AN: Glad that people liked this story so far. The name changed slightly from Courting Dance to Courtship Dance. Not much of a difference. Also, the writing style will change from now on. It will be from a different person's point of view each chapter.

Thank you the reviewers.

Pen Against Sword – I would love a beta! Thanks for offering. Can you e-mail me at ? And while you're at it, can you tell me what a beta does? Please forgive my ignorance, but I never had one before.

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Botan (and Kurama) to Hiei

"Onna, I want to start courting you," you said.

I was confused. Courting? I didn't know what you meant by that.

"N-Nani?" I said confused. I didn't know what to think.

"I want to start courting you. Give me your reply later. I want you to think about it."

And then you left. What did you mean by courting?

"Courting."

The word sounded strange in my mouth. I'd never been courted before. Now you come along. Asking to court me. It's strange, don't you think? You, Hiei, high ranking demon wants to court me. Me, a ferry girl of Renkai. Why do you want to court me? What is courting? How is it done with demons?

"Courting," I said again. This time, it didn't sound so strange.

To get my answers, I would have to talk to your best friend. He would know more about it. Yukina wouldn't be able to answer all of my questions since she reproduces asexually. Kurama would know. I couldn't ask you. You left too quickly before I could even gather my thoughts. And I don't know how to answer you.

Would I have said yes because I was afraid that you'd kill me if I'd say no? Or would have I said no because the probability of you considering to court me was so unlikely that I would have said no automatically? I still don't know what to say to you. Now you left me here, standing outside alone. You left me standing here, not knowing how much time is going by because I'm still stuck in that moment.

That one sentence replays in my mind over and over again.

"I want to start courting you."

You didn't even ask me if I wanted to be courted! You just decided out of the blue that you want to court me. At least you gave me a choice. So I guess that could count as asking. You worry me. Before, you terrified me. Now you worry me. You put me in a position that I don't know what to do. Worst, I don't know what kind of reaction you would have with my answer. If I ever get one.

Looking at the trees surrounding the temple one more time, I started to walk back to the temple. Back inside, Keiko and Yusuke started to leave. You weren't there. I didn't think that you'd still be here anyways. Kuwabara would stay with Yukina until Genkai came back. He didn't want Yukina to be lonely.

"Bye Keiko-chan," I hugged Keiko tightly. She did the same.

"Bye Botan. I'll see you tomorrow, ne?" she asked with such hope in her eyes. I couldn't say no. Even though I wanted too.

"Hai. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good. Come on Yusuke. You promised my otou-san that you would help in the restaurant," she dragged Yusuke by the ears.

"I am still getting paid, ne?" Yusuke asked as he followed her down the stairs.

I heard Keiko say Hai before I couldn't hear anymore from them. I watched them go all the way down the stairs while waiting for Kurama. I wonder what he is doing to not come out yet. He said that he was leaving.

"What are you looking at that has gotten your interest so?" Speaking of the devil.

I turned around and there he was, smiling. He's eyes were lit up in amusement and a little of something else. I think he's laughing at me. A tint of a blush forms on my cheeks.

"Nothing. I was just waiting for you."

That something in his eyes sort of intensified. I think that it was curiosity. He always was such a curious person.

"And to what do I owe this pleasure of you waiting patiently for me. Dare I say that you want to join my fan club and walk me home?"

I laughed. Kurama was such a flirt.

"Sadly no. I actually have something to ask you. Are you busy right now?"

"No, I'm not. I'm at your service," his smile was polite.

"Well… you see…" I fidgeted a little. "What do demons do when they court?"

Kurama blinked. "Excuse me?"

"What do demons do when they court?" I repeated. That blush is going a little deeper. "You know, like courtship."

Kurama raised one of his eyebrows. "May I ask why you want to know?"

I turned around so he wouldn't see my very red face. "Um… Well, Hiei kind of asked me if he could court me," I muttered the last part.

Kurama must have heard anyway because his next reply was so abrupt. "What?!"

And kind of loud too. Unusual for him. When I turned around to face him, something flashed in his green eyes before he closed them. An expression that was almost thoughtful was on his face. But it was really something that I couldn't decipher.

