concerned as she hacked and coughed on whatever liquor it was, he was secretly pleased to see her wave away the second offer. Far be it from him to police his girlfriend's imbibing, but he didn't want her to be hungover the next day. He had plans that required a clearheaded mind.
At one point Keiko disappeared for a few moments and returned with a large white photo album in her hands. "Our wedding photos finally came in!" She exclaimed cheerfully. Botan, Yukina, and Shizuru surrounded the brunette as she opened the book. They cooed over how lovely Keiko had looked in her gown, laughed at the photos of Shizuru catching the bouquet, giggled at the photo of Kuwabara and Yusuke dancing together, there was even a photo of Hiei, though he was giving the photographer a death glare.
"That poor guy," Botan giggled. "Is that the only photo with Hiei in it?"
"Yup," Keiko replied. "Oh, look! Here's one of you and Kurama dancing." She pointed to a photo of the two, one Botan hadn't even realized had been taken. She'd had her hair pulled up into a French twist and was wearing an a-line, off-the-shoulder, tea-length dress in blush pink. Kurama was in a black tux, having been part of Yusuke's groomsmen, and had one hand on Botan's waist while the other held one of her hands. They were gazing at one another obviously lost in their dance and conversation.
Botan bit her bottom lip in remembrance. They'd danced together the entire night. Kurama's hand had wandered a little too low at several points but she never complained. They sat together, laughed together, and had completely missed the bouquet toss because he'd taken her outside for a walk. He would later admit to having taken her outside to kiss her but he'd lost the nerve when they were interrupted by Kuwabara yelling for them to re-join the reception. When it was time to go home her feet were sore from wearing heels all evening and he'd carried her to his car. She'd ended up staying the night at his apartment, and they fell asleep still dressed in their wedding attire while talking in his bed.
"He asked you to be his girlfriend a couple of weeks after the wedding, right?" Shizuru asked, pulling Botan from her reminiscing. The deity nodded in reply.
In a low voice, Yukina leaned in, "Do you think you and Kurama will be married?"
"Yes," she giggled quietly. "We've discussed it already."
"Hell yeah, lock it down!" Shizuru called a little too loudly. The boys shot them all a questioning stare but the girls just laughed. Kurama noted Botan seemed quite flustered. He quickly glanced down at his watch to find it was well after one in the morning. Where had the time gone? He laid his winning cards on the table and earned a groan from his companions.
"Every damn time," Yusuke muttered.
"Sorry to cut this short," Kurama stood up. "But I could use some rest. Goodnight." He walked over to Botan and kneeled next to her. "I'm heading to bed…care to join me?" His whisper cascaded down her neck, sending a slight shiver down her spine. She turned her flushed face to his and nodded, lip between her teeth. His emerald eyes dropped to her pouty mouth and he felt a familiar heat begin to grow. He assisted her in standing and they bid everyone goodnight before opening the shoji door to walk to their shared room.
Botan trailed a step or two behind Kurama as he pulled her by the hand. The wind had picked up a little and was biting cold. After a few steps he attempted to pick up the pace but she suddenly stopped. He turned back to question but paused when he found her staring out into the night. "It's so cold," she whispered. She pressed herself against Kurama's sturdy form and earned an embrace. "Hey, Kurama," she mumbled into his chest.
"Hm?"
"I…I want…" she looked up at him, locking her amethysts with his emeralds. "I want you. Tonight. Right now." He wasn't sure how to respond, he wondered if she'd had too much to drink and as if she could read his thoughts, "I'm not drunk. Promise." She grasped his hand in hers and took the lead to their room.
When they entered the dark room and slid the door closed she immediately walked to their futon and lay down, propping up her torso on her elbows. Kurama remained standing by the door, observing her every calculated move. Even in the dark, he could see the lust in her eyes, could smell the desire growing in between her thighs. With smooth but cautious steps he knelt in front of her on the futon.
"Botan," his voice lower than he'd intended. "You need to be sure." Heart racing she nodded and placed both hands on his cheeks to draw him into a kiss, this one more fervent and pleading. She trailed kisses across his jawline to his ear where she traced the shell of it with her tongue, eliciting a slight tremor from him. "Botan…" he warned. "Maybe we should address this in the morning?"
"Mmm, no," she pouted and continued her sensual assault down his neck. He hummed his approval and shut his eyes. "I want you to…to…"
Kurama swallowed the lump in his throat, "What?"
