Author's Note: I got chapter two up, come on, let's celebrate! (gave a
whoop of joy!) I'm doing a crazy fic, so deal with it, I need a new
atmosphere from the tension of the Ai Shiteru, you know. This fic could
very well be my outlet, ne? Oui, by the way, thank you all for the
seventeen reviews, I never thought I'd get that many. I love you all.
DISCLAIMERS: I DON'T OWN YUYU HAKUSHO, AS IF I HAVEN'T SAID THAT A THOUSAND TIMES ALREADY!!!
CHAPTER 2: ONE HELL OF A REPUTATION
She tensed when she heard a man's yell. Though she's not really so sure if she'd really heard something. So she hurriedly finished her bath, though reluctantly, and went out of the water to grab her clothing.
He let out a shaky breath when he finally saw all of her. Dear heavens, she was perfect. His heart started to beat wildly and he could feel his blood flowing lower to his loins, hardening it in the process. And because of this, he vowed to have her in his bed tonight. After all, what the lord wants, the lord gets. And this time, he'd make sure that belief would come true again. What the lord wants, the lord gets. He surely wants her.
He would have come out of his hiding place right that instant but suddenly changed his mind. He doesn't know what he should say to her. Besides, the woman looked like a little innocent, she might be terrified of him if he came out to find her in a very indecent state. No, it's not a good idea to come out now.
So he decided to wait. Agonizingly. Patiently. But the sight of her naked body seems too much a temptation so he decided to look away, even lie down and closed his eyes for a minute or two since the woman was determined to take her time in dressing.
He smiled at this thought. How could a woman take so long in dressing when all someone has to do is slip those pieces of clothing onto her body. He was slowly drifting to sleep when he heard a scream. He suddenly jolted back to consciousness and took a peek at the woman he's still waiting for to finish dressing.
She was still indecent with only her chemise on. It took her time drying her long hair and by the time she had on the chemise, three ugly looking beings, their lusty intentions showing in their eyes, suddenly appeared.
One had gotten hold of her already and was smirking as the two others advanced towards her, one of them had his hands on her cheek and was roughly caressing her.
Kurama saw all this and he growled in fury as he came out of his hiding place to rescue his soon-to-be wife from their attempted rape on her.
How dare they touch what is his, his mind screamed, the possessiveness of a thief overpowering him. Though they didn't know she was his yet, they would soon find that out and would realize their mistake.
He was so blinded with fury because those bastards have their hands all over her when he hadn't even known her name. They would pay with their lives, he vowed as he charged towards them, roaring his cry of battle.
She'd first heard him before she could see him. All she saw was a bright white light and before she knew it, her attackers were ripped from her one by one. When at last her vision cleared, she saw her rescuer clawing and aggressively attacking her predators. When she finally saw his eyes, she shivered at how cold they are, she unconsciously uttered a prayer, hoping he would not attack her next. She just stood there, as still as a statue, as she watched the battle in front of her.
Cold.
Ruthless.
Unfeeling.
Even if she willed to run away, to hide from the shocking scene that's unfolding in front of her, she couldn't seem to move, to walk, to even breath.
When at last all of her predators fell on her feet, dead, and the silver being who rescued her turned to her without that cold eyes of his, she sighed in relief. This kitsune saved her.
But then, recognition entered her mind and a mind-numbing terror greater than before entered her body. She knew who the youko is. And his reputation. He was none other than the great, legendary Youko Kurama.
Kurama almost smiled at her when terror left her eyes but then he frowned instead when it came back, in his calculation, with greater amount of fear. Oh well, he thought, the woman was terrified with what had just happened, and he understood her fears. The fact that she witnessed a bloody battle didn't suit with him either. He saw how cold and chilled she was, he looked around and found her clothes in a pile.
He hastily picked them up but when he stepped forward to give it to her, she stepped back, making Kurama's eyebrow shoot up.
"Please don't," she said in a voice that gave away all her fears. When he did not answer, her eyes clouded with tears and threatened to spill anytime. "Please don't hurt me."
