Last time on The Courtship

The team has returned from demon world after crushing the rebellions. Koenma reveals to them the current situation with Botan and Lord what's-his-name. They return home, and the girls guilt trip them into helping out. Hiei starts a fight with Kuwabara over nothing but makes up with him later. Keiko decides to try something she saw in the video, nearly giving Yusuke a heart attack. The professors of sex education have a 'talk'.

Everyone, even Hiei met at Yusuke's house in the morning as scheduled.

"My, my, don't you two look refreshed this morning," Yusuke smirked at Kuwabara and Hiei. "Did you make up last night?"

"None of your damn business," Hiei said. "And you are supporting a grin a mile wide."

Yusuke's grin widened even more, if that were possible.

"Urameshi! You look like the Cheshire Cat!" Kuwabara exclaimed.

"Anyway," Yusuke said. "Let's get moving. I'm anxious to go have tea with this Lord what's-his-name. What's that book there, Kurama?"

"Just a book on relationships I thought Koenma could use," Kurama lied smoothly.

"Yeah, he could use a few pointers," Yusuke laughed. "But he'll learn."

"Can we get going?" Hiei asked impatiently. "I'm ready to get this over with."

"I thought you weren't coming," Yusuke said.

"I'm here, aren't I?" Hiei asked, annoyed that the detective chose to bring that up. He would never admit it, but the thought of the team completing a mission without him irked him to no end.

"Thought you were coming to kiss Kuwabara goodbye," Yusuke teased. Lately he had started calling Hiei 'Mrs. Kuwabara'. Hiei didn't mind as much as he let on, but he had to keep up appearances.

"I told you not to call me that, detective."

"Yeah, I can tell that you're so annoyed by it."

"Fuck off."

"Language, Hiei. My wife is here." Truth was, Yusuke had used courser language than that last night while receiving his 'sundae' from his wife.

"Let's just go!"

Both Botan and Koenma sat stiffly in his office during their meeting. Koenma briefed her on the rebellion.

"Well the rebellion has been crushed, so your workload should lighten up soon."

"It's nothing we can't handle, sir."

"I am confident in that regard, Botan. Do you have any questions?"

"Yes, but not…about work."

Koenma's heart raced. "Of course. We can go in my study." His hands were trembling as they walked to the back.

When they reached the back, Koenma started in immediately. "Botan, I'm so sorry! I didn't tell you because I didn't think it was an issue. My father said it was no more and that was that. I told you as soon as he informed me that there was an-"

Botan silenced him with a kiss. "No love, I'm sorry. I overreacted and totally made a fool of myself! Please forgive me Koenma!"

Koenma wrapped her in a tight embrace. "Of course I forgive you. I love you. Never forget that. Just promise me two things."

"What is it, love?"

He slipped the bracelet back on her wrist. "Don't take this off again. And don't ever, ever think that I would use you for my personal pleasure or take you for granted. I would never do such a thing!"

"I know, I know! I was just being…I don't know…I just-"

"Look, let's just forget about this fight. My father is on the case and now that Yusuke knows about it he will no doubt feel obligated to butt in."

Botan's eyes widened. "Really? So Keiko and Shizuru told him?"

"So that's where you've been sneaking off to. Scheming with the girls I see? I'm sure she did, but I told him myself."

"Really? I didn't think you would tell him something so personal."

"Well, it was…really on my mind yesterday, and when they returned they saw that I was upset. They pried it out of me."

Botan giggled. "Well, Shizuru basically told me I was being irrational," Botan said. "And she was right."

"Hiei said the same thing," Koenma admitted.

"Those two are so much alike. They say that men always marry someone like their mother, but Shizuru was like his mother, so I guess the saying is right!"

Koenma chuckled. "Well, I'm glad we moved past this." He was sitting on the edge of the mahogany desk. Botan stood and moved closer to him.

"I think I should show you how sorry I am," Botan said in that sultry whisper that turned him on so much.

It had the desired effect. She moved even closer and captured his lips, kissing softly at first but then with more urgency. She wrapped his hands around her waist and pressed her womanly curves against his body.

"Mmmmmm," he moaned into the kiss, but then he pulled back.

Botan was surprised. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"It's just…I don't want you to think that…that's all I want from you."

"I don't think that Koenma," Botan insisted. "I was just being foolish."

"I know but…unhhhhhh!" She licked his ear and blew her warm breath teasingly inside, all while grabbing his now fully erect cock.

With a naughty glint in her eye, she began untying her kimono.

"Botan-"

He stopped short and sucked in his breath at the sight of her lovely breasts, perky and pointing straight at him. He couldn't resist taking one into his mouth.

"Oh!" she exclaimed.

"Shhhh!" he admonished gently.

