AN: Minna-san, this fics's dedicated to all kurama/botan lovers!! Please support them till the end!! KB bansai!!
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own YYH except Ayame Okazawa and Hakkumaru!! So...don't sue me...onegai!! Ah...
As they fell back together on the bed, she realized that he had once again aroused Kurama's need.
"More?" her eyes widen when she asked.
"More" Kurama confirmed as both of them began kissing wildly again.
Chapter 9: Love Strengthened (Part II)
As the morning sun arises, Kurama held Botan to him as she continued to sleep. He hadn't been able to sleep, driven to watch over her. He wanted to wrap her up and never let her go. He had meant every word that he told her that they would be together, she was stuck with him, and that meant forever.
Botan stirred, and he propped himself up on one elbow to watch her awaken. Those beautiful violet eyes blinked sleepily, and Kurama was struck by a yearning to touch her, to show her exactly how he felt about her, especially when what they had done few hours ago.
Botan looked up at Kurama. A burst of tender emotion sped through her, at the sight of him watching over her. She knew he'd always be there for her, she would never doubt it. She had told him everything, and he hadn't turned away. she felt contented. waking up next toKurama, she was hard-pressed to give it much importance.
"Morning..." She whispered softly.
He smiled, and her heart stopped, as it always did when he gave one of his rare smiles. She had also suspected the real reason why Kurama didn't smile like that in public was because of the hordes of lovesick girls who would follow him if he did.
"How are you feeling?" he asked while gently stroking her warm cheek.
She stretched experimentally, and near purred in contentment. "Good...Really good..."
"I'm glad." with that he gave her a quick peck on her cheek and rose up from the bed to collected all their clothings that scattered on the floor. Botan was not able to hold her embarrassment when she caught Kurama's naked form, and yet, somehow she couldn't help but to admire his body 'A man that is near to perfection...' she commented inwardly.
"Botan..." he called when he put down all the garments on his bed before giving her a crushing bear hug.
"You're mine..." he huggled her tighter as he remarked possesively "I'll not let anyone take you away, zettai..."
"KU...RA...MA...kurushi (painful)..." Botan jeered when she nearly got suffocated by Kurama's huggles.
"Botan...I..." he said worriedly "I'm sorry...for hurting you..." Kurama apologized as soon as he loosen his grip on Botan. He felt extremely guilty, especially when he saw blood marked on his bedsheet. The stain, a corroborate of Botan's innocence.
"You don't have to apologize..." she whispered, kissing his forehead gently. The violet eyes moved slowly over his face, and she lightly kissed each feature with a gentleness that was in itself a kind of ardour.
Kurama, willing enough to be persuaded at the moment, merely sighed inwardly and as Botan laid her face against his chest again, her fingers curled against the warmth of his body. They said nothing for a long moment, but he stood looking down at her again. Despite of still being naked, Kurama pulled Botan out of the bed and carried her in his arms.
"Ku...Kurama, what are you doing...?" Botan stare at him, face flushes as red as tomatoes when she notice Kurama had been scanning her face, then at her naked form.
"Sa...I've decided, koishii...let's have our morning bath together...omoshiroi (fun)..." he remarked cheerfully as he walks towards the bathroom, leaving Botan in an awkward situation.
"Mou...you don't have to be shy, besides...I'm very good at rubbing backs..." he continued teasingly, when he felt that Botan had been unusually shy. Botan nodded and agreed quietly.
Both Yusuke and Keiko had been having their breakfast by the time when Kurama and Botan left their room. Yusuke stopped chewing his toast and stared mischievously at the couples when the entered the dinning hall. A bright crimson blush flushed on Botan's cheeks as Kurama pulled out a chair for her. He then sat down next to her.
"Well...well, I didn't expect you two to be so early..." Yusuke teased and throw Botan another grin.
Embarrassed, Botan looked away from Yusuke, whereas Kurama had been his usual self
"Yusuke koso (too), I thought you were still in bed..." Kurama commented nonchalantly.
"Ara...Kurama-kun...Botan-chan, ohaiyo...here, have a cup of coffee..." Keiko came out of the kitchen and place two cups of coffee in front of them.
"Arigatou..." both Kurama and Botan said in unison.
"So...where have both of you been...last night?" Keiko asked teasingly and Botan face flushed even harder when she remember every moments she had with Kurama.
"Hora...Keiko-chan, are you still preparing breakfast, I can smell something burning inside the kitchen..." Botan informed Keiko, at the same time trying to avoid Keiko's query.
