Closer

Chapter 6 – Dance

OOO

Kurama stood in his stepfather's office, hands in the pocket of his slacks, a congenial but forced smile upon his face. His stepfather stared back expectantly from the other side of his desk, hands clasped together upon his desk. "You understand, of course, Shuichi?"

The scarlet-haired kitsune nodded, "Of course. I'm happy to do it." A lie.

"Well," Hatanaka cleared his throat uncomfortably, "It's best for you to accept the award anyway. We wouldn't have even been nominated were it not for you!"

"I can't accept all the credit," Kurama countered. "It was because of my department-"

"Yes, yes," the human interrupted. "But as the head of your department, it's best that you-"

"I already agreed, Dad," Kurama said flatly, momentarily abandoning pleasantry. "I'll see myself out. Have a good afternoon."

He gently shut the office door as he exited, face and demeanor collected despite the fuming irritation behind the mask. The hushed gossip and whispers of his coworkers followed him down the hallway to the elevator, only briefly silenced as he rode the elevator back down to his floor before the hushed gossip recommenced the minute he crossed the threshold.

Still, his calm mask stayed in place until he entered his own office and closed the door.

Never had he been more annoyed with his stepfather and the company, and he'd never regretted choosing to work there until that moment. As he sat in his desk chair and turned it around to face the Tokyo skyline he began to go over the conversation he'd just had. The annual awards for tech companies in the Tokyo metropolis were always held after the New Year in early February, and Kurama had always managed to avoid going.

But there was no escape this year.

Kurama had led his department into further development, driving the company as a whole into the spotlight. It was a source of pride to prove that he wasn't just "the boss's kid" whose nepotism ties had landed him as head and junior partner and that he actually belonged there. But when Hatanaka had called him into his office on the top floor and told him that not only were they nominated for the first time, but that Kurama was going to be the one accepting the award, the sweet taste of victory had turned sour.

There was no doubt that they would win and Kurama was well aware that his being put on stage was mostly to put a handsome, young face as a front to the company. It showed modernity and flash. It was disappointing that his stepfather was taking advantage of Kurama being there. To add insult to injury Hatanaka wouldn't even be at the awards ceremony, he and Kurama's mother would be on vacation. He didn't blame them for taking a break, they deserved it. But anybody else in the company could accept the award on their behalf. Yet it was Kurama, or rather Shuichi, who had been chosen. It was on such short notice, no doubt a plot designed by the board to force his agreement, and with no regard for any plans the young man might have of his own.

And he had indeed had plans. He and Botan were planning to go to an onsen, and they'd both been looking forward to it.

Kurama turned his chair around and stared at his computer for a moment before his emerald gaze fell to his drawer. He opened it and withdrew the folder he'd stolen from Reikai. He flipped it open, as he'd done a dozen times before, to gaze at the picture of Botan within it. Seeing her earnest face never failed to make him smile.

He wondered what she was doing then, there was no one more he wished to vent to about his new situation. He remembered that morning she'd mentioned visiting Keiko and Yusuke, who had recently taken over Keiko's dad's ramen shop. There was a good chance she was still there.

The phone was in his hand and ringing before he'd even realized what he was doing.

"Yukimura-Urameshi Ramen Shop, whattya want?" Kurama winced slightly as Yusuke's voice came from the other end, followed by Keiko's angry voice chastising him for the poor greeting.

The kitsune considered just hanging up, but Botan's bell-like giggle in the background gave him pause.

"Er, hello, Yusuke," He finally said.

"Heeeey, Kurama!" Yusuke responded, "You never call! What's up?"

He hesitated for a moment, "Well, I'm actually calling for Botan."

"Eh-Botan?" Yusuke questioned suspiciously, "Why? How'd you know she'd be here anyway?"

Kurama opened his mouth to explain but there was a struggle on the other end followed by Botan's breathless voice, "Hi, I'm here, Kurama!"