Kurama looked at her as if she has two heads. Hurt her? He'd just rescued her, why the hell did she thought he'd hurt her. But then, he complied with what she wants. "I won't," he said in the smoothest and calmest voice she had ever heard.
When he tried to advance again, she still stepped back, not believing a word he said. What good does his words hold? He is a blasted thief, for goodness' sake!
Kurama had never been insulted in all his life. There he was, standing in front of a woman he'd just rescued, even promising to her he won't hurt her, but still she stepped back every time he stepped forward as if he's a repulsive creature.
"I just gave you a lord's word that I will not hurt you, then why the hell are you still afraid of me?" he asked mildly irritated with her now. God's teeth, he's going to give her a hard time before their marriage. She would have to beg him to take her. And beg is what she would surely do.
She was shocked when the kitsune got irritated so easily and impliedly said that she didn't trust him, she almost blushed. She was at his expense, after all, he saved her from all those bastards and all she did was doubt him. Maybe it's worth giving him a chance. After all, he didn't look so dangerous now. Just dangerously handsome.
When Kurama took a step towards her again, she hesitated, but this time, she didn't step back. When he'd reached her, he'd wrapped her cloak around her. She was shivering and he knows that it was partly because of what she had witnessed.
She was strong, though, Kurama admitted, for she didn't fainted even after witnessing such a violent scene in front of her. Yes, he thought to himself, she would be a good mistress of the keep. Milady. It suits her just fine.
"What's your name?" Kurama asked that she looked up suddenly to meet his gaze. She was fascinated with the intensity and power his stare has over her, it is as if she was hypnotized. She wouldn't have forgotten his question if Kurama hadn't been caressing her arms softly, sending pleasures all over her body.
"My name's Botan, milord, Kurama-sama," she stammered, after Kurama repeated his question, not even concealing the fact that she knew who she is talking to. So what? He'd just said he won't hurt her, right?
If ever Kurama was surprised that the woman knew who he is, he never showed it. The begging was about to start and that's all that mattered to him now. "Well, Botan, I'm glad to meet you. But I'm afraid my job here is finished so I must leave you now. I hope we meet again," he said, bowed, then started walking away.
"Wait," she said, and when he turned around, she could feel herself blushing. "You can't leave me here alone," she mumbled but because of his keen hearing sense, he heard it, loud and clear.
"Don't you have any guards with you?" Kurama said, looking bewildered. Of course, he knew that all along, that fact even puzzled the hell out of him.
Botan walked towards him then looked up at his intimidating height. "We, ah, can't afford any guards, milord. We're only poor," she said almost bitterly. If they haven't been poor, then she wouldn't have to marry to be able to save herself from starving.
"Ah," Kurama said then nodded, this is going to be easier than he thought." How unfortunate of you. But you've got the courage to have survived the woods for so long. I'm sure you can do it for a few more days. Or you could go home already, it's not safe for you," Kurama said and almost smirked at himself. He was such a damn good actor. (what an arrogant bastard, don't you guys think?)
Botan panicked when Kurama turned to walk away again. "You can't leave me here!"
Kurama turned back to look at her. "Why the hell not?"
She looked at her feet before admitting the horrible truth to this stranger. "I have nowhere to go. My parents won't accept me back. They said I'm already in the right age to take care of myself. They wouldn't want me to be a burden to them," she said, while she forced her sobs not to break from her. Oh, how horrible it is to be abandoned by your own parents.
"Oh," Kurama said softly though he was wild with anger inside. How could parents do something evil such as that? "I'm sorry, but there's really nothing I could do," except marry you, he almost added.
"Can't you at least accompany me to my destination. I really fear the forest, I'm just being courageous. At least, if you're with me, I could feel safe and I'll be able to sleep well at night," she said before she could have the chance to stop herself.
"I don't think so," Kurama said. No, you wouldn't be able to sleep well at night because I'm going to keep you occupied all night, he thought.
"Why not?"
"You're a walking disaster, honey. One look at that strange hair coloring of yours and I'll be in trouble. I intend to live a long life since I don't have any heir yet," Kurama said, challenging the woman he so wanted. What would she say to that?
