A/N: Since my birthday is one of the dates in this week, I would like to treat my avid readers with a new chapter.

Enjoy!

Standard Disclaimer applies here.

"…" – Talking

'…' – Flashback

"…" – Thoughts

Chapter 8: Ma Maison (My Home)

"Maya?!"

Botan, who has been a witness to this uncalled for reunion, stared at Kurama with confusion etched on her pretty face. During their previous adventures, she saw how he interacted with friends and acquaintances. In those times, he always kept that calm and collected behavior; he handled them with prudence. Just like the time with Kuwabara and Keiko. But as the scene unfolded, when Botan saw his initial reaction, she could swear that Kurama was actually nervous.

'What makes this 'Maya' different from the others?' Botan thought, intrigued. She felt something prick her insides, uncomfortable with the fact that she had this certain effect on him. But she was not about to admit that, definitely not.

"Oh my God, it is you!" Maya exclaimed with a shrill voice, as a sudden realization hit her. Maya's arms suddenly went flying in the air and then found its way around Kurama's neck. Kurama seemed to flinch uncomfortably at her tight embrace, but it was left unnoticed by the young lady. Botan remained silent in the background, giving Kurama a forced smile as his eyes met hers.

For what seemed like an eternity of being caught up in her arms, she finally loosened her hold so that she can look straight in the eye. "It's been so long since we last saw each other," Maya said, her eyes scanning Kurama's features from head to toe and back again.

"And you haven't changed a bit! Still the handsome Shuuichi back from college," she sighed, her mind wandering back to their days in college.

"Y-yes," was the only reply he managed to utter.

Seeing that she won't be able to get anymore response from the young man, she took the initiative to bring up a new topic for their conversation. "So, what brings you here?" the brown-haired woman asked, her hands now sliding from his neck to his palms, clutching it.

"Well, you see –," before Kurama was given the chance to answer her question, she cut him short with an invitation for lunch.

"Tell you what, why don't we talk about this over lunch? There's a cafeteria at the second floor," she said, leading him with her arms encircling his right arm. He let out a defeated sigh. When she was no longer looking at him, Kurama searched for Botan. When he saw her, he gave her an apologetic look. Botan simply waved her hands, indicating that it was okay. She wasn't even sure why he was apologizing.

"At least now you can eat lunch," Botan said as she followed closely behind the two.

The cafeteria in the museum was not that crowded during that time of the day. The ambiance was good, but it did nothing to stimulate his appetite. With this, he ordered a simple chicken sandwich and mango juice. His companion ordered a salad, commenting that she was in a diet. He smiled nervously.

As their conversation continued, Botan noticed that Kurama's disposition did not improve. Even if the room was properly ventilated, he seemed to sweat profusely. He shifted uneasily in his sit, which was very unusual of him.

She began to worry about him. It seemed like his brain was now working in auto-pilot. She had to do something fast before Kurama does something crazy. Botan positioned herself by Maya's side, hoping to catch his attention.

"Hey, Kurama-kun! Is there something wrong?" Botan asked. He slightly nodded his head as a response.

"Why don't you excuse yourself? Tell her you need to go to the bathroom or something," she suggested. Taking her advice, Kurama excused himself.

"Sure, I'll be waiting for our orders," Maya said, smiling. Kurama stood up abruptly, taking huge steps as he walked away from the table. Botan followed him, her mind still formulating thousands of questions about Kurama's unusual behavior.

When they were finally out of sight, away from the prying eyes of Maya and the other guests, Kurama let out a huge sigh of relief. "What was that all about?" out of the thousand questions she had, this was the one query that seemed to sum it all up.

"I'm so sorry, I think I have delayed our search further," Kurama said, finally calming down after the previous episode with Maya.

"You don't need to apologize, you did nothing wrong," Botan replied.

"If that's the case then, let us now go on to our next destination," he said as he started walking out of the cafeteria. Though she had only come to know Kurama for about two weeks or so, she had no concrete idea of his entire personality. But she knew enough to say that this was very un-Kurama.