"I want you to…fuck me. Right now." It was so rare to hear her speak in such a lewd manner that it sent a delightful chill through Kurama. The heat burning within him overrode his more sensible side and with an almost animalistic groan, he grabbed a handful of blue hair. She moaned as her head was snapped back and he took the opportunity to ravage her mouth. Tongues intertwined wildly and when he pulled away for a moment she whimpered.
He placed his forehead against hers and tried to steady his rapid breathing. "Are you sure?" She nodded eagerly. "I don't want to hurt you," he whispered.
She let out a short giggle, "I'm a virgin. It's going to hurt no matter what." Kurama blanched but knew she was probably right. He took a second to marvel at how she could be so bubbly when he felt so scared.
He reached around Botan to begin unwrapping her obi, "It doesn't have to hurt…if we take it slow." She shivered once more at the dark timbre of his voice as he began to slowly remove her clothing layer by layer. "I want you to enjoy this." He leaned down to kiss her bare shoulder as the silk slid down her arms, leaving her naked before him. "Because after this you…will completely…belong…to me," he enunciated each word with a searing kiss down across her collar bone and in-between the valley of her breasts until she was lying completely on her back.
Hungry, emerald eyes raked over her milky flesh and pert, pink nipples down to groomed blue curls above her core. Her chest heaved quickly, lust and trepidation shook through her while she watched him remove his clothing. He stood proudly before her in his nudity, her eyes wandered over his well-sculpted body to the long, thick, cock that stood standing to attention.
Kurama hovered over her to kiss her sensually, deepening the kiss with his tongue while his strong hands roamed over her neck and down to her already wet pussy. Gently he parted her lower lips and trailed his fore and middle fingers up and down to coat them in her slickness, earning a sharp moan from his beloved. He broke away from the kiss to bring his fingers to his lips to taste her essence, she trembled at the eroticism of the action. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily before grabbing her legs and hoisting them up to his shoulders.
Botan released a choked cry the moment his tongue touched her warmth. She tried to wiggle away in surprise, but Kurama grasped her thighs and continued his attention to her core. Using his tongue and mouth he pushed her to a new level of ecstasy, she clenched her fists as the first orgasm hit her. He didn't stop drinking from her, wishing to hear her scream his name. "Kurama—please," she cried. "I can't-" But despite her protest he knew she could come again, and she did rather quickly.
He lowered her quivering body back down upon the futon and kissed her, allowing her to taste herself on his tongue. "You taste so sweet," he whispered huskily.
"Kurama," she panted. Her determination was beginning to slip, fear started to take its hold upon her. Knowing the next move would be final. She would not be able to return to her life in Reikai, she might not even be allowed to enter even to say goodbye. But she wanted this, she truly did. She was afraid to go back for a year and a half…but was equally afraid of ending her life as Botan the Ferry Girl. She knew if they were to pause or stop her resolve would snap and she would be too afraid to go on. "Please…I can't wait anymore."
He squeezed his eyes shut at her pleading to fight the urge to answer his inner call to take her roughly. Holding on desperately to that last sinew of his patience, so as not to hurt her, he placed the gentlest of kisses on her lips, "Botan, if we rush things it will be pain-"
"Ugh," she threw herself back in frustration and covered her eyes with her arm. "Just get it over with, Kurama!"
She regretted the words the instant they left her lips, even more so when she felt him pull away. The silence that followed was deafening, she kept her arm over her eyes too ashamed to look at him. Tears began to well and after a few moments, she heard the telltale sound of him pulling his clothes back on. Guilt washed through her every cell. When she sat up she found him exiting the room, sliding the shoji door quietly as he left. She watched his shadow pass by with a lump in her throat.
Moving quickly she pulled on her nagajuban and tied it before shrugging on the silken kimono and chasing after him, the bottom of her kimono dragging as she went. She found him a few steps away staring at the moon calmly, though his fists were clenched tightly at his sides. Swallowing thickly she called out in a soft, "Kurama…"
"'Just get it over with.' " he repeated flatly without looking at her. She winced.
Her heart beat painfully in her chest. It was obvious she'd hurt him. "I'm sorry," her voice was laced with regret. "I shouldn't have said that. I was scared."
"How many times have I told you to be sure you're ready? How many times have I spoken of my patience?" His tone lost the docile edge as he finally faced her. "What were you afraid of, exactly? The pain? The pleasure? Or were you afraid of me?"