He chuckled a bit and couldn't help the stupid grin that stretched across his face. "Hey, Botan," he said before going into his account of what had transpired. It was a loathsome task having to cancel their onsen plans, and he could practically see the emotions she would was going through with each of her responses.

"Oh…" Disappointment that they would have to cancel their trip.

"OH!" Realization and excitement; even Kurama had to admit this as a sign of trust from his stepfather.

"Oh…" More realization, she knew Kurama didn't want anything to do with it. "Are you angry?"

He was, to an extent. "I suppose…but more so annoyed by the whole thing. He made it clear it was mandatory, yet tried to play it off as though I had a choice."

"Well, that's crap," she muttered.

"To say the least," he agreed. "With that said, I will have to buy a new suit. Since the event is in two days I'll have to go today after work…would you come with me?"

"Of course, I'd be happy to help you find a new suit!"

"Thank you," he paused a moment, "I'll buy you a dress as well."

"What? Why?"

"Because you're coming with me…aren't you?"

There was silence on the other end and Kurama bit back his laughter. He was sure her face was red and she was wearing a confused, concerned expression as she tried to process his words. A snicker escaped him and her voice stammered back, demanding to know if he was serious. After assuring her it wasn't a joke she finally agreed to meet him that evening at a particular shop.

The end of the work day couldn't come soon enough.

OOO

Botan stood waiting for Kurama at their agreed meeting point flanked by both Yusuke and Keiko. Botan's brows were knit with guilt and sympathy, her eyes pleaded in silent apology as Kurama approached them.

"Heya, Fox Boy," Yusuke greeted. "I heard you were suit shopping and seeing as how Keiko and I'll be getting married soon, I figured now's as good a time as any to find mine too!"

The kitsune sighed inwardly but smiled, "The more the merrier."

The four of them were packed into the suit shop a few moments later. While Keiko and Yusuke were busy discussing tuxedo options with the tailor Botan and Kurama had a few moments alone. Botan walked along the wall with the pre-made suit jackets, running her hand over a few different ones in thought.

"What color were you thinking of wearing?" She asked quietly.

Kurama leaned in close, keeping a watchful eye out for Yusuke who was clearly growing suspicious. "I'm not sure," he stood behind her and lowered his eyes to the small part of her neck that was exposed between her scarf and ponytail. He fought the urge to run his fingers against it, knowing how soft and warm it would feel. "What are your thoughts?"

"Hm," she bit her bottom lip, "I'm kind of thinking black…it's classic without being too flashy. What do you think?" She turned her head to find him standing closer than before, he watched her cheeks tinge pink.

"Sorry," he said and stepped back, unsure of why he'd felt the need to be in such close proximity. He felt his own cheeks warm and turned his attention toward the black jacket in her hand. "I like this one."

She nodded mutely and placed it against his chest to examine. "This should work well," she stated. "A white shirt with a black vest and a dark maroon tie will work splendidly with this jacket. Slim fit would be nice, right?" She looked up at him expectantly.

"Sounds good," he agreed. She handed him the jacket and he caught her wrist gently in his other hand. He placed a card in the palm of her hand and closed her fingers around it, "For your dress."

She shook her head and whispered, "You don't have to do that. I can pay for it myself!" She tried to return the card but he refused.

"It's short notice," he insisted. "It's the least I can do."

She blew a raspberry but sighed in defeat, "Okay. Thank you."

Keiko came around the corner and called out to Botan, "Are you ready? Yusuke is being fitted so we can go look at dresses!"

Botan nodded and waved goodbye to Kurama before following the brunette out of the shop. Kurama moved to the back to give Yusuke some company as the tailor busied himself with measurements around the black-haired Mazoku. Kurama was pleasantly surprised Yusuke didn't have a myriad of questions for him and their conversation was fairly normal. They discussed the takeover of Keiko's father's restaurant, plans for their wedding, and Kurama's upcoming awards show, amongst other things that were safe to discuss around the tailor.

