Aaaaaaaand I'm back! Did you miss me? Did you? Huh? Oh yeah. I know you did. Sorry, buy my parents TOOK the computer away! I couldn't even write! AH! But I worked hard at math and brought my grade up so that I could get my computer back and bring you this!
Anyway, ff.net has now decided to punish us WORD users once more. It's been eating my ellipses! AH! And as you know, I use them a lot. First, they took away my italics, now, it's my ellipses! Arg! ::bitch moan bitch moan:: Perhaps someone can tell me how to remedy this? Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
~*~
Botan opened the door and slid gratefully into her apartment, dropping her bag of oranges to the floor and watching them roll out and over the carpet as she slid into a sitting position against the door.
She hesitantly put her fingers to her lips. They tingled mildly, and were still swollen. She couldn't believe.. Shuichi had kissed her.
Why? Why had he..? Botan groaned and covered her eyes.
She didn't want to deal with this.. Not.. Not right now. Not with all these. feelings and emotions coursing through her. Even the thought of Shuichi's face was now sending chills down her spine and the memory of the kisses he had given her conjured butterflies to flutter uneasily in her stomach.
Not for the first time since she had moved here, Botan desperately wanted someone to talk too. She felt extremely lonely and wished that she had someone to relate today's.. earlier events. Obviously, talking to Karasu about.. Well, anything really, besides work was out of the question. And she would feel extremely awkward calling Oliver up to ask for his help.. These, added to the fact that Botan was not particularly close to her parents left her with.. No one. She wished suddenly, that she had a close girl friend to talk too - wasn't that what girls did? Ask for advice on these things? And Botan was sadly inexperienced in the art of love and courtship, she had no idea how to react to Shuichi and frankly - she was terrified of the surge of emotions that his kiss had sent rocketing through her.
What did it mean? What did the kiss mean? Was it simply.. a reaction to something that she couldn't comprehend? Was it just something that Shuichi had done on the spur of the moment? Surely not, he didn't seem the kind of boy who was given to whims. Though she had known him briefly, Botan had the impression that Shuichi was the kind of person who acted only after thought, and who made careful plans about. everything.
The kisses had been brief, but the first one had been crushing, as if driven by a hurricane force. There had been something behind that first kiss. Something dark and slightly menacing, possessive, captivating and seductive. Shuichi's second kiss had seemed to be an afterthought, and in stark contrast to the first one he had bestowed upon her. It had been gentler, soothing. There had been strong emotions behind both kisses. But Botan wasn't sure what they were, or what to make of them.
She stared at oranges scattered across the floor, a dazed expression painting her pretty features.
~*~
Kurama slipped his hands into his pockets, a pensive look upon his angelic face. Botan had rushed away so quickly. He hoped he hadn't frightened her with his sudden amour. Kurama did not in the least regret kissing Botan, he just wished that Youko hadn't driven him to be so intense.
He bit his lip worriedly, and was delighted to find her taste still lingering there. Kurama had wanted for some time to do that to Botan. He grinned secretly to himself. If he had it his way, Botan would soon be returning his kisses with just as much passion. He was determined to have her. Or was it Youko who wanted her so desperately? The words of his alter ego echoed in his mind "Our desires are the same. You can't deny me, so why do you try?"
It was true, for the most part. Kurama and Youko both desired Botan. But Kurama was almost certain the thief's affections where not quite so pure as his.
He sighed, being in constant conflict with oneself was probably not healthy.
"Kitsune."
Kurama paused, turning to look over his shoulder. Hiei stood about ten paces behind him, frowning - as usual. Kurama smiled and gestured that Hiei should come and walk with him. Hiei approached him, his frown deepening.
"Hello, Hiei," Kurama smiled. "How are you?"
"Whose scent is that all over you?"
Kurama frowned. What was he talking ab-? Oh, yes.
"Ah. That would be Botan's."
Hiei seemed to be pondering something for a moment.
"Botan. That girl you took the place where they serve sweet snow?"
Kurama nodded. "We spent the afternoon together."
Hiei rolled his eyes. "How lovely. I would assume, since there is no annoying female clinging to your arm, that she must have abandoned you again?"
