Minna-san, O sashiburi dess, I mean very long time already!! Gomen ne (Sorry), I know I'm not a responsible writer for abandoning this story for so long!! Sumi masen!! That's why when I read story written by angkat14, i realized that I have to be more responsible, datte...I'm making effort to continue this!! Zettai ganbare shimass!!

Standard Disclaimer: I don't own YYH except Ayame and Hakkumaru!! Hee...hee, that's too standard for me ne!!

Recap of Chappie 7:

'We should stay together, yappari, I wanna be with you.I wanna be with you, I know this can be forever, I wanna be with you!!!' a definite thought in their minds. Futari de distance becomes nearer!!

'I'm not seeing him again!!' Botan sadly thought with tears rolling down from her eyes!! She couldn't bear to see Kurama getting into danger again just because of her. She had regretted, now she's going to protect him, protect their love.

The two lovebirds snuggling for each other's warmth as snowflakes once again descended from the sky.

Chapter 8: It's New Year (O-shogatsu), shiawase no kanji (Feelings of happiness)

Two long months had passed since the Okazawa's jiken (incident) and because of this, Kurama had pleaded Koenma-sama not to let Botan to carry on the task. Due to that, the investigation of the Okazawa's clan was taken over by another ferry girl. Botan was also given a long holidays, since the Reikai Tantei had got not much to do too. And with her long holidays she also asked Koenma-sama to allow her to stay in Ningenkai!! At first Koenma had turned her down, but later was convinced by Yusuke and Kurama provided that Botan would only stay in Genkai's temple and would not step into the Okazawa's territories anymore. In fact, Botan would be more than happy to stay away from the Okazawa.

Eversince then, Kurama and Botan who had eventually officially declared themselves as couple, had shared alot of good time together. Kurama would never miss a chance to date Botan out with his spare time, thus, both of them had get to know each other better. There's even a time when Kurama had brought Botan back home to meet his ningen mother, Shiori. At first, Botan was quite nervous and had to seek lots of advices from both Keiko and Shizuru. When Botan finally met Shiori, she was at ease. Shiori is not only a good mother, but also a very kind person.

Both Botan and Shiori had enjoyed each other's company just like when Kurama's enjoying Botan's presence. Shiori adores Botan's personality very much. The only problem that Botan had is that, she would have to address Kurama as Syuuichi in front of Shiori, but she would shrugged once in a while whenever she almost fail to become mindful. Instead of having cold sweats, Kurama would chuckled when he kept watchful eyes on Botan's frenzy gestures.

They had eventually shared alot of good memories about Kurama, yes, indeed Shiori had taken out one of her favourite photo album to share with Botan.

"Here, this was Syuuichi when he was just a baby!!" Shiori chuckled while pointing at one of the pictures where she cradled Kurama.

"Ha...hontoni kawai...Syuu-chan!!"Botan commented. Kurama couldn't help but blushing hard.

"But, as you can see, Botan-chan, my son seldom smile when he was a child...but I'm glad that he had changed alot ever since he met you and his friends!!" Shiori conceded when Kurama was in the kitchen to refilling Botan's cup.

Undoubtedly Botan had also realized and she knew exactly what reasons was behind Kurama's unhappy childhood. She recalled their first meeting when she looked into his eyes, his green orbs showing nothing but worries and sadness.

'At that time, he must had been suffering , there's so many youkai who wanted to claim his life, the life of Makai's infamous thief, Youko Kurama!!' Botan thought profoundly, her finger slowly rubbed against one of Kurama's photo. Botan was brought back to reality when Shiori placed her hand onto Botan's and smiled warmly at her. Botan blushed and divert her attention back to those photos.

"Demo (But), because of his cool facade, he must have earned many devotee back then, tabun (maybe)..." Botan joked and winked at Shiori. Both of them laughed merrily in unison, leaving Kurama who just came out from the kitchen with curiosity.