"Please, milord. I beg you to help me. I'd do anything. Can't I at least stay with you? Perhaps polish your shoes?" she pleaded, and subconsciously grasped Kurama's hands to hers and held it near her breasts. She have no idea what effect that action has on him.
Kurama smiled. He got what he wanted. Now is the time of conquering. " It won't be proper for me to bring you in my keep, my troops wouldn't like that. They might get suspicious and all, and they might think you're a spy. Would you rather be my ward?" he asked. He couldn't downright say his intention to wed her, he still has no power over her. At least, being a guardian, all her actions would have to have permission from him. A guardian role would be perfect. But only for a day, because tonight, he would be a husband.
"Ward? You mean you'll be my guardian? Why would I need a guardian when my father is alive and well? no, I couldn't accept such thing, I'd rather be a slave or farmer in your keep," Botan said firmly, even crossing her arms in front of her to show she's determined. Besides, she doesn't want to be known as the Youko thief's ward. That's one hell of a reputation!
"Well then, I believe I need to go now since you'd already declined my offer," Kurama said and once again tried to leave but was stopped when Botan's hands grasp his again.
"I, ah, okay, I accept. Can't you see how desperate I am to accept your offer?" Botan said then for the first time smiled at him shyly.
Kurama took a deep breath at the sight of her smiling. It is as if her whole face lit up. And, dear heavens, he would do anything if it would make her smile at him all the time. Simply everything. He suddenly shook his head as if to erase the image off his mind. "Well, then, follow me," he said and began walking away already.
Botan almost shook her head at the kitsune. The kitsune is incorrigible. First, he's willing to leave her all alone in dangerous woods knowing she's unprotected, then he took off without letting her walk before him. The youko thief obviously doesn't have a single 'gentleman-ness' in his bones.
When Kurama sensed that his woman is not following him, he turned around and frowned at her. "Well?"
"Ne, Kurama-sama, you're supposed to let the lady walk ahead of you so that you can see her all the way," Botan said in that prim and proper tone of his.
Kurama almost shot back that he can damn well sense her even if he can't see her, but kept his mouth shut. He doesn't want an argument before a marriage. It's not a good sign. So, he just smiled and," Okay, would you walk ahead of me now?" then grinned at her.
Botan just shrugged and began walking, now, more enthusiastically because she knows that if he's with her, she'll always be safe. She didn't know why she felt that way, she just did.
But she's not as comfortable as she would have wanted to be. The kitsune won't even say a thing to her and he seemed to be contented just walking in silence. And it scares the hell out of her. She's not used to the silence, she wanted to talk to him but she's suddenly intimidated with him. Oh, how she wished he would talk to her.
On the other hand, Kurama isn't comfortable with the situation either. The reason why he wanted to walk ahead of her is because the longer time he looked at her, the more he wanted her. And it brought him too much agony. The gentle sway of her hips as she walked and her sweet scent only made the situation worse. *sigh* he wanted to go home and be in his bed already, with her, or course. He wanted in NOW.
A few more minutes passed by and they finally reached the boundary of the kitsune's territory. She would have gone ahead had Kurama did not stopped her by grabbing her hand. Botan turned to look at him in question but before she could open her mouth and ask -
"If you take two or three steps, you'll already be in my territory. Then, there would be no turning back, do you understand?" Kurama asked, wanting to grab her hand and pushed her inside but his pride got the better out of him. He's not the type of male who forced his women, he wanted them to be willing. Like most of them are.
Now, it makes no sense to him what he'd told Kuronue when he said he'd marry her. He didn't thought the woman would recognize him and fear him like the way she had before. What would he do if the woman doesn't step inside his keep? He had to let her go, right? Ah, no way, she had to step inside, even if he had to trick her.
Botan looked at him in awe. Here he was, after rescuing her, and he still thought she might reject his offer of safety and a home. So she did reject him before, but then, come to think of it, it wasn't so bad at all. She could easily leave and get married and the reputation of being a thief's ward would eventually vanish. A home. He's offering her a home. How nice does it sound. "I think I'd like to go ahead," she said softly and even before he could utter a word, she'd already stepped inside his territory. She'd already decided her destiny at that minute, not the thief's ward, but the thief's wife, she hadn't just realized it just yet.
