Title: Nox
Author: Nirvana
Pairings: Yusuke/Botan
Rating: PG-13...later to be rated R
Keywords: Romance, Angst, Lust, Revelation
Summary: No matter how much I tried to cover up, Kumara could see everything. My thoughts, my flaws, the very core of my being...He moved and spoke in ways that no one could forget. He was the true definition of mystery and allure. (Botan's POV)
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of the characters. They rightfully belong to their respective owners.
Author's Notes: This is my first Yu Yu Hakusho fic, so please be gentle with me. To put it straight, I'm not too much of a Yusuke/Keiko fan. It's not that I hate Keiko, I like her actually but I can only see them on a brother and sister relationship. With a bit of flirtation here and there, of course. Besides that, I like different kinds of couples together, as you can see from the story. Most of the time, the story will be put in Botan's POV, more depth and blah, blah. Italics just means dreaming or past events or thoughts. But enough about my babbling, let's get to it. Hopefully, I will do my best to keep everyone in character and keep you, the readers, interested. This is my one challenge to make a story that keeps people into it. Well, that's enough said. Enjoy.
Chapter Four-Birthday Boy
A sudden, sharp pain shot through my body when that hand lifted me from the ground by my neck. My legs were desperately flailing, hoping to hit the stranger and my hands were scratching their arm. But my attempts were in vain. No, no, no, this couldn't be happening. It was a bad dream, that had to be it. A terrible nightmare. I would wake up any minute, I would...
"There's an old saying," The voice, belonging to a boy, murmured to me. "you should never look into the eyes of the person you're about to murder." His grip on my throat tightened and I gasped. "When you do, you see all the fear, regret, remorse. Even on rare occasions, pure happiness. But this time, I think I'm going to change that."
His eyes were the stormy, pale shade of gray I remembered from the photograph. "Y-Youkai..." I could barely get the single word from my lips. But I struggled to continue. "Those p-people you hurt, they're g-going to die. There's n-no use giving me the s-same fate, I have no s-soul. This body you see is just a shell."
He shook me so hard that I felt unconsciousness wrapping itself around me. During that moment I thought about dying. I wondered if it would be as bad as others described it. But this youkai had said that people experience pure happiness before they die. How could they? It was the end of your life. You leave mourning loved ones behind, you would never have the ability to live again. How could dying be a blessing? But I abruptly understood why, I was facing it right now.
I was scared, I was regretful, but I also felt so fulfilled. Nothing in the world mattered because I had finally obtained my freedom. I no longer needed to worry about my problems. Dying would make me happy because I could let go of everything. And it was a feeling that could barely be described in words. But there was still something holding me back, something was still lingering...
Yusuke.
"You think I don't realize that?" He asked bitterly. "I've seen you, following me, pretending to be a regular ningen. You and that spirit detective will not stop me. But still, you can be useful to me...as a decoy."
I opened my eyes to look at the youkai but I noticed something moving in the bushes. My gaze met those familiar brown orbs and I had to look away to keep from smiling. I felt like a princess who had been captured by a wicked beast. And I couldn't help but believe that my prince had come to rescue me.
"I won't let you use me ." I finally answered, and I felt his fingers loosen slightly. It gave me relief, but only so much. He was staring at me so intently, trying to find something that my eyes could only tell him. Eventually, the youkai smirked.
"What makes you so sure?"
My leg swinging back and hitting him in the chest answered his question. His fingers slipped away from my neck and I crumpled to the ground, gasping for air. What happened next was almost like a blur. I saw a blast of brilliant blue light and knew that Yusuke had used his spirit gun. I heard an echoing, high-pitched scream before it gradually died away into the silence.
I opened my eyes to come face to face with a small orb. It descended into my hand and it felt like I was holding fragile glass. I realized then that it was one of the numerous souls the youkai had stolen. I stood and lifted my hand to the sky. Instantly the remaining cluster of souls surrounded me a in a sphere of white light. I think this was the only thing I enjoyed about being a Deity, seeing how other people live their lives through their spirits. It was like watching too many silent films at the same time. One second, they were there, and in a blink of an eye, they were gone.
I extended my hand and reached out to a particular soul that had caught my attention and realized this one belonged to the girl with the beautiful blue eyes. I smiled as I looked up.
"You are all safe now," I whispered gently. "go back to your bodies."