"Ah!! Taihen!! My fried egg!!" Keiko bellowed and quickly rush into the kitchen "Mou...it's burned"
Kurama, on the other hand noticed that Yusuke had gestured him to have a private conversation asked Botan to go into the kitchen to assist Keiko.
"Botan-chan, onegai...can I have a poached egg for breakfast!!" Kurama requested softly. Botan nodded and left the dinning hall and to the kitchen.
"So...you've already done it, haven't you?" Yusuke asked softly trying to make the conversation as secretively as possible. Kurama understand what Yusuke meant and he nodded earnestly, undenying the facts of what he and Botan had had.
Yusuke, on the other hand was dumbfounded by Kurama's probity, as he thought that Kurama would have avoid this conversation and moreover it was a personal issue.
"So...how are you feeling...now..." Yusuke asked again, this time his eyes filled with anxiety.
"Great..."
"Great? Oh...no, what I mean...your body..."Yusuke frowned when Kurama simply answered him.
"My body? Heh?...There's a couple of hickies on my body...if you're eager to know..." came another replied from Kurama.
"OH...my, Kurama, come here you..." Yusuke ruffled his hair to show his annoyance as he stood up and dragged Kurama with him and both of them walk over to the living room.
"Okay...lets get to the point...did you feel anything special after what you had done..." Yusuke asked again, this time trying to be a little patience only to see Kurama chuckling.
"Yusuke...omoshiroi...haha...haha...your face, it...unreadable..." Kurama's chuckles slowly turns into faint laughters when he saw Yusuke's confusing look.
Stunned for a moment, Yusuke stared at Kurama again. "Ha...ha...ha, very funny...I see...you're trying my patience aren't you, you sly kitsune..." Yusuke muttered and with that he gave Kurama a slight punch in his stomach.
"Hai...hai...I know...I will stop it right away..."Kurama assured him as he slowly regain his composure.
"Alright...tell me now, how do you feel?" this time Yusuke warned sternly.
"Actually, I didn't detect any changes. Boku no chikara ga (my power), is still the same level as before..." Kurama replied this time, a firmer tone, as if Yusuke could detected some sense of seriousness from Kurama.
"Sou desu ka (Is it)?" Yusuke turned around and divert his gaze towards the kitchen when he noticed both Keiko and Botan were entering the dinning hall.
"Yusuke, Kurama-kun!! Breakfast's ready!! Come and have it, before it gets cold!!" Keiko said before sitting herself beside Botan.
"Coming..." Yusuke replied and then turned back to Kurama again.
"Yusuke, don't think wrong about me, I loved Botan, too much, that's why I wanted to be with her..." Kurama stated firmly, his emerald orbs mixed with assurance and determinations.
"Kurama...I understand!! I just want to find out...the story behind Okazawa's power. When Koenma told me about Botan's past...I was quite overwhelm!! I never believe in what they said" Yusuke affirmed "A deity who exchange their powers for love!! That's ridiculous...I believed that you feel the same way too, right?" he then grinned at Kurama.
"Yusuke...you're right, base on his words, there are many loopholes, besides, all those statements about Botan are based on their assumptions!! Till date, no one in Reikai really know what had happened between Botan and the Okazawas..." Kurama nodded as he agreed what Yusuke had said.
"For Botan's sack, we have to speak to Koenma again!!" Yusuke said firmly and gave Kurama a I-really-mean-it look and slowly walked towards the dinning hall when Botan called him to join them.
"Mou...hutari de (both of you), what took you guys so long and what's all those secretive meetings all about??" Keiko frowned and stared doubtfully at them as both guys sat respectively beside their girlfriends.
"Keiko-chan, believe me, you wouldn't want to know..." Kurama said and gave her the sweetest smirk that would kill almost every ladies in town. (including me XD)
"Talk about secret meeting, I noticed that two of you had been in the kitchen, longer than it would usually takes...ne, Botan-chan...dou? dou?" Yusuke teased.
"We're only discussing about what to prepare for our osechi ryori..." Keiko replied Yusuke as to protect him from cornering her bestfriend "Since you two wouldn't tell us anything, so, do expect us to do the same..." Keiko threw a that's-enough-of-teasing-or-else glare at Yusuke.
"Ano...can we have our breakfast now...harahetta (I'm hungry)..."Botan said weakly, feeling slight uncomfortable, when she felt Yusuke's curious eyes watching her.
Kurama let out a faint sigh and shooked his head as to warn Yusuke not to push his girlfriend any further. He then run a finger caressing one of her soft hands that she rest on her tights. For a moment, Botan coped with a sudden and unexpected increase in heartbeat. She quickly turns her head to look at Kurama, who smiled warmly at him.
