Delicate Petals
I own nothing. Therefore, I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho!
Chapter 25
XxXxX
What had I ever done to deserve this kind of treatment? Koenma was here. Why was I even attempting to put up with him? But.. was my grudge against him childish? I could tell that my mother was waiting for news to be announced. She always did love gossip and the latest news.
"This isn't like you, Kurama." Botan hugged me from behind. "You're acting very strangely. Please, koi, put the past behind you. Koenma-sama explained it all to you. He meant nothing by it. It was just that it did hurt to be let down. That was all. We're remaining friends. Why can't you?" I clenched my fists.
"Obviously, you've never heard about the mating honor code, kitten." Kuronue grinned at her. "Allow me to explain it to you." He cleared his throat and I sweat-dropped. "You see, demons don't usually just pick any ol' girl. We have to love them for a long while. And then we begin doing special things for them or setting our eyes on those close to them. This is known usually as a way to court a female. There's no real relationship there but it's forming." He grinned. "But, if while we have our eyes on her, she's seeing someone else, we become enraged and form a brick wall to hide behind. Think of this as a similar act of crying like a ningen woman. We don't cry often but it happens rarely. Now, some of us choose to go into a form of denile and we hide away or leave where there are no urges to strangle someone." She looked up me in sudden understanding. "But, if another hurt the one we love, the hatred never fades. Kitten, give up. He is never going to forgive that pathetic fool for what he did to you."
"What about after we're together?" She asked.
"Oh, so you want the full-blown explanation? Okay." He thought for a minute before nodding. "In his case, he basically cherishes everything down to the ground you walk on. I know from experience what being betrayed by a mate feels like and it isn't pretty." He frowned. "If he was ever betrayed by you, he'd be desperate for any kind of given affection. That is what led most demons to their death. We're looked at as evil creatures, you see. But we only have our own beliefs. And we see the ways ningens act. We don't think it's right at all." I began to calm down, listening to what he said, realizing every word was the truth. "Certainly some demons believe in ningen ways and act like them but it only gets them killed. Demons do not believe in betrayals. We hate it and even go as far as loathing it." Kuronue's indigo eyes focused on the sky. "Anyway, the point is, Koenma hurt you and that is never going to change. A demon's past is his life. Kurama's past is his life, all he has." Botan's eyes widened, turning to me. I looked immediately away, my mouth dry.
"Is all of that.." I nodded.
"Seeing what he did to you.. it destroyed me. Then you didn't.." I trailed off. I growled with hatred before glaring at Koenma. Then my glare went to Yuusuke, who knew from experience, I guess. He immediately jumped up and went over to Keiko, whispering something to her.
"Ahem." Keiko cleared her throat and grinned toothily. "As most of you know, this is a party for Botan and I." She waved the girl up and Botan left my side.
"This has been a very special time for us all. Two of us are very much happy and I know that our boys are, as well." She winked at me as she smiled. "Welcome, Shiori-san." Her eyes moved to my mother, who smiled. She then ran over to the woman and pulled her away. I followed at my own pace, knowing she would wait for me to be there to share the news. I stood next to Botan and slipped my arm around her.
"Mother, there is something we need to tell you."
"What is it?" She asked, blinking.
"I'm pregnant."
"You are now officially a grandma." I said with a smile. Mother looked shocked at first then squealed in delight and ran forward, enveloping both of us in that furious grip of hers. She always used to squeeze me until I couldn't breathe when I was younger and I had eventually gotten used to it.
"You made me such a happy woman! Now, I can spoil my little family rotten!" She leaned forward and kissed me and my mate, happily chattering away about how she would throw the best baby shower. "Is Keiko pregnant too?" She asked all of a sudden. I nodded. She smiled gleefully.
"No evil planning, mother.." I said, making a face and sweat-dropping. Botan giggled at my side.
"We'll probably have them close together." She said, rubbing her stomach. "But all of that can wait. Let's get back to the party!"
"That's my angel." I said softly, pulling her to me and kissing her cheek. She laughed.
"Stop playing."
"I'm not playing."
"Ha ha ha!" She shoved me away and I gave her a hurt look. Mother watched us, I noticed, with a glazed expression and a soft smile.
XxXxX
"Idiot."
"Stupid."
"Freak."
"Baka."
"Moron." She glared at me as she retorted. I smirked.
"There is no stopping it. I have to get out of bed and go to work." I kissed her cheek and grinned. "Besides, if you still want me to keep this apartment then I have to pay the rent."
"You're so unfair! I don't want to be alone all day! Kuronue found a job yesterday and Hiei's leaving for a couple of days again." She pouted.
"You're not going with me. You'll just be bored." I rubbed her arm and stared down at her. She gave me her little pout and I frowned. "Don't do this to me.." I whined as I leaned over and nuzzled her neck, where I had yet to mark her. The first time.. I never wanted to hurt her that way. I wanted it to be wonderful for her and I knew that I would have to wait. I growled and she stiffened.
"What is it?"
"I haven't marked you yet." She blinked.
"What?"
"I didn't mark you. That bite mark on a demon's neck. Right here." I kissed the spot and she shuddered.
"When will you mark me? I want you to."
"It has to be done soon. So that no other man will touch you." I pulled her closer.
"Play hooky today.. please?" She begged. I did not want to disappoint her, of course. So, I agreed to stay home with her.