In bursts, almost like shooting rockets, each soul quickly flew into the air and disappeared into the night sky. I stood there and watched until I could see them no more. I had completely forgotten that Yusuke was with me until I felt his hand grasp my shoulder. I glanced at him and could tell he was smiling.
"So it's over?" He asked.
I nodded. "Yes, I believe so. There seems to be no living trace of the youkai, so it means the case is closed." I was taken aback when Yusuke whirled me around to face him, but the smile on his face faded when he looked into my eyes.
"What's the matter with you?"
"Nothing, I'm fine." I attempted to smile but failed miserably. "Don't worry about me."
"You're lying." Yusuke stated matter-of-factly.
"I'm all right...just a little tired." I tried to move away but he held me at arms' length.
"Tell me," He urged but I kept silent. What was I supposed to say to him? I didn't know if he realized it or was pretending not to. The case was over, and of course, I was relieved but I no longer had a reason to stay in Ningenkai. My assignment was finished. But...I didn't want to leave.
I felt Yusuke's hands slip off my shoulders and I moved away from him. I produced my oar and seated myself and tried to look anywhere else but at him. "Listen, I need to get back to Reikai. Just to let Koenma-sama know that everything is all right again."
"Yeah, sure..." But the rest of his sentence trailed off.
"I'm not sure if I'm coming back." I stated and I felt this dull pain course through me when Yusuke did not say anything back.
An uncomfortable silence wrapped around us and I knew I couldn't stall anymore. Slowly I began to rise higher into the air and now, I couldn't tear my eyes away from Yusuke's. I think, it was moments like this that made me wonder if we could ever be more than just friends. We had shared nothing between us except for those warm caresses, long glances, and feverish kisses. I wondered if I would ever be as important to him as Keiko was. I couldn't stop myself from thinking about the 'what ifs.'
Finally, I looked away from Yusuke. Without a goodbye or a second glance, I soared into the clouds and headed for Reikai.
-
A week had past since the last time I had seen Botan. It was like she had never come to Ningenkai to begin with. Almost like she had vanished without a trace. So I went on with my regular routine, I'd never let her absence bother me. Wake up, get dressed, skip school, smoke, drink, go home, sleep, repeat. It wasn't the most exciting, thrilling life but it kept me distracted, left me occupied so I wouldn't have to think about her. But it only worked for the first day.
I glanced at Okaasan, who was spiraled on the couch, her eyes on the television. Clutched in her hands was the remote and I could hear the frequent flipping of the channels. I noticed, she would every so often look at the clock and then back at the screen. She was acting like I wasn't even in the room with her. And for the past three hours, we had stayed like this. Not a single word exchanged between us. I had been hoping Keiko would drop by and save me from complete boredom. But she never did. It had even come to the point that I would have been more than happy to receive a particularly hard slap from her. At least, it would have been something.
I was angry, mercilessly and deeply, with Keiko and everyone else. Even though I had dreaded this day for weeks, I at least wanted to get a little recognition for awhile. I wanted everyone to pay attention to me. But I received none, I was ignored and left by myself. And as each hour passed me by, I became more furious. This day was the only time I could do whatever the hell I wanted and get away with it. Yet no one, not even my Mother, not even Keiko, and...not even Botan tried to make this day remotely enjoyable for me. I felt my hands clench into fists as I suddenly stood up and headed towards my bedroom. It was that moment that Okaasan decided to look away from the television and at me.
"Yusuke, come here." She sat upright and patted the space next to her. I was more than reluctant but still curious. I inched towards her and sat down and stared at her expectantly. Instantly, I stiffened when her arm wrapped around my shoulders as she murmured the words I had wanted to hear all day. "Happy Birthday,"
Yes, today was my birthday. I, Yusuke Urameshi, had finally turned nineteen.
Again, I went rigged when Okaasan leaned her head against my shoulder. "You know," She began casually, "you weren't alive when you were born, Yusuke." At this comment, I groaned inwardly. Oh, I knew where this was going: the stroll down memory lane. She always did this. Every year, Okaasan would sit me down and tell me about the day I was born. It was always like a constant reminder that I should never taken anything for granted.
"Really?" My voice was dripping with sarcasm. "Well, that's very interesting. But I think I'm going to go out and do something." I tried to stand but she held me tighter, eyes narrowed dangerously.
