Hey there you guys! Here's chapter 19 of Thief! Ready to go! It's pure Kurama/Botan WAFF. I've been a fluff kick since I wrote The Chase (remember my lemon project?) and it's showing up in my other works. Well, I don't think any of you will complain. Enjoy!

            ~*~

            Botan slipped through the crowd and moved stealthily toward her locker. She glanced furtively around, trying to spot a certain redhead. Not seeing him, she let out a sigh of relief and opened her locker door, groaning as a pile of letters fell from it. Botan desperately tried to grab them all, but one fell to the ground before she could catch it. She quickly stuffed the letters she had managed to save into her bag and began to chase the one that had escaped across the quad, where the wind had blown it. Before she could reach it, someone bent down and retrieved it, then straightened, waiting for her.

            Botan slowed drastically and bit her lip. Shuichi stood not ten feet away, nervously tapping her letter against his thigh as he watched her move toward him, his bottle-green eyes following her every move.

            She approached him tentatively, a deep blush staining her cheeks. Although she'd had Sunday to think about Shuichi's kisses and sort through her emotions – she hadn't been able too. Botan was as confused as ever and felt butterflies fluttering manically in her stomach as she stepped up to him, a nervous grin on her lips.

            "I think this is yours." Shuichi said, smiling comfortingly at her, and brandishing the letter.

            "Er, yeah. Thank you." She took it from him, taking care to avoid touching him in any way, and stuffed it into her bag. Shuichi frowned at her.

            "I noticed your sneaking around earlier. Trying to avoiding someone?"

            Botan blushed harder and blinked at him. "N-no! I w-was just… Just, um-"

            Shuichi gently grasped her shoulders, leaning down so that they were eye-level.

            "You were avoiding me." He sighed, closing his eyes. "I apologize for frightening you Saturday."

            Botan shifted uncomfortably. Shuichi was awfully close… Awfully close indeed. She could feel his warm breath and smell his cologne – roses?

            "You didn't… You didn't frighten me, Shuichi." She sighed, then watched as his long lashes raised, revealing his emerald eyes to her once more.

            "I didn't?" Botan almost giggled at the confused look on his face.

            "No." She admitted. "You just… startled me. I-" She hesitated, looking up at him uncertainly. He squeezed her shoulders encouragingly. "I've never been kissed before and I just didn't know how to react." She rushed; looking down at the ground in embarrassment and wondering what had possessed admit anything like that to him. She felt his hand grasp her chin, and gently tilt her face upward. He was smiling at her.

            "You mean, I was your first?"

            Botan nodded slowly at him. Shuichi's face became solemn.

            "Why, I had no idea. I am honored. I'm sorry though, that I may have been a little rough or spontaneous. May I make it up to you?"

            Botan had never thought it possible to blush so hard. She knew what Shuichi was asking her, it was written all over his face. But… Did she want it? Was she willing to accept this?

            Noting her hesitation, Kurama pulled away from her – he wouldn't rush her, and he refused to frighten her again.

            Botan felt him beginning to step away. She quickly made up her mind, grabbing his arms.

            "Wait!" She cried. He turned back to her, surprised. "Wait." She said again softly. His viridian gaze locked onto her. She swallowed nervously.

            "You can… You can make it up to me." She blushed. Shuichi smiled gently and once again, he took hold of her chin, tilting her head upward.

            "Thank you." He whispered, before his lips met hers in a soft kiss.

            Warmth flowed through them both, and for the moment – nothing existed outside of their sphere.

Kurama for his part, was happy – truly happy for the first time in a long time. He had his quarry, she wasn't fighting, she was responding to his advances. He slipped his arms securely around her.

Botan felt inexplicably safe. She hugged Shuichi tighter and angled herself more comfortably. She didn't want this to end, not for anything.

"Oh my god! Shuichi's kissing the new girl!"

The two broke away from the kiss, blinking at each other. They turned slowly to see half the school staring at them.

"Wow… I thought he was gay!" Whispered one boy loudly to another.

"I know," The other whispered back, "I've never seen him ask a girl out, let alone kiss anyone!"

Kurama's eyebrow twitched.

"Who does she think she is? She's here for a little over a week and she takes the best guy in school!" One girl steamed. "I've been after him since kindergarten!"

Kurama's grip on Botan's waist tightened and he pulled her closer protectively. Botan clung to him as the crowd swarmed around them.

"Wow, way to go Shuichi! She's gotta be the hottest girl in school!"

"Geez, Botan, how'd you do it? We thought he was a lost cause! Are you coming to the Shuichi Fan Club meeting tonight? You can tell us all about it!"

Botan groaned and hid her face in the crook of Shuichi's neck. She knew it. She knew it. She knew getting into any kind of relationship would complicate things! Now she was in the spotlight – the one place she did not need to be!

Kurama could sense her distress, he smiled politely at the people surrounding them, and began to walk away swiftly, pulling Botan along with him.

"Excuse us, we're lat for Biology!" He shook off the crowd when they reached the science building. He stopped and pulled away from her, a serious expression on his face.

