Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho!

Chapter 9: He's Your What!
Kurama's POV

"Ahhhh!" I heard a scream from across the hall, and instantly I recognized that it was Botan. I immediately ran out and entered the guest room that Botan is currently residing in. The moment I opened the door, I was meet with Botan's terror filled orbs. I noticed that her eyes lost its soft pick color; it is now a duller shade of pink. Her right hand was clutching the front fabric of her shirt, where her heart is located, and her bangs were glued to her face, soaking with sweat. She was inhaling large gulps of air with every breath she takes. "Botan, are you all right?" I had asked with concern laced in my voice. Botan opened her mouth as if ready to speak, but she decided to close it and slowly nodded toward me. I heard a stampede of footsteps down the hall and knew that the whole gang must have been alerted by Botan's scream. The next instant, the entire gang burst through the door, yelling, "Botan!"

We had all moved to the dinning area, and Botan had sat down on the couch, holding a cup of warm tea with both her hands. She stared at the cup, never glancing toward anyone. She inhaled deeply while closing her eyes and exhaled as she open them again.

"I guess you guys want to know who attacked me." The room was silently waiting for Botan to continue. "But first, have you all looked over the files on the new mission?"

Botan looked up for a minute and everyone, except the girls, nodded.

"Then, hopefully you realized that those victims suffered the same fate as my parents."

"Urg! Who can forget? Those pictures were disgusting," exclaimed Kuwabara.

"Well, the person who killed my parents was also the one responsible for my death and those innocent lives of the past two weeks." Botan took a sip of the warm tea, and sighed.

"Two hundred and thirty seven years ago, before I died, that guy's name was Daisuke...my nii-san." Botan paused for a moment, allowing for the information to sink in.

Keiko gasped; Shizuru held her cigarette above her mouth and just stared at Botan. Yukina lifted her hand in front of her mouth and uttered, "Oh my." Both Yusuke and Kuwabara shot up, kneeling with the left knee, while their right foot is on the ground as if ready to stand up any minute. Both their hands were on the table, leaning in closer with eyes wide open and shouted, "What!" For the first time, Hiei's unemotional façade slipped, displaying a hint of surprise with his eyes slightly wider than usual. My eyes widened a fraction; I was speechless. I felt chocked as if there was an enormous boulder, weighing my heart down. I really wanted to say something, to do something, to console her, but I didn't know what I can do. However, something sparked in my mind. 'Something just doesn't seem to add up.'

My expression shifted back to neutral, and I spoke, "Botan, but the identification on the file read Kuraki, not Daisuke."

"Like I had said, Daisuke was his name before he killed me, so he must have changed his name, but he is definitely the same person." Her grip tightened on the cup of tea, and her tone was laced with hatred as she said, "I can never forget his face."

"There is something I do not understand though. If he was your brother, then should he not be human? Yet, when we confronted him, Hiei was certain that he was neither human nor demon. How is that possible?"

Botan slightly relaxed her grip, and her tone became normal. "Sorry, I'm not sure myself, but I am sure that he was human once. I don't know how he lived through all these years, but I know that he must be stopped." Botan took another sip of tea. "You guys can think about it before you accept this mission." She set the cup on the table. "Excuse me, I need some fresh air." Botan stood up, headed toward the front porch, and sat down.

'Should I approach her or…?' Before I could decide, I heard Yusuke breath a sigh, stood straight up, and walked over to the porch.

Botan's POV

I was sitting on the porch, subconsciously gazing at the crescent moon and starless night, trying to calm my thoughts. I heard footsteps coming my way, but I didn't turn around.

"Botan, can I sit?" I heard Yusuke's voice asked. I nodded without looking at him. Now I felt bad about our argument earlier because I knew he cares about me, but it pained me that he would yell at me without thinking. Then again, that is the Yusuke I know, and care about. I don't want us to feel awkward around each other. 'Okay, be brave Botan!' I turned toward Yusuke with a sincere smile, forming on my lips. "It's so peaceful at night, right Yusuke?"

Yusuke turned his gaze away from me, and look toward the ground, "I'm sorry Botan. It's my fault you got hurt." Although he turned away, I could tell that he's frowning.

"Yusuke?" I was met with silence. I sighed and gently placed my hands on both of his shoulders. "Yusuke, look at me." Yusuke slowly turned his gaze, and I was met with sad, guilty eyes. My heart sank; I never meant to hurt my friends. I need to make things better. I put on a gentle, caring tone, and said, "Yusuke, it's not your fault. You never wished for any of this to happen. You save me, didn't you? I should be the one who's sorry for being so harsh with you earlier. You are, after all, my best friend." I had finished with a warm smile to reassure him.

"Twice Botan." I had heard him whisper. " Twice, I had made you run off, and almost got killed!" Yusuke had nearly yelled, clinching his fist, "It's all my fault!" He punched the wooden floored pouch, nearly shattering it.