"You're not leaving until I'm finished!" She exclaimed. Then just as quickly, the anger left her. Okaasan cleared her throat and started again. "You would not believe how scared I was. At first, I didn't know what was going on but when I found out, I broke down instantly. I felt like I was in some crazy nightmare and I was trying wake myself up. But deep down, I knew all of what was happening was real. The only thing running through my head was, my baby's going to die."
Okaasan exhaled deeply and a bright smile curved her lips. "Then suddenly, I heard this crying and I realized it was you. And hearing your crying and knowing that you were alive made me break down all over again."
"That's great, but I've heard this story eighteen times, and this makes it the nineteenth. What will make it so different...?" I trailed off when I caught the death glare she gave me. I stayed quiet then, sulking all the while. But her next words threw me off guard.
"I didn't understand the feelings I was going through," Okaasan murmured gently. "because I had never wanted you to begin with, Yusuke." I looked at her but I had nothing to say, so she continued. "I was fifteen years old. I was trying to grow up too quickly but I wasn't ready. I wasn't prepared to have a child." Her voice became shaky. "To be truthful, I really didn't know what I wanted." She sighed. "But that all changed when I saw you for the first time." A familiar, wistful look came to her eyes. "I looked at you and you looked at me and I knew then why mothers would gladly give their lives for their children.
"I think I fell in love with your eyes first. They were these big, innocent, chocolate brown eyes that I couldn't look away from. So, I reluctantly but gradually let you go and I watched you become the person you are now." She glanced at me with a frown. "Yusuke, you're impulsive, rude, arrogant, ill-tempered, and always feel the need to rebel against everything, especially authority."
"Oi!" I suddenly exclaimed, but I never got more than that out of my mouth before Okaasan interrupted me.
"But...you're kind, compassionate, honest, would courageously give your life for the ones you care for the most, and there's something else inside you, Yusuke." Okaasan smiled again. "I really don't know what it is but I do know," She leaned on me again. "someone special will bring it out and then..." But she never finished her sentence. Instead, she laughed out loud and her mood became less serious.
I watched as she covered her face with her hands, but not before I saw the first tear roll down her face. Then her hands wrapped around me, I never moved away from her like I usually did. I was doing the opposite, I hugged her back. She began to sob uncontrollably. "My baby boy...you're all grown-up. Now, I'm...I'm too old!" She laughed again but the tears came faster as she gripped at me more firmly. "I love you, Yusuke."
"Same here," I muttered and I was given the look again and sighed in defeat. "I love you, too." And I meant every word. It was one of the rare moments when she showed any physical affection towards me, and I to her. Hearing Okaasan say 'I love you' was even rarer. As for me, I couldn't even remember the last time I told her I loved her. Finally, she ceased crying and wiped away any traces of her emotional breakdown. And just like that, she was my mother again. I watched her as she stood and moved through the living room and the kitchen. I suddenly became confused as she grabbed and slipped on her coat. "Where are you going?"
She smirked mischievously. "On one of my adventurous escapades, of course! I've been in this apartment way too long and the night is calling my name."
I frowned deeply, I should have seen this coming. My mother crying her heart out was giving her an excuse not to give me a gift. But I was fine with it, though. Just as soon as her birthday rolled around I would...
"Yusuke, catch!" Out of instinct I looked up, and caught the object aimed towards me. I opened my palm to see a key. What was this for? Okaasan must have seen my look because she went on to explain. "It's yours," She stated simply and before I could throw back a smart retort she walked over to me and placed a piece of paper in my hand. "All you need to do is follow the instructions and you'll see." Okaasan grinned again and headed to the door. "Sayonara," And I heard rustle of her coat and the soft click.
I glanced back at the piece of paper and the key. Follow the directions and I would be led to something. I guess, it didn't seem too hard. I grabbed my jacket and left my home. From then on, I had this feeling of dread and excitement. I was praying whatever this thing was would be something I would enjoy. But mother was a practical joker, and the whole thing could be one of her ways of teasing me.
But I finally reached my destination. It was another apartment building and only a few blocks from mine. I climbed up the winding stairs and quickly made it to the top floor. I looked at the piece of paper in my hand and read the last direction. 'Use key to open door 7-C.' I hastily opened the door and pushed it open and only met darkness. I ran my fingers across the wall trying to find a switch but was unsuccessful. Then, I suddenly felt so angry. This had to be one of Okaasan's stupid jokes, she was just leading me around on a goose chase. Muttering, I was just about to leave when the room abruptly became very bright and shouts and yells rang in my ears.
