Chapter 3: Shopping! Part 1
Botan's fingers were tightly squeezed around Kurama's wrist as they entered the first dress-shop in the mall. The shop was filled with dresses of all types. From frilly-pretty dresses to sleek seductive dresses. Instantly, Kurama's face ran blue with fear.
"I can't believe you're forcing me against my will like this!" He complained, hoping to win Botan over onto his side, "Don't you think this whole plan is a bit odd?"
Despite his effort, Botan just squealed, "There are the China dresses!" She hummed some hyper-remix tune as she escorted Kurama to the aisle.
Kurama sighed for the tenth time, wishing there was another option.
There's not, is there?
"Ooo!" Botan released his wrist with a squeal, "What a gorgeous dress!"
As soon as he approached, a red dress with gold, green and purple designs was thrown into his view. He pinched the satin fabric, "Botan—"
"Let's get it! Ahh! Lookit the pink one with peach and white flowers! I'll go get it! Hold this!" The hyper, blue-haired girl pushed the ankle-length dress into Kurama's arms. He looked down at the expensive garb. A second later, pink flashed over his head—Botan was victoriously waving the pink dress now.
"Look how it cuts gracefully above the knee!" She cheered, making Kurama's stomach knot.
"And how, may I ask, are we going to pay for these expensive dresses? We already have to pay for that house—"
"Kurama, life's expensive… I'm sure you've got the money." She was right, he did.
Guess that plot didn't work… He murmured.
A woman that worked at the store approached them and sweetly yet professionally asked, "May I help you with anything?"
Botan nodded and pointed at Kurama, "We're looking for something cute that'll fit him. Chinese dresses in particular."
The woman flushed lightly as she caught Kurama's gaze. He wanted to laugh and shake his head, but knew even that action would prove useless.
"Uhh, right. What are your sizes?" She asked and Kurama was quiet. "Better yet, what do you like here in our store, uhh, S-sir?"
Kurama sighed and felt Botan nudge his left ribs with her right elbow. "Chinese dresses, miss." He answered with a "help me" expression.
The woman nodded, "I know, but is that all you like?"
"For now, yes." Kurama crossed his arms. Botan jumped with glee.
"Right this way, please."
"Blue isn't really your color, is it?" The employee implied, leading them past the China dress aisle.
Kurama shrugged and Botan answered, "Reds, pinks, greens, and maybe even whites."
The woman nodded and led them to a rack of top-dollar dresses, "green," She held up a long, emerald-green dress with gold and light green designs, light green rimming and rips to the thighs (just like the long red dress he was holding).
"White," The employee held up another dress, but it didn't suit Kurama the least bit. Botan examined more dresses. In the end she picked two more, a purple and a black.
"Now to the next clothes store! Then the jewelry store! And then the shoe store!" Botan yipped and swooned, "Ahh, shoes!"
Kurama wore a sweatdrop…
The jewelry store was quite empty of customers, which made Kurama feel better—compared to the ever-watchful eyes at the last clothes shop. How embarrassing… I felt so… Intruding…
"The gold necklace with the rubies, emeralds and diamond stones, please." He heard Botan say and then the store employee return, "Alright."
"Kurama! This is it! Definitely this one!" She held up the necklace that caught her attention, "Go ahead, try it on!"
"Why are we even shopping here?" Kurama asked.
What is the point of buying jewelry?
"Ever girl has jewelry!" Botan said matter-of-factly, "They show memories, sentiment, romance!" She closed her eyes with her cheeks cradled in her palms.
"So?"
"So try it on!" She forced it into his hands.
"Please be careful with that!" The salesman choked.
She's having fun with this, Kurama thought as he gently brought the necklace to his collarbone, I know she is…
The man at the desk gulped, "Ex-excuse me, miss, sir, that is a necklace designed for women… Are you sure you?…" He trailed off after Botan winked at him and replied, "We know what we're doing mister, but thanks."
She turned to look at Kurama and squealed, "It looks perfect on you! Okay! Now for some nice gold earrings, bracelets, shoes…"
Kurama sighed, why me?
TBC Tsuzuku
YYH does not belong to me!