Yusuke had sat back, letting his arms fall limply on his sides with his head tilted down, bangs covering his eyes, and he sighed, "You're right Botan, I don't even know you that well. You trusted me, but all I did was hurt you. I don't deserve to be your best friend. I don't even deserve to be your friend."

My eyes grew huge and pleading with big teardrops, hanging from the edge ready to fall, and my voice cracked, "(sniff, sniff)…Does that mean you hate me?" Yusuke looked up toward me, and was shocked, leaning back with wide eyes and mouth moving up and down like a fish. "Wait! N-no, d-don't cry! T-that's n-not! B-but..but..."

"(Sniff, sniff)…Yusuke h-hates me. M-my best f-friend really h-hates me." Yusuke was waving his hand in front of his face, palms facing me, "No, Botan, don't cry. Ahh, what should I do. I didn't mean….I'm an idiot." His face was struck with horror and his hands dug into his hair. "Ahhhhhh!"

"Hahahaha, Yusuke, hahaha, you should see, haha, the look on your face. Hahaha!" I was clutching my stomach because it hurts so much for laughing so hard, but it was worth it.

"What!" Yusuke shouted with shocking wide eyes. His hands dropped from his head, and he pointed an accusing finger at me. "You were faking?"

"Bingo!" I winked. I took a deep breath and stopped laughing, but a smile was playing on my lips. "But you feel better now that's all that matters. Now the same old Yusuke is back."

"Eheheh." Yusuke scratched the back of his head with an awkward smile tugging at his lips. "I knew that! I was just playing along."

I gave him a suspicious look. "Uhuh." I rolled my eyes. "Sure Yusuke."

I started to laugh again. 'Yep! Just like old times.'

"Botan, I…" I looked up at him with a warm smile. "Hmm?"

A small thankful smile spread on Yusuke's lips. "I missed you, Botan."

I embraced Yusuke in a friendly hug, "I missed you too." I released him from the hug, and gave him a gleaming smile. Yusuke returned it with one of his silly grins.

"Let go back then."

I closed my eyes, and shook my head, still smiling. "I want to watch the moon for a bit longer."

"Okay." Yusuke stood up, and walked inside with one hand in his pocket.

Kurama's POV

The boulder above my heart is felling lighter now. Botan had always had the ability to cheer others up. A smile hung on my lips as I walked outside to the porch, "Feeling better now?"

"Yeah, thanks Kurama." Botan had replied without shifting her gaze from the moon.

"Doesn't the night give you a nostalgic feeling?"

I had sat down beside her, and stared at the moon, "Yes, it does." I had whispered, remembering my thieving days as Youko Kurama.

"Well, shall we go for a walk then Kurama?" I turned to meet Botan's soft pink orbs. I smiled as a sign of approval.

Botan slowly strolled deeper into the forest, and I followed beside her, neither of us spoke. Botan approached a mighty pine tree and sat down. From my judgment, we should be approximately a mile from the temple. I followed suit, and sat beside her. "Kurama, have you ever felt lonely?"

'I have in my past.' I thought, but didn't speak. I could hear the crickets buzzing, and the gentle breeze, soothing the warm, night spring air.

"I've always felt isolated after I died. I would always wake up, sweating from the nightmare of my past. I didn't understand why I hadn't followed my parents, when I should have. At some point, I hated my existence in this world, neither am I alive nor am I dead. But then I met Yusuke, and became his assistant. Then I met you guys, and I felt the void in my heart slowly filling. I started to laugh, be angry, be demanding, be more of myself, and I cherish those moments." She paused for a moment, and a reminiscent smile spread across her lips.

"But then I feared that those happy times were all a dream, which would disappear once I woke up. I wanted so much to stay with everyone. But, I was afraid that my past would ruin everything we have together so at a point I avoided talking to you because I knew out of all of us, you would be able to find out the truth. You understand, right Kurama?"

She gazed at me with hope dancing in her eyes. I gently smiled, and nodded in acknowledgement.

"Then when Yusuke yelled at me, my world crumbled. I knew they couldn't see me the same way. I'm will no longer be the cheerful, carefree ferry girl in their hearts." Botan paused with a sigh.

"But…but when I woke up in Genkai's temple, I knew that no matter what, you all still care about me. I was so happy, but at the same time I grew scared. I was scared of putting everyone in danger. I knew that Dai…no, Kuraki will stop at nothing until I'm dead, even if it means killing everyone around me." Botan began fiddling with her fingers, and her eyes were hidden by her bangs. "I'm very…" 'I need to comfort her. No, I want to comfort her.'Before I knew it, my body had responded to my thoughts; I had leaned in closer, and embraced her.

My eyes were shut, and I began gently rubbing her back. "Shhhh…Don't be afraid. We will always protect you Botan," I whispered in her ear. "If we could survive through the Dark Tournament and Sensui, then Kuraki should not be a problem. You should have more faith in us."

Botan broke from my embrace, and gazed intently at me, "but I still…"

"Don't you trust us?" 'Don't you trust me?'

"I…" Botan looked down for a moment, then back up at me, and nodded.