Kurama smirked at her before he got hold of her hand and almost dragged her due to his fast pace. Now, he wouldn't have to face the insult of Kuronue if he return alone. Ha! He would love to see Reilan's reaction when he arrived and found out that he, the Mr. Playboy of the trio, had finally decided to tie the knot. It would be so much fun.
"So, what are we to do now that I'm officially your ward?" she asked brightly, her old cheerful self coming back. But then, the reality hit her suddenly, she frowned again. It could never work out for her. Happy endings are not for me, she thought.
"What's wrong?" Kurama asked. He couldn't understand women. One minute, they're happy and ready to laugh, the next, they're frowning again. Women are such weird creatures!
"Kurama-sama, anou-"
"I'd rather prefer if you would call me Kurama," he interrupted.
"Okay," she said then hesitated before proceeding, "If you must know, I've got a marriage contract with Raizen's son," she said then squeezed his hands to stop him from walking. When he looked at her, she continued, "Do you think he's nice?" And as handsome as you are, she thought and almost blushed.
"No."
"He's not nice?" she asked in wonder and suddenly grew afraid. If he's not nice, then I don't want to be married to him, she thought.
"No, you will not be married to him," he said impatiently then scowled. You're not marrying anyone except me, he thought.
"I will not be married?" she asked, more confused than ever.
"Or course, you will be married," Kurama said then turned to look at her and smiled.
"Oh." Botan replied then, "To whom?" she whispered, her mind racing as he looked at her warmly.
"To me," he said before his lips met hers for a kiss.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I simply love cliffhangers, don't you think? Hehe, anyway, I just wanna share, I've written this chapter while I was trying hard (but failed) to listen to my Law professor. And look how wacky and absurd this becomes! Anyway, wow, I can't believe I got this chapter out, my friend's been grilling me to update this chapter already when she hadn't even bothered to review! (naku, mutsumi, you should eat bananas to boost your memory skills so that you won't forget to review this story. I quoted from the story, haha!)
PS. If you review this fic, I'll love you forever and ever. Swear!
DISCLAIMERS: I DON'T OWN YUYU HAKUSHO, AS IF I HAVEN'T SAID THAT A THOUSAND TIMES ALREADY!!!
CHAPTER 2: ONE HELL OF A REPUTATION
She tensed when she heard a man's yell. Though she's not really so sure if she'd really heard something. So she hurriedly finished her bath, though reluctantly, and went out of the water to grab her clothing.
He let out a shaky breath when he finally saw all of her. Dear heavens, she was perfect. His heart started to beat wildly and he could feel his blood flowing lower to his loins, hardening it in the process. And because of this, he vowed to have her in his bed tonight. After all, what the lord wants, the lord gets. And this time, he'd make sure that belief would come true again. What the lord wants, the lord gets. He surely wants her.
He would have come out of his hiding place right that instant but suddenly changed his mind. He doesn't know what he should say to her. Besides, the woman looked like a little innocent, she might be terrified of him if he came out to find her in a very indecent state. No, it's not a good idea to come out now.
So he decided to wait. Agonizingly. Patiently. But the sight of her naked body seems too much a temptation so he decided to look away, even lie down and closed his eyes for a minute or two since the woman was determined to take her time in dressing.
He smiled at this thought. How could a woman take so long in dressing when all someone has to do is slip those pieces of clothing onto her body. He was slowly drifting to sleep when he heard a scream. He suddenly jolted back to consciousness and took a peek at the woman he's still waiting for to finish dressing.
She was still indecent with only her chemise on. It took her time drying her long hair and by the time she had on the chemise, three ugly looking beings, their lusty intentions showing in their eyes, suddenly appeared.
One had gotten hold of her already and was smirking as the two others advanced towards her, one of them had his hands on her cheek and was roughly caressing her.
Kurama saw all this and he growled in fury as he came out of his hiding place to rescue his soon-to-be wife from their attempted rape on her.