She guided his hand down between her thighs, and let him take over. He slipped a finger inside her underwear and began rubbing his favorite button back and forth, the depths already moist. With his other hand, he cupped her bottom and squeezed. She bit his lip to stifle her moan.

"Um!" he moaned, grabbing his lip.

"Oh Koenma, I'm sorry!"

It's OK love," he assured her, dabbing at the small amount of blood with a handkerchief. "But perhaps we should continue this tonight, you naughty girl, you."

"Ooooh! Have you thought of an appropriate punishment yet?"

"I have a few ideas, but don't worry about that. I will discipline you as I see fit," he said in that stern tone that she loved so much.

She looked him square in the eye. "Do that again and I'll make you take me right here," she warned.

"Understood," he laughed. "Now let's go."

They straightened up their clothes and headed out to his office. They heard familiar voices before they reached the front. "Oh dear," he muttered. "Captain nosy and his crew are here."

Botan giggled.

"Ah, there you are," Yusuke said with a smirk on his face. "You two making up, I presume?"

Botan blushed.

"Mind your own business," Koenma said. "Botan, I will see you this evening."

"Yes, sir."

"Sir, eh? A business dinner?" Yusuke asked as Botan left the room.

"Shut up. What do you want?" Koenma asked, already knowing the answer.

"I'm sure you know why we're here," Kurama answered.

"What happened to your lip?" Kuwabara asked, leaning forward and squinting his eyes. "Did Botan punch you?"

"Looks more like a bite mark to me," Hiei observed. "Never figured Blue for a biter." Hiei was definitely a biter. Lucky Kuwabara healed with his spirit energy.

"Didn't I tell you to mind your own business?" Koenma demanded, with far less irritation than he usually showed when the butted into his private affairs.

"No can do buddy," Yusuke said. "We've been coerced into helping you against our will."

"I'm sure it didn't take Keiko and Shizuru very long to convince you," Koenma commented.

"Whatever, just tell us where this Lord what's-his-name lives and we'll be on our way."

" Lord Takahiro. And I can't tell you."

"Why the hell not?" Hiei demanded.

"He has an image to maintain," Kurama explained.

"Yeah, he can't be seen like some mafia boss sending his henchmen to go shake somebody down," Yusuke agreed. "That's his father."

"Well, being the son of a mobster," Koenma said, "I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. My father has his henchmen as you know, Yusuke. And I have mine. He lives twenty miles east of here."

"I see you've grown a set," Yusuke commented. "How will we know his house?"

"You'll know. It's very…ostentatious."

"What?"

"Flashy, you dummy!" Kuwabara exclaimed.

"Whatever. Anyway, we'll be going now."

Koenma nodded as rush of pleasure washed over him after having done something so unscrupulous for his love.

"So what's the plan?" Yusuke asked his team on the way there.

"When the hell have you ever wanted a plan?" Hiei asked.

"I don't know. Never really had to try to convince someone to tell the truth before. Usually just have to kick some ass and be done with it."

"Well before we go that far," Kurama said. "We'll try to reason with him. If he will not listen to reason, then we will use some other form of persuasion."

"Damn Kurama, sounds like you've done this before."

"As Youko I had some…dealings with shady characters."

"You don't suppose Youko will have to make an appearance do you?"

"Let's hope not, for his sake. Perhaps Lord Takahiro is a reasonable man."

"Perhaps not."

They all started and turned around, to see one of the members of the SDF, Enma's personal army standing there.

"What do you want?" Yusuke asked.

"King Enma requests your presence at once."

"Tell him we've got business to handle," Yusuke replied.

"Exactly. That's what he wants to talk to you about."

"We ain't got time-"

"Yusuke, let's just see what he wants. He may be able to help," Kurama suggested.

Yusuke snorted. "I doubt it, but whatever."

None of them had actually met King Enma, so they didn't know how big he was.

"Geez, you're a friggin' giant! How come you're so big and Koenma is normal sized?" Yusuke asked, tactless as usual.

"My son is not a full deity," King Enma explained, "and I have a 'normal' size as well."

"Oh."

"So where are you off to?" Enma asked, peering at the team over his glasses.

"To have tea and cookies with your friend Lord what's-his-name," Yusuke replied.

Enma rubbed his chin. "Tea, is it? What a coincidence. I had tea with him yesterday."

"Yeah, how did that go?"

"Very unpleasant. He will not listen to reason. I may have to result to…other means of persuasion."

"You just lead the persuadin' to us," Yusuke said.

"I see. A spiritual council will be called in a week. Just be sure he makes the right decision."

"Will do. Now we'll be on our way."

"My serviceman will escort you to a portal that will take you right to him."

"This is convenient," Kuwabara commented, as they stepped out of the portal in front of a huge house with golden gates.