When it came for Kurama's turn to be fitted Yusuke waited for the tailor to begin pinning and measuring before beginning on his real line of questions.

"Okay," he started, "now that you can't move and run away from me…what's going on between you and Botan?"

Kurama chuckled, "I knew this was coming. The answer is nothing."

"Bullshiiiiit," Yusuke groaned. "I know you two have been spending a lot of time together. Her smell…her perfume scent is all over ya." His brown eyes shifted to the tailor, who thankfully did not seem to be listening.

Of course, Yusuke's sense of smell had increased since becoming a Mazoku, and Kurama wasn't shocked that his friend had picked up on it. There was no hiding the trace of their scents intertwining, even if it was innocent enough.

"We've been spending more time together," Kurama relented. "We both have more free time than everyone else. You and Keiko have the shop, plus your ramen cart and the temple. When Yukina isn't helping at the temple she's with Shizuru and Kuwabara, who both work and go to school. Koenma is…well, one never knows exactly what Koenma is up to. Regardless, he's continually out of pocket."

Yusuke pursed his lips in thought, "Yeah…I guess that checks out."

"What did you think was going on between us?"

Yusuke glanced at the tailor and only when his back was turned did Yusuke raise his hands and gesture a finger through a hole of his other hand. Kurama's eyes narrowed but he shook his head. "It isn't like that."

Yusuke clicked his tongue impatiently, "So nothin' at all?"

"You realize that Botan and I have been alone before, right?" Kurama questioned, raising a single brow.

"Well, yeah," Yusuke agreed. "I guess Kuwabara was wrong, then."

Yusuke's tone was bait, Kurama realized. He wanted to bite, but the tailor finished his measurements and released Kurama. While at the checkout the kitsune paid for Yusuke's tuxedo, stating it was an early wedding present. Yusuke begrudgingly accepted and while the tailor went to the back to box up Kurama's newly purchased tie and vest, he turned to Kurama.

"I know you did that to make me tell you what Kuwabara said." He seethed.

Kurama chuckled, "Nothing of the sort. I don't care what he said."

"Oh yeah? Well, then I won't tell you."

We'll see. "That's fine."

A few moments later they exited the shop and began making their way down the street. On their way to meet the girls Kurama stopped in front of a jewelry store, his eye having caught something sparkling in the window. Yusuke followed him inside and silently watched as Kurama easily purchased a piece of jewelry.

"Who's that for?" He asked.

"For Botan," Kurama replied. Yusuke's brows disappeared into the bangs of his shaggy hair.

"You are doin' her!" Yusuke's laugh was cut off by the sudden cold, glare Kurama gave him. "Calm down, calm down, it's a joke."

Kurama closed his eyes and sighed, "It's really not like that. You're reading into it too much. She's doing me a favor and I wish to repay her."

The two continued their walk in silence. Yusuke seemed to know when to take a hint and knew better than to annoy Kurama past his limit. When they came to the dress shop and saw that the girls were in the check-out line, they remained outside.

"I wasn't gonna tell you," Yusuke started before the girls could make their way out of the store, "But Kuwabara swears you and Botan are in love."

Kurama frowned slightly, "Incorrect. But even if I were to admit to desiring her…she deserves more than what I could give."

"What do you mean?" Yusuke asked, staring pointedly at Kurama whose eyes were glued on Botan just beyond the glass window.

"Botan loves with her whole heart," he said softly. "She deserves to be with someone who can love her the same way, who can give her what she needs…and I'm not capable of that." He finally met Yusuke's eyes with his own, unsurprised to find the deepest concern and an unspoken question as to why. "I can feel familial love, even Youko could have that. But anything close to romantic love or anything outside of lust isn't possible."

"That's…" Yusuke started, unable to find the words.

"Fucked up?" Kurama finished with a mirthless smirk.

"I was going to say that it's bullshit." Yusuke's words surprised the kitsune. "How can you say that with so much certainty if you haven't even tried?"