The door slammed shut and I was reeled around to see the least likely person. "Kuwabara!?"
He was laughing hysterically and I had the sudden urge to hit him and demand what was going on. He noticed my confused look, which only made his mirth more apparent.
"See for yourself," Was the only thing he said before he moved beside me.
My eyes scanned the room now packed with people that had not been there a few seconds ago. Some of them I could recognize, some of them I didn't even know. Music was booming in another room and the distinctive aroma of food mixed with alcohol, and cigarette smoke hit me. Everything suddenly fit together and I wondered briefly why I hadn't been able to figure it out before. My mother and friends ignoring me, and their hasty and vague conversations. They had been planning my birthday party...all this time.
Kuwabara finally broke the silence between us. "In my opinion, Urameshi, I don't think you really deserved any of this."
My eyes narrowed but my lips curved into a smirk. "Well, Kuwabara, the funny thing is, I never asked about what you think. But I'll let you know when I care." With those words, I moved away from him and started into the crowd of bodies. I was submerged in a nauseating heat. It was just your typical party. Deafening music, sweaty bodies pressing, rubbing against each other. I've been to parties like these, way too many times to count. And I knew that each person who came had only one thing on their mind. To drown their worries away with alcohol, drugs, and sex.
But I did see a lot of familiar faces. I saw Shizuru on the balcony, talking quietly with Yukina. They saw me, and waved. I did the same before I continued on. I wasn't too sure, but I could have sworn I saw Hiei in one corner of the room then in another. I wasn't too positive about it though, it just could have been my imagination. I hadn't seen Keiko yet, but I knew she'd be here sooner or later. As soon as I had been around the apartment once, I felt my hopes crash. The one person I had wanted to see all day was not here.
I was just about to go and find Kuwabara again, but then I felt someone's fingers run up my neck and cover my eyes. Before I could murmur a protest, I felt those fingers slip away and I turned to meet lavender orbs. I would never admit it to anyone, sometimes not even myself, but her eyes were hypnotic. During the day, they were a dark pink and at night, a light purple.
"Hey," Botan greeted simply. She shyly glanced down at her feet then back up at me.
"Hey," I muttered back. My eyes crept downwards and I noticed two things. One, she was wearing a dress and not her usual kimono. It wasn't anything formal, just a causal thing. But still, being the perverted teenager that I am, I could see her dress was very short. The hem ended nowhere near her knees. I didn't know what it was, but there was something about girls in skirts that always caught my attention. Botan's attire was white and I remembered someone saying that white somehow stood for innocence. The material clung to her frame like no other and to top off her outfit, she had chosen a thin jacket and sandals that brought out her eyes. The other thing I noticed was that Botan's hair was down. It wasn't like I had never seen it before, but it suddenly gave me the urge to run my fingers though each strand.
In other words, she looked really...beautiful.
"Gomen nasai," Botan said abruptly. I looked back up at her in slight puzzlement. "I didn't mean to ignore you, I've been wanting to speak with you all week. But it was Atsuko-san's idea and she made me promise not to tell you. Keiko and I just took care of the rest. The decorations and things like that." With a bright smile, she opened my curled hand and placed her gift in my palm. "Happy Birthday, Yusuke."
"Arigato," I replied.
Botan had this way of affecting me without trying. When I saw her it was like the world grinded to a halt. Then miraculously, started all over again in a whirlwind of her smiles, her looks, her laughs, everything that was her. And I couldn't help but want to be apart of it. I returned her smile with my own. I was definitely going to enjoy myself tonight.
-
My heart skipped a beat when I felt Yusuke's hands creep around my waist. He placed his head in the crook of my neck and I leaned mine against his. The pounding music had faded into a slow song and we swayed along with the rhythm. He rocked me in his embrace and for some reason his hands felt fragile against me, almost like they were shaking. I took my own hand and placed it on top of his and Yusuke grasped it. He held me so close to him that I could think of nothing but this moment.
I felt his lips, pressed against my neck, curve into a smile. "Maybe...this could work." He commented.
"What?" I heard myself ask faintly. Suddenly, Yusuke veered me around to face him. His eyes were strangely dark.