Kurama's eyes widened in surprise. "What? What makes you think she 'abandoned' me?"
Hiei laughed darkly. "I have never known a female to willingly leave your presence. Either this particular girl is rather extraordinary or you did something to frighten her away."
Kurama's eyes gleamed gold for a moment as he grinned toothily at Hiei. "Botan is 'rather extraordinary'." His eyes muted back to emerald and he sighed. "Though, I think I did frighten her off."
Hiei glanced curiously at his friend. "That is unlike you. What happened?"
Kurama frowned and looked up at the sky, admiring the beautiful colors of the early stages of the sunset. "It has to do with the recent problem I told you about."
Hiei frowned once more. "Youko."
Kurama nodded. "Yes, the very one. When I was with Botan earlier today, he sort of. Slipped to the surface. His emotions caused me to kiss her quite suddenly. I think that's what scared her off."
"He managed to take over your thoughts for a moment?!" Hiei asked in alarm.
Kurama frowned grimly. "That's not the half of it. Yesterday, he took over completely. My mind and.. My body. I completely changed into Youko Kurama."
Hiei stopped in shock. "Wh.. What?!"
Kurama stared at the ground.
"This is serious, Kurama! What caused him to take complete control like that?"
"I saw the Artful Dodger. That's what caused it."
"You saw the thief that Koenma's been looking for?" Hiei asked quietly.
"Yes. And she's a woman."
Hiei's eyes almost popped out of his head. "A woman? No."
Kurama nodded.
"And yet you didn't catch her?"
"I chased her down as Youko. But she disappeared on me."
"Back to the Youko thing. This is getting disturbing. I really think you should tell Koenma, or at least Ayame. One of them should know what's going on."
"No!" Kurama barked harshly at his friend. Hiei flinched under the cruel tone and watched as Kurama's eyes shifted from green to molten gold before swiftly darkening again.
"No." Kurama stated again, calmly this time. "I am not yet ready to talk about this to anyone but you. Please promise me, Hiei, that you will not betray my trust."
Hiei hesitated. He felt strongly that Kurama needed some kind of help, but was he was reluctant to go against his friend's wishes.
"Very well, Kurama." He consented.
Kurama smiled at him, his teeth glinting in a dangerous fashion in the afternoon light.
Hiei stepped uneasily away from him, then leaped into the nearest tree. He watched Kurama walk away from him, and his characteristic frown deepened once more.
"What are you doing to yourself, kitsune?" But his whisper was lost on the cool afternoon breeze.
~*~
Karasu paced silently in his room, his pent up energy lending a sort of catlike grace to his frustrated movements.
The sun was beginning to set, and the people were beginning to leave the streets. Nighttime was naturally when Karasu was in his element, and he was beginning to feel like a caged animal in his luxurious apartment.
He had not talked to or seen Botan all day, and with his growing desire for her it seemed torturous to be denied her presence.
But he had told himself that he would comply with her desires to be left alone for the next few days. Surely it shouldn't be such a task?
He moved to his balcony, feeling the cooling air ruffle through his hair. He closed his eyes.
"Botan.."
Like Hiei, his whisper was swept away in the evening breeze.
He felt his power rising slowly within him, and with a conscious effort he pushed it down again."
His power was becoming difficult to control lately. Though, he probably shouldn't be surprised, he mused.
Every demon of his kind, when separated from Maikai for too long begins to lose control over their power. He was no exception. He had not stepped foot into his homeworld for far to long. And his fluctuating power was proof of it.
Karasu took a deep breath and opened his eyes slowly, watching the last beams of the sun fade on the horizon.
He grinned. Now he would venture out.. Now that there were not so many ningens about.
Karasu grabbed his coat.
~*~
Kurama sighed wearily and lowered himself onto a bench a few blocks from where he had left Hiei. The sun had just set, but he wasn't ready to go home quite yet. He still had too much on his mind.
He frowned toed the pavement. For the first time in a long time Kurama could actually say that he was confused.
Confused over Youko's emergence, confused about how to approach Botan, confused about the Artful Dodger..
Kurama tilted his head back. The stars where just beginning to emerge, the night was young. It was nights like this that he had enjoyed his past occupation most.