The kitsune didn't reply, but Yusuke continued. "And what are you gonna do when she winds up with someone else? You can't hang on to her forever."

The question hung in the air unanswered. And soon Botan and Keiko rejoined them.

"All done!" Keiko said excitedly, "Botan found her dress and then we made an appointment to try on bridal gowns next week!" The guys greeted the girls with smiles and encouraging words before they all decided to eat out somewhere.

Botan took note of Kurama's frown and silence. She nudged him gently and asked him if everything was alright.

Kurama nodded in response, "Just the usual talk." He tried to assure her but could see concern and suspicion in her eyes, yet she didn't prod further. They'd grown close enough that he could tell she'd question him about it again later. He appreciated her situational awareness.

But when Botan asked him and he shut her down later that night, she didn't insist as she might have usually done. "I can see you're upset about something," she said as they were in the hallway about to head off to their rooms for bed.

"Yes," he said flatly.

"But you don't want to talk about it?" Her voice was soft and though he wasn't looking at her, he could picture her saddened expression. She waited a beat before stepping closer and grasping his hand gently, "We don't have to talk about it. But I'm here should you want to."

He turned toward her and surveyed her sweet face before dropping his eyes to their joint hands. He squeezed her hand and brought it to his lips to kiss her knuckles gently.

"Thank you, Botan," his voice was strained. She began to pull away but she held fast, "Sleep with me tonight." He winced at the pathetic sound of his voice, expecting her to deny him as she had done the past month and a half since Christmas. They hadn't spoken about the mistletoe event but not for a lack of trying on her part.

She was kind enough not to use the closeness as a bartering tool for answers, she never had yet he always expected her to. Even when she denied sharing a bed she never tried to wiggle out an explanation from him. It would be easy for her to do so, but he knew she was much too caring for that.

"Okay," she finally whispered. "Let me just change and brush my teeth real quick." He nodded and let her go.

He was already in his pajama pants, teeth brushed and face washed, and was seated on the edge of his bed when she entered his room. She paused at the door, waiting for him to welcome her. He raised his hand to beckon her into bed. They sat on the edge of his bed holding hands for a few minutes.

Kurama rested his forehead against hers, listened to the rapid fluttering of her heart, and smiled. Botan always go nervous when they were close like this. The tension was rife and the temptation to pull her and kiss her was strong. The conversation with Yusuke still hung over Kurama like a shroud. He could kiss her, take her, make her his…but he could never be hers. Not entirely. Not how she deserved.

"Kurama," her sweet voice broke through his thoughts. She wrapped her arms around him in an embrace and she pulled him down with her to lie in the bed.

Warm relief filled him and he pulled her close as they nestled together beneath the covers. There was a sense of sadness there, he could feel it. He wanted to find the words to tell her it would be okay.

But she found them first, "Whatever is going on…it'll be okay. I'm here."

"…Thank you, Botan."

OOO

Botan and Kurama stepped off of the elevator together and were welcomed by the sound of a quartet playing somewhere in the distance. The deity's eyes opened wide in awe at the western architecture of the building but they didn't stop to admire as they were guided by a young man wearing a sharp suit towards the coat check-in. Kurama helped the deity ease off her black faux-fur coat, revealing the floor-length, off-shoulder, black velvet gown she wore.

He'd liked it the first time she'd shown it to him. The neckline dipped low between the valley of her breasts, giving an enticing view of her shapely cleavage, and the mermaid-style dress hugged her curves in the best of ways. Her blue hair was swooped up into an elegant French twist and her bangs framed her face as usual. She was the picture of grace.

A few attendees from another company walked by after checking in their own coats, the men gaped at the deity in admiration. Kurama couldn't help but feel a swell of both pride and jealousy as they stared, and he wrapped his arm around her waist as they moved forward in the queue. It wasn't unexpected that Botan could draw attention with her ethereal beauty and ever-youthful face

As they stepped up to the counter and handed over their coats Kurama pulled her close to whisper lowly in her ear, "It's probably best that you only refer to me as Shuichi while we're here." She turned her face towards him, leaving an invisible white-hot burn when her cheek brushed his. He frowned ever so lightly at the touch and stifled the urge to bring her near for more.