"Botan, I am very sorry about all that."

She looked him, a humorless smile twitching on her lips. "Yeah, well… I guess I should expect something like that to happen when I kiss the schools 'Casanova' in front of everyone."

He frowned. "You don't… Regret it… Do you?" Botan watched his brow furrow and her expression softened.

"No. I don't."

He sighed in relief.

"Wait. Let me rephrase that."

Kurama sweat-dropped.

"What I meant was," Botan began, putting a finger thoughtfully to her lips. "I don't regret actually kissing you. I do regret doing it front of the entire school!"

Kurama grinned nervously. "I said I was sorry!"

Botan patted his shoulder comfortingly. "I know you did, I forgive you!" Though, she wondered how long it would take for all the hype to die down.

"Well. We'll just have to be discreet next time."

Botan flushed. "N-next time?"

Kurama grinned wickedly. "Yes. In the future, we'll have find somewhere more private."

"In the future?" Botan had been under the impression that this had been a sort of 'one time' thing.

Kurama pulled her close to him.

"Do you know, that I have been dying to kiss you for a while now?"

Botan blinked. "Um… No."

"And did you know that I've wanted to ask you out since that time we had ice-cream together?"

She gripped his biceps and looked up at him. "No."

"Well now you do."

            Botan smiled uncertainly at him. She watched Shuichi take a deep breath. He seemed to be preparing himself for something.

            "So. Will you go out with me?"

            Botan froze. What? Go out? "You mean…" She paused, watching him closely, "You mean, like, on a date?"

            Kurama smiled. "Yes. And maybe once you get more comfortable around me we can discuss something more. Like, going steady."

            Botan blanched. "Um, Shuichi…" He looked down at her happily, she noticed that he was rubbing the small of her back in a circular motion. For some reason this made it hard for her to think.

            "Wait!" She pulled away from him, panting. He watched her in surprise, feeling disappointment as she left his arms.

            "Wait, Shuichi!" She looked at him imploringly. "I am terrified of relationships – I may as well tell you now. And – you don't want to go out with me! I mean, you've only known me for what? A week?"

            His expression softened and his hands dropped to his sides. "I may have known you for only a short while, but I really have… feelings… for you." He stopped, frowning. "Admittedly, these feelings are somewhat confused. But I would like for you to at least give me a chance. There's nothing to be afraid of from me…" He knew this wasn't exactly true, but he gave her his most earnest look anyway.

            Botan gestured helplessly. "Trust me, you wouldn't like me once you really got to know me. And I'd be a horrible girlfriend! I'm… Well, I'm complicated."

            'So am I.' Thought Kurama with a smile. He took a step toward her. "Trust me, Botan. I do like you and that won't change. I seriously doubt you'd make a horrible girlfriend, but if you are afraid, then we'll take it slow. All I'm asking for is a chance. And don't tell me that you feel nothing, I wasn't the only one participating in that kiss!"

            Botan blushed and looked at the ground, in deep thought. This was all happening rather quickly. But he was right, she did have some feelings toward him – confused as they were. But… She looked up at him, he was watching her silently, waiting. He deserved a chance, didn't he? In fact… Didn't she deserve a chance? Didn't she deserve a life outside her job?

            She gave Shuichi a considering look.

            Yes… She did… Screw Karasu and his rules. She smiled hesitantly at Shuichi.

            "Alright."

            He grinned and grabbed her, drawing her close. Botan giggled and wrapped her arms around him, closing her eyes and resting her head on chest. Things were going to get complicated now, she could feel it. But surprisingly, she no longer cared. She felt content here, in the embrace of this boy she hardly knew.

            "My boss would kill me if he ever found out about this." She murmured. She felt Shuichi pull away slightly and looked dreamily up at him. He frowned at her.

            "Speaking of which, I met your boss the other night."

            Botan went rigid in his arms. Her eyes widened slightly.

            "Did you really?" She asked nervously.

            "I'm not sure I like him. And I know he doesn't harbor amiable feelings for me."

            Botan looked away from him. "Well, he's not really a 'people person'… Don't hold it against him."

            Kurama stepped away from her, keeping his hands on her waist.

            "He wouldn't tell me what it is you do for him."

            Botan shifted uncomfortably. She had agreed to go on a date with this guy – and maybe share a few kisses and cuddles with him – not tell him everything about her life!

            Kurama could feel her irritation. "He just doesn't seem like the nicest person, I was worried about you." He quickly explained. He wondered if she would laugh at him if he told her that her boss was a demon. In fact, he wondered how she would react if he told her that he was a demon.

            "Karasu isn't a bad boss…" Botan began. "He just isn't a people person. I told you."

            "Okay." Kurama said soothingly. "Okay." He pulled her back toward him. Relieved when she came willingly.

            "Thank you Botan."

            "For what?" She asked, sighing against him.

            "For giving me a chance. I won't disappoint you."

            "You'd better not!" She said playfully, pushing him slightly. He laughed, then kissed her lightly on the nose. She blushed and looked down again.

            He released her reluctantly and stepped away.