I never got my answer from him because he looked away from me. I was confused for second but I followed his gaze to see that he was staring at Keiko. She had told me that she would be arriving late so I was not too surprised. Yusuke glanced back at me.
"I'll be right back." He said and let go me, making his way through the crowd.
I shivered at the loss of warmth and even though he had promised to return, I felt a little upset. I moved away from the dance floor and headed to the balcony. It was the only place that no one was socializing at. My eyes went to the stars for a while and every so often I would glance inside and see Yusuke talking happily with Keiko. I sighed, a sense of defeat filling me. I felt like I could never receive what I truly wanted.
"You look lonely,"
I turned around to see Shizuru standing behind me. I had spotted her with Yukina a while back, but I was guessing the ice maiden had gone to join Kuwa-chan. I smiled at her appreciatively as she stepped onto the balcony and took the empty chair beside me.
"I am," I whispered honestly. I didn't dare look inside to find Yusuke, I was afraid he'd still be with Keiko.
She smirked knowingly. "I saw you dancing with Yusuke, I didn't know you liked him." My smile became sheepish but it vanished from Shizuru's next comment. "I thought he was interested in Keiko."
"Not anymore," I answered too hastily. From the corner of my eye, I could see Shizuru gazing inside. A mix of fear and curiosity came to me and I turned to stare too. I felt like someone had punched me across the face. Keiko was handing him a small package which was probably her gift to him. He smiled brightly, and I noticed it was something he did so easily when he was around her. And I watched, slowly but surely as Yusuke leaned in and kissed Keiko on the cheek. She blushed deeply and I felt waves of envy wash over me. But I didn't understand why it bothered me. It was just a kiss on the cheek...nothing more. I hoped.
Shizuru was quiet for a moment, debating whether to remain silent or continue. "I thought they were still dating, I see them everywhere together." I gave her a surprised look, those words only made my mood worse. But she shrugged indifferently. Her voice filled with understanding. "Men can be very wishy-washy when it comes to women they're involved with, Botan." She smirked. "I know from too much experience."
"I've seen the way Yusuke looks at her," I said abruptly, surprising myself and Shizuru. "It's almost as if he wasn't ready to let Keiko go, if he wanted to at all. I feel...like I barged in and ruined everything."
She coughed awkwardly. "You shouldn't put so much blame on your shoulders. It doesn't help you at all, it only makes things worst." Shizuru paused for a second then continued. "At least, try and see it from Yusuke's point of view. Obviously, he sending mixed signals. But if it does not work out between you two, then be courageous and move on. It's an obstacle most women have to take on once in their life."
I still didn't feel convinced from Shizuru's words of encouragement. In the back of my mind, I still wanted what every girl dreamed of as a child. To have the perfect romance, the knight in shining armor, and a fairy tale 'happily ever after' ending. I hoped for Yusuke to be my one and only. I knew it was selfish but I didn't want anyone else, just him. Despite myself, I turned and looked inside and I felt something break inside me. He was dancing with Keiko, the same way he had with me only minutes ago. I didn't realize I was about to cry until I felt the stinging in my eyes. I glanced skywards, the burning lessened but still lingered.
I should have seen this coming. Keiko's known Yusuke all her life. They could probably finish each other's sentences and know what the other thought about every second of the day. They had a bond that was like no other, that was gradually built from friendship and love. Something I could barely scratch the surface of. Something I could never have for myself. Head bent, I turned away and concentrated on the sidewalk below. Shizuru was watching me intently.
"Do you think he still loves her?" She asked. It was the same question I asked myself everyday.
Maybe...maybe not, a voice in my head would always answer back, he loves her...he loves her not.
It was just like pulling the petals away from a beautiful flower. Taking chances on probabilities that had a great chance of not being true. And I felt suddenly foolish for thinking this way. But still, my mind was weighed with doubt. I couldn't help but worry, now more than ever. I sighed and turned my eyes to the stars. Shizuru waited patiently for me to answer.
"I don't know." I replied.
"Well, then," She began. "instead of beating around the bush, why don't you go find out. Hmm?"