A gentle smile spread on my lips to reassure her, but I knew that she still held a sense of insecurityI just hope you can truly trust me one day, Botan.'

"Then we will fight for you."

Botan leaned in and quickly gave me a peck on my cheek. "Thank you Kurama," Botan said with her eyes shut, fully smiling.

I felt a rush of heat rising toward my cheeks, and knew that I was blushing, but luckily Botan's eyes were shut. We sat there silently for a minute while my blush subsided. Botan opened her eyes, tilts her head to the side, and asked, "Should we go back now?"

"We have been out here for some time now. We should head back before the others worry." I started to stand up, but noticed that Botan hadn't move from her position.

She looked at me, places a hand behind her head and smiles. "Teehee…I think my legs went to sleep. Do you think you could help me Kurama?"

I stood up first, and then extended a hand toward Botan. "Here, let me give you a hand." When I pulled Botan up, she stumbled over, and I quickly placed my arm around her waist to support her while her head leaned on my shoulder. I felt my heartbeat quicken, and a blush threatened to form on my cheeks.

"Hehe…Sorry Kurama, I'm so clumsy."

I opened my mouth to speak, but felt a lump in my throat. I look a breath to calm me heart down, and then answered, "No it's fine. Why don't you just lean on my shoulder, and we will walk back slowly toward the temple."

"Okay."

There was an awkward silence on our walk back. The silence was unnerving, but before I could start a conversation, I heard Botan's giggles.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

"I was just thinking you smell very good Kurama." I could feel that same rush of heat creeping toward my cheeks. "You smell just like roses, and I guess it's because you hide roses behind your long hair. Is that why you have long hair?"

I felt her eyes on me and I glanced at her only to meet her curious, beautiful pink orbs. My eyes soften, but then I noticed our faces were inches apart. I could feel her warm breath, tickling my skin. I felt a lump in my throat, and my cheeks felt like it was on fire. My ears were throbbing, and all I could hear was my heart, drumming ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump...I quickly shifted my gaze back toward the front, hoping she hadn't noticed my blush, but didn't answer her immediately. 'Botan, how is it that you can cause me to easily lose my cool demeanor?' I swallowed hard, and finally found my voice. "P-perhaps." 'No! I stuttered. Calm down Kurama. Breathe.' I can still feel her gaze directed at me. I cleared my throat with a fake cough, and continued. "But the main reason is that when I was Youko Kurama I had lengthy hair, therefore as a human I try to maintain that feature." 'If only you knew how you affect me, Botan. If only you knew…'

"Oh, I see." I could no longer feel her gaze on me, which probably means that she had also shifted her gaze toward the front. "You know Kurama; I really like talking to you. I feel so relaxed with you that everything I don't speak with others just flows freely out of my mouth. Isn't it strange?" It doesn't happen with Keiko though because I know that certain subjects would upset her, and I don't want that. Does it bother you?"

"Not at all. Feel free to consult me about anything Botan. I'll be all ears." I couldn't help but think, 'maybe you do hold a certain amount of trust toward me.' Unknowingly a satisfying smile had spread on my lips.

I heard Botan giggling beside me. "Thanks Kurama. Oh, look! We're at the temple. Oh, I think my legs are better now." Botan broke from my arm, and grabbed my hand. "Come on, let's hurry inside. I suddenly feel very hungry, and I think I smell ramen." Botan had perked her nose up and sniffed, and surely there was a fragrance of cooked ramen, lingering in the air. She held onto my hand and bounced up toward the stairs that led to the temple, while dragging me behind. "Yusuke better not have eaten all of it," Botan shouted. I couldn't help, but smile at her childishness.

Unknown to the happy couple, a pair of blue eyes were watching behind the shadows of the forest. A smirk played on the figure's lips, and his eyes gleamed with mischief. "Well, well, well, now isn't this interesting?" As the crow's cawed erupted in the night, the figure had disappeared without a trace.
Yay! Another chapter and this one have plenty of fluff. Like it? I had fun writing the part where Botan was teasing Yusuke, I thought it was funny. But now that I think about it, is that even like Yusuke? I still liked it though. Oh, I read many KB fics, and realize that it's mostly Botan having a crush on Kurama, so I did it the other way around just to be different. But I think it's kinda cute seeing Kurama act like this. But Kurama's character is the toughest for me. His speech is so polite to the point of scholarly, and sometimes very clever, and I just don't normally speak that way, so at times I feel like the Kurama in my story is not like the Kurama in YYH. Well, I guess I'll just have to get it as close as possible, but it was still so fun, especially when I was writing his reaction toward Botan; it was so kawaii! Oh and about the name:

Daisuke means "great help." Not very original because there is a story to this name, but that's for another time.

Kuraki (I made that up, he is my character after all) I had combined two word, but I lost my sheet of paper so I don't remember which words, but I had wanted it to mean "dark-natured wrath" (I was hoping that Kuraki sounds like a cool villain name, if not, then oh well).

Keep reviewing and I'll keep updating!

MiaHime