"But you haven't eaten any lunch," she said not leaving her spot, "And top of that, you haven't answered my question yet!" Kurama stopped in mid-step, sighing deeply.

"What do you want to know?" he asked, turning slowly to face her.

"Everything," Botan simply said. Something in her voice told him that he could tell her everything without her judging him.

"Maya and I dated in the past," he started, "But during those times when we were together, she would always say she loved me, but I know that it was merely superficial. Maya was only physically attracted to me. She never understood my spirit to say the least.

"That is why I opted to stop seeing her without giving her any explanation. I didn't want her to live with that blind infatuation. I thought that what I did back then was the best, that by me doing that, she would be able to go on," he said before taking a glance on the girl on the table, "But apparently, she remains to be caught up in the past."

"But why do you seem to act so nervous around her?" she asked, hoping that his answer would enlighten her.

"It's more of guilt rather than nervousness, Botan. I left her without even saying anything; she must have been so confused. She might even have lost her self-confidence. It pains me to see that the results of my previous actions lead her to this."

"Did you love her?" Botan asked with her head slightly bowed. Kurama was surprised by that question. Not because he found it ridiculous, but because he did not know the answer. Even when they were dating, the thought had not entered his mind.

'Do I love her?' Kurama repeated her question mentally. He had to admit that he liked her at one time, but not love. He searched himself a little further. He never did understand love; maybe that is why his previous relationships had never worked out. The only person he truly loved was his mother. Even with his close friends, he still had to put up a wall around him, never letting them in.

Then it hit him. Was love staring right in front of him and yet he was too blind to see it? Was it possible that he loved her and it hurt him to know that what she felt for him did not come even close to what he felt for her? Was this the true reason why he left her? To save himself from further damage?

'But what about Botan? What do I feel for her?' a voice in his head asked.

By the looks of his face, Botan got her reply. She inhaled deeply, putting up a cheerful face, a smile not really reaching her eyes. "Why don't you ask her out? For all we know, you two might rekindle the romance you had way back," she said a little too perky.

"W-what?" Kurama said, blushing at madly. "Do you realize that right about now, I can barely talk to her seriously and then you expect me to ask her out?"

Botan put a little thought on it, placing a finger on her chin. "Then we'll just have to do something about it," Kurama heard her say. When he was about to reply, he felt a something like a strong wind ram his body. For a moment, he felt like he was floating. He opened his eyes, searching for the source of such wind, but found nothing.

"Kurama-kun, are you alright?" he heard Botan's voice inside his head. He searched his surroundings but found no sign of Botan's presence. Shrugging the thought aside, he replied, "I think, just a little worn out."

"Okay! Now let's go to that girlfriend of yours and ask her out on a date!" she said enthusiastically. Out of nowhere, he felt his limbs moving forward, slowly approaching the table where previously sat.

"Botan! What have you done?" Kurama asked, panicked. Heck, he wasn't even in control of his own body!

"Just trust me, okay?" he heard Botan say. "You have done so much for me already. I think it's my time to do something in return. I want you to be happy, and if this is the only way for you to be happy, then so be it," she continued saying in all sincerity that seemed to strike a chord of his beating heart.

Botan took Kurama's lack of response as a go signal. Now in control of Kurama's movements, she walked confidently towards the table, where Maya now seemed to be waiting impatiently, and sat in front of her.

"What took you so long?" Maya asked, irritation evident in her voice.

"I'm very sorry for making you wait, there a very long line in the comfort room," Kurama (Botan) said with a nervous laugh. It sure was painful to mess with her patience.

"Is that so? Well, the food arrived when you were –," Maya was unable to finish her statement as Kurama (Botan) rapidly wolfed down the chicken sandwich on the plate. After a few large bites, he stopped and reached for the glass of juice on his right. "I think that went down the wrong pipe," Kurama (Botan) said after taking generous gulps.