"Sou...yo (That's right), about his devotee, I'm always having headaches, those girls just won't give up and keep on sending love letters to him!!" Shiori remarked noticed the presence of her son.

"Love letters?? I'm so envious!! Syuu-chan" Botan teased, holding her breathe, trying hard not to laugh out. 'Yes, indeed I've knew it from the first place!!' Botan thought intensely eyeing Kurama mischievously.

"Yes, till date, our mailbox is always full of Syuuichi's letters!!" Shiori continued and join Botan to tease his son. She rarely had a chance back then when Kurama has alway been quick-witted.

"Ka...kasaan...??" Kurama was shocked and didn't know what to say. He never thought that his mother would complained about his over flooded love letters, especially now she's telling it to Botan.

The two women giggled happily when they finally get Kurama into their teasing game. Kurama instantly realized that he had fallen for it and he walked over and stood behind Botan and gave her a gentle headlock.

'Yappari (Just as I thought), she had brought in more laughters to our house' Shiori thought and smile warmly at his son and Botan whose busy teasing each other. To Shiori, Kurama had alway been well-discipled and thoughtful even during his childhood, yet today she finally had a chance to witness her son's naivety.

End of the day...

"Arigatou, Shiori-san, I'm having a great time here!!" Botan bowed and thanked Shiori. Kurama who was already standing beside Botan, was finding it quite amusing when he noticed that Shiori had also enjoying Botan's company.

"Iie (no), In fact I'm so happy to have meet you!" Shiori bowed and flashed a genuine smile at Botan.

"Hai...kochira koso (same here)..." Botan stood fridgeted and blushed when Shiori took her hand and gave her a peck on her cheek. 'Shiori-san, hontoni o yasashi dess (Shiori is so kind)!!' Botan thought profoundly.

"Kasaan, aren't you going to walk with us too?? I can also accompany you to otousan's place..." Kurama gave Shiori a concerning look.

"Oh, no, no!! Kenji's coming to pick me up later!! Don't worry, I'll keep the house lock and check before leaving, so that non of your devotee would sneak in!!" Shiori teased and chuckled when she saw Kurama's more worry expression.

"Ano...Botan-san, gomen ne, my husband and Syuu-kun (step brother) are not around!! They've been busy doing some refurnishment with their house!" Shiori explained.

"Refurnishment?? Is it what Syuu-chan had told me earlier that you'll be moving out and stay with Hatanaka-san??" Botan asked politely.

"Hai...They'll have to get it ready before this coming New Year!! I'm sure that the other two will be more delightful to meet you as I do!!" Shiori continue.

"Ah..hai...me too, tanoshi sou!! (looking foward)" Botan blushed and once again anxiety filled her thoughts!!

"Soshite...Botan-chan...thank you for taking care of Syuuichi, and I'm so contented that he's now with you..." Shiori walked over and whispered soft words beside Botan's ear.

"Ano..." Botan nodded and blushed heavily leaving another curiosity strucks Kurama.

"Sore ja, we have to leave now!!" Kurama remarked and bowed at his mother.

"Itteki mass!!" Kurama and Botan said in unison.

"Itte rashai" Shiori waved and bid goodbye. She let out a contented chuckle when she saw his son possesively holding his girlfriend's hand.

Just another cool but enchanting evening. Kurama and Botan still couldn't get enough of each other's company!! They walk as slow as possible and have lots of conversation about the meeting.

"Ne...what did kaasan said to you earlier??" Kurama asked timidly.

"Hm...you wanna know, don't you?" Botan teased and eyed Kurama mischievously.

"Eh...Are you teasing me?" Kurama remarked fulgently and gently he pulled Botan closer and gave her a crushing bear hug earning glances from several by passers.

"Now...I would not let go of you, not until you'll confess to me!!" Kurama let out a fake devilish grin.

"Is that some sort of threatening??" Botan chuckled "Alright, I'll tell, just loosen me a bit first!!" Botan continued while still trying hard to regain her composure.