"Let's enjoy our breakfast..."he said with a steady voice. His bright emerald eyes looked at Botan steadily for a moment, to ensure that she's fine.
"Itadakimasu!!" Botan quickly regain her composure and cheerfully expressed her gratitutes before meals.
"Yogatta...Itadakimasu..." Kurama said with a satisfying smirk when he saw Botan's back to her usual self again. "Yappari (As I thought), Botan should always be Botan..."
"Dessho?? (Don't you agree?)" Yusuke suggested, while Keiko also nodded with agreement. Botan took the biggest slice of pan cakes and flashed them with her trademark smile.
After their breakfast, Yusuke and Keiko packed their belongings and went back to the temple, while Kurama said that he will bring Botan along to look for his mother.
That day ended wonderfully well. Everyone seem to be very busy doing preparation for the forthcoming New Year. As Yusuke had promised Keiko, he'll help her to prepare food for New Year's Eve. They listed out what was still missing so that they could get everything done just before New Year.
Whearas, Botan had been staying the whole day with Kurama at Hatanaka's house, to help his mother, vice versa, Shiori had also taught Botan how to decorate the house in a traditional way. Kurama, at that very moment, was contented to see two most important women in his life, had been building such a close bond among themselves. Nevertheless, Kurama had always regard Botan as a part of his family, moreover, now that their relationship had been strengthened. Both of them had had dinner before bidding goodbyes.
The night was warmer than Botan had anticipated as they walked along the quiet street. Botan had only dreamed about when she lived in Ningenkai, and she knew she would never tire of such surroundings, even in the bleak days of winter. Never had she thought that she would get a chance to enjoy a life as an ordinary Ningen and now enjoying every precious moments with her lover, Kurama.
'Because I'm no longer alone' a thought came into her mind when she felt Kurama's warm hand pulling her closer to him 'and because I have someone whom I love so much...' she chuckled when she realized that Kurama had taken the wrong street back to the temple.
"What is it?" Kurama asked softly.
"I never realized that you could be so cute sometimes, taking the wrong path??..." Botan teased.
"Heh...I believed that this street leads us back to my house..." Kurama said mischieviously.
"Your house? I thought..." Botan shrugged when suddenly realized that Kurama's was not going to bring her back to Yusuke's place.
"Botan, stay with me..." Kurama whispered and then planted a light kiss on her forehead "I always want to see you right away"
"And when tomorrow awakens, you're with me...by my side..." he continued as his hand slid down to hold her hand and gesture her to walk with him.
"Kurama-kun..." unable to hold back her happy tears, Botan throw herself into Kurama's open arms and hugged him tightly. They stood like that for quite sometimes when finally Kurama let out a sneeze.
"Phew...I guess it's cold here...let's get going..." Kurama sniffed and without a word, he took Botan's hand into his and both of them continued to walk back to his house.
New Year's Eve (Omisoka)...
Till date, Botan is still staying with Kurama. No protest had been heard from the Reikai prince or Kurama's parents. Indeed Shiroi was more than happy to learn that both of them are staying together. She even told Kurama to talk Botan into marriage, as she had been looking forward for Botan to bore her as many grandchildren as possible. Kurama nodded and told his mother that he would have done that, provided Botan is ready to accept his proposal.
All events began at night, whereby there will be a reunion among the families.On New Years Eve (Omisoka), it is customary to eat toshi-koshi soba (buckwheat noodles in broth) the noodles representing best wishes for a long life. Most families gather around the television to watch special New Years Eve variety shows featuring popular singers and entertainers.
That night Kurama took Botan with him to join their family dinner. At first she felt quite awkward...but when Kurama told her that she's part of his family now, her heart soften. More to the extend, he even rang up his mother just to ask her to convince Botan to join them in case she will turn him down.
Just after the family dinner, the couple went to the temple to meet up with Yusuke and Keiko. When they reached the temple, Kuwabara, Yukina, Shizuru and even Koenma and Hiei were already there waiting for them.
They greeted each other warmly, on contradict, Yusuke and Kuwabara would never miss any chances to tease Botan and her affairs with Kurama. At the end, Botan would just blushed furiously and Kurama would just act like nothing has happened.
Keiko get ready everything and served them with drinks and the traditional toshi-koshi soba.The group enjoyed the gathering very much and sat at the big hall, chattings and drinking warm sake (japanese rice wine).
They waited till midnight as when the temple's bells rung 108 times (joya-no-kane) symbolizing the driving away of the 108 evil thoughts in Buddhism. This also marked that the old years was gone replacing with a New Year.