Maya just stared at him as he finished his meal in one fell swoop. A while ago, he was this fine young man with perfect manners. And now, he ate like there was no tomorrow. Noticing the stunned look on Maya's face, Kurama (Botan) spoke, "Forgive my manners. Hunger truly has a strong effect on me."

Recovering immediately, she replied, "You surprise me Shuuichi, it seems like you haven't eaten for weeks!"

'If you only knew," Botan though to herself. Kurama, who was merely sitting on the sidelines, hoped against hope that he would come out of this unscathed. The things Botan could do to his reputation seemed endless.

Kurama (Botan) looked at his watch, noting the time, "Look at the time! It seems that I'll be late for my meeting if I don't hurry up." He shifted his gaze towards the confused Maya, "I'm sorry, but I have to cut our lunch short. But we can continue this some other time. How about dinner?"

Botan searched the recesses of her mind of restaurants she saw during one of the many trips she had with Kurama in the city. "Tomorrow, at Leonardo's Place?" Kurama (Botan) asked finally remembering the place.

'Nice choice,' Kurama commented Botan's taste of restaurants.

'Thank you,' Botan replied.

Their mental conversation was cut with Maya's reply, "That would be great. Let's meet there at 7?" The young girl was now beaming with happiness, a flame of hope now burning in her eyes.

"Sure! It's a date!" Kurama (Botan) said, giggling. Kurama wanted to hit himself. Botan just made him giggle. And Shuuichi Minamino never, as in never, giggles.

'Let's just hope this would not leave any impression on her,' Kurama said while Botan continued with the giggling.

"With that settled, I shall be going now," Kurama (Botan) stood up, digging out money, enough to pay for both their lunches, from his wallet and placed it on the table. Maya also stood up to see Kurama leave, "Yes, I'll see you tomorrow."

As soon as they left the cafeteria, Botan released her hold on Kurama's body and give him the freedom to control his body. Kurama clenched and unclenched his fist, making sure nothing was wrong with him.

"When did you learn to do that," Kurama asked as they walked towards the parking area.

"Hm? Well I just figured out that since I can go through walls, maybe I can do the same with human bodies," she laughed nervously her hand scratching the back of her head.

"Well, you could have warned me first before doing that,"

"At least it did the work done, didn't it?" she said in a teasing voice, "At least I got you a date."

He didn't know whether to be thankful or not. And now, it seems that his problems just got even worse. "Just give me sign the next time you decide to take over someone's body, namely mine," he said, pouting a little to stress his point.

Botan merely laughed at him. Kurama was rooted on his spot, taking in the twinkling sound that she produced. As she walked ahead of him, her back towards him, a soft breeze blew. Her silky locks danced with the wind, falling leaves giving the scene a more picturesque sight. Stray light blue strands managed to make its way on her face, and with a gentle finger, she placed them at the back of her ear.

It took him moments to realize that he was holding his breath. And judging from the warmth he felt on his cheeks, he had the impression that he was blushing right now. It also seemed that his heart didn't have any plans of calming itself as it thumped faster.

As soon as Botan realized her companion had stopped walking, she turned her head towards Kurama with a questioning look. She took in his flushed face, thinking it may be the heat. After all, it was already noon and there was no cloud in sight.

"Kurama-kun, what are you standing there for? We need to get ready for your date tomorrow, you know, go shopping and stuff," she called to him from the distance, "Let's just skip the next museum and go there some other time, okay?"

"Yeah, sure," he replied, coming out of his stupor.

'What was that all about?' he asked himself as he walked behind the light-blue haired spirit. It seems that his feelings were more confused than ever.

As the dreaded day approached, Kurama became more jumpy than he wished for. Botan kept giving him tips (as if he needed them). She also kept stressing out that he had to look his best and make a very good impression on Maya. She was so enthusiastic about the whole idea that it scared him. But behind the bubbly outlook she had, Kurama saw a glint of sadness emanating from her eyes. He asked her what was wrong, but Botan would always reply that she was fine and there was no need to worry.

