Kurama stared at Monica, his eyes full of joy. "Monica, are you sure about this?" he asked her gently. Monica nodded.
"I have chosen my fate. It was both my mother and father's wishes that I stay with you forever," she said. Rosewilt and Blue Thunder smiled at them.
"You have chosen well," spoke Rosewilt. She then bowed her head and took off into the sky. Blue Thunder looked down at Monica. Your father's kingdom will have a lord and lady one day. The King of Demon World will take care of it until the heir is old enough to take the throne," he spoke. Monica nodded happily then Blue Thunder took off after Rosewilt. Monica then looked at the fox in her arms.
"Aren't you going with them?" she asked her little friend. Emi yawned and shook her head.
"I've decided to stay with you. Being away from you is so depressing. Besides, Rosewilt and Blue Thunder are so business like," spoke the fox. Monica laughed then took Kurama's hand.
"You really took a big risk," spoke Kurama. Monica smiled at him.
"I took the risk so I could be with you," she corrected him then together, they disappeared in a flash.
A week later, Monica, Kurama, and Sayuri walked down the familiar road towards school for their high school graduation. Sayuri sighed. "It seems only yesterday that it was the beginning of the year," she spoke. Monica leaned her head onto Kurama's shoulder and smiled.
"To me, it seems like we've known each other forever," she whispered. Kurama smiled at her then put his arm around her.
"Now we move on towards the future," he stated. Sayuri glanced at the two of them.
"So, when are you two getting married?" Sayuri asked, stopping in her tracks. Monica looked at her friend, extremely startled by the question.
"What?"
"Aren't you two going to get married?" Sayuri asked in surprise. Kurama chuckled at her.
"Not yet," he whispered to her. "It's a surprise." Sayuri's eyes widened then she nodded. Monica watched them curiously.
"Are you hiding something from me Yoko Kurama?" she asked in a teasing voice. Kurama smiled then kissed her on the cheek.
"You'll see," he whispered in her ear as they continued walking towards the school.
At the school, everything was set up neatly and everyone was waiting for the announcements. Diplomas sat on a table, waiting to be handed out. Monica quickly led Kurama to a row of chairs waiting for them.
"Wait for me when graduation is over?" she asked him looking him in the eye. He chuckled.
"Of course. I wouldn't dream of leaving you," he replied. Monica smiled at him. She then gave him a swift kiss on the cheek and went to her assigned seat.
The principle now stood on the stage holding a microphone. This caught everyone's attention. "I'd like to present this year's graduating class!" With that being said, he began calling out names for people to receive their diplomas.
When every student was seated once more, the principle cleared his throat. "Now I would like to hand the microphone to Akimi Tomiko for a special announcement!" Monica stood, gracefully walking onto the stage and took the microphone.
"Congratulations my fellow friends and students. Our years of school have finally come to an end!" she cried out. Everyone cheered. When it died down, she continued. "Everyone will soon be off to college doing great things and yet, will always remember this day. All will know we worked hard for this!" Cheers erupted once more. "No matter what happens, we will always remember our good times here. Thank you!" she cried then handed the microphone back and walked off the stage. Everyone applauded her. (I know graduation ceremonies aren't really like this, but this chapter is way too long in my opinion.)
Kurama smiled at her graceful form. He was really pleased t know that she was his no matter what. Monica spotted him and smiled at him.
The principle then looked at everyone. "I pronounce this class, graduated!" he cried out. Everyone cheered wildly, and all the students threw their caps into the air. Monica quickly ran to Kurama and hugged him tightly. He smiled at her, knowing that she didn't know what he had in store for her.
Later that evening, there was a party held at Tomiko mansion. All of Kurama's and Monica's friends were invited. Everybody was celebrating. Monica laughed when she saw a bunch of her friends swoon at the sight of Kurama. He chuckled then walked over to her, giving her a peck on the cheek.
