Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well during these challenging times.

You know the drill, standard disclaimers apply.

Because of the full-blown pandemic, Kurama and Botan had not been able to see each other for months on end. Their schedules conflicted so much that they had to settle for video calls and emails to one another.

When the restrictions had somewhat eased up, one Friday evening, Sakyou and Shizuru hosted a private dinner in their Roppongi Hills home. Behind a tall traditional-style concrete fence, and gate that is manned by discreetly armed security 24/7, it is impossible to even have a peek at the estate - not even Google Maps could help you.

Kurama and Botan were immediately allowed inside the home by the suit-wearing security detail. When Kurama's black Porsche cleared the garage gate, it was immediately closed.

"They said to just follow the driveway until we reach the front door." Kurama said as he shifted gears to drive more slowly.

The "driveway" was flanked by well-tended traditional gardens on both sides. While the area near the front door had cherry trees lining the path. Even Kurama was impressed. "It must be very beautiful during springtime." Botan murmured.

At the imposing front door, a butler bowed respectfully before opening Botan's door and helped her out. While a valet informed Kurama that he will take care of the parking. Ushering them in the entryway, another servant - a female clad in a teal-colored kimono greeted the couple and led them to the genkan where they were provided with house slippers.

Once they were able to change into the provided footwear, the same butler led them into the formal dining room. After hearing the announcement that Botan and Kurama had arrived, with a shriek, Shizuru ran towards her friend to envelop her in a huge hug.

Shizuru held Botan at arm's length and gave her signature once-over to her friend's outfit. Botan was wearing a baggy blush-coloured knit sweater that was partially tucked into her jeans, she also had a crossbody mini bag slung over her shoulder. "That's a cute sweater. I love that color on you." she said.

"Thanks. Your house is very beautiful. It feels nice to finally be able to wear proper outfits again outside of the uniform kimono." Botan said, handing over the miyage of a basket of chocolates to Shizuru.

"Aw, shucks." Shizuru said as she took a peek at the basket's contents. "My favorites! Anata, look! Botan got us snacks!"

Sakyo walked over to the ladies and nodded politely at Botan and Kurama. "Thank you for the present. Welcome to our home. Please, make yourselves comfortable."

"Aaah. Always lovely to see you, Botan. Kurama." a vaguely familiar voice drawled behind them.

"Karasu." Kurama said in an even tone.

"Now, now. We are all friends here, no? Let's not allow our pasts to ruin this beautiful evening." Sakyo said as he took his seat at the head of the table.

Dinner surprisingly went well. Sakyo explained that Karasu had also gotten the same parole arrangement with Koenma offered to him.

Karasu mentioned that he now works for the Japanese police and the military, specifically as a bomb expert. Botan found it interesting and had a nice, light-hearted conversation with him while Kurama and Sakyo talked shop over glasses of cognac.

Surprisingly, Karasu had been very pleasant to Botan and decided to join her and Shizuru when wine was served after dinner. He even mentioned that he also recently got into the habit of making plushies from those kits that are available in the hundred yen shops.

"I ordered a lot. They kept me sane during the stay-home orders."

Shizuru and Botan both giggled. "Here, I actually made one for each of you when Sakyo told me that you'd be coming, Botan."

Karasu handed a chibi plushie of Sakyo to Shizuru, and a chibi version of him to Botan.

"Very cute." Botan said as she held it up. "Too bad it won't fit in my bag." she added with a snicker.

"Yeah, I really can't get on board that tiny bag trend. What are you carrying in that bag of yours, anyway?" Shizuru asked.

"Oh, you know. A couple of hair ties and mints. And a lipgloss that's only visible under a microscope." Botan quipped.

"Well, I think you look adorable no matter what you wear." Karasu said, looking at Botan over the rim of his wine glass. Shizuru looked at him pointedly.

"Thanks for the plushie, Karasu." Botan brightly said.

"No worries. You're the bomb." the raven-haired man smoothly said. His eyes then reverted to Kurama who was standing behind Botan's chair. "Oh hey, Kurama. I was just telling the ladies about my new hobby of making plushies and gave them a couple of pieces I made myself."

"That's very nice to hear, Karasu." Kurama said in a neutral tone.

"Won't you join us for a few more drinks?" Shizuru asked him.

"I'm afraid we have already overstayed our welcome. Besides, it's getting a bit late already." Kurama said.

Shizuru nodded. "Wait, I had the staff wrap up some of the food for you. Come Botan, let's go grab it in the kitchen. You can meet with Kurama at the front while the Masato-san gets his car for him."

Sakyo, Kurama and Karasu were all waiting at the front door. "Thank you for inviting us into your home, Sakyo. It was a lovely dinner." Kurama politely said.

"I actually had fun." Karasu piped up. "Your girlfriend is a pleasure to speak with." he added snidely.

Kurama rolled his eyes and laughed. "Whatever, Karasu."

"Well, I don't see a wedding ring on her finger. So that means, I can try to take a shot, right?" Karasu replied cockily.

"Yeah, good luck with that." Kurama confidently said.

"Boys, boys." Sakyo said, as he lit his cigarette and puffed.

That night when Kurama and Botan got home in his Tokyo penthouse, as soon as the main door was shut and locked - Youko Kurama was let out and made love several times to Botan on every surface of their home.

TBC...