No, I'm not dead. I've just been disgustingly busy. Sorry for the wait! Here's the next chapter!
~*~
Karasu sat in his armchair, shadows obscuring his face. His eyes were fixed on the rising sun, which was slowly beginning to cast its brilliant rays into his dimly lit room. He watched as the light slowly chased the darkness back, causing it to retreat to the corners only to disappear when the light finally reached it. Still, Karasu was safe from the burning fingers of the sunlight as he sat in the deepest corner of his room. He glared out his window; brows furrowed, and flicked a lock of ebony hair over his shoulder.
It had only been a few days since he had seen her, only a few days that he had denied himself her presence.
And it hurt.
This dark obsession he had – it consumed him. He had been unable to think of anything but Botan since she had asked for time off. His mind was filled with images… of her face – at one of the rare moments when she had graced him with a smile… of her hair – usually up in that childish pony tail, but he'd seen down once or twice, cascading down her back like a waterfall… of her supple body – muscles moving gracefully as she maneuvered through a crowd…
He wanted – needed to see her. He didn't have to talk to her… she didn't even have to know that he was there… He just needed to be in her presence, to make the ache ebb.
A smile twitched upon his pallid lips, and his burning blue eyes sparkled for a moment.
Surely she wouldn't notice if he decided to walk her home from school this afternoon – at a distance of course…
Yes… Yes that was just the thing he needed. He hadn't, after all, left the house in days; and the prospect of seeing his employee, his chosen one, the object of all his desires… Was just to tempting.
Yes, an afternoon outing was definitely called for.
~*~
Botan tapped her pencil restlessly upon her desk, every now and then stealing glances at the redhead who sat beside her.
She couldn't believe – couldn't believe - what had happened earlier. Which was why, whenever she got the chance, she would watch Shuichi out of the corner of her eye.
Had they really – had he really -?
She was confused.
Confused and restless.
Butterflies danced nervously in her stomach and she knew that her cheeks were stained scarlet even now.
If only she could stop thinking about it and concentrate on her biology work! But it was difficult you see, because he was sitting right next to her; a constant reminder of the events earlier.
The kissing… and stuff…
Botan's face felt hot and she bent her head forward, letting her shimmering blue tresses fall to hide her embarrassment. Several girls sitting in front of her stopped their whispered conversation and turned back all at once to glare at her.
Botan groaned softly, then started at the gentle touch at her shoulder. She looked over to see Shuichi smiling softly at her, his green eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Don't pay any attention to them. Their jealously is trivial, don't let it bother you."
Botan's eyebrow twitched.
"Shuichi," She began softly.
"Hmm?"
"I wouldn't be bothered if it were just that particular group of girls… But you see… Well… It's the entire female student body that I'm worried about." She nodded toward the front of the room, where all the girls where turned in their seats, staring mutinously in her direction.
Shuichi sweat-dropped.
"Ah," He cleared his throat. "I see."
Botan smiled humorlessly as the bell rang. She stood and gathered her things, Shuichi waiting patiently so he could walk her to her next class.
They left together, Botan's cheeks still faintly cherry – she wasn't used to this kind of treatment.
The malevolent gaze of female students was hot on her back as Shuichi walked close to her, eventually snaking an arm out to wrap smoothly around her shoulders. Botan stiffened under his touch and he tilted his head questionably toward her.
"Er.. It's just… The girls are already giving me death glares…"
Shuichi snorted and pulled her tight against his side.
"I told you not to worry. Trust me, I'll take care of it." He smiled winningly at her, and Botan felt herself respond involuntarily, her lips twitching upward.
Then a glaring brunette caught her eye and made a rather threatening gesture. Botan smiled nervously.
She had a feeling that Shuichi had just made things much more difficult for her.
~*~
Kurama was not unaware of Botan's discomfort, nor of the malice directed toward her from his 'fan club'.
The fact that anyone dared to offend his prospective mate made the Youko in him furious.
Kurama pushed the anger down – it was uncalled for in this situation. Instead, he pasted his normal polite smile to his face and kept his arm securely around Botan's shoulders. When they reached the end of the hallway, he slowed, pulling Botan to a stop beside him before turning around to face the gaggle of girls he knew was behind them.