"Enjoying yourself?" he whispered in her ear. Monica shivered at the sound of his voice. She could have sworn there was a hint of lust in it. Out of the corner of her eye, Sayuri watched them. Kurama smirked then pushed her against the wall, kissing her passionately. (O.o Must be his Yoko side trying to come out.)
'Kurama?' thought Monica as she gasped in surprise, but then wrapped her arms around his neck and returned it. Sayuri giggled at the sight of this.
A bunch of girls saw them and started squealing excitedly. This caught the attention of the others. Boys then began to whistle and cheer Kurama on. Kurama broke the kiss and smiled down at his lover's flushed face.
Monica turned even redder when she saw everyone watching. Through the crowd, she saw her parents. Both were smiling at her. She waved at them happily then looked at Kurama. He smiled at her and pulled her into his arms. "Before the end of tomorrow," he whispered in her ear. Monica's eyes widened.
'Did I hear correctly? Is that what I think it means?' she thought and looked at Kurama's face. He, of course, had a calm face, acting as if he hadn't said anything. He then led her over to the couch and sat down, pulling her along with him. They sat there watching the party until Monica slowly drifted off to sleep.
Kurama smiled down at her sleeping form. Carefully, he picked her up and went upstairs to her bedroom. He then placed her on the bed and planted a soft kiss on the forehead, which made her smile in her sleep.
Early the next morning, Monica awoke to the bright sun. She sat up yawning then looked at her bedside table. There, sat a pure red rose on top of a note. She smiled as she read it. 'My dear rose, I will be picking you up at eight in the evening. Wear something nice. Love your fox, Kurama.'
Monica giggled then quickly went to her closet to pick out a dress. 'I wonder why he wants me to wear something nice,' she thought.
That evening, Monica waited for Kurama's arrival. She wore a long red evening gown with sleeves sliding off her shoulders. A rose linked the sleeves together. Her hair was down, and flowed to her waist. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Monica quickly hurried to the door.
At the door, stood Kurama in a black tux with a bouquet of roses in his hand. He gasped when he saw her and looked her up and down, trying to keep the image of her in his head. "So are we going to go? Or are yo just going to stare at me all night?" teased Monica. Kurama looked her in the eye and blushed hard then handed her the roses and held out his arm. Monica laughed softly then took it. He then led her to his car.
"So where are you taking me?" she asked when they began to drive. Kurama smiled.
"It's a surprise," he replied.
A few minutes later, they arrived at a restaurant called The Rose Garden. As Kurama led Monica into the restaurant, she gasped. It was beautiful, from the dim lamps to the shining floor. A waiter came up to them and led them to a table outside next to a garden full of roses.
Out of the corner of his eye, Kurama glanced at Monica. Her eyes shone with happiness. She hugged Kurama. "Thank you," she whispered. He chuckled then led her to her seat, allowing her to sit down.
After Monica and Kurama ate dinner, Monica looked out beyond the garden. There, stood a beautiful water fountain nearby. She sighed happily. Kurama noticed this then stood up. "Lets go for a walk in the garden," he suggested. Monica turned to him and smiled.
She then stood up and followed him down some stairs into the garden. As the neared the fountain, Kurama took her hand. "I have a surprise for you," he whispered in her ear. Monica nodded then in one graceful movement, sat at the fountain's edge. Kurama then knelt before her, holding both of her hands. Monica, seeing this, suddenly knew what he was about to do. Tears of happiness fell out of her eyes.
Kurama smiled then began to speak. "Monica, ever sicne I first knew you, I've been in love with you. I know you love Yoko as well as my human form and I understand that we were meant to be together even if I don't wish to transform. So please, will you make me the happiest man alive by marrying me?" In his hand was a small dark green velvet box. Inside was a beautiful ring with a ruby shaped like a rose decorated with two emerald leaves. On the leaves were crystal raindrops that shimmered brightly.
Monica gasped and looked into his eyes. Kurama's heart fluttered as she smiled at him. "I will Kurama. I always dreamt of this day," she replied. His eyes sparkled. He then pulled her into a deep passionate kiss.
When they pulled away, he slipped the ring onto her finger. "I love you my dear rose," he spoke.