It was already 6:15 when he decided to go on with his date. Sporting an elegant black tux, which Botan picked out for him during their shopping excursion yesterday, he descended the staircase of his home. Kurama saw Botan sitting on the couch, deep in thought.

When he reached the living room, he cleared his throat to get her attention, "So, how do I look?"

"Perfect!" she stood up and walked towards him. She inspected his appearance, from his hair to his shoes. "I don't see why she would reject you looking so handsome like that," she commented.

He felt a blush creep to his face as Botan complimented his state of dress. He looked up to the ceiling to hide his face. "Um, thanks," he replied. With that, Botan walked to the door, giving him a gesture to follow her, so he did. Once on the porch, they fell to a silent pause.

"So, what are you waiting for? Go get the girl!" Botan said with a fist clenched in the air. He nodded and started walking towards his parked car.

"Oh, and don't forget to leave my necklace!" she shouted at him. Kurama stopped, head turning to her in question. "You're not coming?" he asked as he walked back to the porch.

"Of course not! You wouldn't want me pestering you on your date. I have a feeling that you wouldn't be able to concentrate with me breathing down on your neck," she joked. He put his hand on the right pocket of his slacks, clutching Botan's necklace and gently placed it on the table. Kurama stood there face to face with Botan. Again, he saw that sad look that lingered, but she blinked it away, replacing it with a fake smile.

"Well, what are you waiting for? You'll be late if you won't go now!" she said in a gentle voice that Kurama cannot seem to refuse. He nodded and headed towards his car for the second time.

When he was about to go inside, he heard Botan call him one last time, "Kurama-kun." The look on her face was beyond words. Her fidgety actions gave him the impression that she wanted to say something. He looked at her with expectant eyes. "Don't forget to buy her flowers. She would really appreciate it." With a sigh, he entered the vehicle and closed the door. Giving Botan one last glance, Kurama started his car and went on to his destination.

As soon as Kurama left, his car like a dot on the horizon, Botan sat on the steps of the porch. She leaned her head on the post and closed her eyes for a moment. She massaged her cheeks, strained from too much smiling. She was so tired from being overly energetic that day. Botan let out a sigh of frustration.

Botan didn't know how or why, but she was too aware of him. In his moments of solitude, she can see a certain sorrow enveloping his being, which even he was not conscious of. Most of his friends that she met seemed to be oblivious to the pain he was suffering. But she was not fooled by the 'perfect' Minamino Shuuichi for she can somehow get a glimpse of his profound persona. Kurama is a lonely person. That is why she wanted him to be happy.

But right now, she did not understand what her own feelings. In all honesty, she really wanted Kurama to be happy, even if that happiness did not include her. She tried to be happy for him, but she just couldn't force herself to do so. Just the mere thought of it made her insides constrict. True, the few weeks she had spent with the young lad been wonderful. The friendship he offered her was the greatest gift she could receive. He had been the sole reason why she was continuing this fight for her life. His words of encouragement and heartfelt smiles made her so much stronger than she used to be. And at present, she wasn't sure if she could live without those simple things he alone could only give.

Could it be that she already got used to his presence that she was no longer willing to let go? Was she threatened by Maya's reappearance?

'Who's to say what will become of us after this?' Botan thought. When all of this is through, she will go on with her life, while Kurama will go on with his together with Maya. She didn't even know if they will remain friends once she regains her humanity. As soon as her thoughts became too painful to bear, she decided to just stop thinking.

'Oh well, might as well enjoy the ride while it lasts," she concluded. With her unsound resolution, Botan felt a wave of weariness course through her. She felt her eyelids go heavy, and within seconds, it slowly closed. The last thing she saw were the stars in heaven.

The 30-minute drive to the Leonardo's Place felt like years to Kurama. He didn't know what to expect of this little 'date' of his. He didn't even know what to feel about it. It seemed like a week's worth of sleepless nights was finally taking a toll on his brain.