"Hikari," He called, fixing the girl with his steady gaze as she moved uneasily away from the crowd behind her.
The noise in the hall died instantly, every student's attention fixed on the confrontation unfolding before them.
"Minamino-san." Hikari said, bowing slightly. Kurama inclined his head in return before riveting his eyes upon her once more.
"Hikari-san… You are the president of my fan club, are you not?"
Hikari nodded hesitantly.
"Good. Then it is up to you to tell the members to disband immediately."
There was a general gasp from the student body. Shuichi Minamino had never even acknowledged that he'd known he'd had a fan club before… And now he was not only acknowledging it, but suddenly demanding it break up?
Hikari's jaw dropped in shock.
"Wha- What?!"
Kurama eyed her coolly.
"I believe you heard me."
"B- but…" Hikari stuttered, gesturing sporadically.
"But nothing. This has gone on long enough. I've tolerated this ridiculousness since kindergarten, Hikari-san! It's time that all of you grew up."
With that he gently turned Botan around and began to walk off once more, though, not before tossing one last remark over his shoulder."
"And if any of you even think about harming Botan in some way… I'll know. And I won't be happy!"
Botan groaned softly and sipped out of Kurama's embrace when they turned a corner.
"Why did you do that?"
Kurama lifted an eyebrow in surprise.
"It needed to be done. And now they won't bother you."
Botan shook her head wearily.
"Are you kidding? Now they'll hate me even more!"
Kurama's face softened and he placed a hand softly on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Botan, I – "
"Shuichi," She interrupted. Kurama stopped.
"Shuichi… I think I can already tell that this is not going to work out-"
"Wait," It was Kurama's turn to interject.
"Give it a little bit of time. You're being to hasty!" Botan couldn't help but to think that he was being slightly hypocritical. "Just wait, those girls will get over it! And not every girl here hates you. Trust me."
Botan bit her lip hesitantly.
"Please?" He gazed at her pleadingly.
"Alright." Botan obliged, but dodged his attempt at slipping an arm around her waist.
"But let's not parade it, okay?"
Kurama smirked. He wanted to show her off. But if she wasn't comfortable with it…
"Very well."
Botan sighed with relief and smiled as Shuichi decided to content himself with just walking closely at her side.
This was better, this made things a little more… Normal. She liked it. Eventually, she could work her way being comfortable with his arm around her shoulder or walking hand in hand. But not yet. She was still very new to all this and wasn't entirely sure how to act.
She paused, looking up at the redhead who had stopped with her.
"Shuichi?" She asked timidly. She hoped he would understand.
"Yes?"
"Go… Go slow with me, okay? I'm… I'm new to this stuff."
He smiled pleasantly at her.
"As you wish."
~*~
Kurama stood under the sakura tree outside of school. It was after sixth period, the bell had just rung to dismiss the students and he and Botan had agreed earlier to meet here.
He scanned the crowd hungrily, searching for the blue hair that would give her away. He was only supposed to walk her home, but he was forming other plans in his mind. He really wanted to take her out on a date or something. Maybe the ice cream shop again?
He had never taken a girl out before, and there had been no such customs in Maikai when he was Youko.
Suddenly his ex-fan club walked by, faces downcast. Kurama sighed in relief. It was good to know they wouldn't be following him home anymore.
"Shuichi?"
He turned quickly to find Botan behind him, smiling sweetly and hoisting her bag over her shoulder.
"Botan! Ready to go?"
She nodded and they set off together, Kurama striking up conversation.
~*~
Karasu watched the couple from a distance, a scowl marring his features.
Hadn't he told her to stay away from that boy?
He watched the redhead jealously. It should him, Karasu, in that boy's place! Him at her side, him she was smiling at!
He growled darkly and felt his youkai begin to rise. He suppressed it quickly before Botan sensed him. He didn't want her to know that he had decided to go against her request.
He narrowed his eyes and followed the two as they began to get farther away.
~*~
Botan opened her door and set her keys on the table, stretching as she walked into her kitchen to pile her school things on the counter. It had been a long day.
Shuichi had asked her if she had wanted to go get ice cream or catch a movie with him but she had shyly declined. It wasn't that she didn't want to go anywhere with him, it was just that she was tired and really wanted some 'alone' time.