She gave him thumbs-up and a determined grin in acknowledgment of his request, blissfully ignorant of his suffering. Her positivity made him smile and momentarily forgot his struggle. The coat checker returned and handed them their tickets and they continued down the main hall but Botan pulled Kurama down another corridor, just out of the eye of the main entryway.

"Hang on," she muttered and turned him so they were face to face. She handed him her small black clutch to hold and moved her hands up his chest to adjust his collar and tie. Her brows were furrowed together in concentration as she went to work.

Kurama took the opportunity to rake his eyes over the visage before him. His emerald eyes traveled down her long neck, over her collarbone, and downwards…but he tore his eyes away almost immediately, deciding openly staring at her chest was far too dastardly. Thankfully a shimmer from her wrist caught his eye.

The sleeves of her dress were long, with a whisper of maroon lace at the very end. It was dark, much like his tie, but did little to hide the glittering of the diamond platinum, multi-linked bracelet he'd given her. Even in the dull, warm light, it glittered brightly. She'd gasped at the sight of it and tried to refuse it, and though it was a lie, he insisted and assured her it hadn't been expensive. It was only then that she'd accepted.

Finally, the deity dropped her hands and took a step back to admire her handiwork. She smiled in triumph, "Bingo! The collar needed some adjusting. You're all set now."

Kurama thanked her and handed her back the clutch, which she reached into and pulled out a few hand-written notecards. She placed them in his hands, "Here."

He turned the cards over and read the words of his speech, which he'd recited to her the day before. "My speech?" He raised a brow in question, "You know that I already have this memorized."

She snatched the cards from him and opened his suit jacket to tuck them into the interior pocket. "Obviously," she huffed and patted his chest. "But normal humans typically have notes written. You said you didn't want to call more attention to yourself than usual. So, there."

He laughed and shook his head, "Thank you, Botan."

"You got it!"

OOO

The evening went splendidly; Kurama and Botan were seated at a table shared with only his department for which he was grateful. He watched Botan in veneration, she was a marvel. The way she charmed everyone and bathed the room in the warm sunlight of her smile could cure even the gloomiest of souls, it was no wonder she was the head ferry girl.

Since the day he'd invited her, she kept asking him if he was certain it was the right choice. "I just don't want to make a bad impression and embarrass you," she'd confessed that morning. He assured her that she'd do well and did his best to calm her nerves. She had also expressed worry about her physical appearance.

While Kurama was in his early twenties, Botan still looked like a teenager. It wasn't something he'd even thought of, but even then he wasn't worried. Still, she did her best to appear more mature. The way she'd styled her hair and had done her makeup, even the dress she chose gave an air of maturity and sophistication.

He couldn't think of anyone better suited to be at his side.

Instinctively, he reached for her hand under the table. She was listening to a story one of his coworkers was telling and didn't look away but squeezed Kurama's hand in acknowledgment. Later that evening when the awards were announced and Hatanaka Corp was declared the winner for their particular award, Kurama and Botan stood together. She clapped for him excitedly and he kissed her on the cheek swiftly before taking his place on stage to bow and humbly accept the glass trophy. While he pretended to read the speech from his cards he would glance up occasionally to find her beaming at him.

It was a relief to descend from the stage following photos and return to her side. He leaned down to kiss her cheek again, knowing well that the cameras would capture the moment. Kurama was not afraid to admit he was enjoying putting forth the image of a powerful couple.

Kurama made his rounds about the room once the entire awards ceremony had ended with Botan on his arm. The term "arm candy" came to his mind and he expressed that to Botan.

"I don't mean to drag you around like a trophy or a shiny bauble," he whispered to her. "I am trying to network and make some connections, however, so if you'd rather stay at the table that is perfectly fine."