When Kurama finally loosen his embrace, Botan gestured him to bend lower so she could whisper those words to him.

"Sore...wa...himitsu...(That's a secret)" Botan mimicked and gave him a peck on Kurama's cheek.

"Oh...so it is a secret between you and kaasan after all..." Kurama chuckled and then stare passionately into Botan's eyes.

"Anyway...It would be fine for me, especially now when I know that kaasan have liked you so much!!" Kurama annotated and gently brushed away few strand of hairs from Botan's cheek.

"Ku...Kurama-kun..." Botan nodded and flashed her usual cheerful smile at him. Once again, Kurama took Botan's hand and they resume their pace back to the temple.

'Everyday, Kurama and me, it seems too perfect!! I wish we could be like this forever!!' Botan thought excitingly...yet too exciting she couldn't help but say it out loud.

"We've spent lots of time together, watching movies, shoppings, dinning out, hontoni shiawase!! Mou, I loved you more and more each day!!" Botan exclaimed happily as she tugged and locked onto Kurama's arm!! Kurama blushed upon Botan's statement. Kurama's fingertips slid down and under her arms to gently press into her waist.

When they reached the temple's entrance, Kurama stopped Botan from walking up the stairs and pulled her towards him and gave her another passionate embrace.

"Botan...you are mine!! Nobody will have you, except me!! Only me!!" He declared harsly and possesively.

"Atatakai (So warm), mou, Kurama-kun, onegai (please), don't stop...I want more..." Botan moaned when Kurama gently nibbled her earlobe.

"Ah...I would like to go on...but..." Kurama stopped and blushed. Botan turned around and was not aware that Yusuke and Keiko were there ed at them intensely.

"Yusuke!! Keiko-chan!!" Botan bellowed and blushed frantically.

"Hee, hee...don't worry about us...just treat us as clear as glass!! Besides, we are now going out to do some shopping!!" Yusuke grinned playfully and Keiko slightly blushed and nodded.

"Shopping?? At this time??" Kurama asked slowly regaining his ataraxy.

"Of course!! This time would be the best time, besides late customers can bargain for better price!!" Yusuke affirmed proudly.

"Oh...Yusuke stop teasing them already!! Botan-chan, Kurama-kun, actually we just want to join the others and feel the festive atmosphere!!" Keiko smacked Yusuke head lightly and flashed Kurama and Botan her usual smirk.

"I see, new year's coming soon. There'll be lots of discounts and bargains available at shopping centres and elsewhere!! There'll be so many ningen out there enjoying the mood of festive!!" Botan clapped her hand and remarked excitingly.

"Ah...tanoshimi na...!!" Botan continued delightfully.

"Oh yes, Kurama and Botan-chan, wanna join us?" Keiko asked politely

"I would love to join, but not today..." Kurama bowed and said apologetically with his usual tone.

Yusuke gently pulled Keiko away and teasingly said that Kurama and Botan would rather have more privacy together. Keiko blushed and stared at the couple astonishingly.

"Yusuke!! Ano...Keiko-chan, it's not like that!! Mou...Yusuke..." Botan blushed and stared furiously at Yusuke for teasing them.

"Actually, Kurama had promised to help up his step-father on refurnishing their other house!! Perhaps I can join you all!! But, Kurama definitely have to go home now!!" Botan explained bashfully.

"Wakatta...wakatta (I know), mou, both of you are just too serious...I'm not quite enjoying this teasing game!! It's so unlike you, Botan..." Yusuke raised both his hands and surrendered.

"It's so like you, Yusuke!! Akirame ho ga ii yo (just give up), I had had enough of those teasing already..." Kurama chuckled when he remembered how he had went through the whole day with Botan and Shiori, just being teased by them.

"Tonikaku (Anyway), please take care of Botan for me...and enjoy yourself!!" Kurama patted Yusuke's shoulder lightly.