She wandered into her bedroom to change from her school clothes into something more comfortable.
She slipped on some loose sweatpants and tank top before flopping onto the couch and grabbing the remote. She had just flipped the t.v. on when the phone rang. She grabbed the receiver.
"Hello?"
"Dodger, are you busy?"
"Oliver?"
~*~
AN: Whahahahahah! Cliffie! ^_^ Well, the good news is you won't have to wait three months for me to update again! Sorry about that, guys! I know you don't want to hear any excuses but let me rant for just a moment, because I've been extremely busy. What with my AP test coming up, and the musical that my chorus/drama group has been doing… It's like I never get a minute to myself anymore! I apologize for the long wait. And, Holy Smokes! 51 reviews for the last chapter?! Wow… I mean wow… Thanks you guys! I don't deserve it… Also, I'm on 51 people's favorites list! Thank you! ::Bursts into tears:: And to think… My goal when I started writing was only 30!
Thanks to the following reviewers: (This is going to take me a while… ¬.¬')
Botan and Kurama Lover: I know, he'll love the fact that she's a thief too, ne?!
kawaii-sakura12: Of course he's jealous! He's obsessed with Botan! Poor girl…
J.D. Fielding: Oh, goodness… I still haven't reviewed your latest chapter! ::Bonks self on the head:: I'll get to that as soon as I post this. But in case I forget let me say, it was excellent! I wish that I could write as well as you. ::Le sigh:: Perhaps we could collaborate on something sometime? I think it would be fun to work with you. But I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope this one doesn't disappoint you. It's kind of filler leading into the next chapter, which is an important one!
Luci-chan6: Hmmmm…. Actually that's an idea that's been floating around in my head for a while… And no, Botan isn't a ferry girl…. Yet… (Shhh!) And yes, it should be interesting to see how she reacts when she finds out that Shuichi is really Youko Kurama!
Dark Chobit: Thanks, and I'm with you! Go Botan!
Lady Nightshade: It's okay, I'm glad you liked the last one!
The New Girl: ::Giggles:: I liked the student bodies reaction too. I was laughing while I wrote it.
Eun-jung: Why thank you! I'm glad you like this. Truthfully I never know what I'm going to write next so the fact that this fic is fitting together like puzzle pieces is very satisfying.
Kari no Miko: Don't worry, there will be more Youko soon! And more action. Trust me. And it looks like Oliver is going to make is appearance in the next chapter!
allin656: Thanks, and here comes Oliver now!
Yayo: Well I'm glad you like my ficcies, I like writing them! The cuteness gets me too.
Cheap Libertad: My darling, lovely beta reader who didn't see this chapter! Heh-heh… ¬.¬' Don't worry, you'll get your darkfic from me eventually, but this isn't meant to be! It's supposed somewhat light. In the meantime, I hope you'll keep your darker needs satisfied with the snippet you read yesterday. I'll get to it when I finish Thief!. And yes… Hiei in a nuns outfit with Schoolgirl!Kurama… That'll be interesting…
DisturbedVixen: Oh, your fics were incredible! I loved loved loved loved, (Stress on LOVED) them! I hope you update them soon! I have a thing for evil!Youko, and my next project (after Thief!)is a darkfic that'll have a sadistic Youko and will still end up being K/B somehow. That'll be interesting… Anyway, yes, I like my Karasu sadistic and evil. It fits him. And oh, he'll be upset when he finds out the true nature of Kurama and Botan's relationship!
BlueRose4: Thank you! They'll meet up in the next chapter.
Yume Ookami: I'm glad you liked it, Jen! As for WTT… Eh heh… Erm… ::runs away::
Nijiko-Chan: I know! Kurama's for everyone! Ah, I can understand the track thing… I never like staying late…
Mourning Fox: I LOVE running in the rain. Freedom… Ah… Well I'm glad you liked the last chapter, and The Chase. I really enjoyed writing that one!
inuyashafan98: Thanks! And good luck with math!
angelic fatima: Of course, I love all my reviewers! Okay, ::Clears throat:: Rath! Don't you give angelic fatima any of your bad cooking or I'll sick my muse, Volpone, on you!" How was that?