"Akemashite Omedettou Gozaimasu!! (Happy New Year)" warm greetings could be heard throughout everywhere just after the first bell had rang.
First day of New Year...
Although everyone had been staying quite late during New Year's eve, they would still wake up as early as possible because, New Year is one of Japan's most important holidays and involves many customs and traditions.
As the warm sun arises, sending bright and warm sunlight into the Minamino's Residence and the usual quite streets was filled with greetings and laughters as neighbours began visiting each others.Botan had woke up earlier than she usually did and prepared everything.
The osechi ryori, had been neatly arranged on the dinning tables. Not only that, both Shiori and Botan had also made many exotic dishes. Popular foods include omochi (rice cakes); ozoni (a clear soup with colorful vegetables), fish cakes, and onishime (a hearty stew).
A multi-tiered lacquer box (juubako) is filled with a variety of beautifully prepared delicacies which hold symbolic meanings. For example, black beans are eaten to eliminate any bad things which might come in the New Year and fish roe, called kazu-no-ko, is eaten for fertility. Botan blushed furiously again when she recalled that Shiori had told her to finish up the kazu-no-ko.
As for today, there'll be many Japanese performing pilgrimages to local Shinto shrines, called jinjya, to pray for all good things in the New Year, whereby both Kurama and Botan had planned earlier to attend and witness such enormous events.
After seeing all things were beautifully set up, she let out a satisfying smirk. She then walk back to their room and from the closet, she took out her new set of kimono that Shiori had bought her during one of their shopping spree. It was a beautiful pink-colored fabric printed with brighter shades of cherry-blossoms on it. Her yellow-colored butterfly obi matches her pink kimono perfectly. Couldn't hold her excitement to put on her new kimono, she quickly took a quick bath just before putting it on.
Upon seeing Botan dressing herself, Kurama sprung up frofm his bed and greeted her. He gave her a warm smile and volunteered to do Botan's hair and she gratefully accepted his offer After their short conversaton, Kurama took a quick bath before.
A moment later, he came out from their bathroom and dressed himself casually but neat. (AN: Minna-san, usually guys would prefer to wear western clothes during new year rather than wearing kimono)
He sudden felt his heart pounding heavily as he watched Botan was fully dressed, sitting herself at the dressing table putting on the lightest makeup to look as natural as possible. Her usual ponytail were loosen as she let her long and beautiful blue locks flowing free on her back.
Kurama stood fridgeted for a moment when he see stare with at Botan intensely, her beauty had deeply mystified him with an awe. Although Kurama had long admitted that Botan is one heck of a bishojo (beautiful girl), but he never had seen her in makeups before.
Her long and curly eyelashes, rosy cheeks and pinkish lips, all her features seemed more attractive than she usual does. The kimono that she's wearing had made even more feminine.
Botan looked up as when she noticed that Kurama had stood there and staring at her for quite sometimes "Doushita no?" she asked and he shooked his head to assure that he's alright.
"I'm just adoring your beauty, my love" he declared honestly. Plastering a warm smile on his face, he walk over and stood behind Botan. He ran his fingers on her soft hair, lowering his head at down next to hers in process to whispers sweet words to her ears causing Botan's face flushed as red as tomatoes.
"I think all your devotees would be more than happy to hear these words from you..." she shrugged.
"I would only say these words to two most important women in my life...and you know very well who they are!!" Kurama declared with a more serious tone when he tiltled Botan's chin to look at him.
"And of course, one of them is you...my love..." he continued huskily as he move closer to her and gave her a quick peck on her lips. "Kurama-kun" was what she could think of to say.
"Tonikaku (Anyway)...let me attend your hair first, I'll save more kisses for you tonight...my love..." Kurama smirked and began combing her hair.
It does take long for Kurama to fix Botan's hair. He tied her long hair into a neat bun at the center. He fixed a simple and yet elegant red colored kushi crafted with golden bamboos and a pair of golden sparrows, in the center and above the bun. At the side of her buns, he pinned a long and beautiful sakura kanzashi (traditional japanese hair pin) that matches her kimono.
When he's done, Botan looked at her reflection with more than satisfaction. She like her hairdo, especially the kushi (a comb look alike ornament for decorating hair) Kurama had used to decorate her hair. It was a gift that Kurama had bought for her.
"Like it?" Kurama asked as he rested his hands on Botan's shoulder.
"Mochiron (of course), arigatou...urushi dess..." she said and gave him a bear hug. Kurama was also happy to see Botan's cheerful face.
Just when they walked out from their house, Kurama sweatdropped when he saw piles greeting cards bundled into piles, scattered at the front door. Botan shooked as she began to pick up some cards that were scattered on the floor.