            "Come on, we really are going to be late if we don't hurry." He held his hand out toward her and Botan took it shyly. Kurama gave her hand a gentle squeeze and the two started toward Biology together.

            Kurama noticed that for the time in a week, Youko had nothing to say.

            ~*~

            AN: Well there we go! I know it was short, but I didn't have a lot of time to write today. I went to see the Mikado! That's one of my favorite Gilbert and Sullivan's of all time. Anyway, I hope you guys liked this chapter.

            Thanks to the following:
Tiineiji Rin: Hey, you were the first reviewer! Congratulations! I'm glad that my chapters make you feel so good! It makes me feel good hearing that!

Frith: Wow I really appreciate those sentiments from you! Thank you! ::Blushes:: You know, those were my two favorite lines from the last chapter as well. I love Hiei. I am sorely tempted to write a Hiei/Botan fic. When, of course, I am done with this, Captive and The Chase (the latter doesn't really count though, it only has about one more chapter to go). Anyway, I found this chapter very amusing as well. Oh, and you have no choice! You're going to see how much of a freak Karasu is!

JD Fielding: "Back off pervy boy!" ::cracks up:: I love you JD. In fact, I'm going to use that line somehow in this fic! Anyway, I'm glad you like it. I feel kind of guilty though, reading one of your ten billion page long chapters and then looking at my four and a half pages that I just posted… But anyway! I hope you like this chapter as well!

miyako14: Thank you!

Candace: Thank you! I'm glad that came across.

Chocogurl: lol, okay I won't tell! Anyway, I'm glad you liked that, I liked writing it. And I was laughing maliciously the whole time! You know, I think you and I are the only ones who actually like Karasu in this fic! Let's keep the torch burning!

Kari no Miko: I didn't die! I was just grounded, that's all! Anyway, you can't sick Kurama's fan girls on me, I'm one of them! And they don't turn on their own! ::Crazy laughter::

Shiroi Hikari: Thank you, and I will!

Luci-chan6: ::eyes fill with tears:: I'm sorry! I've been grounded and busy!!! But Thank you for understanding!

allin656: Thank you!

Dark Chobit: Thank you! I felt them too! ::Shivers::

Disturbedvixen: Oh, thank goodness they fixed the ellipse thing. I'll try to remember to watch out for your K/B.

DarkAnimeChick: No rest with you people! Enjoy your update!

Mourning Fox: Thank you, Sugar High person you! And yeah, I know what you mean about the limitations on ff.net. If only I knew how to play with html codes…

Kawaii Thief Kitsune: Thank you!

Yume Ookami: Thanks Jen! Hope you had fun in Arizona! Er… Is that where you went?

inuyashafan98: We'll both keep our grades up! I need a math tutor…

AnimeBunny: lol. I loved your review, it cracked me up. You're wrong on one count, though. Kurama does need something! Botan! ^_^

Gitona: I wouldn't mind either… ::Imagines herself in Botan's shoes:: She's so lucky!

DarkAngelB: Thanks! I do have this posted at mediaminer, er… well, the first chapter anyway. I'll get around to putting the rest out there!

moonlight-xxx-sonata: Er, if you'd like to read a rated fic by me, you can go read The Chase. I have a link to the actual lemon version there. It's a Youko/Botan.

DeityofRoses: That Matchmaker Youko was so good! When are you going to continue? Huh? Huh? Huh?

Corkycomp: Thank you for the chocolate! You know what's sad? I didn't get anything for valentines day! :( Although… I didn't get anything for anyone either, so I really have no right to complain. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the chapter, and I'm sorry about your computer!

Kore Yan: Calm down! Here's the next chapter!

Nekurahime: Thank you!

Liz Inc: Heh, that's just my way to make sure you guys keep coming back for more! But thank you for the compliments. You know who I'm jealous of? Diana-Jae… Man, she makes my stuff look like a third-graders story.

Woodelf193: Eh heh… ::looks at the chapter she just wrote:: Well… I didn't rush it…

Junyortraker: Hopefully, it will be!

Nijiko-chan: Thank you! I admit, I'm rather fond of Karasu without the blonde. But yeah, the toguro team is not an attractive bunch. Except for the owner, who you mentioned. I rather liked the idea of a menacing Shuichi, though…

angelic-faluna: Thank you!

PassionateAngel: Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! Watch out for more intense Karasu/Kurama moments ahead!

roses in bloom: …::grins nervously:: Looks like Karasu isn't the only sadist around here!

NoneOfYourBWax: …. Uh… Thank… You… ?

Youko Princess: I hope this chapter satisfied your Kurama/Botan craving!

The New Girl: lol. Thank you!

Hakusho009: Thank you!

Kelly: Thank you!

Kariisme: You know, I'm a Hiei/Botan fan too! I'm tempted to write a Hiei/Botan fic when I finish with this and my other two fics. I'll try to take time and check your stuff out.

Brittany: Thank you! I'll try!

Anica106: ::Blushes:: Thanks!

                                    Well, thanks dears! Time to review again! ^_^