I stood up slowly and turned to look at Shizuru. I nodded and she nodded back before I turned away and went inside once more. Instead of trying to search for Yusuke I just wandered around the crowds of people. The apartment seemed even more packed and I had trouble getting through. Eventually, I reached the bedroom and to my surprise, it was untouched, deserted, and dark. The only light came from the moon's rays. There was a mirror hanging on the wall and I moved closer to stare at myself. I looked for so long, trying to find something, anything. People who were always self-conscious somehow imagined flaws that were never really there. I noticed over time that I was one of those people, I was good with self-pity. I would embrace it, be submerged in it, and let it take over me.
I never heard the bedroom door open and close, and I didn't hear the footfalls that approached. But I knew who it was when I felt his arms wrap around and press me to him. I was stiff in his embrace but I don't think he noticed.
"I've been looking for you." Yusuke commented. I watched in the mirror as he brushed his lips against my neck then my cheek. His hand rose and touched my face. He shifted it to the side so that I was looking directly at him. "Where did you go?"
"I didn't know you cared, you seemed to be enjoying yourself so I didn't want to bother you." My words were harsher than I had expected.
"What's that suppose to mean?" When I didn't answer him, he turned my body to face his. "What are you talking about, Botan?" Yusuke stared at me to the point that I thought he would never look away. Then, understanding flooded his features. He pushed me gently against the wall and placed his hands on either side of me. He smirked. "You're jealous," My eyes narrowed and his smirk widened. I felt his finger slide up my arm, almost teasingly. "You can't really deny it, it's too obvious anyway." If I was not mistaken, there was some arrogance laced in his words. It only fueled my anger more.
Yusuke's hand rose to cup my cheek but I slapped it away. But he seemed the least bit phased by it. "Don't touch me," I warned.
"And what if I do?" He challenged, he was being so persistent. His hands fell to my sides and I felt his fingers entwine with mine. He raised both our arms and pressed them against the wall and I felt his frame awkwardly mold into mine. Our bodies were completely different. Yusuke was made up of lean muscle, sharp angles and ends. And I, lithe curves and slopes.
In frustration, I struggled against him and I think it made Yusuke even more determined to keep me where I was. He placed his forehead against mine and all I could see was his brooding eyes. I felt like I was drowning in them. I don't know how much time passed, but finally, he began to close the space between us and I thrashed against him anew. I finally got my arm free and began to hit my fist against the wall. I heard the mirror fall from its place and shatter once it touched the floor. But my arm was not free for long, Yusuke grasped it again.
"Why are you so jealous of her?" He asked so quietly, so suddenly that I stopped attempting to get myself away from him.
My eyes widened as I tried to say something but I was too stunned. How could Yusuke ask me that? Didn't he realize why I was so angry with him? Before I could reply the door creaked open and we both turned to see Keiko standing there. A feeling of deja vu came over me.
It was the only chance I had. As hard as I could, I shoved past Yusuke and muttered, "You figure it out." before leaving the bedroom. I didn't care anymore, I didn't want to care anymore. If Yusuke and Keiko were still in love and trying to hide it, then it was fine with me. I was just an obstacle to them, they would always end up being the perfect, meant-to-be couple. I didn't care.
But if I was all right with everything, why was I crying? I felt the first sob rack my body, then another and another. There was no place for me to go. The balcony was crowded now and the apartment was just as crammed as ever. So, I pushed my way through and left. I jogged down the long stairs and reached the sidewalk.
My hands clenched into fists and I shut my eyes and let each tear run freely. I didn't understand. Why did it hurt so badly? I should be happy or at least relieved. I wasn't in the middle of Yusuke an Keiko's off and on again relationship anymore. But I didn't feel relieved, let alone happy. I had never felt more miserable in my life. I remember Koenma-sama warning me about these kinds of situations. About how past deities had chosen to become humans because they had found love in Ningenkai. It always leads to trouble, I could hear his voice ringing in my head, that's why it is never a good thing when ferry girls fall in love. I scowled, why did he always have to be right?
"Baka," I uttered and I didn't know if I was talking to just myself, Yusuke or both of us.
So, there I stayed. Crying until I could no longer cry and wallowing in this pity of mine. About an hour had passed when I heard those almost silent footsteps approach me and I felt my anger spring up again.
"Leave me alone, Yusuke," I said tiredly. None of the rage I felt had even slipped into my words. " just turn around and go back inside."