How dare they touch what is his, his mind screamed, the possessiveness of a thief overpowering him. Though they didn't know she was his yet, they would soon find that out and would realize their mistake.
He was so blinded with fury because those bastards have their hands all over her when he hadn't even known her name. They would pay with their lives, he vowed as he charged towards them, roaring his cry of battle.
She'd first heard him before she could see him. All she saw was a bright white light and before she knew it, her attackers were ripped from her one by one. When at last her vision cleared, she saw her rescuer clawing and aggressively attacking her predators. When she finally saw his eyes, she shivered at how cold they are, she unconsciously uttered a prayer, hoping he would not attack her next. She just stood there, as still as a statue, as she watched the battle in front of her.
Cold.
Ruthless.
Unfeeling.
Even if she willed to run away, to hide from the shocking scene that's unfolding in front of her, she couldn't seem to move, to walk, to even breath.
When at last all of her predators fell on her feet, dead, and the silver being who rescued her turned to her without that cold eyes of his, she sighed in relief. This kitsune saved her.
But then, recognition entered her mind and a mind-numbing terror greater than before entered her body. She knew who the youko is. And his reputation. He was none other than the great, legendary Youko Kurama.
Kurama almost smiled at her when terror left her eyes but then he frowned instead when it came back, in his calculation, with greater amount of fear. Oh well, he thought, the woman was terrified with what had just happened, and he understood her fears. The fact that she witnessed a bloody battle didn't suit with him either. He saw how cold and chilled she was, he looked around and found her clothes in a pile.
He hastily picked them up but when he stepped forward to give it to her, she stepped back, making Kurama's eyebrow shoot up.
"Please don't," she said in a voice that gave away all her fears. When he did not answer, her eyes clouded with tears and threatened to spill anytime. "Please don't hurt me."
Kurama looked at her as if she has two heads. Hurt her? He'd just rescued her, why the hell did she thought he'd hurt her. But then, he complied with what she wants. "I won't," he said in the smoothest and calmest voice she had ever heard.
When he tried to advance again, she still stepped back, not believing a word he said. What good does his words hold? He is a blasted thief, for goodness' sake!
Kurama had never been insulted in all his life. There he was, standing in front of a woman he'd just rescued, even promising to her he won't hurt her, but still she stepped back every time he stepped forward as if he's a repulsive creature.
"I just gave you a lord's word that I will not hurt you, then why the hell are you still afraid of me?" he asked mildly irritated with her now. God's teeth, he's going to give her a hard time before their marriage. She would have to beg him to take her. And beg is what she would surely do.
She was shocked when the kitsune got irritated so easily and impliedly said that she didn't trust him, she almost blushed. She was at his expense, after all, he saved her from all those bastards and all she did was doubt him. Maybe it's worth giving him a chance. After all, he didn't look so dangerous now. Just dangerously handsome.
When Kurama took a step towards her again, she hesitated, but this time, she didn't step back. When he'd reached her, he'd wrapped her cloak around her. She was shivering and he knows that it was partly because of what she had witnessed.
She was strong, though, Kurama admitted, for she didn't fainted even after witnessing such a violent scene in front of her. Yes, he thought to himself, she would be a good mistress of the keep. Milady. It suits her just fine.
"What's your name?" Kurama asked that she looked up suddenly to meet his gaze. She was fascinated with the intensity and power his stare has over her, it is as if she was hypnotized. She wouldn't have forgotten his question if Kurama hadn't been caressing her arms softly, sending pleasures all over her body.
"My name's Botan, milord, Kurama-sama," she stammered, after Kurama repeated his question, not even concealing the fact that she knew who she is talking to. So what? He'd just said he won't hurt her, right?
If ever Kurama was surprised that the woman knew who he is, he never showed it. The begging was about to start and that's all that mattered to him now. "Well, Botan, I'm glad to meet you. But I'm afraid my job here is finished so I must leave you now. I hope we meet again," he said, bowed, then started walking away.
"Wait," she said, and when he turned around, she could feel herself blushing. "You can't leave me here alone," she mumbled but because of his keen hearing sense, he heard it, loud and clear.