"No," she insisted, "I could never be afraid of you. I love you." The tears began to cascade down her cheeks. "Not wanting to leave while also wanting to wait has me so indecisive."
"So you left it to me to decide for you," Kurama scoffed bitterly. "I suppose that would work well for you when you had to answer to Koenma. 'I'd been drinking, it's not my fault Kurama took advantage and fucked me.'"
"Enough!" Botan screamed, lilac eyes widening in shock. "How could you think that of me?" He didn't respond and his expression was unreadable. "You must not know me at all." She turned her back on him then and began to march away. Kurama flitted in front of her.
"Botan, I-" He tried to speak but she cut him off.
"Go away, I don't want to talk anymore."
She turned around only for him to flit in front of her once again. She could see the regret in his eyes but the hurt and anger bubbling inside of her would not let her break to address it. Her mind could only think of fleeing.
With an angry grunt she held out her right arm to summon her oar, he responded by grasping her wrist. She tried with the left and he took the moment to grab it and spin her around to press her against his chest, her arms crossed in front of her. "Don't leave," he rumbled while struggling to hold her close, mildly surprised at the strength she exhibited. "Please, Botan, we need to discuss this!"
"No!" She raised her arms straight up and slipped downward, bringing Kurama with her as he refused to release her. The night was filled with the echoes of their struggling against the wooden floor. "Let go of me!" She thrashed beneath him and he released her. She slipped out from under him and took off, he followed suit easily catching up to her and picking her up by the waist. He flipped her over his shoulder and began to march back to their room, she growled angrily and pounded her fists against his back to no avail.
Realizing there was no way to escape her angry cries soon became choked sobs as Kurama continued to carry her. When they entered their room he pulled her into a close embrace, he knew she wanted to leave. But he knew if he were to let her go she would fly to Reikai to hide away for eighteen months, and that he simply could not allow.
He continued to hold her close as she wept and when her tears subsided she looked into his eyes, finding the emerald pools soft and filled with the agony and regret plaguing him. "I'm so sorry," she whispered through sniffles.
"I'm sorry too," he replied. "What I said was out of line."
Botan shook her head, "It's a conclusion anyone might come to. You asked me if I was sure…and I truly thought I was. But then…I started to get nervous and lost my resolve." She took a shaky breath, "I should have told you when it happened. I know you would have stopped. But I was scared of stopping, too. And you're right that I'm afraid of the repercussions. I'm terrified of what will happen if we have sex without doing things properly."
"You have every right to be scared," his voice was soothing. "The fault isn't yours alone, it is also mine. The alcohol and the seeming spur of the moment temptation got the better of me, followed by my anger. I should have used my better judgment. I'm so sorry." He kissed her forehead softly, "I only hope you can forgive me."
She nodded and nuzzled his cheek, "Always. I hope you can forgive me, too."
"Always," he soothed.
Her mind wandered to the entirety of their circumstance being decided by a board of horny old men who felt women were beneath them. "I hate this," she growled. "It's not fair. Why should ferry girls be treated like we're objects?"
"You're right," Kurama agreed. "It's completely misogynistic."
"At least here I'd be free." Botan mused, "And with you."
He smiled at her words, "Yes."
They discussed things well into the early morning hours, going over each and every aspect, apologizing, and making up. They would kiss and hold each other as they spoke, mending their sore feelings and bringing them closer than before. The pair mused on each other's willingness to not only call out one another for their misgivings but also work on it together.
Just as the night began with smiles it ended the same way.
The next morning Kurama woke up alone. Botan's kimono lay folded neatly and tucked away near her bag. He sat up and ran a hand through his tousled red hair. They had stayed up most of the night and he wasn't entirely sure when they'd fallen asleep. Groggily, he pulled himself out of bed to dress and search for his deity. Before leaving he reached into his bag and pocketed the red box.
He found Keiko, Yukina, and Shizuru enjoying coffee and talking lightly in the kitchen. They greeted Kurama as he joined them. "Coffee?" Shizuru offered, receiving a nod. "Where's Botan?"
Red brows furrowed in concern, "You haven't seen her?" He immediately began to search for her ki but was interrupted by Kuwabara entering.