"Eh...Dear Minamino-kun...New year is in town and spring is in the air...and another year for me to declare my undying love for you...forever yours...Karimin-chan..." she raised her eyebrow as she read one of the greeting cards.
"How sweet...I assumed this is a New Year's greeting card, written with lots of love and confessions, ne...ne" she continued teasing and gave Kurama a mischievous grin. Kurama blushed at first, but he instantly shoved off his embarrassment and pulled Botan gently and pinned her against the door.
"Heh? You seem to enjoy teasing me rather than flaring up with jealousy!! Are you sure that's the way to show me that you really care?" his knuckle trailing all the way down from her soft cheeks and stop at her pinkish lips. The moisture of the lip balm stained his thumb as when he gently caressed her soft lip.
"I...I..." Botan breathed heavily when she sensed his words with a seriousness that was belied by the laughter of his eyes. Before she could speak further, Kurama captured her lips with his and they kissed for a short moment. Botan let out a slight moan as Kurama gently nibbled her lower lip.
As when they parted, Kurama licked his lip with satisfaction "Hm...I believe...it's strawberry flavour that you're using..." he remarked playfully.
"Koiishi...let's get going now!! Tonight, I'll think of a best punishment that you deserves for teasing me..." he hushes and gave her a naughty smirk.
Without delaying any further, Kurama took Botan's hand and both of them exited the gate and head towards the nearest shrine. The couple had caught attentions from several by passers. Kurama noticed that those guys had been keeping their eyes on Botan. Instead of smiling, he frowned inwardly. He doesn't like the idea of her girlfriend being watched by other men. Indeed, being possessive is also part of his youko instinct.During the time when he was still a great makai thiefs, no one dares to lay hands on his catch that he was particularly fond of, not even Kuronue.
He quickly hold her closer to him to show others that Botan belongs to him and gave those who stared at his girlfriend a stare-longer-and-you'll-be-dead glare.
Just when they were on their way to the shrine, they met up with Yusuke and Keiko. Keiko was wearing a light blue kimono printed with white colored daffodils.
"Ohaiyo...Botan-chan, you look stunning..." Keiko praised.
"Arigatou, Keiko-chan wa koso (Keiko too)!!" both ladies giggles as they keep on praising each other.
There were several stores set up nearby the shrines attracting their attentions, especially Keiko and Botan (women afterall). Nevertheless Yusuke told them that they should walk over to the shrine first before the ceremony starts as many people were already there. Later Kurama promised bring them back to the store once the ceremony ends.
When they reached the shrine, Kuwabara and the others were already waiting for them at the main entrance. The morning weather was extremely cold, especially when Yukina is by their side. She wore a light yellow colored kimono printed with light green bamboos on it. Shizuru who was putting on her usual winter coat and trousers, gestured them to get going already. Whereas Hiei is nowhere to be seen, nevertheless, they could sense his presence, perhaps he's hiding himself in one of the trees again.
Just as soon as they reached the shrine, many people were already ahead of them and the ceremony was yet to be start. Few minutes later, after their arrival, the ceremony began when the beating of a drum which announce sits commencement. The chief priest bows in front of the alter together with other assistant ritualists, musicians, representatives of their Worshippers'Association as well as ordinary worshippers. Then the chief priest opens the door of the inner sanctuary. While this rite, the other attendants keep bowing listening to Keihitsu (voicing a long sound of 'Oh' by a ritualist) in order to make themselves feel tense in front of Kami. After all the attendants sit, the ritualists present food offerings including rice cake and sake.While this presentation, a music is played with ancient instruments such as Fue (the Japanese flute), Hichiriki (the flageolet-like flute) and Sho(the panpipe-like instrument).
The Shubatsu, a rite of purification, is performed after purificationat the ablution basin which is placed in front of a shrine building. Then, following the chief priest,attendants make Tamagushi Reihai (symbolic offerings using little branchesof the evergreen sacred tree). With this Tamagushi Reihai, the rite is over.The door of the inner sanctuary is closed again by the chief priest, foodofferings are withdrew and all the participants make a bow following the chief priest. After that, a feast called Naorai follows in the case of a formal festival.This is a communion of Kami and people to share the samefood and the same sake offered to Kami.
Botan quickly dragged Kurama to perform an individual worship at a shrine. They rinsed their hands at the ablution basin as a performance of purification. Taking turns, Yusuke, Keiko and the rest, followed them. After that, all seven of them, walked towards the alter and rang the bell that hanged in front of the alter. They threw coins into an offering box placed in front of the alter, bowing twice deeply, then claps the hands twice. After that, they bowed one more time and a ritual of showing reverence to Kami (God) is over.