XxXxX
I sighed and allowed the hot coffee to slide down my throat. I had called work earlier. My mate walked in and smiled at me. Of course, she was marked now. She was only marked by my scent before but now the bite mark was there, as well. I gingerly fingered the spot on my neck where she bit me. I gave her an amused look.
"This will fade, eventually." She shook her head and grinned. I blinked.
"I put my spirit energy into that. There is no way it's going away, koi." She walked over to me and stole my coffee, taking a sip. I snatched it back and smirked.
"Then, of course, I am yours forever."
"Just how I want it." She gave me a wink. Then I gave her an evil smile.
"Of course, you are mine as well." I purred in her ear. "Just how I want it." She giggled and I blew softly in her ear. "Go get that shower you want so much."
"You know me too well."
"It's my job as your mate." I stated, crossing my arms. She rolled her eyes and walked off down the hall. The phone rang and I sighed, walking over to it and answering in a bored tone. "Hello?"
"Kurama." The voice drawled on the other end. I bit back a sigh.
"Yuusuke." I could almost see him grin childishly. "What's up?" I wandered back out to the kitchen and searched through the cupboards for something to eat.
"Eh, nothing really. I just wanted someone to talk to."
"Is this about Keiko?"
"No, it's about Botan." I paused.
"What about her?" He was silent for a minute. "What is it, Yuusuke?"
"Well, I don't know how to say this. Koenma talked to me yesterday." He stated in an uneasy voice. "He told me that we need to go on a short mission. It isn't anything but a delivery job to Makai." I froze. Not Makai.
"But that would mean.."
"Yeah." The boy sighed. "I know she isn't going to like it. I gave Koenma all hell about the idea but he wouldn't listen. He told me that her and Keiko could stay safely in Reikai but I know you wouldn't like that. It's already been decided, though, buddy. Sorry."
"But both Hiei and Kuronue aren't-"
"No, not now. In a little while. Next week." I groaned.
"I can't leave her, Yuusuke. I can't go."
"You have to. There isn't any other choice." I felt more depressed than angry. "I tried to talk him out of it but it wouldn't work. Besides, we'll be gone only a day or two. Shizuru promised me to take care of them."
XxXxX
I watched as she walked out in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She grinned and wrapped her arms around my neck, leaning down and kissing my cheek.
"Something is wrong. What is it?" She asked, soothing me more than I thought possible at that point. She let go of me and moved around the couch then sat next to me. I immediately pulled her into my arms and wished I didn't need to leave. I buried my face in the crook of her neck, next to where my mark was.
"I have to leave." I said, though my voice was muffled. She was affectionately running her fingers through my hair when I heard her sigh. "Koenma wants us all to deliver something to Makai. Yuusuke said Shizuru.."
"It's fine. I'll be okay." She continued to run her fingers through my red locks, her mind on our mission, no doubt.
"I will try to be fast."
"It's all right. Shizuru said what? That she'll watch over me and Keiko?" I nodded. "Then we'll be fine. You know Shizuru." I smiled slightly. "And we have the communicators."
"Yes, but.."
"Don't worry so much, honey. It's bad for the baby." She laughed and I lifted my head to stare at her. "I know, shut up." She said with a wave of her hand. "But still, it probably won't take you that long. But why do all of you have to go?"
"Kuwabara is staying." I said bitterly. She kissed my forehead and smiled sweetly.
"Then we'll have someone to protect us. Two people, actually. Shizuru." I nodded. "Just be quick, okay?"
"I'll try."
"And be careful. I can't stress that enough. I don't want to be a single mother nor do I want to be alone." I coughed. She glared at me. "What have I to find out now?"
"You will most likely die if I do." I said quietly. "It is not proven yet but there have been cases." She sighed.
"But still, be careful." She stated. I nodded.
XxXxX
The time for our departure came quickly and we were forced to leave our loved ones behind. On a trip to Makai. I watched as Botan stared after us, her eyes empty. But I knew that she was worried. She didn't want to show it but I felt it through the bond.
"Kurama? You okay, buddy?" Kuronue asked. I nodded.
"Yeah, pal, you look a little pale." Yuusuke commented. I frowned deeper. "Oh, I see. It's about B, isn't it?"
"Of course it is."
"Hm. How sad." Kuronue sighed dreamily, mocking a girl. Tears formed in his eyes and his lower lip quivered. "Separation anxiety at it's worst! I must get a tissue! How sad!" He sniffled. We all stared at him, twitching. "I saw something like this just last week on How Can I Live If You're Away From Me For Two Minutes?! It was a horrible tragedy!" I then realized he was mocking my mother and myself. I laughed, not being able to squelch it any longer.
"S-Stop!" Yuusuke clutched his sides and let out peals of laughter. Kuwabara was rolling on the ground and Hiei looked disgusted.
"That was... too funny!" I could survive this. Kuwabara could barely talk so all we heard of his sentence was 'was... too fun...' At any rate, I was hoping the rest of the trip would be like this.
XxXxX
Hm... I ended it here for the sake of updating. A little time away from Botan might be what the doctor ordered but not what Kurama wanted. n.n And with Kuronue and Hiei there, who could complain? The time is bound to fly by! The next chapter will be light-hearted and filled with humor! Please review! And thank you for being so patient. School is drowning me. I can't really do much about it. Yesterday, I spend most of my time on homework. ::cries:: What I wouldn't give to be a flunky and not care! JK! I like my grades in the 90s and high 80s.