"She's in the stone garden," he said, eyeing Kurama somewhat suspiciously. "Seemed upset." The kitsune shifted underneath his friend's dark gaze but made no sign of his discomfort. Leave it to Kuwabara to detect issues of the heart. While Kurama and Botan had made up overnight it only made sense that she might still harbor some pain from the event, and he couldn't blame her. Fights were never easy to get over, even if there was an amicable resolution.
"Oh, no," Keiko murmured. "I wonder if it's because she's leaving tomorrow?" Kurama remained quiet and grabbed a second mug of coffee, topping it with cream and sugar.
"I'll go check on her," he excused himself and made his way toward the stone garden, where his eyes fell upon Botan sitting on one of the carved stone benches. Her lilac eyes were distant, her mind miles away as she went over the past month and considered what the next year and a half would hold.
Kurama sat next to her and offered the mug of steaming coffee, snapping her out of her thoughts. She gave him a sheepish smile and wrapped her hands around the mug, enjoying the warmth it returned to her fingers. "Ah, thank you," she sighed after a sip. "You always know how to fix it for me."
He placed an arm around her waist, "Well, I should. I am the one who introduced you to coffee, after all." She giggled and nodded.
"I'm sorry about last night," she whispered. He cupped her chin lightly and turned her face toward him to capture her lips with his own.
"So am I," he replied after pulling away. They knew the offered apologies were somewhat unnecessary at that point, but they couldn't help but continue to express the regret from the fight. Wanting to ease the tension he changed the subject, "Have you been awake long?"
Botan shrugged, "An hour or so, I think." A shiver ran through her, with the coffee warming her cold that surrounded them became more evident. She wore a thick pink sweater over a blue button-up and jeans but it did little against the cold. "Maybe we should head inside?"
Kurama nodded and stood but set his mug down where he'd been sitting, he took the mug from Botan's hand and placed it next to his. "Wait a moment," he said softly, motioning for Botan to remain seated. She stared at him in confusion as he knelt in front of her on a single knee. He grasped her left hand and brought it to his lips. "I love you, Botan. I've always loved you."
Blue brows knit together as his emerald eyes locked with her lilacs, he reached into his pocket and removed the red box. "From the moment we met, you stole my heart. Even if I didn't realize it," he chuckled at the thought. "If I could travel through time I would confess my feelings to you long ago, maybe even at that moment." He opened the box, revealing the emerald ring. "But, alas, I cannot. So I must make the most of the time we have now to tell you…and ask you…Will you marry me?"
A choked cry tore through her as she nodded and threw her arms around his shoulders. Kurama wrapped his arms around her waist, inhaling her scent and reveling in the moment. "I still need to put the ring on," he mumbled and she laughed and pulled away. He slid the emerald onto her finger.
"Oh, Kurama," she sighed, "It's gorgeous. When did you…?"
"Last Sunday," he answered her unfinished question. "This was my mother's ring when she was married to my, that is-Shuichi's-, father. Mother wanted you to have it." Botan smiled and sniffled.
Kurama pulled her to stand with him, cupping her chin he pulled her face toward his and kissed her deeply. She moaned gently and responded to the kiss in kind. When they broke away he wiped her fallen tears with his thumbs, caressing her cheeks and admiring the flush they held. "You are so beautiful," he murmured.
"So are you," she replied with a chaste kiss. They stood still for a few more moments before she shivered, "Can we go inside now?" He barked out a laugh, grabbed their coffee mugs, and led them inside to the warmth of the temple where their friends were decorating for the party.
Neither of them said anything as they began to help. Botan walked over to Yusuke where he was struggling with streamers, she made to grab a roll from him but he caught her left wrist with a frown. "Yusuke-"
"Yo," he shouted, "Where did you get this rock from?" All eyes turned to them and Botan bristled under their stares. Kurama quickly strode over and gently eased her wrist free from the dark-haired man's grasp.
"From me," he said simply. "We're engaged."
The temple erupted in hoots and hollers, Botan blushed but soon she and Kurama found themselves being pulled into a bone-crushing hug from Kuwabara in congratulations. "I always knew you two were meant to be together!" He shouted in his gruff voice. Kurama let out a slight cough and a chuckle before tapping the tall ginger as a sign to be placed down.
"Thank you, Kuwabara," Botan giggled. Keiko, Yukina, and Shizuru pulled her away to admire the ring.
"Damn," Yusuke grinned, "You can see that thing from a mile away! How much did that set you back?"
Kuwabara admonished Yusuke with a glare, "Urameshi, that's rude, you can't ask people that!"