Just as soon as finished their worship, Keiko and Botan began to bug Kurama to keep his promise. Kurama chuckled to see two beautiful ladies acting like an innocent child. In fact, Yukina too wanted to be like them, but she was too shy to speak out. Somehow, Kuwabara was quite understanding as he offered to bring Yukina to walk around the stores.
After several minutes of walking, with additions of some pushings and shubbings in between the crowds, they managed to reach the stores. All three ladies, except Shizuru, eyes began to glitter with excitement.
"Kurama-kun...here!!" Botan directed and Kurama obediently tooked her hand and let her guide the way. The others, who was just a couple of steps behind them, stared at the couple with amusement. Never they would thought that their relations would progressed so fast!!
"Kazuma-kun, I'm so happy to see Botan's cheerful smile again!!" Yukina said softly.
"Ah..." this time Kuwabara was usual stern as he nodded to agree with Yukina's words "now Kurama's with her...and the Okazawa's incident...". Yusuke quickly went over to Kuwabara's side and elbowed him, to remind him not to talk about the Okazawa's infront of Botan.
"Syuuichi-sama...Syuuichi-sama!!" a lady called out as she was a few steps away from Kurama. Behind her, there were few or more ladies who stared dreamily at Kurama. The couple turned around to face the ladies.
'Taku (really)...it's the Syuuichi Love Love fan club!! They're here too!!' Kurama cursed mentally, but somehow he showed his usual serene facade and smile at the girls.
"Syuuichi...yappari (just as I thought), ah...we're so lucky to see you here..."a brunett, Saori Miyazawa, president of the Syuuichi fan club, remarked as she plastered a wide grin across her face. The other two, Yukimi Midorikawa, the vice president and Mitsue Matsueda personal assistant and the fangirls. All of them were ignoring Botan's presence meanwhile Botan was trying to act as calm as possible.
"Syuuichi-sama!! Akemashite Omedettou Gozaimasu!! (Happy New Year)" all of them greeted Kurama sweetly in unsion.
"Akemasite Omedettou Gozaimasu!!" Kurama politely greeted back and tucked on Botan's sleeves to do the same.
"L... O... V... E... Love Me... Syuuichi!" sang a group of girls dancing something like the YMCA. "Gibberish...love! Gibberish...love!! L...O... V... E... Love Me... Syuuichi!" Twirling around each girl ended in a different victory pose holding strange hand signs. Everyone around the stores, including the Urameshi teams of course, stared at those fangirls with amusement.
A/N: I really can't imagine how they could dance like that when they are all wearing kimono!! Anyway...it could be possible when it comes to anime!!
"Ano... Kurama? Why making weird shapes with their hands?" whispered Botan into Kurama's ear.
"It's sign language," replied Kurama in the same manner.
"What are they saying?" she raised her eyebrow and throw a curious look at those girls.
"Love me Syuuichi" Kurama replied lamely.
"You were right when you told me about them, they are scary." Botan shrugged with goosebumps all over her body.
"Excuse me!" screamed one of the fan girls and dragged Botan away. "What were you doing within five feet of Syuuichi without another female present? Don't you know the rules? I think they need to be explained to you again..." Saori walked towards Botan and began to blabber again.
One, we do not steal the Prince's belongings.
One, we do not invade the Prince's home.
One, when addressing him, more than two must be present.
One, the titles of the Prince are as follows:
For seniors... Syuuichi!
For juniors... Syuuichi-kun!
For sophomores... Syuuichi-san!
For freshman... Syuuichi-sama!
Long live the Prince!! The last phrase was shouted in unison by the devotees.
Yusuke clapped from behind "I have to congratulate you on your originality. Weren't those exact words taken from Fruits Basket by Takaya Natsuki?" he interrupted after seeing such performance by Kurama's fansclub!! The others just stood behind Yusuke with disgust.
"There's nothing wrong with taking the bylaws of a great society!" answered the strange girl as she turned around.
"Ano...President?" Kurama poked a fingers at Saori to get her attentions.
"Syuuichi?? How do you know that I'm the president?" Saori asked enthusiastically.
"It's written on that big button that you're wearing," commented Kurama while pointing at her. (A/N: I wonder how would it look like, a kimono and a big button?? 'sigh')
"Oh... ohohohohohoho... of course it is." Saori let out a loud and devilish laughter after making her remarks.
"I just wanted to know, what are you doing with my girlfriend?" Kurama threw a dead glare at Saori when he reprimanded her sternly. The fangirls were more than overwhelm to witness Kurama's furious facade, which he had never shown before in school. More shocking for the fangirls when Kurama declared that he already had a girlfriend.