People would never describe me as an angry person, more bubble-headed and ditzy than anything. And I never liked being angry, it always kept me very sulky. Then again, I never liked it when I was classified as perky and happy-go-lucky either. I could be just as moody as the next person. But what could I say, love can make you do the strangest of things.
"Gomen nasai," My eyes widened, that voice did not belong to Yusuke. But who...? Slowly, I turned around and came face to face with a pair of very beautiful emerald eyes obscured by crimson bangs. "I did not mean to intrude on you, Botan-san. My apologizes."
"K-Kurama-san?" I stuttered. "I-I didn't know it was y-you." I started wiping away the tear stains from my cheeks as I cleared my throat. "I should be apologizing to you." I bowed my head respectfully, anything to keep from looking at him directly.
I would never admit it to anyone, but his eyes scared me. They were chillingly haunting to say the least. Those orbs had seen things I couldn't even begin to imagine. Yet, they did something to me. They made me feel exposed, as vulnerable to his liking. No matter how much I tried to cover up, Kumara could see everything. My thoughts, my flaws, the very core of my being. Almost as if he was looking through open doors or reading pages from a book. His eyes could tear down all my defenses with a single, piercing glance. And for a brief moment I knew why women literally fell in love with him at first sight. There was something to Kurama others could not possess. He moved and spoke in ways that no one could forget. He was the true definition of mystery and allure.
Eventually, I looked back up at him. Kurama nodded and gave me a small smile before walking away. I didn't want to be left alone but I didn't want to burden him with keeping me company either. But still, I couldn't stop myself from calling his name.
"Kurama-san?"
He stopped but did not turn to face me. "Yes, Botan-san?"
"Where are you going?" I tired to keep the question as light as possible without trying to pry.
He turned then blinked. "Well," He began. "I was going to go home."
In a span of two seconds, my face turned six different shades of red. How much stupider could I get?
"Oh," I muttered. "okay. Good night."
But Kurama kept his eyes on me and stood his ground. "Do you need me to take you somewhere?" He inquired.
"What?"
"Do you need me to take you somewhere?" He repeated. "Believe me, it is no trouble, Botan-san. Just tell me where."
His invitation was tempting and I didn't feel like going back inside the apartment and bumping into Yusuke again. And, I hadn't seen Kurama in so long, I thought it would give us some time to have a good conversation and catch up.
"But before you answer my question, I have only one condition," He said.
"What would that be?"
"Let's drop the formalities. I'd like to believe that you and I know each other more than just as acquaintances, but as friends."
I smiled brightly. "Okay,"
Kurama smiled back. "Where would you like me to take you?"
"Anywhere," Was my answer.
I don't know if it was my imagination or not, but I could have sworn I saw something flash in Kurama's eyes. But it was gone before I could begin to recognize it. He nodded again before he turned and started walking. I followed closely behind and he led me a block or two away to his car, a very expensive looking, black convertible.
Before I could reach for the handle of the car, Kurama had beaten me there. He opened the door and stepped to the side, bowing slightly.
"There's no need to be so polite. If I'm not mistaken, I do recall you saying that we should drop the formalities." I told him with a grin, I was completely flattered by his manners.
He shrugged his shoulders, that same flicker coming to his eyes again. "Could you blame me, Botan?" He asked casually. "How could I not resist being so courteous to a lovely woman."
From those words, my grin vanished. I stared at him and he stared at me. I felt a familiar heat burning on my cheeks and for a second, I wondered if I should go with him. "Kurama..." Was the only thing I could murmur before I climbed into the car and seated myself.
The engine roared to life and we drove off into the night. Anticipation along with dread came to me, I hope I wouldn't regret this.
Author's Notes: Hey, everyone! I'm back and it feels good to be writing again. I'm so sorry about the delay. I have been So busy, you wouldn't believe it! But I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now that the first four chapters are out of the way, I can finally get to the good stuff! I'd like to say thanks, thank you, and thanks so much to all who have read and reviewed. I love you all. Truly, I did not know there were so many Botan/Yusuke fans. And it's great to see that I'm not alone!
Maybe some of you might be wondering where this story is going, couple wise. If I said anything right now, I'd ruin the rest of the story and you don't want me to do that! Anyway, I don't really have that much to say except: review. Let me know about what you think. Give me your suggestions, and constructive criticism. If you have questions for me, I can answer them in the upcoming chapter. Expect it around early next month at the most. Thank you again to all readers, see ya!