"What?" the shorter man retorted, "We're all friends here, who cares?"
Kurama smirked at the exchange, "While normal social etiquette does agree with Kuwabara I don't mind sharing that the ring was originally my mother's. She wished for me to pass it on to Botan." He glanced over his shoulder to find the blue-haired woman still surrounded by the other women, giggling happily. Botan caught his eye and sent him a coy smile. Turning back to his friends Kurama sighed in content.
"When do you think you'll get married?" Yukina asked Botan, who pursed her lips in contemplation.
"Well, I'm not sure." She said, "Kurama only just proposed so we haven't discussed it. But it will have to be some time after the Reikai barrier has reopened." The girls looked a little disappointed but were understanding. "Did you think we were going to get married immediately?"
Shizuru grinned, "Yes. I hoped it meant you were going to stay." Botan masked her melancholy with a bright smile, wishing not to dwell on it and have it spoil the mood.
"It just gives us some extra time to plan," she reasoned. "Now let's get back to work!"
The group busied themselves with decorating, though Keiko did mention how unfair it was of them to have Botan's assistance when the party was for her. But the ferry girl didn't mind and was happy to spend the time with their friends. Once Keiko deemed the decorations were perfect she shooed Kurama and Botan out to relax and enjoy their free time together. They decided to retire to their room for a short nap.
When they awoke it was well into midafternoon so they took a long, hot shower, however, by the time Kurama had finished eating her out and she'd stroked him to completion the water was ice cold. They laughed to themselves while they dressed, talking idly about their expectations for the evening. "Do you think Hiei will show?" Botan asked.
"He's already here," Kurama mused as he ran his fingers through his wet hair. She stared at him in surprise but he only smirked. "He arrived late last night, slept in the trees, as usual." When he next looked at her he observed the horror in her eyes. Approaching her he placed his hands upon her shoulders with tender affection. "I assure you, it was after our argument."
Botan nodded solemnly, "That would have been the second time he's caught us in the middle of something." Kurama snickered.
"Yes, he does have the propensity to pop up during inopportune moments," he kissed the crown of her head. "Let's join the others." Botan shook her head and pulled him close.
"Not yet," she whispered against his chest. "I want to spend a little more time together…just the two of us." Kurama nuzzled against her blue hair and happily agreed. He lowered them to the floor of their room where they sat holding one another. She ran her fingers lazily over his black turtleneck, enjoying the feel of his muscles beneath it. "The girls thought your proposal meant we were getting married right away."
A chuckle rumbled through the kitsune's chest, "Yusuke and Kuwabara suggested the same. I think they were dissatisfied with the truth." Botan smiled.
"They just want us to be happy."
"Mm," Kurama hummed in agreement. "That reminds me…we will need to call Mother and tell her the good news."
"Do you think she'll be happy?"
"Ecstatic," he laughed quietly. "It was her idea to propose before your departure, after all."
"What?!" She shot up in his arms, jaw hung open. Kurama laughed openly at his fiancée's astonishment. Botan playfully pinched his nipple, earning a hiss and another laugh. "So that's why you two were being so secretive the other night."
He nodded, "She surprised me with her determination. I don't think I've ever seen her so adamant about something before." His smile turned wistful and Botan grinned. "She may wish to plan the entire wedding herself as well."
"That's fine by me," the deity responded. "I want to marry you the moment I get back."
The redhead pulled her back and sat up at that, studying her carefully. "Do you mean that?" His voice was barely above a whisper. He received a nod that made his heart pound hard against his breast. It was almost too good to be true, but the trust and love he shared with his peony were proof enough to know this was his future. "I will have to object to having my mother plan the entire event, we should both have an input."
Another bubbly giggle, "Alright, we can plan it together when I come home." They continued to discuss wedding plans, agreeing on an outdoor spring wedding. Botan expressed her desire to be married amongst the trees, and flowers upon flowers as far as the eye could see.
"I believe that could be arranged," The kitsune said. A comfortable silence fell over them and after a while, they decided to join their friends.
Upon their arrival into the temple, they were met with several party poppers going off and shouts of congratulations for their engagement. Keiko decided last minute to add their happy news to the party. Hiei stood aloof in a far corner, choosing to decline participation as he felt his presence was more than enough. Kurama approached him as Botan was whisked away by the girls.
"Long time no see, Hiei," the kitsune greeted. Hiei cast a side-long glance at his friend. "Good of you to come."