He took a right turn as soon as the traffic light turned green. His eyes scanned the series of stores, shops and the like in search of his destination. After a few seconds, he saw it, the word 'Leonardo's Place' written in neon-green lights. As soon as he parked his car, he took a deep breath, straightened out his semi-wrinkled tux, and finally went out.

He walked towards the entrance; a man in white uniform greeted him. Kurama searched the place for any sign of his date, but there wasn't any. Looking at his watch, he took note of the time, five minutes before 7 o'clock. No wonder she wasn't here yet. Maya was never really known for her punctuality. And she was one of those people who thought being late was fashionable.

Kurama took an empty seat, elbows resting on the table. He kept glancing at his watch, regarding every movement the second hand made. It was already 7:15, and he was starting to get bored. But being the gentleman that he is, he never let it show.

As if to answer his prayers, a loud voice cut through his monotonous mood and the world seemed alive again. "Hey, Kurama! I never imagined seeing you here," it was Urameshi Yusuke. "What brings you to a date place like this? Business or pleasure?"

"Ah, Yusuke, still boisterous as ever," Kurama said, shaking his head a little for an added effect. "I see that you brought Keiko as well," he continued as he saw Keiko at his side, her arms hooked on his. He nodded at her, while she gave him a smile.

"You should tell your friend to take his fiancé out on dates more often," Keiko said to Kurama pertaining to Yusuke.

"I told you, its those criminals! They keep showing up everywhere and I have to kick their butts every single night," Yusuke said defensively. "I swear, being a police inspector is one really tough job, that's why I'm the right guy for it," he said with pride.

"Sure, just stay away from the doughnuts. You don't want to end up with a round belly," Keiko said. Yusuke was about to counter her statement, but she turned to Kurama and asked, "Kurama-kun, what are you doing here?"

"Actually, I have a date tonight," he replied. Both Yusuke and Keiko stared at him, rather shocked about his statement. It has been a long time since dated last, and it was a surprise to know he was out in the market again, making himself available to thousands of women who were desperately smitten by him.

"That's good to hear!" Yusuke exclaimed. He was genuinely happy for the guy. Being one of his closest friends, he was beginning to worry that Kurama may be alone for the rest of his life. "So who's the lucky girl?"

"I'm meeting up with –,"

"Me," another voice entered the scene. It was Maya. She was wearing a red dress with a plunging neckline and with a length reached an inch or two above the knee. She wore black stilettos, which added to her height, and a clutch bag on one hand. Obviously, she was dressed to kill.

"Maya Kitajima. Why am I not surprised?" Yusuke said with a hint of malice.

"Yusuke Urameshi. Long time, no see," she said mirroring the same feeling.

Both Kurama and Keiko felt uncomfortable with Yusuke and Maya's staring contest, both aiming to best the other.

"I think we better leave, Yusuke," Keiko finally said, tugging on the sleeve of his shirt. She pulled harder on Yusuke's sleeve to emphasize the point, "Yusuke, let's go, I don't want you making a scene. As soon as he gave in to his fiancé's request, he immediately turned around and it was his turn to pull Keiko on his way out.

"It was nice seeing you again, Kurama," she called out to him, "Enjoy your dinner!"

As they walked towards the exit, his sensitive ears caught one final comment from Yusuke, "I never really liked that woman!" With that, they were gone. Kurama was still looking at the door when he heard Maya clear her throat. He stood up and pulled a chair for her to sit in.

"Thank you," she said sweetly, very much in contrast with the tone of her voice a while ago when she spoke to Yusuke. Now settled in their table, he signaled for the waiter and he handed the couple the menus. The waiter took their orders, and as soon as he had them, left the couple and went straight to the kitchen.

"I didn't know you were still friends with Yusuke Urameshi. I told you once before, he's bad news," she said in an annoyed tone. Kurama just shrugged his shoulders.

"Let's not stray on that topic," she said. "So how's your mother? I heard she married a new guy?" Maya asked while her right hand slowly draped on top of his (touchy girl!).

"She's just fine. And you heard it right, she married last year," he replied not giving any further details.