"How the hell are we supposed to get in?"

Kuwabara pressed a buzzer at the side of the gate. A servant appeared on the screen.

"Yes?"

"We're here to see Lord Takahiro," Kurama said.

The servant squinted at the team. "Lord Takahiro is not taking visitors today."

"Open the damn gate or we'll open it for you," Hiei threatened.

"Hiei!" Kuwabara exclaimed.

The heavy gate swung open.

They passed by at least three marble fountains on the way up to the house. There also statues of birds, lions, and other animals and gods.

"Fucking ridiculous," Yusuke muttered.

A servant opened the door before they could knock. They were shown into a room with a large table and chairs. The shelves were full of books and there was a huge plant by the window.

"Tea, gentlemen?" a servant offered.

"Yeah, why not," Yusuke answered.

They sat in the room for what seemed like hours. Yusuke and Hiei grew impatient.

"What the hell is taking him so long?" Yusuke demanded, irritated.

"Perhaps we should inform him of our arrival," Hiei said.

As if on cue, the door opened and a man entered with a young woman behind them. The man was short but well groomed, with a reddish gold beard designed to his unusually large jawline. He wore fine robes.

"Good day, gentlemen. I am Lord Takahiro, and this is my daughter Akemi, who is betrothed to Prince Koenma," the woman stepped forward and curtsied. Her fancy clothes and jewelry did little to hide her rather insipid looks.

"Nice to meet you," Yusuke said. He turned to Lord Takahiro. "Look pal, you might want to tell your daughter to leave the room and let the men talk," Yusuke advised.

"Of course," Lord Takahiro said smoothly. "I merely wanted you to meet her. Akemi, would you excuse us please?"

"Of course father," she curtsied and left the room.

Yusuke turned to their host. "Alright buddy," Yusuke said. "I am sure you know why we're here."

"I think I can guess. Did Enma send you? No wait," Takahiro studied Yusuke closely. "You're Koenma's goons. Who knew the boy had the temerity to send his henchmen after me. I'll tell you like I told Enma. We had a binding contract and he cannot just break it because his son wants to marry that silly ferry girl."

Yusuke narrowed his eyes. "Watch your mouth, pal. And that ain't what we heard. We hear Enma broke it off and you agreed."

"Oh, come now gentlemen. We all know Enma can't be trusted, don't we? He's lying, as usual."

"No, you're lying," Hiei said, his jagan glowing under its ward. "I can see straight into you lying little head."

"Ah, Jaganshi Hiei," Takahiro sneered. "Tell me, how are the koorime? Such a shame they way they threw-"

Hiei had his hand around the lord's neck. "You say something?"

"Gaaaaah," the man said as he struggled for air.

"Alright Hiei play nice," Yusuke admonished.

"Anyway," the man said, rubbing his throat. "Akemi will be wed to Koenma, bring this family prosperity and wealth. We will become the most powerful family in the Reikai."

"So you're using her like some pawn in a chess game?" Kuwabara asked incredulously.

"What's the matter, handsome? You want to marry her instead? Sorry, she's already promised."

"Look here pal," Yusuke warned. "Here's what's going to happen. Either you are going to tell the truth at that little meeting of yours or we're going to have wring the truth out of you."

Takahiro raised his eyebrow. "A confession under duress? That won't go over well with the council, I'm afraid."

"We're not going to force ya'," Kuwabara said. "You're gonna do it on your own."

Takahiro smirked. "I am telling the truth."

Kurama was near the window. "This is a lovely plant," he complimented.

"A very rare species of fern," the lord bragged.

"I see," Kurama said.

"Yeah, I know you want…what the-" he was cut off by the plant snaking over to him and grabbing his ankles, lifting him up and turning him upside down.

"Help!" he barked.

"Shut up," Hiei warned, holding his Katana to the lord's throat. "Unless you want me to shut you up."

Takahiro opened his mouth to scream again, but Kuwabara stuffed a linen napkin into his mouth.

"Holy shit Kuwabara," Yusuke said. "Didn't expect you to get involved."

"Hate the way he's treating his daughter. She's not some pawn in your game!"

"Umphf!" was all the Lord could manage.

"Like I was saying," Yusuke continued. "You go to your little meeting and tell them you broke the agreement. Or we will have to come back. Capiche?"

The Lord nodded.

"Good. I knew you would see things our way." Kurama's plants turned Lord Takahiro right side up and sat him back down in the chair. Kuwabara removed the gag from his mouth.

"And this is good tea," Yusuke said, swallowing the last gulp.

What a relief! Botan and Koenma made up and it looks like Lord What-his-name is going to tell the truth…or will he? Find out as The Courtship progresses!

I had no idea that this story was going to be so long. We'll see how far it you guys! Keep up the reviews!

NG714