"Don't you have any guards with you?" Kurama said, looking bewildered. Of course, he knew that all along, that fact even puzzled the hell out of him.
Botan walked towards him then looked up at his intimidating height. "We, ah, can't afford any guards, milord. We're only poor," she said almost bitterly. If they haven't been poor, then she wouldn't have to marry to be able to save herself from starving.
"Ah," Kurama said then nodded, this is going to be easier than he thought." How unfortunate of you. But you've got the courage to have survived the woods for so long. I'm sure you can do it for a few more days. Or you could go home already, it's not safe for you," Kurama said and almost smirked at himself. He was such a damn good actor. (what an arrogant bastard, don't you guys think?)
Botan panicked when Kurama turned to walk away again. "You can't leave me here!"
Kurama turned back to look at her. "Why the hell not?"
She looked at her feet before admitting the horrible truth to this stranger. "I have nowhere to go. My parents won't accept me back. They said I'm already in the right age to take care of myself. They wouldn't want me to be a burden to them," she said, while she forced her sobs not to break from her. Oh, how horrible it is to be abandoned by your own parents.
"Oh," Kurama said softly though he was wild with anger inside. How could parents do something evil such as that? "I'm sorry, but there's really nothing I could do," except marry you, he almost added.
"Can't you at least accompany me to my destination. I really fear the forest, I'm just being courageous. At least, if you're with me, I could feel safe and I'll be able to sleep well at night," she said before she could have the chance to stop herself.
"I don't think so," Kurama said. No, you wouldn't be able to sleep well at night because I'm going to keep you occupied all night, he thought.
"Why not?"
"You're a walking disaster, honey. One look at that strange hair coloring of yours and I'll be in trouble. I intend to live a long life since I don't have any heir yet," Kurama said, challenging the woman he so wanted. What would she say to that?
"Please, milord. I beg you to help me. I'd do anything. Can't I at least stay with you? Perhaps polish your shoes?" she pleaded, and subconsciously grasped Kurama's hands to hers and held it near her breasts. She have no idea what effect that action has on him.
Kurama smiled. He got what he wanted. Now is the time of conquering. " It won't be proper for me to bring you in my keep, my troops wouldn't like that. They might get suspicious and all, and they might think you're a spy. Would you rather be my ward?" he asked. He couldn't downright say his intention to wed her, he still has no power over her. At least, being a guardian, all her actions would have to have permission from him. A guardian role would be perfect. But only for a day, because tonight, he would be a husband.
"Ward? You mean you'll be my guardian? Why would I need a guardian when my father is alive and well? no, I couldn't accept such thing, I'd rather be a slave or farmer in your keep," Botan said firmly, even crossing her arms in front of her to show she's determined. Besides, she doesn't want to be known as the Youko thief's ward. That's one hell of a reputation!
"Well then, I believe I need to go now since you'd already declined my offer," Kurama said and once again tried to leave but was stopped when Botan's hands grasp his again.
"I, ah, okay, I accept. Can't you see how desperate I am to accept your offer?" Botan said then for the first time smiled at him shyly.
Kurama took a deep breath at the sight of her smiling. It is as if her whole face lit up. And, dear heavens, he would do anything if it would make her smile at him all the time. Simply everything. He suddenly shook his head as if to erase the image off his mind. "Well, then, follow me," he said and began walking away already.
Botan almost shook her head at the kitsune. The kitsune is incorrigible. First, he's willing to leave her all alone in dangerous woods knowing she's unprotected, then he took off without letting her walk before him. The youko thief obviously doesn't have a single 'gentleman-ness' in his bones.
When Kurama sensed that his woman is not following him, he turned around and frowned at her. "Well?"
"Ne, Kurama-sama, you're supposed to let the lady walk ahead of you so that you can see her all the way," Botan said in that prim and proper tone of his.
Kurama almost shot back that he can damn well sense her even if he can't see her, but kept his mouth shut. He doesn't want an argument before a marriage. It's not a good sign. So, he just smiled and," Okay, would you walk ahead of me now?" then grinned at her.