While waiting for the food to arrive, Kurama and Maya were engaged in a conversation, courtesy of Maya's own doing. But it seemed that every single topic had to do something about her. When the food finally arrived, Kurama felt somewhat relieved; at least the food will stop her from talking too much.

By the time she had finished consuming the main dish, her mouth went non-stop once again, updating Kurama on the latest happenings on her life since they split up. He didn't want to be rude, so he let her talk. But in truth, he was really getting bored.

'Now I know another reason why I broke up with Maya,' he let out an audible sigh, 'The girl only talks about her self! Talk about being self-absorbed,'

His mind drifted off to someplace he'd rather be than here. A thought entered his mind – Botan. During their last conversation, Botan had a depressing look on her face. Right then and there, all he wanted to do was to fight away all the things that gave her doubts, just to see her smile once again. Right now, he really wanted to go home and talk to her.

"Botan," Kurama softly uttered unconsciously, a sigh accompanying his words. This did not escape Maya's ears.

"You were saying something, Shuuichi?" Maya asked sweetly.

"Hm?" Kurama asked, slightly confused about her question.

"You just said 'Botan'," Maya elaborated more, taking a sip on her red wine.

"I said that?" Maya nodded as a response to Kurama's question.

"Oh, Botan? She's, uh, she's my cat!" Kurama said.

'There goes the cat joke again. Botan would really kill me if she knew about this,' he cringed at the thought.

Maya gave him an incredulous look. "You doubt my words?" he said.

"Oh, come on, Shuuichi! Everybody knows that you're allergic to cats!" she said, leaning backward to rest on her chair, and then crossed her legs. "Now, tell me. Who's this 'Botan'?"

Kurama mentally slapped himself. He remembered his encounter with Hiei, when he gave him the same excuse. Back then, Hiei must have known he was lying, but said nothing about it. 'Probably to mock me,' he thought.

"I was just joking," he said with a nervous laugh. But the look on Maya's face said that she was not going to let this pass. 'Think, Kurama, think!' he mentally screamed.

"The truth is," he paused for a while looking for the right words, "she's my cousin. I'm just worried about her, staying at the house all alone without anyone to talk to."

'At least that's more believable.'

"I never knew you had a cousin. She must be that great to divert your attention from me to her," she said as she took another sip. "Now, tell me about your cousin. I would really like to know about your family."

"Well," he thought for a second, gathering all information he had on Botan, "she's a distant cousin of ours. She's really not from town; Botan just dropped by for a visit." Maya gave him a sign to go on. "Her colleagues say she's a great painter, though I haven't seen her works yet. Botan is a really cheerful girl, with a big heart. She's like mother, always reminding me not to over-work myself. Even though she's a nagger at times, I don't really mind, because I know she's worried, and I really don't like making her worry. She's got a good sense of humor, too," he chuckled as memories of her seeped through his mind.

"She finds beauty even in the smallest of things. Botan is a very strong woman. Even though all seems hopeless, she would always find a way to smile. Ah, yes, her smile," Kurama said, with a wistful expression appearing on his face, "Just looking at it makes you want to smile too! Especially those gorgeous lavender eyes of hers, it makes you want to stare at it forever." Kurama blushed catching the last words of his statement.

"If she weren't your cousin, I could have thought that you were actually in-love with her, Shuuichi-kun. Your eyes were flickering with such emotions even I could not decipher," Maya said in a serious tone before laughing out loud, "Good thing she's your cousin, or else she'd be a tough opponent. I wouldn't want giving away my precious prize, now would I?" She was waiting for him to laugh with her in agreement, but it never came. Kurama remained silent in his seat, obviously deep in thought.

"Shuuichi? Are you alri –,"

"Maya!" Kurama cut off whatever she was about to say. Maya sat there, a little shocked as Kurama had his little outburst.

'Could this be it? Will Shuuichi-kun finally confess his feelings to me?' Maya though expectantly, her eyes now oozing with hope. Kurama grabbed her hands and grasped it tightly. 'Oh, my God! He's really going to do it!'