"Kurama, are you okay?"

"When did he ask you this?" he asked, ignoring my question. His eyes were open and very serious.

I was a bit surprised, but answered anyway. "Before he left."

"And what did you say?"

"What did I say? You mean as a reply?"

"Yes. Botan, this is very important." His face and voice grave.

"I didn't get the chance to answer back. And he said that he wanted me to think about it first."

"Good, at least he gave you time," he half muttered to himself.

"Kurama is there something wrong?" now I was really confused.

"Botan, courting is a very serious thing among demons. Like humans, the end result of courting can led to marriage. Or with demons, mating," he said.

"And mating between demons is a life time bond," I finished for him. It didn't really occur to me that I might actually be mated to you. The idea intrigued me and terrified me at the same time. I shivered.

"Do you know that there are two ways that a demon can mark another demon?" he asked.

I shook my head.

"One way is more temporary. The scent stays on the two demons for a brief period of time. It marks that the two are together. Like mating, it shows that other demons cannot touch them."

"But why have a temporary fling?"

Kurama coughed a little. "It is there for when demons do not want to permanently mate. Usually the reason is for bearing children without attachments. So naturally the method for this type of mating is by bedding each other."

"Oh," naughty thoughts formed in my head. I blushed at them. "So you mean sex," I blurted out. I blushed harder. I couldn't believe that I just said that out loud.

"Well, yes. That's one way of putting it. And of course you know the other way, a bite between the left shoulder and neck that forms a permanent mark."

I nodded my head to indicate that I knew.

"And you don't know about courting among demons, correct?"

I nodded my head again.

"As you know, most demons don't want feelings such as love. But those who do want mates may undergo courting to see if they would be a compatible pair. This is not a common thing. Most who do mate, and end up not liking their mate, would kill them."

My eyes widen. Would you kill me?

"But those who do court take it very seriously. They are putting their pride and feelings on the line. Traditionally, the first week is the most fragile. Courting could be broken easily during the first week because the bond or relationship between the two isn't strong yet. Like ningen courting, the two talk, to get to know each other. On the second week, gifts may be exchanged. The third week, those who belong in clans may introduce the one they are courting to the clans. It tells the clans, they are seriously thinking of considering having permanent mates," Kurama informed me.

"How long does courting take?"

"Since demons aren't normally fond of emotions, so it could take anywhere from one to two weeks or months. It also varies on the type of demon. Animal demons, such as myself, could take about two weeks. Elemental demons like Hiei, may possibly be a little longer. It also depends on the two courting each other. There are many variables to courting that you'd have to consider," Kurama said.

"Talking, gift giving, and meet the family. Got it."

"There's more. Demons who are courting spend a lot of time together," Kurama said.

I frowned. "How much time?"

"Mostly everyday during courting. Touching may also be an essential part when the two become close. It shows that they care for each other."

"Touching?" I squeaked.

"Somewhere along the lines of holding hands or more," Kurama said. Some amusement was in his voice and eyes.

"I see. So that means that I left to stay in the Ningen world, ne?" I said thoughtfully.

"Yes. It is important that the two stay close together or at least know where the other is going to be." Kurama paused. Then he added quietly, "Does that mean that you are going to agree to his proposal?"

I thought about for a moment. "I guess I will. But what happens if the two courting doesn't end in mating?"

"Either the two kill each other," I paled at that. "Or they don't see each other anymore. Literally."

"How nice," I muttered.

"We're all not that bad Botan," Kurama said with a warm smile. "I'm sure that you know a demon that's well mannered and pleasant to be around."

I laughed again. "I don't know. Most demons that I know are rude and have bigger egos than Renkai has spirits. Yukina is an exception of course."

"Of course," Kurama smiled again. I couldn't help but notice that there was some sadness there as well.

But before I could question him on it, Genkai finally came back.

"Gankai! Hi! I have a favor to ask," I told her as she came up the stairs. I didn't notice Kurama leave.

I've never been in love. Maybe I'll fall in love with you. I just hope that I won't regret my decision. And I won't have to go through all the pain for nothing.