His past.. It was beginning to catch up to him wasn't it? He had cheated death and judgment and now he was beginning to pay. He thought he had changed when he became human, he thought he had become better. Was it true that he had only succeeded in splitting his personality in half - becoming the caring human boy, Shuichi Minamino - a personality that dominated the remnants of the dark and dangerous Youko Kurama?
Had he really changed? Was he really safe?
Footsteps interrupted his thoughts. Kurama's sharp gaze darted to his left, where the sound was coming from.
A tall man stood in the pool of light that was cast from a streetlamp. His long dark hair waving gently as a sudden gust of wind passed them by.
The man narrowed his eyes at Kurama, removing his hands from the pockets of his long coat.
Kurama sat up straight. This was the man.. He had seen Botan with the other night.. Her boss.. The demon..
The man suddenly sneered at him, his sensuous lips pulling back to reveal sharp canines - giving him a feral look. Kurama started.
"You," The other man said. "You. I know you. You were the boy Botan was talking to after school a few days ago."
Kurama raised an eyebrow. He hadn't seen this man anywhere the afternoon he had taken Botan out for ice cream.
"Yes." He answered. "And I saw you at the restaurant."
The dark haired man laughed harshly. "I remember."
They regarded each other silently for a moment.
"I recall," Kurama began, after a moment, "Botan mentioning you."
The mans eyes flashed for a moment.
"Really?" He asked.
"She said she worked for you."
The other man tossed his hair. "That is true."
Kurama frowned. "She spends quite a bit of time working."
"Her job takes time."
"She also seems to have irregular hours."
The man shrugged.
"What exactly is it that she does?"
The man grinned darkly. "Why don't you ask her?"
Kurama grit his teeth. This was beginning to feel like a confrontation, and it was going nowhere.
"You monopolize much of her time."
The dark haired man grinned, his teeth flashing. "Jealous?" He asked snidely.
Kurama narrowed his eyes, baring his teeth angrily. Yes, he was jealous.
"Who are you?"
"I am called Karasu. And you?"
Botan only knew his human name.
"Shuichi."
Karasu smiled slowly, in unnerving manner.
"What?" Kurama asked him sharply.
"Nothing, I was just.. Admiring your hair."
Kurama shuddered, beginning to feel frightened for the first time in a long time. He stood up, glaring at the man across from him. "Excuse me, I must be going."
"Of course," Karasu said, his smile widening, "I actually have my own business to attend to. I'll see you around."
Kurama watched Karsu's retreating form with gold- tainted eyes.
~*~
AN: Whoo-hoo! And there goes chapter 18! I finally got a little Kurama and Karasu confrontation.
Oh! And the contest is over, we have a winner! They will be announced when I actually get to the chapter where it applies.
And Thanks for all the reviews last chapter! I think we broke a record! Anyway, thank you to the following:
Yayo: Good to see you again! How did your finals go? I know, I love the Karasu/Botan thing too, even if it is one sided.
Dark Chobit: Karasu. What can I say? I love him. And yes, he does serve his role well, doesn't he?
Amber Myst: Thank you. PLEASE stop using alternate casing though, you're KILLING my eyes!!!
DarkAnimeChick: I know. I'm so jealous of Botan. I have to be careful sometimes, before this turns into a self-insert!
miyako14: Thanks!
Kawaii Thief Kitsune: ...... ( in case that doesn't show up, it's a lot of periods) ^_^
Shiroi Hikari: Thank you!
Kuramas Kitsune: Thank you! Awwww, stop comparing me to Diana-sama! I am not worthy!!
AnimeBunny: ::cracks up:: You're funny! But. Ummm. No, that's not it!
Kore Yan: Awww, hearing that I made someone's day better makes me feel great!
JD Fielding: Thanks! I love how Kurama is battling with Youko myself. And yeah, 'poor' Shuichi, always being followed by gaggles of girls. Anyway, Karasu is beginning to become. Unstable. I love it!
angelic-faluna: Why, thank you very much! And, er, you're welcome! I hope you liked this chapter. ^_^
Xen003: Lol, thanks!