"The detective gave me little choice," the koorime replied. "I was also encouraged to come by Mukuro."
"Oh, trouble in paradise?" Kurama teased, earning a glare.
"No." Hiei turned slightly to view the full room. The human psychics, Yana, Kaito, and Kido were standing near Botan across the room. Shizuru's new boyfriend stood nearby here, clearly nervous. The deity was laughing and chatting merrily, though Hiei could easily sense her despondence. He studied Kurama for a moment, sensing the same. "Are you really going to allow her to leave?"
Kurama shifted, "I haven't much choice. The decision has been made."
Hiei snorted, "Already answering to that woman's every command? I hadn't realized how soft you've become, Kurama." The redhead laughed without mirth.
"I'm respecting my fiancée's wishes." His rebuttal held a sharp edge of waning. "When she returns we will be mated, so I suggest you find it within you to speak of and treat her, with more respect." He pushed away from the wall and joined Botan's side, missing the snide smirk on Hiei's face.
"Not so soft after all," He telepathically sent to his friend, receiving a mere nod in reaction.
The night went on with much celebration and joy, as well as bids of sadness at Botan's impending leave. She didn't want to think about it, but when she was asked several times when she would be heading out the answer became heavier on her heart. "Tomorrow morning."
"Ah, what a shame you will be unable to truly enjoy your engagement," Kaito said offhandedly. Kurama bristled a bit at the comment but was comforted by Botan's hand upon his arm.
"Who says we haven't?" Her eyes held mischief, "We enjoyed it all morning…and we still have all night!" Kaito's face went red at the implication and he excused himself, Kurama couldn't help but snicker.
"That was quick," he told his love. She shrugged and took a swig of her drink, something Shizuru's boyfriend called 'Trash Can Punch.' Kurama advised her to take it easy as the sweetness of the fruit and punch masked the heavy alcohol content. One glass and she was already tipsy.
But she felt so warm with Kurama standing next to her all night. The glances and light touches ignited the fire inside of them both and before the party was over the two bid everyone goodnight and goodbye, stating she required sleep before having to leave early the next morning. When they retreated to their room for the night they had very little sleep, giving themselves to throes of passion.
They woke up around 7 in the morning and had a simple breakfast with their friends before gathering outside. Botan, clad in her pink kimono, summoned her oar but did not yet board it. She received hugs from all of their friends save for Hiei, who simply approached her and said, "Goodbye." It was more than Botan could have expected and she had to fight the urge to hug him.
When it was Kurama's turn to say farewell he held her close for a long time, inhaling her scent to remember it. She nestled her face in the crook of his neck and held her tears back desperately. Without care for the watchful eyes behind them, he cupped her chin and kissed her deeply, passionately, as if it was the first and last time he'd ever felt her lips. When they pulled apart her eyes brimmed with tears and her cheeks were red.
"I love you," he whispered. "Come back to me soon."
"I love you too," she whispered back. "And I will. I'll write to you…every day."
"I look forward to it." He held onto her hand as she mounted her oar, only letting go when she rose too high for him to reach. She gave him a wave and a bubbly smile that did not quite reach her eyes and flew away, disappearing into the gray sky.
A/N: There we have it! Botan has now departed Ningenkai for 18 months. Don't ask me why I chose 18 months, I just did ahaha. I hope you all enjoyed it. Again, thank you very much for the reviews they are truly so encouraging.
*This is a quote by Eckhart Tolle
Kaikai xoxo: You're very welcome, I'm happy to update whenever I can! Yes, communication is incredibly important in a relationship. I learned so much about it with my husband and have truly come to appreciate it. We may still argue but in the end, we both know it will be discussed and there will be a resolution. My life is quite busy as of late but my passions play an important role in my sanity which in turn plays an important role for my husband's sanity. I tend to identify with Delia from Beetlejuice when she says, "…I must express myself. If you don't let me gut out this house and make it my own, I will go insane, and I will take you with me." Except the 'gut out this house and make it my own' part is more of 'if you don't give me an hour to write some smut about my favorite YYH ship.' Lol.
Heartluv: Thank you, I hope you enjoyed the latest chapters!
Blue-eyed-shuichi: I completely agree, exploring the other parts of Reikai has always been interesting for me. As you said, it's a shame Togashi never explored it more! On a side note, I'm such a fan of your work and it's such an honor to have you read mine.