"Yes?" she said, trying her best to calm her beating heart.

"Thank you!" he said, much to Maya's dismay. He stood up, grabbed his wallet from his back pocket and dug a handful of money before dumping it on their table. Without even looking back at Maya, he strode towards the door. Maya was more confused that ever. Damn, she wanted answers!

When she saw Kurama nearing the exit, she stood up, walking as fast as her high-heeled shoes would allow her. She saw Kurama move to the direction of his car. "Shuuichi-kun!" she shouted at him. Kurama stopped as soon as he heard her voice. This gave Maya the opportunity to catch up on him.

"What was that all about? 'Thank you'? That definitely is not the right way to end a date!" she demanded. But Kurama remained silent. "I thought you asked me out so that you can say sorry for leaving me. I thought you would reveal your true feelings for me," she paused, preparing her self for her next statement, "I thought you loved me!"

With that, Kurama slowly turned and said, "I thought so, too." Maya gawked at his statement. "I thought I was in love with you, because I never really knew love, until now," he sighed. He held her shoulders, forcing her to face him. "The only thing I should be sorry for is allowing you to live blindly, believing that what you feel for me is love, when in fact, it is not."

Maya shook her head, still not believing the words she was hearing from Kurama. "Listen, maybe right now, you cannot see it. But one day, when you finally find your true love, you will understand." When Maya did not reply, he took this as a sign that she needed to be alone and digest everything that he said. Slowly, he let go of her and walked towards his car. With one last look at the rejected girl, he gave a silent wish that she'll be able to recover from all of this and most of all, not to close her book on love.

Kurama walked towards the porch of his house, a bouquet of red roses on his right hand. It was almost ten o'clock in the evening when he arrived. It took him almost an hour just to find an open flower shop in town.

As he neared the house, he saw a slumbering Botan on the steps. 'She must have fallen asleep waiting for me,' he was moved by the thought. He sat beside her, placing the bouquet on the floor behind him. Kurama stared at her, relishing the quiet moment he had with the young lady.

It was during times like this when he wished he could touch Botan. Her porcelain skin highlighted by the moonlight, her cherry-colored lips, her long lashes, and her seemingly silky hair that flows like soft waterfalls – everything about her seemed perfect. Except for the fact that she was undead.

He closed the remaining distance between them as his lips got closer and closer to her slightly blushing cheek. When it reached her cheek, he felt nothing but the air. Disappointed, he distanced himself from the sleeping girl. He also felt guilty for taking advantage of her, even if it was impossible to touch her.

Realizing that it was rather cold outside and he needed to go inside before he freezes to death, he decided to wake up Botan. "Botan," he called out, "wake up, Botan." After a few seconds' worth of attempts to rouse her, Botan finally heard his constant calls. She blinked her eyes for a while, and then focused her gaze on Kurama.

"Kurama-kun! You're back!" she exclaimed with her usual dose of perkiness. "How was your date?"

"Hm, it was okay. The food was great," he stopped there.

"And?" Botan asked, quite curious of the result.

"Well, let's just say we won't be seeing each other again anytime time soon," he grinned at her, taking note of the bewildered look on her face.

"What? And after all the hard work I did just to have you reject Maya-san in the end," she said with a loud sigh. 'And not to mention all the smiling I did today.'

"Don't worry, Botan," he said with a light chuckle as he loosened his tie, "I assure you, your efforts were deeply appreciated. Besides, I don't really have the time for romance right now; I'll just have to concentrate on helping you."

"Right," she said. Botan felt that he had other reasons for placing his love life on hold, but he had to respect his decision not to tell her. When he is ready to tell her, she will definitely listen. Glancing at his back, she saw a bundle of red roses lying on the floor.

"You didn't give her those?" she asked pointing out to the forgotten bouquet. Kurama turned, and took it in his hands. 'Actually, I bought these for you,' he thought, but never voiced it out.