Eunjung: ::Blushes deeply:: Thank you, as always for the compliments. I love them, even though they make my head swell to large sizes. Please update He said She said as a favor to me? I LOVE that fic so far! And you're leaving me hanging!
foxfiregulr1002: Thank you!
Tiineiji Rin: Wow, I can't believe you staid up to read my fic! I feel special. Sorry your mom's being mean!
Candace: Heh, I know. It took forever to happen!
Frith: Lol, I know the scene of which you speak! It angered me greatly! But they kissed in the end, so I was cool. And I'm glad you liked Karasu's 'in his bed' comment. I loved that. And he is a freak. You'll see.
Kari no Miko: ::giggles:: I'm glad you liked it! As for Captive. Well. I don't know. Soon, I guess. We'll see, ne? Thanks for being nice to Karasu!
DeityofRoses: ::shuffles feet and grins:: I know it took a while! But at least you were entertained, right? Anyway, I read your last chapter (but didn't have time to review, I was at school) and I loved it! It was mildly romantic. Now I have to start pressuring you for Kurama/Botan romance. Anyway, I hope you did well with your speech!
Corkycomp: I always love your reviews! Yes, finally some real romance, ne?! And yeah, I agree with you, Kurama practically invites all the attention by being so nice! And good-looking. Oh, there will definitely be confrontation with Karasu and the kitsune, don't you worry about that! And I'm glad you liked the family heirloom crack. ^_^
allin656: Thank you! I'll try to keep the updates coming.
Chocogurl: ::laughs:: Thank you! I hope you liked this chapter, the next chapter to Captive will be out soon.
Wizzardess Gal: Thank you! I'm always happy when I get people who aren't exactly K/B fans who like the story!
Sweet Kaori: lol, glad you like it! I'm happy they finally got down to smooching too!
Lady Nightshade: Oh, I'll have to go check it out then.
Yume Ookami: Jennifer! THANKS FOR THE FOX MASK!!! I LOVE IT!!! As you can tell from the caps and excessive punctuation, I'm serious..
Sarah: ::cracks up:: I'll put more romance in! I promise! But I can't kill of Karasu yet, his role is important!
PassionateAngel: Ah, I don't mind you being late with the review! Anyway, even I'll admit that Karasu is getting creepy. But I'm glad you liked the kissy-kissy action!
Junyortrakr: I know. Kurama's being a little slow on the uptake isn't he?
Liz Inc: Lol, well, I don't how lucky you are, but I'm glad you decided to read it. I feel all special and stuff!
Nijiko-chan: I'm sorry, I read the chapter, I don't know why I didn't review, I must have forgotten. Well, anyway, I hope that you like the new chapter!
Kari Ishikawa: ::blushes:: Wow, thank you. I don't know what to say. ::runs off and hides in embarrassment::
Snowfall: Ummmm... They look blue in my pictures. I'm sorry if I got it wrong. Lol, stop poking Karasu's eyes!
DarkAngelB: ::Laughs:: I'm sorry I kept you up so late! But I will eventually update this on fictionised.net. I'm glad you like the story though!
Luci-chan6: Thank you! I'm glad you like it. 'Flabbergasted'. I like that word. I shall have to use it.
deity of death 1: Thank you! I love getting new readers!
NoneOfYourBwax: lol. Alright, Botan was CONFUSED by the kiss. But I'm sure she enjoyed it. Heck, who wouldn't enjoy being kissed by Kurama?!
Disturbedvixen: Well cool! I'd like to read it.
En Satstu Koku Ryuu Ha: Thank you!
Mourning Fox: I love your pen name! And thanks for the tip, I was sooooo mad at ff.net for getting rid of my ellipses, I assure you, they used to be three dots. Arg! Anyway, I'm glad you like the fic!
Obitachi: I'm glad you like it! I know what you mean. I can't stand it when authors are so fickle! Don't worry, this fic and Captive WILL be completed. And I agree, I love Kurama's attitude. By the way, you are a most observant reader. ^_^
kawaii-sakura12: Karasu is a sadist... But a charming one. Ah, I love Kurama too.
Anyway guys! Thanks for the reviews and keep it up!