Botan just shrugged and began walking, now, more enthusiastically because she knows that if he's with her, she'll always be safe. She didn't know why she felt that way, she just did.
But she's not as comfortable as she would have wanted to be. The kitsune won't even say a thing to her and he seemed to be contented just walking in silence. And it scares the hell out of her. She's not used to the silence, she wanted to talk to him but she's suddenly intimidated with him. Oh, how she wished he would talk to her.
On the other hand, Kurama isn't comfortable with the situation either. The reason why he wanted to walk ahead of her is because the longer time he looked at her, the more he wanted her. And it brought him too much agony. The gentle sway of her hips as she walked and her sweet scent only made the situation worse. *sigh* he wanted to go home and be in his bed already, with her, or course. He wanted in NOW.
A few more minutes passed by and they finally reached the boundary of the kitsune's territory. She would have gone ahead had Kurama did not stopped her by grabbing her hand. Botan turned to look at him in question but before she could open her mouth and ask -
"If you take two or three steps, you'll already be in my territory. Then, there would be no turning back, do you understand?" Kurama asked, wanting to grab her hand and pushed her inside but his pride got the better out of him. He's not the type of male who forced his women, he wanted them to be willing. Like most of them are.
Now, it makes no sense to him what he'd told Kuronue when he said he'd marry her. He didn't thought the woman would recognize him and fear him like the way she had before. What would he do if the woman doesn't step inside his keep? He had to let her go, right? Ah, no way, she had to step inside, even if he had to trick her.
Botan looked at him in awe. Here he was, after rescuing her, and he still thought she might reject his offer of safety and a home. So she did reject him before, but then, come to think of it, it wasn't so bad at all. She could easily leave and get married and the reputation of being a thief's ward would eventually vanish. A home. He's offering her a home. How nice does it sound. "I think I'd like to go ahead," she said softly and even before he could utter a word, she'd already stepped inside his territory. She'd already decided her destiny at that minute, not the thief's ward, but the thief's wife, she hadn't just realized it just yet.
Kurama smirked at her before he got hold of her hand and almost dragged her due to his fast pace. Now, he wouldn't have to face the insult of Kuronue if he return alone. Ha! He would love to see Reilan's reaction when he arrived and found out that he, the Mr. Playboy of the trio, had finally decided to tie the knot. It would be so much fun.
"So, what are we to do now that I'm officially your ward?" she asked brightly, her old cheerful self coming back. But then, the reality hit her suddenly, she frowned again. It could never work out for her. Happy endings are not for me, she thought.
"What's wrong?" Kurama asked. He couldn't understand women. One minute, they're happy and ready to laugh, the next, they're frowning again. Women are such weird creatures!
"Kurama-sama, anou-"
"I'd rather prefer if you would call me Kurama," he interrupted.
"Okay," she said then hesitated before proceeding, "If you must know, I've got a marriage contract with Raizen's son," she said then squeezed his hands to stop him from walking. When he looked at her, she continued, "Do you think he's nice?" And as handsome as you are, she thought and almost blushed.
"No."
"He's not nice?" she asked in wonder and suddenly grew afraid. If he's not nice, then I don't want to be married to him, she thought.
"No, you will not be married to him," he said impatiently then scowled. You're not marrying anyone except me, he thought.
"I will not be married?" she asked, more confused than ever.
"Or course, you will be married," Kurama said then turned to look at her and smiled.
"Oh." Botan replied then, "To whom?" she whispered, her mind racing as he looked at her warmly.
"To me," he said before his lips met hers for a kiss.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I simply love cliffhangers, don't you think? Hehe, anyway, I just wanna share, I've written this chapter while I was trying hard (but failed) to listen to my Law professor. And look how wacky and absurd this becomes! Anyway, wow, I can't believe I got this chapter out, my friend's been grilling me to update this chapter already when she hadn't even bothered to review! (naku, mutsumi, you should eat bananas to boost your memory skills so that you won't forget to review this story. I quoted from the story, haha!)
PS. If you review this fic, I'll love you forever and ever. Swear!