"Girl... girlfriend? For...how...long?" Saori stuttered.
"Oh, almost three months now, but we've known each other for years. Come on Botan-chan," stated Kurama as he grabbed Botan's hand again. "We'd better get moving. Nice to see you all here!!"
"Ah... yes, oh course Syuuichi"
Kurama stopped and turned around. "And by the way president... I'd prefer it if you called me Minamino-san. We don't know each other very well after all. Have a nice day." Kurama and Botan walked away followed by their friends from behind.
"You're going down 'Botah-chan.' I'll make sure your daily lifes will be a living hell. Ohohohohohohohoho"
Shortly after all of them left Kurama's fangirls the proceed to other side of the stores. On their way, Yusuke and Kuwabara teased Kurama for being so hot around girls. Kurama could only sigh and told them that he's not only being popular among girls but as well as guys. Nevertheless he'll have to admit that it would be a good chance to introduce Botan, his girlfriend to those annoying fangirls.
"Maybe they would stop bothering me from now onwards!" Kurama smirked.
While walking, someone called Kurama's name again.
"Minamino-kun!! Is that you?" Kurama turned around when he heard a familiar female voice calling his voice.
"Kitajima-san?? Maya Kitajima??" Kurama muttered and stared at the lady in front of him. Botan eyes widen to see the real Maya standing in front of them. The sudden appearance of Maya had also shocked Yusuke and Keiko.
"Yappari, It's you, Minamino-kun!!" Maya smiled and walk towards him "I was nearby here when I saw your fangirls performing their dance!! I know it must be you, though I can't really see what's happening just now!!" she let out a chuckle.
Kurama politely greeted her "It's been a long time, how are you?" he asked, nevertheless, there's a certain tensions that was building inside him. Kurama studied her for a moments and realized she's still the same Kitajima he had knew.
"Well, I'm fine, thank you? And you?" she asked shyly.
"Good..." Kurama answered with his usual tone.
"Ano...sorry, I didn't notice you just now? I'm Maya Kitajima, nice to meet you!!" Maya shrugged and quickly introduce herself to Botan who seemed had lost her cheerfulness instantly but somehow she managed to fake a grin and while letting Kurama to do the introduction.
"Girlfriend? Wow!! You sure have great taste!!" Maya teased but somehow they could instantly sense her awkwardness.
"Ano...Syuuichi-kun, I'll leave you here, so both of you could have a longer chat!!" Botan said firmly, not even looking at Kurama and was about to leave.
"Yabai (Bad), I can smell problems!!" Yusuke told Keiko when he saw that Botan was turing away.
"Botan?? Oh...no...you'll stay!!" Kurama said as he held onto Botan's shoulder to stop her from leaving. Kurama's hand that was on Botan's shoulder, it's so firm yet so gentle. Botan replied with a nod and stay back.
"Eh...nice attempt, Kurama!!" Keiko clapped both her hands and compliment upon Kurama's move. Kuwabara and the others were scratching their heads to figure out what was Keiko excited about. Of course they were not told about the cold war between Kurama and Botan that happened a few days ago. Somehow Shizuru notice that Botan was not acting like her usual self, especially when the girl whom she knew by the name of Maya appeared. She assumed that there must be something about the Maya girl and Kurama.
"So...Kitajima-san, I'm really surprise to see you here!!" Kurama remarked.
"Actually, I didn't planned to come back here!! But..." Maya lowered her head to hide her depression.
"Kitajima-san? Daijobu??" Botan asked worriedly. Although she hates to admit that the girl that she's talking to use to be Kurama's crush, but as for Botan, naturally, she doesn't like to see people sticking a weary facade.
"Daijobu!! Arigatou...Botan-san, you're so kind-hearted!! I was here to attend my far relative's funeral a few weeks ago!!" Maya explained.
"Ano...we're so sorry about that!!" Kurama bowed before Maya to pay her his condolences.
"Eh...no , it's unavoidable...dead and live!!" Maya make a quick remarks and shove off their conversation, knowing that it's not appropriate to bring up such sad topics especially during New Year.
"So...Kitajima-san?? Are you alone?? Would you like to join us?" Botan sincerely offered her. Kurama, Yusuke and Keiko were shocked to hear that too!!
"Oh...no...no thanks, actually I'm with one of my cousin's friend, but...I guess...he'll be here..." Maya shooked her head frantically and was about to complete her words when...
"Botan-san, O sashiburi..." Hakkumaru greeted when he saw the blue haired deity and the red-haired together with their friends.