"I do too my fox," said Monica.
Week later, Monica stood on the balcony of her house. Over those weeks, her hair had grown even longer. The wedding day was approaching, and yet she still hadn't picked out a dress. She sighed quietly then looked at the beautiful ring and smiled. Kurama had decided to wait to tell everyone so no one except their parents knew of the engagement. Suddenly, she saw Botan flying towards her. As soon as she landed, she looked at Monica, grinning madly.
"Why didn't you tell me you and Kurama were engaged?" she asked, her voice full of excitement. Monica blushed.
"I'm sorry, we wanted to announce it at the party tomorrow. We've already planned everything," spoke Monica. Botan's eyes shone happily.
"But you haven't picked out a dress yet, right?" Botan asked. Monica gasped.
"How did you know?" she asked.
"Simple, Koenma just told me, that's how I found out. Of course, I had to beat the secret out of him because he wouldn't tell me," replied Botan cheerfully. Monica laughed.
"Just like Koenma to know these things."
"Anyways, I'm so happy for you! You're actually getting married to Kurama! I mean Kurama! The sweetest guy you could ever know!" screamed Botan.
"Botan, lower your voice. I don't want anyone to hear. My parents only know Kurama as Shuichi," whispered Monica, blushing again.
"Whoops! Sorry, I didn't mean too!" said Botan, laughing, embarrassed by her own actions. Then she looked really excited. "I should help you pick out your dress!" Botan then grabbed Monica by the wrist, ignored her protests, and flew off.
Meanwhile, Kurama laid on his bed in his room, looking at the ceiling. 'Monica, I'm glad you are to be my wife,' he thought. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Kurama quickly sat up. "Come in," he called out. To his surprise, his stepfather entered. He stood. His stepfather smiled.
"I cam to talk to you about your marriage to Akimi," he spoke. Kurama looked at him then nodded for him to sit down. When his stepfather sat, he faced him. "Shuichi, are you sure you love her?" he asked quietly. Kurama looked at him surprised.
"Yes, why do you ask!" he inquired. Hatanaka sighed then gave him a slight smile.
"I just wanted to know. When I married your mother, I was truly happy. I want you to feel the same way with Akimi," he spoke. Kurama nodded for him to continue. "Know this. Always protect her. Don't ever leave her or you will one day regret it." Hatanaka then gave one last smile then left. Kurama watched as he left then laid down again.
Suddenly, the door opened once moor. Kurama quickly looked over. There stood Monica, smiling happily. "Hello Kurama," she said softly. Kurama quickly went over to hub her.
"Monica, is everything alright?" he asked. Monica nodded her head and looked at him.
"Everything is fine. I just wanted to see you today. Everything is already planned for the wedding," she replied. He smiled then gave her a kiss.
"I'm glad," he told her. Suddenly, somebody else cleared their throat. Monica and Kurama turned to find Yusuke and Kuwabara standing in the doorway.
"Mind explaining this to us? What is this wedding you keep talking about?" asked Yusuke slyly, giving them a weird look. Monica and Kurama blushed.
"I'm engaged to Monica," explained Kurama.
"SAY WHAT?!" yelled Yusuke and Kuwabara, their eyes and mouths wide open. Monica laughed.
"We were going to announce it at the party tomorrow," explained Monica. Kurama laughed along with her then wrapped his arms around her waist. Yusuke suddenly burst out into hysterical laughter making everyone confused.
"So that's why you were never home!" he yelled, slapping Kurama on the back. Kurama winced and moved a little to the side.
"Yusuke, please calm down. This is why Kurama and I decided to wait to announce this. We didn't want everyone to get excited just yet," explained Monica, smiling softly.
"Yeah Urameshi, give them a break. How about we go find Keiko and dear sweet Yukina!" he said, hearts appearing in his eyes. He then dragged Yusuke out the door and looked back. "Congratulations Kurama!" he said then left.
Monica smiled then looked at Kurama. "Just a few more days," she whispered. He nodded and smiled.