Snowfall: Oh dear, I hope your writers block goes away!
Frith: I STILL haven't emailed you back! Gah! I will, I will, as soon as I get a minute to myself! H/B just sounds fun. And challenging. More challenging, dare I say, than K/B! Though my heart is set on K/B, I do love a bit of variety. And yes, I love your circle of K/B! It's really what got me started writing in the first place!
Shiroi Hikari: Thank you!
Nips: Oh yes, the 'squelching' of Shuichi will start to take place more and more often, I believe! An as for the bold, if I knew how to work html and use italics, then I would! Unfortunately, I don't. So when I want something emphasized, I have to use bold. (See? See what I mean? Darn you ff.net!)
kitsunes-girl370: Thank you! And I'll try to get around to taking a look at your fic!
Kore Yan: Okay, calm down! Here's the next chapter!
Deity of Roses: Well, I'm glad you liked it! The lemon fic is The Chase. And yes, I loved matchmaker Youko. More!
Tiineiji Rin: You're lucky, be careful! Last week I tried to check my email at school and almost got written up! Thank goodness the library aid was senile and couldn't remember my name… Anyway, glad you liked the chapter!
Gitona: I know. Personally, I can't see Kurama as gay. But, that's just me! Well, glad you like it, and don't worry, you won't have to wait too much longer before either Karasu or Botan and Kurama find out!
LoneWolf7423: Well, I'm glad, thank you!
Junyortrakr: Better luck than myself as well.
Chocogurl: Poor Karasu, he isn't happy seeing them together is he? Wait until he finds out the true nature of their 'relationship'. He's going to go psycho! Anyway, glad you liked it! (Long live Karasu!!!)
Passionate Angel: Thank you! Yeah, I liked the 'in front of the whole school' scenario myself.
DarkAngelB: Yes, Hiei/Botan's are always fun! Sorry to hear of your 'crossing the street' phobia. I wonder if there is a technical word for that? Anyway, glad you liked the next chapter, and I hope you liked how Kurama dissed his fanclub.
NoneOfYourBwax: You are most certainly welcome. I too am a romance junky.
devil's99thangel: Well, thank you! I am flattered! Actually, I'm also a Hiei/Botan fan. I'm going to write a H/B eventually. Well, I'm glad you like this fic, it's always nice to hear you've converted someone!
Kariisme: Heh heh… You'll just have to wait and see! Actually, as much I as I love Shuichi/Botan, I'm really a Youko/Botan at heart… ::Le sigh::
Liz Inc: Don't freak out! Remember, Youko wants the thief. As much as he wants Botan…
Anica106: Karasu's already snapped, I think. He can't get much worse can he? Oh well. Stay tuned, you may be surprised…
AnimeBunny: Honestly, I don't know how I manage it! Why do you people like this stuff so much?! Anyway, thanks!
Shy-Lil-Dreamer: Lol, okay, I'm continuing!
Alien9999: I already have a winner, but I would love to hear your thoughts on what Oliver is going to tell Botan! Go ahead!
Sarah: No problem. I try to remember to email everyone when I update!
Saiyan under cover: Yay! New computers are fun!
KawaiiKaye: Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Corkycomp: No, I don't think it was mean. You may have been right. Well, can't be perfect everytime, ne? Hope this chapter was somewhat better.
foxfiregurl1002: Here's the update! Sorry it took so long!
FallenAngel5641: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
angel_chick131: (I just used your email name, okay?) I'm glad you like it! Just out of curiosity, how long did it take you to read it all? And I must say, I'm very flattered that I may have managed to convert you to K/B. It's very difficult to find well-written ones out there, but they're worth the search. Also, you are a very observant reader. Stay tuned. And, I've heard several things about Kuronue. Some say he's a Chimera, others a raven demon. I tend to think either bat or raven. But probably bat, since his wings are rather leathery, no?
Tomoki-chan: I'm glad you liked it, here's the update!
Ladyofthedarknessflame: Thank you!
Kagorin: ::Blushes:: Thanks!
Wow… That took me a while. But it was worth it! Because I love all of you! Now it's review time again dears! ^-^