"Atari maidaro (You bet), sa, let's get going now...otherwise all the goodies will be snatched away!!" Yusuke winked and patted Kurama's back for assurance.

"Botan...I'll call you once I finished my job there" Kurama lowered his head and gave Botan a soft peck on her cheek and embraced her before departing.

"Hm...kiyosukette ne, Kurama-kun..." Botan whispered while closing her eyes, once again feeling Kurama's warm embrace.

All four of them bid goodbyes to each other shortly after Kurama freed Botan from his embrace. As soon as Kurama's back faded from their vision, the three of them proceed to their shopping schedule.

One week before New Year...at the Minamino residence

It was a bright Sunday morning. It's Kurama's day off again. He walked into the living room and was about to call Botan up when saw some templates scattered all over the tea table.

"Holiday in Kyoto...ideal for family trip..." he picked up one of the templates and read its content.

"Ara...Syuuichi, ohaiyo...you're reading the templates!!" Shiori remarked cheerfully.

"Ohaiyo, kaasan...ano...kaasan...someone's going for holiday??" Kurama greeted Shiori and acted innocently. He asked as if he doesn't noticed his mother's intentions. He had already knew beforehand that his mother is going to organising some sort of family trip again before she's going to say anything.

"Of course, we'll be leaving after the 2nd day of New Year!!" she clasped her hand together and gave Kurama a light pat on his back.

"Perhaps you could give some suggestions too!!" his mother chuckled.

"Ano...can I stay??" he asked, slightly flushed.

"Stay?? Syuuichi, is there anything bothering you?" Shiori asked concernly.

"Iie, actually, I definitely like to join the fun, but I..." Kurama looked down and paused for a little while.

"Hm...can't say out what you want..." Shiori teased and resume her serene facade when her worry is at ease. She understands that there are only two things that would made his son speechless. One, because of her and the other fact that would concern about Botan, her son's new found love.

"Of course you can, dear, besides you're already an adult!!" Shiori slowly touched Kurama's cheek.

"And I have always trusted your ability of carrying yourself well eversince at your young age!!" she remarked proudly.

"Arigatou...kasaan..." Kurama took his mother hand and gently squeezed it.

"Better make a call to her and let her know your planning, otherwise she'll be taken!!" Shiori gave Kurama another teasing grin.

"Kasaan?? Please don't tease me anymore...I thought you're suppose to have faith with your son and yes, she's taken by your son, me!!" Kurama grinned and pick up the receiver. Shiori couldn't help but chuckled upon hearing her son's remarks.

TBC

AN: Phew...at last, I've managed to keep my fics alive...and yes, I'll still continue this fics!! Once again, minna-san, sorry for delaying this fics so long!! I'm so happy when I repeatedly read the reviews from reviewers and that makes me have more will to continue this story, dakara...I'm not going to give up!! Zettai akiramenai!!

There's some dedications I would like to make to:

PassionateAngel: Sorry to disappoint you with such delayed updates!! I'm actually out of ideas but realized I can't keep my fics unwritten like that!! And once again thanks for your wonderful support and reviews!! I'll work hard and not give up!!

Kari Ishikawa: Sorry for keeping you waiting!! Please bear with my shortcomings!! Thanks for your wonderful review.

Silverkamikaze: Again, sorry for keeping you waiting!! I'll work hard and update frequently and please support me till the end.

Other dedications: DeityofRoses & Kurama and Botan lover!!

Thank you and sorry for keeping you all waiting...I'll work hard.

This fics is also dedicated to all KuramaBotan's supporters and please support them till the end!! KB still rocks.

Please continue supporting my next chapter!!

Chapter 9: Kurama & Botan - Love Strengthened

Part:

"Botan-san, O sashiburi..." Hakkumaru greeted when he saw the blue haired deity, standing at one of the store.

"Sanada-san!!"

Part:

"Minamino-kun!! Is that you?" Kurama turned around when he heard a familiar female voice calling his voice.

"Kitajima-san?? Maya Kitajima??"