"Sanada-san!!" Botan bellowed and stared at him with two big violet eyes. Just when he was about to walk nearer to Botan, Kurama quickly stood himself infront of Botan and stop Hakkumaru from moving closer. Yusuke and Kuwabara also run over to give necessary back up to Kurama!!
"Heh...what's that all about?? I'm not a monster...you all don't have be like that!!" Hakkumaru looked at them hysteriously "I'm only here to say hi and since you guys were talking with my master's cousin!!" with that Hakkumaru walk over to stand beside Maya.
"Hakku-niisan, you know Minamino-kun?" Maya asked curiously.
"Hakku-niisan?!" the Urameshi team bellowed in unison.
"Master's cousin!! Hakkumaru, your master is that Ayame Okazawa?? That means..." Yusuke muttered as he threw Hakkumaru a rather unreadable expression.
"Ano...all of you here knows my cousin, Ayame-niisan?" another curiousity strucks Maya.
"Ayame...ni...niisan? You mean Kitajima-san is his cousin??" Yusuke asked again, this time facing Hakkumaru with a stern look.
"You've got it all right!!" Hakkumaru declared cheerfully.
"That means...he's here too..." Kurama hissed and looked around to find any possibility to spot the certain violet-haired guy.
"Anshin shinasai (Rest your heart), Ayame-sama is not here!! According to ritues, he's suppose to stay at home for at least 100 days!!" Hakkumaru explained.
"Ah...the world is so small...I knew Minamino-kun, then Ayame-niisan also knows all of you here...sore ga unme da (this is fate)!!" Maya commented.
"Unme ka? Sounds more like karma to me!!" Hakkumaru muttered nonchalantly.
"Hakkumaru-san!! I don't think it's appropriate to bring up such matters!!" Kurama warned and was shooting dead glares at him.
"Kurama..." Botan felt Kurama's aura slightly changed. She then took Kurama's hand and squeezed it slightly to calm him down.
"Heh...kowai...kowai (scary, scary)!! Anyway, Maya-chan, we should be going home already!!" Hakkumaru completely ignored Kurama's glare and pulled Maya to leave them.
"Ano...minna-san...sorry about that and goodbye..." Maya nodded and bowed again before leaving them.
"Ah...before going...Botan-chan, Ayame-sama asked me to thank you for tearing off the charm that was sealing the profounding room!!" Hakkumaru turn to face Kurama and Botan again "the mysteries behind the profounding room is about to reveal!! I'm really looking forward for that!!" he finished off with another laughter.
While walking, Maya had a thought in her mind telling her that there's something that was so familiar about Minamino when he glared at Hakkumaru!! She also realized that some part of her memories had failed her to recall certain secrets about her ex-classmates.
"Hakku...maru!!" Yusuke was about to send his fist onto Hakku's face, when Keiko stopped him.
"Calm down, Yusuke...it's not good to act irrational!! You're only falling into his trap!!" Kurama warned and let out a sigh.
"Mysteries behind the profounding room?!" Botan murmured 'Back then, the unbearable pains that I felt...when the door was opened...is there any connection between me and the door...or...' her body began to tremble with fear.
"Botan..." Kurama quickly pulled her to gave her a tight embrace upon noticing her trembling self.
TBC...
AN: Minna-san, hontoni sumimasen!! My computer was attacked by trojan virus!! My bro had installed a fast torrent to download anime, but at the same time, the virus kept on attacking the computer!! Poor computer!! Sorry...sorry...sorry TT
Anyway, I hope that all of you would still support my story and please readers...please...please...please, review my story, onegaishimasu!!
Author's Dedications:
Birdy06-chan: Thank you...thank you, and sorry for keeping you waiting!! Hai...I messed up the chappies...I'm still a baka, afterall!! Indeed the previous chappie 13 was an AN informing readers that I've encountered problem on posting chp12, but later I checked again, it's okay already!!
YuLian-Jade-Dragon: Thank you for your review!! Yes, I'll keep this fics updated asap!!
Other Dedications: To all readers who had reviewed my stories!! Minna-san, you're the best!! Hontoni arigatou!!
Lastly my sincere dedications to all readers!! I'll work hard!!
Ja ato de,
mi-chan
Preview for next chappie: Chp 10 - Past Revealed? Botan's Hesitations!!
Part: "Koenma-sama!! By all means!! Please review Botan's case!!" Kurama demanded harsly.
Part: "I'm...Okazawa's wife??" Botan eyes them with disbelieve.
Part: "Welcome back to the Okazawa's residence...Botan-chan" Hakkumaru greeted.