Botan raised her fist, shaking slightly in anticipation with a gleam of excited determination in her eye. "Heck no," she said softly, "I want to help! Use me!"

Kurama bit back a laugh at how easily her words could be misconstrued, but her reddened face when it hit her made him snicker and laugh aloud. She punched his leg out of sight of everyone else. "I'm gonna kill you!" she hissed, earning another series of sniggers. Eventually, she was able to laugh it off and then let him lead the way to his first target.

Again, she charmed everyone they met earning multiple invites for golfing and lunch dates and simultaneously paving the way for deals that Kurama would ace. When they finally made it to the dance floor with multiple business cards in his pockets, he swore he would never again attend any event without her.

The pair glided across the dance floor as one and finally had some quiet time with the swell of Tchaikovsky.

"You'll have to tell Koenma you have a new role as my pretend girlfriend," Kurama said. She snorted.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

He chuckled, "I could never have these connections without you." She rolled her eyes in response but he noted her lips turn up in quiet pride. "You enchanted everyone we met with wit and grace. And now you're gliding across the dance floor like an ethereal being."

Her face went red and she looked away but he continued, "I can't stress enough how grateful I am for you being here. Regardless of everyone and everything else, your being here has brought me…much comfort. I wouldn't be here at all if it weren't for you."

Their eyes met, her roseate gaze reaching a part of his psyche that he'd never opened to another person before. She placed her hand upon his cheek and smiled warmly as he leaned into her palm. No words passed between them and the crowd around them seemed to dissipate in the moment, leaving only them and the Sugar Plum Pas de Deux.

The music came to an end, breaking the spell and leaving them both blushing and laughing sheepishly. Nobody seemed to have witnessed their encounter and they decided it was a good time to make their departure. They bid goodbye to those at their table, checked out their coats and before either of them could really register it, they were back at his apartment sitting on his couch and enjoying glasses of wine.

They listened to the quiet of the night, enjoying the silence.

The evening had gone far better than Kurama could have anticipated. He gazed at Botan who sat so gracefully before him, still in her dress, hair down and makeup somewhat of a mess, and still the picture of perfection. He wanted the night to stretch on forever. This feeling of closeness he felt with her was strange but comforting.

Silently, he rose and strode over to his records, pulling out his target and playing it.

Botan stared at him curiously as he walked towards her and gently took the glass from her hand before pulling her to her feet. He drew her in close and the sound of the pas de deux they'd danced to earlier began to play over the stereo. She chuckled sheepishly but cuddled in close to his chest as they swayed to the music.

"This was magical," she mumbled into his shirt in such a small voice that had he not been part youkai it would have been missed. He smiled and rested his chin on top of her head.

"It was," he hummed. "Can I tell you something?"

"Of course."

He hesitated, struggling to release the words that did not come easily to him. "I…have never felt so close to someone before," he confessed. "I'm plagued with the feeling that my soul is going to rip open and pour all of the contents on the floor before you like a tipped glass. And it's terrifying."

"I…I feel the same way," she replied. "It's a weird, scary feeling. But…I'm not afraid. When I say I am here to listen…I mean it."

He sighed in relief, "It won't happen overnight…but I want to share it all with you. And I, of course, am always here for you as well."

Botan's arms snaked around his waist in an embrace and he found himself holding her close too. He wasn't sure what this meant, though his mind turned to Yusuke's words before he hadn't even tried to allow himself the chance to express romantic love. It was true. But it was also true that it wasn't in Kurama's nature.

Whatever was happening between them, the kitsune decided to accept it for as long as he could. Ultimately, however, he knew the time would come when he would have to turn her away.

OOO

A/N: Sorry for the delay! Thank you everyone for following, I hope you all enjoy.

As of now Fons et Origo is on hiatus. This fic is going in a different direction than what I'd originally intended and it has changed FeO quite a bit. I'll be rewriting FeO once I've completed this one. Thanks again for your patience and reviews!