"Yes, it seemed that she didn't like flowers," he replied, putting on a convincing tone of dismay.

"That's too bad," she said almost sympathetically, "I could have sworn reading it somewhere that women like receiving flowers."

"Oh well, there's still one lady I can give it to," he said staring at the red flowers.

"Who?" Botan asked, oblivious.

"You," he turned to her, eyes full of emotions that Botan was too naïve to understand. Her eyes widened in delight as she clapped her hand in front of her. "Really? That's so sweet of you!" she gasped, her hands closing in on the flowers when she remembered that she could not possibly touch them. She laughed at her own mistake, a cute blush appearing on her face, "Hahaha, I almost forgot I'm a spirit."

Kurama smiled at her, loving the sound of her laughter more and more. "Don't worry; I'll transfer it to a vase so that you may be able to see it," he said as he stood up from his sitting position. He waited for Botan to do the same, he would have helped her up, but at her current state, he won't be able to.

"Thank you very much! I would really appreciate that," she said bowing at him, "You know, I think you were the first one to give me flowers, both in my past life and this life." She gave him a thankful smile as they walked to the front door, Kurama stopping by the table first to retrieve Botan's necklace. He fumbled for his house keys, and as soon as the door was unlocked, they entered.

Kurama didn't notice it, but his once gloomy and hollow house was starting to be filled with happiness and life, all thanks to Botan, whom Hiei described as 'Kurama's ghost problem'. Without him knowing, his house was starting to become a home.

A/N: Whoopee! Longest chapter of the story (as of now, that is)! Ha, and that only took me one week to finish. Something must be wrong with me.

I have nothing against Maya Kitajima, but I just had to characterize her that way to be able to fit the flow of the story. I am sorry if I have offended any Maya supporter out there while writing this fiction. Don't worry, I'll find a way to redeem her, somehow.

Yay, Yusuke's here, too!

I am a bit concerned that I describe and narrate Kurama and Botan's relationship in an abstract way that you guys might not appreciate it. I am so sorry if it somehow confuses you, especially when there is a lack of concrete evidence of the characters' feelings for each other. (Maybe because I lack romance in my pathetic life.)

About the last paragraph, about the 'house' and the 'home', there is a deep meaning to it. 'House' is simply a structure where humans live, devoid of any feelings, whereas a 'Home' is where feelings like love, friendship, trust and others exist.

Okay, so no revelations here, just a major realization of feelings. Hope it wasn't too long that it bored you guys to death.

Responses to Reviews:

Jessie Katz – Thank you for taking the time to read the product of my insane thoughts! I'm glad that you find it interesting. And now I think I influenced you to get a copy of the movie! (Say no to piracy!) I am so relieved to know that you think it is within the context of the original series even though it is an AU. No need to wait, here's a new chapter for you!

Kitsune of Darkness – You're welcome! I'm glad to know that I was able to help you even with my words of encouragement. You think I should turn this into a book? I am so overwhelmed by your support! You have no idea what you're doing to my ego… laughs Informative, you say? Well, better get yourself ready for the next chapter! Two mystery characters are about to be revealed. And also, Kurama will attend a meeting with the executives of Zenith, Inc., where Sanada works. (Okay, I should stop giving out information about the next chappy…) Can't keep you waiting that long, so here's another chapter!

MiaHime - Thank you very much for your critique! Woah, that's too much imagination there! And the thing is, you're giving me too many ideas. laughs You really have a strong sense, I must say. But let's leave the 'mysterious couple' to the next chapter. You have too many expectaions and I am so pressured to meet all of those. I really thank you for giving me such challenge. As for Maya, I think she was in the manga. There are several references about her as being Kurama's classmate in junior high (I'm not so sure). At one time she witnessed Hiei and Kurama fighting off demons, so he had to erase her memory. But I could be wrong there. So, please correct me if I am. Anyway, here's Chapter 8 for you!

Please, don't forget to review! (I need a lot of inspiration to write the next chapter)